Every GMAT-taker s dream come true! Now for the first time, the test-makers are releasing all 150 real GMAT essay questions in advance -- and ARCO is ready with sample answers to every question! GMAT-takers everywhere who must face the dreaded essay section will be clamoring for this exclusive new guide -- and it s sure to fly off your bookstore shelves! Features include: _ 10 strategies to add points to essay scores _ Inside tips on what the graders are looking for _ Expert coaching from test-prep pros Mark Alan Stewart is a California-based test-prep coach and the author of numerous ARCO study guides. Frederick J. O Toole is a professor of philosophy at California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo.


Allelic richness is one of the most basic measures of genetic diversity. Its calculation is, however, still problematic because estimates depend on sample size. This paper describes an r library that calculates mean allelic richness with confidence bounds for a range of sample sizes. It takes a file in genepop format as input, or alternatively a binary data matrix with columns representing different individuals and rows representing different alleles. The output is tabular as well as graphical. Unlike existing tools, ares does extrapolate beyond the sample size and provides confidence bounds for these predictions.


The present study began as an attempt to discover what mechanisms existed in Wilhelmine Germany to prevent the expression of radical views about politics and society by artists, writers and journalists. As the work progressed, it became clear that, because of the federal structure of the Reich, conditions varied considerably in different parts of the country} and that it would be both more practicable and more interesting to limit the investigation to a single city, Munich, which had a very active avant-garde, and where the strength of political clericalism made the debate about freedom of expression particularly fierce. Contemporary discussion centred mainly on two distinct, though related, topics: freedom of the press and freedom of the stage; and the sources available made it seem desirable, in addition to outlining the general legal background, to construct two detailed case-studies in order to investigate them. The choice of the satirical paper Simplicissimus on the one hand, and Frank Weedekind's plays on the other, soon proved to have been very appropriate. The history of Simplicissimus is interesting for three main reasons. In the first place, it sheds light on nearly all the major legal and practical issues connected with the liberty of the press in this period. Secondly, although Simplicissimus won a European reputation for its skilful satirical treatment of German and international affairs, the men who produced it were closely Identified with a particular community; and they commented acutely on events in Bavaria which had considerable bearing on Munich intellectuals' freedom to express themselves. Finally, a wealth of private and official documents makes it possible to study the relationship between an original and sometimes highly provocative paper and the state in exceptional detail. The case of Frank Wedekind forms an ideal counterpart to that of Simplicissimus. The authorities had much more power to control the theatre - which was regarded by many people ae an important channel of communication. than to control the press, and Wedekind's frequent and very well documented conflicts with the Munich censor reveal the weakness of a playwright's position compared with that of a journalist. Furthermore, Wedekind was for a time one of Simplicissimus' most 'subversive' collaborators; he was one of the acknowledged leaders of the Munich avant-garde. which was subjected to bitter attacks by Bavarian conservatives; and the nature of his plays meant that he became involved in the debate about pornography and low-grade literature which went on throughout the period. [Continued in text ...]


This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of fiscal decentralization on regional disparity in eastern and western Indonesia through economic growth. Analyzing variable between economic growths because growth based on several theories and previous research says that the increase in local revenues and fund balance can increase economic growth. Meanwhile, according to theory said that increasing economic growth will increase regional disparity. The method of analysis used in this study is a quantitative method, with the use of Path Analysis. The variables used in this study are the General Allocation Fund (DAU), Special Allocation Fund (DAK), Revenue Sharing Fund (DBH), local revenue (PAD), Economic Growth (G), and regional disparity (IW). While to compare the results of the analysis between Eastern Indonesia Region and Western Indonesia Region. The results of the study is that there is no direct effect of fiscal decentralization on regional disparity and economic growth through direct fiscal decentralization on regional disparity both in eastern Indonesia and western Indonesia. Although the outcome in eastern Indonesia there is only DAU variable that affects. Whereas in the west Indonesia DBH only have an influence. This is consistent with the composition of the balance funds are disbursed by the central government to local governments, where the composition of the greatest in eastern Indonesia is the General Allocation Fund in which it reflects the dependence of local governments to the center of the high, while for the West Region Indonesia composition equalization funds is greatest DBH where this is a reflection of the independence of local governments are not dependent on the central government. So as to create fiscal decentralization well then required a greater allocation of the fund balance. Keywords : Fiscal Decentralization, Economic Growth, Fund Balance, Regional disparity


The purpose of this study was to examine role-model influence on the career decidedness of college students within the context of the Social Learning Theory of Career Decision-Making (SLTCDM; Krumboltz, 1981). Participants (N=405) completed questionnaires regarding demographic information, identification of a role model, role-model supportiveness, role-model relationship quality, and career decidedness. Results of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) indicated that role-model supportiveness and role-model relationship quality contributed significantly to the career decidedness of participants. Implications for career counselors were discussed. ********** The college years are a crucial time for career-related decision-making. College students are faced with the need to choose an academic major as well as to develop career goals for the future (Guerra & Braungart-Rieker, 1999). Career indecision is often thought of as a developmental phase through which college students pass on the road to making a career choice (Gordon, 1998). Career indecision is negatively related to adjustment and well-being for college students (Kenny & Rice, 1995). The Social Learning Theory of Career Decision-Making (SLTCDM; Krumboltz, 1981) provides a useful framework for organizing and explaining findings related to career decidedness. The SLTCDM applies social learning theory to the career realm, and emphasizes the importance of role models in career decision-making. Krumboltz asserts that career indecision is a consequence of unsatisfactory or insufficient opportunities for learning, including vicarious learning through role models (Krumboltz, 1981). The choice of role model involves factors such as similarity (e.g., same gender) and positive attributes of the model. Individuals are most likely to benefit from a supportive, high quality role model relationship. Benefits include greater readiness to make career decisions. Research has shown an association between career decidedness and the influence of role models (Anderson, 1995; Ragins, 1997). Betz (1989) discussed the "null environment" in which career development is neither actively hindered nor promoted. She noted the importance of role models and mentors in facilitating positive career development, particularly for women (Betz, 1989). Mere exposure to role models is not always sufficient. Role model supportiveness and relationship quality are key characteristics of role model influence on career factors (Nauta, Epperson, & Kahn, 1998). The purpose of this study is to extend the existing understanding of the influence of role models on college students' career decidedness. Specifically, the authors will investigate the role-model characteristics that help decrease career indecision among college men and women. It is hypothesized that role-model supportiveness and relationship quality will contribute to career decidedness. Method Participants Participants were 405 (280 female, 125 male) volunteers from undergraduate psychology classes at a large southeastern university. Participants were between 18 and 25 years old. This age represents a crucial period of career and identity development, when students are likely to be making career decisions (Super, 1984). Of the 405 participants, 238 were Caucasian; 101 were African-American; 44 were Asian-American; and 22 were Native American or Latino/Latina. Instruments Demographic information. Gender, age, race, and other demographic information was collected with a general demographic questionnaire. Career Decidedness. Career Decidedness was assessed using the Career Factors Inventory (CFI; Chartrand, Robbins, Morrill, & Boggs, 1990). The CFI is a 21-item scale that measures career indecision. Two-week test-retest reliability estimates for ranged from .79 to .84. Internal consistency estimates ranged from . …


This study shows a possibility of using sewage sludge after thermal treatment (at 1050°C for 3h) in the production of a building material. The use of dehydrated sewage sludge as a component in building materials, like in the sludge-clay mixture employed in the manufacture of bricks, tiles and cements, has been frequently done around the world. During sludge-clay mixture firing, which was done by controlled heating at a temperature above of 1000°C for 3h, organic substances of the sludge were completely eliminated. After thermal treatment, the micropores formed due to the released expansive gases, are responsible for the acoustic and thermal isolation properties of the resulting material. A problem found in the ashes was the high concentration of toxic compounds like Zn, Ni, Cr, Cu, Al oxides. The aim of the present work was to observe through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES) the integration of these oxides into the sintered ceramic matrix of sludge. Oxide integration is an important factor in brick manufacturing used as building materials.


The design of complex analog interfaces would largely benefit from model-based development and compositional methods to improve the quality of its final result. However, analog circuit behaviors are so tightly intertwined with their environment that: 1) abstractions needed for model-based design are often not accurate, thus making it difficult to achieve reliable system performance estimations, and 2) generic, design-independent interfaces that are needed to develop compositional techniques are very difficult to define. In this paper, we propose a platform-based design methodology that uses analog contracts to develop reliable abstractions and design-independent interfaces. A contract explicitly handles pairs of properties, representing the assumptions on the environment and the promises of a component under these assumptions. Horizontal contracts encode composition rules that constrain how library elements should be "legally" used. Vertical contracts define under which conditions an aggregation of components satisfies the requirements posed at a higher level of abstraction. If both sets of contracts are satisfied, we can produce implementations by composition and refinement that are correct by construction. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach on the design of an ultra-wide band receiver used in an Intelligent Tire system, an on-vehicle wireless sensor network for active safety applications.


The current architectural trend is to build large complexes and manage them centrally. Numerous commercial organisations
occupy small spaces in large office blocks where computing facilities are common – all generating heat. To control overall
building temperatures it is a necessity to include a cooling system in the building plans at the outset. Traditional air
conditioning makes use of chillers to cool the system but if the building is located in close proximity to a British Waterways
canal then an environmentally friendly alternative may be available. BW estimates an additional 1000 businesses on canal
sites could use canal water for cooling purposes. According to British Waterways official web site this will result in a saving of
£100 million on annual energy bills and a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 1 million tonnes each year. This value is
equivalent to 400,000 family sized cars being taken off the roads. New applications for proposed abstraction and discharge
licenses are assessed and authorised by BW and are regularly monitored by the local Environmental Agency for compliance
with the license and other appropriate environmental regulations.
This Study uses a thermography technique to predict heat diffusion profile of thermal water discharge into rivers and canals
using thermal camera. It's provided thermal images for the surface of receiving water showing clearly the mixing zone, shape
of plume and edge of plume which have been difficult to predict by mathematical models. The process applied on number of
real canal sites and in laboratory to observe the actual thermal discharge. To verify the accuracy of the thermal images, the
obtained data are compared with temperature measured by thermocouples on canal sites. In addition a laboratory
experimental tank is built to replicate the canal sites that allow the study to be taken under variable conditions. The
centerline temperature decay obtained from thermal images agreed with temperature measured by the thermocouples. This
paper will be of interest to practicing engineers who deal with environment


Streptococcus bovis, a Gram-positive ruminal bacterium, was unable to grow in the presence of monensin. When monensin (5 mg/liter) was added to actively growing cultures, there was an immediate decrease in growth rate, and within 3 h no further growth was observed. Glucose utilization and lactate production continued for another 8 h even though growth had ceased. Monensin caused a decrease (P less than .05) in intracellular K+, a decrease (P less than .05) in intracellular pH and an increase (P less than .05) in intracellular Na+. The net exchange of K+ for Na+ and H+ via monensin was driven by the difference in concentration of K+ and Na+ across the cell membrane. Non-treated cells maintained a 70-fold gradient (inside higher) for K+, while the Na+ gradient was only 2.7-fold (inside higher). Previous models were based on a reverse mechanism whereby monensin would drive an efflux of Na+ from ruminal bacteria, and were not supported by experimental measurements of intracellular Na+ and K+.


A floating production system (FPS) consists of a floating structure, a mooring system, anchors and risers. Such systems enable production for larger ocean depths. Risers are vertical pipes used for transportation of production fluids between the seabed and the production unit. FPS and its components are presented and discussed in this thesis. Using an FPS entails certain challenges; risers, for instance, need other properties than for fixed structures, as they will hang from the floating unit, and must be able to absorb vessel movement. FPS is also a good option in remote areas with little infrastructure, as for the Barents Sea. When operating in arctic areas, additional challenges connected to the environment must be considered. In this thesis, challenges such as darkness, low temperatures and ice issues are identified and categorised. The Goliat field is the first operating field to start production of oil in arctic areas. At this field, a circular Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit operates, and it is equipped with flexible risers. A model of this circular FPSO is modeled as a uniform cylinder with a draught of 32.2 metres. A 644 metre long steep wave flexible riser is modelled to span between the platform and the seabed in the 400 metre deep water. A parameter study is performed to investigate the influence on the riser response. The analyses are performed in RILFEX, a software utilized for static and dynamic analysis of slender marine structures. The iii varying parameters are the current profile, the riser diameter and the drag coefficient. An analysis for varying horizontal offset of the platform, relative to the riser's touch down point (TDP) on the seabed, is also performed. The platform position that results in lowest effective tension in the riser, is 250 metres away from TDP. For this case, the riser also has lowest response amplitude. Analyses are performed for three current profiles, uniform current, linear current and no current. It is found that by increasing the current, curvature near the riser top decreases. The case where linear current is applied, the largest tension in the riser occurs. Current variation also leads to change in the vertical displacement. For the case with no current, the riser top has a larger displacement in the negative z-direction, compared to the cases when current is applied. The next parameter subject to change is the diameter, and three cases were studied. For increasing diameter, the weight is also increased, and the additional buoyancy due to increased volume, does not even out the added weight. As a consequence, some results might be affected more by the weight change, rather than by the change of diameter. Regarding curvature and tension, the two risers with largest diameter and weight behaves similarly, compared to the smallest riser. The two largest diameters experience larger tension and have less curvature at the hangoff, which corresponds with the additional weight. The last parameter that was studied was the drag coefficient. For variation in diameter and drag, the displacement in vertical direction is only slightly affected near the riser top. As it is the riser properties that are changed, rather than external loading, the vessel motion is not significantly affected. The vertical displacement of the riser is affected more by change of riser properties at positions further from the vessel.


Studies of erythroid elements of hematopoietic organs and peripheric blood and bone marrow cell populations fractionated by precipitation in an albumin density gradient and synchronized by actinomycin D revealed that the rate of synthesis of individual haemoglobin fractions in the course of erythropoiesis is changed. The proliferating cells are characterized by a predominant accumulation of haemoglobin in fractions with beta c-and in the maturing cells--with beta b-chains. The radioactivity in the whole population of hematopoietic organs under phenylhydrazine anemia is mainly increased in the beta c-chains, whereas under the effects of erythropoietic factors (erythropoietin, animal sera)--that of beta b-chains is increased. In early erythroblasts the erythropoietic factors activate the formation of beta c-chains and in late ones--that of beta b-chains. Similar time dependence was observed in case of synthesis and activation of alpha b- and alpha a-chains. The specific cell responses in the erythroid series of bone marrow, spleen and blood to the effects of erythropoietic factors and anemia were established. The molecular mechanisms involved in the switch-over of the synthesis of various haemoglobin chains are discussed.


Due to the deliberate disposal of industrial waste, a great amount of petroleum hydrocarbons pollute the soil and aquatic environments. Bioremediation that depends on the microorganisms in the removal of pollutants is more efficient and cost-effective technology. In this study, five rhizobacteria were isolated from Phragmites australis roots and exposed to real wastewater from Al-Daura refinery with 70 mg/L total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) concentration. The five selected rhizobacteria were examined in a biodegradation test for seven days to remove TPH. The results showed that 80% TPH degradation as the maximum value by Sphingomonas Paucimobilis as identified with Vitek® 2 Compact (France).


Lymphomas are a group of diseases, prevalent at reproductive age. Fertility is notoriously reduced among lymphoma patients. This study evaluates pre- and post-treatment semen concentration and motility, and factors associated with semen quality deterioration. We followed-up 33 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or with Hodgkin's disease during the years 1987-1997 who were referred for semen cryopreservation. Pretreatment semen analysis, and hormonal profile were recorded at diagnosis and at least 1 year after completion of the treatment, and compared. Medical records for disease type, disease stage and treatment protocols were related to long-term sperm outcome. Hormonal concentrations were not predictive of post-treatment sperm concentration. In patients with localized disease, initial sperm concentration and motility tended to be preserved, compared with patients with widespread disease (P: = 0. 016). In Hodgkin's disease patients, treatment with the adriamycin, bleomycin, vinblastine and dacarbazine (ABVD) protocol was superior to the mechloretamine, vincristine, procarbazine and prednisone with ABV protocol regarding germinal toxicity (P: = 0.0008). The post-treatment sperm outcome was better in patients treated with local irradiation than in those who did not undergo irradiation (P: = 0.0027). No predictive tools for post-treatment fertility were found and, therefore, every patient with a lymphoma should have his semen cryopreserved at diagnosis.


Osteoporosis is a bone disorder characterized by deficient bone mass and fragility fractures of the hip, wrist, and spine. The therapeutic strategies for treating osteoporosis are designed to maximize peak bone mass through proper nutrition, appropriate intake of calcium and vitamin D, maintenance of physiologic menstrual cycles, and a program of weight bearing and strengthening exercises. For the conditions of high bone turn‐over‐ osteoporosis in which osteoclastic resorption is increased‐ efficacious treatment options include hormone replacement therapy, calcitonin, and bisphosphonates. Osteoporosis with low bone turnover results from deficient osteoblastic bone formation and responds to the experimental drug programs of fluoride, parathyroid hormone, and parathyroid hormone related peptide analogues. Determination of bone density defines the patient's current condition, measurement of the level of N‐telopeptides (collagen breakdown products) predicts the patient's future regarding osteoporotic fractures, and the presence of risk factors for hip fracture establish the therapeutic window for treatment.


The introduction of molecular methods has facilitated the investigation of physiology, ecology, and distribution of phytoplankton species, especially of those that are missing distinct morphological features. Previous publications have shown the power of the analysis of ribosomal genes (rRNA-genes) to gain new insights into the phylogeny, for taxonomical identification or the community structure of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic micro organisms.This course is dedicated to introduce you to relevant basics and methodologies related to the assessment of marine molecular ecology. In particular, the course is designed to demonstrate the basics of PCR-based approaches, and the potential and advantages of the analysis of rRNA-genes for the assessment of marine phytoplankton biodiversity.


This paper presents the experimental investigation of interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) tests of helical wound glass fibre reinforced epoxy (GRE) pipes subjected to hydrothermal ageing. Currently, the test is being used by composite pipes manufacturers as the alternative internal quality monitoring program for detection of manufacturing changes and reconfirmation of the design basis of composite pipes. The test specimens were cut in hoop direction from helically wound GRE composite pipes after exposure of 0, 250, 500, 1000-hour water at 80°C. The ILSS tests of the GRE samples were then conducted in accordance with ASTM D2344, and the results were analyzed to evaluate the durability performance of the laminates. The results show a clear degradation in the bonding strength between fibres and resin system interface after 500-1000-hour water exposure at 80°C. This findings show a good agreement in the trend observed with the standard qualification procedure elucidated in ASTM D2992 standard. Hence, ILSS test shows a great potential to be used as the internal short-term mechanical test method to qualify a new resin, curing agent or glass fibre in accordance to the next approach.


Viruses are widely modified and used as gene delivery vectors for various applications in science and therapeutics. To this end, my thesis focuses on modifying the recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors that are identified as a safer choice for cargo delivery compared to other known viral vectors. They are widely used in the scientific communities, have seen promising outcomes in gene therapy clinical trials, and as of today have three products approved to use in humans. However, the natural repertoire of rAAVs have broad tropism when delivered systemically, and there is room for further improvement on the efficiency and specificity, especially for gene delivery in the central nervous system (CNS). The prior work done in Dr. Gradinaru lab addresses the issue by using a directed evolution approach called CREATE, Cre recombination-based AAV targeted evolution, to identify AAV-PHP.B and AAV-PHP.eB capsids, which broadly transduce the CNS (Deverman et al, 2016; Chan et al, 2017). CREATE selects for functional lox-flipped viral DNA that crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and successfully transduces a specific nerve cell-type expressing Cre, thereby applying a strong selection pressure. However, the method is limited by its ability to identify a handful of enriched variants, and may also be prone to false positives resulting from experimental biases. The effort to fully understand the selection landscape, and to select for capsids that are not just efficient towards a cell-type but also specific towards it, led to the development of Multiplexed-CREATE (M-CREATE). M-CREATE allows parallel positive selections across different cell-types of interest, enables post-hoc negative selections across off-targets using a next-generation sequencing (NGS) based capsid recovery, and retains the principles of Cre-dependent functional recovery from CREATE. The method has a synthetic library generation approach to minimize biases within selection rounds, a variant replicate feature to identify the signal versus noise within a biological system, and an analysis pipeline to group families of enriched variants based on amino acid motifs, all of which together increases the confidence in the outcome and the throughput from a single experiment. Selections across brain endothelial cells, neurons, and astrocytes yielded several AAV-PHP.B-like variants that broadly transduce the CNS, AAV-PHP.V variants that can efficiently transduce the vascular cells forming the BBB, a AAV-PHP.N variant that transduces neurons with greater specificity, and AAV-PHP.C variants that cross the BBB without murine strain specificity across tested strains. The AAV-PHP.C variants have different amino acid motifs compared to the AAV-PHP.Bs that have been previously shown to have limited CNS transduction across some mouse strains due to its interaction with the strain specific host cell surface receptor, ly6a, a homolog of which is not found in humans. (Hordeaux et al, 2018, Hordeaux et al, 2019; Huang et al, 2019; Batista et al, 2019) Therefore AAV-PHP.Cs offer some hope towards translation across other species. In summary, the M-CREATE methodology turns out to be a high-confidence, robust selection platform to yield several novel viral capsids for use in neuroscience and potential gene therapy related applications.


Built the thermal deformation model of high-speed and exactitude thermo grip according to the thermal deformation theory .And numerical simulation of the thermal stress was performed by finite element analysis software of ANSYS. The thermal deformation experiment had be done with φ10 and φ16 specifications thermo grip. Experimental data and simulation analysis are fit well. It provides the theory support for the optimal design of thermo grip.


We report on the modelling of the time-dependent transport of a few MeV electrons in the heliosphere. These low-energetic electrons, observed with the Kiel Electron Telescope (KET) on board the Ulysses spacecraft, are for the first time simulated over a complete solar activity cycle on the basis of a time-dependent three-dimensional modulation model. It is demonstrated that the solar activity has an effect especially at high heliographic latitudes being observed by Ulysses. The findings of the Ulysses mission lasting almost 15 years now provide a substantial data base for this study. Both galactic cosmic rays and the Jovian electron source are considered for the simulation of the electron fluxes within the heliosphere. Originating from these simulations two models for the time-dependent solar wind expansion are suggested, formulated and tested. Both characterise the varying velocity field of the solar wind over a solar cycle. A time-dependent anisotropic diffusion tensor was also tested in order to figure out from KET observations the variation of the release rate of low-energetic electrons from the Jovian magnetosphere.


Flow vector fields contain a wealth of information that needs to be visualized. As an extension of the well-known streamline technique, we have developed a context-based method for visualizing steady flow vector fields in two and three dimensions. We call our method "Priority Streamlines". In our approach, the density of the streamlines is controlled by a scalar function that can be user-defined, or be given by additional information (e.g., temperature, pressure, vorticity, velocity) considering the underlying flow vector field. In regions, which are interesting the streamlines are drawn with increased density, while less interesting regions are drawn sparsely. Since streamlines in the most important regions are drawn first, we can use thresholding to obtain a streamline representation highlighting essential features. Color-mapping and transparency can be used for visualizing other information hidden in the flow vector field.


Pontryagin's .maximum principle is used for computing the optimum control functioh u(t) for a giver. plant and a given performance criterion. If u(t) is bounded, the control is of the bang-bang type in many cases. If u(t) is expressed as the function of the state variables, that means, u(t) = sgn f(xi) , the e-quation f(x') = 0 determines the switching surface in the state space. In general these surfaces are not given by simple analytic functions, in particular not if the transfer function of the plant contains complex poles. If the desired final state is given by error and error derivates being zero, this surface goes through the origin of the phase space. Based on experiences with second-order plants, a systematic attempt has been made to approximate the exact switching surfaces for third-order plants. There is an aporoximation of the surface portion close to the origin (the so-called "inner" surface) and an approximation of the larger portion of the switching surface which is not close to the orig-:. (the "outer" surface). Examples show the use of these surfaces; their results are compared to results with exactly optimum switching. They &aree well. The extension to fourth-order systems is indicated.


We constantly look for patterns in the environment that allow us to learn its key regularities. These regularities are fundamental in enabling us to make predictions about what is likely to happen next. The physiological study of regularity extraction has focused primarily on repetitive sequence-based rules within the sensory environment, or on stimulus-outcome associations in the context of reward-based decision-making. Here we ask whether we implicitly encode non-sequential stochastic regularities, and detect violations therein. We addressed this question using a novel experimental design and both behavioural and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) metrics associated with responses to pure-tone sounds with frequencies sampled from a Gaussian distribution. We observed that sounds in the tail of the distribution evoked a larger response than those that fell at the centre. This response resembled the mismatch negativity (MMN) evoked by surprising or unlikely events in traditional oddball paradigms. Crucially, responses to physically identical outliers were greater when the distribution was narrower. These results show that humans implicitly keep track of the uncertainty induced by apparently random distributions of sensory events. Source reconstruction suggested that the statistical-context-sensitive responses arose in a temporo-parietal network, areas that have been associated with attention orientation to unexpected events. Our results demonstrate a very early neurophysiological marker of the brain's ability to implicitly encode complex statistical structure in the environment. We suggest that this sensitivity provides a computational basis for our ability to make perceptual inferences in noisy environments and to make decisions in an uncertain world.


This paper focuses on the study of urban transformations in two historic, inner city neighborhoods: Paolo Sarpi Street, the so-called " Milan Chinatown" in Italy, and Park Slope, whose history reflects the waves of immigrants who helped create Brooklyn's character in New York City. These cases embody two unique urban environments undergoing several processes of gentrification since the 1970s. The Milan Chinatown is represented by a handful of streets, the global flow of Chinese goods and the daily routines of elderly people and families. The complexity of the "Sarpi Question" is precisely determined by the discussion of social dimensions, space and ethno-racial, economic and political all at once. Park Slope is distinguished for being the largest landmark district in Brooklyn, and enjoys quiet, tree-lined streets with wide architectural variety. Progressive yuppies and establishment lesbians have long ruled the classy section of the Slope, in particular the named streets between 7th Avenue and Prospect Park. These days the action is happening all along 5th Avenue and in the so-called "South End" of the Slope. Given this background, the discussion begins with a comparative analysis, on one hand, of the deepening of the causes which led to the break of an apparent balance in the practices of local cohabitation of the Milan's Chinese District. On the other, the New York case study aims to address the issue of neighborhood changes and renewal through a specific interpretation key: a changing neighborhood as a place of symbolic elaboration of socio-cultural boundaries. Through a wide ethnographic empirical demonstration [1] , this contribution mobilizes a set of ideas concerning the academic and political debates surrounding the gentrification and social mix of the contemporary city. [1] See the appendix for the methodology.


Growth in California has thus far largely meant sprawl: low density development that is rapidly extending the boundaries of our metropolitan regions. Public concern with growth and sprawl has also been spreading, with complaints about more congestion; longer commutes; more pollution; disappearing wilderness, open space and farmland; visual blight; a loss of a sense of community and a lowered quality of life. California's population -- 34 million in 1999 -- is projected to reach 45.4 million by 2020 and 58.7 million by 2040. This represents an increase of almost 75% over the next 40 years. So long as current land use patterns continue, these new Californians will find themselves continuing to sprawl. As Californians debate how to accommodate this growth, they will make choices that will affect the shape of the state's cities, towns, and regions and their environmental economic health. These choices will also determine if we continue to let sprawl exact its heavy social cost in inequality and lost opportunity. But there is as yet no consensus on what to do about sprawl, what policies to adopt, or what changes to make. Alternative visions to the current pattern are being more widely discussed, and citizens and governments are increasingly calling for smart growth and sustainable development. This approach is often summarized as the Three Es : Economy, Environment and Equity. The goal is to balance, and whenever possible to reconcile, the competing demands of these three areas: job growth and a healthy economic sector; environmental quality and protection of wilderness and open space; and economic opportunity, social justice and reduced inequality. But just as most of the public and media attention to the problems of growth and sprawl largely neglects the social costs of sprawl, so do most of the state and local efforts to plan for growth. The primary focus of smart growth is on only two of the three Es: economy and environment. Yet successfully planning for California's future will require that we consider the equity impacts of our land use choices.


A Bibliography of Sources Available in the North Carolina Collection and Wilson Library, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.


Abstract The railway transport network is currently in a quite big expansion. Therefore, railway tracks are modernized and the attention is given also on the technical state of rail vehicles, which operate on them. However, it may happen that the wheel surface is damaged. One of the most common reasons of wheel damage is too much braking, which results to the wheel-flat formation. This article is focused on the evaluation of the influence of a rail vehicle running on the railway track, which a wheel is damaged by the wheel-flat. Investigation of these negative effects was performed by means of simulation computations. As evaluating parameters, values of the wheel force in the contact of the rail and wheel with a flat where observed.


The once 'gentlemanly' business of finance has become a game for 'players'. These players are increasingly technically sophisticated, typically having PhDs in a numerate discipline. The roots of this transformation have their foundation in the 1970s. Since then the financial world has become more and more complex. Unfortunately, as the mathematics of finance reaches higher levels so the level of common sense seems to drop. There have been some well-publicized cases of large losses sustained by companies because of their lack of understanding of financial instruments. In this article we look at the history of financial modelling, the current state of the subject and possible future directions. It is clear that a major rethink is desperately required if the world is to avoid a mathematician-led market meltdown.


Wintering replacement heifers under conditions common to the Northern Great Plains can result in lowered reproductive performance if nutritional levels are inadequate. While it is known that heifers bred to calve at three years of age have less calving and rebreeding problems, economics of modem beef cattle production demand that heifers be bred to calve at two years of age. Timing becomes a very important factor because heifers must cycle and conceive at 15 months or earlier if they are expected to calve as two year olds. Attaining a high percentage of pregnancies by 15 months or sooner hinges directly upon the onset of the first ovulatory estrus in heifers, which has been shown to be quite variable. Numerous studies with heifers have shown that the interaction between heifer breed type and variations in winter energy level during the growing period can significantly alter the age at which heifers reach puberty.


Using data from 43 markets around the world, we document that firms with larger goodwill balances have a higher stock price crash risk in future years. The positive association between goodwill balances and future crash risk is stronger for firms with weaker incentives to provide transparent disclosure, in markets with poorer investor protection or weaker accounting and auditing enforcement, and after periodic goodwill amortization was replaced by fair-value- based goodwill impairment. Further evidence suggests that goodwill balances are positively related to a measure of bad news withholding. Overall, the results are consistent with the view that managers have greater tendency to withhold negative information about goodwill and delay the release of information about the economic impairments of goodwill, thereby leading to increasing the likelihood of stock price crash occurrences in the future.


Gathering for the first time all of Claude Levi-Strauss's writings on Japanese civilization, The Other Face of the Moon forms a sustained meditation into the French anthropologist's dictum that to understand one's own culture, one must regard it from the point of view of another. Exposure to Japanese art was influential in Levi-Strauss's early intellectual growth, and between 1977 and 1988 he visited the country five times. The essays, lectures, and interviews of this volume, written between 1979 and 2001, are the product of these journeys. They investigate an astonishing range of subjects--among them Japan's founding myths, Noh and Kabuki theater, the distinctiveness of the Japanese musical scale, the artisanship of Jomon pottery, and the relationship between Japanese graphic arts and cuisine. For Levi-Strauss, Japan occupied a unique place among world cultures. Molded in the ancient past by Chinese influences, it had more recently incorporated much from Europe and the United States. But the substance of these borrowings was so carefully assimilated that Japanese culture never lost its specificity. As though viewed from the hidden side of the moon, Asia, Europe, and America all find, in Japan, images of themselves profoundly transformed. As in Levi-Strauss's classic ethnography Tristes Tropiques, this new English translation presents the voice of one of France's most public intellectuals at its most personal.


Abstract Hemophagocytic syndrome (HPS) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome that has various presentations, shows rapid progression and is associated with a high mortality. Clinical reports about pulmonary tuberculosis combined with respiratory failure accompanied by HPS are rare. HPS has no special clinical manifestations, and the main presentations include persistent fever, hepatosplenomegaly, hematocytopenia, and rash. In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), the clinical manifestations of severe infection and secondary HPS overlap, thus there is often a delay in the diagnosis and treatment of HPS. HPS is not an independent disease but represents an excessive inflammatory response due to immune dysfunction induced by various causes such as infection and tumor. The 2 cases in this report show that tuberculosis-associated hemophagocytic syndrome is not easy to find, especially in ICU. There are few clinical reports of pulmonary tuberculosis combined with respiratory failure and HPS. Here, we describe 2 such clinical cases and review the relevant literature in order to deepen our understanding of this disease.


Standard statistical mechanical or condensed matter arguments tell us that bulk properties of a physical system do not depend too much on boundary conditions. Random tilings of large regions provide counterexamples to such intuition, as illustrated by the famous 'arctic circle theorem' for dimer coverings in two dimensions. In these notes, I discuss such examples in the context of critical phenomena, and their relation to 1+1d quantum particle models. All those turn out to share a common feature: they are inhomogeneous, in the sense that local densities now depend on position in the bulk. I explain how such problems may be understood using variational (or hydrodynamic) arguments, how to treat long range correlations, and how non trivial edge behavior can occur. While all this is done on the example of the dimer model, the results presented here have much greater generality. In that sense the dimer model serves as an opportunity to discuss broader methods and results. [These notes require only a basic knowledge of statistical mechanics.]


The Providence experience provides a model which encompasses both preparation for a computer-based patient record and a physician-oriented approach to achieving quality documentation for the physician component of the patient record. The study comparing Providence to a similar medical center demonstrated the value of the new system in achieving quality patient records. Many hospitals in the Seattle area, including Overlake, now use this system or variations of it.


As we know, there is plenty of waste hot water produced by families' shower or Sauna and drained directly into the environment. It causes high energy consumption and heat pollution to the environment. In order to recover the heat of shower waste water to save energy, we developed a small scale shower waste water source heat pump (SWWHP) water heater and carried out experiments on it to study its heating performance. Experiments showed that this heat pump water heater system had advantages such as quick starting, compact structure, no need of hot water tank, stable operation and energy saving, etc. It could be used to supply hot water above 40°C for shower or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC). Measured data showed that during the whole year, when the temperatures of waste water and city water were 20.1~35°C, 20.1~30°C, respectively, it could supply hot water at volumetric flow rate of 2.5~9.6L/min and temperature of 40.1~51.2°C and its heating coefficient of performance (COPh) varied in the range of 3.06~4.81. It could supply enough shower hot water in the whole year in South China and the energy saving efficiency was obvious. Analysis also showed that the COPh was closely relevant to the ratio of temperature differences of waste water and hot water, i.e., ΔTw/ΔTh. The correlation equation of COPh and ΔTw/ΔTh was obtained by method of data regression and it could be used to evaluate the performance of the SWWHP water heater system with error of ±6%.


The central goal of this study, therefore, is threefold. Firstly, identify the significant qualitative and quantitative studies that examine the impacts of wildfire on mental health. Secondly, the study examines both types of studies to find common grounds regarding the most vulnerable population and their mental health, their ability to seek professional help, and barriers to the road to recovery. Finally, this study provides evidence-based strategies for including more vulnerable members of society in receiving sufficient and timely psychological care to recover from PTSD, trauma, distress, and hopelessness. Migrant farmworkers, particularly younger female Hispanic and indigenous workers, suffer from the wildfire's long-term stress, PTSD, depression, and emotional distress. Furthermore, the continued COVID-19 deepens the gap, social stigma, and barriers to receiving sufficient mental health care to recover and rehabilitate traumatic wildfire exposure.


The goal of this review is to describe in what ways feedback or adaptive stimulation may be delivered and adjusted based on relevant biomarkers. Specific treatment mechanisms underlying therapeutic brain stimulation remain unclear, in spite of the demonstrated efficacy in a number of nervous system diseases. Brain stimulation appears to exert widespread influence over specific neural networks that are relevant to specific disease entities. In awake patients, activation or suppression of these neural networks can be assessed by either symptom alleviation (i.e., tremor, rigidity, seizures) or physiological criteria, which may be predictive of expected symptomatic treatment. Secondary verification of network activation through specific biomarkers that are linked to symptomatic disease improvement may be useful for several reasons. For example, these biomarkers could aid optimal intraoperative localization, possibly improve efficacy or efficiency (i.e., reduced power needs), and provide long-term adaptive automatic adjustment of stimulation parameters. Possible biomarkers for use in portable or implanted devices span from ongoing physiological brain activity, evoked local field potentials (LFPs), and intermittent pathological activity, to wearable devices, biochemical, blood flow, optical, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) changes, temperature changes, or optogenetic signals. First, however, potential biomarkers must be correlated directly with symptom or disease treatment and network activation. Although numerous biomarkers are under consideration for a variety of stimulation indications the feasibility of these approaches has yet to be fully determined. Particularly, there are critical questions whether the use of adaptive systems can improve efficacy over continuous stimulation, facilitate adjustment of stimulation interventions and improve our understanding of the role of abnormal network function in disease mechanisms.


The boom of genomic sequencing makes compression of set of sequences inescapable. This underlies the need for multi-string indexing data structures that helps compressing the data. The most prominent example of such data structures is the Burrows-Wheeler Transform (BWT), a reversible permutation of a text that improves its compressibility. A similar data structure, the eXtended Burrows-Wheeler Transform (XBW), is able to index a tree labelled with alphabet symbols. A link between a multi-string BWT and the Aho-Corasick automaton has already been found and led to a way to build a XBW from a multi-string BWT. We exhibit a stronger link between a multi-string BWT and a XBW by using the order of the concatenation in the multi-string. This bijective link has several applications: first, it allows to build one data structure from the other; second, it enables one to compute an ordering of the input strings that optimises a Run-Length measure (i.e., the compressibility) of the BWT or of the XBW.


Introduction
 In 2018, Lymphoma Coalition (LC) analysed data from the 2018 LC Global Patient Survey (GPS) on Lymphomas and CLL and determined that 'adequately informed' patients reported more positive healthcare experiences. From the 2018 survey, it was evident that many patients with lymphoma/CLL left their initial diagnosis meeting with a poor understanding of many aspects of their treatment and care plan. This can translate negatively across many areas of the patient experience.
 LC used the 2020 GPS to further assess correlations relating to information provision and the patient experience. This study examines the relationship between the level of information patients with lymphoma/CLL received at diagnosis, and their level of participation in healthcare decisions and health management.
 Methodology
 This study is a sub-analysis of the 2020 LC GPS, which was available in 19 languages and was hosted online from 13 January 2020 until 13 March 2020. Globally, there were 11,878 respondents made up of 9,179 patients and 2,699 caregivers. This study includes patient data only.
 Patients who felt they received the right amount of information at diagnosis (n=5159) were compared against patients who did not receive enough information (n=3285). Demographics of the two patient groups were examined, and questions relating to patient involvement in healthcare decision-making, disease management, and overall experience were analysed. Differences in proportions were tested using chi-square tests (p=0.05) and odds ratios with 95% CI. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM SPSS v21.
 Results
 The two patient groups (right amount of information 'RA', not enough information 'NE') were similar in their distribution of age and area of residence. The majority of patients in both groups were aged 50 years or older (71% RA; 60% NE) and lived in city/urban areas (47% RA; 55% NE). There were slightly more females than males in the NE group (61% female, 39% male) compared to the RA group (55% female, 45% male). Additionally, the majority of patients in the RA group lived in Europe (56%) while the majority of patients in the NE group lived in Asia-Pacific (44%).
 Patients were asked if they are involved as much as they want to be in decisions about their care and treatment; the majority of patients in both groups said 'yes' (94% RA; 79% NE). However, only 4% of RA patients reported 'no, but I would like to be more involved', compared to 19% of NE patients.
 Patients were asked to indicate how much they agree or disagree with statements relating to their role in making decisions about their healthcare (see Table 1). Compared to RA patients, NE patients were at least twice as likely to disagree that they seek clarification when they do not understand (OR=2.88), that they are confident in communicating concerns to the doctor (OR=5.17), that they have good conversations with the doctor about their care and treatment plan (OR=8.29), and that they are confident in their ability to positively impact their health (OR=2.12). A greater proportion of RA patients reported agreeing with all of these statements. Further, compared to RA patients, NE patients were twice (OR=2.45) as likely to agree to feeling overwhelmed by managing their health and condition (Table 1).
 Patients were asked questions relating to disease management and overall patient experience (Table 2). Compared to RA patients, NE patients were more likely to disagree that they are confident in their ability to find reliable information (OR=1.69), or in their ability to get the information they need from their doctor (OR=9.58). NE patients were also more likely to disagree that they are confident in their ability to keep their symptoms/side effects from interfering with the things they want to do (OR=1.86). A greater proportion of RA patients reported agreeing with all of these statements.
 Conclusion
 Compared to patients who felt they received the right amount of information at diagnosis, those who did not receive enough information were more likely to report disagreeing with all positive statements relating to involvement in healthcare decision-making, disease management, and overall experience. It was evident that patients who had knowledge surrounding their condition and care plan were more inclined to be confident in taking an active role in managing their health and condition. Access to credible timely information is therefore an important aspect to a successful patient experience.

 Dren: Pfizer Inc: Research Funding; AbbVie Corporation: Research Funding; Takeda Oncology: Research Funding. Warwick:Pfizer Inc: Research Funding; AbbVie Corporation: Research Funding; Takeda Oncology: Research Funding.


The authors emphasize the importance of knowing, understanding and identifying the radiation-induced changes in various body organs by radiologists in order to distinguish them from residual or recurrent malignancies. Computed tomography enables the evaluation of the effects and complications of the radiation therapy, besides other image modalities, and its findings are outlined. The clinical correlation, mainly with the time elapsed between the treatment and the examination is very important to establish the diagnosis.


Developing unique and varied partnerships to reach at-risk kids and communities is key to tackling current and future oral disease. According to the 2001 Kentucky Children9s Oral Health Profiles, in which 5,603 third- and sixth-grade children in Kentucky9s public schools were screened, 28.7% had untreated tooth decay. The Kentucky Oral Health Wellness and Disease Prevention Program began with an objective to develop a statewide 4-H camp program focusing on oral health wellness, disease prevention, tobacco education, and the promotion of oral health professions among preteen and teenage campers. The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, Divison of Dental Public Health, agreed to collaborate with the 4-H program at the College of Agriculture Extension Service by providing a research title faculty member to develop and implement the pilot 4-H camp program for four camps in the summer of 2003. The overwhelming success of the pilot 4-H camp initiative in 2003 led to the program expanding to nine camps in 2004. More notable, however, it precipitated a unique partnership between the two colleges. The jointly appointed faculty member focused on developing oral health wellness and disease prevention resources for extension agents to use on a county-by-county level to educate, promote oral wellness, remove barriers to access, and create a pipeline of oral health professionals from rural communities. The initial findings of the Kentucky Oral Health Wellness and Disease Prevention Program indicate that networking conducted between non-traditional partners can produce original, expectantly sustainable programs that benefit all counties of the Commonwealth and each family within, while leading the country in innovative approaches to oral health wellness, education, and disease prevention.


Probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) is capable of acquiring in vivo magnified cross-section images of the gastric mucosa. Intravenous injection of fluorescein sodium is used for confocal imaging. However, it is still under debate if local administration of the dye to the mucosa is also effective for confocal imaging as it is not yet clear if topical application also reveals the intramucosal distribution of fluorescein. The objective of this study was to evaluate the intramucosal distribution of fluorescein sodium after topical application and to compare the distribution to the conventional intravenous injection used for confocal imaging. pCLE of the stomach uninfected with Helicobacter pylori was performed in a healthy male employing intravenous administration and local mucosal application of fluorescein. The mucosa of the lower gastric body was biopsied 1 min and 5 min after intravenous administration or local mucosal application of fluorescein, and the distribution of fluorescein in the biopsy samples was examined histologically. Green fluorescence was already observed in the cytoplasm of fundic glandular cells in the biopsied deep mucosa 1 min after local mucosal application of fluorescein. It was also observed in the foveolar lumen and inter-foveolar lamina propria, although it was noted at only a few sites. In the tissue biopsied 5 min after the local mucosal application of fluorescein, green fluorescence was more frequently noted in the cytoplasm of fundic glandular cells than in that 1 min after the local mucosal application of fluorescein, although obvious green fluorescence was not identified in the foveolar lumen or inter-foveolar lamina propria. The distribution of intravenously administered fluorescein in the cytoplasm of fundic glandular cells was also clearly observed similarly to that after local mucosal application of fluorescein. Green fluorescence in more cells was observed in many cells 5 min after intravenous administration compared with that after 1 min. The presence of fluorescein in the mucosa was observed within a short time after local mucosal application of fluorescein, suggesting that pCLE images similarly to those after intravenous fluorescein administration can be acquired by local mucosal application of fluorescein.


In some application scenarios it may be desirable to send multiple
differently encoded versions of the same media source in different RTP
streams. This is called simulcast. This document describes how to
accomplish simulcast in RTP and how to signal it in SDP. The described
solution uses an RTP/RTCP identification method to identify RTP
streams belonging to the same media source, and makes an extension to
SDP to relate those RTP streams as being different simulcast formats
of that media source. The SDP extension consists of a new media level
SDP attribute that expresses capability to send and/or receive
simulcast RTP streams.


The objective of this case-control study was to determine anthropometric and reproductive factors associated with the development of breast cancer among women. Fifty-six newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were recruited from the Oncology Clinic, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), and 56 healthy female hospital employees were recruited as controls. Socio-demographic and reproductive data were obtained using a standard questionnaire. Anthropometric factors (body weight, height, body fat percentage, visceral fat and waist and hip circumference) were assessed. A high waist circumference (adjusted OR= 1.04, [95% CI: 1.00, 1.09]) and being more than 30 years of age at rst full-term pregnancy (adjusted OR=3.77, [95% CI: 1.10, 12.90]) were predictors of breast cancer development. The results of this study indicate that weight and reproductive health management should be emphasized for breast cancer prevention in Malaysia.


Hydrogen (1H/2H) exchange combined with mass spectrometry (HX-MS) has become a recognized method for the analysis of protein structural dynamics. Presently, the incorporated deuterons are typically localized by enzymatic cleavage of the labeled proteins and single residue resolution is normally only obtained for a few residues. Determination of site-specific deuterium levels by gas-phase fragmentation in tandem mass spectrometers would greatly increase the applicability of the HX-MS method. The biggest obstacle in achieving this goal is the intramolecular hydrogen migration (i.e., hydrogen scrambling) that occurs during vibrational excitation of gas-phase ions. Unlike traditional collisional ion activation, electron capture dissociation (ECD) is not associated with substantial vibrational excitation. We investigated the extent of intramolecular backbone amide hydrogen (1H/2H) migration upon ECD using peptides with a unique selective deuterium incorporation. Our results show that only limited amide hydrogen migration occurs upon ECD, provided that vibrational excitation prior to the electron capture event is minimized. Peptide ions that are excessively vibrationally excited in the electrospray ion source by, e.g., high declustering potentials or during precursor ion selection (via sideband excitation) in the external linear quadrupole ion trap undergo nearly complete hydrogen (1H/2H) scrambling. Similarly, collision-induced dissociation (CID) in the external linear quadrupole ion trap results in complete or extensive hydrogen (1H/2H) scrambling. This precludes the use of CID as a method to obtain site-specific information from proteins that are labeled in solution-phase 1H/2H exchange experiments. In contrast, the deuteration levels of the c- and z-fragment ions generated from ECD closely mimic the known solution deuteration pattern of the selectively labeled peptides. This excellent correlation between the results obtained from gas phase and solution suggests that ECD holds great promise as a general method to obtain single residue resolution in proteins from solution 1H/2H exchange experiments.


© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd In a reading-aloud experiment, we investigated the on-line processing of English idioms from a production perspective. The stimuli were ambiguous idioms used figuratively and literally, and matched novel control phrases. The analysis of the articulatory durations showed a processing advantage for idioms over controls. Further, we found that figurative meanings were articulated somewhat faster than their literal counterparts. The results suggest that the processing advantage for idioms over control phrases, previously reported in comprehension studies, is also present during their production. Unlike the comprehension idiom literature, however, the two idiom meanings might be processed differently during reading aloud. The study concludes with directions for future research, and a case is made for why this line of research is important for the field of applied linguistics.


Acquired taste is an integral part of the cultivation of taste. In this essay, I identify acquired taste as a form of intentional belief acquisition or adaptive preference formation, distinguishing it from ordinary or discovered taste. This account of acquired taste allows for the role of self-deception in the development of taste. I discuss the value of acquired taste in the overall development of taste as well as the ways that an over-reliance on acquired taste can distort overall taste.


Since the opening up of the Indian economy in early 1990s, Indian firms in general have made big strides in increasing their global competitiveness, both at home and abroad. The speed and scale of their internationalisation in the last decade are particularly note-worthy as they increase their foreign direct investment (FDI) in both the developed and developing markets. The availability and management of talent are seen to be one of their key competitive advantages. In this paper, the heads of human resources (HR) in four emerging Indian multinationals, in automotive, information technology (IT) services, bio-pharmaceutical, and conglomerates in multiple business segments, are interviewed on three main themes, namely, the evolution of HRM, the role of HRM in managing global operations/workforce and the future outlook and challenges for HRM. The interviews provide valuable insights into the state of HRM in multinationals from emerging economies and stress the need for both Western and emerging economy multinationals to learn from each other in a multi-polar world.


It is incontestable that an efficient and effective microfinance system is essential for building a sustained economic growth. The success of these microfinance banks can only be achieved through the safety, soundness and stability of the banks coupled with the effective and efficient management of the sector.This paper examines the relationship and causality between microfinance bank operations and Entrepreneurship development in Ogun State, Nigeria. Survey research design was adopted and data collected through financial statement of some selected microfinance bank operators within ogun state and the use of questionnaires to collect data from a sample of 20 entrepreneurs from each of the four zones in Ogun State which are Ijebu, Egba, Yewa and Remo zones. The impact of microfinance bank operations and Entrepreneurship development in Ogun State, Nigeria was analyzed using the regression analysis method. The study revealed that there is no significant impact of microfinance bank operations on entrepreneurial development in Ogun State. It has been proved that the capitals of these banks are not adequate and there are high incidences of non-performing loans. The capital of these banks is low and because of this; some of these banks have actually gone down. If their capital are adequate and they are liquid to be able to meet obligations as at when due, then microfinance bank operations would enhance the future development of entrepreneurship assuming that the policy objectives are followed. It was also found out that there is no significant difference between entrepreneurs who use microfinance banks in terms of loan and advances and those who do not. This however was due to the fact that most of the entrepreneurs do not even have access to loans and advances in the microfinance banks.It was found out that majority of the entrepreneurs who are SME owners capitalized mostly on personal income and loans from family and friends and not from the microfinance bank institutions because they could not provide collateral assets requested for by these microfinance banks which negates what is in their policy and objectives.The study recommended that Government should find an avenue for creation of awareness on how entrepreneurs can benefit from loans and monitors the microfinance banks closely to ensure disbursement of loans and grants to entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs should equally endeavor not to divert loans given to them by microfinance banks.


Experiments were conducted on the Black Mesa Coal Mine near Kayenta, Arizona over a 2 -year period (1977 and 1978) to study the germination (emergence), seedling establishment, and ground cover from wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in undisturbed soil and coal mine soil (spoils). Growth of wheat was evaluated for two fertilizer treatments applied at the rates of 0 kg/ha and 560 kg/ha of ammonium phosphate and two soil moisture treatments (optimum and insufficient). The coal mine soil was leveled to conform to the surrounding rolling topography. In April of each year wheat was broadcast planted due to the rough terrain, fertilized at planting time, and irrigated as needed (using wheat plants as indicators of moisture stress). Seeds germinated per unit area, seedlings established per unit area, and percent ground cover were recorded. These three parameters were higher in undisturbed soil than in coal mine soil, when fertilized than when not fertilized, and when optimum soil moisture was provided than when seeds were stressed for moisture. At the end of the growing season, the wheat straw was incorporated into the soil surface and was used as a mulching material. In coal mine wastes in a semiarid environment, the area must be fertilized and provided with optimum soil moisture to produce the maximum growth of wheat for immediate ground cover and soil mulch. Additional Index Words: Mine Spoils, Revegetation, Stabilization, Disturbed Land, Environmental Pollution.


ABSTRACT A novel Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) variant, designated blaKPC-5, was discovered in a carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate from Puerto Rico. Characterization of the upstream region of blaKPC-5 showed significant differences from the flanking regions of other blaKPC variants. Comparison of amino acid sequences with those of other KPC enzymes revealed that KPC-5 was an intermediate between KPC-2 and KPC-4, differing from KPC-2 by a single amino acid substitution (Pro103→Arg), while KPC-4 contained Pro103→Arg plus an additional amino acid change (Val239→Gly). Transformation studies with an Escherichia coli recipient strain showed differences in the properties of the KPC variants. KPC-4 and KPC-5 both had pIs of 7.65, in contrast with the pI of 6.7 for KPC-2. KPC-2 transformants were less susceptible to the carbapenems than KPC-4 and KPC-5 transformants. These data correlated with higher rates of imipenem hydrolysis for KPC-2 than for KPC-4 and KPC-5. However, KPC-4 and KPC-5 transformants had higher ceftazidime MICs, and the enzymes from these transformants had slightly better hydrolysis of this drug than KPC-2. KPC-4 and KPC-5 were more sensitive than KPC-2 to inhibition by clavulanic acid in both susceptibility testing and hydrolysis assays. Thus, KPC enzymes may be evolving through stepwise mutations to alter their spectra of activity.


First the occupated german territories left of the Rhine river were forced to take over the french laws. When in 1806 the grand duché of Berg and the kingdom of Westpahlia were established they also took over the french patent system but with some modifications. The kingdom of Prussia was also influenced by the patent system and the so called or pharmacists was established. When the former french states on german territory returned to Prussia, the patent system was changed into the so called. Both pharmacutical systems existed in the kingdom of Prussia during the 19th century.


BACKGROUND--The aim was to establish a continuing district based confidential enquiry into deaths from asthma. METHODS--A confidential enquiry was conducted in an English health district. Subjects comprised 24 residents of the Norwich health district aged between 16 and 65 years who had died between 1988 and 1991 with asthma as the principal cause of death. RESULTS--Twenty one of the patients (88%) died away from hospital. Overall the routine asthma management was appropriate in all respects in only four patients. In five cases the drug treatment was considered inappropriate, in 10 cases (42%) there was no written evidence that the patient had received advice and education, and only six cases had a written management plan. In 17 patients (71%) the fatal attack of asthma developed rapidly (in under three hours). The medical care during the final attack was found to have been inappropriate in six cases. Seventeen cases (71%) had psychological or social factors that were considered to have been of potential importance. CONCLUSIONS--This study has shown the feasibility of organising a confidential enquiry into asthma deaths within a health district. The distinguishing features of such an enquiry are that it is continuing, that the quality of care given to those patients who died is compared against a recognised standard, and that there is a structured system for feeding back the conclusions of the enquiry to the local medical community.


Executive Order 14008, signed on 27 January 2021, established environmental justice (EJ) as a core priority of the Biden Administration. There is a need for state and federal regulators, as well as industry, to enhance risk assessment methods and exposure monitoring approaches to be more inclusive of EJ community involvement and more representative of EJ community exposures. Cumulative risk assessment models are critical for understanding the unique interaction between chemical exposures and nonchemical stressors that EJ communities encounter daily. Enhanced environmental monitoring with personal and portable sensors, especially when deployed using community partnerships, can capture chemical exposures with sufficient resolution to characterize exposures down to the neighborhood level. Use of internet‐linked sensors will also require thoughtful advances in management of big data to inform meaningful and time‐sensitive decisions. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:858–862. © 2021 SETAC


The use of heritability studies, haplotype sharing, and lod score analysis are reviewed. Twin and family studies show that any genes conferring susceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis must have a relatively low penetrance. This is a serious obstacle to linkage analysis in families. Where there is a population association, as with DR4, studies of haplotype sharing by affected sibs may yield more information if the observations are compared with the sharing predicted from the population association.


This paper discusses the construction of a wireless emulator for the study of H.264 scalable video coding (SVC) and H.264 based scalable multiple description coding (SMDC) transmission. This emulator is constructed as a part of European SUIT project for examining the benefit of SVC and SMDC for digital TV broadcasting. The individual component of the emulator and the technique to generate error pattern files will be discussed in this paper. An example of the emulator usage is finally shown.


This report provides detailed profiles of the health behavior, health status, preventive care, access to services, and demographics for Californians age 65 and over. It examines specific health behaviors such as smoking and drinking habits; health status in relation to heart disease, diabetes, asthma, hypertension, arthritis, skin cancer, difficulty in climbing stairs and emotional problems; preventive care such as cancer screening, bone density testing, hormone replacement therapy and influenza immunization; and access to medical, dental and prescription medication services. Using data culled from the California Health Interview Survey (CHIS) 2001 and the 2000 U.S. Census, information is presented for the state, regions, and counties for different racial/ethnic groups, women, those with low incomes, limited English proficiency, and Medi-Cal. The study is the first comprehensive evaluation of the health of California seniors that includes county-level information.


It happened in the 194950 college basketball season. The unranked City College team ("five street kids from the City of New Yorkthree Jews and two blacks") outstripped the competition from the Midwest to take the titles in both the NCAA championship and National Invitation Tournament. The feat was unprecedented, and never again duplicated. Sadly, the scandal that followed itand ended with the indictment of twenty players (for shaving points) as well as fourteen fixersleft New York bereft of big-time college basketball. Cited by Sports Illustrated as one the twenty-five best literary sports books ever published and the basis for the award-winning HBO documentary City Dump, which has been optioned for a major film, The Game They Played comprises both a history of the fixed and dumped college basketball games from the late 1940s to the early 1960s and a morality tale that contemplates the nature of justice in America. It poignantly tells the story, too, of dreams that were lost, illusions broken, and kids betrayed by the sad truths of greed and corruption.


The lactating tammar wallaby progressively alters the rate of secretion and composition of its milk to provide appropriate nutrition for the developing offspring, whose needs are signalled by changes in the pattern and efficiency of its sucking. Tammars are also capable of asynchronous concurrent lactation, when the mother provides a dilute milk for a newborn young permanently attached to the teat (phase 2A of lactation), and a concentrated milk from an adjacent mammary gland for a young-at-heel (phase 3). The relationship between suckling behaviour and milk secretion, and the ability of adjacent glands to function independently, suggests that milk secretion is controlled locally, within each mammary gland, by a mechanism sensitive to frequency and completeness of milk removal. To determine if tammar milk contains a factor able to control milk secretion, milk fractions have been screened in tissue and cell culture bioassays. A 6-30 kDa fraction of phase 3 whey was found to inhibit milk constituent synthesis and secretion in vitro, and inhibitory activity was associated with two discrete fractions obtained by anion exchange chromatography, which contained protein bands migrating anomalously at 66 kDa and 63 kDa in SDS-PAGE. These bands were recognised in Western blotting by antiserum raised against a bovine autocrine inhibitor of milk secretion. By the same criteria, milk secreted in phase 2B of tammar lactation, when milk secretion is low and suckling intermittent but less vigorous than phase 3, also contained a feedback inhibitor of milk secretion. The results indicate that, as in dairy animals, marsupial milk secretion is under local control through feedback inhibition by a milk protein, and raise the possibility that autocrine feedback may influence the transition from phases of low milk secretion (phase 2A, 2B) to a high rate in the final third phase of lactation.


Reducing or even prohibiting the use of toxic lead in electronic devices has become one of the most cutting-edge topics in various disciplines. The recently proposed phase boundary engineering endows lead-free piezoceramics with comparable performances to that of some lead-based piezoceramics. However, the enhancement in performance hinges on the coexistence of multi-phases and complex domain structures, particularly the occurrence of nano-domains and polar nanoregions (PNRs). Although nano-domains have been significantly studied in lead-based piezoceramics, understanding the nano-domains and PNRs in lead-free piezoceramics is in its infancy and needs a systematic summary and in-depth analysis. Herein, we summarize the nano-domains and PNRs in three representative lead-free piezoceramics (i.e., potassium sodium niobate, barium titanate, and sodium bismuth titanate), focusing on their effects on macro performance. First, we introduce the foundation and tools for the observation of the domains. Then, we summarize the variations in the nano-domains with phase structure, electric field, and temperature, and their effects on performance including piezoelectricity, strain, temperature stability, aging, and fatigue. Finally, we present our perspectives on the future of nano-domains, concentrating on nano-domain engineering. Therefore, this review can help better understand the nano-domains and PNRs in lead-free piezoceramics, and be used for the further development of high-performance lead-free piezoceramics.


BACKGROUND
Arm pain is common amongst working-aged adults and causes substantial work disability. The results of a population-based randomized controlled trial (the ARM trial) suggested that advice to remain active reduced disability after 6 months.

AIMS
To verify ARM trial results amongst people in paid employment.

METHODS
The ARM trial recruited adults with distal arm pain referred for physiotherapy and randomized equally to three groups: wait-listed for physiotherapy (advised to rest); wait-listed for physiotherapy (advised to remain active) or early physiotherapy. The primary outcome was absence of disability at 26 weeks. Secondary analyses were undertaken amongst participants in paid employment.

RESULTS
Amongst 538 trial participants, 347 (64%) were in paid employment, mean age 46.1 years and 47% in manual work. Employed participants were randomized equally to the three arms. Amongst the 271 (78% workers with 26-week data), 43% of those advised to remain active were free from disability, as compared with 37% of those advised to rest. Forty per cent of those who waited for physiotherapy were disability-free as compared with 35% of those treated rapidly. Advice to rest was associated with lower chances of recovery amongst workers who lift/carry weights and those who believed work had caused their symptoms (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSIONS
Although not powered as a trial for workers only, our findings suggest that advising activity was as beneficial for people currently in paid work and may be superior to advice to rest in reducing disability. Addressing harmful beliefs about causation of symptoms has the potential to reduce disability.


Abstract Analysis of National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Social Survey data on Indigenous labour force status highlights the impact that the recent economic slowdown on Indigenous employment trends. At an aggregate level, the trends in Indigenous employment mirror those of the Australian population as a whole. It is clear that aggregate demand is the key driver of changes in Indigenous employment, rather than individuals' desire to work. During the period 2008 to 2014-15, although there was a move of Indigenous people out of the labour force as job opportunities dwindled, much of the move was into marginal attachment. That is, people still want to work, but some may have given up looking for work. This paper demonstrates that most Indigenous people want to participate in the economy and will take up available jobs provided that they are 'work ready'. Improving Indigenous employment outcomes requires that jobs are created and that policies support Indigenous people to acquire suitable skills so that they can work in those jobs. This latter challenge may be particularly pronounced in remote areas, where many Indigenous residents may not be able to comply with the 'activity requirements' for labour market programs.


EXPERIMENTAL ENGINE CHARACTERIZATION FOR SPRING DESIGN OF NOVEL AUTOMOTIVE STARTER Name: Lauden, Jonathan W. University of Dayton Advisor: Dr. David Myszka Automotive starting systems require substantial amounts of mechanical energy in a short period of time. Lead-acid batteries have historically provided that energy through a motor. Springs have been identified as an alternative energy storage medium and are well suited to engine-starting applications due to a long service life and the ability to rapidly deliver substantial mechanical power. Spring-based engine starters exist for large commercial diesel engines but are not readily available for automobiles. A conceptual spring-based engine starter has been developed at the University of Dayton, including assembly of a proof-of-concept prototype. This research continued the development of the spring-starter system, with the objective of determining whether a spring of acceptable size could provide the required torque and rotational speed to start an automobile engine. Engine testing was required to determine the torque and engine speed during cranking, followed by predicting engine response for several spring options. A 600 cm3 displacement inline 4-cylinder internal combustion engine was acquired as a scaled down approximation of an automobile engine. The starter motor was tested with a Prony brake to determine the torque produced as a function of current draw. The engine was then cranked by the starter, and current draw was measured with engine iii position over time. Engine torque over time was determined from current data. The polar moment of inertia of the rotating mass of the engine was found by observed data, and an equation relating engine torque, acceleration, and friction was developed to characterize the engine during cranking. This equation was used with spring design equations to build a Simulink model of predicted engine response for a spring of given stiffness and initial displacement. Results predict that the test engine could be started by a torsional spring of steel with diameter and length of approximately 6 in. This is similar in size to the electrical starting system of the engine, suggesting that a torsional spring of reasonable size is capable of starting an automobile engine. Work is still required to determine how such a spring would be mounted, rewound, and controlled in an automotive context.


This small scale study focuses on the impact of "Formative Feedback First" (FFF), a collaborative intervention made on a final year module undertaken by , one year "top up" students. The majority of these students are international, many of whom are not only new to the university but also to the country. The intervention provides formative feedback on a 600-800 word proposal, then stage is to captures the student's reflection via the use of Gibbs (1988) reflective cycle. This intervention is regarded as low risk as the proposal is not formally marked but timely feedback is provided via the use of a "Formative Feedback First" matrix which has been specifically developed for this purpose. The matrix consists of indicative degree classifications, across four criteria which are knowledge and understanding, theory and practice recognition, use of resources and references and presentation, structure and language. The written feedback is to be returned via tutorial as suggested by Nichol & Macfarlane-Dick (2006) thus facilitating dialogue. The intervention provides the opportunity to give formative feedback in a low risk setting prior to any summative feedback. This aims to give the international students the chance to develop the necessary skills and culturally adjust, i.e. close any gap (Sadler, 1989) between their actual performance and that of a desired standard, before assessments in a high risk setting. A longitudinal aspect of this study is to evaluate from the students' perspective to what extent this potential (feedforward feedback) is being realised via students' actions "moving forward".


Purpose: Persons with neurodegenerative disease frequently develop comorbid dysphagia as part of their disease process. Current " reactive " approaches to dysphagia management address dysphagia once it manifests clinically and consist of compensatory approaches. The purpose of this article is to propose a paradigm shift in dysphagia management of patients with neurodegenerative disease from a " reactive to proactive " approach by highlighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and dementia as case examples. Method: The authors present several areas of special consideration for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) treating dysphagia in patients with neurodegenerative disease. The drawbacks of historical " reactive " approaches to dysphagia management are described. Concepts of functional reserve for swallowing and homeostenosis are discussed. A " proactive " patient-centered paradigm of care for these patients is proposed with evidence to support its importance. A rationale for use of this approach in patients with ALS and dementia is provided with strategies for implementation. Results: When treating dysphagia in patients with neurodegenerative disease, SLPs must balance a variety of factors in their decision making, including disease severity and expected progression, cultural considerations, goals of care, patient empowerment, and caregiver support. Reactive approaches to dysphagia management in these populations are problematic in that they disempower patients by focusing on use of compensatory techniques (e.g., diet modification, postural changes, feeding tube placement). Proactive approaches that employ rehabilitative interventions to increase functional reserve, such as resistance training, may result in improvement or maintenance of swallowing function longer into disease progression. An interdisciplinary team with early SLP involvement is necessary. Conclusions: SLPs play a critical role in the management of dysphagia in patients with neurodegenerative disease and should be integrated early in the care of these patients. By focusing on a proactive patient-centered approach, patients with neurodegenerative conditions, such


The use of saline water in agriculture has contributed to the expansion of irrigated areas, especially in arid and semiarid regions, where water deficits occur during various months of the year. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the emergence, growth, and flowering of the castor bean cultivar "BRS Energia" as a function of the cationic composition of irrigation water, including water containing single and multiple types of cations. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse in the municipality of Campina Grande-PB, Brazil using drainage lysimeters filled with a sandy loam Ultisol. The experiment was set in a randomized block design, with four replicates each of six water salinity treatments: Control; Na+; Ca2+; Na+ + Ca2+; K+; and Na+ + Ca2+ + Mg2, totaling 24 experimental plots, each consisting of five plants. Plants in the control treatment were subjected to irrigation using water having low electrical conductivity (ECw = 0.6 dS m-1), while the plants receiving other treatments were irrigated using 4.5 dS m-1 water containing different ions. Emergence and growth were more affected by the ECw than by the cationic composition of the irrigation water. The order of the cations in the irrigation water, in terms of negative effects, was Na+ > Na+ + Ca+ > Ca2+ > Na+ + Ca2+ + Mg2+ > K+. The cationic composition of the irrigation water influenced the time interval for inflorescence development and the opening of flower buds of the castor bean cultivar "BRS Energia", and the most pronounced effects were observed in plants irrigated with calcic water.


In this paper we demonstrate the ability of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) in combination with a lock-in detection technique for the characterization of the electromechanical properties of acoustic bulk wave resonators. In particular, this method is applied to study the mechanical frequency response and the acoustic mode shapes of the Agilent Technologies' Film Bulk Acoustic Resonator (FBAR). The mechanical resonance frequencies of the FBARs in the GHz range are measured in air, and the shape of the acoustic modes is obtained over 100/spl times/100 /spl mu/m areas with nanometer-scale lateral resolution and angstrom-scale vertical resolution.


OF THESIS GOLD NANOSPHERES AND GOLD NANORODS AS LOCALIZED SURFACE PLASMON RESONANCE SENSORS A novel localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor that differentiates between background refractive index changes and surface-binding of a target analyte (e.g. a target molecule, protein, or bacterium) is presented. Standard, single channel LSPR sensors cannot differentiate these two effects as their design allows only one mode to be coupled. This novel technique uses two surface plasmon modes to simultaneously measure surface binding and solution refractive index changes. This increases the sensitivity of the sensor. Different channels or modes can be created in sensors with the introduction of gold nanospheres or gold nanorods that act as receptor mechanisms. Once immobilization was achieved on gold nanospheres, the technique was optimized to achieve the same immobilization for gold nanorods to get the expected dual mode spectrum. Intricate fabrication methods are illustrated with using chemically terminated self assembled monolayers. Then the fabrication process advances from chemically silanized nanoparticles, on to specific and systematic patterns generated with the use of Electron Beam Lithography. Comparisons are made within the different methods used, and guidelines are set to create possible room for improvement. Some methods implemented failed, but there was a lot to learn from these unsuccessful outcomes. Finally, the applications of the dual mode sensor are introduced, and current venues where the sensors can be used in chemical and biological settings are discussed.


The chimeric mouse MHC class I gene derived from a recombinant H-2Kb gene, in which the coding region for a large part of alpha 1 and alpha 2 extracellular domains was replaced with a partial avian erythroblastosis virus erbB gene segment encoding the kinase domain, was successfully introduced into a mouse mastocytoma line P1.HTR (H-2d) and transcribed to mRNA. The transfectant cells expressed the chimeric gene product, which was reactive to a phosphotyrosine-specific antibody. When the chimeric gene transfectant was inoculated into CDF1(H-2d) or BDF1(H-2d/b) mice, it grew at an early time but regressed thereafter. Transfectant-specific as well as parental P1.HTR-specific antibody activities were demonstrated in the sera of these mice. Transfectant-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) were generated in the antigen-sensitized culture of spleen cells from the transfectant-immune mice. The CTL-mediated lysis of target chimeric gene transfectant cells was poorly inhibited by anti-H-2d antiserum, which blocked the lysis of parental P1.HTR cells by anti-tumor CTL developed in parallel. The former was, however, inhibited by either anti-transfectant antiserum or anti-phosphotyrosine antibody, which was ineffective for blocking the latter. Target cell lysis by either anti-transfectant or anti-tumor CTL was blocked by anti-CD8 monoclonal antibody but not by anti-CD4 antibody. It was suggested from these results that the H-2K-erbB hybrid gene product, which lacks complete three-domain class I structure, was recognized by CTL in a manner that was endogenous H-2 class I-independent but CD8-dependent.


The central areas of the largest metropolitan cities in India are slowing down. Outer suburbs continue to grow but the inner city consisting of the oldest wards is stagnating and even losing population. This trend needs to be studied carefully as its implications are deep and far-reaching. The objective of this article is to focus on what is happening to the internal structure of the city post liberalization by highlighting the changing dynamics of inner-city and outer-city neighbourhoods in Kolkata. The second section provides a brief background to the metropolitan region of Kolkata and the city's role within this region. Based on ward-level census data for the last 20 years, broad demographic changes undergone by the city of Kolkata are examined in the third section. The drivers of growth and decline and their implications for livability are discussed in the fourth section. In the fifth section, field observations based on a few representative wards are presented. The sixth section concludes the article with policy recommendations.


: The tuberculin skin test is based on the expression of delayed hypersensitivity to tuberculoprotein following a mycobacterial infection. Unfortunately, the antigens used in such testing are crudely prepared and variable. Confounding the reliability of the test are the additional variables of the hosts' varying responses to the antigen and of the technical aspects of application and reading. These elements combine to make the tuberculin skin test a semiquantitative tool at best. In recent experience, approximately 20% of patients with active tuberculosis failed to manifest a positive skin test. Thus, caution should be exercised in using the skin test to rule out tuberculosis. When used to conduct epidemiological studies, group surveillance, or contact investigations, factors such as waning and small but significant reactions must be considered in interpreting the data.


Theories and concepts for understanding the political logic of social movements' everyday activities, particularly those which relate directly to political goals, have been increasingly important since the late 1970s. The notion of 'prefigurative politics' is becoming established in this debate and refers to scenarios where protesters express the political 'ends' of their actions through their 'means', or where they create experimental or 'alternative' social arrangements or institutions. Both meanings share the idea that prefiguration anticipates or partially actualises goals sought by movements. This article uses narratives and observations gathered in social movement 'free spaces', autonomous social centres in Barcelona, to evaluate, critique and rearticulate the concept. Participants' attention to the 'means' through which protest is carried out and emphasis on projects such as experimentation with alternative social and organisational forms suggest they engage in prefigurative politics. However, the article uses these examples to dispute the key ways through which prefiguration has been defined, arguing that it can better be deployed in referring to the relations, and tensions, between a set of political priorities. Understood as such, prefigurative politics combines five processes: collective experimentation, the imagining, production and circulation of political meanings, the creating of new and future-oriented social norms or 'conduct', their consolidation in movement infrastructure, and the diffusion and contamination of ideas, messages and goals to wider networks and constituencies.