Between May and July of this year a series of high-profile strikes in foreign-owned auto parts plants spread throughout China's coastal regions. Strikes in China are nothing new, but the recent strike wave was remarkable in at least three respects: the amount of concessions granted to workers; the degree of publicity it initially received in the Chinese media; and the prospects for showcase union reform that it has helped push onto the agenda. Although the strikes were directed primarily at unfair wages, there were some attempts to address the more political question of union representation. Workers that I spoke with who had participated in strikes at Honda factories had clearly been politicized by the events and were well aware of strikes occurring throughout China's auto industry.


A total of 62 perennial grasses were evaluated for herbage production under low-fertiliser conditions at eight sites in the temperate zone of southern Australia from 1999 to 2001. A brief assessment of relative preference ranking by sheep was also made at the end of the experimental period. Four sites were in the high rainfall areas of south-east Australia, two in the drier mixed farming areas of western NSW, and two sites in Mediterranean southern Australia. Seven standard cultivars were included in the comparisons. Plants were grown from seed in glasshouses and transplanted to the field as spaced plants at 6–8 weeks age. Plants were harvested at irregular intervals by clipping to determine herbage production. Relative preference was determined by enclosing sheep in the experimental area at high stocking rates and estimating the amount of herbage grazed after 1, 3 and 5 days. Herbage production data were analysed using a multi-environment trial approach in which the environments comprised all combinations of sites and sampling times over the 3-year period. Overall, 73.6% of the total genetic variation for herbage production was accounted for. Average seasonal comparisons revealed good herbage production from Eragrostis curvula cv. Consol in both winter and summer, but in spring, several Dactylis glomerata lines were the most productive. Consol was not generally preferred by sheep, while D. glomerata lines were. Apart from cv. Consol, C4 species, including Bothriochloa macra, Chloris truncata, Enteropogon acicularis and Dichanthium sericeum had low herbage production in winter and spring, and had low acceptability to grazing sheep. These particular grasses were also not highly ranked for production in summer, although other C4 lines, notably selections of Themeda australis, Paspalidium jubiflorum and P. constrictum were. Few native C3 grasses had superior herbage production, although selections of Elymus scaber, Austrodanthonia fulva and A. duttoniana showed good growth rates. When considering further evaluation, grasses with very high recruitment (e.g. A. caespitosa) may need to be included, and the acceptability of grasses to sheep should also be assessed.


The Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) is a cornerstone for European efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and in its test phase will operate from 2005-2007. It is a cap-and-trade system where an aggregate cap on emissions is set by the respective government agencies to define the total number of emissions allowances. Each allowance gives the owner the right to emit one unit (usually one ton) of emissions. Covered establishments that exceeded the limits may buy emissions credits from entities with allowances they do not need to use themselves. One key feature of this system is that the amount of emissions is capped whereas the permit prices are uncertain. These permit prices are determined by economic conditions, generally, stronger economic growth means a higher permit price. The objective of this thesis is to understand uncertainty in permit prices under the system, by determining the likelihood that permit prices will fall within a given range. This is accomplished through stochastic analysis simulation of a computable general equilibrium model of the world economy with country-level detail most of the key members of the original 15 member EU plus the 10 accession countries. Economic parameters treated as stochastic in the simulations were labor productivity growth, share of new capital vintaged, the rate of autonomous energy efficiency improvement, the elasticity of substitution between energy and non-energy composites, and oil/gas prices. Information on the likely range of future permit prices will allow operators of covered establishments to decide on the extent to which they should buy permits or invest in emissions reduction technologies possible reducing emissions below their cap, allowing them to sell allowances. While some abatement activities may involve only changes in operation and management of facilities, other may involve longer-term investment. These abatement decisions boil down to basic investment problems. How should entities affected by the ETS plan their investment policies, such that they can minimize costs? To answer this question firms need an estimate of likely future permit prices. Results were that a zero carbon price occurred with a probability of 28-48% across variants of the Monte Carlo simulations. The mean value for the carbon prices was about $0.40 per ton of carbon, and the maximum price across the variants ranged from about $3.50 to somewhat over $6.00 per ton carbon. The implication for firms is that costly abatement investments appear difficult to justify, except to the extent that firm's are looking beyond …


The paper analyses the value chain coordination of greenhouse vegetables in Albania, which has a strong export orientation. Based on a structured farm survey, the study constributes to the value chain literature of the vertical coordination of agricultural products by addressing the question of how chain governance modes differ in terms of exercised power and farmers' satisfaction (an indicator of performance) with the trading relationship. The results point out that farmers operating with agreements show higher levels of satisfaction with the trading relationship than do farmers selling on the spot market. On the other hand, those operating with agreements are under higher levels of exercised power over product quality.


This timely book offers practical guidance and expertise for staff in libraries and learning centres in setting up, developing and managing effective digital services. The book has a holistic focus on the use of ICT, taking staff beyond user training applications into areas of network management, e-learning, digitization and web design. The emphasis is on creative utilization of ICT for front-line library and information services. The book is divided into three main parts: policy and legal background; front-line issues in the 21st-century public library; and content creation. PowerPoint files for the activities covered in each chapter are available for download and use from the website accompanying the book at www facetpublishing.co.uk/deliveringdigitalservices. This is an essential handbook to de-mystify this new area of development for all library and information staff. It is suitable for all staff working in, or setting up, a PC-based digital learning centre in information service settings within public libraries, community networking centres, and school and academic libraries.


Safe trajectory planning for high-performance automated vehicles in an environment with both static and moving obstacles is a challenging problem. Part of the challenge is developing a formulation that can be solved in real-time while including the following set of specifications: minimum time-to-goal, a dynamic vehicle model, minimum control effort, both static and moving obstacle avoidance, simultaneous optimization of speed and steering, and a short execution horizon. This paper presents a nonlinear model predictive control-based trajectory planning formulation, tailored for a large, high-speed unmanned ground vehicle, that includes the above set of specifications. The ability to solve this formulation in real-time is evaluated using NLOptControl, an open-source, direct-collocation based, optimal control problem solver in conjunction with the KNITRO nonlinear programming problem solver. The formulation is tested with various sets of the specifications. A parametric study relating execution horizon and obstacle speed indicates that the moving obstacle avoidance specification is not needed for safety when the planner has a small execution horizon and the obstacles are moving slowly. However, a moving obstacle avoidance specification is needed when the obstacles are moving faster, and this specification improves the overall safety without, in most cases, increasing the solve-times. The results indicate that (i) safe trajectory planners for high-performance automated vehicles should include the entire set of specifications mentioned above, unless a static or low-speed environment permits a less comprehensive planner; and (ii) the resulting formulation can be solved in real-time.


The design and implementation of a computer-controlled digital master hearing aid (DMHA) has provided a flexible and versatile research tool for research in speech processing algorithms to benefit the hearing impaired. The system includes programmable antialiasing and reconstruction filters, a digital signal processing board using the TMS320C25 chip, and programmable attenuators and switches. All elements in the system are under software control by an IBM PC. For a recent study on subjects with steeply sloping hearing losses, software has been developed to fit the DMHA to each individual using 253-tap FIR digital filters. The system has been used with success for this study, providing higher flexibility, precise fitting of the hearing aid and a large dynamic range (90 dB). It can be used to implement and evaluate new algorithms that cannot be implemented with analog circuits, such as enhancement of speech in noise and speech feature extraction.<<ETX>>


Task complexity is a construct widely used in the behavioral sciences to explore and predict the relationship between task characteristics and information processing. Because the creation and use of IT in the performance of tasks is a central area of informing science (IS) research, it follows that better understanding of task complexity should be of great potential benefit to IS researchers and practitioners. Unfortunately, applying task complexity to IS is difficult because no complete, consistent definition exists. Furthermore, the most commonly adopted definition, objective task complexity, tends to be of limited use in situations where discretion or learning is present, or where information technology (IT) is available to assist the task performer. These limitations prove to be severe in many common IS situations. The paper presents a literature review identifying thirteen distinct definitions of task complexity, then synthesizes these into a new five-class framework, referred to as the Comprehensive Task Complexity Classes (CTCC). It then shows the potential relevance of the CTCC to IS, focusing on different ways it could be applied throughout a hypothetical information systems lifecycle. In the course of doing so, the paper also illustrates how the interaction between different classes of task complexity can serve as a rich source of questions for future investigations.


The design and engineering of biological building blocks that self-assemble into
highly ordered, well-defined structures is of growing interest for applications in nanotechnology. For applications in biomedicine and drug delivery, the design of biomolecular cargo carriers has largely focused on either lipid-based assemblies (vesicles and micelles) or protein-based assemblies (cage-like proteins and virus- based assemblies). Owing to their reversible assembly, stability, monodispersity and biocompatibility, viruses are highly attractive candidates and have consequently received much attention. The outer shell of viruses is composed of multiple copies of identical virus coat proteins that can be modified by chemical or genetic means for enhanced functionality or molecular targeting, and their self-assembly can be controlled by tuning the pH or ionic conditions. Based on virus coat proteins, the term "virus-like particle" has been used to describe protein-based entities that resemble the size and morphology of native viruses but lack their natural genomic cargo. Viruses and virus-like particles have since been used for the encapsulation of a broad range of functional materials. Yet, there is still a lack in knowledge in the factors which drive the self-assembly process to occur.
The aim of this thesis was to investigate and understand the interplay between the molecular template and the virus coat protein of Cowpea Chlorotic Mottle Virus (CCMV), in particular, how to control and direct the self-assembly of viruses. The central theme of this thesis is based on the template-directed self-assembly of viruses, with a particular emphasis on the topics described in Chapter 2 in relation to viruses and functional cargo. The first two experimental Chapters, 3 and 4 described the controlled assembly of highly monodisperse virus-like particles (using light-absorbing phthalocyanines and DNA-enzyme hybrids), Chapters 5 deals with template induced clustering of CCMV resulting (using a conjugated polyelectrolyte) and Chapter 6 described structural changes in the CCMV shell upon cargo release in the absent of Mg2+ ions (using a photo-responsive self- immolative polymer) and finally in Chapter 7 the tunable morphology of CCMV from spherical to rod-like assemblies (using two different platinum(II) complexes) is investigated.
The results presented in this thesis provide a detailed, systematic study of the role of the molecular template in directing virus self-assembly and sheds new insights towards the design of the next generation of functional hybrid materials.


Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumour (IMT) is a rare tumour with an unknown malignant potential. IMTs are known to occur in many sites. These tumours very rarely noted in bladder. It is important to distinguish this tumor from other malignant spindle cell tumors, such as the sarcomatoid variant of urothelial carcinoma and leiomyosarcoma. This distinction has clinical consequences because IMT is generally considered benign and treated with conservative management. Here we report a case of IMT in bladder in a 23 years old female who presented with a lower abdominal mass and abdominal pain. Histopathology revealed that muscularis propria of the bladder, was widely infiltrated by loosely arranged plump spindle shaped cells and immunohistochemistry was positive for both SMA (smooth muscle actin) and ALK1 (Anaplastic lymphoma kinase 1). So we present this case for its rarity and diagnostic uncertainty.


Background: Anemia chronic disease (ACD) is an anemia found in certain chronic disease states,  typically marked by the disturbance of iron homeostasis or hypoferremia. This condition leads to  shortage of iron for hemoglobin synthesis but the iron storage in bone marrow is left undisturbed. The  discovery of hepcidin and its role in iron metabolism has given new insights in anemia chronic  disease management. Consecutive sampling method was applied to choose ACD patients at Sanglah  General Hospital, Bali-Indonesia. Questionnaire was constructed to note demographic aspect and  disease or clinical condition underlies ACD (inflammation, infection, malignancy and others).  Hepcidin, Serum IL-6 and CRP level were measured. Sample size and Path analysis mediation  method were used to define hepcidin's role on mechanism how anemia develop in ACD patients in  which the direct and indirect effects of IL-6 and CRP to hemoglobin (Hb) were counted partially or  combined through hepcidin mediation variable. The cumulative influence of IL-6, CRP and hepcidin  on anemia (Hb) was only 0.12 or about 12% of hemoglobin level was influenced by IL-6, CRP and  hepcidin together whereas the other 93% was influenced by another unknown and unclear factors.  Hepcidin could be used as a mediation variable for the development of anemia because the direct  influence of IL-6 as exogenous factor was less than its indirect influence through hepcidin. It was not  proven for CRP as exogenous variable because the direct influence of CRP to hemoglobin was  stronger than the influence of CRP through hepcidin.


Background A dysfunction in glutamate neurotransmission is critical for seizure. Glutamate is the major excitatory drive in the cerebral cortex, where seizures occur. Glutamate acts via (i) ionotropic (iGlu) receptors, which are ligand-gated ion channels mediating fast excitatory synaptic transmission; and (ii) G proteins coupled metabotropic (mGlu) receptors. Objective To overview the evidence on the role of iGlu receptors in the onset, duration, and severity of convulsive and non-convulsive seizures to lay the groundwork for novel strategies for drug-resistant epilepsy. Methods We used PubMed crossed-search for "glutamate receptor and epilepsy" (sorting 3,170 reports), searched for "ionotropic glutamate receptors", "AMPA receptors", "NMDA receptors", "kainate receptors", "convulsive seizures", "absence epilepsy", and selected those papers focusing this Review's scope. Results iGlu receptor antagonists inhibit, whereas agonists worsen experimental seizures in various animal species. Clinical development of iGlu receptor antagonists has been limited by the occurrence of adverse effects caused by inhibition of fast excitatory synaptic transmission. To date, only one drug (perampanel) selectively targeting iGlu receptors is marketed for the treatment of focal epilepsy. However, other drugs, such as topiramate and felbamate, inhibit iGlu receptors in addition to other mechanisms. Conclusion This review is expected to help dissect those steps induced by iGlu receptors activation, which may be altered to provide antiepileptic efficacy without altering key physiological brain functions, thus improving the safety and tolerability of iGlu-receptor directed antiepileptic agents. This effort mostly applies to drug resistant seizures, which impact the quality of life and often lead to status epilepticus, which is a medical urgency.


Microgravity is the primary factor that affects human physiology in spaceflight, particularly bone loss and disturbances of the central nervous system. However, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of these effects. Here, it is reported that in mice hindlimb unloading stimulates expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) in the hypothalamus, resulting in bone loss and altered fat metabolism. Enhanced expression of TH and NPY in the hypothalamus occurs downstream of a reduced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-mediated ascending interoceptive signaling of the skeletal interoception. Sympathetic antagonist propranolol or deletion of Adrb2 in osteocytes rescue bone loss in the unloading model. Moreover, depletion of TH+ sympathetic nerves or inhibition of norepinephrine release ameliorated bone resorption. Stereotactic inhibition of NPY expression in the hypothalamic neurons reduces the food intake with altered energy expenditure with a limited effect on bone, indicating hypothalamic neuroendocrine factor NPY in the facilitation of bone formation by sympathetic TH activity. These findings suggest that reduced PGE2-mediated interoceptive signaling in response to microgravity or unloading has impacts on the skeletal and central nervous systems that are reciprocally regulated.


An analytical method is developed to determine potential and actual dermal exposure to dimethoate and malathion for agricultural workers using whole body dosimetry. The methodology described includes three different aspects: the validation of the analytical method incorporating a matrix effect for establishing performance parameters such as recovery rates (between 92% and 103% for both pesticides), limits of detection and quantitation, and precision of measurements (RSD < 10%); a field sampling strategy developing a procedure for collecting samples and carrying out field spikes and field blanks in order to ensure the stability of samples during transport, storage, and analysis; and finally, a quality control procedure for ensuring that data are under statistical control. The method is applied to evaluate the potential and actual dermal exposure as well as its distribution for a pesticide applicator and the applicator's assistant after a greenhouse application. Operator exposure levels of approximately 68 mL/h, and 25 mL/h in the case of the assistant, are found. The body areas most exposed are the lower body and hands.


This article provides a genealogy of Hannah Arendt's treatment of political economy in the years prior to the publication of The Human Condition (1958). In the early 1950s her archival papers and diary entries display deep concern for a host of topics at the intersection of political and economic thought: labor, work, slavery, consumption, industrialization, and automation. Such interests, which were passed through the philosophical canon from Aristotle to Marx, would serve as the theoretical basis for many of the distinctions that define The Human Condition. When set within the context of midcentury debates around political economy, it becomes clear that Arendt conceived the distinctions not only to respond to the aporias of Western philosophy but also to contest contemporaries who put stock in dialectical materialist accounts of political emancipation. Understanding Arendt's adversaries more clearly provides the chance to see her conceptual distinctions as interventions into concurrent attempts to revise Marxian political economy in the latter half of the twentieth century.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to assess the relationship of culture of safety dimensions and the rate of unanticipated care outcomes in long-term care facilities (LTCFs) using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality framework of resident safety culture.

METHODS
Cross-sectional survey data were collected on 13 dimensions of culture of safety in five LTCFs from registered nurses, licensed practical nurses (LPNs), nursing assistants, administrators/managers, administrative support, and rehabilitation staff. Secondary data on falls in the five LTCFs from quarters 1 to 3 of 2014 were obtained from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in February 2015. Spearman's ρ and the Generalized Estimating Equations using a log link (Poisson distribution) were used.

RESULTS
Communication and feedback about incidences reported the highest mean scores (M = 4.35, SD =0.71). Higher rate of falls was associated with a lower level of team work, lower degree of handoffs, and lower levels of organizational learning. The risk for falls increased as the number of residents per facility increased (rate ratio [RR] = 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01-1.02) and as the number of LPN hours per resident increased (RR = 37.7, 95% CI = 18.5-76.50). Risk for long stay urinary tract infections increased as number of residents increased (RR =1.01, 95% CI =1.01-1.01). Increase in culture of safety score was associated with decrease in risk of falls, long stay urinary tract infections, and short stay ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS
With the shortage of registered nurses in LTCFs and new reimbursement regulations, many LTCFs are hiring LPNs to have full staffing and save money. Licensed practical nurses may lack essential knowledge to decrease the rate of falls.


The article presents the results of research on the empathy of policemen, rescuers, doctors and psychologists, as the best representatives among helpers. It also describes the qualitative and quantitative changes in the levels of empathy among these specialists after the implementation of a comprehensive socio-psychological program.
The goal is the approval of a complex socio-psychological program for the formation of professional empathy among specialists in helping professions, in particular, police officers, rescuers, doctors and psychologists. To conduct the research, the following methods were used: psychodiagnostic technique "Diagnostics of the empathic abilities level" by V. Boiko, content analysis, and Wilcoxon t-criteria to determine statistically significant shifts.
The results. On the basis of the conducted research, it was established that empathy undergoes positive changes under the influence of the proposed comprehensive social-psychological program. As we can see the t-Wilcoxon results showed statistically significant shifts at the p<0.01 and p<0.001 levels. Positive changes occurred among representatives of all studied professions, however, the highest rates of change were found among psychologists and police officers.
Conclusions. Theoretical analysis shows that empathy is mostly considered as an emotional component of the personality, which often appears in a negative way for specialists of some professions. However, the empathy of rescuers, police officers, doctors and psychologists manifests itself through a behavioral component and contributes to the emergence of empathic actions. Therefore, the positive results of the implementation of a complex socio-psychological program allow us to insist on the effectiveness and feasibility of its application for other specialists in the field of helping professions.


Owing to linearly polarized nature of synchrotron radiations, X-ray absorption spectroscopy allows us to investigate anisotropic local structures and vibrations. The determination of surface structures of molecularly chemisorbed SO2 on Pd (100) and Ni (100) is briefly reviewed as a suitable demonstration of the technique. Anisotropic vibrations of the surface S-Ni bonds in S/Ni (110) - c (2×2) are also discussed.


Streptokinase (SK) is a bacterial protein used clinically as a thrombolytic agent in humans. Administration of SK causes a rapid increase in the frequency of anti-SK T cells and the titre of specific anti-SK antibodies that, on subsequent administration of SK, may neutralize the activity of the drug or elicit allergic-type reactions. By locating and modifying the immunogenic T-cell epitopes within the SK protein, it is possible that an agent with reduced immunogenicity but equal efficacy may be produced. We have investigated the T-cell epitopes within SK using nine non-overlapping, recombinant peptide fragments of SK. We investigated the proliferative T-cell response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from patients before and 6 days after administration of SK for myocardial infarction. We also examined the response of cultured anti-SK T-cell lines derived from patients 6 days after treatment with SK. Before administration of SK, peripheral blood mononuclear cells from six of nine patients showed a proliferative response to SK. The response was significantly higher 6 days after administration of SK (P = 0.0004). Cultured T-cell lines showed similar proliferative responses to clinical-grade SK and recombinant SK. Marked differences in T-cell responses were apparent in response to each recombinant SK fragment (P = 0.04). The mean proliferative response exceeded background to only two peptides, peptide 2 (P = 0.04) and peptide 3 (P = 0.009). Peptide 3, representing amino acids 100-150 of mature SK, was recognized preferentially in the majority of assays. Marked variation in the T-cell response to SK following treatment with this agent was observed between subjects. Despite these differences, peptides 2 and 3 induced T-cell proliferation at a level significantly above background in the majority of subjects. These epitopes may represent a region of enhanced immunogenicity within SK.


Background and Objectives: Emotional intelligence is the capacity of people to learn skills and depression is a psychological reaction against biological stress. The academic success of students is an important issue in higher education. The purpose of this study was to determine relationship between emotional intelligence with depression and academic achievement among paramedic students in Iran University of Medical Sciences in 2014-2015. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 238 students. Sampling method was census. The data collection tool were a specifications form, and Bradbury-Graves emotional intelligence and Beck standard questionnaires. Data were analyzed in SPSS (15) software by using descriptive and analytical tests. Results: The average of age was about 22.5 years. 82.8 percent were Single and 67.2% were female. 66% were in B.S degree, 58.8 % were not dormitory and 49.2%were in semester two. 1.7% had a history of probation. Average of Last semester mean score was17.8, mean of emotional intelligence score was 86.81 (moderate) and mean of depression score was 11.35 (a little depressed).There were significant relationships between emotional intelligence with depression (p= 0.004) and academic achievement(p = 0.044). Conclusion: Emotional intelligence score were weak or very weak in 28.1% of the students and 47.9% were depressed to some degree. Last semester mean score was less than 16 in 35.3%. 1.7% of them hah probation background. Emotional intelligence agent is more effectives for the promoting academic achievement. As well as to reduce the depression should be considered to increase emotional intelligence in students.


Preaching across the United States and around the world, the evangelist Aimee Semple McPherson built an unprecedented ministry between 1915 and 1944, an era typically remembered for Christian discord. In the formative years of her ministry (1915 to 1926), McPherson resisted the divisiveness of fundamentalism and modernism, instead continuing to preach in the evangelical style popular within American Christianity since the Great Awakening. Because fundamentalism and modernism prized science, rationality, and intellect, and tended to offer propositional logic that articulated the nuances of Christian doctrine, those discourses typically emerged in denominational conflicts and civil and ecclesiastical trials. Close analysis of McPherson's public discourse, however, reminds us that evangelicalism endured in its more natural habitat—sermons and revivals. McPherson's discourse can be characterized as the Foursquare Gospel of Aimee Semple McPherson: McPherson the prophet, evangelist, storyteller, and performer. Her example highlights how evangelicalism, fundamentalism, and modernism can be defined as rhetorical styles rather than institutions, groups of people, or individual leaders.


Soft skills are getting more and more important in companies' talent supply rush. Increasing global competition, growing digitalization, fast developing technologies, are just some of the reasons why the labour market strives for employees possessing and showing that special "alchemy" of social and communication competencies, personality traits somehow, and emotional intelligence. Though highly regarded, soft skills seem to be a long way from a clear‐cut arrangement, and the same applies for their learning and development. University courses rarely provide soft skills devoted programs, while the business world would claim for fully equipped newly hired graduates, thus highlighting a potential gap to fill. On this basis, the Department of Economics and Business Studies (DIEC) of University of Genoa gave life to two Soft Skills Development Student Programs (Soft Skills Development I and II) in 2019. Both programs are provided in the present academic year as well. The paper provides a fast overview of cognitive and motivational frameworks for soft skills learning and development. Then it describes the DIEC experience with the "Behave Yourself!" Program, in terms of methodology, contents, and process. Finally, it summarises main achievements and the ongoing improvement process.


Reproductive isolation at the gamete stage has become a focus of speciation research because of its potential to evolve rapidly between closely related species. Conspecific sperm precedence (CSP), a type of gametic isolation, has been demonstrated in a number of taxa, both marine and terrestrial, with the potential to play an important role in speciation. Free-spawning marine invertebrates are ideal subjects for the study of CSP because of a likely central role for gametic barriers in reproductive isolation. The western Atlantic Mytilus blue mussel hybrid zone, ranging from the Atlantic Canada to eastern Maine, exhibits characteristics conducive to the study of CSP. Previous studies have shown that gametic incompatibility is incomplete, variable in strength and the genotype distribution is bimodal—dominated by the parental species, with a low frequency of hybrids. We conducted gamete crossing experiments using M. trossulus and M. edulis individuals collected from natural populations during the spring spawning season in order to detect the presence or absence of CSP within this hybrid zone. We detected CSP, defined here as a reduction in heterospecific offspring from competitive fertilizations in vitro compared to that seen in non-competitive fertilizations, in five of the twelve crosses in which conspecific crosses were detectable. This is the first finding of CSP in a naturally hybridizing population of a free-spawning marine invertebrate. Our findings support earlier predictions that CSP can promote assortative fertilization in bimodal hybrid zones, further advancing their hypothesized progression towards full speciation. Despite strong CSP numerous heterospecific fertilizations remain, reinforcing the hypothesis that compatible females are a source of hybrid offspring in mixed natural spawns.


When a binary or ordinal regression model incorrectly assumes that error variances are the same for all cases, the standard errors are wrong and (unlike OLS regression) the parameter estimates are biased. Heterogeneous choice (also known as location-scale or heteroskedastic ordered) models explicitly specify the determinants of heteroskedasticity in an attempt to correct for it. Such models are also useful when the variance itself is of substantive interest. This paper illustrates how the author's Stata program oglm (Ordinal Generalized Linear Models) can be used to estimate heterogeneous choice and related models. It shows that two other models that have appeared in the literature (Allison's model for group comparisons and Hauser and Andrew's logistic response model with proportionality constraints) are special cases of a heterogeneous choice model and alternative parameterizations of it. The paper further argues that heterogeneous choice models may sometimes be an attractive alternative to other ordinal regression models, such as the generalized ordered logit model estimated by gologit2. Finally, the paper offers guidelines on how to interpret, test and modify heterogeneous choice models.


Sometimes and not never re-revisited: on branching versus linear time.- Controllers for discrete event systems via morphisms.- Synthesis from knowledge-based specifications.- The regular viewpoint on PA-processes.- Herbrand automata for hardware verification.- Control flow analysis for the ?-calculus.- The tau-laws of fusion.- From higher-order ?-calculus to ?-calculus in the presence of static operators.- Minimality and separation results on asynchronous mobile processes.- Abstract games for infinite state processes.- Alternating refinement relations.- Possible worlds process algebras.- Automata and coinduction (an exercise in coalgebra).- Axioms for real-time logics.- Priority and maximal progress are completely axiomatisable (extended abstract).- Simulation is decidable for one-counter nets.- From rewrite to bisimulation congruences.- Reasoning about asynchronous communication in dynamically evolving object structures.- Modelling IP mobility.- Reduction in TLA.- Detecting deadlocks in concurrent systems.- Unfold/fold transformations of CCP programs.- Type systems for concurrent calculi.- Stochastic process algebras benefits for performance evaluation and challenges.- Algebraic techniques for timed systems.- Probabilistic resource failure in real-time process algebra.- Towards performance evaluation with general distributions in process algebras.- Stochastic transition systems.- It's about time: Real-time logics reviewed.- Controlled timed automata.- On discretization of delays in timed automata and digital circuits.- Partial order reductions for timed systems.- Unfolding and finite prefix for nets with read arcs.- Asynchronous cellular automata and asynchronous automata for pomsets.- Deriving unbounded Petri nets from formal languages.- Decompositions of asynchronous systems.- Synthesis of ENI-systems using minimal regions.- A categorical axiomatics for bisimulation.- Fibrational semantics of dataflow networks.- A relational model of non-deterministic dataflow.- Checking verifications of protocols and distributed systems by computer.


The first step of the creation of Estrella de Soria ended in Vienna in 1841, with the finishing of an opera entitled "Estrella di Soria". Major parts of this opera probably had been composed already in Berlin in the years before. An Austrian dramatist, Otto Prechtler, could offer Berwald a libretto suiting him. In Vienna, after only a private rehearsal of parts of the opera, the libretto was revised – and the score just put aside! It then had to rest for nearly two decades.At the latest in 1861, Berwald was promised to have his work staged at the Stockholm Royal Theatre. He revised "Estrella di Soria", using the new libretto of 1841/42. Massive parts of the score were refused, other sections revised, new music added.The result, Estrella de Soria, now with Spanish spelling, still proved too largescale. Berwald had to reduce the compass further before and during the performances in April 1862. The reductions ended in a "final" version of the opera.This "final" version has been published in vol. 17a-b of Franz Berwald. Samtliche Werke / Complete Works (BwGA, Barenreiter-Verlag, Kassel etc.) In the present dissertation all manuscripts not included in the "final" version have been accounted for and edited (partly being a pre-edition of vol. 17c of BwGA), together with an overview and discussion of the creation of the opera.


OBJECTIVE To identify the source of a pseudo-outbreak of Mycobacterium gordonae DESIGN Outbreak investigation. SETTING University Hospital in Chicago, Ilinois. PATIENTS Hospital patients with M. gordonae-positive clinical cultures. METHODS An increase in isolation of M. gordonae from clinical cultures was noted immediately following the opening of a newly constructed hospital in January 2012. We reviewed medical records of patients with M. gordonae-positive cultures collected between January and December 2012 and cultured potable water specimens in new and old hospitals quantitatively for mycobacteria. RESULTS Of 30 patients with M. gordonae-positive clinical cultures, 25 (83.3%) were housed in the new hospital; of 35 positive specimens (sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage, gastric aspirate), 32 (91.4%) had potential for water contamination. M. gordonae was more common in water collected from the new vs. the old hospital [147 of 157 (93.6%) vs. 91 of 113 (80.5%), P=.001]. Median concentration of M. gordonae was higher in the samples from the new vs. the old hospital (208 vs. 48 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL; P<.001). Prevalence and concentration of M. gordonae were lower in water samples from ice and water dispensers [13 of 28 (46.4%) and 0 CFU/mL] compared with water samples from patient rooms and common areas [225 of 242 (93%) and 146 CFU/mL, P<.001]. CONCLUSIONS M. gordonae was common in potable water. The pseudo-outbreak of M. gordonae was likely due to increased concentrations of M. gordonae in the potable water supply of the new hospital. A silver ion-impregnated 0.5-μm filter may have been responsible for lower concentrations of M. gordonae identified in ice/water dispenser samples. Hospitals should anticipate that construction activities may amplify the presence of waterborne nontuberculous mycobacterial contaminants. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–6


This study has attempted to explain the dramatic challenges to the existing party system that occurred in Canada and the United States in the early 1990s. The emergence of new political movements with substantial power at the ballot box has transformed both party systems. The rise of United We Stand America in the United States, and the Reform Party in Canada prompts scholars to ask what forces engender such movements. This study demonstrates that models of economic voting and key models of party system change are both instrumental for understanding the rise of new political movements.


Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate peritonitis episodes and causative agents in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD), to examine the effects of peritonitis on technical and patient survival, and to determine whether the number of peritonitis episodes and causative agents was a risk factor or not. Materials and Methods: The medical records of 387 patients who started PD between January 2001 and January 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. Patients without peritonitis (Group 1 (n=123 patients)) and with detected peritonitis (Group 2 (n=243 patients)) were divided into two groups. Group 2 patients were subdivided according to the number of peritonitis (Group 2a 1 episode and Group 2b ≥2 episodes). Sociodemographic data and clinical courses were compared, and the reasons for PD withdrawal were obtained between the groups. Survival analysis was performed, and the effects of peritonitis on mortality were investigated. Results: A total of 427 peritonitis episodes were detected. The most common organism was Staphylococcus aureus (36%). The leading cause of death was cardiovascular disease in Group 1, whereas it was infection in Group 2a and Group 2b. Technique survival and mortality rates were similar among the groups. Risk factors for patient survival were history of peritonitis more than once and history of catheter exit site/tunnel infection. History of catheter exit site/tunnel infection was the only risk factor for technique survival. Conclusion: Our study has shown that even though the causes for mortality were different, mortality rates, and technique survival were similar between the two main groups. Infectious complications may affect patient and technical survival.


What is the best way to respond to covid-19? There is commonly assumed to be a trade-off between lives and the economy: precautions and controls are needed to save lives but they cause damage to the economy.

There's an unstated assumption in this thinking, namely that "the economy" is vital to people's wellbeing. This needs to be questioned. It has been long known that the Gross Domestic Product or GDP is not an accurate reflection of people's wellbeing. GDP is boosted by negatives such as traffic accidents, environmental destruction and ill health.

A deeper problem is that people's happiness levels are not very sensitive to increases in average income, at least above some basic level. Happiness depends more strongly on things like close personal relationships, having a purpose in life, physical activity, expressing gratitude and helping others. In countries with a high GDP per capita, average happiness levels have been mostly stable for decades despite continuing economic growth.


This investigation considers the identification of fatigue crack growth in aerospace grade steel using Acoustic Emission (AE) techniques. Four specimens with small radius crack initiation sites were investigated under four-point bending (SENB4). A linear array of 4 resonant AE sensors was utilised to locate the crack growth. Detection and location of fatigue crack growth in aerospace grade steel SENB4 specimens using appropriate AE techniques was successful. Time of arrival (TOA) linear location has provided an invaluable tool for separating AE signals arising from fatigue crack growth from the notch from those emanating from the loading points. Analysis of the AE feature data from the notch has allowed initial categorisation of AE from fatigue crack growth. AE data from this research was found to correspond with that reported in previous studies [1] examining Compact Tension (CT) specimens.


Metallic glass Zr53Cu40Al7 was prepared in the form of ribbon by melt-spinning the master alloy in a purified argon atmosphere at a lower quenching rate. Its thickness of 0.1 mm is near limit of bulk glasses. Presence of crystallites in the amorphous matrix was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Homogeneity and chemical composition were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Metallic glasses are metastable and it is of great importance to investigate their stability. The crystallization process was studied by means of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Overall activation energies of the crystallization were calculated using various models for non-isothermal process and their values are close to 2.97 eV.


BACKGROUND
The importance of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients with preserved left ventricular systolic function is increasingly recognized, but most studies have been conducted at a single, usually academic, medical center. The aim of this study was to determine the prognosis, readmission rate, and effect of ACE inhibitor therapy in a Medicare cohort with CHF and preserved systolic function.

METHODS AND RESULTS
We examined a statewide, random sample of 1,720 California Medicare patients hospitalized with an ICD-9 diagnosis of CHF confirmed by a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (EF) or chest radiograph from July 1993 to June 1994 and January 1996 to June 1996. Among the 782 patients with confirmed CHF and an in-hospital left ventricular EF measurement, 45% had reduced systolic function (ReSF) (EF < 40%) and 55% had preserved systolic function (PrSF) (EF > 40%). The PrSF group had a lower 1-year mortality rate but similar hospital readmission rates for both CHF and all causes. In patients with ReSF, ACE inhibitor treatment was associated with a lower mortality rate (P =.04) and a trend toward a lower CHF readmission rate (P =.13). In contrast, ACE inhibition therapy was associated with neither a lower rate of mortality nor CHF readmission in PrSF patients (P =.61 and.12, respectively). In multivariate analyses treatment with ACE inhibitors in PrSF patients was not associated with either a reduction in mortality (hazard ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.79-1.67) or CHF readmission (hazard ratio, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.92-1.58).

CONCLUSIONS
CHF with PrSF seems to be associated with high mortality and morbidity rates, but ACE inhibitors may not produce comparable benefit in this group as in patients with ReSF.


The image sensor resolution often attracts primary attention during the initial design phase of an imaging hardware platform. While sensor pixel size is a key factor, to acquire a high-resolution image, the lens must able to project the required level of finer details onto the image plane. Consequently, resolution matching between the sensor and the lens is critical in optimizing acquisition hardware performance, rather than selection of the sensor pixel size alone. With pixel sizes converging toward 1 m, lens technology is progressing to increase line-pair resolution from the current typical machine vision figure of 30 to 50 line pairs to
over 100 line pairs per mm. This increase in the field-of-view resolution requires reduced image distortions and larger lenses (lenses get bigger with increasing resolution). Since these larger lenses demand higher manufacturing precision and, hence, cost, lens requirements need to be set out in the context of overall system
specifications. The process of 'designing a lens' follows a well-established routine: estimate the field of view, compute the nearest focal length (in viewing angles for far objects, in size for near objects), select lens f-stop number for the required depth of field and ambient lighting levels, and select lens spatial resolution to match sensor pixel size and desired distortion limits on the image plane. While several computer-aided design suites are available, optimizing lenses to specific applications remains a skilled occupation, requiring appreciation of the limitations of image-geometry modeling as well as knowledge of lens material properties and manufacturing processes if cost and performance are to be matched. As background building, core concepts and definitions associated with lens data, lens-diaphragm geometries, resolving power, and the notion of a diffraction-limited lens are introduced in
this chapter. These are followed up in Chapter 7 to develop image formation and modulation transfer function theories. Although glass lenses offer superior optical characteristics and environmental stability, with improvements in processing technologies, plastic lenses have almost become the industry standard for high-volume, low-resolution devices. With the plastic lens glued to the image sensor, the sensor-lens combination is treated as a single component in the assembly of many portable, hand-held imaging systems. A short review of plastic lenses is given at the end of this chapter to provide a basis for comparison with glass lenses.


Background: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that is estimated to affect 0.6% to 4.8% of the general population. The optimum number of NB-UVB phototherapy sessions is yet to be determined. The aim of this study was to compare therapeutic effects of NB-UVB in treating chronic plaque type psoriasis three times weekly vs. five times weekly. Materials and Methods: This study was designed as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients with chronic plaque type psoriasis who were candidates for phototherapy were randomized in two groups, one group received NB-UVB three times a week (group A) while the other group received the same treatment five times a week (group B) . Patients' PASI score was determined before commencing the study and after 12 weeks of treatment. At the end of the study, response rate, PASI score of patients and total dose of UVB per patient were determined. Results: A total of 47 patients were enrolled. Thirty two patients (19 in group A, 13 in group B) completed the study. Total response rate was 71.9% after 12 weeks of treatment (23 out of 32 patients) while nine patients (28.1%) had no response. Response rate was 78.9 % (15 out of 19) in group A Vs. 61.5% (8 out of 13 patients) in group B (p>0.05). Total UVB dose received, treatment sessions, erythema and final PASI score was lower in group A (p>0.05). Conclusion: With similar therapeutic effects, it seems that three times a week regimen may be superior to five times a week for its lower total UVB dose received and higher safety profile. (Iran J Dermatol 2009;12:


Whether theyre acoustic or electric; a Fender, Gibson, or Rickenbacker; whether theyre used to play rock or blues or country; guitars have revolutionized the music industry and have struck a chord with music fans everywhere. An anthology of memoirs, stories, and reminiscences about acoustic and electric guitars and their vital role in all styles of music, This Old Guitar is the supreme tribute to this popular instrument and pop culture icon. The stories in "This Old Guitar" cover such themes as first guitars, learning to play, guitar love and lust, oddball guitars, famous guitars that made (or didnt make) history, playing air guitar, the cliches of smashing and burning guitars, and more. The stories come from journalists and historians well-known in the music industry, including Dan Forte (former editor of Guitar Player and Guitar World magazines), Michael Wright (author of "Guitar Stories" vols. 1 and 2, and contributor to "Vintage Guitar" magazine), Ward Meeker (editor of "Vintage Guitar" magazine), and Charles Shaar Murray (Author of "Crosstown Traffic and Boogie Man"). Sidebars include quotes from such famous musicians as Willie Nelson, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, T-Bone Walker, B. B. King, Pete Townshend, Jimi Hendrix, and more.


Application of a dynamic traffic assignment-simulation methodology to the analysis and evaluation of network performance under various schemes for the design and operation of high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes is described. The DYNASMART traffic simulation-assignment model, which combines the ability to simulate traffic flow and to represent dynamic route choice behavior, is used to model the problem. Different dimensions for the design and operation of HOT lanes are considered in this study, including (a) lane utilization in terms of adding a new lane or using an existing lane of the facility as a HOT lane; (b) physical separation of the HOT lane in terms of access point frequency; (c) access restriction based on vehicle occupancy; (d) HOT lane pricing structure, which may be fixed or congestion dependent; and (e) different demand levels with different percentages of high-occupancy vehicles (HOV). A set of experiments was designed to compare the performance of the HOT lanes and the total network under these different operating characteristics. A network in Texas that represents the south central part of the Fort Worth area is used in these experiments. The results were analyzed under each of these different operating characteristics, yielding useful insights for the design and evaluation of HOT lanes.


Rice, oatmeal, or barley? What infant cereal or other food will be on the menu for your baby's first solid meal? And have you set a date? At this point, you may have a plan or are confused because you have received too much advice from family and friends with different opinions. To help you prepare for your baby's transition to solid food, read on for more information from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).


Using a strategy of compensatory nucleotide changes between yeast U1 and a 5' splice site, we have analyzed the contribution of base-pairing to the efficiency and fidelity of pre-mRNA splicing in vivo. Watson-Crick base-pairing interactions with U1 can be demonstrated at intron positions 1 and 5 but not at position 4. Moreover, restoration of the ability to pair with U1 is not sufficient to restore activity in the second step of splicing to intron position 1 mutants. Finally, in contrast to recent observations in mammalian systems, we find that the precise position of 5' splice site cleavage is not determined solely by the base-pairing interaction with U1. Rather, the presence of a G residue at position 5 is required for the correct localization of the nucleolytic event. Taken together, these results indicate that the demands for 5' splice site selection and utilization are more complex than a simple maximization of Watson-Crick interactions with U1.


A new set of am and ts-mutants of the phage phi80 was isolated. A series of lambdacI857h80att80int3 prophage deletion strains, extending for various lengths into the region of structural genes was generated and characterized in order to facilitate the mapping of the phi80 am and ts-mutants. Complementation test allowed to find out 5 new genes named 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24. The result of the deletion mapping of structural genes is as follows: 1-2-3-20-4-5-6-21-7-22-9-23-10-8-12-24-13.


Mindfulness training (MT) is considered appropriate for school teachers and enhances well-being. Most research has investigated the efficacy of instructor-led MT. However, little is known about the benefits of using self-taught formats, nor what the key mechanisms of change are that contribute to enhanced teacher well-being. This study compared instructor-led and self-taught MT based on a book (Williams & Penman, 2011) in a sample of secondary school teachers. We assessed expectancy, the degree to which participants believed the intervention was effective, their program engagement, well-being and psychological distress, and evaluated whether mindfulness and self-compassion skills acted as mediators of outcomes. In total, 206 teachers from 43 schools were randomized by school to an instructor-led or self-taught course—77% female, mean age 39 years (SD = 9.0). Both MT formats showed similar rates of participant expectancy and engagement, but the instructor-led arm was perceived as more credible. Using linear mixed-effects models, we found the self-taught arm showed significant pre-post improvements in self-compassion and well-being, while the instructor-led arm showed such improvements in mindfulness, self-compassion, well-being, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Changes over time significantly differed between the groups in all these outcomes, favoring the instructor-led arm. The instructor-led arm, compared with the self-taught, indirectly improved teacher outcomes by enhancing mindfulness and self-compassion as mediating factors. Mindfulness practice frequency had indirect effects on teacher outcomes through mindfulness in both self-taught and instructor-led arms. Our results suggest both formats are considered reasonable, but the instructor-led is more effective than the self-taught. Trial registration: ISRCTN18013311.


From antiquity to the present day, color has been embedded with cultural meaning. Associated with blood, fire, fertility, and the life force, the color red has always been extremely difficult to achieve and thus highly prized. This book discusses the origin of the red colorant derived from the insect cochineal, its early use in Precolumbian ritual textiles from Mexico and Peru, and the spread of the American dyestuff through cultural interchange following the Spanish discovery and conquest of the New World in the 16th century. Drawing on examples from the collections of the Metropolitan Museum, it documents the use of this red-colored treasure in several media and throughout the world.


The reciprocating compressor has become one of the most important equipments in petroleum and chemical industry. Study on vibration of the reciprocating compressor has a great significance to monitor the safety and reliability of the compressor. But it's very difficult to predict the compressor and achieve the desired goal due to the complicated structure and operational aspect of the compressor. Experimental solution is expensive and time consuming. Therefore, finite element analysis (FEA) method is proposed to predict and locate the breakage of several key components on reciprocating compressor in compressor station. Non-destructive fault diagnosis and troubleshooting of the compressor can be achieved by application of FEA. The reasonable and simplified 3D model of the reciprocating compressor, which is validated with the actual prototype, is built by a CAD drawing software-SolidWorks. Then the ANSYS FE model is created by importing the 3D model into a FEA software-ANSYS. The ANSYS FE model can be used for stress analysis as well as intrinsic property analysis of the structural components. In this paper there are several ANSYS FE models of key components presented, including crankshaft, connecting-rod, crosshead and air valve. Then FEA method is applied to the fault localization of those components. According to the simulation results, the sites vulnerable to failure can be fixed on key components. The conclusions are consistent with the problems during the normal operation. Therefore, FEA is an effective and prospective method on fault prognosis of the reciprocating compressor.Copyright © 2010 by ASME


The ongoing "Intifada of Unity" against Israel's settler colonialism has resuscitated discussions about the liberatory potential of digital emancipation due to the massive data traffic circulation through its international media coverage. In fact, in a process that has intensified since the outbreak of the global pandemic at the very least, social media platforms and geospatial mapping tools have been subverted from more mundane uses, developing into new forums for organizing, imagining, and practicing more just futures. Yet, the centrality of infrastructure both as a means of digital extractivism and as a site for rupture and resistance demonstrates that the path toward new trajectories of e-scaping cannot be conceived as a virtual venture directed at designing alternative volatile geographies alone, but should always involve facing and challenging power in its everyday forms. By investigating the materiality of cyber colonialism, this paper explores the entanglement between imperial cartography and digital map-making which has reduced Palestinians and their space to a pixelated terra nullius, sanitized from the paradigmatic sites of the occupation and overwritten by a pseudo-biblical narrative that aims to legitimize the re-indigenization of the Zionist settlers. At the same time, it unpacks online processes of hyper-visibility through which Palestine suddenly materializes as a signifier for its dangerous nature, yet fragmented and enclaved by an intangible and discretional regime of im/mobility enforced through the neglect of permits and visas, as well as by the material constraints posed by apartheid roads, barriers, checkpoints, gates, and walls. Finally, it retraces the rationality of Israeli violence diluted through the technical means of built environment, infrastructure, machines and algorithms which, on one hand, contributes to the de-development of Palestine and the censorship of its people, and on the other, normalizes Israel's position in the region due to its perceived technological superiority vis-à-vis its neighboring counterparts.


Despite its economic magnitude worldwide, the scientific attention to the floriculture sector remains scarce within the borders of the European Union. Focusing on Italy, the aim of this paper is to provide an insight into the floriculture trade for the first time. More specifically, in addition to describing trade dynamics of the floriculture sector both in Italy and in the European Union in recent years, this paper applies a gravity model to investigate and evaluate the role of some major economic and geographical variables as determinants of Italian trade flows of cut flowers and live plants within the European Union, from 2001 to 2013. Among these, findings prove that the most important are the GDP per capita of the European trade partners, as well as their production and consumption volumes.


Software test adequacy criteria are rules to determine whether a software system has been adequately tested. A central question in the study of test adequacy criteria is how they relate to fault detecting ability. In this paper, we identify two idealized software testing scenarios. In the first scenario, which we call prior testing scenario, software testers are provided with an adequacy criterion in addition to the software under test. The knowledge of the adequacy criterion is used to generate test cases. In the second scenario, which we call posterior testing scenario, software testers are not provided with the knowledge of adequacy criterion. The criterion is only used to decide when to stop the generation of test cases. In 1993, Frank1 and Weyuker proved that the subsume relation between software test adequacy criteria does not guarantee better fault detecting ability in the prior testing scenario. In this paper, we will investigate the posterior testing scenario and prove that in this scenario the subsume relation does guarantee a better fault detecting ability. Two measures of fault detecting ability will be used, the probability of detecting faults and the expected number of exposed errors. index Terms-Software testing, test adequacy criteria, subsume relation, fault detecting ability, testing scenarios


The use of smart material such as Ti-Ni in actuators application requires an intense mechanical and metallurgical investigation to understand its behavior. This paper studies martensitic transformation using DSC and X-ray diffraction techniques to compare shape memory parameters in Ti-50.2%Ni (A1) and equiatomic Ti-50.0%Ni (A2) Alloys. The as as-received samples were submitted to annealing at 400°C and 500°C for 24 hours then quenched in at 25°C. The influence of heat treatment on martensitic transformations temperatures and the appearance of R-phase were analyzed using DSC and X-ray diffraction.


The proto-oncogene int-1 is activated by adjacent insertions of proviral DNA in mouse mammary tumor virus-induced tumors and has transforming activity in certain mammary epithelial cell lines. The gene is normally expressed in the central nervous system of mid-gestational embryos and in the adult testis. We raised antibodies against synthetic int-1 peptides and used these to identify protein products of the gene in cells transfected or infected with retroviral vectors expressing int-1. Four protein species of 36,000, 38,000, 40,000, and 42,000 Mr were immunoprecipitated by antibodies against two different int-1 peptides and were not present in control cells. Partial degradation with V8 protease showed the four species to be structurally related to each other and to int-1 polypeptide synthesized in vitro. Treatment of the cells with tunicamycin prevented the appearance of all but the 36,000-Mr species, suggesting that the slower-migrating forms are glycosylated derivatives. The unglycosylated 36,000-Mr species migrated faster in polyacrylamide gels than the in vitro translation product of int-1 and has probably undergone cleavage of an amino-terminal signal peptide.


The community structure and metabolic function of activated sludge carrying out enhanced biological phosphorus removal have been investigated. Laboratory-scale sequencing batch reactors were operated at several influent COD/P ratios to obtain sludges with a range of phosphorus contents. Molecular microbiological techniques based on small subunit ribosomal RNA were used to characterize the structure of these sludges. The dominant polyphosphate accumulating organism was a close relative of Rhodocyclus tenuis, a member of the beta subclass of the Proteobacteria. Fragments of genes coding for polyphosphate kinase (PPK), thought to be responsible for polyphosphate accumulation, were retrieved from one of the sludges. The relative abundance of PPK gene copies in genomic DNA extracted from sludges was determined to confirm that at least one of the PPK gene sequences was derived from the dominant polyphosphate accumulating organism.


Recent work (e.g. LAMA (Petroni et al., 2019)) has found that the quality of the factual information extracted from Large Language Models (LLMs) depends on the prompts used to query them. This inconsistency is problematic because different users will query LLMs for the same information using different wording, but should receive the same, accurate responses regardless. In this work we aim to address this shortcoming by introducing P-Adapters: lightweight models that sit between the embedding layer and first attention layer of LLMs. They take LLM embeddings as input and output continuous prompts that are used to query the LLM. Additionally, we investigate Mixture of Experts (MoE) models that learn a set of continuous prompts ("experts") and select one to query the LLM. They require a separate classifier trained on human-annotated data to map natural language prompts to the continuous ones. P-Adapters perform comparably to the more complex MoE models in extracting factual information from BERT and RoBERTa while eliminating the need for additional annotations. P-Adapters show between 12-26% absolute improvement in precision and 36-50% absolute improvement in consistency over a baseline of only using natural language queries. Finally, we investigate what makes P-Adapters successful and conclude that a significant factor is access to the LLM's embeddings of the original natural language prompt, particularly the subject of the entity pair being queried.


Research equipments in China were heavily underutilized. An e-business market was created to allow students to reserve available equipment service time from different universities; however, low trading success rate has been the bottleneck of the market efficiency. A third-party subsidy program is being considered to encourage equipment service providers (sellers) to lower their asking prices; hence it should improve the trading success rate. For varies reasons, most e-business markets have higher than usual price dispersion problems. Third-party subsidy program will not be as effective towards high price dispersal markets. Experimental results confirm that subsidy will provide little improvement towards the overall trading success rate, within a market with high price dispersion problem.


Currently there is a very fundamental change happening in spectrum regulation, possibly the most fundamental ever in its history. This is the enabling of spectrum sharing, where primary (licensed) users of the spectrum, are forced to allow sharing with secondary users, who use license-exempt equipment. Such sharing is free for the secondary users, subject to the condition that they do not cause harmful interference to the primary users. The first instance of such sharing is occurring with the UHF digital TV spectrum, in what is commonly called TV white space. Regulators such as the FCC in the United States and Ofcom in the United Kingdom have indicated that other spectrum will follow suit. Cognitive radio is an enabling technology that allows such sharing. Following recent rulings by FCC and Ofcom and the emergence of a series of related industry standards, CR operation in TVWS is moving from the research domain towards implementation and commercialization, with use-cases that are of interest to telecom operators. In this article we describe three such use cases: future home networks, coverage of the street from inside buildings, and broadband access to rural and underserved premises. We present results of modeling and trials of technical feasibility, undertaken by the Innovate and Design team at BT. Based on our experience we draw conclusions regarding the feasibility and commercial importance of these use cases, and identify some of the remaining technical and commercial challenges.


: For a better comprehension of the atmospheric chemical and radiative properties, it is necessary to understand the behaviour of trace gases and aerosols; some of these gas types have not been deeply studied. Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) is found in the troposphere, as a result of both natural and anthropogenic emissions. To study the behaviour of this gas in the Antarctic continent, the data collected by the Brewer Spectrophotometer installed in the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (62° 05' S and 58° 24' W) was used. With this ground-based instrument, the total column of SO 2 was measured from the beginning of springtime, to the start of summer, during the years 2003 to 2009. It was possible to observe that the total columns of SO 2 did not show any diff erences in the time of the development of the ozone hole, as compared to other periods. Th e main sources of anthropogenic SO 2 pollution in this region are the generation of energy, the operations with ships, and the burning of garbage, being a punctual impact. Th e natural generation of SO 2 in this region is mainly related to the conversion of DMS (dimethyl sulfi de) emitted by the ocean. In a few days, the SO 2 total column exceeded the values considered normal for remote regions (>2 UD), and these high concentrations must have their sources identifi ed and monitored.


With the increase of residential energy consumption, its proportion in primary energy consumption is higher and higher. Accurate prediction of residential electricity consumption is the premise of rational residential energy management. In this paper, a novel multi-step prediction model using particle swarm optimization (PSO), Holt-Winter (HW) method, and extreme learning machine (ELM) network is proposed for forecasting household power consumption. The HW model optimized by PSO is the main predictor and used to deal with the periodicity and seasonality of household electricity load. ELM model is introduced as the correction predictor to predict the prediction error of HW, so as to improve the prediction accuracy. The experimental results show that the PSO-HW-ELM model has higher prediction accuracy and better stability compared with the single HW and ELM model.


Background Significant mitral regurgitation (MR) typically occurs as holosystolic (HS) or mid‐late systolic (MLS), with differences in volumetric impact on the left ventricle (LV). We sought to assess outcomes of degenerative MR patients undergoing exercise echocardiography, separated based on MR duration (MLS versus HS). Methods and Results We included 609 consecutive patients with ≥III+myxomatous MR undergoing exercise echocardiography: HS (n=487) and MLS (n=122). MLS MR was defined as delayed appearance of MR signal during mid‐late systole on continuous‐wave Doppler while HS MR occurred throughout systole. Composite events of death and congestive heart failure were recorded. Compared to MLS MR, HS MR patients were older (60±14 versus 53±14 years), more were males (72% versus 53%), and had greater prevalence of atrial fibrillation (16% versus 7%; all P<0.01). HS MR patients had higher right ventricular systolic pressure (RVSP) at rest (33±11 versus 27±9 mm Hg), more flail leaflets (36% versus 6%), and a lower number of metabolic equivalents (METs) achieved (9.5±3 versus 10.5±3), compared to the MLS MR group (all P<0.05). There were 54 events during 7.1±3 years of follow‐up. On step‐wise multivariable analysis, HS versus MLS MR (HR 4.99 [1.21 to 20.14]), higher LV ejection fraction (hazard ratio [HR], 0.94 [0.89 to 0.98]), atrial fibrillation (HR, 2.59 [1.33 to 5.11]), higher RVSP (HR, 1.05 [1.03 to 1.09]), and higher percentage of age‐ and gender‐predicted METs (HR, 0.98 [0.97 to 0.99]) were independently associated with adverse outcomes (all P<0.05). Conclusion In patients with ≥III+myxomatous MR undergoing exercise echocardiography, holosystolic MR is associated with adverse outcomes, independent of other predictors.


With increasing competition in the industry, SMEs are required to be able to do continuous improvement to improve its performance so as to compete with other SMEs and able to apply the concept of lean production. In CV SBR, demand will increase in Ramadan. With the increase in orders, then the CV SBR required to continue to meet customer demand in a timely manner in accordance consumer expectations. This research will try to apply the concept of lean production by using value stream mapping and analysis of waste using the Value Stream Analysis Tools (VALSAT) in order to increase the productivity of the production system in the CV Sogan Batik Rejodani. The purpose of this study is to determine the percentage of Value Added, Non-Value Added, and Necessary but Non-Value Added Activity of batik production system. Furthermore, to determine the design of future state value stream mapping in CV SBR. Obtained results are given in the form of proposed improvements that can reduce the Non-Value Added Activity from 43% to 13%. In addition the draft future state value stream mapping can reduce cycle time from 16115.88 seconds to 15062.96 seconds and can reduce the lead time from 24589,028 seconds to 15932.62 seconds. With the reduction in value-added activity, it can increase the output of the product in a day so that the productivity of the production system increases.


In this paper, we study the fulfillment strategies of an omni-channel retailer that would like to leverage its established offline retail channel infrastructure to help its online sales. We consider a single newsvendor-type product that is sold in both online and offline channels to non-overlapping markets with independent Poisson demand. The offline store can fulfill online demand at an additional handling and fulfillment cost, k, but not vice versa. The retailer makes decisions at three different levels: 1) at the strategic level the retailer must establish a fulfillment structure between the two channels in terms of where to stock inventory in the two channels, 2) at the tactical level, the retailer decides how much inventory to have for each channel before the season starts, 3) at the operational level throughout the season, as demand unfolds and inventory depletes, the retailer makes rationing decision about whether to use offline inventory to fill online order at any moment. We build separate and integrated models to study these decisions, and find that the optimal rationing decision has a threshold-based structure that depends critically on k and the mix of demand between the two channels. Two simple rationing heuristics are proposed and shown to be effective. Furthermore, integrating the rationing policy into higher-level decisions, we show that it can have significant impact on the retailer's stocking and fulfillment structure decisions. As a result, we propose an integrated policy, where the retailer builds separate inventory stocks for each channel but can use the offline inventory to back up online sales, subject to a rationing heuristic, is proved to be simple, effective, and robust. We discuss the various practical implications of our findings.


Sentinel lymph node biopsy in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: 10 years of experience Il linfonodo sentinella nel carcinoma squamocellulare della testa e collo: 10 anni di esperienza SummAry Sentinel node (Sn) biopsy of head and neck cancer is still considered investigational, and agreement on the width of the surgical sampling has not yet been reached. consecutive patients entered a prospective study: 61.7% had primary tumour of the oral cavity and 23.9% of the oropharynx. Sn was not found in 26 patients. Based on these data and definitive histopathological analysis, we proposed six hypothetic scenarios to understand the percentage of neck recurrences following different treatments Among patients with identified Sn, 54 cases were pn+: 47 in Sn and 7 in a different node. Considering the six hypothetic scenarios: " only Sn removal " , " Sn level dissection " , " neck dissection from the tumour site to Sn level " , " selective neck dissection of three levels (SnD) " , " dissection from level i to iV " and " comprehensive i-V dissection " , neck recurrences could be expected in 6.5%, 3.8%, 2.18%, 2.73%, 1.09% and 1.09% of cases, respectively. Sn biopsy can be considered a useful tool to personalize the surgical approach to a n0 carcinoma. The minimum treatment of the neck is probably dissection of the levels between the primary tumour and the level containing the Sn(s). outside the framework of a clinical study, the best treatment can still be considered SnD. pArole ChiAVe: Svuotamento cervicale • Linfonodo sentinella • Carcinoma squamocellulare • Carcinoma testa e collo • Metastasi linfonodale


Abstract The dry lowlands of Ethiopia are seasonally affected by long periods of low rainfall and, coinciding with rainfall in the Amhara highlands, flood waters which flow onto the lowlands resulting in damage to landscapes and settlements. In an attempt to convert water from storm generated floods into productive use, this study proposes a methodology using remote sensing data and geographical information system tools to identify potential sites where flood spreading weirs may be installed and farming systems developed which produce food and fodder for poor rural communities. First, land use land cover maps for the study area were developed using Landsat-8 and MODIS temporal data. Sentinel-1 data at 10 and 20 m resolution on a 12-day basis were then used to determine flood prone areas. Slope and drainage maps were derived from Shuttle RADAR Topography Mission Digital Elevation Model at 90 m spatial resolution. Accuracy assessment using ground survey data showed that overall accuracies (correctness) of the land use/land cover classes were 86% with kappa 0.82. Coinciding with rainfall in the uplands, March and April are the months with flood events in the short growing season (belg) and June, July and August have flood events during the major (meher) season. In the Afar region, there is potentially >0.55 m ha land available for development using seasonal flood waters from belg or meher seasons. During the 4 years of monitoring (2015–2018), a minimum of 142,000 and 172,000 ha of land were flooded in the belg and meher seasons, respectively. The dominant flooded areas were found in slope classes of <2% with spatial coverage varying across the districts. We concluded that Afar has a huge potential for flood-based technology implementation and recommend further investigation into the investments needed to support new socio-economic opportunities and implications for the local agro-pastoral communities.


Excerpt] The idea that an organization's people represent a key strategic resource is widely accepted. The business press is filled with examples of top executives proclaiming how important it is to engage people's minds and spirits in the quest for competitive advantage (Boudreau & Ramstad, 1997; Boudreau, 1996). There is also mounting scientific evidence that certain "bundles" of "high-performance" work practices (e.g., performance-contingent pay, team-based work structures, selective recruitment and hiring, extensive training, etc.) are associated with higher organizational financial performance (Becker & Huselid, forthcoming; Ichniowski, Arthur, MacDuffie, Welbourne & Andrews).


As a result of the increasing use and application of military tourniquets in civilian settings, it is necessary to evaluate the size and effectiveness of the equipment on patients that differ from the military-aged population for whom the devices have been primarily created. This case report describes the application of a tourniquet on a pediatric patient while also profiling a common situation in which the Combat Application Tourniquet GEN 7 (C-A-T Resources) might be used in civilian care systems. The case is that of a 14-month-old child who suffered a limb amputation secondary to a road accident in Italy and the ensuing life-saving treatment. The intervening nurse at the scene had been trained on the use of hemorrhage-control devices through the American College of Surgeons "Stop the Bleed" campaign.


The direct shear mechanical characteristics of soil-structure interface under different experimental condition were studied systematically using the DRS-1 high normal stress direct and residual shear apparatus. The results show that the normal stress is an important factor which determines the mechanical characteristics of soil-structure interface. The curve of shear stress-shear displacement presents strain softening when the normal stress<3MPa, linear hardening when =3~5MPa and strain hardening when12MPa, separately. At the same time, the volume of the soil expands when <3MPa and contracts when >3MPa. But the volume of the soil expands and contracts simultaneously during the process of direct shear when =3MPa.The roughness of the interface influences not only the shape of the shear stress-shear displacement curve but also the shear strength of the interface. Under same normal stress condition,the shear strength of interface increases with the roughness but the influence degree of interface roughness reduces gradually with the increase of normal stress. The grain breakage degree is different under different normal stress. It increases evidently with the increase of normal stress.


Determining the location of nodes with error as low as possible in wireless sensor networks is an essential task for many applications. It can be shown that, in some case, evident location estimation errors would be brought even if the ranging error is low. This work involves a parameter called geometry favorable factor (GFF) to filter these ill case. We propose an improving method choosing the available beacon nodes (nodes with prior known locations) with the best GFF for sensor location estimation. Simulation results show that the improving method lead to a significant improvement in location estimation accuracy compared with normal method that without filtering, while some decrease in population of localizable nodes.


We suggest that the electron is a wave in the whole process between the electron gun and the sensor. Between the two-slit and the sensor, the following two phenomena happen to the waves: interference and Fraunhofer diffraction. Due to these two phenomena, a considerably sharp shape of wave is finally made in front of the sensor, and a bright spot appears on the sensor. The experiment result that a bright spot appears at random can be explained by the abovementioned two phenomena and the "fluctuation" of the potential energy that the filament of the biprism makes. All are the wave motion phenomena, and, put simply, the particle called an electron does not exist.


Slag is the main by-product of iron and steelmaking process. Ladle slag, melted fully after secondary refining, usually contains rich CaO, Al2O3 and 2CaO·SiO2 phase, which has a potential value to recycle into steelmaking process as the substitution of lime. However, reuse of ladle slag is easy to induce an accumulation effect of sulphur or phosphorus. In this present work, CaS powder was used to replace the sulphur containing phase in ladle slag to investigate the roasting process under different atmosphere conditions. The influence of temperature and oxygen pressure on sulphur removal mechanism and products composition has been discussed. By adding solid sulfur into molten ladle slag, the results of SEM has showed that sulphur element in ladle slag existed as independent CaS phase. Roasting experiments showed that lower oxygen pressure and higher reaction temperature were beneficial for CaS changing into CaO, it was very important to design the optimum roasting route for sulphur removal from the ladle slag.


This article examines the main compliance and enforcement techniques in Italian labour law. With regard to compliance techniques, three examples are examined: the sufficient wage, the vicarious liability rule in the case of outsourcing, and health and safety regulations in the light of the EU model. The importance of the strong presence of unions and workers' representatives inside the workplace is also emphasized. The article then addresses the evolving role of the labour inspectorate in a modern enforcement perspective and the main rules and practices of courts dealing with employment matters, which traditionally play a crucial role in the Italian system.
Compliance Techniques – Unions' Role – Enforcement – Labour Inspections – Labour Courts


Progenitor cells in the early developing cerebral cortex produce neurons destined for discrete functional areas in response to specific inductive signals. Using lineage analysis, we show that cortical progenitor cells at different fetal ages retain the memory of an area-specific inductive signal received in vivo, even though they may pass through as many as two cell cycles in the absence of the signal in culture. When exposed to inductive signals in vitro, only those progenitors that progress through at least one complete cell cycle alter their areal phenotype. Our findings suggest that induction of an areal phenotype is linealy inherited, with the phenotype specified prior to the final cell cycle.


This research explores the failure of competitively tendered projects in the UK construction industry to procure the most suited contractor(s) to conduct the works. Such work may have equal relevance for other developed nations globally. This research seeks to teach clients and their representatives that "lowest price" does not mean "best value", by presenting a case study of a successfully negotiated tender undertaken by a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) contractor; SME studies are relatively scant in academic literature. By applying the "lessons learnt" principle, this study seeks to improve future practice through the development of a novel alternative procurement option (i.e., negotiation). A mixed philosophical stance combining interpretivism and pragmatism was used—interpretivism to critically review literature in order to form the basis of inductive research to discuss negotiation as a viable procurement route, and pragmatism to analyse perceptions of tendering and procurement. The methods used follow a three-stage waterfall process including: (1) literature review and pilot study; (2) quantitative analysis of case study data; and (3) qualitative data collection via a focus group. Our research underscores the need to advise clients and their representatives of the importance of understanding the scope of works allowed within a tender submission before discounting it based solely on price. In addition, we highlight the failings of competitive tendering, which results in increased costs and project duration once the works commence on site. These findings provide new contemporary insight into procurement and tendering in the construction industry, with emphasis on SME contractors, existing relationships, and open-book negotiation. This research illustrates the adverse effects of early cost estimates produced without first securing a true understanding of project buildability and programming. Our work concludes with a novel insight into an alternative procurement option that involves early SME contractor involvement in an open-book environment, without the need for a third-party cost control.


The impact of the energy crises in the 1970s hit all oil-importing countries much harder than it hit countries endowed with domestic supplies of energy. Energy politics and policies for the oil-importing countries have become vital issues that need to be examined. The purpose of this dissertation is to examine and compare the energy politics and policy processes in the Republic of China (ROC) and Japan during the period of 1970-1985. The study focuses on the politics of energy policies, using a policy analysis or systems framework for examining the policy processes in the two countries. A comparison is made of energy environments, the political actors, the institutions, and finally the substance of energy policy. An assessment is then made of the effects or consequences of energy policies on these two countries.
In attempting to study energy politics and policies in these two Asian countries, the researcher began with a policy model or conceptual schema of energy politics from which the researcher raised a number of research questions. These questions were used to guide the direction of the study. A comparison was first made of energy systems, and then the major actors in the energy resources field were identified by comparing the political systems. Comparison of the political systems in energy politics helped to explain the differences in the political outcomes of energy policy. An assessment was made by using a series of multiple regression models to assess and compare the consequences of energy policies in these two countries.
The final purpose of this dissertation is to develop a conceptual model or framework, for understanding the complexity, uncertainty, and interrelatedness of energy policies. The researcher concludes that comparative policy studies are useful and provide insights which otherwise would be missed.


Teachers are the key in improving the quality of education. They are in a very strategic position for education reformation oriented in quality achievement. The role of teachers is even more strategic in schooling context. Teachers play a major role in the development of education, particularly formal education in schools. Teachers also determine the success of students, especially in learning process. Teachers play the main role in the learning process. The learning process is a process with a course of conduct between teachers and students who are in a reciprocal relationship that takes place in an educational situation in order to achieve certain goals.
Any efforts made to improve the quality of education would be meaningless without professional teachers. Therefore, any efforts to reorganize and improve the quality of education must involve teacher empowerment. Professionalism characterized by autonomy, adequate expertise, teachers' high commitment of their tasks and their passion to improve their skills continuously are the indicators of the teacher's professionalism. Teacher professional development to improve the professionalism standard related to skills; includes mastery of teaching materials and learning methodologies as well as professional attitude regarding motivation and commitment of teachers in performing their duties, needs to be improved to create synergy towards quality of education.


We investigate general mechanism design problems in which agents can take hidden actions that influence state distribution. Their action choices exert significant externality effects on their valuation functions through this influence. We characterize all mechanisms that resolve the hidden action problem (i.e., that induce a targeted action profile). A variety of action choices shrinks the set of mechanisms that induce the targeted action profile, leading to the equivalence properties in the ex-post term with respect to payoffs, payments, and revenues. When the agents can take unilateral deviations to change the state distribution in various directions (i.e., when the action profile satisfies richness), pure-VCG mechanisms-the simplest form of canonical VCG mechanism, which is implemented via open-bid descending procedures that determine the losers' compensation—are the only mechanisms that induce an efficient action profile. Contrariwise, the popular pivot mechanism, implemented by ascending auctions that determine the winner's payment, generally fails to induce any efficient action profile.


A three-layer dielectric rod (TLROD) antenna design optimized for stable realized gain, pattern, and phase center from at least 4 to 18 GHz is presented. Such antenna characteristics are useful for reflector feeds or for near-field range probes. Full-wave simulation results of the current optimized TLROD antenna exhibits stable gain around 10 dBi and 3-dB beamwidth of 60° in both E and H planes from 2 to 18 GHz. The phase center variation is within 0.25 inches from 4 to 18 GHz, and has a maximum variation of two inches occurring at 2 GHz. The major design challenge of TLROD antenna is to determine optimal thickness, dielectric constant, and tip shape of each dielectric layer for achieving desired VSWR, pattern, and phase center requirements. An autonomous design optimization procedure was developed based on genetic algorithm and novel fitness functions for simultaneously controlling the values and variations of reflection coefficient, phase center, and pattern characteristics over the desired wide frequency range.


History is preserved in the memories of the survivors of the Holocaust and the imaginations of their children, the so-called Second Generation. Nothing Makes You Free considers the heritage of the descendants of those who faced the horrific lie that adorned the gates of many German concentration camps: "Arbeit Macht Frei" ("Work Makes You Free"). In the words of this groundbreaking anthology's introduction: "Other kids' parents didn't have numbers on their arms. Other kids' parents didn't talk about massacres as easily as baseball. Other kids' parents loved them, but never gazed at their offspring as miracles in the flesh...How do you deal with this responsibility? Well, if you were a writer, you wrote." Gathered here are writings of both fiction and nonfiction, ranging from farce to fantasy to brutal realism, from an international selection of writers, including Art Spiegelman, Eva Hoffman, Peter Singer, and Carl Friedman. Contributors: Lea Aini, David Albahari, Tammie Bob, Lilly Brett, Melvin Jules Bukiet, Leon De Winter, Esther Dischereit, Barbara Finkelstein, Alain Finkielkraut, Carl Friedman, Eva Hoffman, Helena Janaczek, Anne Karpf, Alan Kaufman, Ruth Knafo Setton, Mihaly Kornis, Savyon Liebrecht, Alcina Lubitch Domecq, Gila Lustiger, Sonia Pilcer, Doron Rabinovici, Henri Raczymov, Victoria Redel, Thane Rosenbaum, Goran Rosenberg, Peter Singer, Joseph Skibell, Art Spiegelman, J. J. Steinfeld, Val Vinokurov "Nothing Makes You Free is a wide-ranging, exuberant, and altogether powerful collection. A necessary reminder of the lingering effects of the Holocaust and of all the embers-in each generation-saved from the fire."-Aryeh Lev Stollman, author of The Far Euphrates and The Illuminated Soul "What happens to a generation of writers born after but indelibly shaped by the Holocaust? From the bitterly sardonic title of Bukiet's clear-eyed and refreshingly unsentimental collection to its last words, this volume will cause all to see this past in startlingly new and unexpected ways. This is certainly not their parent's Holocaust. But in all their immense variety, dexterity, oppressed imaginativeness, pain, and wonder, these writings show how even as a 'vicarious past,' the Holocaust continues to shape both inner and outer worlds of the survivors' offspring and now, by extension, our own as well."-James E. Young, author of At Memory's Edge and The Texture of Memory "A superb anthology...tenderness mixes with rage, sorrow with bitterness, in this first-rate gathering of pieces by those who refuse to forget."-Kirkus Reviews, starred review "A trenchant array...convincingly demonstrate[s] that the Second-Generation experience and the artistic vision growing from it is not merely a diluted version of the survivors' experience, but a distinct phenomenon and ethos of its own."-Miami Herald "An important book."-Booklist


Vegetated coastal landscapes are often formed by clonally expanding plants. By developing rhizomes or stolons these plants can spread laterally and distribute themselves in space. In this protocol we describe a method for deriving the clonal expanding strategy of dune grasses from still images. First we will discuss a more labour intensive method that requires the excavation and reconstruction of a clonal network. Second, we will discuss a validated automated approach based on two connecting algorithms that allows for a less time-consuming expansion of a dataset.