In the present work, the capabilities of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ADREA-HF to predict deflagration in homogenous, near stoichiometric hydrogen-air mixture in a model of a tunnel were tested. The tunnel is 78.5 m long. Hydrogen-air mixture is located in a 10 m long region in the middle of the tunnel. Two cases are studied: one with a complete empty tunnel and one with the presence of four vehicles near the center of the tunnel. The combustion model is based on the turbulent flame speed concept. The turbulent flame speed is a modification of Yakhot's equation, in order to account for additional physical mechanisms. A sensitivity analysis for the ψ parameter of the combustion model and for the mesh resolution was made for the empty tunnel case.The agreement between experimental and computational results concerning the value of the maximum pressure, and the time it appears, is satisfactory in both cases. The sensitivity analysis for the parameter of the combustion model showed that even small changes in it can have impact on the simulating results, whereas the sensitivity analysis of the mesh resolution did not reveal any significant differences.


Complementary feeding is the process of adding additional foods and nutrients to an infant's milk diet. Advice about the when, the what and the how of introducing complementary foods to infants, varies across European countries, and very little is known about its actual practice. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis was to explore the introduction of complementary foods in two European countries - Italy and the UK - with very different attitudes towards foods, as well as different health care systems. Twenty-three families in Portsmouth, UK, and 23 families in Rome, Italy were visited on three occasions: Visit 1, before the onset of complementary feeding, Visit 2, one week after the introduction of complementary foods and, Visit 3, at 7 months of infant age. Mothers were interviewed about their perceptions and experiences at each visit, and feeding was video-taped at Visits 2 and 3. The feeding process was analysed in terms of maternal feeding style, infant responses and willingness to eat, and mother-infant synchrony. Thematic analysis was conducted on the maternal interviews at Visit 3. Although they were given different advice by health professionals, British and Italian mothers introduced complementary foods at a similar range of infant ages. The age of onset of complementary feeding (early or late) did not influence the willingness of the infant to eat. Both British and Italian infants were introduced to healthy foods (i.e., fruit and vegetables) from the onset of complementary feeding. Contrary to general advice about how to feed infants, interacting with the infant and using distractions during feeding had no implications for infant willingness to eat. Positive child eating habits may be based on a foundation of maternal sensitivity to infant interests and on the creation of dialogue within feeding.


A low temperature (<100 °C), flexible solar cell based on an organic-inorganic hybrid CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite-fullerene planar heterojunction (PHJ) is successfully demonstrated. In this manuscript, we study the effects of energy level offset between a solar absorber (organic-inorganic hybrid CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite) and the selective contact materials on the photovoltaic behaviors of the planar organometallic perovskite-fullerene heterojunction solar cells. We find that the difference between the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level of CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite and the Fermi level of indium-tin-oxide (ITO) dominates the voltage output of the device. ITO films on glass or on the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flexible substrate with different work functions are investigated to illustrate this phenomenon. The higher work function of the PET/ITO substrate decreases the energy loss of hole transfer from the HOMO of perovskite to ITO and minimizes the energy redundancy of the photovoltage output. The devices using the high work function ITO substrate as contact material show significant open-circuit voltage enhancement (920 mV), with the power conversion efficiency of 4.54%, and these types of extra-thin planar bilayer heterojunction solar cells have the potential advantages of low-cost and lightweight.


A representation invariant is a property that holds of all values of abstract type produced by a module. Representation invariants play important roles in software engineering and program verification. In this paper, we develop a counterexample-driven algorithm for inferring a representation invariant that is sufficient to imply a desired specification for a module. The key novelty is a type-directed notion of visible inductiveness, which ensures that the algorithm makes progress toward its goal as it alternates between weakening and strengthening candidate invariants. The algorithm is parameterized by an example-based synthesis engine and a verifier, and we prove that it is sound and complete for first-order modules over finite types, assuming that the synthesizer and verifier are as well. We implement these ideas in a tool called Hanoi, which synthesizes representation invariants for recursive data types. Hanoi not only handles invariants for first-order code, but higher-order code as well. In its back end, Hanoi uses an enumerative synthesizer called Myth and an enumerative testing tool as a verifier. Because Hanoi uses testing for verification, it is not sound, though our empirical evaluation shows that it is successful on the benchmarks we investigated.


A new method is proposed to estimate and analyze the vehicle lateral stability region, which provides a direct and intuitive demonstration for the safety and stability control of ground vehicles. Based on a four-wheel vehicle model and a nonlinear two-dimensional (2D) analytical LuGre tire model, a local linearization method is applied to estimate the vehicle lateral stability regions by analyzing the vehicle stability at each operation point on a phase plane, which includes but not limited to the equilibrium points. As the collections of all the locally stable operation points, the estimated stability regions are conservative because both vehicle and tire stability are simultaneously considered, which are especially important for characterizing the stability features of highly/fully automated ground vehicles (AGV). The obtained lateral stability regions can be well explained by the vehicle characteristics of oversteering and understeering in the context of vehicle handling stability. The impacts of vehicle lateral load transfer, longitudinal velocity, tire-road friction coefficient, and steering angle on the estimated stability regions are presented and discussed. To validate the correctness of the estimated stability regions, a case study by matlab/simulink and CarSim® co-simulation is presented and discussed.


Some observers have argued that the projections for high and rising debt pose a grave threat to the country's economic future and give the government less fiscal space to respond to recessions or other unexpected developments, so they urge significant changes in tax or spending policies to reduce federal borrowing. In stark contrast, others have noted that interest rates on long-term federal debt are extremely low and have argued that such persistently low interest rates justify additional federal borrowing and investment, at least for the short and medium term. We analyze this controversy focusing on two main issues: the aging of the US population and interest rates on US government debt. It is generally understood that these factors play an important role in the projected path of the US debt-to-GDP ratio. What is less recognized is that these changes also have implications for the appropriate level of US debt. We argue that many—though not all—of the factors that may be contributing to the historically low level of interest rates imply that both federal debt and federal investment should be substantially larger than they would be otherwise. In conclusion, although significant policy changes to reduce federal budget deficits ultimately will be needed, they do not have to be implemented right away. Instead, the focus of federal budget policy over the coming decade should be to increase federal investment while enacting changes in federal spending and taxes that will reduce deficits gradually over time.


This paper deals with the modeling of paramagnetic particle capture in high-gradient magnetic separators. The model allows the simulation of the progressive saturation of the collectors of the extraction matrix. The results show that magnetic separation is a complex process to model. Yet several elementary phenomena such as magnetic percolation and effects of slight changes of geometrical conditions are pointed out. The evolution of a matrix efficiency as a function of its saturation degree is also given.


Island freshwater habitats are colonised by amphidromous fish, which display an oceanic larval phase while the rest of their life cycle takes place in rivers. In the present study we evaluated the population structure of the widespread Sicyopterus lagocephalus (Gobioidei) over its Indo-Pacific distribution range, which encompasses the island chain (Indonesia − Papua New Guinea − Malaysia) known as the Indo-Pacific Barrier (IPB). Additional analysis of 2 endemic species, S. aiensis (Vanuatu) and S. sarasini (New Caledonia), living in sympatry with S. lagocephalus, represented comparative material and was used as the basis for an assessment of endemism and dispersal. Mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data were obtained for 332 S. lagocephalus, 210 S. aiensis and 87 S. sarasini across each species' range. Haplotype networks and F-statistics were used to determine patterns of population structure. A discrete phylogeographic diffusion model under a time-scaled coalescent tree prior was used to assess the history of the spatial expansion of S. lagocephalus across its wide spatial distribution. S. lagocephalus demonstrates high population structure across the IPB. It also displays a strong structure between Tahiti and all other locations sampled. No other population structure was identified in the entire western Pacific. Phylogenetic reconstruction and coalescence analysis indicate that the oldest population originated in the western Pacific, from which the eastern Pacific and the Indian Oceans were colonised. For the 2 endemic species, no genetic structure was identified across their respective ranges. From the genetic results associated with known elements of the life history of these species, we improved our understanding of the simultaneous existence of geographically close endemic species and a widespread species.


A new matrix system for phosphorescent organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on an electron transporting component attached to an inert polymer backbone, an electroni- cally neutral co-host, and a phosphorescent dye that serves as both emitter and hole conductor are presented. The inert co-host is used either as small molecules or covalently connected to the same chain as the electron-transporting host. The use of a small molecular inert co-host in the active layer is shown to be highly advantageous in comparison to a purely polymeric matrix bear- ing the same functionalities. Analysis of the dye phosphores- cence decay in pure polymer, small molecular co-host film, and their blend lets to conclude that dye molecules distribute mostly in the small molecular co-host phase, where the co-host pre- vents agglomeration and self-quenching of the phosphores- cence as well as energy transfer to the electron transporting units. In addition, the co-host accumulates at the anode interface where it acts as electron blocking layer and improves hole injec- tion. This favorable phase separation between polymeric and small molecular components results in devices with efficiencies of about 47 cd/A at a luminance of 1000 cd/m 2 . Investigation of OLED degradation demonstrates the presence of two time regimes: one fast component that leads to a strong decrease at short times followed by a slower decrease at longer times. Unlike the long time degradation, the efficiency loss that occurs at short times is reversible and can be recovered by annealing of the device at 180 � C. We also show that the long-time degrada- tion must be related to a change of the optical and electrical bulk properties. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 601-613


The strong performance of vision transformers on image classification and other vision tasks is often attributed to the design of their multi-head attention layers. However, the extent to which attention is responsible for this strong performance remains unclear. In this short report, we ask: is the attention layer even necessary? Specifically, we replace the attention layer in a vision transformer with a feed-forward layer applied over the patch dimension. The resulting architecture is simply a series of feed-forward layers applied over the patch and feature dimensions in an alternating fashion. In experiments on ImageNet, this architecture performs surprisingly well: a ViT/DeiT-base-sized model obtains 74.9\% top-1 accuracy, compared to 77.9\% and 79.9\% for ViT and DeiT respectively. These results indicate that aspects of vision transformers other than attention, such as the patch embedding, may be more responsible for their strong performance than previously thought. We hope these results prompt the community to spend more time trying to understand why our current models are as effective as they are.


Despite 2 decades of experience with do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders, some controversy regarding their use still remains. By using a mailed questionnaire to a randomized sample of 500 active members of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists, the present study explored the awareness, experiences, and opinions of nurse anesthetists regarding DNR orders for patients undergoing surgery. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the need for further education and discussion in this area. Of the 228 (45.6%) respondents, more than half had DNR policies at their facility, while the remainder reported no policy or were unsure whether a policy existed. Of those having policies, 67.2% indicated a policy of routine DNR suspension, approximately 20% had a policy of reevaluation, and the remainder were unsure of the type of policy. However, when asked what type of policy respondents thought was most appropriate, 54.2% favored a policy of reviewing the DNR order, with 95% advocating patient involvement in the reevaluation. Moreover, almost 90% of responding CRNAs indicated they would discuss DNR status with the patient before surgery. When a patient with a DNR order subsequently had an intraoperative cardiac event, 13% initiated resuscitation. Responding to a hypothetical question involving a patient with a DNR order, 42% to 48% of respondents indicated they would initiate resuscitative measures in such a situation depending on the cause of arrest.


• The host range and specificity is reported of a genetically diverse group of rhizobia isolated from nodules of Calliandra calothyrsus, Gliricidia sepium, Leucaena leucocephala and Sesbania sesban. • Nodule number and nitrogen content was measured in seedlings of herbaceous and woody legume species after inoculation with rhizobial strains isolated from tropical soils, to establish symbiotic effectiveness groups for rhizobial strains and their hosts. • Specificity for nodulation and N2 fixation varied greatly among the legumes. Symbionts of all four legumes exhibited a wide range of promiscuity and symbiotic effectiveness with isolates of S. sesban having the narrowest host range. N2 fixation varied greatly; although some strains fixed large amounts of N2 with more than one host, none was effective with all hosts. Rhizobial isolates of C. calothyrsus, G. sepium and L. leucocephala were able to effectively cross-nodulate each others' hosts as well as a number of other species. • The complex nature of cross-nodulation relationships between diverse rhizobial strains and legume hosts is highlighted. Host plants inoculated with effective rhizobial strains showed better nitrogen use efficiency than plants supplied solely with mineral nitrogen.


This is a course material (slides in pdf format) from the book 'Investment Decision Making For Firm and Project Valuation.' The book is originally in Spanish and is untitled as 'Decisiones de inversion. Para la valoracion financiera de proyectos y empresas.' Chapter 5 deals with how to prepare and use information to make forecasts to be used in forecasting financial statements. In this chapter we show step by step how to proceed to make proper forecasts in order to have the future financial statements. In Chapter 6 we deal with the construction of the forecasted financial statements based on the tables calculated in Chapter 5.


The essential difference between small businesses and large corporations is found in their corporate structure. Similarly, the inter-organizational systems (IOSs) formed between small business to support strategic alliances and community-like networks have different requirements and functions from those formed between large corporations. This paper discusses the differences between the IOSs created by small and large organizations and then considers the transformations enabled by the Internet. When small businesses form IOSs on the Internet, the links created are both multi-purpose and multi-faceted--these IOSs can be transaction-based or can be used to exchange knowledge and to conduct joint production and projects. A large group of standard Internet services is available for use to enable the interaction of members within an IOS and we next provide a framework showing the way in which different inter-organizational relationships can be supported by using the Internet to enable competitive advantage. Finally, we consider the business drivers relevant to successful Internet alliance formation and analyze the strategy of building IOSs on the Internet.


Impulsivity is a multidimensional construct that has been implicated in the initiation, maintenance and relapse of nicotine addiction. However, the mechanism by which impulsivity operates in the addiction process is not yet fully understood. One possible explanation is that it functions with other characteristic factors of addiction such as response to drug cues.

The current study explores trait impulsivity, delayed gratification and disinhibition across non, light and heavy smokers and attempts to ascertain an interaction with attentional bias to drug related stimuli assessed with the visual dot-probe paradigm. Significant differences across the smoking groups were established for the trait impulsivity BIS-11 subscales and sensitivity to delay gratification, suggesting smokers to be more impulsive than non-smokers.

The disinhibition go/no-go task suggested light smokers to have the greatest state motor impulsivity. A significant interaction was not demonstrated between smoking status and response to smoking stimuli on the dot-probe task. However, scores for the delayed gratification and trait motor impulsivity were shown to correlate with attentional bias, to suggest these measures of impulsivity may be related to responsiveness to smoking cues.

The discussion considers how the significant results are suggestive of an interplay between impulsivity and attentional bias in the addiction process and how such findings could benefit smoking cessation treatment programmes.


This article examines how Derek Parfit's moral philosophy can help to develop new insights to account for the justification of paternalistic policies in the context of normative behavioral economics. I discuss two themes that appear in Parfit's work which I argue could provide insights to the debate over soft forms of paternalism: the reductionist account of personal identity and the notion of rational consent. I argue that these two theses are directly relevant to tackle several issues that are central in the NBE defense of paternalistic policies. In particular, they help to reflect over the significance of distinctions between ends paternalism and means paternalism and indicate that the tacitly assumed existence of a trade-off between well-being and autonomy is either meaningless or illusory.


We focus on detecting intrusions in ad hoc networks using the misuse detection technique. We allow for detection modules that periodically stop functioning due to operational failure or compromise by intruders. Combining theories of stochastic coverage processes and approximation algorithms, we develop a framework to counter failure of detection modules, while minimizing the resource consumption. We show that the selection of the optimal set of nodes for executing the detection modules is an NP-hard problem. We present a distributed polynomial complexity selection algorithm that attains the best possible approximation ratio. We next consider a simple heuristic selection strategy that allows for seamless operation in time varying topologies. We obtain analytical expressions to quantify the tradeoffs between the resource consumption and detection rates attained by these algorithms. Using analysis and simulation, we identify the appropriate algorithms for different failure rates, resource limitation, and required detection rates.


IFN‐I are pleiotropic cytokines that impact innate and adaptive immune responses. In this article, we discuss TLR7/9 versus TLR3/MDA5 signaling in antiviral responses and diabetes. pDCs are thought to have a critical role in antiviral defense because of their ability to rapidly secrete large amounts of IFN‐I through TLR7/9 signaling. A recent study demonstrates that although pDCs are a source of IFN‐I in vivo, their overall contribution to viral containment is limited and time‐dependent, such that additional cellular sources of IFN‐I are required to fully control viral infections. dsRNA sensors, such as TLR3 and MDA5, provide another important trigger for antiviral IFN‐I responses, which can be exploited to enhance immune responses to vaccines. In the absence of infection, IFN‐I production by pDCs or from signaling through dsRNA sensors has been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases such as diabetes. However, recent data demonstrate that IFN‐I production via TLR3 and MDA5 is critical to counter diabetes caused by a virus with preferential tropism for pancreatic β‐cells. This highlights the complexity of the host antiviral response and how multiple cellular and molecular components balance protective versus pathological responses.


In 19 patients with incontinence of various causes a treatment programme was instituted in which by biofeedback training they would learn how to increase the force of contraction of the external anal sphincter in response to balloon distension of the rectum. The degree of incontinence was objectified by anorectal manometry before and after training, as well as 3-6 months after the end of training. This programme significantly increased the force of contraction of the sphincter and pelvic-floor musculature. Twelve patients became continent and have remained so at follow-up. The training regimen was especially successful in patients with an organic cause of the incontinence and those most highly motivated. The investigation also demonstrated that anorectal manometry is a suitable method for the diagnosis of and monitoring the response to treatment of anal incontinence.


Electrode biasing experiments were carried out in various magnetic configurations on the Large Helical Device (LHD). The transitions of poloidal viscosity, which were accompanied with bifurcation phenomena characterized by a negative resistance in an electrode characteristic, were clearly observed on LHD by the electrode biasing. The critical external driving force required for transition was compared with the local maximum in ion viscosity, and the radial resistivity before the transition also compared with the expected value from a neoclassical theory. The critical driving force increased and the radial resistivity decreased with the major radius of the magnetic axis Rax going outwards. The configuration dependence of the transition condition and the radial resistivity qualitatively agreed with neoclassical theories. The radial electric field and the viscosity were also evaluated by the neoclassical transport code for a non-axisymmetric system, and estimated electrode voltage required for the transition, which was consistent with the experimental results.


A novel method to efficiently synthesize hardware from a large behavioral description in behavioral synthesis is proposed. For a program with functions executable in parallel, this proposed method determines a behavioral partitioning which simultaneously minimizes the overall datapath area and the complexity of the controller while maximizing performance of a synthesized circuit by fully exploiting function-level parallelism of a behavioral description. This method is formulated as an integer programming problem. Experimental results demonstrate that this method leads to a shift of the explorable design space so that superior solutions which could not be explored by earlier work are included, showing the effectiveness of our proposed method.


We present a high-level language for programming modular robotic systems, based on locally distributed predicates (LDP), which are distributed conditions that hold for a connected subensemble of the robotic system. An LDP program is a collection of LDPs with associated actions which are triggered on any subensemble that matches the predicate. The result is a reactive programming language which efficiently and concisely supports ensemble-level programming. We demonstrate the utility of LDP by implementing three common, but diverse, modular robotic tasks.


Abstract We examined and quantified the economic impact of grizzly bear (Ursus arctos) and gray wolf (Canis lupus) depredation on calves in the Upper Green River Cattle Allotment in western Wyoming, USA, using records of the number of animals grazed and number lost during 1990–2004. Our analysis indicated that increased calf losses coincided with grizzly bear and gray wolf arrival and population establishment, with the first confirmed depredation by grizzly bears in 1995 and the first confirmed wolf depredation in 2000. From 1995 through 2004, 29,693 calves grazed on the allotment, and of the 1,332 calves lost to all causes, an estimated 520 calves were lost to grizzly bear depredation and 177 calves to gray wolf depredation. We examined past and current grizzly and gray wolf compensation programs with respect to reimbursement of producers for costs associated with large-carnivore depredation. Estimated 1995–2004 uncompensated financial impacts from grizzly bear and gray wolf calf losses on the allotment were US$222,500. Our analysis suggested equitable compensation factors of 3.8∶1 for grizzly bear depredation and 6.3∶1 for gray wolf depredation. Inadequate compensation for livestock depredation results in resistance to large-carnivore recovery programs. Development of compensation programs that fairly reimburse livestock producers for losses is, therefore, a necessary component of carnivore recovery efforts. Our analysis also suggested that grizzly bear management actions were effectively targeting livestock-depredating grizzly bears on the allotment.


There is a fundamental difference between the natural and the social sciences due to reactivity. This difference remains even in the age of Artificially Intelligent Learning Machines and Big Data. Many academic economists take it as a matter of course that economics should become a natural science. Such a characterization misses an essential aspect of a social science, namely reactivity, i.e. human beings systematically respond to economic data, and in particular to interventions by economic policy, in a foreseeable way. To illustrate this finding, I use three examples from quite different fields: Happiness policy, World Heritage policy, and Science policy.


BACKGROUND
In the Job Demand-Control (JDC) model and the Job Demand-Resource (JDR) model, the individual worker's potential to influence their work, through job control, is associated with better health. Among self-employed farmers, this job control dimension could be analogous to a sense of independence as this occupational group often highlights this as the best thing about the profession.

AIMS
To analyse how work demands, sense of independence and number of close friends, and the interaction between independence and work demands predicted mental health among male farmers in Norway.

METHODS
The sample consisted of male farmers working 1700h or more on the farm annually in 2012. We used the Lisrel structural equation modelling to estimate the direct effects and the interactive effect of independence and work demands.

RESULTS
There were 926 participants. Decrease in work demands, a strong sense of independence and a high number of close friends predicted lower levels of mental complaints. A strong sense of independence buffered the adverse consequences of work demands on mental health.

CONCLUSIONS
In this sample of self-employed full-time male farmers in Norway, we found that sense of independence was important for their mental health; farmers with a high sense of independence seemed to be able to manage high work demands more effectively, thus reducing the level of mental health problems. In addition, we also found that work demands and social relationships were associated with mental health outcomes.


In a herd of 30 Boer goats, 3 young goats developed nervous signs including apparent blindness. In 2 of the goats a diagnosis of cerebrocortical necrosis was confirmed by the demonstration of lesions typical of the disease on histopathological examination. Lead concentrations in the renal cortex were well below the level regarded as indicative of lead poisoning in ruminants. The reason for the outbreak was not clear, but the feeding of concentrate and poor quality roughage may have been contributory factors. Cerebrocortical necrosis appears to be unusual in goats, compared to cattle and sheep, but it should be entertained in the differential diagnosis of caprine nervous diseases.


We introduce a novel computational framework, Principal Variety Analysis (PVA), for primarily nonlinear data modeling. PVA accommodates algebraic sets as the target subspace through which limitations of other existing approaches is dealt with. PVA power is demonstrated in this paper for learning kinematics of objects, as an important application. PVA takes recorded coordinates of some pre-specified features on the objects as input and outputs a lowest dimensional variety on which the feature coordinates jointly lie. Unlike existing object modeling methods, which require entire trajectories of objects, PVA requires much less information and provides more flexible and generalizable models, namely an analytical algebraic kinematic model of the objects, even in unstructured, uncertain environments. Moreover, it is not restricted to predetermined model templates and is capable of extracting much more general types of models. Besides finding the kinematic model of objects, PVA can be a powerful tool to estimate their corresponding degrees of freedom. PVA computational success depends on exploiting sparsity, in particular algebraic dimension minimization through replacement of intractable `0 norm (rank) with tractable `1 norm (nuclear norm). Complete characterization of the assumptions under which `0 and `1 norm minimizations yield virtually the same outcome is introduced as an important open problem in this paper.


In many cell types the intracellular Ca2+ store performs a central role in the regulation of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) , the elevation of which triggers diverse and fundamental activities from reproduction to apoptosis, as well as being the major triggr for contraction.Two distinct classses of Ca2+ release channels, which mobilize Ca2+ from the store, exist: the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor and the ryanodine receptor. Considerable attention has been directed towards the importance of modulatory proteins that interact with these channels including, FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs), FKBP12 and its isoform, FKBP12.6. Although FKBP12 was first identified as the principal intracellular target for the immunosuppressive drugs, FK506 and rapamycin, new insights into the role of FKBPs have since emerged. These regulatory proteins are reportedly important modulators of intracellular Ca2+ release. FKBPs may regulate ryanodine and IP3 receptors either directly, by binding to the cytoplasmic aspect of the channel, or indirectly via modulation of two targets, the phosphatase, calcineurin or the kinase, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Dissociation of FKBP12 or FKBP12.6 from either Ca2+ release channel may increase, decrease or have no effect on ryanodine receptor- or IP3 receptor-mediated Ca2+ release. These important controversies may be attributed to FKBPs' ability to regulate the receptor indirectly via the kinase and phosphatase pathways modulated by the accessory proteins. This brief review discusses the regulation of intracellular ryanodine and IP3 receptor Ca2+ release channels by accessory FKBPs, with important implications for the role of FKBPs in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases.


This article critically examines Joao Paraskeva's work (2011) in decolonizing the curriculum field with a focus on its extension into the daily theorizations and contradiction in U.S. public secondary education in the formation and oppression of identities. As language teachers, we both are confronted with the standardization of curriculum through Common Core that continues to block critical thinking and act as mechanism of colonization. Furthermore, we use our experiences in being made by the U.S. public education system in which we come from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds to see how culture and gender catalyzed how we were shaped in schools. This analysis evinced the need of Paraskeva's (2011) concept of the Itinerant Curriculum Theory (ICT) in US public education and unveiled how the curriculum contains epistemicides (Santos, 2007; Paraskeva, 2011), linguicides (Thiong'o, 2009), commodification, anesthetization. Race to the Top (RTTT), No Child Left Behind (NCLB), and now Ever Child Succeeds Act (ECSA) perpetuate a process of colonizing the mind instead of creating a space for liberatory pedagogy and ICT in which identities, spiritualities, and knowledges would strengthen instead of facing erasure.  Elizabeth Janson is a high school English teacher in the South Coast of Massachusetts and received her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy at UMass Dartmouth. She also is active in organizing efforts to engage the community about critical education issues. Her research focuses on analyzing educational policy and practice, particularly globalization, privatization, coloniality, decolonial theory, curriculum theory, and cultural politics. She has presented her research at both national and international conferences, including AERA, WERA, CIES, TRED, and AAACS. She is a contributing author to several books. including  The Curriculum. Decanonizing the Field. Carmelia Silva is the World Languages Department Chair and a Spanish teacher at Joseph Case High School. She has been teaching for sixteen years. She received her PhD in Educational Leadership and Policy with a research focus in cultural politics, identity, coloniality, language, and privatization of public education. She has presented at American Advancement for Curriculum Studies Conference, New England Educational Research Organization Conference, Center for International Educational Studies Conference, and TRED Conference.


Image based steganography utilize the images as cover media to hide secret data. The common technique used in this field replaces the least significant bits (LSB) of image pixels with intended secret bits. Several improvements to enhance the security of the LSB method have been presented earlier. This paper proposed a new improved technique that takes the advantage of the 24 bits in each pixel in the RGB images using the two least significant bits of one channel to indicate existence of data in the other two channels. The stego method does not depend on a separate key to take out the key management overhead. Instead, it is using the size of the secret data as selection criteria for the first indicator channel to insert security randomness. Our proposed technique is analyzed using security and capacity measures and compared to two other similar work. This proposed pixel indicator technique for RGB image steganography showed interesting promising result.


INTRODUCTION The fluoroscopy-guided transbronchial lung biopsy (TBLB) is an useful technique for diagnosis of peripheral lung lesion (PLL). The diagnostic yield of TBLB is limited and variable, ranging in literature from 16-80%. Nowadays the specimens collected must be suitable for tumor genotyping and the published data for this issue are not conclusive. Aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of fluoroscopy guided TBLB and the adequacy of sample for molecular testing in adenocarcinoma subtype. METHODS The pts. referred to our Unit in the period 2013-2015 due to peripheral lung opacities with diameter ≥ 2 cm were included in the study. We excluded pts with uncontrolled coagulopathy, pregnancy, emodinamic instability. All the pts underwent bronchoscopy and fluoroscopy-guided TBLB and TB needle aspiration (TBNA). We performed 4-6 TBLB and 4-6 TBNA for each patient. In case of histopathologic diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, genotyping for EGFR, ALK, K-RAS was done. RESULTS 263 patients have been included, 164 males, age 68.8±11, range 33-88 yrs. TBNA and TBLB allow a diagnosis in 167 patients (diagnostic yield 68%)(table 1); the false negative were 48 (18.2%). The adenocarcinoma represented the 40% of malignant lesions: in this group the sample was adequate for genotyping examination in the majority of cases (> 90%). CONCLUSIONS The fluoroscopy-guided TBLB allowed a correct diagnosis in about 70% of cases with very few adverse events. The specimen resulted adequate for genotyping of adenocarcinoma in the majority of patients.


The relationship between religion and foreign policy has emerged as a priority for Western governments in recent years, yet scholarly analysis of the religion-foreign policy relationship, particularly in the UK, remains scarce.

Seeking to contribute to this - still nascent - conversation, in this thesis, I ask the question 'what are policy makers doing in the context of so-called religious resurgence or 'post-secularism'? In doing so, I challenge conventional wisdom about the secularism of public policy, about the emergence of the post-secular, about the impacts of globalisation and about rational choice theories of religious vitality. Broadly speaking, I argue that policy makers are finding new ways to 'manage' religion by drawing on both domestic policy and domestic constitutional settlements. As a result, I argue, there are constitutive differences in the way the United States and the United Kingdom pursue religion-related foreign policy.

However, contrary to many sociological accounts which emphasise the outlier status of the United States in the otherwise overwhelmingly secular West (see e.g Berger et al, 2008), I demonstrate the ways in which Britain and America - when it comes to religion-related foreign policy - are religious and secular respectively. Furthermore, this thesis offers a different account than that presented by, increasingly numerous, post-secular narratives. Where they emphasise religious change at the international level, I demonstrate that religion-related foreign policy, on both sides of the Atlantic, is characterised by continuity at the national level.

Finally, I make suggestions about how a more religion-attentive UK foreign policy could be developed in ways which are consistent with this story of continuity in the national management of religion.


This article surveys recent research on the relationship between global liquidity and asset prices on a global scale. How important is global liquidity? How are asset prices and other significant macro variables affected by global monetary conditions? The article highlights the perspective of an international transmission of monetary shocks, focusing particularly on the effects of a global monetary aggregate (global liquidity) on different asset prices, namely commodity, house, and share prices. The authors sum up the main results of empirical analyses in VAR and CVAR models for the global economy using aggregated data that represent the major OECD countries. According to the first benchmark study focusing on house prices, the authors find that a positive shock to global liquidity leads to permanent increases in the global price level and in the global house price index, with the latter reaction being even more distinctive, leading to subsequent spill-over effects from house prices to consumer prices. The second benchmark study examines the interactions between money, consumer, and commodity prices at a global level using a cointegrating VAR framework. The article establishes long-run and short-run relationships among these variables, while the process is driven mainly by global liquidity.


While systems of systems (SoS) are starting to reach the market, it is not entirely evident how to analyze safety, and on a high level also security, of such systems. In fact, specific characteristics of SoS, such as independence, changing constitution, evolutionary development, and emergent behavior, provide certain challenges to the safety analysis. In this paper, such challenges are summarized and a systems theoretic safety analysis method, abbreviated as STAMP, is evaluated on an automotive SoS application example. In conclusion, STAMP seems well positioned to serve as a base for a future method for safety and, to a certain degree, security analysis of SoS, although some work remains to be done. The advantages and limitations of the STAMP approach when dealing with SoS are discussed.


The activities of five serum enzymes in beagles with high-velocity gunshot extremity wounds have been followed for six days after wounding. Creatine phosphokinase (CPK) reflect the greatest sensitivity to muscle damage. Lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase showed minimal increases. Debridement of wounds netted a return to normal enzyme values a day earlier than in wounds not treated. Complete debridement resulted in enzyme increases 35% to 75% less than the elevations observed in the nondebrided group. Otherwise, no difference could be recorded between the effects of partial or complete debridement upon the enzyme changes. The source of CPK, LDH, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and aldolase in the serum is the nonviable resected muscle as well as surrounding injured muscle. Secondary elevations of the activity of these enzymes are considered due to damage to other organs or secondary damage to skeletal muscle.


In this paper, different amplitude and phase modulation formats are investigated and compared to find the optimum one among them for high spectral efficiency (SE) Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) systems with an acceptable value of the Bit Error Rate (BER). Also, the effectiveness of using the polarization interleaving scheme in minimizing the nonlinear effects in the optical fiber channel for the various modulation formats is investigated. (Optisystem v 7.0) A simulation package is used to simulate the system. The simulation results show the effectiveness of using the polarization interleaving in decreasing the nonlinear effects. RZ modulation formats are found to give a better BER value than the corresponding NRZ formats but with a smaller value of the SE. Among the compared modulation formats, RZ-AMI and the RZ-DQPSK are the only formats that are found to give the optimal performance for high capacity WDM networks.


PURPOSE
To retrospectively assess whether magnetic resonance (MR) imaging with opposed-phase and in-phase gradient-echo (GRE) sequences and MR feature analysis can differentiate angiomyolipomas (AMLs) that contain minimal fat from clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs), with particular emphasis on small (<3-cm) masses.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Institutional review board approval and a waiver of informed consent were obtained for this HIPAA-compliant study. MR images from 108 pathologically proved renal masses (88 clear cell RCCs and 20 minimal fat AMLs from 64 men and 44 women) at two academic institutions were evaluated. The signal intensity (SI) of each renal mass and spleen on opposed-phase and in-phase GRE images was used to calculate an SI index and tumor-to-spleen SI ratio. Two radiologists who were blinded to the pathologic results independently assessed the subjective presence of intravoxel fat (ie, decreased SI on opposed-phase images compared with that on in-phase images), SI on T1-weighted and T2-weighted images, cystic degeneration, necrosis, hemorrhage, retroperitoneal collaterals, and renal vein thrombosis. Results were analyzed by using the Wilcoxon rank sum test, two-tailed Fisher exact test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis for all renal masses and for small masses. A P value of less than .05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.

RESULTS
There were no differences between minimal fat AMLs and clear cell RCCs for the SI index (8.05%±14.46 vs 14.99%±19.9; P=.146) or tumor-to-spleen ratio (-8.96%±16.6 and -15.8%±22.4; P=.227) when all masses or small masses were analyzed. Diagnostic accuracy (area under receiver operating characteristic curve) for the SI index and tumor-to-spleen ratio was 0.59. Intratumoral necrosis and larger size were predictive of clear cell RCC (P<.001) for all lesions, whereas low SI (relative to renal parenchyma SI) on T2-weighted images, smaller size, and female sex correlated with minimal fat AML (P<.001) for all lesions.

CONCLUSION
The diagnostic accuracy of opposed-phase and in-phase GRE MR imaging for the differentiation of minimal fat AML and clear cell RCC is poor. In this cohort, low SI on T2-weighted images relative to renal parenchyma and small size suggested minimal fat AML, whereas intratumoral necrosis and large size argued against this diagnosis.


Testicular Leydig cells produce androgens essential for proper male reproductive development and fertility. Here, we describe a new Leydig cell ablation model based on Cre/Lox recombination of mouse Gata4 and Gata6, two genes implicated in the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenesis. The testicular interstitium of adult Gata4flox/flox ; Gata6flox/flox mice was injected with adenoviral vectors encoding Cre + GFP (Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP) or GFP alone (Ad-GFP). The vectors efficiently and selectively transduced Leydig cells, as evidenced by GFP reporter expression. Three days after Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP injection, expression of androgen biosynthetic genes (Hsd3b1, Cyp17a1 and Hsd17b3) was reduced, whereas expression of another Leydig cell marker, Insl3, was unchanged. Six days after Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP treatment, the testicular interstitium was devoid of Leydig cells, and there was a concomitant loss of all Leydig cell markers. Chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, mitochondrial swelling, and other ultrastructural changes were evident in the degenerating Leydig cells. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated reduced levels of androstenedione and testosterone in testes from mice injected with Ad-Cre-IRES-GFP. Late effects of treatment included testicular atrophy, infertility and the accumulation of lymphoid cells in the testicular interstitium. We conclude that adenoviral-mediated gene delivery is an expeditious way to probe Leydig cell function in vivo Our findings reinforce the notion that GATA factors are key regulators of steroidogenesis and testicular somatic cell survival.Free Finnish abstract: A Finnish translation of this abstract is freely available at http://www.reproduction-online.org/content/154/4/455/suppl/DC2.


The advantages of micromachining over conventional fabrication include precise dimensional control, integration of on-chip circuits and potential low cost owning to batch processing. Fabrication microspeaker for hearing instrument application using MEMS technology is challenging because of certain critical requirements, including their small size, low driving voltage, high output sound pressure level, flat frequency response and low energy consumption. A small in size, lightweight, and low cost microspeaker is demanded for application such as cellular phones and hearing aids. The device consist of two part; first parts is a micromachined polyimide membrane as the sound generating plate, where thevoice coil placed on the top of membrane, and the coil is a single loop voice coil. The second part is back plate permanent magnet. The disc permanent magnet bonded on acoustic hole plate is Neodymium-Iron-Boron (NdFeB) with magnetization of 1.45 T, diameter 1.6 mm, and thickness 0.8 mm. The fabrication process and performance of the first result device is discussed, and the thickness of electroplated single loop voice coil copper 10 mm and acoustic hole bonded together. The total size of the microspeaker chip is 5 mm x 5 mm x 1.5 mm, polyimide membrane thickness 2 mm.


Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have become the mainstay of therapy in acid-related upper gastrointestinal disorders including gastroesophageal reflux disease and peptic ulcer disease. Alltough these medications are generally accepted as safe, the long-term clinical consequences of the inducing hypochlorhydria are not completely clear. Gastric acid production is mainly controlled by the hormone gastrin through a negative feedback in which hypochlorhydria induces an increase in serum gastrin. PPIs have been shown to increase serum gastrin levels. Gastric endocrine cell hyperplasia can occur in 10 to 30% of patients without carcinoid tumors. Recent studies indicate no association between PPI use and the risk of colorectal and gastric cancers. Proton pump inhibitor-associated gastric polyps are totally benign tumors that should not be followed. There is an association between PPIs-induced acid suppression and an increased risk of enteric infection. PPIs do not inhibit intestinal absorption of lipids, iron, phosphorus, magnesium or zinc from food but can affect vitamin B12 status in older patients. Despite the undoubted benefits of PPIs, the practitioner always needs to consider risks and benefits before initiating them.


INTRODUCTION
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the oncologic landscape in the past few years. Alongside impressive antitumor responses, new novel immune-related adverse events (irAEs) have emerged; pneumonitis is an irAE that can potentially be fatal and necessitates a proper management. No consensus exists regarding steroid treatment duration or drug rechallenge options. Our study describes the clinical and radiological course of melanoma patients diagnosed with immune-related pneumonitis that has recurred because of rechallenge attempt or despite complete treatment discontinuation (unprovoked).

MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study population was composed of patients with metastatic melanoma who were treated with anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) as monotherapy or in combination with anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 and who were diagnosed with immune-related pneumonitis. For recurrent cases after clinical and radiological resolution, we explored the differences from cases with no recurrence.

RESULTS
Nineteen out of 386 (4.8%) patients treated with ICI were diagnosed with pneumonitis. Median age was 66 years, and 53% were male. Compared with single-agent nivolumab, patients treated with ipilimumab-nivolumab combination presented with an earlier onset (27.5 vs. 10.3 weeks, respectively, p = .015) and had higher grades of severity. After complete resolution, rechallenge was attempted in seven patients; three of them had recurrent pneumonitis. Three other patients experienced recurrent pneumonitis despite complete discontinuation of the drug (unprovoked by rechallenge). The latter were characterized with an earlier onset of the first pneumonitis compared with those who did not experience recurrence (median, 12.4 vs. 26.4 weeks) and a shorter course of steroid treatment at first episode (median, 5.1 vs. 10 weeks). Recurrent cases were generally more severe than the first episode.

CONCLUSION
Unprovoked recurrent pneumonitis is a new, poorly reported entity that requires further investigation. Our observations suggest that cases of pneumonitis that present early in the course of immunotherapy treatment may recur despite treatment discontinuation, thus necessitating closer monitoring and a longer course of steroid treatment.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
This article sheds light on a poorly described immune-related adverse event: recurrent pneumonitis despite complete discontinuation of immunotherapy (unprovoked), in patients with advanced melanoma.


The objective of this research was to test the relationship of variables of quality perception, price perception, brand image, and risk perception on private label purchase intention. The method that used in this research was purposive sampling to the society of Surakarta who have ever visited to Indomaret and know the private label of Indomaret product, with total samples of 165 respondents.  Data analyzed by using Structural Equation Model (SEM), AMOS version 16. The results show as follows: 1) quality perception has positive significant effect to brand image; 2) price perception has positive significant effect to the brand image; 3) brand image has negative significant effect to the risk perception; 4) risk perception has negative significant effect to the purchase intention of private label. Keywords : quality perception, price perception, brand image, risk perception private label purchase intention


Introduction BASHH guidelines (2011) for the management of pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) recommend one of two antibiotic regimens for outpatient treatment. In addition, patients should be offered a pregnancy test and full screening for sexually transmitted infections (STI). Aim(s)/objectives To review PID management across the sexual health clinics, comparing it to the previous year's audit and BASHH guidelines. Methods Data was retrospectively collected from December 2015 until March 2016. Data collected included whether pregnancy was excluded, STI screening, antibiotic regimen used, provision of written information, partner notification, and outcome at any follow up. Results 51 patients were identified, 2 were excluded due to treatment by their GP. 100% of cases had at least one sign or symptom suggestive of PID. 47/49 (96%) of cases had STI screening; 41/49 (84%) had a HIV screen as part of this. Pregnancy was excluded in 22/49 (45%) of cases. A BASHH recommended antibiotic regimen was used in 28/49 (57%) of cases. Of the 21 of non-compliant cases, only 4/21 had a documented allergy or intolerance that precluded standard treatment. Discussion Since the last audit, recommended antibiotic treatment for PID has improved, but remains low at 57%. Pregnancy exclusion was low at 45%, compared with 70% at the last audit. Differences in how healthcare professionals record information on the electronic system could partially account for this. Actions have been taken to improve treatment and pregnancy testing by giving individual feedback to the clinicians, with a re-audit planned to assess the outcome of these interventions.


We have limited our interaction scope to those involving particle-s spin. We then develop operators for handling a many-body treatment of the spin interactions. The results presented show how to promote the particles of the system into the same spin state with time. We therefore, in order to tune the model for ferro-magnetism, assume that the operators act only on particles that are, initially, of the same spin state. The observed growth in the population of particles of the same spin with time makes the model a success. Almost all of the recent experimentally observed and theoretically predicted formations are accurately obtainable with this model.


This thesis is concerned with the factors that affect sustainable change for teaching and learning practices in higher education. It does so by investigating the extent to which a curriculum reform strategy was successfully implemented at the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University. As the Executive Dean of the Faculty, I was responsible for the development and implementation of a Faculty wide curriculum reform programme over the three and half years which is the focus of this thesis. I was interested in whether the reforms were implemented as planned, the extent to which they led to improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and learning practices and the factors which affected their sustainability. In this respect, I was particularly interested in staff support or opposition to the changes and their perceptions of the impact of the changes on their role and identity. To explore these issues, I developed a mixed methods case study of the changes that were introduced. My intention was both to develop a better understanding of the factors that were important for improving teaching and learning in the Faculty of Health Sciences at La Trobe University and to use the case study to contribute to a broader understanding of the issues that are important for ensuring sustainable curriculum change in higher education organisations more generally.


Research based on secondary analysis of data stored in electronic health records (EHR) has gained popularity, but whether the data are consistent with those collected under a study setting is unknown. The objective is to assess the agreement between data obtained in a prospective study and routine-care data extracted retrospectively from the EHR. We compared the data collected in a longitudinal lifestyle intervention study with those recorded in the EHR system over 5 years. A total of 225 working adults were recruited at an academic institution between 2008–2012, whose EHR data were also available during the same time period. After aligning the participants' study visit dates with their hospital encounter dates, data on blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), and laboratory measurements (including high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides, and total cholesterol) were compared via a paired t-test for equivalence with pre-specified margins. Summary statistics were used to compare smoking status and medication prescriptions. Overall, data were consistent between the two sources (i.e., BMI, smoking status, medication prescriptions), whereas some differences were found in cholesterol measurements (i.e., HDL and total cholesterol), possibly due to different lab assays and subject's fasting status. In conclusion, some EHR data are fairly consistent with those collected in a clinical study, whereas others may require further examination. Researchers should evaluate the consistency and quality of EHR data and compare them with other sources of data when possible.


The extent of dispersal by pelagic larvae in marine environments, including coral reefs, is central for understanding local population dynamics and designing sustainable marine reserves. We present here the first example of a clear stepping-stone genetic structure throughout the Caribbean basin for a common coral reef species, the French grunt (Haemulon flavolineatum). Analysis of microsatellite DNA markers indicated that French grunt population structure may be characterized by overlapping populations throughout the Caribbean, influenced by independent population dynamics but with no fixed geographical boundaries. In addition, different spatial genetic patterns were found in different oceanographic regions. A second species, the bluehead wrasse (Thalassoma bifasciatum), has a much longer pelagic larval duration than French grunts and showed no explicit spatial pattern of genetic variation. This finding is concordant with the hypothesis of a positive relationship between larval dispersal and duration in the plankton. While the magnitude of the genetic signal of population structure in French grunts was very low (FST≈0.003), the pattern of isolation-by-distance throughout the Caribbean indicated considerable population structure with important ecological and conservation significance.


Parkinson's disease is a degenerative disorder of the central nervous system. The motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease result from the death of dopamine-generating cells in the substantia nigra, a region of the midbrain; the cause of this cell death is unknown. Early in the course of disease symptoms include (1) shaking (tremor) (2)  rigidity (3) slowness of movement  (bradykinesia) and (4) difficulty with walking and gait (postural instability). Later, cognitive and behavioral problems may arise, with dementia commonly occurring in the advanced stages of the disease. Other symptoms include sensory, sleep and emotional problems. In Ayurveda, most of the diseases of the Vata are essentially the conditions of degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Kampa vata is one condition which is caused by imbalance of Vata . The treatment of 'Kampavata' consists of both internal and external administration of drugs in different forms aimed to reverse the 'Vata' imbalance. Here a case of 75 years male patient presented with tremors in both hands and postural instability and the pathology of which is to be identified with Dhatukshayaja Vata Vyadhi which is provisionally diagnosed as Kampavata and its line of treatment was adopted based on Nirupasthambita Vata Vyadhi Chikitsa. The present case reveals certain set of Panchakarma modalities of treatments showing significant improvement in the symptoms of Parkinson's disease without causing any side effects.


SUMMARY The possible diagnostic value of an enlarged left atrial appendage (LAA) on the posterior-anterior or right anterior oblique chest film as a means of implicating a rheumatic etiology for mitral valve disease in children was investigated. Chest films were ex-amined without prior knowledge of clinical or laboratory data, and the results were later correlated with this information in 113 children and adolescents. The clinical and laboratory data included applica-tion of the modified Jones criteria for the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever, streptococcal antibody titers and clinical and cardiac catheterization findings. In children with mitral valve disease, our data suggest that an enlarged LAA, especially in the presence of pulmonary venous obstruction, is characteristic of rheumatic heart disease. This finding appears to be particularly useful, in conjunction with streptococcal antibody studies, in distinguishing rheumatic from nonrheumatic patients with mitral insufficiency.


Password vaults are used to store login credentials, usually encrypted by a master password, relieving the user from memorizing a large number of complex passwords. To manage accounts on multiple devices, vaults are often stored at an online service, which substantially increases the risk of leaking the (encrypted) vault. To protect the master password against guessing attacks, previous work has introduced cracking-resistant password vaults based on Honey Encryption. If decryption is attempted with a wrong master password, they output plausible-looking decoy vaults, thus seemingly disabling offline guessing attacks. In this work, we propose attacks against cracking-resistant password vaults that are able to distinguish between real and decoy vaults with high accuracy and thus circumvent the offered protection. These attacks are based on differences in the generated distribution of passwords, which are measured using Kullback-Leibler divergence. Our attack is able to rank the correct vault into the 1.3% most likely vaults (on median), compared to 37.8% of the best-reported attack in previous work. (Note that smaller ranks are better, and 50% is achievable by random guessing.) We demonstrate that this attack is, to a certain extent, a fundamental problem with all static Natural Language Encoders (NLE), where the distribution of decoy vaults is fixed. We propose the notion of adaptive NLEs and demonstrate that they substantially limit the effectiveness of such attacks. We give one example of an adaptive NLE based on Markov models and show that the attack is only able to rank the decoy vaults with a median rank of 35.1%.


The Kerguelen Islands include various species of freshwater fish such as brown trout (Salmo trutta). These trout are among the most isolated from direct anthropogenic impact worldwide. This study was designed to analyse cadmium (Cd) and copper (Cu) concentrations in the liver of Kerguelen brown trout, and to assess the possible impacts of these metals on hepatic histopathology and oxidative stress parameters (superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and glutathione levels). Trout were caught in the Château River, the Studer Lakes and the Ferme Pond, close to the scientific station of the Kerguelen Islands, corresponding to three morphotypes (river, lake and station). Kerguelen trouts' hepatic concentrations of Cd and Cur were similar to those reported in previous studies in salmonids populations from areas under anthropological impacts. Clear hepatic disturbances (fibrosis, nuclear alteration, increased immune response, melanomacrophage centres [MMCs]) were observed in all tested trout. A similar histo-pathological trend was observed among the trout from the three morphotypes but anti-oxidative responses were higher in the trout from the "station" morphotype. Hepatic alterations and the presence of MMCs in the livers of Kerguelen brown trout may be related to the high levels of Cd and Cu measured in this fish at all sampling sites.


In this paper, the problem of classifying an unseen pattern on the basis of its nearest neighbors in a recorded data set is addressed from the point of view of DempsterShafer theory. Each neighbor of a sample to be classified is considered as an item of evidence that supports certain hypotheses regarding the class membership of that pattern. The degree of support is defined as a function of the distance between the two vectors. The evidence of the k nearest neighbors is then pooled by means of Dempster's rule of combination. This approach provides a global treatment of such issues as ambiguity and distance rejection, and imperfect knowledge regarding the class membership of training patterns. The effectiveness of this classification scheme as compared to the voting and distance-weighted k-NN procedures is demonstrated using several sets of simulated and real-world data.


Conclusions: Hy-Co-Sy is a simple, effective, well tolerated, low risk, outpatient procedure. We think it could be established as an initial screening tool. In those patients where tubal patency is demonstrated, early referral for ovulation induction could be facilitated. The demonstration of uterine, tubal, and endometrial pathology, makes possible a triage to operative hysteroscopy and laparoscopy.


In vivo analysis is of paramount importance in monitoring physiological processes that take place in living organisms. Mass spectrometry, an analytical technique with high speed, sensitivity and specificity, is indispensable in biochemical studies nowadays. However, traditional mass spectrometric techniques are of limited applicability in direct analysis of living organisms due to various constraints, e.g., the necessity of ionization of analytes under vacuum and perturbation of physiological functions of living organisms during analysis. Recent development of mass spectrometry, particularly the development of ambient ionization techniques, has opened the door for direct analysis of living organisms. These new mass spectrometric techniques have the features that the ionization processes take place under atmospheric pressure and no or only little sample preparation is required, thus are well suited for analysis of living specimens without significantly perturbing their physiological states. The role of these mass spectrometric techniques in in vivo analysis has been increasingly important in recent years and is expected to be further expanded in the future. In this review, the use of various mass spectrometric techniques in in vivo analysis of biological systems is summarized and the prospects are discussed.


This study compares incentive effects of various tax depreciation methods which are currently employed in selected OECD countries. Their generosity is determined on the basis of Samuelson's true economic depreciation. For this purpose, the present value model is applied. The central issue is that the so-called historical cost accounting method, which is adopted in practice when calculating the corporate tax base, causes fictitious profits in inflationary phases that should also be taxed. Therefore, in periods with inflation generous tax depreciation provisions do not adequately promote private investment as designed, but partly compensate such losses caused by inflation.


Over the past decades, the Egyptian housing market was not functioning well. The low-income residents always had a problem with affording a housing unit that fits their income level. This paper overviews the current state of the housing market in Egypt and analyzes the previous housing programs and the affordability of these programs for lower income residents. With a focus on the most recently completed program, which has been initiated during the ruling of Ex-president Mubarak titled, "The National Housing Program". A program that is advertised as a housing program for low-income categories However, unfortunately the ratio between the price of the offered units and their Quintiles income indicates that a large tier of low -income groups cannot benefit from such housing schemes. This gives an indicator that, "the poor never benefit from the government housing program".
This paper adopts a theoretical analysis to analyze the housing schemes introduced under the NHP and the affordability of these schemes for different tiers of the society, Furthermore, site visits and several interviews have been carried out to find out the percentage spent on housing from, "owners or renters" income.


The III-nitride semiconductor material system - (InAlGa)N - is of highest interest for optoelectronic applications due to its direct bandgap, tunable from the ultraviolet to the infrared spectral range. The most well-known are white light-emitting diodes, which are presently revolutionizing the general lighting market, and 405 nm laser diodes, the key elements of the Blu-ray Disc[TM] technology. Furthermore, sophisticated devices like electrically-driven verticalcavity surface-emitting lasers, which are microcavity based lasers, have been demonstrated recently, paving the way for electrically-driven low threshold room temperature polariton lasers. In 1996 Imamoglu and coworkers predicted the possibility of achieving such a low threshold coherent light source from a polariton condensate in a suitable microcavity. The eigenmodes of such a microcavity are exciton-polaritons, admixed particles resulting from the strong coupling between a photonic mode and an excitonic resonance. Thanks to their very light effective mass at the center of the Brillouin zone (105 times lighter than that of a free electron) and efficient relaxation mechanism a phase transition toward an exciton-polariton condensate might occur at elevated temperatures (observed up to 340 K in GaN-based microcavities). The goal of the present study is to provide a detailed theoretical analysis of the main emission features of electrically-driven polariton lasers based on planar GaN microcavities with embedded InGaN/GaN multiple quantum wells and to further derive the stringent requirements necessary for their experimental implementation. The complete polariton phase diagram is established for two experimentally relevant pumping geometries. Furthermore, the steady-state, the high-speed current modulation response, the relative intensity noise, and the Schawlow- Townes linewidth of those two geometries are derived. The resulting general expressions can be applied to any inorganic semiconductor polariton laser diodes. Then the building blocks of such microcavities are experimentally analyzed separately, i.e., the bottom III-nitride based distributed Bragg reflector, the active medium, and the top dielectric Bragg reflector. An innovative optical characterization method allows to study the effect of the substrate on lattice-matched InAlN/GaN Bragg reflectors. The best optical quality is obtained for such Bragg reflectors when grown on high quality free-standing GaN substrates. Furthermore, particular attention is paid to the excitonic localization via simulations and optical characterizations. For this purpose, a photoreflectance setup allowing the determination of the Stokes shift in the InGaN alloys grown on free-standing GaN substrates either as thick layers or as heterostructures (quantum wells) was carefully designed to operate from cryogenic to room temperature. The stacking of several In0.1Ga0.9N/GaN quantum wells results in a detrimental increase in the Stokes shift and thus the absorption linewidth, which is incompatible with the requirements of the strong coupling regime. Various possible reasons such as inhomogeneous built-in field distribution among the quantum wells and their partial strain relaxation are then identified, hence explaining why it is presently not possible to achieve the strong coupling regime with such an active region embedded in a semi-hybrid microcavity. Alternative solutions for the microcavity design to achieve the strong coupling regime with the InGaN alloy are discussed, supported by results obtained from transfer matrix simulations. The inhomogeneous absorption linewidth of thick InGaN layers is deduced from transmission measurements and for low In content layers (x < 12%) it is successfully reproduced by a model based on a stochastic distribution of indium atoms at the atomic scale. It is finally proposed that gain dilution in green laser diodes should not be much higher than in blue laser diodes provided that the In content within the QWs is homogeneous and abrupt interfaces are present.


In 2008, Sweden introduced a cash-for-care benefit consisting of a flat-rate sum paid by municipalities to parents whose children were between the ages of one and three and who did not use publicly subsidised childcare. The main object of the reform was to increase parents' 'freedom to choose', but the policy was criticised because of its potentially negative effects on gender equality and mothers' employment. This study focuses on the effects of cash-for-care on female employment in Sweden. The study shows that the adoption of this policy had negative effects on female employment, although primarily in rural areas. Cash-for-care was abolished in Sweden in 2016. To evaluate the effects that the policy had on female employment during the time it was in place is important as it indicates what may happen if the policy is introduced again.


Many Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) perform poorly compared to simple heuristics on Link Prediction (LP) tasks. This is due to limitations in expressive power such as the inability to count triangles (the backbone of most LP heuristics) and because they can not distinguish automorphic nodes (those having identical structural roles). Both expressiveness issues can be alleviated by learning link (rather than node) representations and incorporating structural features such as triangle counts. Since explicit link representations are often prohibitively expensive, recent works resorted to subgraph-based methods, which have achieved state-of-the-art performance for LP, but suffer from poor efficiency due to high levels of redundancy between subgraphs. We analyze the components of subgraph GNN (SGNN) methods for link prediction. Based on our analysis, we propose a novel full-graph GNN called ELPH (Efficient Link Prediction with Hashing) that passes subgraph sketches as messages to approximate the key components of SGNNs without explicit subgraph construction. ELPH is provably more expressive than Message Passing GNNs (MPNNs). It outperforms existing SGNN models on many standard LP benchmarks while being orders of magnitude faster. However, it shares the common GNN limitation that it is only efficient when the dataset fits in GPU memory. Accordingly, we develop a highly scalable model, called BUDDY, which uses feature precomputation to circumvent this limitation without sacrificing predictive performance. Our experiments show that BUDDY also outperforms SGNNs on standard LP benchmarks while being highly scalable and faster than ELPH.


SigmaE is an alternative sigma factor that controls the extracytoplasmic stress response in Escherichia coli. SigmaE is essential at high temperatures but was previously thought to be nonessential at temperatures below 37 degrees C. We present evidence that sigmaE is an essential sigma factor at all temperatures. Cells lacking sigmaE are able to grow at low temperatures because of the presence of a frequently arising, unlinked suppressor mutation.


We investigate issues that Bluetooth may face in evolving from a simple wire replacement to a large-scale ad hoc networking technology. We do so by examining the efficacy of Bluetooth in establishing a connected topology, which is a basic requirement of any networking technology. We demonstrate that Bluetooth experiences some fundamental algorithmic challenges in accomplishing this seemingly simple task. Specifically, deciding whether there exists at least one connected topology that satisfies the Bluetooth constraints is NP-hard. Several implementation problems also arise due to the internal structure of the Bluetooth protocol stack. All these together degrade the performance of the network, or increase the complexity of operation. Given the availability of efficient substitute technologies, Bluetooth's use may end up being limited to small ad hoc networks.


The single constrained Quality of Service (QoS) routing in Mobile Ad-hoc NETwork (MANET) is disastrous in consideration of MANET characteristics, inference, collision and link failure as it maintains a single path. The QoS enabled routing yields better packet delivery and maintains consistency among nodes in the network by incorporating multi-constrained and multipath routing. The Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) is best suited source routing algorithm to maintain multipath information at the source node, but performance degrades with larger number of mobile nodes. Multi-layer mechanism should be incorporated to maintain QoS metric information spreads across multiple layers of TCP/IP protocol stack. The proposed multipath QoS enabled source routing provides balanced routing by making use of all these features. The imprecise decision making strategy called Rough Set Theory (RST) is used at destination node for decision making. The Route REQuest (RREQ) messages coming from different routes are filtered by considering the QoS metrics of each and every route by making use of RST. The Route REPly (RREP) messages are generated and delivered to the source node for filtered RREQ messages. The proposed routing algorithm will reduce load on the network by reducing number of control messages exchanged for route establishment. This will evenly distribute load among all the nodes and it also avoid the scenarios like few nodes starved for resources. Finally, multipath routing always provides alternate routing option in case of route failure.


Two centuries ago, in most countries around the world, women were unable to vote, had no say over their own children or property, and could not obtain a divorce. Women have gradually gained rights in many areas of life, and this legal expansion has been closely intertwined with economic development. We aim to understand the drivers behind these reforms. To this end, we distinguish between four types of dwomen's rights—economic, political, labor, and body—and document their evolution over the past 50 years across countries. We summarize the political-economy mechanisms that link economic development to changes in women's rights and show empirically that these mechanisms account for a large share of the variation in women's rights across countries and over time.


Recently, a novel and promising biomarker proxy for reconstruction of Arctic sea-ice conditions was developed and is based on the determination of a highly branched isoprenoid with 25 carbons (IP25; Belt et al., 2007). Following this pioneer IP25 study by Belt and colleagues, several IP25 studies of marine surface sediments and sediment cores as well as sediment trap samples from northpolar areas were carried out successfully and allowed detailed reconstruction of modern and late Quaternary sea ice variability in these regions (e.g., Masse et al., 2008; Muller et al., 2009, 2011; Vare et al., 2009; Belt et al., 2010; Fahl and Stein, 2012; for review see Stein et al., 2012). Here, we present new (low-resolution) biomarker records from Ocean Drilling Program (ODP) Sites 911 and 912, representing the Pliocene-Pleistocene time interval (including the interval of major intensification of Northern Hemisphere Glaciation near 2.7 Ma). These data indicate that sea ice of variable extent was present in the Fram Strait/southern Yermak Plateau area during most of the time period under investigation. In general, an increase in sea-ice cover seems to correlate with phases of extended late Pliocene-Pleistocene continental ice-sheets. At ODP Site 912, a significant increase in sea-ice extension occurred near 1.2 Ma (Stein and Fahl, 2012). Furthermore, our data support the idea that a combination of IP25 and open water, phytoplankton biomarker data ("PIP25 index"; Muller et al., 2011) may give more reliable and quantitative estimates of past sea ice cover (at least for the study area). This study reveals that the novel IP25/PIP25 biomarker approach has potential for semi-quantitative paleo-sea ice studies covering the entire Quaternary and motivate to carry out further detailed high-resolution research on ODP/IODP material using this proxy.


The field of spoken language processing is concerned with creating computer programs that can understand human speech and produce human-like speech. Regarding the problem of understanding human speech, there is currently growing interest in moving beyond speech recognition (the task of transcribing the words in an audio stream) and towards machine listening—interpreting the full spectrum of information in an audio stream. One part of machine listening, the problem that this thesis focuses on, is the task of using information in the speech signal to infer a person's emotional or mental state.
In this dissertation, our approach is to assess the utility of prosody, or manner of speaking, in classifying speaker affect. Prosody refers to the acoustic features of natural speech: rhythm, stress, intonation, and energy. Affect refers to a person's emotions and attitudes such as happiness, frustration, or uncertainty. We focus on one specific dimension of affect: level of certainty. Our goal is to automatically infer whether a person is confident or uncertain based on the prosody of his or her speech. Potential applications include conversational dialogue systems (e.g., in educational technology) and voice search (e.g., smartphone personal assistants).
There are three main contributions of this thesis. The first contribution is a method for eliciting uncertain speech that binds a speaker's uncertainty to a single phrase within the larger utterance, allowing us to compare the utility of contextually-based prosodic features. Second, we devise a technique for computing prosodic features from utterance segments that both improves uncertainty classification and can be used to determine which phrase a speaker is uncertain about. The level of certainty classifier achieves an accuracy of 75%. Third, we examine the differences between perceived, self-reported, and internal level of certainty, concluding that perceived certainty is aligned with internal certainty for some but not all speakers and that self-reports are a good proxy for internal certainty.


Objective The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between HCV genotype and histological liver injury. Design Prospective study on a cohort of patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis C. Setting University medical centre. Participants Enrolled were 324 consecutive patients (male 197, median age 52 years, range 19‐68; chronic hepatitis, 224; cirrhosis, 100). Methods HCV genotype was determined by the INNO LiPA assay and HCV RNA levels by the bDNA assay. The histological features were scored according to the histology activity index. Results The distribution of HCV genotypes was 1a, 4.6%; 1b, 52.4%; 2a/c, 27%; 3a, 8%; 4, 2%; mixed, 6%. Serum HCV RNA levels were similar for all genotypes. There was no difference in the distribution of HCV genotypes between patients with chronic hepatitis and those with cirrhosis. Patients with genotype 1b and those with type 2a/c showed a similar prevalence of cases of cirrhosis (33% versus 31%, respectively). In addition, in a subgroup of 102 patients with an established date of infection, the progression to cirrhosis occurred with a similar length of time for HCV type 1b and 2a/c (median 16 versus 15 years, respectively). Patients with HCV genotype 2a/c or mixed genotype showed a higher histology activity index than those with type 1b (P < 0.01), whereas there was no difference in the fibrosis score for the different genotypes. Patients with genotype 3a showed a significantly higher prevalence of steatosis compared to those infected with other genotypes. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values were higher in patients with HCV type 2a/c, 3a and mixed genotype than those with type 1 (P < 0.002). Conclusions The data indicate that there is no association between a particular HCV genotype and the progression to cirrhosis, and that specific genotypes are associated with distinct histopathological and biochemical manifestations although none of them is correlated with an increase of the fibrosis stage. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 12:299‐304 © 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology 2000, 12:299‐304


Particularly efficient steel components can be designed by performing a plastic global analysis of a structure that is also made of high-strength steel. However, plastic design of high-strength steel structures is not embodied in current standards, which is why a broad research study was carried out addressing different aspects of using HSS for plastic design. The paper deals with verified numerical investigations on the rotation capacity of high strength steel I-girders considering realistic true stress strain curves, local plastic instability and damage mechanics approaches to predict ductile crack initiation (paper: Bartsch, H. et al.). Helen Bartsch, Felix Eyben, Simon Schaffrath, Markus Feldmann On the plastic design of high-strength steel beams


The Florida citrus industry currently consists of approximately 25 citrus processing plants located in 12 counties. Historically, peel dryers have been the only regulated sources of air emissions at citrus plants. Particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (S02) emissions have been historically the only pollutant regulated from peel dryers. These emissions have generally been addressed in permit applications for peel dryers, along with emissions due to fuel combustion, which include carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).Recently, the question of the magnitude of VOC emissions from citrus peel dryers as well as from citrus processing plants has arisen because federal operating permit regulations and prevention of significant deterioration (PSD) regulations would apply if VOC emissions exceed certain levels. In preparing Title V permit applications, several citrus processors have obtained air emission data from peel dryers, including VOC data. These limited data have indicated that VOC emissions can be significant. The citrus industry is planning to obtain additional VOC data in the upcoming processing season in order to better quantify such emissions.This paper presents available industry data in regard to VOC emissions from citrus plants and peel dryers. Test data are presented, summarized, and evaluated. Test methods are also identified and discussed in relation to results obtained. Potential VOC emissions based on mass balance are presented. The citrus peel drying process and operation is discussed in relation to the VOC emissions data.Finally, potential air permitting implications of VOC emissions are discussed. Based on the information gathered in this study, it is concluded that VOC emissions from peel dryers and from citrus processing plants are significant. Most plants would likely be considered as major sources for Title V purposes, and larger plants could be major sources for PSD new source review purposes.Paper published with permission.Compilation Copyright © 2018 ASME


This study explores the concept of feedback from various perspectives in psychology and cognitive science. Specifically, the theories of ecological psychology, situated and Distributed Cognition, Cognitive Systems Engineering and Embodied cognition are investigated and compared. Cognitive Systems Engineering provides a model of feedback and related constructs, to understand human behavior in complex working environments. Earlier theories such as ecological psychology, considered feedback as direct perception. Situated cognition clearly inherits ideas from ecological psychology, whereas distributed cognition provides a deeper understanding of feedback through artifact use. Cognitive Systems Engineering provides a systematic view of feedback and control. This framework is a suitable perspective to understanding feedback in human-machine settings.


Abstract. Within the context of developing data inversion and assimilation techniques for C-band backscatter over sea ice, snow physical models may be used to drive backscatter models for comparison and optimization with satellite observations. Such modeling has the potential to enhance understanding of snow on sea-ice properties required for unambiguous interpretation of active microwave imagery. An end-to-end modeling suite is introduced, incorporating regional reanalysis data (NARR), a snow model (SNTHERM89.rev4), and a multilayer snow and ice active microwave backscatter model (MSIB). This modeling suite is assessed against measured snow on sea-ice geophysical properties and against measured active microwave backscatter. NARR data were input to the SNTHERM snow thermodynamic model in order to drive the MSIB model for comparison to detailed geophysical measurements and surface-based observations of C-band backscatter of snow on first-year sea ice. The NARR variables were correlated to available in situ measurements with the exception of long-wave incoming radiation and relative humidity, which impacted SNTHERM simulations of snow temperature. SNTHERM snow grain size and density were comparable to observations. The first assessment of the forward assimilation technique developed in this work required the application of in situ salinity profiles to one SNTHERM snow profile, which resulted in simulated backscatter close to that driven by in situ snow properties. In other test cases, the simulated backscatter remained 4–6 dB below observed for higher incidence angles and when compared to an average simulated backscatter of in situ end-member snow covers. Development of C-band inversion and assimilation schemes employing SNTHERM89.rev4 should consider sensitivity of the model to bias in incoming long-wave radiation, the effects of brine, and the inability of SNTHERM89.Rev4 to simulate water accumulation and refreezing at the bottom and mid-layers of the snowpack. These impact thermodynamic response, brine wicking and volume processes, snow dielectrics, and thus microwave backscatter from snow on first-year sea ice.


PURPOSE
Approximately 18,500 persons are diagnosed with malignant glioma in the United States annually. Few studies have investigated the comprehensive economic costs. We reviewed the literature to examine costs to patients with malignant glioma and their families, payers, and society.

METHODS
A total of 18 fully extracted studies were included. Data were collected on direct and indirect costs, and cost estimates were converted to US dollars using the conversion rate calculated from the study's publication date, and updated to 2011 values after adjustment for inflation. A standardized data abstraction form was used. Data were extracted by one reviewer and checked by another.

RESULTS
Before approval of effective chemotherapeutic agents for malignant gliomas, estimated total direct medical costs in the United States for surgery and radiation therapy per patient ranged from $50,600 to $92,700. The addition of temozolomide (TMZ) and bevacizumab to glioblastoma treatment regimens has resulted in increased overall costs for glioma care. Although health care costs are now less front-loaded, they have increased over the course of illness. Analysis using a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life-year suggests that the benefits of TMZ fall on the edge of acceptable therapies. Furthermore, indirect medical costs, such as productivity losses, are not trivial.

CONCLUSION
With increased chemotherapy use for malignant glioma, the paradigm for treatment and associated out-of-pocket and total medical costs continue to evolve. Larger out-of-pocket costs may influence the choice of chemotherapeutic agents, the economic implications of which should be evaluated prospectively.


Objective: To determine the awareness regarding weaning and its associated factors among mothers in Kashmore, rural Sindh.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among infant's mothers regarding awareness for weaning at Kashmore, a rural community in interior Sindh, from March 2108 to November 2018. The inclusion criteria were age of mothers 30 years or above and child's age more than two years whereas mothers refusing to give verbal informed consent were excluded from the study. A total of 200 mothers were included in the study and were interviewed by using a questionnaire designed specifically for the study. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social sciences version 20 while Mann Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis H test were used for inferential analysis. The study duration spanned over 9 months.
Results: The mean age of the mothers was 27.1 ± 6.3 years and the average number of children for every household was 2.4 ± 1.3. When participants were asked about what weaning foods should be given to assess their awareness, 176 (88.0%) mothers said bread or roti, 153 (76.5%) said yogurt, 144 (72%) said boiled rice, 133 (66.5%) said vegetables, 130 (55.0%) said suji or kheer, 95 (47.5%) said egg yolk while only 71 (35.5%) said fruits. The study results further showed that among the socio-demographic characteristics compared the mean awareness scores of the mothers were significantly different across categories of mothers' education (p<0.001), fathers' education (p<0.001), monthly household income (p<0.001) and type of family (p=0.025).
Conclusion: Based on study results it can be concluded that certain socio-demographic factors influence the awareness of the mothers regarding the weaning of their children. Therefore any effort aimed at improving their awareness should take into account the factors identified in this study.


Background: The August 2013 publication of a large historical cohort study in the New England Journal of Medicine has reignited interest in the potential teratogenic effects of fluconazole when used in pregnant females. Fluconazole is an effective and commonly-utilized antifungal medication. Thus, maternal and fetal exposure to fluconazole is expected in the general population, and pharmacists are expected to counsel patients regarding any risks to their prescribed treatment.
Methods: A literature review of all published literature indexed to PubMed (January 1966 to October 2013) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (January 1975 to October 2013) including fluconazole and teratogenic effects and published in the English language was conducted.
Results: Fourteen publications were included for analysis including case reports (n=7), cross-sectional research (n=2), and historical cohort studies (n=5).
Conclusion: There appears to be little to no fetal risk resulting from a single dose or short duration antifungal therapy with fluconazole. However, prolonged high-dose fluconazole therapy has increased potential to confer teratogenic effects. In those cases, the risks of such therapy should be weighed against potential benefits.

Type: Student Project


The author looks at learning (formal, non-formal and informal) and examines the hidden world of informal (unconscious, unplanned) learning. He points out the importance of informal learning for creating tacit attitudes and values, knowledge and skills which influence (conscious, planned) learning - formal and non-formal. Moreover, he explores the implications of informal learning for educational planners and teachers in the context of lifelong learning. While mainly aimed at adult educators, the book's arguments apply also to schooling and higher education, in both industrialised societies and developing countries where large numbers of children and adults are not and have not been in school and so rely on informal learning to manage change. (DIPF/Verlag)


Eighteen patients with inflammatory lesions of the knee joints (ten with rheumatoid arthritis, eight with undiagnosed lesions) and two normal subjects were examined by MRI. In addition to spin-echo measurements, the signals from normal and pathological tissues were evaluated quantitatively by dynamic flash sequences following the injection of gadolinium DTPA. The latter method was able to distinguish active pannus from other proliferative synovial changes; the degree of activity could be related to synovial histology and relevant clinical features in eight patients. Areas of flat articular and subchondral pannus could be identified by the enhanced signal following the administration of gadolinium DTPA. Dynamic MRI is able to provide important information for the early diagnosis and follow-up of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.