In the post-9/11 era, growing scholarly literature and social concern have focused on Islamic education in Muslim-majority countries and for Muslim minorities in the West. However, public attention and academic research concerning the teaching of Islam as a world religion and a commonly shared human civilization, are barely understood in secular contexts and in public education. This issue requires more attention, especially in Asia. For the sake of future dialogue and further discussion, this paper is a tentative attempt at initiating this understudied issue of teaching Islam as multicultural literacy. It inquires about the pedagogy of teaching Islam in an East Asian context by first briefly reflecting on the dilemmas of introducing Islam to the West and its implications for the university curriculum. Departing from the experience in North America and European societies, this article then attempts to explore alternative pedagogical discourse in teaching Islam to Chinese students in the East Asian context by considering its specific geographical position in global politics and the recent development of Hong Kong. This article finally foresees the developing pedagogy of Islamic teaching that challenges students to break away from the media cliché and apathy towards human suffering, leading them to understand that they themselves are the potential peacemakers of a future global multiethnic and multicultural society.


Mathematical Morphology is a theory of nonlinear processing extensively used in digital image processing. The computation effort, however, associated to Mathematical Morphology is usually large mainly because of high occurrence of conditional branches, due to use of intersection and union set operations. In terms of processing, it means the occurrence of maximum and minimum calculation. Mathematical Morphology, despite a relative large computational cost, is suitable to biomedical images applications, where both form and texture are essential in order to study anatomical deformities. We use detection and classification of mass in mammograms as a case study. The reason is that breast cancer is the leading cause of adult women by cancer worldwide. We propose a method inspired by series of wavelets for fuzzy-morphological decomposition in regions of interest on mammograms. Our decomposition employs nonlinear low-pass and high-pass filters based on openings and closings operations, which employ fuzzy-approximations. They replace conditional branches by arithmetic operators of subtraction and multiplication, computationally more efficient. We used 355 images of fatty breast tissue of IRMA database, with 233 normal instances, 66 benign, and 56 malignant cases. Classification was performed using SVM and ELM networks with modified kernels, in order to optimize accuracy rates, reaching 93.18%.


The early seventeenth century was a formative period in Irish history. With the extension of Stuart power following the defeat, and later, the flight of the Earls, the country entered into a new phase of political, social and religious change. The extension of English law, the policy of plantation, the state's harassement of Catholics and the increasing centralisation of political authority served to isolate the Catholic community from the sources of power and patronage. While most Irish Catholics accepted James 1 as their lawful king, they insisted that their political loyalty to him could be reconciled with their religious loyalty to the Pope. The King and his government, however, would prove immune to their reasoning. Nor was this the only problem facing Irish Catholics. Prolonged war had shattered the church's structures and Reformation had taken away its material sustenance. In the relatively peaceful 1610s and 1620s a new generation of Catholic bishops and clergy set about reorganising the shattered, impoverised church according to the guidlines of the Council of Trent. Central to their concerns was the establishment of a comprehensive and coherent pastoral network, centred on parishes and involving the proper celebration of the sacraments, basic religious education and the moral improvement of the faithful. The education of a clergy, imbued with the spirit of Trent yet sensitive to the political situation in Ireland, was an obvious priority. To this end, grammer schools were set up to feed a network of Irish continental seminaries which had been established in Catholic Europe since the 1590s, mostly in the great university cities. The continental seminaries were part of a vast and complex network of contacts which linked Ireland to its continental neighbours and had already opened up the country to a host of new influences. The men who ran these colleges played an important role in the shaping of early seventeenth- century Ireland. Among them was one who hailed from the diocese of Meath. He was called Thomas Messingham.


Background: Given the high morbidity and mortality caused by Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), scientific research is necessary to achieve a proper treatment regimen. Since doxycycline is effective in reducing inflammatory factors, including IL-6 and TNF-alpha that play an important role in initiating cytokine storms and probably causing death in patients with COVID-19, its use is associated with low side effects and can be used orally, the present study was attempted to evaluate the efficacy of doxycycline in the treatment of inpatients and outpatients with COVID-19.Methods: This descriptive and prospective study was performed on inpatients and outpatients were diagnosed with COVID-19 based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test from nasopharyngeal secretions or computerized tomography scan (CT Scan). Patients who met the inclusion criteria received doxycycline at a dose of 100 mg every 12 hours for 7 days and then were evaluated on the baseline day and on days 3, 7, and 14 after admission for cough, Shortness of breath, temperature and oxygen saturation.Results: Out of 21 patients, 11 patients were male and 10 patients were female. Cough, SOB, temperature, and O2 sat improved in both of outpatients and inpatients compared to baseline. In general, the results showed that doxycycline was more effective in improving cough, SOB, temperature, and O2 sat in outpatients than inpatients. Conclusion: It can be concluded that doxycycline with the dose and duration prescribed in our study could play an effective role in the treatment of patients with COVID-19.


This thesis looks closely at Propertius' reception of the Antigone mythology in Propertius 2.8. First, I lay the groundwork to argue that Propertius is consciously receiving the Antigone mythology as found in Sophocles' eponymous tragedy. I show through a close examination of language and themes that Propertius and Sophocles share semiotic markers of eroticized death that reveal Propertius' intentional use of Sophocles' tragedy, as opposed to other scholars who argue that Propertius is engaging with a later lost tradition of Haemon in Hellenistic poetry. After connecting Propertius with Sophocles, I explore the motif of eroticized death in mythological literature. I highlight four types of eroti ci zed death with brief examples : 1) the suicide/intentional death of the lover at the death of the beloved by outside forces , 2) the mourning/survival of the lover at the accidental death of the beloved , 3) the suicide of the beloved at the abandonment of the lover , and 4) the intentional murder of the lover by the beloved because of betrayal. I then show that Propertius' threat of murder and violence does not fit any of these categories and that he is innovating upon the theme of eroti ci zed death. I then look closely at why a new type of eroti ci zed death, one that is more extreme than other types, finds itself in the genre of poetry, which argues to depart from the world of masculine violence. I show that suicide occurs because of the poet's insistence on being both poet and character of poetry, causing him to do harm to himself. The threat of the puella 's murder occurs because she embodies poetry itself, and the poet has become frustrated with the quality of his poems. Finally, I explore how readers can respond to violence towards a woman who is fictional and representative of poetry and argue that despite her identity residing in poetry that there is still concern for discussion about real domestic violence toward ancient women in erotic contexts.


For application in a software defined radio, a CORDIC processor has been developed that can operate both in synchronous and asynchronous mode. Each mode of operation has advantages and drawbacks. Depending on the actual application, an optimal trade-off can be achieved by selecting the mode of operation that fits best with system demands. We believe that for a system developer this additional degree of freedom significantly increases the application space. The design has been implemented on a 0.25 /spl mu/m SiGe:C BiCMOS process. Simulation results using post-layout extracted parameters indicate that the design is competitive both with purely synchronous and purely asynchronous implementations.


Soft-sediment deformation structures, like convolute lamination and pseudonodules, are common in deep-marine turbidites, but details of their origin and timing of formation remain a source of debate. Deep-marine basin-floor deposits of the Neoproterozoic Upper Kaza Group (Windermere Supergroup) crop out superbly in the Castle Creek study area and provide an ideal laboratory to investigate these aspects in convolute-laminated pseudonodules, and also how that deformation influenced later diagenesis. Pseudonodules consist of well-sorted, matrix-poor, upper medium- to coarse-grained, planar-stratified or cross-stratified sandstone that are underlain and overlain by comparatively more poorly sorted, matrix-rich, graded sandstone of similar grain size. Deposition of the stratified pseudonodules is interpreted to have occurred during the same event that deposited the graded sandstone, albeit during a period of general transport bypass, whereby isolated, shallow, seafloor depressions became filled with well-sorted, stratified sand. As stratified sand accumulated the depressions slowly subsided until a critical thickness had built up and exceeded the load-bearing capacity of the substrate composed of graded sand. This destabilized the surface separating the two layers and resulted in the stratified unit foundering, and in some cases becoming completely enveloped by, the upward-displaced lower-density substrate. Surprisingly, despite the deformed macroscopic character of the stratified sediment, primary grain fabric, including intergranular porosity up to 40%, was preserved and influenced early diagenesis, which, owing to dispersed phosphate cement and depleted carbon isotope composition of the pervasive carbonate cement, would have begun very near the sediment–water interface. Importantly also, pseudonodules are common in basin-floor deposits but comparatively rare in continental-slope strata. Expanding flow conditions over the basin floor would have promoted grain settling, and in turn development of a more stably (density) stratified flow structure. Ultimately this resulted in higher local rates of sedimentation on the basin floor and the accumulation of a substrate more prone to later liquidization.


The objective of this article is to present the development and evaluation of dETECT (Evaluating TEaching CompuTing), a model for the evaluation of the quality of instructional units for teaching computing in middle school based on the students' perception collected through a measurement instrument. The dETECT model was systematically developed and evaluated based on data collected from 16 case studies in 13 different middle school institutions with responses from 477 students. Our results indicate that the dETECT model is acceptable in terms of reliability (Cronbach's alpha α=.787) and construct validity, demonstrating an acceptable degree of correlation found between almost all items of the dETECT measurement instrument. These results allow researchers and instructors to rely on the dETECT model in order to evaluate instructional units and, thus, contribute to their improvement and to direct an effective and efficient adoption of teaching computing in middle school.


A novel type of porous magnetic microsphere (Fe3O4@HCP) was firstly synthesized just via one-step Friedel–Crafts alkylation promoted by FeCl3. This universal and facile method to fabricate porous magnetic microspheres possesses distinct advantages such as cheap reactants, mild reaction conditions, a short reaction time and a simple post-treatment process. The core–shell spheres with a well-defined and uniform morphology possess a high Brunauer–Emmett–Teller specific surface area (770 m2 g−1). Besides, the magnetization saturation value reaches up to 18 A m2 kg−1 which is high enough to separate Fe3O4@HCP from aqueous solution. Fe3O4@HCP possesses fast adsorption kinetics and an excellent adsorption capacity for organic dyes: methyl orange (211 mg g−1) and fuchsin basic (231 mg g−1). The adsorption-saturated Fe3O4@HCP composites can be easily collected by an external magnetic field and reused at least 3 times after simple Soxhlet extraction and drying.


The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of Relationship Quality (RQ) on retention in the context of retail banking. Relationship quality refers to the customer's perception about the overall relationship with the organization. The banks are now facing cut throat competition, therefore in order to sustain in business retaining the customers is considered as a prime issue. The present study attempts to explore the association between relationship quality and retention. The research also attempts to investigate the moderating effect of the variables like age, gender, duration of relationship and type of bank on the association between relationship quality and retention. A structured questionnaire was designed for the study. The study population includes existing bank customers of Chennai, India. Questionnaire survey method was adopted for the research study. Multistage random sampling method was used to select the sample respondents. The collected responses were then analyzed using Partial Least Square – Structural Equation Modelling. Results of the study revealed that relationship quality has a significant positive impact on retention. The antecedent commitment displayed a stronger impact on relationship quality when compared to other two antecedents namely satisfaction and trust. Further the variables age and type of bank moderated the association between relationship quality and retention. This research can be used in the banking sector to understand the retention behavior of the customers. Retaining existing customers is one among the key strategies of the banks to gain business advantage. In order to retain the customers, managers should focus on increasing the quality of relationship with the bank customers.


Steroids are widely used in treating the relapse of multiple sclerosis. There is no place for long term steroid therapy of this disease. Current practice is a short course of high dose methylprednisolone which can be repeated after an interval, has proven safety and objectively accelerates recovery.


BACKGROUND
Abnormalities of cardiac structure and function are common in children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It is unclear, however, whether these abnormalities are attributable to the disease itself, associated infections, or possible cardiotoxic effects of the most commonly used treatment, zidovudine.

METHODS
We performed echocardiography in 24 children with symptomatic HIV infection immediately before they started zidovudine therapy and a mean of 1.32 years after therapy began. Sixteen of these children were also studied a mean of 1.26 years before starting zidovudine treatment. Comparison groups included 27 age-matched children with symptomatic HIV infection who had not received zidovudine and 191 normal children.

RESULTS
As compared with the normal children, the children treated with zidovudine had progressive left ventricular dilatation and an increase in ventricular-wall stress at end-systole (a measure of ventricular afterload); dilatation and stress were significantly elevated both before and during zidovudine treatment. The ratio of ventricular thickness to internal dimension was below normal before zidovudine treatment began (P < 0.001). After treatment with zidovudine, however, overall left ventricular mass was increased (P = 0.02), as was peak wall stress (a stimulus to ventricular hypertrophy) (P = 0.01). Ventricular contractility remained normal, but fractional shortening of the left ventricle was decreased (P = 0.004). No statistically significant differences were detected at follow-up in any of these measurements between HIV-infected children treated with zidovudine and those not so treated.

CONCLUSIONS
Progressive left ventricular dilatation occurred in children with symptomatic HIV infection. Compensatory hypertrophy also occurred but was inadequate to maintain peak systolic wall stress within the normal range. The progressive elevation of ventricular afterload due to dilatation resulted in depressed ventricular performance, but intrinsic ventricular contractility remained normal. Zidovudine did not appear to worsen or ameliorate these cardiac changes.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence of addiction to indoor tanning among college students and its association with substance use and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

DESIGN
Two written measures, the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) Questionnaire, used to screen for alcoholism, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for substance-related disorders, were modified to evaluate study participants for addiction to indoor tanning. Standardized self-report measures of anxiety, depression, and substance use also were administered.

SETTING
A large university (approximately 18 000 students) in the northeastern United States.

PARTICIPANTS
A total of 421 college students were recruited from September through December 2006.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Self-reported addiction to indoor tanning, substance use, and symptoms of anxiety and depression.

RESULTS
Among 229 study participants who had used indoor tanning facilities, 90 (39.3%) met DSM-IV-TR criteria and 70 (30.6%) met CAGE criteria for addiction to indoor tanning. Students who met DSM-IV-TR and CAGE criteria for addiction to indoor tanning reported greater symptoms of anxiety and greater use of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances than those who did not meet these criteria. Depressive symptoms did not significantly vary by indoor tanning addiction status.

CONCLUSION
Findings suggest that interventions to reduce skin cancer risk should address the addictive qualities of indoor tanning for a minority of individuals and the relationship of this behavior to other addictions and affective disturbance.


The expansion of low-cost airlines (LCAs) has led to a reduction of flight costs and has enabled tourists to redistribute their trip budget and spend a higher proportion at the destination. Analyses of absolute trip spending by parts (such as transportation) and of trip budget share (for example, the proportion of transportation within the total trip budget) serve different objectives. The first type of analysis refers to how much tourists spend and the second to how they spend. The aims of this article are, first, to provide a new methodological tool to combine the analysis of budget share and absolute expenditure and, second, to analyse the determinants of absolute expenditure on transportation and the relative importance of transportation expenditure compared to other trip budget components. The main findings are that traveller characteristics affecting high absolute transportation expenditure are different from those affecting a high share of transportation in the trip budget. This has implications for LCA pricing strategies.


This paper describes a microelectromechanical sys- tems (MEMS) Lorentz force navigation magnetometer whose fab- rication is fully compatible with existing foundry processes used to manufacture MEMS inertial sensors. Operating at 1 atm, the magnetometer is shown to have a Brownian-noise-limited field resolution of 87 nT/ √ Hz and a corresponding angular resolution of 0.7 ◦ / √ Hz. To achieve Brownian-noise-limited performance at 1 atm, parametric amplification was performed which amplifies the Lorentz force 40% more than the Brownian noise force and increases the field sensitivity of the device up to 82.5 folds. Here, the parametric signal is also used to perform electromechanical amplitude modulation to mitigate capacitive feedthrough of the drive signal to the sensing electronics. (2010-0229)


● Background: The effect of furosemide on the survival and renal recovery of patients presenting with acute renal failure (ARF) is still debated. Methods: Three hundred thirty-eight patients with ARF requiring dialysis therapy were randomly assigned to the administration of either furosemide (25 mg/kg/d intravenously or 35 mg/kg/d orally) or matched placebo, with stratification according to severity at presentation. The primary end point was survival. The secondary end point was number of dialysis sessions. Tertiary end points included time on dialysis therapy, time to achieve a serum creatinine level less than 2.26 mg/dL (<200 mol/L), and time to reach a 2-L/d diuresis. Results: There were no differences in survival and renal recovery rates between the 2 groups. Time to achieve a 2-L/d diuresis was shorter with furosemide (5.7 5.8 days) than placebo (7.8 6.8 days; P 0.004). Overall, 148 patients achieved a urine output of at least 2 L/d during the study period (94 of 166 patients; 57%) with furosemide versus 54 of 164 patients (33%) with placebo (P < 0.001). However, there were no significant differences in number of dialysis sessions and time on dialysis therapy between the furosemide and placebo groups, even in the subgroup of patients reaching a 2-L/d diuresis. Conclusion: High-dose furosemide helps maintain urinary output, but does not have an impact on the survival and renal recovery rate of patients with established ARF. Am J Kidney Dis 44: 402-409. © 2004 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.


In the first prospective study, to our knowledge, of the impact of ongoing terrorism and political violence, we analyzed nationally representative data from 560 Jews and 182 Arabs in Israel over a 6-month period. Based on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory (Hobfoll, 1989, 1998), we predicted that exposure to terrorism and political violence would result in psychosocial and economic resource loss and resource lack, which in turn, would be primary predictors of increases in symptoms of posttraumatic stress (PTS) and depression. We also predicted that trauma exposure and PTS symptoms, in particular, would be related to ethnocentrism and support for political violence. Furthermore, based on theory and prior research, we predicted that posttraumatic growth (PTG) would be related to a worsening of symptoms of distress and that distress would be related to increased ethnocentrism and support for extreme political violence for their "cause." Women, older individuals, and Arabs (compared with Jews) were more likely to have continued psychological distress over time. In addition, using simultaneous equation modeling, we found good fit for a structural model that partially supported our hypotheses. Psychosocial resource loss, PTG, and social support had direct and indirect effects on psychological distress. Political attitudes tended to harden over time but were not prospectively related to PTS or depressive symptoms.


This protocol provides a method for sensitive multiplexed metabolic tracing. It is based on the combination of alkyne-labeled metabolic precursors and dedicated azido reporter molecules that are optimized for mass spectrometric detection after click reaction. After metabolic incorporation of alkyne fatty acids, sub-picomole to femtomole amounts of labeled material can be detected. Time resolution can be achieved by pulse-chase labeling.


Moringa oleifera seeds possess coagulating and antimicrobial properties for wastewater treatment. This paper reports the chemical and biological analyses of wastewater samples from the university hostel (W1), the main abattoir (W2) and the Nigerian Bottling Company, NBC (W3) in Maiduguri, Nigeria; treated with Moringa seed solution concentration (MOSC) at 0 (Control), 10, 20, 30 and 40% levels. The treated wastewater was used for irrigating Amaranthus hybridus under drip irrigation on sandy loam soil on the Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering Departmental Research Farm, University of Maiduguri. Initial coliform counts (CC) were measured as 1405, 1571 and 1314 cells/100 mL; the electrical conductivity (EC) values were 0.78, 1.20 and 1.23 dS/m and the sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) was 1.12, 1.54 and 1.18. Similarly, the pH values were measured as 8.56, 5.60 and 6.98, while Boron (B) showed as 0.44, 1.80 and 1.28 for W1, W2 and W3 respectively. The initial soil conditions (0i) were shown to contain CC (28 cells/100 mL), EC (0.69 dS/m), B (0.63 mg/L), pH (6.5), N (10.71 mg/L), P (10.42 mg/L) and SAR (0.88). The results obtained indicate that the Moringa seed solution at 40% had an appreciable effect on most of the quality parameters in the irrigated soil when compared with the initial values.


The electrical conductances of aqueous solutions of magnesium and manganese (H) oxalates and diothionates, barium dithionate and of acetic acid have been measured at various frequencies in the range 1 KHz to 50 Mz, using a conventional audio-frequency Wheatstone bridge and two radio-frequency transformer ratio-arm bridges. The measurements of the radio-frequency conductances were determined with respect to potassium chloride which is taken as the reference electrolyte. The evaluation of the conductance data was carried out by extrapolation and minimisation techniques using the following theoretical conductance equations: the complete and modified forms of Pitts (8,29) and Fuoss-Hsia(19,30) and those of Falkenhagen-Leist-Kelbg(5) D'Aprano(20). and Murphy-Cohen(25). Quantitative results showed that magnesium, manganese and barium dithionates could be only treated as essentially fully dissociated electrolytes which exhibit ion pairing. All the oxalate and dithionate salts showed an increase in their conductances in a high-frequency field (normal Falkenhagen effect). This could be explained in terms of two effects: the ion atmosphere relaxation(5), and the relaxation of ion-pair equilibrium as calculated by Gilkerson(50). The above-mentioned electrolytes exhibited variations in the values of their association constants (second Falkenhagen effect) with frequency. Estimation has been made for the rate constants of the ion-pair dissociation rate by using Gilkerson theory. The results indicate that acetic acid does not exhibit any effect other than relaxation Of the ionic atmosphere, corresponding to the frequency of the alternating field. It is concluded that this electrolyte is present in neutral molecules which can not be dissociated by the alternating field.


We prove the existence of topological rings in (0,2) theories containing non-anomalous left-moving U(1) currents by which they may be twisted. While the twisted models are not topological, their ground operators form a ring under non-singular OPE which reduces to the (a,c) or (c,c) ring at (2,2) points and to a classical sheaf cohomology ring at large radius, defining a quantum sheaf cohomology away from these special loci. In the special case of Calabi-Yau compactifications, these rings are shown to exist globally on the moduli space if the rank of the holomorphic bundle is less than eight.


In this study, we performed the bending fatigue test and investigated the influence of strain ratio on fatigue life in TiNi shape memory thin wire. The pulsating plane bending, alternating plane bending and rotating bending fatigue tests were carried. Additionally, we carried out the observation of the fatigue fracture surface by a scanning electron microscope. The behavior of fatigue crack was investigated. The results obtained are summarized as follows. (1) The martensitic transformation (MT) stress of the superelastic thin wire (SE-NT) is higher than that of the SMA thin wire (SME-NT) and the fatigue life of SE-NT is shorter than that of SME-NT. Maximum bending strain at the fatigue limit is the MT starting strain. (2) The low-cycle fatigue life curve in plane bending for SE-NT is expressed by a power function of maximum strain εmax and the number of cycles to failure Nf. The smaller the strain ratio for the same εmax, the shorter the fatigue life. (3) In both the rotating bending and the plane bending, fatigue cracks nucleate on the surface of the wire and one fatigue crack grows preferentially. The region in which fatigue crack propagated is fan-shaped.


With the expanded use of composite materials in civil structures such as bridge decks, a moving-load analysis would simulate a truck moving over a composite bridge. Almost all the available research concerning moving-load analysis concerns with results in the form of deflections and dynamic load factors; very little attention has been paid to the stress analysis and using the stress field to ascertain failure. In this research a finite element method employing h-p version finite elements is made and analyzed to determine the failure of a composite beam under the action of a moving load. A computer code is written in MATLAB to accomplish this. Classical laminate plate theory (CLPT) and first order shear deformation theory (FSDT) are considered for the analysis of composite beams. A consistent formulation is used to reduce the composite plate theory to beams. The governing equations are obtained using Hamilton's principle. Newmark's time integration scheme is used to determine the dynamic response in the form of the displacement field of the beam. The strain field is obtained using the kinematic relations and then the stress field using the appropriate constitutive equations. Finally, the maximum stress failure theory is applied to determine the factor of safety. Results are presented for a simply-supported beam subjected to a moving load that traverses the entire span of the composite beam. The stress field and factors of safety based on the CLPT is compared with that of FSDT. A parametric study is conducted by considering different laminates and different fiber volume fractions.


This paper is a survey of the literature on symptoms of child sexual abuse or molest, examining consensus and disparity among the sources. There are many lists of possible child sexual abuse symptoms. This paper aims to find the areas of agreement, determine the areas of disagreement and to compile a useable list of possible symptoms of children who have been sexually abused. Often these lists are similar to lists of symptoms of children undergoing emotional trauma, such as divorce of the parents or moving to a new city. Our aim is to compile a list of common symptoms of childhood trauma and to isolate symptoms that are specific to school-age victims of child sexual abuse or child molestation who are six to twelve years of age. Society likes to think that child molestation is relatively rare. Statistics show this is not so. While the figures vary, an average of them indicates that one out of every three girls and one out of every five boys will be sexually abused before they reach age eighteen (The Advocacy Center, "The Facts About Youth Sexual Abuse" http://www.theadvocacycenter.org/adv_abuse.html). Up to 95% of child molestations can be prevented. Talking to children honestly, and from an early age. about not letting others touch their private parts and telling them that it is appropriate to tell an adult if someone tries, can go a long way to stopping this social problem.


Seismic reflection soundings of ice thickness and seabed depth were acquired on the Larsen C Ice Shelf in order to test a sub-ice shelf bathymetry model derived from the inversion of IceBridge gravity data. A series of lines was collected, from the Churchill Peninsula in the north to the Joerg Peninsula in the south, and also towards the ice front. Sites were selected using the bathymetry model derived from the inversion of free-air gravity data to indicate key regions where sub-ice shelf oceanic circulation may be affected by ice draft and seabed depth. The seismic velocity profile in the upper 100 m of firn and ice was derived from shallow refraction surveys at a number of locations. Measured temperatures within the ice column and at the ice base were used to define the velocity profile through the remainder of the ice column. Seismic velocities in the water column were derived from previous in situ measurements. Uncertainties in ice and water cavity thickness are in general < 10 m. Compared with the seismic measurements, the root-mean-square error in the gravimetrically derived bathymetry at the seismic sites is 162 m. The seismic profiles prove the non-existence of several bathymetric features that are indicated in the gravity inversion model, significantly modifying the expected oceanic circulation beneath the ice shelf. Similar features have previously been shown to be highly significant in affecting basal melt rates predicted by ocean models. The discrepancies between the gravity inversion results and the seismic bathymetry are attributed to the assumption of uniform geology inherent in the gravity inversion process and also the sparsity of IceBridge flight lines. Results indicate that care must be taken when using bathymetry models derived by the inversion of free-air gravity anomalies. The bathymetry results presented here will be used to improve existing sub-ice shelf ocean circulation models.


Written for the lay reader, The fertility diet explicates data from the long-standing Nurses' Health Study (and related other work) on the impact of food intake and, to a lesser degree, other lifestyle variables on infertility secondary to ovulatory dysfunction. The authors are Jorge E. Chavarro, a research fellow at the Harvard School of Public Health; Walter C. Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the same institution; and Patrick J. Skerrett, contributor to Willett's Eat, drink, and be healthy (1). While the main focus of The fertility diet is diet, the book covers several other topics, such as the facts of life, which segues into the causes of infertility. The final chapters are devoted to exercise, a brief description of study methodology (a nice inclusion for a general audience, with a frank appraisal of the kinds of questions these types of studies can and cannot answer), and a week's worth of recipes that fit the dietary guidelines set forth in the book. Overall, this is an entertaining read with a clear message delivered with a light touch. There is not a white coat or church pulpit in sight. The solid middle sections of the book are devoted to what mothers-to-be — and everyone else — should eat and drink. A summary of general dietary considerations is followed by chapters on good and bad carbohydrates ("slow" and "low," respectively), fats (avoid trans fats and severely limit intake of the saturated kind), the virtues of plant proteins, the importance of micronutrients, the benefits of lowsugar beverages, and weight recommendations (the "fertility zone"). For the most part, these sections are written in a very approachable way. References to data from the Nurses' Health Study, along with other pertinent citations, are used sparingly. On some topics there are lots of data, such as the possible ill effects of moderate alcohol consumption on fertility and pregnancy outcome, although clear conclusions are absent because they are not yet warranted. The authors have compiled a great deal of reliably sourced information on a broad range of topics that would be difficult for those outside the field to gather individually. The target audience is first-time, would-be mothers and women diagnosed with an ovulatory disorder, but anyone who heeds the authors' advice will likely be the better for it. In a time when our food choices are killing us faster than the response time of the medical establishment and the pharmaceutical industry, the authors' sensible approach to diet is critically important. This book could influence the eating and exercise habits of not only women, but also their families. It is meant to be a crossover book that could affect the entire family, and I think that it does this job admirably. But as a scientist, I asked myself, "Will the lifestyle targets set forth in this book cure infertility, the logical conclusion that the title implies?" The answer is a resounding "Yes, but . . . ." The most promising recommendations apply to only a small subset of infertile women — those with ovulatory dysfunction. This fact is not made clear on the book jacket, which proclaims that ". . . women in the [Nurses' Health Study] who followed three or four of the recommendations suggested in The fertility diet were 66% less likely to have problems conceiving than women who didn't." While this is an accurate description of the study results, in many cases there is no clear cause and effect, a fact that the authors, to their credit, clearly state in the smaller font of the actual text. I found that the study results raised more questions than they answered, a personal perspective that is directly attributable to my predilection as a basic scientist for framing questions that can be answered in more concrete terms. Another downside is that there is little information presented that has not been widely covered in the lay press. For example, most women seeking infertility treatments are likely to know already that very low and very high body mass indices are associated with ovulatory failure. On the other hand, as a wife and mother, I found this book fun to read. It's well written and good-hearted, with easy-to-decipher figures and tables. I suspect it will appeal to those readers about to embark on the journey toward motherhood or are afraid that they have already missed the boat. The take-home lessons are summarized in many places for those who skim rather than read from cover to cover, but readers outside the fields of medicine and science will appreciate the repetition. Some parts of the book are surprisingly well done. As an avid cook, I liked that many of the recipes include sophisticated blends of healthy ingredients and spices in tasty combinations. I would recommend this book for the small subset of women who are having difficulty conceiving because of irregular menses due to oligoovulation or anovulation, as well as for those seeking an entertaining tour of the modern landscape of diet and exercise, albeit through the lens of pregnancy.


To identify integral and peripheral plasma membrane (PM) proteins from Oryza sativa (rice), highly enriched PM fractions from rice suspension cultured cells were analyzed using two complementary approaches. The PM was enriched using aqueous two-phase partitioning and high pH carbonate washing to remove soluble, contaminating proteins and characterized using enzymatic and immunological analyses. Proteins from the carbonate-washed PM (WPM) were analyzed by either one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1D-SDS-PAGE) followed by tryptic proteolysis or proteolysis followed by strong cation exchange liquid chromatography (LC) with subsequent analysis of the tryptic peptides by LC-MS/MS (termed Gel-LC-MS/MS and 2D-LC-MS/MS, respectively). Combining the results of these two approaches, 438 proteins were identified on the basis of two or more matching peptides, and a further 367 proteins were identified on the basis of single peptide matches after data analysis with two independent search algorithms. Of these 805 proteins, 350 were predicted to be PM or PM-associated proteins. Four hundred and twenty-five proteins (53%) were predicted to be integrally associated with a membrane, via either one or many (up to 16) transmembrane domains, a GPI-anchor, or membrane-spanning beta-barrels. Approximately 80% of the 805 identified proteins were assigned a predicted function, based on similarity to proteins of known function or the presence of functional domains. Proteins involved in PM-related activities such as signaling (21% of the 805 proteins), transporters and ATPases (14%), and cellular trafficking (8%), such as via vesicles involved in endo- and exocytosis, were identified. Proteins that are involved in cell wall biosynthesis were also identified (5%) and included three cellulose synthase (CESA) proteins, a cellulose synthase-like D (CSLD) protein, cellulases, and several callose synthases. Approximately 20% of the proteins identified in this study remained functionally unclassified despite being predicted to be membrane proteins.


A 3 DOF micro finger, that has pure translational motion, is proposed. The finger will be applied in the two finger micro manipulation in order to manipulate micrometer size objects dexterously. The possible configurations are considered based on the group theory. Then, the optimal configuration is proposed by taking simple machining of joint structures into account. Kinematics analysis is made in order to describe the relation between end effector and actuator displacements. The design parameters are examined by evaluating the force capability of the actuator and the work space volume. Basic experiments are made by a prototype finger module that show excellent micro motion capability.


Background: Whether older immigrant populations from the Mediterranean region, continue to follow the MD long after they immigrated is not known. Aim: Compare adherence to the MD and successful aging levels between Greeks living in Greece (GG) and Greeks living abroad (GA). Methods: Anthropometrical, clinical, psychological, sociodemographic, dietary and lifestyle parameters were assessed in a cross-sectional manner in a sample of 252 GG and 252 GA. Mediterranean Diet Score (MedDietScore range 0-55) was used to assess adherence to the MD. Successful aging was evaluated with the validated successful aging index (SAI range 0-10). Results: GA presented higher adherence to MD (p < 0.001); they were consuming significantly more cereals, legumes, vegetables, and fruits compared to GG. GG consumed significantly more dairy (3.8 ± 2.9 vs. 1.9 ± 2.2, p < 0.001) and potatoes (2.4 ± 1.6 vs. 1.9 ± 1.5, p < 0.001) compared to GA. Meat (p = 0.27), poultry (p = 0.72), fish (p = 0.68), olive oil (p = 0.16) and alcohol consumption (p = 0.05) were comparable between the two groups (all p's > 0.05). MedDietScore was positively associated with SAI among both groups after adjusting for possible confounders (0.041 ± 0.014, p = 0.003 GG and 0.153 ± 0.035, p < 0.001 GA). Also, legumes, cereals, fruits and vegetables were found to be beneficial for successful aging. Conclusion: Adherence to the MD is associated with higher levels of successful aging among people of the same genetic background living in different environments. However, traditional dietary habits are gradually abandoned in their native countries, when, at the same time, are considered cultural heritage and preserved accordingly among immigrants.


Since December 2019, a global pandemic has been observed, caused by the emergence of a new coronavirus, SARS CoV-2. The latter is responsible for the respiratory disease, COVID-19. The infection is also characterized by renal, hepatic, and gastrointestinal dysfunctions suggesting the spread of the virus to other organs. A dysregulated immune response was also reported. To date, there is no measure to treat or prevent SARS CoV-2 infection. Additionally, as gut microbiota composition is altered in patients with COVID-19, alternative therapies using probiotics can be considered to fight SARS CoV-2 infection. This review aims at summarizing the current knowledge about next-generation probiotics (NGPs) and their benefits in viral respiratory tract infections and in COVID-19. We describe these bacteria, highlighted by studies using metagenomic approaches. In addition, these bacteria generate metabolites such as butyrate, desaminotyrosine, and secondary bile acid, suggested to prevent viral respiratory infections. Gut microbial metabolites transported via the circulation to the lungs could inhibit viral replication or improve the immune response against viruses. The use of probiotics and/or their metabolites may target either the virus itself and/or the immunologic process. However, this review showed that more studies are needed to determine the benefits of probiotics and metabolite products in COVID-19.


The main purpose of this study was to examine local residents' attitudes and participation in tourism, and to explore factors which affect residents' support and participation in tourism in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka. This study tests the structural equation model between community perceptions and opinions about the impacts of tourism, community participation and further to determine their willingness to support for wildlife tourism. The study is descriptive in nature, and is based on quantitative methodology to investigate the relationships between different constructs. The study site is called the Udawalawe National Park. Therefore population of this study represents the natives who are living in the Udawalawe area. For the sample size of this study was 160 citizens in Udawalawe area. Convenience and quota sampling methods were adapted methods from identified and independent sample frames to collect quantitative data from the respondents the questionnaire included with the community involvement and interest in tourism and community perception on tourism development impacts. It was made up of close-ended questions and five-point Likert scale type questions. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the SPSS. The result reveled that, there is a significant relationship between community participation and community perceived impacts. Hence, there is a significant relationship between community participation and support for wildlife tourism and there is no significant relationship between the perceived impact and wildlife tourism support and it also indicate a negative relationship. The results of factor analyses of tourism impacts identified two factors: Socio and Economic factors .but in the final result there is no statistically significant relationship and it also indicate a negative relationship. It can be conclude that the community participation can be increased by the education level of residents to understand their right and need for greater participation in the decision-making process. Also, outbound parties have greater responsibility make their contribution, to increase the involving the socio and economic factors in wild life tourism.


Development of an economic situation last 20 years has passed in Latvia through various stages. Including - Post-Soviet re-structuring of demand and closing of industrial giants; development of the economy based on transit; development of craft manufacture, small enterprises and branch of services (after joining to EU) and their decline because of transition to the system focused for export of a manpower. In 2009 the following stage of economic development became swept up. Latvia has not sufficed resources for a survival, financing from outside the international community has been requested. Unfortunately, any of the mentioned models is not necessary for the developed countries, therefore it is possible to draw a conclusion that the Latvian economy still is in process of transformation. It is necessary to define possible directions of the further development. In Latvia to estimate economy development, the model of system dynamics which quantitatively analyzes macroeconomic balance is developed. Considering a theme urgency, article purpose - to reflect the developed model. For purpose achievement following problems are put forward: • to reflect model structure, to show its forming blocks; • to prove economic interrelations and assumptions which are accepted in model; • to show model application on an example of separate economic indicators. The model presented in article, has been developed with use of a method of system dynamics. The method is chosen taking into account difficult interaction between macroeconomic processes. It is a unique quantitative method which allows to estimate not only plural causally - investigatory communications, but also their return interaction. Macroeconomic balance is based on feedback in this connection for its analysis, during the long-term period, it is recommended to use a method of system dynamics.


This prospective cross-sectional study is undertaken to evaluate the maternal and foetal outcome of patients admitted in Mymensingh Medical College Hospital from November 2002 to April 2003. Among 5175 obstetric patients admitted to the hospital, 212 were eclamptic, yielding an incidence of 4.1%. The antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum incidences of eclampsia were 50%, 26.5% and 23.5% respectively. Among the patients with eclampsia, 56.85% had good prognosis without any added complication and 45.85% had complications. The case fatality rate of eclampsia was 5%, which was lower than that of the previous studies. In this study out of 200 patients, foetal death was 23.98%. Changing the ante convulsant from diazepam to magnesium sulfate the incidence of death in eclampsia patients have significantly reduced. But reduction of the risk of death was difficult when patients had developed complications. Most of the patient who died was in complicated group, these complications developed as a result of a delayed treatment. Therefore, efforts should be directed at developing awareness to receive treatment at an appropriate time to reduce the mortality from eclampsia and its complications. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jssmc.v1i1.12169 Journal of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College Vol.1, No.1, December 2009 p.14-17


Author(s): Omidakhsh, Negar | Advisor(s): Ritz, Beate | Abstract: Childhood cancer remains the second most common cause of death in children living in the United States and Europe. Research to date has revealed little about the etiology of these diseases, and established risk factors are limited to certain rare genetic syndromes and polymorphisms, ionizing radiation, and congenital abnormalities. Parental occupational exposures have been associated with increased risk of some childhood cancers, including leukemia and brain tumors. However, studies on maternal exposures, and those that examine the rarer cancers, are largely lacking. For the present analyses, we utilized two datasets and examined associations between (1) parental occupational social contact and risk of hematopoietic, central nervous system (CNS) and bone cancers, (2) industry types and retinoblastoma and (3) exposure to harmful environmental agents and retinoblastoma. Our first population-based case-control study utilized a linkage of four Danish data-registries, and included 4,112 cases and 411,200 age-matched controls. High occupational social contact, jobs that have regular contact with young children or the sick, was examined from (1) conception to birth and (2) birth to diagnosis. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and bone cancer were inversely associated with high maternal occupational social contact from conception to birth (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.64-1.04) and birth to diagnosis (OR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.39-0.91). Children of fathers with high occupational social contact from birth to diagnosis had an increased risk of bone cancers, particularly in rural areas (OR: 1.68, 95% CI: 1.07-2.64). Parental high social contact was associated with increased risk of astrocytoma, with strongest associations found in first born children (maternal contact: OR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.02-2.32; paternal contact: OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.05-3.17). Our second study utilized the same Danish dataset and examined the role of occupational industry type during two biologically relevant time periods (1) 90 days preconception to conception for fathers and (2) conception to birth for mothers and risk of retinoblastoma among offspring. Parents were grouped into major industry headings created from Danish industry codes, an extended version of the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities. We observed increased risk of all retinoblastoma among fathers in the food and drink industry (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.24-4.16) and those who sell groceries (OR: 3.56, 95% CI: 1.42-8.91). Bilateral disease was associated with paternal work in supermarkets (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.52-10.71) and transportation on land (OR: 4.03, 95% CI: 1.52-10.71). For maternal occupation, we estimated an increased risk of all retinoblastoma for hospital workers or clinicians (OR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.34-3.14). In our final multicenter study on non-familial retinoblastoma, parents of 187 unilateral and 95 bilateral cases and 155 friend controls were interviewed by telephone. Exposure information was collected retroactively through a detailed occupational questionnaire which asked fathers to report every job held in the 10 years before conception, and mothers one month prior to and during the index pregnancy. We estimated elevated odds ratios for unilateral and bilateral retinoblastoma among offspring of fathers who were exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) or paints in the 10 years prior to conception. However, only for exposure to paints did confidence limits exclude the null for bilateral disease (OR: 8.76, 95% CI: 1.32-58.09). Maternal prenatal exposure to at least one of the 9 agents was related to increased risk of unilateral disease in their children (OR: 5.25, 95% CI: 1.14-24.16).Our results support the notion of a role of infections for some cancer types. Studies on the risk factors for retinoblastoma are rare and our results suggest that some parental occupational exposures may cause childhood retinoblastoma.


Oral vitamin B12 can provide an effective alternative to intramuscular injections, so giving patients a choice and reducing costs in primary care. This study investigated the effectiveness, safety, and acceptability of oral vitamin B12 as replacement therapy in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency in a city general practice population. Forty patients previously maintained on vitamin B12 injections were given 1000 μg of oral cyanocobalamin daily for up to 18 months. All the patients maintained satisfactory serum B12 levels and showed normal haematology and neurology. Compliance and acceptability was excellent. The time for a change in practice has indeed arrived.


Social capital is a key factor affecting the functioning of financial markets (Guiso, Sapienza and Zingales, 2004). However, the estimation of the effect of social capital on credit markets is notoriously difficult. In this paper we exploit the recent Lehman Brothers crisis and a rich dataset to investigate whether social capital shields firms from the tightening of credit conditions. We mainly focus on lending to small Italian firms that rely almost exclusively on banks' credit and we compare the level of loan interest rates before (June 2008) and after (June 2010) Lehman's default for a balanced sample of bank-firm relationships. We find that for firms headquartered in provinces where social capital is higher, the rise in the loan spreads following Lehman's default was milder compared to firms located in low-social capital communities. The benefits were larger for small firms borrowing from more than one bank and for uncollateralised credit but did not extend to larger firms. Moreover, different measures of social capital provide slightly different results, suggesting a more ambiguous role for particularistic networking (e.g. having a wide network of friends) than for altruistic behaviour rooted in universalistic ethics. Finally, the propensity of a community to cooperate in the credit market, a kind of credit-specific measure of networking, did not always have an impact comparable to that for more general measures of social capital.


MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of endogenous small non-coding RNA of 18–25 nucleotides and plays regulatory roles in both physiological and pathological processes. Emerging evidence support that miRNAs function as immune modulators in tumors. MiRNAs as tumor suppressors or oncogenes are also found to be able to modulate anti-tumor immunity or link the crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells surrounding. Based on the specific regulating function, miRNAs can be used as predictive, prognostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets in immunotherapy. Here, we review new findings about the role of miRNAs in modulating immune responses, as well as discuss mechanisms underlying their dysregulation, and their clinical potentials as indicators of tumor prognosis or to sensitize cancer immunotherapy.


Two different types of finite element models to simulate the steel columns supported by sandwich panels are developed in this paper and validated by the full-scale tests by Hedman-Petursson (2001) at ambient temperature. The bracing forces in self-drilling screws, the effect of connections in horizontal joints, effects of the lateral stiffness of self-drilling screws are studied using the developed FE models. Effect of different configurations of loading eccentricity on the buckling resistances of steel columns supported by sandwich panels are further analyzed in this paper.


Classification tasks often include, among the large number of features to be processed in the datasets, many irrelevant and redundant ones, which can even decrease the efficiency of classifiers. Feature Selection (FS) is the most common preprocessing technique utilized to overcome the drawbacks of the high dimensionality of datasets and often has two conflicting objectives: The first function aims to maximize the classification performance or reduce the error rate of the classifier. In contrast, the second function is designed to minimize the number of features. However, the majority of wrapper FS techniques are developed for single-objective scenarios. Multi-verse optimizer (MVO) is considered as one of the well-regarded optimization approaches in recent years. In this paper, the binary multi-objective variant of MVO (MOMVO) is proposed to deal with feature selection tasks. The standard MOMVO suffers from local optima stagnation, so we propose an improved binary MOMVO to deal with this issue using the memory concept and personal best of the universes. The experimental results and comparisons indicate that the proposed binary MOMVO approach can effectively eliminate irrelevant and/or redundant features and maintain a minimum classification error rate when dealing with different datasets compared with the most popular feature selection techniques. Furthermore, the 14 benchmark datasets showed that the proposed approach outperforms the stat-of-art multi-objective optimization algorithms for feature selection.


The role of ICTs in providing improved healthcare to poor populations in the developing world has been the subject of considerable interest to the development community. However, despite a substantial literature, little published research has modelled both the value-added aspects of ICTs for social and economic development and those simultaneous challenges that often deter the effective utilisation of ICTs. This study investigates the benefits of, and barriers to, the effective use of ICTs within the healthcare system, specifically in Aceh Besar, Indonesia. We advance and evaluate a theoretical model which extends the so-called value-of-ICTs-to-education framework of Banuri, Zaidi, and Spanger-Siegfried (United Nations Development Programme, 2005). The effect of ICTs on maternal and infant healthcare is examined in the context of the Aceh Besar Midwives Mobile-Phone Project. Focus group discussions and in-depth interviews (N=86) were conducted over three phases. Analysis of transcripts showed ICT-utilisation benefits, including the facilitation of communication, greater time efficiency, and better access to medical information. As suggested by the enhanced model, infrastructural, economic, technological, and socio-cultural factors were also observed. The implications of these findings for research and policy-making are discussed.


Abstract The first instability of a spring-mounted, damped, rigid circular cylinder, immersed in a viscous flow and free to move in a direction orthogonal to the unperturbed flow, is investigated by a global stability analysis. The flow is modelled by the full Navier–Stokes equations. For low ratios of the fluid density to the structure density, the von Karman mode is always the critical one and the critical Reynolds number, about 47, is nearly the same as for a stationary cylinder. In this case, for low structural damping, two complex modes are active and chaos is possible near the bifurcation. For higher density ratios, the critical Reynolds number decreases to less than the half the critical Reynolds number for a stationary structure. In this case, only a complex mode is active and chaotic behaviour does not seem to be possible near the bifurcation threshold.


Much is known about the mechanosensory behaviour of the spider Cupiennius Keyserling, but much less about its visual capabilities. In this study the quality of the optical image, the retinal resolution and the fields of view were assessed for each of the four pairs of eyes. The image is of good quality in all eyes. The principal (antero-median) eyes lack a tapetum and have an inter-receptor angle of 2.9°. The three secondary eyes (antero-lateral, postero-median and posterolateral) all have 'gridiron' tapeta with receptors arranged in rows. The angular separations (along rows × between rows) are 3.6° × 9.3°, 0.9° × 2.3° and 1.0° × 3.0°, respectively. Although the disposition of eyes on the head is similar to that of pisaurid spiders, all other features of the eyes, including the sizes and shapes of the fields of view, resemble those of lycosid spiders. The peripheral visual system of Cupiennius can thus, in principle, support a similar range of visual behaviour to that of lycosids, which includes prey capture, predator avoidance and courtship.


It is crucial for embedded systems to adapt to the dynamics of open environments. This adaptation process becomes especially challenging in the context of multiagent systems because of scalability, partial information accessibility and complex interaction of agents. It is a challenge for agents to learn good policies, when they need to plan and coordinate in uncertain, dynamic environments, especially when they have large state spaces. It is also critical for agents operating in a multiagent system (MAS) to resolve conflicts among the learned policies of different agents, since such conflicts may have detrimental influence on the overall performance.
The focus of this research is to use a reinforcement learning based local optimization algorithm within each agent to learn multiagent policies in a decentralized fashion. These policies will allow each agent to adapt to changes in environmental conditions while reorganizing the underlying multiagent network when needed. The research takes an adaptive approach to resolving conflicts that can arise between locally optimal agent policies. First an algorithm that uses heuristic rules to locally resolve simple conflicts is presented. When the environment is more dynamic and uncertain, a mediator-based mechanism to resolve more complicated conflicts and selectively expand the agents' state space during the learning process is harnessed. For scenarios where mediator-based mechanisms with partially global views are ineffective, a more rigorous approach for global conflict resolution that synthesizes multiagent reinforcement learning (MARL) and distributed constraint optimization (DCOP) is developed. These mechanisms are evaluated in the context of a multiagent tornado tracking application called NetRads. Empirical results show that these mechanisms significantly improve the performance of the tornado tracking network for a variety of weather scenarios.
The major contributions of this work are: a state of the art decentralized learning approach that supports agent interactions and reorganizes the underlying network when needed; the use of abstract classes of scenarios/states/actions that efficiently manages the exploration of the search space; novel conflict resolution algorithms of increasing complexity that use heuristic rules, sophisticated automated negotiation mechanisms and distributed constraint optimization methods respectively; and finally, a rigorous study of the interplay between two popular theories used to solve multiagent problems, namely decentralized Markov decision processes and distributed constraint optimization.


This study aimed to identify the challenges facing teachers in their professional development across the primary, post-primary and tertiary educational sectors. Through the literature six main areas of investigation were identified: motivation, 21st century competencies, peer coaching, knowledge-sharing, professional learning communities and measurement/ assessment.

The data was collected through 12 semi-structured interviews with teachers across the three sectors. A thematic analysis of the data was conducted. A number of themes were extracted, for example: environment, systems, culture and time. The findings of the study are discussed through interpretation of teacher's experiences.

The results identified challenges around individualistic work cultures, lack of purposeful systems of measurement, trust and fear issues, all of which were underpinned by time constraints. It was observed that there were more organisational structures at tertiary level. There was more commonality between primary and post-primary sectors. Despite the differences all three sectors have common challenges, such as effective knowledge-sharing and timely measurement to inform effective 21st century professional development.


To defend themselves against pathogens, plants can activate a wide array of inducible defense mechanisms. Colonization of plant roots by selective non-pathogenic rhizobacteria or fungi systemically enhances the defensive capacity of the plant. In Arabidopsis thaliana this so-called induced systemic resistance (ISR) is regulated by a defense signaling pathway in which the phytohormones jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene (ET) play an important role.. In Arabidopsis roots, colonization by the ISR-inducing strain Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS417r altered the transcriptional activity of 97 genes. One of the induced genes encodes the transcription factor (TF) MYB72. Arabidopsis myb72 mutants were not able to enhance their defensive capacity upon colonization by WCS417r or the fungal strain Trichoderma asperellum T34, demonstrating that MYB72 is required for ISR. However, transformants in which MYB72 is constitutively expressed did not show an increased level of resistance. This indicates that besides MYB72 at least one other component is required for ISR-signaling. Yeasts two-hybrid experiments demonstrated a physical interaction of MYB72 with the EIN3-like protein EIL3 in vitro. The latter has been implicated in the regulation of responses to ET and is as such a likely candidate involved in MYB72-dependent ISR signaling. In the shoot tissue no direct changes in gene expression could be observed upon colonization of the roots by WCS417r. However, after challenge inoculation, a large set of especially JA and/or ET-regulated genes showed a primed expression pattern. To investigate the molecular mechanism of this priming phenomenon, we monitored the expression of all methyl-JA-responsive genes in control and WCS417r-ISR-expressing plants. Promoter analysis of the genes that showed a WCS417r-primed response revealed a significant enrichment for the CACATG motif, which was previously demonstrated to serve as a docking site for the TF MYC2. Mutants defective in the MYC2 gene were not able to express WCS417r-ISR, indicating that MYC2 plays an important role in priming for enhanced JA-responsive gene expressing during WCS417r-ISR. To gain further insight in priming for enhanced defense we compared WCS417r-ISR with resistance induced by the non-protein amino acid ?-aminobutyric acid (BABA-IR). Both BABA-IR and WCS417r-IR against Hyaloperonospora parasitica is associated with priming for enhanced formation of callose-containing cell-wall appositions at sites of pathogen entry. Mutants with a disruption in the IBS2 or IBS3 gene were specifically blocked in this response and consequently were affected in both BABA-IR and WCS417r-ISR, indicating that the pathways share signaling components involved in priming for enhanced callose deposition. Q-PCR-based profiling of all 2300 putative Arabidopsis TFs revealed a higher activity of a subset of TF-encoding genes in the systemic tissue of WCS417r- and BABA-primed plants. The set of WCS417r-induced TF-genes was enriched for those involved in the regulation of responses to JA, such as AP2/EREBPs and MYC2. Amongst the TF genes of which the expression was induced by BABA, 21 encoded WRKYs, which have been demonstrated to regulate downstream processes in SA-signaling. Thus, induced resistance is accompanied by a systemic increase in the activity of a subset of TF genes, the composition of which depends on the nature of the priming agent. Collectively, the work described in this thesis advanced our understanding of rhizobacteria-mediated ISR and provided novel insights in the molecular mechanisms underlying priming for enhanced defense.


Due to the input of humic substances from freshwater run-off into the marine habitat, the influences of such substances on marine organisms should not be neglected. We here investigate the effect of a humic acid (HA) extract from the North Sea, characterized by spectroscopic techniques and carboxylic and phenolic group content, on the growth of different algae. Two benthic pennate diatoms isolated from the Baltic Sea, Navicula ramosissima (C. Agardh) Cleve, 1895 and Entomoneis paludosa (W. Smith) Reimer, 1975, as well as two tychopelagic centric diatoms isolated from the North Sea, Melosira nummuloides C. Agardh, 1824 and Paralia sulcata (Ehrenberg) Cleve, 1873, were employed. The concentrations of pigments (fucoxanthin, diadinoxanthin, chlorophyll-a and β-carotene) and nutrients were also measured. Adding low concentrations of naturally humic substances (5.5 mg of C l−1) to the algae cultures resulted in enhanced growth rates compared to the control experiments, possibly due to the increase in the bioavailability of trace metals or other nutrients.


The objective of the study was to determine the effect of strain path on texture, microstructure and mechanical properties development of severely deformed Al-Mn-Mg alloy. The commercial purity material (AA3104 alloy) was deformed via Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) up to 10 passes following routes A, B, and C. The deformed and partially recrystallized microstructures and the crystallographic textures were characterized by transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy including systematic local orientation measurements (TEM and SEM FEG orientation mapping). The crystallographic texture was determined using X-ray diffraction on a sample section perpendicular to the extension direction (ED). In order to estimate the homogeneity of strengthening the systematic measurements of Vickers micro hardness in the plane perpendicular to the ED was performed. It was found out that different routes led to strong differences in microstructure of billets. In the case of route A and B strong macro cracking appeared after 5 and 3 passes, respectively. A good quality billet after 10 passes was obtained only in the case of route C. Texture evolution turned out to follow nearly the same 'course' for different routes of ECAP. However, the intensity of particular texture components was different in each case. TEM observations and local orientation measurements allowed identifying fine and strongly disoriented planar dislocation structure of nanolayers in the case of route A and C. In the case of route B nearly equiaxed structure of fine grains was observed after 3 passes. Moreover, irrespective of the applied deformation routes large, not deformable second phase particles strongly influenced strengthening of the matrix and nucleation during the recrystallization.


Students will derive a myriad of benefits from higher levels of internal excellence that are amenable to an audit. Among them are health & wellness, improved performance in all walks of life including academic work, better interpersonal and family relationships, and less discord and violence.


Burn injuries secondary to home oxygen therapy (HOT) have become increasingly common in recent years, yet several guidelines for HOT and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) neglect to stress the dangers of open flames. This retrospective review of burn injury admissions secondary to HOT to our burn centre from 2007 to 2012 aimed to establish the extent of this problem and to discuss the current literature and a selection of national guidelines. Out of six patients (five female, one male) with a median age of 72 (range 58-79), four were related to smoking, and two due to lighting candles. The mean total body surface area (TBSA) affected was 17% (range 2-60%). Five patients sustained facial burns, two suffered from inhalation injury (33.3%), and five required surgery (83.3%). Mean total length of stay was 20 days (range 8 to 33), and one patient died. Although mentioned in the majority, some guidelines fail to address the issue of smoking in light of the associated risk for injury, which in turn might have future implications in litigation related to iatrogenic injuries. Improved HOT guidelines will empower physicians to discourage smoking, and fully consider the risks versus benefits of home oxygen before prescription. With a view on impeding a rising trend of burns secondary to HOT, we suggest revision to national guidelines, where appropriate.


Manycore microprocessors are powerful computing engines that are architected to embrace the use of parallelism to extract computational throughput from the continued improvements in the semiconductor manufacturing process. Yet the performance of the software applications running on these microprocessors is highly sensitive to factors such as data layout, data placement, and synchronization. These factors are not usually part of an application domain experts daily concerns, as they look to utilize the powerful compute capabilities of manycore microprocessors for their applications, but failure to carefully address these concerns could mean an order of magnitude of loss in application execution latency and/or throughput. With the proliferation of manycore microprocessors from servers to laptops and portable devices, there is increasing demand for the productive development of computationally efficient business and consumer applications in a wide range of usage scenarios. The sensitivity of execution speed to software architecture and programming techniques can impede the adoption of the manycore microprocessors and slow the momentum of the semiconductor industry.
This thesis discusses how we can empower application domain experts with pattern-oriented application frameworks, which can allow them to effectively utilize the capabilities of highly parallel manycore microprocessors and productively develop efficient parallel software applications. Our pattern-oriented application framework includes an application context for outlining application characteristics, a software architecture for describing the application concurrency exploited in the framework, a reference implementation as a sample design, and a set of extension points for flexible customization.
We studied the process of accelerating applications in the fields of machine learning and computational finance, specifically looking at automatic speech recognition (ASR), financial market value-at-risk estimation (VaR), and financial potential future exposure (PFE). We present a pattern-oriented application framework for ASR, as well as efficient reference implementations of VaR and PFE. For the ASR framework, we demonstrate its construction and two separate deployments, one of which flexibly extends the ASR framework to enable lip-reading in high-noise recognition environments. The framework enabled a Matlab/Java programmer to effectively utilize a manycore microprocessor to achieve a 20x speedup in recognition throughput as compared to a sequential CPU implementation.
Our pattern-oriented application framework provides an approach for crystallizing and transferring the often-tacit knowledge of effective parallel programming techniques while allowing for flexible adaptation to various application usage scenarios. We believe that the pattern-oriented application framework will be an essential tool for the effective utilization of manycore microprocessors for application domain experts.


The article specifies that intensive development of the economy can be achieved by attracting and effectively using investment resources. Based on the indicator of the level of investment sufficiency, it was established that, in the period under review, the level of investment adequacy in the country is less than the established 'threshold' value, which indicates a shortage of investment funds. The study analysed the dynamics of investment attraction in agriculture. It was found that the main source of financing for investment is own funds of enterprises and organizations. However, they are too insufficient to ensure the intensive development of the economy. An analysis of growth dynamics of the total volume of investment in agricultural enterprises per 100 ha of agricultural land and their financial provision was carried out. Research showed that the increase in the value of fixed assets is more intensive than the increase in the inflow of investment in fixed assets, which indicates additional sources of growth in the value of fixed assets. It was noted that the potential sources of investment resources should be the funds of foreign investors, which currently stand at an extremely low growth level. A number of negative factors influencing the process of attracting foreign direct investment were identified. The main current requirements of the Ukraine in the process of integration into the world economic space, is the formation of a mechanism of investment activity, an important component of which is the mechanism of investment provision.


Liposome-entrapped platinum and anthracycline antibiotics showed similar advantages over their free forms in both experimental runs in being less toxic and more effective as a means of metastasis control. Since individual tumors differ in their sensitivity to different drugs, it might be suggested that liposomal forms of platinum coordination complexes may contribute to the hepatic metastasis drugs stockpile.


Background: Sepsis is a serious neonatal infection and is one of the causes of mortality and complications during infanthood. Studies conducted to identify neonatal and maternal risk factors can indicate methods for prevention, better and faster diagnosis, and the selection of the most appropriate antibiotics.

Objective: The Aim of this study was to determine the clinical symptoms, the results of laboratory tests, and maternal risk factors among neonates hospitalized with a diagnosis of sepsis.

Material and Methods: In this descriptive and cross-sectional study, 78 infants who had been diagnosed with sepsis in the Madani Hospital of Khorrmabad in 2014-2015 were included in the study using tconvenience sampling method. Data were collected using a questionnaire, by studying the medical records of the infants, and by interviewing the mothers. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software and descriptive and interferential statistics.

Results: Blood cultures were positive in 16 cases (21.9%). The most prevalent isolated pathogens included Acinetobacter (37.5%) and Staphylococcus epidermidis (37.5%). Urine cultures were positive in 20.3%, the most prevalent pathogens found being various species of E. coli (23%) and Enterobacter (23%). Significant relationships were found between a positive blood culture with mother's urinary tract infections during pregnancy (p = 0.05), the presence of maternal risk factors (p = 0.008), presentation with respiratory distress (p = 0.02), and a WBC higher than 11,000 (P = 0.036).

Conclusion: The results of this study suggested the need for raising the level of hygiene of the maternity and neonatal wards and the training of mothers and the nursing staff in order to prevent its occurrence


VS4 anode materials with controllable morphologies from hierarchical microflower, octopus-like structure, seagrass-like structure to urchin-like structure have been successfully synthesized by a facile solvothermal synthesis approach using different alcohols as solvents. Their structures and electrochemical properties with various morphologies are systematically investigated, and the structure-property relationship is established. Experimental results reveal that Li+ ion storage behavior in VS4 significantly depends on physical features such as the morphology, crystallite size, and specific surface area. According to this study, electrochemical performance degrades on the order of urchin-like VS4 > octopus-like VS4 > seagrass-like VS4 > flower-like VS4. Among them, urchin-like VS4 demonstrates the best electrochemical performance benefiting from its peculiar structure which possesses large surface area that accommodates the volume change to a certain extent, and single-crystal thorns that provide fast electron transportation. Kinetic parameters derived from EIS spectra and sweep-rate-dependent CV curves, such as charge-transfer resistances, Li+ ion apparent diffusion coefficients and stored charge ratio of capacitive and intercalation contributions, both support this claim well. In addition, the EIS measurement was conducted during the first discharge/charge process to study the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation on urchin-like VS4 and kinetics behavior of Li+ ion diffusion. A better fundamental understanding on Li+ storage behavior in VS4 is promoted, which is applicable to other vanadium-based materials as well. This study also provides invaluable guidance for morphology-controlled synthesis tailored for optimal electrochemical performance.


A nondestructive evaluation (NDE) technique would be very beneficial to assess resininfiltrated absorption effect of wood when wood was resin-treated. In this work, a wood material was nondestructively characterized and a technique was developed to measure ultrasonic velocity in wood using automated data acquisition software. We have proposed a peak-delay measurement method based on the pulse overlap measurement method. Also through transmission mode was performed to compare ultrasonic velocity with the above peak-delay measurement method in an immersion tank. The variation of ultrasonic velocity was measured and found to be somewhat consistent with those in infiltrated area in the course of nature absorption. For mapping out the material property inhomogeneity, through-transmission scans were used based on both amplitude and time-of-flight of the ultrasonic pulse. A peak-delay measurement method well somewhat corresponded to ultrasonic velocities of the pulse overlap method and through-transmission mode and C-scan image signal based on peak-to-peak amplitude.


The fragmentation of the Android ecosystem causes portability and compatibility issues within the entire Android platform, which increases developer workload, delays application deployment, and ultimately disappoints users. This subject is discussed in the press and in scientific publications but it has yet to be systematically examined. The Android bug reports, as submitted by Android-device users, span across operating-system versions and hardware platforms and can provide interesting evidence about the problem. In this paper, we analyze the bug reports related to two popular vendors, HTC and Motorola. First, we manually label the bug reports. Next, we use Labeled-LDA (Latent Dirichlet Allocation) on the labeled data and LDA on the original data, to infer topics. Finally, by examining the relevance of the top 18 bug topics for each vendor's bug reports over time, we classify topics as common or unique (vendor-specific). The latter category constitutes evidence of fragmentation and lack of portability. By comparing Labeled-LDA against LDA, we find that Labeled-LDA produced better, i.e., more feature oriented, topics than LDA. In this paper we find out how fragmentation is manifested within the Android project and we propose a method for tracking fragmentation using feature analysis on project repositories.


We study a collaboration model in continuous time, with a positive arrival rate of a success in both the good and the bad state. If the project is bad, players may privately learn about it. At any time, players can choose whether to exit and secure the positive payoff of an outside option, or to stay with the project and exert costly effort. A player's effort not only increases the probability of success, but also serves as an investment in private learning. We identify an equilibrium with three phases. In all phases, uninformed players exert positive effort. Players who become informed and learn that the project is bad never exert effort. Because players benefit from the effort of the others, informed players may not exit immediately. In the first, "no-exit" phase, informed players do not exit. In the subsequent, "gradual-exit" phase, they exit with a finite rate. In the final, "immediateexit" phase, informed players exit immediately. We find that effort levels may increase in the no-exit phase. Surprisingly, increasing the payoff of the outside option encourages collaboration.


Despite recent advances in neonatal practice, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remains the most common and devastating gastrointestinal emergency in premature infants. In fact, as more extremely premature infants survive, the incidence appears to be increasing worldwide.1 Severe NEC is characterised by coagulative necrosis of the distal ileum and proximal colon with clinical presentation ranging from abdominal distension, pneumatosis intestinalis, frank blood in stools, intestinal gangrene, bowel perforation, sepsis and shock. Approximately 9000 infants develop NEC in the USA each year and mortality rates range from 10%–50%.2 ,3 The associated costs—both financial and personal—are significant; the average hospital stay for infants with surgical NEC is an additional 43.1 days at an average additional cost of US$200 000 per child compared with extremely low birthweight infants without NEC.4 Treatment strategies are mainly supportive and include administration of antibiotics and fluids, blood product replacement and withholding of feedings. About 40% of NEC patients require surgery to remove necrotic bowel, which can result in short bowel syndrome, with prolonged medical expenses and chronic gastrointestinal difficulties. In particular, surgical NEC is a significant predictor of lasting neurodevelopmental morbidity independent of other factors.5 ,6 While the outcomes for many prematurity-related illnesses have improved over the past decades, mortality and …


BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
The junctional epithelium attaches to the enamel surface with hemidesmosomes (of which laminin-5 and integrin-alpha(6)beta(4) are the main components) in the internal basal lamina. Laminin-5 is also involved in cell motility with integrin-alpha(3)beta(1), although their functions have not yet been clarified.The purpose of this study was to determine the functions of those adhesive components between the tooth and the junctional epithelium during cell migration.Because an idea has been proposed that directly attached to tooth cells (DAT cells) may not contribute to cell migration, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine staining was performed to confirm cell migration.

MATERIAL AND METHODS
We investigated laminin-gamma(2) (contained only in laminin-5), integrin-beta(4) (involved in cell-extracellular matrix contact) and integrin-alpha(3) (inducing cell migration) in the junctional epithelium, oral gingival epithelium and gingival sulcus epithelium of 6-wk-old ICR mice using laser microdissection, quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, immunofluorescence and 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine staining.

RESULTS
Laminin and integrins were clearly immuno-localized in the basal lamina of all epithelium. Quantitative analysis of laminin and integrin mRNAs by laser microdissection showed that they were more highly expressed in DAT cells than in basal cells in the oral gingival epithelium. In particular, a 12-fold higher expression of laminin-5 was observed in the junctional epithelium compared with the oral gingival epithelium. 5-Bromo-2-deoxyuridine staining showed rapid coronal migration of DAT cells.

CONCLUSION
These results suggest that the abundant expression of laminin-5 and integrin-alpha(6)beta(4) is involved in the attachment of DAT cells to teeth by hemidesmosomes. Abundant expression of laminin-5 and integrin-alpha(3)beta(1) might assist in DAT cell migration, confirmed by 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine staining during the turnover of junctional epithelium.


The evolution of complex volcanic structures usually includes the occurrence of flank collapse events. Monogenetic cones, however, are more stable edifices with minor rafting processes that remove part of the cone slopes. We present the eruptive history of Mazo volcano (Lanzarote, Canary Islands), including the first detailed description of a syn-eruptive debris avalanche affecting a volcanic monogenetic edifice. The study and characterization, through new geological and morphological data and the analysis of a great number of documentary data, have made it possible to reinterpret this volcano and assign it to the Timanfaya eruption (1730–1736). The eruptive style evolved from Hawaiian to Strombolian until a flank collapse occurred, destroying a great part of the edifice, and forming a debris avalanche exhibiting all the features that define collapsing volcanic structures. The existence of blocks from the substrate suggests a volcano-tectonic process associated with a fracture acting simultaneously with the eruption. The sudden decompression caused a blast that produced pyroclasts that covered most of the island. This study forces to change the current low-hazard perception usually linked to monogenetic eruptions and provides a new eruptive scenario to be considered in volcanic hazards analysis and mitigation strategies development.


The use of mobile phones inside hospitals especially in clinically sensitive areas is a subject of controversy because it may improve the quality of healthcare but also can transmit health care associated infections. To determine the potential role of mobile phones in harboring microorganisms and to evaluate their role in transmission of microorganisms from the mobile phone to health care personnel' hands. Thirty two staff members (12, 8 and 12 were neurosurgeons, anesthetists and nurses respectively) were enrolled in this study. A questionnaire was submitted to all participants as regard, the extent of usage of mobile phones, the location of use, the use of headsets, the awareness of disinfection practices of mobile phones and the frequency of hand washing after using their phones. They were asked to disinfect their hands using an alcohol based hand rub, fingers of both hands were cultured. Then, they were asked to do a short phone call from their personal mobile phones. Sampling was repeated from the hand used to make the call and from each participant's mobile phone. Following the hand rub, no growth was detected of all HP' hands. After the use of a mobile phones, the rate of bacterial infection of the HP' hands increased to 30 ⁄ 32 (93.7%). The rate of mobile phone contamination was 30 ⁄ 32 (93.7%). The use of mobile phones in clinically sensitive areas should be weighed against the risk for contamination and transmission of infections.
Key words
Mobile phones, Health care associated infections, questionnaire, Transmission of infection, clinically sensitive area.
Corresponding author:
Address: Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology. Rawia I. Badr, E-mail: email@example.com Mobile: 0020123912852


Greater flexibility in U.S. farm programs with elimination of the restriction on the planting of fruit and vegetable crops (FAVR crops) is likely to be a major issue in congressional 2007 farm policy discussions. Michigan is a state with a wide range of both FAVR and program crops planted under the current policy. To capture the diversity of situations that would apply among of crops covered by the current policy, this research has examined a broad set of Michigan FAVR crops (dry beans, pickling cucumbers, processing tomatoes, fresh market tomatoes, squash, and blueberries). We evaluate both those factors that are likely to prevent the entry of DCP crop producers into the production of FAVR crops (barriers to entry or disincentives) and those factors that are likely to encourage DCP crop producers to enter the production of FAVR crops (inducements to entry or incentives). The balance will determine the likely outcome from elimination of the FAVR. With the exception of dry beans, a change in the FAVR would provide only small (or no) positive incentives for DCP crop producers to enter the production of FAVR crops. Similarly, barriers to entry would, in many cases, be high enough to significantly limit, or even prohibit, movement of DCP crop producers into the markets for FAVR crops. When considering these factors in combination, only dry beans appear to have the potential for entry of a significant number of new producers. In most other cases, the probability of entry by new producers appears to be low. Even with a low or zero response in total supply, equity issues will likely still arise.


Based on the theory of linear transformation and vector operations, an explicit analysis method is proposed for walking-beam oil pumping unit, which overcomes the difficulties of traditional method: roots discriminating of quadratic equations method and angle quadrant discriminating trigonometric functions method. The kinematics and torque factor of suspension point, and the crank torque of the three kinds of walking-beam pumping units are calculated in a new way according to the rule of power conservation, which avoids the complex calculation of the force bore by each rod. The validity of this proposed method is illustrated with a numerical example.


The interference produced by WiMAX mobile wireless transmissions operating in the 3.5 GHz band on a WiMedia-defined ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless link is experimentally analyzed in this paper. The investigation includes standard IEEE 802.16e WiMAX, and ECMA-368 UWB equipment as defined by the WiMedia alliance. A conventional meeting room scenario has been considered for the measurements. The experimental results indicate that WiMAX transmitters must be located at distances larger than 5 m from the UWB receiver to guarantee successful UWB communication.


Yeasts, molds, bacteria, actinomycetes, algae, and fungal spores were screened for their ability to degrade aflatoxin. Some molds and mold spores partially transformed aflatoxin B1 to new fluorescing compounds. Only one of the bacteria, Flavobacterium (aurantiacum?) NRRL B-184, removed aflatoxin from solution. Both growing and resting cells of B-184 took up toxin irreversibly. Toxin-contaminated milk, oil, peanut butter, peanuts, and corn were completely detoxified, and contaminated soybean was partially detoxified by addition of B-184. Duckling assays showed that detoxification of aflatoxin solutions by B-184 was complete, with no new toxic products being formed.


Individuals who are converted to a seropositive state by the administration of adequate amounts of a killed measles antigen develop resistance to natural and attenuated measles infection. 1,2 This immunity is not dependent upon the maintenance of an elevated antibody titer. It, therefore, seems reasonable to postulate that the level of clinical effectiveness of a specific lot of an inactivated measles vaccine would be correlated with its immunogenic potency in animals. The following report (in which the available data have been condensed because of limitations of time) describes a standard vaccine assay procedure and certain studies on measles virus and host factors which led to its development. Virus Considerations All of the antigenic activity of measles virus appears to be associated with the particle itself, i.e., there is no evidence of a soluble antigen. However, the estimation of virus concentration by infectivity titration alone provides only a rough index, because