Landscape metrics are quantitative spatial measures that aid in the landscape spatial pattern analysis. Understanding the role and capability of spatial metrics with the remote sensing data of various spatial resolutions for quantifying landscape patterns is crucial in assessing the potential of spatial metrics. The objective of this communication is to analyse the role of the landscape metrics using multi-resolution (spatial) remote sensing data for quantifying landscape patterns. Sensitivity and effectiveness in quantifying the spatial pattern components were analyzed considering part of Greater Bangalore as a sample space with 13 widely used landscape spatial metrics with the data from various sensors of differing resolutions for the month of January. The results indicate that all except three (cohesion, connect and shape) of the landscape metrics, were significantly dependent on the spatial resolution of the remote sensing data. This emphasises the consideration of appropriate spatial resolution while analyzing spatial patterns of the landscape, which provides a base for proper use of landscape metrics in the planning and management.


The Volochysk site belongs to important and unique loess sites in the Podolia Upland (W Ukraine) because it contains relatively well-developed loess deposits representing the last and penultimate glacial cycles. This loess–palaeosol sequence consists of pedocomplex S1 (MIS 5) developed on loess L2, and loess L1 (MIS 4-2) with the palaeosols of lower, interstadial rank. In this sequence, different periglacial structures were found, including the largest ones of ice-wedge cast type. Different quartz and polymineral fractions separated from the samples collected in the Volochysk site were dated using luminescence methods (SAR OSL, post-IR IRSL and TL) in three Polish luminescence laboratories in Gdansk, Gliwice and Lublin. In total, 69 luminescence dating results were obtained for 18 samples. The methodological and research aims were to carry out mutual verification of the obtained dating results as well as to analyse and interpret the differences between them, and to determine the age of distinguished deposit layers and the period of cryogenic activities. The luminescence dates of the sediments, which were deposited during MIS 2, 3 and 4, corresponded fairly well to the ages attributed to these stages. They also indicate the age of periglacial phenomena. However, the TL dates were generally older than the OSL ones, especially those obtained for the sediments deposited during MIS 5 and 6. The results of the research of the Volochysk sequence were compared with those obtained in past years for the loess deposits of the Volhynian Upland (north of Podolia) during similar inter–laboratory analyses conducted to determine their age. The results of OSL datings of the older deposits (MIS 5 and MIS 6) are underestimated irrespective of the used method, and the type (quartz, polymineral) and size of grains. Numerous attempts were made to explain this phenomenon, which, however, give no answer. It was only found that this underestimation corresponded to the equivalent dose value of ~150 Gy.


Numerous studies of the determinants of children's attainments rely on observations of circumstances and events at age 14 as proxies for information over the entire childhood period. Using 21 years of panel data from the Michigan PSID on 825 children who were 14-16 years old in 1979, we evaluate the effects of using truncated or "window" (e.g., age 14) information in models of the determinants of attainments (e.g., education, nonmarital fertility) of young adults. Correlations between truncated and full-childhood variables are presented, along with 5 tests of the reliability of estimates based on "window" measurements. The tests are designed to evaluate the differential effects of data accuracy, multiple occurrence of events, duration of circumstances, and the timing of events or circumstances during childhood between "window" and full childhood information. We conclude that most of the standard truncated variables serve as weak proxies for multi-year information in such models, and draw the implications of these findings for future data-collection and research.


In this article, three generations of authors describe the background to the original article; the subsequent emergence of vigorous debates concerning what negative priming actually reflects, where radically different accounts based on memory retrieval were proposed; and a re-casting of the conceptual issues underlying studies of negative priming. What started as a simple observation (slowed reaction times) and mechanism (distractor inhibition) appears now to be best explained by a multiple mechanism account involving both episodic binding and retrieval processes as well as an inhibitory process. Emerging evidence from converging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), and especially electroencephalography (EEG), is beginning to identify these different processes. The past 30 years of negative priming experiments has revealed the dynamic and complex cognitive processes that mediate what appear to be apparently simple behavioural effects.


In an increasingly complex, diverse and ambiguous world there is a growing need to develop effective leadership capacity. Leadership education has traditionally been the domain of business, management and organisational professional development. Undergraduate leadership programs in the sciences are uncommon, with most science courses focused exclusively on building scientific research skills. Scientifically trained decision makers in a leadership role are a rarity with a noticeable dearth of social, political and economic decision makers with a science education. This year, the Science Faculty at Monash University launched an undergraduate course that explicitly incorporated leadership within the curriculum. The Bachelor of Science Advanced (Global Challenges) weaves leadership, communication and entrepreneurship into a traditional science degree with the intent of developing global citizens who will be able to instigate action and affect change. In this course students learn adaptive leadership through an experiential learning approach. Leadership can be taught when there is a recognition that true leadership capability lies beyond personal charisma or the gift of the chosen few, but is shaped gradually through experience. Within this course the development of leadership capacity is undertaken by (i) encouraging personal agency in all students to empower leadership at all levels, (ii) building persuasive communication skills and leadership presence particularly to mobilise action in others, (iii) fostering global citizenship and the ability to negotiate systemic and complex issues whilst demonstrating ethical decision making, and (iv) encouraging students to respond adaptively to change by thinking creatively, taking risks and experiencing failure. In this course the pedagogical approach used is case-in-point teaching, group-based activities, self-reflection, peer review and the case method approach. Our experience to date shows that teaching leadership within a science undergraduate courses can be accomplished, but there are several considerations for such courses within the university context.


A comparison of fouling in osmotically driven processes with that in pressure driven processes is the main focus of the thesis. Forward osmosis (FO) and reverse osmosis (RO) have received considerable attention for water treatment and seawater desalination. This research compared the nature of fouling in FO mode with that in RO starting with the same initial flux in connection with cleaning effects and then comparing to those in ultrafiltration membranes. In all cases, with cleaning as an integral part, the extent of fouling reversibility, and the question whether a critical flux could be determined were examined. The work during the first phase (undertaken at Oxford) quantified the removal of reversible fouling through rinsing by cold and hot water for a range of concentrations using the foulants dextran and carboxymethyl cellulose. The flux-TMP relationship was conventionally compared to that of the clean water flux. The later phase (at Singapore) compared the fouling in FO and RO by alginate in terms of multiple parameters using cellulose tri acetate (CTA) and thin film composite (TFC) membranes. Silica and alginate were selected as model foulants. Whilst experimental water flux profiles in the present study did not exhibit significant differences in trend between FO and RO fouling, foulant resistance for FO was found to be increasingly greater than for RO with the progression of the fouling tests. This was further corroborated by membrane autopsies post fouling tests; both foulant mass deposition density and specific foulant resistance for FO were greater than for RO. The analysis clearly revealed that FO is essentially more prone to fouling than RO which was presumably due to less flux decline in FO (or greater average flux) as compared to that in RO in result of ICP-self compensation effect which is opposite to the prevailing claim in the literature. Additionally, the present study did not find evidence that hydraulic pressure in RO has a role in foulant layer compaction. FO membrane fouling by real waters was the focus of the final phase of the research at SMTC. Pilot scale FO experiments were conducted on spiral wound CTA membrane with treated waste water obtained from a NEWater factory (Singapore) as the feed. In the second stage, experiments were repeated at bench scale with membrane coupons taken from the spiral wound membranes used earlier. The key finding was that the mass transfer coefficients in the Spiral-Wound module were around 50% lower than the corresponding values in the flat sheet unit and this severely limited the fluxes. The reason could be attributed to strong internal concentration polarisation in the former, where tightly wound spacers act to increase the structural parameter.


Photothermal therapy effectively ablates tumors by hyperthermia (>50 °C) under laser irradiation. However, the hyperthermia may inevitably diffuse to the surrounding healthy tissues to induce additional damage. Thus, effective cancer therapy by mild photothermal therapy at low temperatures is greatly desirable. In this study, a nanoagent (COF-GA) was designed to inhibit HSP90 for enhanced photothermal therapy against cancer at low temperatures. The nanoscale covalent organic frameworks (COFs) were able to increase the temperature of the tumor tissue under laser irradiation, which can transfer the energy of laser into heat for cancer cell killing. Gambogic acid (GA), as an inhibitor of HSP90, was used to overcome the heat resistance of tumor, achieving efficient mild-temperature photothermal therapy. As an excellent candidate for the photothermal therapy agent, COF-GA can induce the temperature to elevate as the exposure time increased when irradiated with laser. In vivo tests further demonstrated that the tumor growth was able to be significantly suppressed after being treated with COF-GA. The mild-temperature photothermal therapy exhibits an excellent antitumor efficacy at a relatively low temperature and minimizes the nonspecific thermal damage to normal tissues. This COF-GA nanoagent also enriches our understanding towards the various applications of COFs, particularly in the biomedicine field.


Objectives: The objective of this paper is to examine the influence that various contextual variables have upon the number of deaths due to covid-19, across the world. Setting Level: This study utilizes data for 125 countries for contextual variables from 1st January 2020 until the 15th June 2020. Participants: This study considers deaths from covid-19. Primary and secondary outcome measures: The contextual variables considered in this study are stringency index, stringency variability, lockdown date, population density, level of airline passengers and country health security index. Results: It is shown there is a very strong association between the level of airline passengers and covid-19 deaths. The results from regression analysis conducted in this study show significant positive relationships at the 5% level of statistical significance between Deaths from covid-19 and airline passenger levels and stringency variability; significant negative relationships are revealed for stringency index and lockdown date supporting the notion that lock down and social distancing measures mattered and were effective. The Global health security index and population density did not significantly affect deaths. Conclusion: This study highlights the strong link between a country's airline passengers and covid-19 deaths and found that the lockdown date and stringency measures had a significant effect upon deaths. The implications of the research is that lockdown and stringency measures implemented by governments around the world worked and mattered. Further, the fact that global health security did not affect deaths may indicate better preparedness required to confront future pandemics.


Background: Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a recognized technique for the bone lengthening and correction of various mandibular deformities. It has an aided advantage of both osteogenesis and histiogenesis in achieving a bone supported mandibular ridge covered with attached gingiva, forming an appropriate vestibule. Aim: The aim of this study was to present our clinical experience in using transport DO technique (TDO) for treating mandibular bony defects following tumor ablation in both benign and malignant tumor cases. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent mandibular TDO for the correction of mandibular segmental defect at authors' center from 2000 to 2014 with the inclusion criteria of segmental bony defect in the mandible with moderate soft tissue defect. After the latency period of 10 days, the distraction was initiated at a rate of 0.25–1 mm/day. The distraction period continued until the segment with the transport disc reached the distal base. The total consolidation periods ranged from 6 to 14 weeks. Results: The study group consists of 9 cases of TDO for reconstruction of segmental defect following tumor resection, of which 5 cases of benign and 4 cases of malignant tumor resection. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) bony defect length was 48 mm (9.8). The mean (SD) distracted bone lengthening was 43 mm (9.7), with a mean (SD) consolidation period of 17.9 (3.4) weeks. The bony defect involved the hemimandibular angle in four patients, hemimandibular body in three patients, with greater involvement of the body, symphysis in two patients, and of the bilateral mandibular body in two patients. Except for two patients who required additional bone grafting to complete union with the residual bone, other seven patients in the distraction zone showed the complete ossification by radiological evaluation. The mean (SD) consolidation period of 13.56 (1.5) weeks ranging from 12-15 weeks with the mean (SD) follow-up years is about 8.7 years (2.95) for the cases. Out of the 9 cases, one case had recurrence in the follow-up period and underwent resection with reconstruction using reconstruction plate in the created bone. The overall success rate of TDO was 88.9% (8 out of 9) in spite of adequate case selection and TDO protocol. Conclusions: TDO potentially benefits patients with segmental bony defects following tumor ablation in mandible. It is an unswerving tool to achieve sufficient bone in mandible in patients who cannot undergo aggressive surgery or poor general health. Bone resorption remains a critical issue for this reconstruction technique, though blood supply is continuously maintained in TDO.


Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods are typically deployed to explain and debug black-box machine learning models. However, most proposed XAI methods are black-boxes themselves and designed for images. Thus, they rely on visual interpretability to evaluate and prove explanations. In this work, we apply XAI methods previously used in the image and text-domain on time series. We present a methodology to test and evaluate various XAI methods on time series by introducing new verification techniques to incorporate the temporal dimension. We further conduct preliminary experiments to assess the quality of selected XAI method explanations with various verification methods on a range of datasets and inspecting quality metrics on it. We demonstrate that in our initial experiments, SHAP works robust for all models, but others like DeepLIFT, LRP, and Saliency Maps work better with specific architectures.


This paper uses news reports about two deficit-reduction laws of the past decade to identify days when expected fiscal policy clearly became more or less expansionary. The paper also proposes a technique for identifying whether the real interest rate increased or decreased on those days, based on changes in the nominal interest rate, the exchange rate, commodity prices, and stock prices. As economic theory predicts, higher expected government spending and budget deficits raised real interest rates and the value of the dollar, while lower expected spending and deficits reduced real rates and the value of the dollar.


We use the image-mediation model (Klatzky & Lederman, 1987) as a framework to investigate potential sources of adult age differences in the haptic recognition of two-dimensional (2D) shapes. This model states that the low-resolution, temporally sequential, haptic input is translated into a visual image, which is then reperceived through the visual processors, before it is matched against a long-term memory representation and named. In three experiments we tested groups of 12 older (mean age 73.11) and three groups of 12 young adults (mean age 22.80) each. In Experiment 1 we confirm age-related differences in haptic 2D shape recognition, and we show the typical age × complexity interaction. In Experiment 2 we show that if we facilitate the visual translation process, age differences become smaller, but only with simple shapes and not with the more complex everyday objects. In Experiment 3 we target the last step in the model (matching and naming) for complex stimuli. We found that age differences in exploration time were considerably reduced when this component process was facilitated by providing a category name. We conclude that the image-mediation model can explain adult-age differences in haptic recognition, particularly if the role of working memory in forming the transient visual image is considered. Our findings suggest that sensorimotor skills thought to rely on peripheral processes for the most part are critically constrained by age-related changes in central processing capacity in later adulthood.


The aim of this review was to identify knowledge gaps in Decision Support Systems (DSSs) for assessing the economics of adopting soil constraints amelioration options. To achieve the aim, we considered available DSSs developed by research and development corporations (RDCs), primary sectors and those in the commercial domain. Literature review was also conducted involving peer-reviewed articles and reports to consolidate our findings.

We identified 12 DSSs developed for Australia and New Zealand soils fully or partly aiming to help farmers manage their soil-related production constraints. The literature has been reviewed in light of the project objectives to identify proven techniques, database, and economic models where possible. There are many works aiming to scientifically (using physical or empirical models) ameliorate soil constraints but there is limited economic evaluation of soil amelioration projects. In addition to the literature review, a focus group review conducted in May 2018 has also identified a number of issues in regards to farmer awareness of the problem and their ability to formulate a response (Cameron, 2018). This project is also investigating what is available to help growers to make the investment decisions in line with the recommendation from the focus group report.

A summary of the knowledge gaps and challenges, especially related to development of DSSs on economics of soil constraints amelioration have been presented below.

 Most DSSs for managing soil-constraints do not include economic assessment. Currently, there is no framework or DSS for growers to analyse the economic impact of the whole of farm soil constraints amelioration in the Northern region. If present for outside the Northern region, economic analyses are confined to the calculation of income from the crop grown during the amelioration process. There is no clear path for farmers or farm advisors for them to analyse:
o Whether or not to invest in amelioration options;
o The long-term return on investment in amelioration/s; or
o The risks involved in amelioration/s.
 There is limited available experimental data related to crop yield penalties due to soil constraints. An economic component for a DSS will require datasets covering yield penalties of different soil constraints and the effectiveness of amelioration options specific to the sub-regions to offset crop yield penalties. Most particularly, the present review has not identified any data about crop yield penalties due to soil constraints in mixed crop-livestock systems of the Northern region.

 There is a lack of data to quantify the combined effect of multiple soil constraints on yield: It is essential to quantify the combined effect of multiple soil constraints on yield penalty. There is no data for characterising the interactive effect of multiple constraints but modelling will provide some insight for the approximations to be included in a new DSS. The capabilities of biophysical modelling for simulation of the cropping systems with soil constraints will be evaluated and modified if required (and possible). APSIM has been used for modelling cropping systems with soil constraints, but with extensive parametrisations and including expert opinions for tunings.

 There is a lack of shared scientific communications behind the reviewed DSSs. This project should consider how the scientific aspects of the research can be translated into economic terms.


Microtubule plus ends are dynamic ends that interact with other cellular structures. Microtubule plus end tracking proteins are considered to play important roles in the regulation of microtubule plus ends. Recent studies revealed that EB1 is the central regulator for microtubule plus end tracking proteins by recruiting them to microtubule plus ends through direct interaction. Here we report the identification of a novel Drosophila protein, which we call Kebab (kinetochore and EB1 associated basic protein), through in vitro expression screening for EB1-interacting proteins. Kebab fused to GFP shows a novel pattern of dynamic localisation in mitosis. It localises to kinetochores weakly in metaphase and accumulates progressively during anaphase. In telophase, it associates with microtubules in central-spindle and centrosomal regions. The localisation to kinetochores depends on microtubules. The protein has a domain most similar to the atypical CH domain of Ndc80, and a coiled-coil domain. The interaction with EB1 is mediated by two SxIP motifs but is not required for the localisation. Depletion of Kebab in cultured cells by RNA interference did not show obvious defects in mitotic progression or microtubule organisation. Generation of mutants lacking the kebab gene indicated that Kebab is dispensable for viability and fertility.


We have implemented surface wave full ray theory to investigate the influence of source, path and receiver effects on observed minor- and major-arc, long period (T~ 150 s), three-component surface waves. Calculations are carried out using a variety of global tomographic earth models. We conduct a synthetic numerical study of phase and amplitude anomalies due to source, path and receiver effects. We estimate that the influence of the local structure at the receiver is generally negligible compared with the other terms. Phase anomalies are mostly controlled by path effects. However, amplitude variations due to the source, particularly due to the local structure at the source, are also important. We show that, for the tomographic models we use, in theory this type of anomaly is as important as that produced by focusing and defocusing effects along the propagation path. We present results of a statistical experiment to assess the impact of these effects on the fit to observed waveforms. As expected, waveforms calculated using laterally varying models match the data better than spherical earth calculations. The improved waveform fit is mainly caused by more accurate phase predictions due to path corrections. On average, calculations using the laterally varying models do not improve the amplitude fit compared with that for a spherically symmetric earth. We assess the impact of uncertainties in the source mechanism and location on the anomalies, by updating the seismic source parameters using an inversion scheme similar to the Harvard CMT method. Even after correcting for the earthquake source location and mechanism, on average, the laterally varying tomographic models used in this study do not explain observed surface wave amplitudes better than spherical earth calculations. This probably reflects unmodelled effects, such as lateral variations in attenuation, azimuthal anisotropy and finite frequency effects. However, it also suggests that new earth models need to be built fully exploiting all the information in the data, particularly amplitudes.


During the 1990s, the concept of "globalization" has been established in sociology and in the social sciences more generally. This article argues that sociological theory and research on globalization constitutes a new discourse within sociology; challenging some of the cornerstones of established sociology. The aim of this article is to investigate, analyze and critically discuss this discourse. The article has three parts. The first part argues that two conceptual pairs, nation state/globalization and global/local, represent the two most central theoretical themes in globalization discourse. These themes - as well as globalization discourse in general - are centred around conceptions about new relations between social relations and power on the one hand, and territoriality on the other. In the second part it is argued that this discourse refers to world society as the main research object of "the sociology of globalization". The third partdiscusses some aspects of the critique of established sociological theories and research strategies articulated in sociological theories of globalization. The conclusion argues that globalization discourse in some respects needs more empirical grounding and further theoretical development. However, its challenge must be taken seriously, not the least because it points to, and present meaningful analyses of, a number of present-day phenomena that are not so easily grasped by established sociological perspectives.


Purpose: A primary goal of aphasia intervention is to improve everyday communication. Although a large body of research focuses on treatment generalization, transfer of learning to real-world interactions involving discourse does not always occur. The goal of an integrated discourse treatment for aphasia (IDTA) approach is to facilitate such generalization. This article reviews generalization data from a series of four closely related IDTA studies. Method: Treatment in all studies (two case reports and two single subject experimental designs) followed a problem-based learning model targeting word retrieval, sentence processing, and discourse production. Results: Seven of eight participants acquired the target vocabulary and sentence structures. In addition, generalization was evident for most participants on related linguistic structures, standardized tests of language and cognition, and/or measures of spoken discourse production. Conclusions: Findings add to previous research supporting an IDTA approach to improving discourse in persons with aphasia. Participant characteristics and properties of outcome measures associated with these results are also discussed.


Present and future information technology requires ever faster data transmission rates, but conventional circuitry has serious limitations. In his Perspective, Walba describes a new generation of electrooptical devices based on liquid crystals. These 'spatial light modulators' can be integrated with silicon circuits to offer compact, ultrafast optical processing of data.


This libguide was created in 2014 to offer teachers resources to teach the BLM movement and the context in which that movement exists. It is by no means prescriptive or exhaustive. It is meant to function as a menu of options and is updated when possible.


Abstract The millipede Brachycybe lecontii Wood, 1864 is a fungivorous social millipede known for paternal care of eggs and forming multi-generational aggregations. We investigated the life history, paternal care, chemical defence, feeding and social behaviour of B. lecontii and provided morphological and anatomical descriptions, using light and scanning electron microscopy. Based on observations of B. lecontii from 13 locations throughout its distribution, we report the following natural history aspects. The oviposition period of B. lecontii lasted from mid-April to late June and the incubation period lasted 3–4 weeks. Only males cared for the eggs and subsequent care of juveniles was not observed. In one case, the clutches of two males became combined and they were later cared for by only one of the males. The defensive compound of B. lecontii is stored in large glands occupying a third of the paranotal volume and were observed only in stadia II millipedes and older. We observed B. lecontii feeding on fungi of the order Polyporales and describe a cuticular structure on the tip of the labrum that may relate to fungivory. We found that their stellate-shaped aggregations (pinwheels) do not form in the absence of fungus and suggest the aggregation is associated with feeding. We describe and illustrate a previously undescribed comb-like structure on the tibia and tarsi of the six anterior-most leg-pairs and measure the colour and spectral reflectance of the B. lecontii exoskeleton.


There are now over 104,000 people living in Ireland with a cancer diagnosis. Using The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), healthcare utilisation of cancer survivors (aged 50 +) was compared with those without a history of cancer across service providers. Our cancer variable was stratified by time since diagnosis (2-5, 6-10, 11+ years) and type (breast, prostate, colorectal and a miscellaneous group of other cancers). While the probability of cancer survivors accessing GP services was not significant different to respondents without a history of cancer, the probability of an outpatient specialist office visit was 19.5, 11.8 and 14.0 percentage points higher, respectively for those 2-5years, 6-10 years and 11 years or more after their cancer diagnosis and was statistically significant. In Ireland, the pattern of GP and specialist use appears less well defined compared to other European countries. This suggests an overarching policy response is required for cancer survivorship care.


BACKGROUND
Nearly one of every three workers in the United States is low-income. Low-income populations have a lower life expectancy and greater rates of chronic diseases compared to those with higher incomes. Low- income workers face hazards in their workplaces as well as in their communities. Developing integrated public health programs that address these combined health hazards, especially the interaction of occupational and non-occupational risk factors, can promote greater health equity.

METHODS
We apply a social-ecological perspective in considering ways to improve the health of the low-income working population through integrated health protection and health promotion programs initiated in four different settings: the worksite, state and local health departments, community health centers, and community-based organizations.

RESULTS
Examples of successful approaches to developing integrated programs are presented in each of these settings. These examples illustrate several complementary venues for public health programs that consider the complex interplay between work-related and non work-related factors, that integrate health protection with health promotion and that are delivered at multiple levels to improve health for low-income workers.

CONCLUSIONS
Whether at the workplace or in the community, employers, workers, labor and community advocates, in partnership with public health practitioners, can deliver comprehensive and integrated health protection and health promotion programs. Recommendations for improved research, training, and coordination among health departments, health practitioners, worksites and community organizations are proposed.


This study tests a theoretical framework to explain the persuasive impact of interactive magazine ads on consumers' ad and brand attitudes. To obtain realistic (unforced) responses, a field experiment was conducted with a one-factor (interactive vs. noninteractive magazine ad) between-subjects design (N=98). Results showed that, although they rarely used it, participants positively evaluated the presence of an interactive feature in a digital magazine ad. Furthermore, parallel-mediation analyses revealed that the interactive magazine ad was perceived as more interactive and more surprising than the non-interactive ad, which ultimately positively impacted consumers' attitudes towards the magazine. A second real-life setting experiment (N=121) confirmed and extended these findings by revealing that the mediation effects were even stronger when consumers had used the interactive feature (vs. only seen). In addition, the relationship between interactive magazine ads and consumers' attitudinal responses was explained slightly better by 'perceived surprise' than by 'perceived interactivity'.


Post-disaster housing reconstruction projects face several challenges. Resources and material supplies are often scarce; several and different types of organizations are involved, while projects must be completed as quickly as possible to foster recovery. Within this context, the chapter aims to increase the understanding of relief supply chain design in reconstruction. In addition, the chapter is introducing a community based and beneficiary perspective to relief supply chains by evaluating the implications of local components for supply chain design in reconstruction. This is achieved through the means of secondary data analysis based on the evaluation reports of two major housing reconstruction projects that took place in Europe the last decade. A comparative analysis of the organizational designs of these projects highlights the ways in which users can be involved. The performance of reconstruction supply chains seems to depend to a large extent on the way beneficiaries are integrated in supply chain design impacting positively on the effectiveness of reconstruction supply chains. DOI: 10.4018/978-1-60960-824-8.ch006


Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children could have serious long-term effects if not identified early after onset. To identify SNHL in children early, childhood hearing screening programmes at birth and later ages have been recommended. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), until recently, there was no nationwide commitment to the universal neonatal hearing screening programme (UNHS). Even if full coverage was achieved, UNHS might be inadequate to identify a high percentage of cases of SNHL, so more options for hearing screening later in childhood are needed.To better understand the situation of children with SNHL in the KSA, the first two studies of this research estimated the age of identification (AOI) of SNHL in children in the KSA prior to the UNHS, which has not been investigated before, and investigated the characteristics of the affected children. The two cross-sectional studies were either a review of children's medical records (n=1226) or surveys of parents (n=174). The main findings included: (1) a high AOI of SNHL in children (around 3 years old, range from around 0.1-10 years); (2) a strong association between consanguinity, which is known to cause late-onset SNHL, and SNHL was found (in >70% of the children with SNHL); (3) parental concern about child's hearing identified for the first time as a predictor of SNHL in Saudi children; and (4) parents finding it difficult to access audiology clinics. These findings indicate that late-onset SNHL is expected to be prevalent among children in the KSA, and the difficulty of accessing audiology clinics may play a role in delaying the identification of those children. This motivated the development of a hearing screening tool that is suitable to young children, is easily accessible, can be used by non-audiologists, and is sensitive to SNHL. The developed test, called the Paediatric Arabic Auditory Speech Test (PAAST), which is a speechin-noise (SIN) test, was inspired by the McCormick Toy Discrimination Test, which suits children from the age of 2 years onwards. It was implemented in a downloadable iPad application that ran the test automatically to widen the possibilities of implementing a hearing screening test. The development of the PAAST included the conducting of five studies to determine the following: (1) pre-recorded speech material equalised for intelligibility; (2) the test-retest reliability of the PAAST with normal-hearing Arabic-speaking adults (n=30); (3) the normal-range and test-retest reliability of the PAAST with normal-hearing Arabic-speaking children (n=40, 3-12 years old); (4) typical results in children with mild to severe SNHL (n=16, 6-14 years old) in the KSA; and (5) the usability and feasibility of the tablet application at home and school by parents (n=26) and teachers (n=24) in the KSA. The studies also sought to explore the normal developmental trajectory of speech intelligibility and the supra-threshold effects of SNHL in Arabic-speaking children. The PAAST showed good test-retest reliability when tested with adults, older children (>6-12 years), and young children (3-6 years) (e.g. intra-class correlation coefficient= 0.7, 0.8, 0.7 respectively). It could differentiate between normal-hearing children and hearing-impaired children. A high system usability score (>80/100) was found for parents and teachers. It seems feasible to use the PAAST as a hearing test in schools in the KSA. It was also found that there was probably a developmental ageeffect on the performance of Arabic-speaking normal-hearing children on SIN tests and that there were substantial difficulties in performing SIN tests for Arabic-speaking children who have SNHL, which has not been documented previously. In general, it could be concluded that the PAAST provides a useable platform for speech intelligibility testing in noise, and the SIN test seems to provide a useful assessment of speech intelligibility in Arabic-speaking children with SNHL.


OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between fish and seafood intake and new-onset type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This was a population-based prospective cohort (European Prospective Investigation of Cancer [EPIC]-Norfolk) study of men and women aged 40–79 years at baseline (1993–1997). Habitual fish and seafood intake (white fish, oily fish, fried fish, and shellfish) was assessed using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and categorized as less than one or one or more portions/week. During a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 10.2 (9.1–11.2) years, there were 725 incident diabetes cases among 21,984 eligible participants. RESULTS Higher total fish intake (one or more versus less than one portions/week) was associated with a significantly lower risk of diabetes (odds ratio [OR] 0.75 [95% CI 0.58–0.96]), in analyses adjusted for age, sex, family history of diabetes, education, smoking, physical activity, dietary factors (total energy intake, alcohol intake, and plasma vitamin C) and obesity (BMI and waist circumference). White fish and oily fish intakes were similarly inversely associated with diabetes risk, but the associations were not significant after adjustment for dietary factors (oily fish) or obesity (white fish). Fried fish was not significantly associated with diabetes risk. Consuming one or more portions/week of shellfish was associated with an increased risk of diabetes (OR 1.36 [1.02–1.81]) in adjusted analyses. CONCLUSIONS Total, white, and oily fish consumption may be beneficial for reducing risk of diabetes, reinforcing the public health message to consume fish regularly. Greater shellfish intake seems to be associated with an increased risk of diabetes, warranting further investigation into cooking methods and mechanisms.


Background: Vascular access is an important part of many patient care management plans, but has unwanted risks. A working group led by the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) produced a Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) Framework. Based on current evidence, a framework was developed for frontline staff to assess and select the best vascular access device to meet the individual patient's needs and to preserve veins for future use. Methods: Using the Outcome Logic Model, we conducted an evaluation of the short- and medium-term outcomes with regards to the impact and success of the VHP Framework. Results: This evaluation found that many respondents were aware of the framework and were using it in a range of different ways. Participants saw the framework as being most beneficial to help decisions on device choice and peripheral vein assessment. However, the framework has not fully reached its intended audience. Discussion: Many positive outcomes were reported as a result of using the VHP Framework including improving clinical practice as it relates to the VHP elements. However, further work is required to find the tools to extend the reach of the framework and assist healthcare teams to be able to fully implement it within their clinical settings.


Spontaneous and dramatic intercellular calcium waves are frequently observed during organ development, but are poorly understood. Calcium ions are ubiquitous second messengers that carry out a wide-range of functions, including the regulation of cell proliferation, metabolism and death. Consequently, regulation of calcium signaling encodes a significant portion of the cellular decision making state of cells through both amplitude and frequency-dependent regulation of transcription factors and key regulatory enzymes. Here we report that intercellular calcium waves exhibit spatiotemporal patterns at the organ-level using a quantitative image analysis pipeline. Intercellular calcium waves in the Drosophila wing disc require a specific phospholipase C, Plc21C. Further, we demonstrate that the morphogen signaling pathway, Hedgehog, controls frequencies of calcium oscillations uniformly in the tissue and is required for non-uniform spatial patterning of oscillation amplitudes. Thus, the dynamics of spontaneous intercellular calcium waves are regulated by morphogenetic signaling. Intercellular calcium waves propagate information at the organ-scale that reflects the differentiation state of the developing wing disc.


Recent regulations to mitigate the impacts of development on the environment have focused on stream buffers. The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District required municipalities in the Atlanta district to have a stream buffer protection ordinance. The uncertainty and subjectivity in the variance procedure of the model ordinance was a discouragement to development and the economic welfare of the local jurisdictions. Gwinnett County developed a mitigation procedure that removes the uncertainty using a spreadsheet model that calculates the difference in the environmental value of the existing buffer and the proposed buffer. This model also calculates the value of on-site mitigation and if needed the in-lieu mitigation fee required. In-lieu fees are paid into a dedicated fund to be used for projects that enhance stream water quality and habitat.


Resent MU-MIMO (Multi User-Multi Input Multi Output) scheme is one of the important and advanced technologies. In particular, it is a suitable technique to increase the capacity from the point of view of solving cell load, which is one of the big issues in the contents of 5G commercial field optimization. While this MU-MIMO technology has an important advantage of cell capacity expansion, there is a disadvantage like an interference problem due to each multiuser beams. It is important to use the advanced beamforming technology for MU-MIMO to overcome these disadvantages. Therefore, by applying the interference cancelling technology among inter UE (User Equipment) beams to improve each UE's performance, it will contribute to improving the cell throughput. This paper introduces the various techniques of eliminating interference in MU-MIMO system. Also, it is important that UE reports rank indicator reflected the interference of multi-user beams. This paper analyses the problem of the conventional method of the rank decision in MU-MIMO system, estimates the vehicular speed quickly with the proposed rank optimization technique, and shows the DL (Downlink) UE's performance is improved by applying a proposed rank value suitable for vehicular speed. This technique will be effectively applied to increase the overall cell capacity by improving the DL UE's throughput in the MU-MIMO system. DL, rank indicator, cell capacity.


Mumps virus is a highly infectious pathological agent, despite the use of vaccination, outbreaks continue to occur worldwide and affects all age groups. There is no specific treatment for mumps. The study aimed to investigate the epidemiologic features of a mumps outbreak in two districts located in the southern region of Babylon Governorate. The study was a cross sectional descriptive epidemiologic survey that included all notified cases of mumps reported by the primary health care authorities in southern region of Babylon Governorate during the year 2016– February 2017, a total of 693 clinically diagnosed mumps cases were studied from the records during this period in 4 primary health care centers (two in Al-Qasim district and two in AL-Showmaly district).Person Place Time epidemiologic model was applied to describe the occurrences of the disease. The Study results revealed that the male to female ratio of patients was 2:1 and most of the cases 26.4% occurred in January more than two thirds of cases were living in the city district (71%), about half of the patients (56%) were vaccinated against the disease. In conclusion Mumps occurs more among males and the frequency of this viral disease is high during January. The role of vaccination was limited in protection of patients against this disease, third booster dose of mumps vaccine is recommended after serological monitoring to evaluate the levels of antibodies to prevent


For neurological diseases, molecular and cellular research relies on the use of model systems to investigate disease processes and test potential therapeutics. The last decade has witnessed an increase in the number of studies using induced pluripotent stem cells to generate disease relevant cell types from patients. The reprogramming process permits the generation of a large number of cells but is potentially disadvantaged by introducing variability in clonal lines and the removal of phenotypes of aging, which are critical to understand neurodegenerative diseases. An under-utilized approach to disease modeling involves the transdifferentiation of aged cells from patients, such as fibroblasts or blood cells, into various neural cell types. In this review we discuss techniques used for rapid and efficient direct conversion to neural cell types. We examine the limitations and future perspectives of this rapidly advancing field that could improve neurological disease modeling and drug discovery.


The measurement of social capital is a major challenge in social capital research. The Position Generator Technique has been used in this research for the measurement of Elites' social capital. This technique emphasizes the measurement of individual access to social resources and benefits of the social network for every person. Using data obtained from questionnaires which were distributed among the elite members of the National Foundation of the Elites, the access of individual elite to social capital resources was measured. Then, the high and low prestige social capital of elites was evaluated. The results obtained from this study show that in the population sample, access to social capital is higher among men, married individuals, Ph.D. graduates and those majoring in technical or engineering fields.


Bactericidal activities of ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin were compared to other antibiotics active against human isolates of Pasteurella multocida. Three human isolates of Pasteurella multocida were used for killing-curve studies with ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin comparatively to others antibiotics. At 2x the MIC, ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin exhibited a killing of more than 99.9% of the initial viable cells that was achieved within 6 h of incubation. These activities were faster than those of amoxycillin and cefpodoxime. No regrowth was observed after 24 h of incubation. Doxycycline and clarithromycin used at MICx2 had no bactericidal activities. It was concluded that fluoroquinolones, namely ciprofloxacin and sparfloxacin, can be considered having good bactericidal activity against P. multocida.


Both high cost and environmental load of surfactant are issues to be solved in foam EOR. Moreover, it is difficult to control the injection of surfactant and gas so that the foam is generated in only high permeable zones selectively in oil reservoir. The authors have found a foam generating microorganism and hit upon an idea of the microbial foam EOR which makes the microorganism do generating foam in oil reservoir. The mechanism of the microbial foam generation and culture condition suitable for the foam generation were studied in this study.
 A species of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was used as a foam producer in this study. It was cultured in the medium consisting of glucose and eight kinds of minerals at 30 °C and atmospheric pressure under anaerobic conditions. Because P. aeruginosa generally grows better under aerobic conditions, the microorganism was supplied with oxygen nanobubbles as the oxygen source. The carbon dioxide nanobubbles were also used as a comparison target in this study. The state of foam generation in the culture solution was observed during the cultivation. The surface tension, surfactant concentration, protein concentration, polysaccharides concentration and bacterial population of the culture solution were measured respectively.
 The foam was started to be generated by the microorganism after 2 days of cultivation and its volume became maximum after 3 days of cultivation. The foam generation was found in the culture solution which contained both oxygen nanobubbles and carbon dioxide nanobubbles whereas little foam was found in non-nanobubbles culture solution. The foam generation found in the culture solution containing carbon dioxide nanobubbles was more than that in the culture solution containing oxygen nanobubbles. Both gas and protein concentration increased along with the formation of the foam whereas surfactant and polysaccharides were not increased, therefore, the foam was assumed to be generated with gas and protein which were generated by P. aeruginosa. It was found that the carbon dioxide nanobubbles were positively charged in the culture medium whereas they were negatively charged in tap water through the measurement of zeta potential of nanobubbles, therefore, the carbon dioxide nanobubbles attracted cations in the culture medium and became positively charged. Positively charged carbon dioxide nanobubbles transported cations to the microbial cells of P. aeruginosa. Among cations in the culture medium, ferrous ions are essential for the protein generation of P. aeruginosa, therefore, the positively charged carbon dioxide nanobubbles attracted ferrous ions and transport them to the microbial cells, resulting the growth and metabolism of P. aeruginosa were activated.
 Those results suggest that the microbial foam EOR can be materialized by supplying the microorganism with carbon dioxide nanobubbles or ferrous ions.


Between 1568 and 1603, members of the Carey family filled a number of prominent positions within the administration of the English Marches on the Anglo-Scottish Border. As close relatives of Queen Elizabeth I of England, they were able to build up considerable power and influence both on the Border and at the English court. This thesis attempts to examine how the Careys worked together as a family on the Border, at court and in institutions such as Parliament. It examines how the Careys' position at court supported the members of the family involved in Border office, and looks at the links that existed between the court and the Border. It also looks at the origins of the Carey family, and how it was that they came to hold such a position of importance, and how it was that their influence and power in England declined significantly after 1603. In particular, the part played by Elizabeth I in the rise to prominence of the Careys is examined, as is the role which her death played in the decline of their power. The thesis also attempts to examine the roles filled by the members of the Carey family on the Border, and studies the nature of the relationships between them, the English Border gentry, other English Border officers and Scottish gentry and officials.


ABSTRACT Small accounting firms represent important participants in the audit market, yet details of how they operate and develop competencies remain unexplored. Small firms often join forces through accounting associations and networks (AANs), which may help them overcome significant challenges commonly faced by smaller firms. We interview 37 partners from 18 firms representing nine AANs to examine how small firms leverage their AAN membership and to understand the related implications for audit quality. Our findings indicate that small firms acquire needed resources and enhance their market legitimacy through AAN membership; however, the nature and extent to which they do so varies by AAN type. Importantly, we also find that the majority of respondents perceive AAN resources, especially access to expertise, as critical to their firms' audit quality. Our research, informed by a theoretical lens based on resource dependence and legitimacy, enriches existing auditing literature, provides a new perspective ...


The topological characteristics of waves in elastic structures are determined by the geometric phase of waves and, more specifically, by the Berry phase, as a characterization of the global vibrational behavior of the system. A computational procedure for the numerical determination of the geometrical phase characteristics of a general elastic structure is introduced: the spectral analysis of amplitudes and phases method. Molecular dynamics simulation is employed to computationally generate the band structure, traveling modes' amplitudes and phases, and subsequently the Berry phase associated with each band of periodic superlattices. In an innovative procedure, the phase information is used to selectively excite a particular mode in the band structure. It is shown analytically and numerically, in the case of one-dimensional elastic superlattices composed of various numbers of masses and spring stiffness, how the Berry phase varies as a function of the spatial arrangement of the springs. A symmetry condition on the arrangement of springs is established, which leads to bands with Berry phase taking the values of 0 or π. Finally, it is shown how the Berry phase may vary upon application of unitary operations that mathematically describe transformations of the structural arrangement of masses and springs within the unit cells.


A number of American sailors were taken hostage by Barbary Corsairs and held as slaves in North Africa in the years following the Revolutionary War.  The crisis would ultimately lead to open warfare, but many Americans were optimistic that international commerce and common sympathy might overcome religious differences.  This essay sketches the history of the Barbary conflict and considers three fictionalized accounts of Barbary encounter as secular conversion narratives, two of the three demonstrating how even despotic slaveholders could learn to embrace commerce and sentiment.  Peter Markoe's novel The Algerine Spy in Pennsylvania (1787), Royall Tyler's The Algerine Slave (1797), and Susanna Rowson's drama Slaves in Algiers (1794) suggest a certain openness to religious and national difference; however they are clearly about American concerns and, in fact, more committed to secularized Christian norms than their praise of common sentiment would suggest.  In all three texts, Jews are excluded from the vision of common sentiment and made to symbolize what was cruel about commerce; it is my argument that they served as scapegoats for the American discomfort with its own failures of sentiment, evidenced most obviously by chattel slavery and the slave trade.  These fictionalized tales of encounter hold up sentiment as the solution to all sorts of conflict.  However, they also deploy sentiment, paradoxically, as a pre-biological marker of race, designating those beyond the union of sentiment—Jews—as somehow detached from the quality that makes people human.


Obesity in the Zucker rat is accompanied by hyperlipemia, hyperinsulinism, insulin resistance, pancreatic hyperplasia, and islet hypertrophy. This study correlates the morphologic heterogeneity of isolated pancreatic islets with secretion of insulin and glucagon in a perifusion system. Islet size was arbitrarily defined as large (>0.45 mm) or small (<0.12 mm). Protein content and volume (V = 4/3πr3) were calculated for groups and individual islets, respectively. Islets from obese rats secreted more insulin in response to glucose and aminophylline than islets from lean rats (peak 7.8 ± 2.4 vs. 1.5 ± 0.37 μU/islet/min, P < 0.005). Insulin release was related directly to islet size and protein content. Small islets from lean and obese animals produced less insulin per islet than large islets (P < 0.005). In terms of islet volume, however, large islets were inefficient insulin releasers as compared to small islets (P < 0.005). Stimulation with Br-cAMP released glucagon from islets of lean but not from large islets of obese animals (peak 11 ±3.3 vs. 4.1 ± 0.3 pg/μg protein per minute, P < 0.05). Arginine produced the same effect on glucagon release (P < 0.05) as stimulation with Br-cAMP. The observed increased insulin release rates and the blunted glucagon response are related to islet size in the pancreas of the Zucker rat.


The standardization of orthopedic hip and knee implants was a collaborative endeavor by material management, orthopedic surgeons, and operating room nursing staff. The key concept was to eliminate paying list price for hip and knee implants and to standardize to one vendor and establish the hospital as the premier center for total joint replacement.


The work reported in this paper describes the behavior and prediction of damping properties of the 3D composite laminated engine mount shell structure. The shell structure has a shape of box with four vertical and two horizontal plates with the thickness of 15mm and 20mm respectively. For more accurate prediction of the structural behavior, many researchers have incorporated the time dependent property of the material into their field of studies. In this article the finite element approach utilizes the concept of viscoelastic damping, which is carried out by direct integration. This paper describes the potential application of composite material as a damper device because of its damping, high stiffness and low weight properties, which favor the use as engine mount in submarine and ships where weight is the highest priority.


The Upper Ordovician (lower Katian; upper Chatfieldian-lower Edenian) Lexington-Trenton limestone and Point Pleasant-Utica shale intervals are important subsurface stratigraphic units across Ohio as they are the sources of significant conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon resources. However, both units exhibit anomalous distributions across the state and heterogeneous relationships, especially in areas where they intertongue. The limestone units show a peculiar SW-NE thinning trend across Ohio, whereas the overlying shale units show an anomalous thickening along the same trend—a trend associated with the poorly understood Sebree Trough, a supposed Late Ordovician paleobathymetric low related to the coeval Taconic Orogeny. To explore relationships amon Lexington-Trenton carbonates, Point Pleasant-Utica shales, and the presumed Sebree Trough, multivariate statistical analysis was used to compare geophysical well logs across the state with well logs referenced to the mineral content of 4 Lexington-Trenton-Point Pleasant-Utica cores. Comparing well-log responses with the mineral content of the reference cores allowed the discernment of 10 electrofacies, keyed to lithofacies in the cores. Software analysis of many other well logs across the state then made electrofacies assignments by comparing well-log responses from the other wells with well-log responses from the reference cores preset into the software. Electrofacies responses were color-coded, mapped in wells at 0.6 m (2 ft) resolution, and used to make section lines and isopach maps of similar electrofacies. Isopach maps and cross sections confirm the presence of the Sebree Trough across Ohio, with trends that parallel existing and projected basement structures. This suggests that the Sebree Trough in Ohio was a bathymetric low, which was, at least in part, controlled by reactivation of basement structures due to far-field Taconic stresses.


Low probability of interception (LPI) time refers to a time during which a certain airborne radar system is tracking the target without being intercepted by a high-sensitivity electronic support measurement (HSESM) on the target. LPI time is determined by the tracking process of the certain airborne radar system and the interception performance of an HSESM. This study proposes a track mission shifting (TMS) tactic of the distributed airborne radar system (DARS) or distributed airborne formation radar system (DAFRS) based on LPI time. First, this study defines a short-time average interception probability of HSESM on frequency search mode. Then, with adaptive dwell time design and the maximum illumination interval algorithm based on predicted tracking error covariance matrix, this study proposes to take interactive multiple models Kalman filter to describe target tracking process and introduces binary hypothesis test of chi-square and non-central chi-square distributions as target detection criterion during target tracking. Finally, with a partial prior knowledge of the opposed HSEMS on the target, this study proposes a TMS tactic model based on LPI time. Simulations show that LPI time is a significant reference value for DARS or DAFRS to turn over track mission against an opposed HSEMS.


The crater diameter and depth of the surface machined by electrical discharge machining (EDM) were used to evaluate indexes for EDMed surface. The influence of discharge parameters selected on the crater diameter and depth in mirror-like surface EDM process was investigated, and the optimization scheme was obtained. An L16 (44×23) Taguchi standard orthogonal array was chosen for the design of experiments. Experimental results indicate that peak current and open discharge voltage have more influence on the crater diameter and depth in comparison with pulse off-time and pulse duration. Also the results confirm that the crater depth is about 10 to 20 percent of its diameter while the near-mirror EDM conducted in the NAK80 steel with fine discharge parameters.


The production of dinitrogen (N2) and emission to the atmosphere returns reactive nitrogen (N) species to the unreactive form, completing the N cycle. Soil N2 emissions are the most poorly understood portion of the terrestrial N cycle because soil N2 fluxes are difficult to measure against the high atmospheric background N2 concentration. For my dissertation, I developed two new methods for quantifying soil N2 production in soils and described a new pathway for N2 production in the terrestrial N cycling. I also explored controls on soil N cycling at a regional scale relevant for policymakers. In laboratory experiments, I demonstrated that the N2/Ar technique can be used to accurately measure surface soil N2 fluxes when solubility and water vapor fractionation effects on the N2/Ar ratio are taken into account. Currently the detection limit of the method is 100 mg N m2 d-1, but proposed modifications to the sampling and analytical protocols can lower the detection limit as well as increase sample throughput. I also developed the 15N-nitrous oxide (N2O) pool dilution technique in a peatland pasture and showed that it can be used to measure gross N2O production and consumption rates without changing soil N2O emissions (i.e., net N2O production). Vertical diffusion modeling suggested that the 15N2O tracer was able to diffuse through the vadose zone to the water table at 60 cm depth during the sampling period, but additional modeling is necessary to evaluate the impact of lateral tracer movement on vertical tracer penetration into the soil profile. Nitrous oxide emissions ranged from 0.05 to 77.4 mg N m-2 d-1 across four micro-topographic zones and the proportion of gross N2O production released to the atmosphere was 0.84 ± 0.03. Mineral N concentrations and denitrifying enzyme activity together best predicted gross N2O production rates (R2 = 0.73). When the four landforms were grouped by soil moisture content, soil oxygen concentrations explained over 64% of the variability in N2O consumption rates. Denitrification is currently thought to be the only N2 production pathway in terrestrial soils, but I showed that, in a humid tropical forest soil, iron reduction coupled to anaerobic ammonium (NH4+) oxidation (Feammox) can lead to N2 production both directly and indirectly (via denitrification of Feammox-generated nitrite). Anaerobic ammonium oxidation rates were comparable to denitrification rates for this forest, suggesting the potential importance of this pathway. Lastly, I found that a small suite of soil properties could reliably predict internal N cycling processes in soils from deserts, forests, grasslands, shrublands, and wetlands in California. Microbial biomass N, soil organic carbon (C) concentration, and soil NH4+ concentrations together explained 80 % of the variability in gross mineralization rates whereas soil nitrate (NO3-) concentration and soil C:N ratios together explained 59 % of the variability in gross nitrification rates. Dissimilatory NO3- reduction to NH4+ occurred in all soils and rates were best predicted by the combination of gross nitrification rates and soil NH4+ concentrations (R2 = 0.83). These results will support modeling efforts at the regional scale that are important for setting land use and N emissions policies. Overall, my dissertation has moved the field closer to understanding soil N2 emissions and suggests that the controls on soil N cycling can be modeled at a regional scale incorporating many different ecosystem types.


Abstract The brown treesnake (BTS) (Boiga irregularis) invasion on Guåhan (in English, Guam) led to the extirpation of nearly all native forest birds. In recent years, methods have been developed to reduce BTS abundance on a landscape scale. To help assess the prospects for the successful reintroduction of native birds to Guåhan following BTS suppression, we modeled bird population persistence based on their life history characteristics and relative sensitivity to BTS predation. We constructed individual‐based models and simulated BTS predation in hypothetical founding populations for each of seven candidate bird species. We represented BTS predation risk in two steps: risk of being encountered and risk of mortality if encountered. We link encounter risk from the bird's perspective to snake contact rates at camera traps with live animal lures, the most direct practical means of estimating BTS predation risk. Our simulations support the well‐documented fact that Guåhan's birds cannot persist with an uncontrolled population of BTS but do indicate that bird persistence in Guåhan's forests is possible with suppression short of total eradication. We estimate threshold BTS contact rates would need to be below 0.0002–0.0006 snake contacts per bird per night for these birds to persist on the landscape, which translates to an annual encounter probability of 0.07–0.20. We simulated the effects of snake‐proof nest boxes for Sihek (Todiramphus cinnamominus) and Såli (Aplonis opaca), but the benefits were small relative to the overall variation in contact rate thresholds among species. This variation among focal bird species in sustainable predation levels can be used to prioritize species for reintroduction in a BTS‐suppressed landscape, but variation among these species is narrow relative to the required reduction from current BTS levels, which may be four orders of magnitude higher (>0.18). Our modeling indicates that the required predation thresholds may need to be lower than have yet been demonstrated with current BTS management. Our predation threshold metric provides an important management tool to help estimate target BTS suppression levels that can be used to determine when bird reintroduction campaigns might begin and serves as a model for other systems to match predator control with reintroduction efforts.


In 1973 the University of North Dakota School of Medicine (UNDSM), following the national trend toward four-year medical programs, expanded its previous two-year medical school curriculum to include all four years of medical education. It was hoped that this change, along with a renewed emphasis on primary care-oriented residency training within the state, would encourage medical students to establish practices within the state. In 1985 the UNDSM's Center for Rural Health mailed questionnaires to the 2,230 living graduates of the UNDSM to document a variety of their personal and practice characteristics. Based on the responses to the 924 completed questionnaires, the authors found that (1) the students from rural North Dakota were more likely than were urban students to practice in rural areas of the state, as were the students with primary care specialty training; and (2) the alumni completing residencies in North Dakota following the curriculum expansion (1976–1985) were more than twice as likely to establish practices in North Dakota. It was concluded that recruiting medical students (preferably in-state "natives") from rural areas, training them in primary care specialty areas, and enabling them to remain in North Dakota for the duration of their medical training (including residency training) combined to exert a considerable "retaining" effect on the UNDSM alumni.


In this study, a novel liquid crystal (LC) biosensor was developed for the highly sensitive and selective detection of Cd2+ based on Cd2+ inducing the bending of PS-oligo. This strategy makes use of the DNA conformational change to enhance the disruption of orientation of LC leading to an amplified optical signal. DNA containing-SH was bound on the glass slide of the LC cell modified with the DMOAP/APTES. The DMOAP can effectively induce the homeotropic alignment of LC. In the presence of Cd2+, Cd2+ can induce DNA to bend and become a 2 nm spherical structure, which can greatly disrupt the orientational arrangement of LC, resulting in the correspond changes of the optical image of LC cell birefringent under the polarizing microscope. When the Cd2+ concentration is low to 0.1 nM, the optical signal of LC biosensor has an obvious change. But in the absence of Cd2+, there is no orientational response of LC and the optical image under the polarizing microscope is still a uniform dark background. Thus, this LC sensing method has a sensitive and clear distinction between positive and negative results and offers a highly sensitive detection of Cd2+ with a low detection limit down to 0.1 nM.


An association between spring birth and anxiety neurosis in New South Wales is confirmed. Two possible explanations, that the association might reflect a seasonal variation in conceiving or in giving birth among mothers of those with significant anxiety, or that spring birth selectively disposes to anxiety, were examined. Findings suggest that both effects may be operating.


The main objective of this study was to evaluate the potential genetic effects of SEPT14 on male infertility through sequencing the SEPT14 coding region. To address this research gap, 254 men with sperm abnormalities and 116 normozoospermic men were recruited, and the whole-coding regions of SEPT14 were sequenced. Two heterozygous mutations, p.Ala123Thr (3/254 vs. 0/116) and p.Ile333Thr (3/254 vs. 0/116), were identified in these cases. A high percentage of defective sperm heads was found in sperm with mutated SEPT14. Both mutations are highly evolutionarily conserved among vertebrates. The results of a fine morphological and chromatin structural analysis indicated severely malformed sperm heads with abnormal chromatin packaging through transmission electron microscopy and Toluidine blue staining. Compared with controls, high DNA fragmentation was demonstrated in sperm from cases carrying SEPT14 mutations using the comet assay. In addition, these two mutations in SEPT14 affected its polymerization ability in vitro. These data revels that the two SEPT14 missense mutations impaired sperm head morphology and induced DNA damage. Our study suggests that genetic variant of SEPT14 is one of the effects for human sperm formation and male fertility.


Objectives & Background Facial injuries are a common presentation to the ED with data suggesting that this may be as high as 4%. There is little data on the epidemiology of paediatric facial injuries and how these are managed by the ED team. The exposure of structures such as the eyes, brain and thyroid to ionising radiation may be potentially harmful and at present there are no nationally agreed guidelines on which patients require imaging in the ED. The aim of this study was to look at the patterns of imaging in a cohort of paediatric facial injuries presenting to an ED in the West Midlands. A comparison of the imaging requests for the paediatric and adult facial injuries CT Head CT Face PA Mandible OPG TMJ OM Orbit Child 8 1 17 40 4 86 4 Adult 100 24 171 402 26 694 11 Methods A retrospective note review of all facial injuries presenting to any one of the three sites that make up the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust in 2012 was conducted. Electronic records were examined to look for the mechanism of injury, disposal as well if any imaging had been performed during the initial presentation. Where imaging was performed the actual imaging as well as formal radiology reports were accessed to ascertain for the presence or absence of a facial fracture. Results Paediatric facial injuries made up 1131/3416 (33%) of the overall number of facial emergencies presenting to the ED in 2012. The mean age for the children was 6.9±4.3 years. 32% of the children were female as opposed to 68% who were male. 164/1131(14.5%) children were imaged and of these only 17/164 (10.4%) were confirmed to have a fracture. In contrast 47% of the adults were imaged and 26% of these were confirmed to have a facial fracture. Chi-squared tests demonstrated that the proportion of patients who had imaging requested was significantly lower in the paediatric cohort when compared to adults (P<0.005). Also the difference in the numbers of confirmed facial fractures in those who were imaged was significantly lower in children when compared to the adults (P<0.005). Occipitomental (OM) and orthopantomograms (OPG) were the commonest facial views requested for both the paediatric and adult facial injuries. Conclusion The study highlights that paediatric facial injuries are less common than adult facial injuries and that facial fractures make up only 1.5% of all paediatric facial injuries. Clinicians should consider this when requesting facial X-rays given the potential harm of ionising radiation to the head and neck region. Further studies are in progress to develop evidence based guidelines for imaging children with facial injuries within the ED. The table refers to the total number of different imaging requests and not the number of patients imaged. Some patients had more than one type of imaging requested.


This study aimed to determine the level of awareness on preventive measures for dengue fever among the residents of Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City. The study sought to: (1) describe the profile of the respondents in terms of informational sources and highest educational attainment and to; (2) assess the level of awareness of the respondents on the preventive measures on dengue fever. A modified questionnaire was used in the study. The data were analyzed and presented through the Frequency Counts, Weighted Mean and Ranking. The purposive sampling method was used to identify the respondents of the study. The respondents have more knowledge about using mosquito nets as their way of preventing dengue. Half of the respondents have attained the secondary level of education and the lowest percentage of educational attainment has primary level of education. The respondents were most aware on the use of mosquito nets through practice. Keywords - Dengue, Level of Awareness, Barangay Kauswagan, Preventive Measures


In vehicular traffic modeling, the effect of link capacity on travel times is generally specified through a delay function. In this paper the Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN) method that supports a dynamic network loading (DNL) model is utilized to model delays on an unsignalized highway node. The presented DNL model is constructed with a linear travel time function for link performances and an algorithm written with a set of rules considering the constraints of link dynamics, flow conservation, flow propagation, and boundary conditions. The GRNN method is utilized in the integrated model structure in order to provide a closer functional approximation to pre-defined flow-rate delay function, a conical delay function (CDF). Delays forming as a result of capacity constraint and flow conflicting at an unsignalised node are calculated with selected GRNN configuration after calibrating the neural network component with the CDF formulation. The output of the model structure, run solely with the CDF, is then compared to evaluate the performance of the model supported with GRNN relatively.


We investigate the distribution of the depth of a node containing a specific key or, equivalently, the number of steps needed to retrieve an item stored in a randomly grown binary search tree. Using a representation in terms of mixed and compounded standard distributions, we derive approximations by Poisson and mixed Poisson distributions; these lead to asymptotic normality results. We are particularly interested in the influence of the key value on the distribution of the node depth. Methodologically our message is that the explicit representation may provide additional insight if compared to the standard approach that is based on the recursive structure of the trees. Further, in order to exhibit the influence of the key on the distributional asymptotics, a suitable choice of distance of probability distributions is important. Our results are also applicable in connection with the number of recursions needed in Hoare's [Comm. ACM 4 (1961) 321-322] selection algorithm Find.


The hydrodynamic loading of elastic microcantilevers vibrating in viscous fluids is analyzed computationally using a three-dimensional, finite element fluid-structure interaction model. The quality factors and added mass coefficients of several modes are computed accurately from the transient oscillations of the microcantilever in the fluid. The effects of microcantilever geometry, operation in higher bending modes, and orientation and proximity to a surface are analyzed in detail. The results indicate that in an infinite medium, microcantilever damping arises from localized fluid shear near the edges of the microcantilever. Closer to the surface, however, the damping arises due to a combination of squeeze film effects and viscous shear near the edges. The dependence of these mechanisms on microcantilever geometry and orientation in the proximity of a surface are discussed. The results provide a comprehensive understanding of the hydrodynamic loading of microcantilevers in viscous fluids and are expected to be of immediate interest in atomic force microscopy and microcantilever biosensors.


Dealing with uncertainty is one of the most critical problems in complicated pattern recognition subjects. In this paper, we modify the structure of a useful Unsupervised Fuzzy Neural Network (UFNN) of Kwan and Cai, and compose a new FNN with 6 types of fuzzy neurons and its associated self organizing supervised learning algorithm. This improved five-layer feed forward Supervised Fuzzy Neural Network (SFNN) is used for classification and identification of shifted and distorted training patterns. It is generally useful for those flexible patterns which are not certainly identifiable upon their features. To show the identification capability of our proposed network, we used fingerprint, as the most flexible and varied pattern. After feature extraction of different shapes of fingerprints, the pattern of these features, "feature-map", is applied to the network. The network first fuzzifies the pattern and then computes its similarities to all of the learned pattern classes. The network eventually selects the learned pattern of highest similarity and returns its specific class as a non fuzzy output. To test our FNN, we applied the standard (NIST database) and our databases (with 176×224 dimensions). The feature-maps of these fingerprints contain two types of minutiae and three types of singular points, each of them is represented by 22×28 pixels, which is less than real size and suitable for real time applications. The feature maps are applied to the FNN as training patterns. Upon its setting parameters, the network discriminates 3 to 7 subclasses for each main classes assigned to one of the subjects.


The removal of imazapyr pesticide from aqueous solutions, using amacroporous natural phosphate rock (PR)as adsorbent, is studied. The adsorption equilibrium, isotherms and kinetics for imazapyr are studied and the data was fitted into various mathematical models and Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Experiments performed by the batch method showed that the sorption process occurs by a monolayer deposition of imazapyr pesticide according to a second order reaction


Bovine tuberculosis (BTB) remains an important economic and zoonotic problem in Latin America. Traditionally, the fight against BTB is initiated by the implementation of routine diagnostic tests for certification of free properties. The diagnosis of BTB can be made by direct and indirect methods, in which we can mention clinical, post mortem, histopathological, immunological, bacteriological and molecular methods. The renewal of scientific interest in tuberculosis in recent year has led to develop and improve methods of diagnosis, prevention, control and eradication of BTB. The aim of this review is to present and discuss different diagnosis methods of BTB.


Researchers are integrating emerging technologies into interactive play environments, and established game markets continue to expand, yet evaluating play environments is challenging. While task performance metrics are commonly used to objectively and quantitatively analyse productivity systems; with play systems, the quality of the experience, not the performance of the participant is important. This research presents three experiments that examine users' physiological signals to continuously model user emotion during interaction with play technologies. Modeled emotions are powerful because they capture usability and playability, account for user emotion, are quantitative and objective, and can be represented continuously.
In Experiment One we explored how physiological signals respond to interaction with play technologies. We collected a variety of physiological measures while observing participants playing a computer game in four difficulty conditions, providing a basis for experimental exploration of this domain.
In Experiment Two we investigated how physiological signals differ between play conditions, and how physiological signals co-vary with subjective reports. A different physiological response was observed when playing a computer game against a co-located friend versus a computer. When normalized, the physiological results mirrored subjective reports.
In Experiment Three we developed a method for modeling emotion using physiological data. A fuzzy logic model transformed four physiological signals into arousal and valence. A second fuzzy logic model transformed arousal and valence into five emotions: boredom, challenge, excitement, frustration, and fun. The modeled emotions' means were evaluated with test data, and exhibited the same trends as the reported emotions for fun, boredom, and excitement, but modeled emotions revealed differences between three play conditions, while differences between reported emotions were not significant.
Mean emotion modeled from physiological data fills a knowledge gap for objective and quantitative evaluation of entertainment technologies. Using our technique, user emotion can be analyzed over an entire experience, revealing variance within and between conditions. This continuous representation has a high evaluative bandwidth, and is important because the process , not the outcome of playing determines success. The continuous representation of modeled emotion is a powerful evaluative tool, that when combined with other approaches, forms a robust method for evaluating user interaction with play technologies.


Summary The study investigated the effects of combined jumping exercise and honey supplementation on bone properties in young female rats. Forty eight 12- week old female rats were divided into four groups: control group (C), honey supplementation group (H), jumping group (J), and combined jumping and honey supplementation group (JH). Jumping exercise consisted of 40 jumps per day for 5 days per week at a height of 40 cm. Honey was supplemented to the rats at a dosage of 1g / kg body mass / rat / day via force feeding for 7 days per week. After 8 weeks of experimental period, right hind leg tibial and femoral wet and fat free day weights (bone mass), maximal load (bone strength), mid shaft maximum and minimum diameters were measured. Tibial wet and fat free dry weights (583.33 ± 29.82, P<0.01; 412.50 ± 24.89 P<0.05), tibial and femoral maximal load (101.55 ± 9.88; 133.97 ± 23.78, P<0.05), tibial mid-shaft minimum diameter (2.35 ± 0.13, P<0.05) and femoral mid-shaft maximum diameter (4.00 ± 0.16, P<0.05) were significantly increased in the combined jumping exercise and honey supplementation group. However, these discernable improvements in bone were not observed in the group with jumping exercise alone or the honey supplementation only group. The results of the present study suggest that a combination of jumping exercise and honey supplementation elicited more discernable beneficial effects on tibia and femur bone generally when compared to either jumping exercise or honey supplementation alone in young female rats.


Background Changes in children's contact patterns between termtime and school holidays affect the transmission of several respiratory-spread infections. Transmission of varicella zoster virus (VZV), the causative agent of chickenpox, has also been linked to the school calendar in several settings, but temporal changes in the proportion of young children attending childcare centres may have influenced this relationship. Methods We used two modelling methods (a simple difference equations model and a Time series Susceptible Infectious Recovered (TSIR) model) to estimate fortnightly values of a contact parameter (the per capita rate of effective contact between two specific individuals), using GP consultation data for chickenpox in England and Wales from 1967–2008. Results The estimated contact parameters were 22–31% lower during the summer holiday than during termtime. The relationship between the contact parameter and the school calendar did not change markedly over the years analysed. Conclusions In England and Wales, reductions in contact between children during the school summer holiday lead to a reduction in the transmission of VZV. These estimates are relevant for predicting how closing schools and nurseries may affect an outbreak of an emerging respiratory-spread pathogen.


Advancements and reduced geometries in Si development have significantly impacted package substrate technology. In particular, the reduced die size and consumer applications now require higher routing densities, smaller assembly area and an overall thinner profile for package substrates. In support of the high density requirements and general miniaturization trend, a number of packaging solutions have been adopted, including: migration to FC interconnection, and three dimensional packaging structures such as MCP (multi chip package) and POP (package on package). Along with high routing density, thin package reliability requirements remain high and also pose new challenges. Particularly, three dimensional packaging solutions have reduced the threshold for reliability factors such as drop test and warpage. To support these reliability challenges, new surface treatment and substrate material options have been explored. In support of the above mentioned high density and reliability requirements, IBIDEN proposes the FVC (filled via core) substrate structure.


Solid-state batteries (SSBs) can offer a paradigm shift in battery safety and energy density. Yet, the promise hinges on the ability to integrate high-performance electrodes with state-of-the-art solid electrolytes. For example, lithium (Li) metal, the most energy-dense anode candidate, suffers from severe interfacial chemomechanical issues that lead to cell failure. Li alloys of In/Sn are attractive alternatives, but their exploration has mostly been limited to the low capacity(low Li content)and In rich Li$_x$In (x$\leq$0.5). Here, the fundamental electro-chemo-mechanical behavior of Li-In and Li-Sn alloys of varied Li stoichiometries is unravelled in sulfide electrolyte based SSBs. The intermetallic electrodes developed through a controlled synthesis and fabrication technique display impressive (electro)chemical stability with Li$_6$PS$_5$Cl as the solid electrolyte and maintain nearly perfect interfacial contact during the electrochemical Li insertion/deinsertion under an optimal stack pressure. Their intriguing variation in the Li migration barrier with composition and its influence on the observed Li cycling overpotential is revealed through combined computational and electrochemical studies. Stable interfacial chemomechanics of the alloys allow long-term dendrite free Li cycling (>1000 h) at relatively high current densities (1 mA cm$^{-2}$) and capacities (1 mAh cm$^{-2}$), as demonstrated for Li$_{13}$In$_3$ and Li$_{17}$Sn$_4$, which are more desirable from a capacity and cost consideration compared to the low Li content analogues. The presented understanding can guide the development of high-capacity Li-In/Sn alloy anodes for SSBs.


ABSTRACT Nuclear export of the incompletely spliced mRNAs encoded by several complex retroviruses, including human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), is dependent on a virally encoded adapter protein, termed Rev in HIV-1, that directly binds both to a cis-acting viral RNA target site and to the cellular Crm1 export factor. Human endogenous retrovirus K, a family of ancient endogenous retroviruses that is not related to the exogenous retrovirus HIV-1, was recently shown to also encode a Crm1-dependent nuclear RNA export factor, termed K-Rev. Although HIV-1 Rev and K-Rev display little sequence identity, they share the ability not only to bind to Crm1 and to RNA but also to form homomultimers and shuttle between nucleus and cytoplasm. We have used mutational analysis to identify sequences in the 105-amino-acid K-Rev protein required for each of these distinct biological activities. While mutations in K-Rev that inactivate any one of these properties also blocked K-Rev-dependent nuclear RNA export, several K-Rev mutants were comparable to wild type when assayed for any of these individual activities yet nevertheless defective for RNA export. Although several nonfunctional K-Rev mutants acted as dominant negative inhibitors of K-Rev-, but not HIV-1 Rev-, dependent RNA export, these were not defined by their inability to bind to Crm1, as is seen with HIV-1 Rev. In total, this analysis suggests a functional architecture for K-Rev that is similar to, but distinct from, that described for HIV-1 Rev and raises the possibility that viral RNA export mediated by the ∼25 million-year-old K-Rev protein may require an additional cellular cofactor that is not required for HIV-1 Rev function.


Abstract Courtship behaviour in Lutzomyia longipalpis Lutz and Neiva (Diptera: Psychodidae) was examined to determine the sequence of behaviours that occur prior to copulation. Courtship consisted of a series of male and female touching and wing‐flapping behaviours, with males performing a greater variety of wing‐flapping behaviours than previously described. Occurrence of male approach‐flapping, semi‐circling and female stationary‐flapping were all predictors of eventual copulation, and may coincide with the dispersal of pheromones or the production of auditory signals important to courtship. Touching occurred in the majority of observations, with contact most often made with the tips of the legs and antennae. This behaviour, not previously described in sandflies, was initiated by males and females, and may indicate the use of contact pheromones, a form of communication previously overlooked in L. longipalpis. Future studies are required to separate the auditory and chemical signals associated with wing‐flapping, and to confirm whether L. longipalpis possesses cuticular hydrocarbons capable of inducing behavioural responses. The identification of signals that inhibit sexual behaviour during courtship may be particularly relevant to developing mating disruption techniques against L. longipalpis.


This paper is part of a series that reports on an analysis done by the ICCT of Canada-specific technology pathways, costs, and benefits of Canada's 2025 passenger vehicle greenhouse gas standards, as finalized in 2014 (Regulations Amending the Passenger Automobile and Light Truck Greenhouse Gas Emission Regulations, 2014). The analysis compares that scenario—that is, the standards in force—to the alternative of following the Trump Administration's proposal to roll back the 2025 U.S. fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards.


The size of cavity resonators below 1 GHz may be reduced by using dielectric or helical loading. With normal conductors, such electrically small resonators suffer problems of losses and inadequate Q-factor. However, by using superconductor in the portions with the highest current density, very good performance may be obtained with very electrically-small cavities. A cylindrical dielectric resonator was used to load a corrugated cavity, having YBaCuO thick-film end plates, and operated at VHF. The results showed a significant improvement over corrugated cavities with copper end plates. Investigations have also been undertaken with high-T/sub c/ superconductor helical loading. The size of the cavities was electrically very small (about 0.02 of free space wavelength), and results with both bulk and thick-film helical loading elements were obtained. The results showed a significant improvement over a similar copper helically-loaded cavity resonator.<<ETX>>


A direct numerical simulation (DNS) with the decaying turbulence setup has been carried out to study cloud‐edge mixing and its impact on the droplet size distribution (DSD) applying thermodynamic conditions observed in monsoon convective clouds over Indian subcontinent during the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement EXperiment (CAIPEEX). Evaporation at the cloud‐edges initiates mixing at small scale and gradually introduces larger‐scale fluctuations of the temperature, moisture, and vertical velocity due to droplet evaporation. Our focus is on early evolution of simulated fields that show intriguing similarities to the CAIPEEX cloud observations. A strong dilution at the cloud edge, accompanied by significant spatial variations of the droplet concentration, mean radius, and spectral width, are found in both the DNS and in observations. In DNS, fluctuations of the mean radius and spectral width come from the impact of small‐scale turbulence on the motion and evaporation of inertial droplets. These fluctuations decrease with the increase of the volume over which DNS data are averaged, as one might expect. In cloud observations, these fluctuations also come from other processes, such as entrainment/mixing below the observation level, secondary CCN activation, or variations of CCN activation at the cloud base. Despite large differences in the spatial and temporal scales, the mixing diagram often used in entrainment/mixing studies with aircraft data is remarkably similar for both DNS and cloud observations. We argue that the similarity questions applicability of heuristic ideas based on mixing between two air parcels (that the mixing diagram is designed to properly represent) to the evolution of microphysical properties during turbulent mixing between a cloud and its environment.