This paper explores international transmission mechanism and its role in contagion effect in the housing markets across six major Asian cities. The analysis is based on the identification of house price diffusion effects through a global vector autoregressive (GVAR) model estimated using quarterly data for six major Asian cities (Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei and Bangkok) from 1991Q1 to 2011Q2. The empirical results indicate that the open economies heavily relying on international trade such as Singapore, Japan (Tokyo), Taiwan (Taipei) and Thailand (Bangkok) show positive correlations between the economy's openness and house prices, which is consistent with the Balassa–Samuelson hypothesis. Interestingly, some region-specific conditions also appear to play important roles as determinants of house price movements, which may be driven by restrictive housing policies and demand–supply imbalances such as Singapore and Bangkok. These results are reasonably robust across several model specifications. The findings bear significant implications for formulation of investment strategy and public policies.


Support for macroecological rules in insects is mixed, with potential confounding interrelations between patterns rarely studied. We here investigate global patterns in body and wing size, sexual size dimorphism and range size in common fruit flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and explore potential interrelations and the predictive power of Allen's, Bergmann's, Rensch's and Rapoport's rules. We found that thorax length (r2 = 0.05) and wing size (r2 = 0.09) increased with latitude, supporting Bergmann's rule. Contrary to patterns often found in endothermic vertebrates, relative wing size increased towards the poles (r2 = 0.12), a pattern against Allen's rule, which we attribute to selection for increased flight capacity in the cold. Sexual size dimorphism decreased with size, evincing Rensch's rule across the family (r2 = 0.14). Yet, this pattern was largely driven by the virilis – repleta radiation and only weakly in other lineages. Finally, range size did not correlate with latitude, although a positive relationship with latitude was present in a subset of the species investigated, providing no convincing evidence for Rapoport's rule. We further found little support for confounding interrelations between body size, wing loading and range size in this taxon. Nevertheless, we demonstrate that studying several traits simultaneously at minimum permits better interpretation in case of multiple, potentially conflicting trends or hypotheses concerning the macroecology of insects.


Participation in extracurricular activities (ECAs) is positively related to cognitive and socioemotional outcomes for children and adolescents. The authors argue that because of methodological limitations, prior research failed to address the self-selection of advantaged families into ECAs, which raises concerns regarding whether ECA participation is causally related to student outcomes. In this article, the authors present an analytical model that provides a stronger test of causal relationships. The authors analyze data from six waves of the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study–Kindergarten Class of 1998–99 (K–8) and construct a cross-lagged panel model with student fixed effects. Overall, the findings suggest that participation in ECAs during elementary school has small but positive causal effects on academic ability, which grow larger in later grades (third grade through eighth grade). The findings provide little evidence that greater ECA participation improves students' socioemotional skills in either early or later grades. Overall, the findings validate some prior research while raising questions about the internal validity of other findings.


The results in 34 adult patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who have undergone autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT) using busulfan and cyclophosphamide (Bu/Cy) in 12 United Kingdom (UK) centers have been analyzed. There were 19 females and 15 males; median age was 40 years (range, 21 to 62 years). Nine patients were in first relapse; 25 were in second remission. The median time of first remission for the whole group was 11.5 months (range, 1 to 56 months). All the patients in first relapse and six patients in second remission received first remission marrow. The leukemia-free survival (LFS) for the patients in first relapse was 33%, with a median follow-up of 20 months. The LFS for the patients in second remission was 48% with a median follow-up of 26 months. The length of second remission exceeds the length of first remission in 14 patients. Considerable toxicity with hemorrhagic cystitis (four patients; none fatal), venoocclusive disease (four patients; one fatal), pneumonitis (four patients; one fatal), intracranial hemorrhage (two patients; two fatal) has occurred. There have been four procedure-related deaths (12%). Hematologic recovery was satisfactory for neutrophils (median time to 0.5 x 10(9)/L, 22 days [range, 11 to 101 days]), but very slow for platelets (median time to 50 x 10(9)/L, 62 days [range, 15 to 1,080 days]). This study suggests that the use of Bu/Cy with ABMT for patients beyond first remission in AML compares favorably with chemotherapy, and although the procedure-related mortality is acceptable, it is associated with protracted platelet recovery.


Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum YKL-40 level as an independent marker in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy (DN). Background DN is a microvascular complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The association of YKL 40 serum level with obesity and type 2 DN has not been adequately studied. Patients and methods This study was conducted on 75patients with type 2 DN(25 obese with type 2 DN,25 nonobese patients with type 2 DN,and25 obese without diabetes) fromJuly 2017 to February 2018. Full history, physical examination, serum urea, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), glycated hemoglobin 1c (HbA1c), serum YKL-40, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) and abdominal ultrasonography were done. Results There was no significant difference among the three groups regarding sex (P = 0.527), drug taking (P = 1.0), age (P = 0.149), and serum urea (P = 0.496), whereas there was a highly significant difference among all groups regarding BMI, YKL 40 serum level, ACR, HbA1c, eGFR, and serum creatinine level (P = 0.001 for all). YKL-40 level was significantly positively correlated with BMI, creatinine level, ACR, and HbA1c and in a negative correlation with eGFR in all groups. Conclusion YKL-40 significantly correlates with biochemical renal parameters like ACR, creatinine, and eGFR; glycemic parameter, HbA1c; and obesity measure, BMI. Our study suggests that YKL-40 can be a marker of microvascular complications such as DN but not an independent marker owing to positive affection of obesity on its serum level.


Abstract Kenyan business was important in mitigating episodes of election violence in 2007–2008 and 2013. This article finds that this role was motivated by the ethical and moral commitments of key business leaders to further peace in times of violence; and by interests in preventing future economic loss. However, by adopting a lens that situates business roles in violence prevention and peace-building within Kenya's conflict systems and political economy, the article finds a paradox: this lens confirms the Kenyan 'success story' with respect to specific violent episodes; but it also reveals a much more limited role for business in transforming the underlying sources of conflict; especially when these are congruent with key business fundamentals connected to land ownership, property rights, export-oriented production or services, or a 'limited' access order. Overall, the article highlights that business should leverage its comparative advantages within broader multi-stakeholder coalitions, especially in terms of its ability to influence political leaders, entry-points for informal dialogue to diffuse crises and capital to support peace-building initiatives.


This thesis deals with the extraction, construction and analysis of commercial real estate (CRE) sentiment within Europe and the U.K. especially. The three empirical studies in this thesis may contribute to our understanding of the discipline. As I establish in the literature review, the analysis of commercial real estate sentiment still offers a lot of potential for further research. Since real estate markets are subject to sentiment swings, scholars and market participants should consider them in their market analysis.
The first study establishes the need for sentiment consideration within the European real estate market. In order to justify the research of sentiment analysis, I have used different indirect and direct sentiment proxies and applied them in yield models for 80 different commercial property (sub-)markets within Europe. The statistical modification of different sentiment proxies is needed since not all European property markets offer direct sentiment measures. The results suggest, that the consideration of sentiment in a yield model framework adds significant information. I found, that CRE markets, which are assumed to be more liquid and developed, show a larger exposure to property specific sentiment measures. Markets, which are assumed to be less developed (i.e. Eastern European markets) on the other hand, have a larger exposure to more general macroeconomic sentiment indicators.
The second study introduces a new method, which can be used to extract sentiment from text documents. The primary motivation for the use of text documents and the application of Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods lies in the fact that these documents are published much faster than other sentiment proxies. This allows extracting a much more accurate market sentiment. The second study should be understood as an introductory chapter to the method and the field of NLP. In total four different wordlists (AFINN, BING, NRC and TM) are used to extract the sentiment form various market reports for the CRE market in U.K. The study reveals that sentiment extracted from those documents, can be used to improve autocorrelated models.
The last study uses those findings and applies different supervised learning methods. While the second study has produced sufficient results, the underlying text corpus of market reports has shown a series of insufficiencies. I have therefore, used a large dataset of more than 120,000 news articles, all concerning the British CRE market. Findings suggest, that the main issue of supervised learning algorithms is the appropriate classification of the different entities. I offer two approaches in order to construct robust sentiment indicators.


This book takes an unusual approach to neuroectodermal tumours in that it is devoted almost entirely to their macroscopic features and their microscopical appearances in silver carbonate preparations. It is, therefore, of some academic interest, but unfortunately no attempt has been made to relate the patterns described to those based on more conventional and much more widely used histological techniques. It is only the classification adopted that can account for as much space being devoted to astroblastoma as to glioblastoma. The authors have clearly made a most detailed study of silver carbonate preparations from neuroectodermal tumours but, although it is stated repeatedly that this technique allows a much more accurate identification of cell types than the conventional techniques used by most neuropathologists, it is difficult to accept the many dogmatic statements unsupported by tangible evidence or logical argument. The book is prolifically illustrated (this may partly compensate for the brevity of the gross descriptions of the tumours), but many are repetitive. As the standard of illustrations in general is high, it is surprising that the book contains a few of unusually poor quality. It is interesting to note the application of phase contrast techniques to silver carbonate preparations, and the chapter on techniques may be of value to a few, but this book is not lilkely to be of much practical use to clinicians or pathologists. J. HUME ADAMS


Folylpolyglutamate synthetase (FPGS) catalyzes the gamma-glutamylation of both folates and folate antagonists and has been found to be essential for the survival of mammalian cells. Twelve analogs of the antifolates aminopterin (AMT) and methotrexate (MTX) having the -(CH2)2COOH moiety replaced by -(CH2)nX, where X = SO3H,PO3H2 or NH2, were evaluated as inhibitors of FPGS isolated from human liver. The AMT analogs were consistently found to be better inhibitors than their MTX counterparts, following the order of Km values determined for the parent antifolates as FPGS substrates. For the amino and phosphonate (but not for the sulfonate) compounds, inhibitory efficiencies were markedly dependent on the methylene chain length, with the most effective inhibitors having the groups -(CH2)3NH2(Ki = 0.2 microM) and -(CH2)2PO3H2 (Ki = 1.9 microM). Of those compounds exhibiting Ki values less than 200 microM, six were competitive inhibitors whereas three showed mixed inhibition (Ki' = approximately 6 Ki) when analyzed using AMT as the variable substrate. This demonstration of mixed inhibition of FPGS is consistent with the binding of inhibitor to a second site on the enzyme. Very similar Ki values (0.2-0.3 microM) were obtained for the -(CH2)3NH2 analog of AMT when using folic acid, AMT, MTX, and gamma-glutamyl-MTX as variable substrates, suggesting that the same enzymatic site on FPGS is active in the gamma-glutamylation of these four folyl derivatives. These findings serve to identify structural features which are important for inhibition of human liver FPGS and may therefore prove useful for the design of new compounds having potential as chemotherapeutic agents.


Background Many public health departments use record linkage between surveillance data and external data sources to inform public health interventions. However, little guidance is available to inform these activities, and many health departments rely on deterministic algorithms that may miss many true matches. In the context of public health action, these missed matches lead to missed opportunities to deliver interventions and may exacerbate existing health inequities. Objective This study aimed to compare the performance of record linkage algorithms commonly used in public health practice. Methods We compared five deterministic (exact, Stenger, Ocampo 1, Ocampo 2, and Bosh) and two probabilistic record linkage algorithms (fastLink and beta record linkage [BRL]) using simulations and a real-world scenario. We simulated pairs of datasets with varying numbers of errors per record and the number of matching records between the two datasets (ie, overlap). We matched the datasets using each algorithm and calculated their recall (ie, sensitivity, the proportion of true matches identified by the algorithm) and precision (ie, positive predictive value, the proportion of matches identified by the algorithm that were true matches). We estimated the average computation time by performing a match with each algorithm 20 times while varying the size of the datasets being matched. In a real-world scenario, HIV and sexually transmitted disease surveillance data from King County, Washington, were matched to identify people living with HIV who had a syphilis diagnosis in 2017. We calculated the recall and precision of each algorithm compared with a composite standard based on the agreement in matching decisions across all the algorithms and manual review. Results In simulations, BRL and fastLink maintained a high recall at nearly all data quality levels, while being comparable with deterministic algorithms in terms of precision. Deterministic algorithms typically failed to identify matches in scenarios with low data quality. All the deterministic algorithms had a shorter average computation time than the probabilistic algorithms. BRL had the slowest overall computation time (14 min when both datasets contained 2000 records). In the real-world scenario, BRL had the lowest trade-off between recall (309/309, 100.0%) and precision (309/312, 99.0%). Conclusions Probabilistic record linkage algorithms maximize the number of true matches identified, reducing gaps in the coverage of interventions and maximizing the reach of public health action.


The cBN-cBN direct bonding structure of some cBN compacts made by the method of the direct conversion of the pyrolytic-BN (pBN) or wurtzite-BN (wBN) to cubic-BN at the pressure of 7GPa and temperature 2000 °C and the cBN compact made by the method of sintering the cBN powder along with polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) at the condition of 5.5GPa and 1600 °C has been studied. The XRD, SEM, TEM analysis and the wear resistance on the ductile cast iron machining has been investigated. While the XRD analysis of the above cBN samples showed that all samples consist only of cBN, and the SEM observation showed that they all have the cBN-cBN direct bonding structure, A STEM analysis showed the existence of the impurities at the cBN crystal boundary. The starting materials and the sintering method affect the degree of these impurities.


PURPOSE
The aim of this study is to assess the impact of an integrated care model, called the Behavioral Health Consultation model, in the delivery of care for depression in an urban Federally Qualified Health Center, and to gauge the receptiveness of primary care clinicians to increasing their responsibility for the mental health care of their patients.

METHODS
We reviewed electronic medical records to measure referral rates to mental health specialty care, patient engagement in care, management of psychotropic medications, and initiation of antidepressant medication, comparing data from the year prior to program implementation to that from the third year post-implementation. Clinician attitudes were assessed using an online anonymous questionnaire.

RESULTS
Statistically significant findings included post-implementation increases in the use of standardized measures of depression, documentation of behavioral goals and patient visits to the primary care clinician (increased engagement), decreases in initiation rates of antidepressant medications, and decreases in referrals to mental health specialty care. No significant difference was found in rates of dosage changes or change to new medications among patients who were already on psychiatric medications. Clinicians reported near universal acceptance of the behavioral health consultation program and willingness to increase their role in managing patient mental health issues.

CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that a behavioral health consultation program in an urban community health center can improve adherence to evidence-based indicators in the care of depression, making it possible to manage the majority of patients presenting with depression in the primary care setting.


: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most common cause of behavioral and learning problems in childhood. Therapeutic efficiency of nootropil (piracetam) in two different doses has been evaluated in the open control study of 80 children with ADHD, 70 boys and 10 girls, aged 6-11 years, being divided into 3 groups. Two groups received nootropil, as a monotherapy, for a month: 1st group (30 patients)--in the dosage of 70 mg/kg daily and 2nd group (30 patients)--40 mg/kg daily orally. The control group of 20 patients did not receive any treatment. All children were examined twice with one month interval. A procedure of assessment included of structured questionnaire to parents, neurological examination with scored evaluation of subtle signs and psychological testing. Nootropil therapy in ADHD children resulted in the improvement of behavioral characteristics, motor coordination as well as continuous, selective and divided attention. A response rate was 60% in patients received 70 mg/kg of nootropil and 43% for nootropil dosage of 40 mg/kg. The results of the study suggest more considerable positive therapeutic effects of nootropil higher dose on behavioral, motor and attention characteristics in children with ADHD.


Psychiatric patients, by and large, are more sensitive to invasion of privacy than is the average person. Psychotherapy and, one would hope, other forms of psychiatric treatment pay tribute to the individuality of the person, and to the privileged position of communication between patient and doctor and within the therapeutic group. If those meetings, where less involved members of the Staff also attend, are considered necessary for teaching purposes, this ought to be discussed with patients beforehand, and their consent obtained.


Traditional surgery of cataract in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) can be excessively aggressive and increase zonular instability. The main technological target of this surgery is reducing of a zonular stress at all stages and especially when removing the lens nucleus. Purpose was to develop an effective and safe technique for nucleus removal without rotating crystalline lens during phacoemulsification in PEX. Material and methods. 765 eyes with PEX were treated by phacoemulsification without nuclear rotation using original technique. The left paracentral oblique groove was made after capsulotomy and hydrodissection. Nucleus was divided by phaco tip and chopper. In right heminucleus a lateral deep groove was performed such way to create a big asymmetric wedge including central part of nucleus. This wedge was removed without rude manipulation and rotation. The remaining two peripheral segments were easily gripped and pull into pupil area for safe phacoemulsification. Results. In all cases this technique allowed for safe removing of the nucleus. Cataract surgery was finished without serious intraoperative complications. Conclusion. This method allows reducing intraoperative zonular stress and removing all nucleus fragments in the conditions of limited mydriasis at the maximum distance from the corneal endothelium. The rotationless technology of nucleous removal is effective and safe at cataract in PEX.


In the last week of April, Dr Tony Mellor and five colleagues from the School of Applied Sciences took 34 Geography students on field work to Andalucia in southern Spain. This residential trip takes place annually as part of a core module on the second year of the BSc (Hons) Geography degree programme. The module enables students to: (a) apply skills of observation, measurement and data collection in a real world field context, (b) demonstrate skills in project design, report writing, oral presentation and group work, and (c) describe and interpret physical and environmental processes operating in the study area and discuss howthey contribute to the distinctiveness of its landscapes.


Аbstract. An experiment with 96 male broiler chickens (hybrid ROSS 308), distributed in 3 groups, 32 chickens each, was conducted. Each group consisted of 4 subgroups, 8 chickens each. Live weight, the retention of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus in the chickens' organisms were monitored at the age of 1, 11, 29 и 42 days. The birds received 3 types of compound feed. The control group birds were fed a maize-soybean diet without phytase and the birds from the experimental groups were fed a diet, supplemented by Natuphos 5000G or Optiphos phytase. Diets for all growing periods were balanced as to CP, Ca and available phosphorus. In the phytase groups the total phosphorus quantity was decreased from 0.81% to 0.66% for the starter period, from 0.76 to 0.61% for the grower one and from 0.72% to 0.56% for the finisher period. The obtained results showed that phytase supplementation to the maize-soybean diet improved the utilization of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus and the tibia ash quantity in broiler chickens during the 0-42-day-period. For the whole fattening period broilers fed maize-soybean diets supplemented by Natuphos or Feedophyt phytase had a reliably higher live weight by 10.95% and 11.93%, respectively, in comparison with the group without phytase. The forage consumption for 1 kg weight gain in chickens decreased by 17.02% (p ≤ 0.01) on average as a result of the use of exogenous phytase. By supplementing phytase to a maize-soybean diet the quantity of dicalcium phosphate decreased by 34% (0-42 days) thus reducing the price of compound forage.


The accurate determination of the speed of a propagating disturbance is important for a number of applications. A nonstationary cross-spectral density phase (NCSDP) technique was developed to provide a statistical estimate of the propagation time of sharp discontinuities such as steps or spikes that model shock or detonation waves. The uncertainty of the phase estimate is dependent on the coherence between the signals. For discrete implementation of the NCSDP technique, a "weighted-resetting-unwrap" of the phase angle was proposed to discard values of the coherence below a threshold value, that is, only the unwrapped phase angle above the threshold was accepted. In addition, an envelop function was used which improved the technique. The technique was found to be unsuitable for step disturbances but was more effective in estimating the time delay with a small standard deviation if the sharp disturbance also showed a rapid decay.


Biological invasions have been argued to be facilitated by phenotypic plasticity. Although experiments have shown plasticity can be adaptive, our current understanding is limited to comparative studies that measure plasticity between invasive and non-invasive species or populations. Because plasticity in a trait is a property of a genotype, a more effective test would measure the fitness effects of genotypes that vary in plasticity. I used this approach to conduct an experiment using native European Plantago lanceolata genotypes that expressed plasticity in multiple reproductive traits. I transplanted these genotypes into two novel environments that differ in thermal regime during the reproductive season and measured the fitness effects of plasticity and source latitude. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that plasticity improves reproductive success in novel environments. However, the fitness effects of plasticity varied by trait, and environment. Phenotypic-selection analyses showed evidence of stabilizing selection for onset plasticity and directional selection favoring plasticity in stalk length and spike length. Results also provided evidence that source latitude and plasticity affect reproductive success independently of each other and that the effects differ between reproductive years. Phenotypic-selection analyses showed evidence that as source latitude increased, reproductive success increased in the short and cool environment but only in 2012. My results suggest that the role of plasticity should be examined in multiple vegetative and reproductive traits.


An oblique osteotomy in the distal half of the metatarsal shaft is described for the treatment of metatarsalgia due to prolapse of one or more of the middle three metatarsal heads. Thirty-eight patients who have had this operation have been followed up for a period of from two to five years. The operation is simple, recovery is rapid and symptoms have been well relieved.


Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of word-of-mouth (WOM) in long-term service settings. Specifically, the authors examine the moderating role of action inertia in the relationships between satisfaction and repatronage intention, satisfaction and WOM, and repatronage intention and WOM.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was empirically tested using survey data from 1,385 telecommunications service subscribers. The data were analyzed using partial least squares path modeling.

Findings

Results suggest that a positive link between repatronage intention and WOM, hereto a neglected relationship in the marketing literature, in contrast to previous literature, the behaviors of long-term customers are not predictable, and action inertia strengthens satisfaction – WOM and repatronage intention – WOM links and weakens satisfaction – repatronage intention link.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines customers of a utilitarian service. To further determine the potential of the model, it is desirable to explore the validity of the model in other service settings, particularly those with high hedonic values.

Practical implications

The study provides valuable insights into repatronage intention – WOM link, with particular emphasis on the measurement and analysis of action inertia. This is important in understanding and evaluating inertia influences and identification of the drivers of WOM. These insights can be used by managers to better allocate their resources when investing in customer loyalty-building exercises and in generating WOM.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the literature in three main ways. First, it examines the nuances of customer loyalty in continuous service contexts. Second, the study empirically tests the role of repatronage intention as an antecedent of WOM. Third, the study introduces and tests the moderating role of action inertia on positive WOM.


This article is intended to explicate how to assist the millennial generation of Ono Niha not to be uprooted from the Nias identity amid globalization and encourage them to participate in preserving Niasan culture. Through the social-historical analysis, this article appeals to the millennial generation not to be alienated from their own culture but participate in cultural conservation. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a dialogue with millennials by presenting their origins, strengthening the family as a cultural home. Through formal education, the young generation is educated to recognize their cultural values and local wisdom as cultural heritage. Empowering them as subjects and objects of culture is one of the practices to understand local wisdom in the context of Nias. Moreover, increasing institutional roles in preserving various cultural elements are part of the way to increase the interest of millennial to learn their existence, identity, and culture.


In fusion power reactors, the plasma facing and breeding-blanket components will suffer intense irradiation by 14 MeV neutrons. These high-energy fusion neutrons will produce atomic displacement cascades and nuclear transmutation reactions inside the irradiated materials, and these will result in important radiation damage and effects. In the present paper, typical examples of radiation damage and effects on candidate materials for plasma facing components in fusion power reactors are presented and discussed.


Introduction: Inhibition of protein kinases has become a standard of modern clinical oncology. PIM1 belongs to a novel class of serine/threonine kinases with distinct molecular and biochemical features regulating various oncogenic pathways, for example hypoxia response, cell cycle progression and apoptosis resistance. PIM1 is overexpressed in human cancer diseases and has been associated with metastasis and overall treatment response; in experimental models, inhibition of PIM1 suppressed cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptotic cell death and synergized with other chemotherapeutic agents. Areas covered: A PubMed literature search was performed to review the currently available data on PIM1 expression, regulation and targets; its implication in different types of cancer and its impact on prognosis are described. We present ATP-competitive PIM1 inhibitors and the state of the art of PIM1 inhibitor design. Finally, we highlight the development of the unusual class of highly selective and potent organometallic PIM1 inhibitors. Expert opinion: As PIM1 possesses oncogenic functions and is overexpressed in various kinds of cancer diseases, its inhibition provides a new option in cancer therapy. Based on the ability of highly selective organometallic PIM1 inhibitors, promising in vivo applicability is expected.


In the advent of information technology, Indian banking sector is transforming in its structure, work culture, systems and procedure. Different technological advancements have changed the face of banking business where electronic system, in terms of different e-channels draw banker and customer attention to experience innovative services. Among these, mobile banking is almost untouched area in Indian banking context. Present study is an attempt to analyze the adoption and usage of mobile banking service among Indian banking customers as well as banks. The paper concludes that mobile banking services are at its infancy where a lot of efforts are required to further develop this technology in Indian banking sector. Customers do not prefer mobiles for banking services due to high charges, slow data transmission and insecurity. The paper suggests improving the technology and spreading awareness among thea masses.


Some EU citizens living in Britain who decided to seek permanent residency after the Brexit vote are being told to make arrangements to leave. A number of these people are among the 31,000 EU academics currently working in UK universities. Colin Talbot says many are alarmed and some have already decided to leave – putting the expertise of Britain's universities in serious jeopardy.


Potential health relevant indoor exposures are volatile organic compounds (VOC) which are particularly high after renovation activities. Objectives: The main aim is the determination of the concentration-time-curve after renovation, and from that the derivation of the time span which has to be waited for until the indoor pollution reaches a reference level. Methods: 26 VOC are selected as part of a VOC-panel which is usually measured to characterize the quality of the indoor air. The decrease in the concentrations after renovations was assessed under real-life situations. Within the first 30 days after renovation VOC were active sampled on 11 different days. As part of an epidemiologic study, the same VOC were passively sampled monthly in 243 homes. GCMS was used to determine the VOC-concentration. An exponential function was used to interpret the concentration decay. Results: The average time range which has to elapse following renovation before a guideline or reference value is reached was between 2 and 8 weeks dependent on the underlying reference value. Conclusions: From the point of prevention this waiting time should at least be applicable to public buildings, and institutions (especially relevant in cases of nurseries, playschools etc.) and in the end to private homes as well to avoid negative health or well being consequences.


A continuous closed-loop insulin delivery system using subcutaneous insulin delivery was evaluated in eight diabetic canines. Continuous glucose profiles were obtained by extrapolation of blood glucose measurements. Insulin delivery rate was calculated, using a model of β-cell insulin secretion, and delivered with a Medtronic MiniMed subcutaneous infusion pump. The model acts like a classic proportional-integral-derivative controller, delivering insulin in proportion to glucose above target, history of past glucose values, and glucose rate of change. For each dog, a proportional gain was set relative to the open-loop total daily dose (TDD) of insulin. Additional gains based on 0.5 × TDD and 1.5 × TDD were also evaluated (gain dose response). Control was initiated 4 h before the meal with a target of 6.7 mmol/l. At the time of the meal, glucose was similar for all three gains (6.0 ± 0.3, 5.2 ± 0.3, and 4.9 ± 0.5 mmol/l for 0.5 × TDD, TDD, and 1.5 × TDD, respectively; P > 0.05) with near-target values restored at the end of experiments (8.2 ± 0.9, 6.0 ± 0.6, and 6.0 ± 0.5, respectively). The peak postprandial glucose level decreased significantly with increasing gain (12.1 ± 0.6, 9.6 ± 1.0, and 8.5 ± 0.6 mmol/l, respectively; P < 0.05). The data demonstrate that closed-loop insulin delivery using the subcutaneous site can provide stable glycemic control within a range of gain.


OBJECTIVE
To examine whether benefit finding was associated with better adjustment among adolescents with diabetes by buffering negative affective reactions to diabetes stress and by promoting positive affective reactions.

DESIGN
Early adolescents aged 10-14 with Type 1 diabetes (n = 252) described recent diabetes stressors, affective reactions, and perceived coping effectiveness. They also completed measures of benefit finding, depressive symptoms, and adherence. Metabolic control (i.e., HbA1c) was obtained from medical records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
The main outcome measures were perceived coping effectiveness, depressive symptoms, adherence, and HbA1c.

RESULTS
Benefit finding was associated with lower depressive symptoms, higher perceived coping effectiveness and better adherence, and with higher positive as well as negative affective reactions to diabetes stress. Benefit finding interacted with negative affective reactions to predict depressive symptoms and HbA1c. Negative affective reactions to stress were associated with poorer adjustment among those with low benefit finding, but were unrelated or more weakly related to poor adjustment among those with high benefit finding. Positive affective reactions did not mediate associations between benefit finding and any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS
Consistent with a stress-buffering process, benefit finding may be a resource that buffers the disruptive aspects of negative affective reactions to stress for adolescents' diabetes management.


Building on the exploration–exploitation–ambidexterity perspective as a broad theoretical framework, the overall objective of this chapter is to contribute to a better understanding of the impact that different mixes of organizational forms have on performance in a retail setting. Four organizational forms are considered: (1) the plural form; (2) the dual form associating company-owned stores and shop-in-shops; (3) the dual form associating franchised stores and shop-in-shops; and, finally, (4) the combined form associating company-owned stores, franchised stores and shop-in-shops. These organizational design–performance relationships are tested on a sample of 170 French fashion retail networks. The results show that (1) none of the pure or dual forms tended to generate better financial performance than any other; (2) combining company-owned units, franchised units and shop-in-shops tends to generate better financial performance compared to dual and pure forms, up to a certain point.


Electrical detection of nucleic acid amplification through pH changes associated with nucleotide addition enables miniaturization, greater portability of testing apparatus, and reduced costs. However, current ion-sensitive field effect transistor methods for sensing nucleic acid amplification rely on establishing the fluid gate potential with a bulky, difficult to microfabricate reference electrode that limits the potential for massively parallel reaction detection. Here we demonstrate a novel method of utilizing a microfabricated solid-state quasi-reference electrode (QRE) paired with a pH-insensitive reference field effect transistor (REFET) for detection of real-time pH changes. The end result is a 0.18 μm, silicon-on-insulator, foundry-fabricated sensor that utilizes a platinum QRE to establish a pH-sensitive fluid gate potential and a PVC membrane REFET to enable pH detection of loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). This technique is highly amendable to commercial scale-up, reduces the packaging and fabrication requirements for ISFET pH detection, and enables massively parallel droplet interrogation for applications, such as monitoring reaction progression in digital PCR.


The primary goal of universities is to teach, provide community service, and conduct research. Empirical evidence has shown that innovative research can best be conducted with the aid of ICT. This study therefore, examines factors affecting the use of ICT for tertiary education and research for development among UNISWA students in the Faculty of Agriculture. Stratified random sampling technique was employed to select 113 UNISWA undergraduate and postgraduate students from whom data were obtained using structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and Tobit regression model were used to analyse the data. The results revealed that the radio and television, audio-graphic, email, computer file transfer and multimedia products were the main ICT facilities available. Accessing research and relevant materials online and the use of ICT in improving efficiency of communication among students and lecturers were ranked high by the respondents. Weak wireless services and unemployment were the greatest challenges to the use of ICT facilities by students. Estimated Tobit regression results revealed that availability, accessibility and necessity for ICT facilities significantly influenced their use for learning and research among the undergraduate students while family size, availability, necessity and proficiency were the main factors affecting the use of ICT facilities among the postgraduate students. In order to encourage the use of ICT among UNISWA students, the study is therefore recommending that (i) The university authorities should make ICT facilities available and accessible to all categories of students, (ii) Departments should incorporate the use of ICT facilities into their curriculum, and (iii) lecturers should give ICT based assignments and use ICT-based teaching methods.


A series of epimers and deoxy derivatives of castanospermine has been synthesized to investigate the contribution of the different chiral centres to the specificity and potency of inhibition of human liver glycosidases. Castanospermine inhibits all forms of alpha- and beta-D-glucosidases, but alteration to any of the five chiral centres in castanospermine markedly decreases the inhibition. 6-Epicastanospermine, which is related to D-pyranomannose in the same way as castanospermine is to D-pyranoglucose, does not inhibit lysosomal (acidic) alpha-mannosidase, but is a good inhibitor of the cytosolic or neutral alpha-mannosidase. Conversely, 1-deoxy-6-epicastanospermine inhibits acidic alpha-mannosidase strongly, but not the neutral alpha-mannosidase. An explanation of this different inhibition based on preferential recognition of different configurations of mannose by the different forms of alpha-mannosidase is postulated. All derivatives of 6-epicastanospermine also have the minimum structural feature for the inhibition of alpha-L-fucosidase, but those with a beta-anomeric substituent do not inhibit the enzyme, or do so very weakly. 1-Deoxy-6,8a-diepicastanospermine, which has four chiral centres identical with alpha-L-fucose, is, however, a potent inhibitor of alpha-L-fucosidase (Ki 1.3 microM).


Introduction: Given the rise in dementia prevalence, primary care dementia workload is inevitably increasing. Caring for people with dementia is demanding and it requires ongoing specialist training (1), yet many health and social care staff in contact with people with dementia in Ireland lack specialist dementia knowledge and are less likely to have received specialist training in comparison to health professionals based in nursing homes (2, 3). The Irish National Dementia Strategy (4) prioritizes the need for dementia specific training to broaden the skills base of primary care health professionals. The overall aim of the Primary Care Education, Pathways and Research of Dementia (PREPARED) program is to deliver and evaluate training, education and support interventions for general practitioners (GPs) and Primary Care Teams (PCTs) that will contribute to patients receiving an integrated, collaborative dementia care response from a prepared, proactive local primary care network. Practice Change: The specific aims of the PCT component of PREPARED are to develop, test and implement a dementia educational workshop for PCTs around collaborative and integrated dementia care. The workshop content is suitable for all primary care clinicians and health professionals who provide care and support to people with dementia and their families in the community. The workshop has been peer reviewed and will be piloted in 2 sites in December and early January 2017, following which it will be rolled out nationally. The training reflects the priorities within the NDS, draws on the principles of the widely used Chronic Care Model (5) and is grounded in the day-to-day needs of patients and PCT members. Successful implementation depends on behaviour change underpinned by increased understanding of dementia and improved outcomes for people with dementia and their families through integrated care practice. The PCT workshop has been developed to achieve change on the basis of an evaluation of current education and support needs among health professionals delivering dementia care within primary care settings. Program Highlights: The impact of the PCT workshop will be evaluated against the following outcomes: (a) increased knowledge of the characteristics of dementia, (b) increased knowledge of how best to support those living with dementia, (c) increased understanding of PCT roles and responsibilities involved in providing integrated dementia care, and (d) increased skill regarding PCT collaboration and inter-professional communication. Researchers from Dublin City University will carry out a comprehensive outcomes and process evaluation of the program guided by the Medical Research Council UK framework for the evaluation of complex interventions (6, 7). Conclusions: The evaluation results will be used to determine level of programme success, why it works and how it can be optimised, and why less successful or unexpected outcomes occurred. Findings will also be used to make recommendations for the subsequent operation and national rollout of the program. The PREPARED PCT Training has the potential to contribute to the impact assessment of collaborative educational interventions on dementia care in Ireland, making it an exemplar for other chronic disease management pathways. References: 1- Brooker D. Person-centred dementia care: making services better. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers; 2007. 2- de siun A, Manning M. National dementia project: Dementia education needs analysis report. Ireland: Health Service Executive; 2010. 3- Farrell A, Cahill S, Burke S. Rural practice, dementia and CMHN activity.  Partnerships in Community Mental Health Nursing and Dementia Care: Practice Perspectives2007. p. 142. 4- Department of Health. The Irish National Dementia Strategy. 2014. 5- Bodenheimer T, Wagner EH, Grumbach K. Improving primary care for patients with chronic illness: the chronic care model, Part 2. Jama. 2002;288(15):1909-14. 6- Craig P, Dieppe P, Macintyre S, Michie S, Nazareth I, Petticrew M, et al. Developing and evaluating complex interventions: the new Medical Research Council guidance. BMJ. 2008;337:a1655. 7- Moore GF, Audrey S, Barker M, Bond L, Bonell C, Hardeman W, et al. Process evaluation of complex interventions: Medical Research Council guidance. BMJ. 2015;350:h1258.


George's essay responds to Siba Grovogui's book Beyond Eurocentrism and Anarchy. It discusses some implications deriving from Grovogui's critique of international relations discourse from the vantage point of postcolonial literary and cultural criticism. It also explores theoretical directions that the book opens up, specifically as these may enrich interdisciplinary conversations in African studies. Of particular concern is the possibility of moving beyond postcolonial theory's founding critique of area studies scholarship. Beyond theory's critique of the geopolitics of utilitarian knowledge production, George asks, how might Africanist literary studies reengage area studies in ways that enrich both disciplines without subordinating the priorities of postcolonial humanities scholarship?


Fluorescence stopped-flow experiments were performed to elucidate the elementary steps of the ATPase mechanism of scallop heavy meromyosin in the presence and in the absence of Ca2+. ATP binding and hydrolysis, as monitored by the change in tryptophan fluorescence, appear to be Ca2+-insensitive, whereas both Pi release and ADP release are markedly suppressed in the absence of Ca2+. Rate constants for Pi release are 0.2 s-1 and 0.002 s-1 and for ADP release are 6 s-1 and 0.01 s-1 in the presence and in the absence of Ca2+ respectively. Ca2+ binding to the specific site of the regulatory domain is rapid and its release occurs at 25 s-1, consistent with the time scale of a twitch of the striated adductor muscle. Nucleotide binding is a multi-step process requiring a minimum of three states. In such a model Ca2+ controls the rate of conformational changes at the active site in both the forward and the reverse direction, leading to a large dependence of the rate of nucleotide release, but a lesser effect on the overall equilibrium position. The kinetic trapping of nucleotides and Pi at the active site, in the absence of Ca2+, appears to be a fundamental step in suppressing the interaction of the myosin head with the thin filaments in relaxed molluscan muscle.


The effect of the antitumor antibiotic bruneomycin on antibody formation in response to immunization with sheep red blood cells and E. coli lipopolysaccharide was studied on mice. Marked suppression of the primary immune response following parenteral injection of the antibiotic before antigen stimulation and activation of antibody genesis due to oral administration of the drug in doses of 1 to 2 mg/kg was observed. An increase in the absolute and relative numbers of the antibody forming cells (AFC) in the spleen after the antibiotic oral administration in spite of a lowered total number of lymphocytes in it suggested that the AFC precursors (B-lymphocytes) were resistant to bruneomycin.


OBJECTIVE: Blunt thoracic aortic injury is the second most common cause of death in trauma patients. Traumatic aortic injury is an emergency that patients will face death soonly, even there is no enough time to transport the patient to the hospital. In our center, all patients were treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). We retrospectively analyze the therapeutic effects of TEVAR of blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) to get some inspiration for the follow-up treatment and provide valuable guidance. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed our institutional database to identify all patients treated with TEVAR for traumatic lesions of the aortic isthmus. We have identified 22 patients since 2017. Patients' charts were analyzed for preoperative characteristics and intraoperative variables. RESULTS: Forty-six patients were included. The median age was 56 years (23–79 years). Sixteen patients were male (73%). Most of them were graded III/IV of aortic injury. All patients were undergone endovascular treatment successfully. Six of 22 patients, showing no chest pain before admission, were presented with classic type B aortic dissection. Moreover, one patient was presented with thoracoabdominal dissection. Emergency surgery (<24 h) was performed in seven patients (32%) who experienced life-threatening injury resulting in hemorrhagic shock and hematoma formation in the mediastinum. All patients were discharged smoothly with no residual symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic dissection reduces the mortality rate of these patients who cannot tolerate traditional open surgery. According to our experience, patients who presented with simple pseudoaneurysm in enhanced computed tomography were more stable. Therefore, a postponed operation could be recommended after symptomatically hypotensive management. However, emergency surgery was necessary if patients presented with obviously mediastinal hematoma, especially progressive pleural effusion, which could result in hematoma rupture and death.


Taranjebin Manna, a rare specific gum exudate from Fabaceae genera (Alhagi), screened for selenium content.These were from some 90 samples complied into 14 bulk samples, representing three regional centres of Iran.Previous multidisciplinary studies had suggested selenium in an exudate chemical species context was the likelyactive component. The present study supports this contention and explains Taranjebin Manna's very high ethno-medical demand in Iran, and for its export. Several proposed biochemical hypotheses introduced here supportselenium as the active constituent in context of Manna's glycoprotein content. Research into Manna selenopolysaccharides and selenoglycoproteins is likely to reveal novel compounds of high medical interest. It is arguedTaranjebin Manna ethno-medical indication for neonatal hyper-bilirubinemia and thyroid issues is related to theseselenium compounds. The mean content of selenium was consistently very high, averaging 492 mg Se/100 g (dryweight of Manna) in the range of 482 to 513 mg Se/100 g. As a result, important traditional medical Manna efficacyis inferred from these findings. Possible reason for this hyper-accumulation was investigated by conducting a reviewof selenium geogenic factors and Investigation into Taranjebin Manna's distribution. This concluded biogeochemicalfactors such as specific local geogenic conditions combined with specific geological terrains contributed to Mannaselenium mobility within specific Alhagi genera species, Apersarum boiss, A. bushe and A. mannifera DesfClimatic,biological and geogenic-geological factors all contribute to high content of selenium in Taranjebin.


This paper investigates how variations in sediment supply, grain size distribution and climate change affect channel morphology and flood inundation in the Nakkhu River, Kathmandu, Nepal. Climate change‐induced extreme rainfall is expected to increase flood intensity and frequency, causing severe flooding in the Kathmandu basin. The upper reaches of the Nakkhu River are susceptible to landslides and have been impacted by large‐scale sand mining. We simulate potential erosion and deposition scenarios along a 14 km reach of the Nakkhu River using the landscape evolution model CAESAR‐Lisflood with a 10 m digital elevation model, field‐derived sediment grain size data, daily discharge records and flood forecast models. In a series of numerical experiments, we compare riverbed profiles, cross‐sections, flood extent and flow depths for three scenarios (1.2‐, 85‐ and 1000‐year return period floods). For each scenario, the model is first run without sediment transport and then with sediment transport for three grain size distributions (GSDs) (observed average, finer and coarser). In all cases, the inclusion of sediment led to predicted floods of a larger extent than estimated without sediment. The sediment grain size distribution was found to have a significant influence on predicted river morphology and flood inundation, especially for lower magnitude, higher probability flood events. The results emphasise the importance of including sediment transport in hydrological models when predicting flood inundation in sediment‐rich rivers such as those in and around the Himalaya.


Abstract The description of a problem in branching structures, such as fault trees and influence diagrams, can be helpful in estimating the contribution of possible causes to a problem. Previous research on the use of branching structures focused on the impact of omissions in the problem structure. Findings indicated that subjects tend to overestimate the importance of the branches they saw, and to underestimate the "catch all" category. The present study investigates the impact of replacing a factor by a number of subcategories belonging to this factor. Findings indicate that effects of these variations in the problem description are similar to the effects of omissions in the description, i.e., replacing a factor by a number of subcategories elevates the estimated contribution for the overall factor. The present study also investigates the effects on estimates of two related corrective techniques: generating additional (sub)categories and providing subjects with additional (sub)categories. The effects of the problem description were, however, not eliminated by providing subjects with additional information about the problem and by making the content of the factors more available by generating subcategories. Generating additional factors reduced the underestimation of the catch all category but this reduction was more pronounced if subjects also rated these self-generated factors. It is argued that availability defined as "ease of retrieval" is not sufficient to eliminate judgmental biases. Results indicate clear effects of availability based on "presence in the environment" and clear effects of anchoring and adjustment; each seems to explain part of the effects of the problem description on judgment.


In social science research there are a number of instruments that utilize a rating scale such as a Likert response scale. For a number of reasons a respondent's response vector may not contain responses to each item. This study investigated the effect on a respondent's location estimate when a respondent is presented an item, has ample time to answer the item, but decides to not respond to the item. For these situations different strategies have been developed for handling missing data. In this study, four different approaches for handling missing data were investigated for their capability to mitigate against the effect of omitted responses on person location estimation. These methods included ignoring the omitted response, selecting the "midpoint" response category, hot-decking, and a Likelihood-based approach. A Monte Carlo study was performed and the effect of different levels of omissions on the simulees' location estimates was determined. Results showed that the hot-decking procedure performed the best of methods examined. Implications for practitioners were discussed.


This comprehensive and thought-provoking Handbook reviews public sector economics from pluralist perspectives that either complement or reach beyond mainstream views. The book takes a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach, drawing on economic elements in the fields of philosophy, sociology, psychology, history and law.


Office design plays an important role for employees' productivity. Unfortunately many organizations neglected the importance of evolving workspace into new environments that was more convenient to increase the employees' productivity. Thus the purpose of this study was to know the level of employees' productivity in the present population (MiCoST). Next, to prove whether there are any relationship between employees productivity or not and to know which factor most influencing to the employees' productivity. All the analysis on the effect of office design towards employee productivity will present in this study. The research focused on four variables furniture, noise, lighting and spatial arrangement and investigate its relationship towards employee productivity. In this study, there are 144 population and 103 sample size of employees'.120 sets of questionnaire had been distributed among the employees using convenient sampling method. Findings of this research shows that, the level of employee productivity were high. All four variable, noise, lighting, furniture and spatial arrangement have high mean score as well. Next, the correlations analysis, highlights all the factors of office are significant, strong and positive correlation with employee's productivity. Next, R square for this study was 0.584 showed that independent variable in this study only give 58.4%. While, for the most influencing factors in this study were, spatial arrangement which had the highest value of beta coefficient. (0.423). To conclude, it showed that, office design plays an important roles to ease employees daily task and boost their productivity.


The United States Constitution commits the United States to a common market system, yet, unfortunately, the nature and scope of the American common market have been incompletely—and, at times, inconsistently—described by the U.S. Supreme Court. This Article provides an original, theoretical account of the Court's commitment to national economic union. As I argue, the central constitutional commitment is one of deliberative equality—that is, states and localities may regulate or tax interstate commerce if and only if the government gives equal regard to similarly situated in-state and out-of-state interests burdened by the regulation or tax. Deliberative equality provides a powerful normative justification for the judicial review of state measures that inhibit interstate trade. Yet, at the same time, deliberative equality provides ample room for states to respond to public policy issues in divergent ways consistent with the desires of the local citizenry. In this way, deliberative equality offers a superior theoretical foundation than alternative theories embraced by the Court, which overemphasize either free trade or state regulatory autonomy. The relative superiority of deliberative equality and the defects in the alternative approaches are both illustrated by the Supreme Court's recent decisions involving the states' power to regulate commerce, which inject further confusion into an area already in need of analytical clarity.


The synthesis of poly(diallyldimethylammonium)-b-polystyrene di- and triblock ABA copolymers was investigated by Macromolecular Design by Interchange of Xanthate/Reversible-Addition Fragmentation Transfer (MADIX/RAFT) using Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (PISA) conditions. A diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) monomer was firstly polymerized in water using a mono- or difunctional MADIX agent at 60 °C with a water-soluble azo initiator. Then, PISA was implemented using poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) as a cationic macromolecular chain transfer agent and styrene for the emulsion phase, leading to latexes made of di- or triblock copolymers. After anion exchange between the chloride and bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide, the corresponding poly(ionic liquid)-b-polystyrene copolymers were obtained. The block copolymers were mixed with an ionic liquid electrolyte commonly used in sodium batteries composed of a mixture of a propyl-N-methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide ionic liquid and a sodium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt. After casting, self-standing ionogel membranes were obtained. Compared to diblock copolymers, triblock copolymers showed the best self-standing properties, which may be related to the physical cross-linking of the two external polystyrene blocks. Interestingly, the ionogels based on triblock copolymers showed superior ionic conductivity values to previous electrolytes using homopoly(ionic liquid) matrices.


: Purpose: The market for sports nutrition, vitamins and supplements is rapidly growing especially online. This study focuses on ways to explore service failures and service recovery strategies of students buying online sports nutrition products and supplements during the COIVD-19 crisis. The objective of this study is to contribute to the research in the field of service marketing and develop and understand how a customer evaluate the respond of an online sports nutrition and supplements retailer to a service failure and how the perception of justice affects the level of satisfaction. Design/Methodology/Approach: The goal is met through an extensive literature review and the implementation of practical research. With 155 completed responses from students from eight different universities in CEE and SEE a web-based survey was conducted. Findings: There a strong evidence of a relationship between a higher effort of the customer and writing a negative online review. Online retailers putting (very) much effort into the situation are not confronted with shoppers writing either a negative or a review in general. Practical Implications: This research argues for strengthening customer service and a high involvement of customer service managers. Originality Value: This is a first paper which has analysed the service failures during the Covid-19 crisis.


During the last decade, a computing paradigm known as "grid" computing has seen a surge in research activity. Drawing inspiration from the electrical power grid, this paradigm is an approach to high-performance computing that seeks to serve a large number of users from multiple, geographically distinct computing centers. As grids exist today, users are competing for overcommitted resources. Without a well-designed mechanism to mediate the competing interests of users, the outcome can be chaotic and inefficient. Additionally, scheduling decisions are made based on user-submitted metadata, data that can be manipulated to increase a user's share of resources.
This dissertation explores the efficacy of auction-based schedulers as a means for mediating these competing interests. In particular, the use of auctions to incentivize honest disclosure of job metadata is investigated. We investigate this problem in the context of best-effort batch queues and reservation systems.


How much do individuals, compared to the population, know about the distribution of values in the world? Participants reported the prices of consumer goods such as watches and belts and we compared how accurately individuals vs. the overall population knew the mean and dispersion of prices. Although individuals and the population both knew objects' average prices and relative standard deviations, the population was more sensitive to the absolute standard deviation of prices. In a second experiment, we examined whether individuals' impoverished distribution knowledge impairs their ability to interpret advertisements. Consistent with people using Bayesian inference, the higher an object's actual price dispersion, the more participants relied on advertisements; however, this effect is considerably smaller than a simple proportional offset, suggesting again that individuals underestimate dispersion. Thus, despite having a sense of the distribution of real world quantities, individuals tend to know only a fraction of the world distribution.


perspective. There is moreover a certain timeliness to the book in view of Senator John F. Kennedy's covetous eye on the White House. One may wonder at Huthmacher's characterization of his period aB one of transition "from a rock-bound Republican stronghold to a Democratic state." (p. 260) It would seem more likely that the period was a transition from Republican dominance to two party politics as indeed his own data on electoral trends after 1932 tend to bear out (e.g., after the high tide of the New Deal had passed, Republicans won three of six gubernatorial elections down to 1952). One may wish too that he had dug more deeply into the factional systems of both parties. Factional systems are important in Massachusetts particularly because the two parties differ so much in the relative effectiveness of the leadership groups. To be sure he does chart the collisions of dominant leaders, but one keeps wishing he had done for this phase of political evolution what he did for ethnic influences. But this is to ask that he write a different book from the one he chose to write. What he set out to do, he did with excellence.—DUANE LOCKABD, Connecticut College.


This paper proposes a design method to coordinate dual-channel supplementary damping controllers (SDCs) of doubly-fed induction generators (DFIGs) and power system stabilizers (PSSs) for suppression of inter-area power oscillations. A dynamic performance index is introduced to measure the dynamics of the conventional synchronous generator and DFIG during the  damping control process. Hence, the proposed method designing the PSS and SDC is formulated as an optimization problem with the objective function being the sum of weighted performance indexes and the constraints indicating the requirements on the damping of the inter-area modes. Solving the optimization problem can obtain the optimal SDC and PSS, which can meet the required damping results as well as optimize dynamics of the controlled plants. Moreover, by adjusting weights in the objective function, the damping control burden can be flexibly and feasibly allocated between active and reactive power channels of DFIGs or among the damping controllers. Simulations with the modified New England and New York interconnected system prove that the proposed optimization based tuning method can not only robustly coordinate the PSS and SDC to effectively damp inter-area oscillations but also improve the dynamics of controlled plants during the damping control process over different operating conditions.


The primary objective of this paper is the consideration of the hypothesis that cash cropping has a negative impact on food consumption. An adequate consideration of this first hypothesis leads the analyst to scrutinize the diametrically opposing viewpoint as well. This second viewpoint is based on the conviction that nutritional problems will be overcome within the general process of economic development and that market specialization and integration are essential factors in that development process. The establishment of these two extreme hypotheses, these two "strawmen," will provide a framework within which a number of other objectives can be considered. In the order in which they are treated, they are: (1) The clarification of the "role" of nutrition in economic development; (2) The identification and evaluation of the broad range of factors beyond market integration which influence nutritional status; (3) The identification of the mechanisms by which the spread of cash crops affects food consumption and an analysis of the empirical record in this area; and (4) The examination at the household level of the relationship between food consumption goals and other family goals.


The purpose of this review and meta‐analysis was to evaluate overweight and obesity as risk factors for urinary incontinence in young to mid‐aged women. Understanding these relationships during this life stage is important as early onset increases the risk for developing severe and persistent incontinence. A systematic search resulted in 497 citations, 14 of which were retained for review. Data were analysed by overweight and obesity and by subtype of urinary incontinence – stress, urge, mixed and severe. When compared with 'normal' body mass index, overweight was associated with a one‐third increase in risk of urinary incontinence (relative risk = 1.35, 95% confidence interval = 1.20–1.53), while the risk was doubled in women with obesity (relative risk = 1.95, 95% confidence interval = 1.58–2.42). When estimates were pooled according to urinary incontinence subtype, there was no statistical difference in risk. Overweight and obesity are strong predictors of urinary incontinence, with a significantly greater risk observed for obesity. Clinical advice to young women at risk of, or presenting with, obesity should not be limited to metabolic health only but should emphasize the role of excess weight on pelvic floor weakening and subsequent risk of incontinence.


Bulky terphenyl carboxylates and related benzyl-substituted benzoates have been used to assemble a variety of new diiron complexes analogous to nonheme diiron protein active sites. Through this conceptually simple approach, novel biomimetic structures have been accessed and biologically relevant oxidized intermediates and products have been isolated and characterized by both spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic methods. Interesting similarities and differences in the observed chemistry of the iron(II) complexes, including ligand substitution and dioxygen activation reactions, result from variation of the specific carboxylate and accompanying N-donor ligand structures. As a result, new insights have been obtained into structure/function relationships in carboxylate-rich nonheme diiron proteins.


The principles of the Scanora multimodal radiography system are described. This self-contained unit of X-ray generator, patient chair, and imaging elements incorporates the two basic principles of narrow beam radiography and spiral tomography. Conventional panoramic images or magnified images of the dentition can be produced. In orthodontics, the application of spiral tomography in order to obtain cross sectional images has proved helpful in the assessment of a number of patients. Four cases are reported in which the images obtained using this system has substantially contributed to their management.


We report the engineering of spin-hedgehog crystals in thin films of the chiral magnet MnGe by tailoring the magnetic anisotropy. As evidenced by neutron scattering on films with different thicknesses and by varying a magnetic field, we can realize continuously deformable spin-hedgehog crystals, each of which is described as a superposition state of a different set of three spin spirals (a triple-q state). The directions of the three propagation vectors q vary systematically, gathering from the three orthogonal directions towards the film normal as the strength of the uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and/or the magnetic field applied along the film normal increase. The formation of triple-q states coincides with the onset of topological Hall signals, that are ascribed to skew scattering by an emergent magnetic field originating in the nontrivial topology of spin hedgehogs. These findings highlight how nanoengineering of chiral magnets makes possible the rational design of unique topological spin textures.


Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have been proven a significant impact on learners and their achievements. In this paper, because there is a need for more investigation about MOOCs, the researcher introduced two themes, which are completion rate in MOOCs and learners in MOOCs. Completion rates in MOOCs are low comparing to the enrolment rates, and moreover, the learners have various characteristics that affect their interactions with MOOCs. Hopefully, this paper has served to enrich some aspects of MOOCs and discuss the increasing of MOOCs value.


We develop a heterogeneous-firms model with trade in goods, labor mobility and credit constraints due to moral hazard. Mitigating financial frictions reduces the incentive of high-skilled workers to migrate to one region such that an unequal distribution of industrial activity becomes less likely. Hence, financial market development has opposite regional implications as trade liberalization. While the former leads to more dispersion of economic activity across space, the latter tends to drive clustering. We provide empirical evidence for this hypothesis by combining industry-region variation in the spatial concentration of economic activity with information on the access to credit and the dependence on external finance. Our estimates for 20 European countries and eleven industries confirm that financial market development mitigates the clustering of economic activity.


It is becoming increasingly important to mitigate the effects of blasts by accidents or terrorist-campaigns on the structures. The explosive loading may result in large deformation of structural components thus endangering overall safety of the structure. Sometimes local failure of column(s) may cause disproportionate or progressive collapse of the structure if the beams and slab system in the affected zone does not offer sufficient tie strength to redistribute the loads. In the present paper, steel moment frames (SMF) of different plan shapes such as square, T and L are subjected to blast loading. The frames have been designed to resist gravity and seismic loads, but not blast loads or vehicle-bomb impacts. The blast loading with different parameters viz. charge weight and standoff distance, and position relative to the structure is considered. The blast loads are computed using empirical relations and charts available in the literature for determining coefficient of reflection. The blast loads are applied on the frames followed by conducting nonlinear static analysis. The probabilities of failure of SMFs due to the blast loading are investigated and the effect of uncertainties in blast parameters is assessed by plotting blast fragility curves. Sensitivity of fragility curves is also studied. Probabilistic analysis is carried out using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Few remedies to protect steel frames vulnerable to progressive collapse are discussed.


On the basis of recent reports that keigai-rengyo-to (TJ-50), an oral Japanese Kampo (herb) medicine, is clinically effective in treating acne, and that tetracyclines are effective against acne by acting directly as an antioxidant on infiltrated neutrophils, we investigated the effect of TJ-50 on the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), using human neutrophils and a cell-free, xanthine-xanthine oxidase system. The species investigated were superoxide radical anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radical (OH·). In addition, neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis and calcium concentration, [Ca2+]i in neutrophils were also assessed. TJ-50 significantly decreased neutrophil-generated O2-, H2O2 and OH· in a dose-dependent manner. Three kinds of ROS generated in the cell-free system were also reduced in the presence of TJ-50. On the other hand, the medicine did not markedly affect neutrophil chemotaxis, phagocytosis or [Ca2+]i in neutrophils. Our results indicate that the clinical effectiveness of TJ-50 in the treatment of acne may be due partly to its antioxidant action on infiltrated neutrophils.


ABSTRACT The transcription and splicing of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) mRNA in primary blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) and CD4+ peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) were compared to determine whether any differences might account for the slower noncytopathic infection of cells of the macrophage lineage. The expression of regulatory mRNAs during acute infection of MDM was delayed by about 12 h compared to that of PBL. In each cell type, an increase in spliced viral mRNAs slightly preceded virus production from the culture. Following the peak of productive infection, there was a proportional decrease in the expression of all regulatory mRNAs detected in PBL. In MDM, a dramatic additional decrease specifically in the tat mRNA species heralded a reduction in virus production. This decline in tat mRNA was reflected by a concomitant decrease in Tat activity in the cells and occurred with the same kinetics irrespective of the age of the cells when infected. Addition of exogenous Tat protein elicited a burst of virus production from persistently infected MDM, suggesting that the decrease in virus production from the cultures is a consequence of the reduction in tat mRNA levels. Our results show that modulation of HIV-1 mRNAs in macrophages during long-term infection, which is dependent on the period of infection rather than cell differentiation or maturation, results in a selective reduction of Tat protein levels at the commencement of a persistent, less productive phase of infection. Determination of the mechanism of this mRNA modulation may lead to novel targets for control of replication in these important viral reservoirs.


Background: Stability Indicating Method (SIM) is a quantitative analytical procedure used to detect a decrease in the amount of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) present due to degradation. According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, an SIM is defined as a validated analytical procedure that accurately and precisely measures active ingredients (drug substance or drug product) free from potential interferences, such as degradation products, process impurities, excipients, or other potential impurities, and the FDA recommends that all assay procedures for stability studies be stability indicating. Here in this study we developed simple precise and accurate stability indicating reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) assay to analyze capsaicin (CAP) at concentrations from 70 to 130 μg/mL. Materials and Methods: HPLC equipped with Photo diode Array (PDA) detector, Pump model 600E of Waters and Empower software. Column used for the separation is ODS (250 × 4.6 mm) with particle size 5 μm and all the reagents and water were of HPLC grade. Results: The chromatographic separation was carried out using mobile phase Acetonitrile (ACN):water:buffer::75:10:15 with a flow rate of 1 mL/min on a C18 column. The concentration of the eluting compounds was monitored by a UV detector at 280 nm. No interferences were observed when stress conditions were applied and analyzed. Linearity was established using visual method, residuals plot, Dixon, and lack of fitness test. Limit of detection and limit of quantification was found to be 52.9 and 160 ng/mL, respectively. Recovery studies prove this method as useful in recovering the analytes. Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of inter- and intraday precision within the acceptable limit of 2% proves that this method is precise. No degradation was found with alkaline conditions, thermal and photodegradation. Conclusions: This study can be used for successful separation of CAP and its potential degradants in bulk and formulations. UV spectra of one of the degradants are also presented here and can be the basis to generate chemistry of potential degradants when CAP is kept under environmental conditions.


Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of disability and mortality. Caring for patients with COPD, particularly those with advanced disease who experience frequent exacerbations, places a significant burden on health care budgets, and there is a global need to reduce the financial and personal burden of COPD. Evolving scientific evidence on the natural history and clinical course of COPD has fuelled a fundamental shift in our approach to the disease. The emergence of data highlighting the heterogeneity in rate of lung function decline has altered our perception of disease progression in COPD and our understanding of appropriate strategies for the management of stable disease. These data have demonstrated that early, effective, and prolonged bronchodilation has the potential to slow the rate of decline in lung function and to reduce the frequency of exacerbations that contribute to functional decline. The goals of therapy for COPD are no longer confined to controlling symptoms, reducing exacerbations, and maintaining quality of life, and slowing disease progression is now becoming an achievable aim. A challenge for the future will be to capitalize on these observations by improving the identification and diagnosis of patients with COPD early in the course of their disease, so that effective interventions can be introduced before the more advanced, disabling, and costly stages of the disease. Here we critically review emerging data that underpin the advances in our understanding of the clinical course and management of COPD, and evaluate both current and emerging pharmacologic options for effective maintenance treatment.


Understanding the determinants of species' niche breadth is important due to the negative relationship between niche breadth and extinction probability. Species tolerant to extremely harsh abiotic conditions (e.g. low pH or hypoxia) often have relatively small realised niches due to a trade-off between abiotic and biotic stress tolerance, and are therefore particularly vulnerable to extinction. We hypothesised that tolerance to multiple extreme conditions (e.g. low pH, hypoxia and drought) in brown mudfish Neochanna apoda, would increase their realised niche breadth because each extreme would provide additive refuge against a dominant species, the banded kokopu Galaxias fasciatus. Fish distributions were surveyed in 65 peat-swamp-forest streams and pools in New Zealand, which varied in dissolved oxygen, acidity and hydroperiod. Mudfish distribution was extremely patchy, and almost completely allopatric with kokopu. Allopatry was driven mainly by pool hydroperiod; mudfish occupied 88 percent of temporary pools due to their tolerance of habitat drying, whereas kokopu were absent from temporary pools. Within permanent pools, mudfish occurrence was negatively related to pool oxygen and pH, whereas kokopu occurrence was positively related to these conditions. Pool conditions were independently distributed in the landscape, suggesting that each abiotic stressor offered additive refuge for mudfish from kokopu predation/competition. Consequently, the mudfish realised niche breadth depended on the number of abiotic factors driving their allopatry with kokopu. Given the widespread negative relationships between niche breadth and species extinction probabilities, our results indicate that tolerance to multiple stressors may play an important role in insuring species persistence against the multiple drivers of global environmental change.


Background and objective The SPLIT project aims to introduce an interdisciplinary stratified model of care for patients with low back pain. This study aimed to explore the acceptability and identify potential barriers and facilitators regarding the upcoming implementation of this project, based on the general practitioners' and physiotherapists' perceptions. Methods A qualitative study was carried out supported by two focus groups, which were conducted by two researchers. A focus group was carried out with each professional group. One focus group included six general practitioners and the other included six physiotherapists. The focus groups were based on a semi-structured interview schedule, audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results The participants explored aspects related to the acceptability of the SPLIT project, emphasising the satisfactory amount of effort that is expected to be required for its implementation. Potential facilitators to the implementation of the model were identified, such as the participants`motivation. Potential barriers were also explored, with particular emphasis on the challenges related to the change of routine care. Lastly, the need for particular adjustments in the health services was also highlighted. Conclusions This study`s participants highlighted the feasibility and acceptability of the SPLIT project. The identification of potential barriers and facilitators to its implementation also attained major relevance to better prepare the upcoming implementation of this project. The generalizability of findings to the larger population of relevant practitioners is limited, since only two focus groups were carried out. Therefore, this study`s findings should be considered in terms of transferability to contexts that may have some similarities to the context where the study was carried out.


Abstract Context. Since the introduction of fallow deer (Dama dama) to Tasmania in the early 1830s, the management of the species has been conflicted; the species is partially protected as a recreational hunting resource, yet simultaneously recognised as an invasive species because of its environmental impact and the biosecurity risk that it poses. The range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania has evidently increased over the past three decades. In the 1970s, it was estimated that ∼7000–8000 deer were distributed in three distinct subpopulations occupying a region of ∼400 000 ha (generally centred around the original introduction sites). By the early 2000s, the estimated population size had more than tripled to ∼20 000–30 000 deer occupying 2.1 million ha. No study has attempted to predict what further growth in this population is likely. Aims. The purpose of our study was to provide a preliminary estimate of the future population range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania under different management scenarios. Methods. We developed a spatially explicit, deterministic population model for fallow deer in Tasmania, based on estimates of demographic parameters linked to a species distribution model. Spatial variation in abundance was incorporated into the model by setting carrying capacity as a function of climate suitability. Key results. On the basis of a conservative estimate of population growth for the species, and without active management beyond the current policy of hunting and crop protection permits, abundance of fallow deer is estimated to increase substantially in the next 10 years. Uncontrolled, the population could exceed 1 million animals by the middle of the 21st century. This potential increase is a function both of local increase in abundance and extension of range. Conclusions. Our results identify areas at high risk of impact from fallow deer in the near future, including ecologically sensitive areas of Tasmania (e.g. the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area). Implications. The research approach and results are presented as a contribution to debate and decisions about the management of fallow deer in Tasmania. In particular, they provide a considered basis for anticipating future impacts of deer in Tasmania and prioritising management to mitigate impact in ecologically sensitive areas.


Selective experience replay is a popular strategy for integrating lifelong learning with deep reinforcement learning. Selective experience replay aims to recount selected experiences from previous tasks to avoid catastrophic forgetting. Furthermore, selective experience replay based techniques are model agnostic and allow experiences to be shared across different models. However, storing experiences from all previous tasks make lifelong learning using selective experience replay computationally very expensive and impractical as the number of tasks increase. To that end, we propose a reward distribution-preserving coreset compression technique for compressing experience replay buffers stored for selective experience replay. We evaluated the coreset compression technique on the brain tumor segmentation (BRATS) dataset for the task of ventricle localization and on the whole-body MRI for localization of left knee cap, left kidney, right trochanter, left lung, and spleen. The coreset lifelong learning models trained on a sequence of 10 different brain MR imaging environments demonstrated excellent performance localizing the ventricle with a mean pixel error distance of 12.93 for the compression ratio of 10x. In comparison, the conventional lifelong learning model localized the ventricle with a mean pixel distance of 10.87. Similarly, the coreset lifelong learning models trained on whole-body MRI demonstrated no significant difference (p=0.28) between the 10x compressed coreset lifelong learning models and conventional lifelong learning models for all the landmarks. The mean pixel distance for the 10x compressed models across all the landmarks was 25.30, compared to 19.24 for the conventional lifelong learning models. Our results demonstrate that the potential of the coreset-based ERB compression method for compressing experiences without a significant drop in performance.


The HIV-1 gp120 exterior envelope glycoprotein undergoes a series of conformational rearrangements while sequentially interacting with the receptor CD4 and coreceptor CCR5 or CXCR4 on the surface of host cells to initiate virus entry. Both the crystal structures of the HIV-1 gp120 core bound by the CD4 and antigen 17b and the SIV gp120 core pre-bound by CD4 are known. Despite the wealth of knowledge on these static snapshots of molecular conformations,the details of molecular motions involved in conformational transition that are crucial to intervention remain elusive. We presented comprehensive comparative analyses of the dynamics behaviors of the gp120 in its CD4-complexed,CD4-free and CD4-unliganded states based on the homology models with modeled V3 and V4 loops by means of CONCOORD computer simulation to generate ensembles of feasible protein structures that were sub-sequently analysed by essential dynamics analyses to identify preferred concerted motions. The re-vealed collective fluctuations are dominated by complex modes of combinational motions of the rota-tion/twisting,flexing/closure,and shortness/elongation between or within the inner,outer,and bridg-ing-sheet domains,and these modes are related to the CD4 association and HIV neutralization avoid-ance. Further essential subspace overlap analyses were performed to quantitatively distinguish the preference for conformational transitions between the three states,revealing that the unliganded gp120 has a greater potential to translate its conformation into the conformational state adopted by the CD4-complexed gp120 than by the CD4-free gp120,whereas the CD4-free gp120 has a greater potential to translate its conformation into the unliganded state than the CD4-complexed gp120 does. These dynamics data of gp120 in its different conformations are helpful in understanding the relationship between the molecular motion/conformational transition and the function of gp120,and in gp120-structure-based subunit vaccine design.


Abstract Recently, it has been suggested to consider 242mAm as a potential nuclear fuel. This artificial nuclide can be produced through 241Am neutron capture carried on in a neutron field typical of a thermal reactor. In order to suppress the thermal neutron flux, which will cause 242mAm depletion mainly through fission, proper neutron filters should be adopted. In a very intense neutron field, the 242mAm enrichment depends mainly on the energy distribution of the neutrons, the sample thickness, and the cutoff energy of the neutron filter. An investigation on different geometries of the sample to be irradiated using Cd, B, Sm, and Gd as neutron filters has been carried out by means of Monte Carlo simulation. The most favorable results have been obtained irradiating thin 241Am samples (11 μg/cm2) covered with a Gd (0.2-mm-thick) or Sm (1-mm-thick) filter. In these cases the theoretical 242mAm enrichment can reach 20%. The preparation of significant quantities of this unconventional nuclear fuel implies isotopic separation techniques operating in high radioactive environments and hopefully characterized by very high recovery factors, which are in no way trivial problems.


Abstract. The high erosion rates found in the agriculture land make valuable the use of mulches to control the soil and water losses. Coffee husk (Coffea canephora var. robusta) can be one of those mulches. This paper evaluates how to apply the mulch in order to obtain the best effectiveness. An experimental factorial design 4 × 3 × 2 with two replicates was designed in a greenhouse with a total number of 48 cases. All the samples were deposited in trays of 0.51 m2 and applied a simulated rain of 122 mm h−1 during 21 min. The factors examined were the following: four soil classes; three treatments – buried (B), surface (S) and non-residue (C) – and the presence (WC) or absence (WOC) of the soil surface crusting. The coffee husk residue (S and B treatments) reduced runoff by 10.2 and 46% respectively, soil losses by 78.3 and 88.7% and sediment concentration by 77 and 84.4%. The infiltration rate increased on average by 104 and 167%, and time to runoff by 1.58 and 2.07 min respectively. Coffee husk is an efficient mulch to reduce the soil and water losses, although it could not completely cushion the influence of crust.


Objective: To measure the effect on hydration of two regimens, one that included drinking water as part of the dietary beverages and one that did not. Methods: In healthy, sedentary subjects, two different diets were evaluated for their effect on hydration. Trial A provided plain water to drink as part of the beverages served. Trial B omitted plain water from the beverages served. Twenty-seven males, during two three-day confinement periods, consumed one of two diets in a random, crossover and counterbalanced fashion, while diet, physical activity and environment were controlled and monitored. Body weight and 24-hour urine volumes were measured. Pre- and post-trial urine samples and 24-hour urines were assayed for osmolality, specific gravity, chloride, sodium and potassium, and sodium/potassium ratio was calculated. Twenty-four hour creatinine levels were determined. Results: No differences (p > 0.05) were found between trials for body weight or other indicators of hydration status measured. Conclusions: Inclusion of plain drinking water compared to exclusion of plain drinking water in the diet did not affect the markers of hydration used in this study.


Objective A mixed-methods study exploring the UK general public's views towards consent for the use of biosamples for biomedical research. Setting Cross-sectional population-based focus groups followed by an online survey. Participants 12 focus groups (81 participants) selectively sampled to reflect a range of demographic groups; 1110 survey responders recruited through a stratified sampling method with quotas set on sex, age, geographical location, socioeconomic group and ethnicity. Main outcome measures (1) Views on the importance of consent when donating residual biosamples for medical research; (2) preferences for opt-in or opt-out consent approaches and (3) preferences for different consent models. Results Participants believed obtaining consent for use of residual biosamples was important as it was 'morally correct' to ask, and enabled people to make an active choice and retain control over their biosamples. Survey responders preferred opt-in consent (55%); the strongest predictor was being from a low socioeconomic group (OR 2.22, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.57, p=0.001) and having a religious affiliation (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.81, p=0.04). Focus group participants had a slight preference for opt-out consent because by using this approach more biosamples would be available and facilitate research. Concerning preferred models of consent for research use of biosamples, survey responders preferred specific consent with recontact for each study for which their biosamples are eligible. Focus group participants preferred generic consent as it provided 'flexibility for researchers' and reduced the likelihood that biosamples would be wasted. The strongest predictor for preferring specific consent was preferring opt-in consent (OR 4.58, 95% CI 3.30 to 6.35, p=0.015) followed by non-'White' ethnicity (OR 2.94, 95% CI 1.23 to 7.14, p<0.001). Conclusions There is a preference among the UK public for ongoing choice and control over donated biosamples; however, increased knowledge and opportunity for discussion is associated with acceptance of less restrictive consent models for some people.