................................................................................................................................................................III ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...........................................................................................................................................VII LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................................................................IX VIOLENCE IN BRAZIL AND ITS CONNECTION WITH TRANSNATIONAL CRIME........................................1 STRATEGIC THOUGHT APPLIED TO THE SUBJECT OF THE VIOLENCE.................... 2 THE SUBJECT OF VIOLENCE..................................................................................... 4 GENERAL ASPECTS................................................................................................... 4 VIOLENCE IN BRAZIL.................................................................................................. 7 General Aspects and Social Factors...........................................................................7 The Police ................................................................................................................ 11 The Justice System.................................................................................................. 12 Final Comments....................................................................................................... 13 INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS TRANSNATIONAL CRIMES................................. 14 Illicit Drug Trafficking............................................................................................... 15 Money Laundering................................................................................................... 16 Illicit Traffic in Arms................................................................................................. 17 Corruption and Bribery of Public Officials................................................................ 18 Terrorist Activities.................................................................................................... 19 Environmental Crimes.............................................................................................. 20 Final Comments....................................................................................................... 21 REPRESSION VERSUS PREVENTION....................................................................... 22 REPRESSION ........................................................................................................... 23 PREVENTION............................................................................................................ 23 Primary Prevention .................................................................................................. 24 Secondary Prevention.............................................................................................. 25


The photoregulation of the catalytic activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) was investigated by treating the enzyme with a newly developed carbamylating reagent, N‐methyl‐N‐(2‐nitrophenyl)carbamoyl chloride, which has proved to be an efficient photoremovable alcohol‐protecting group. BChE was efficiently inhibited in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner, and the enzyme could be protected against inhibition by active‐site‐specific ligands (that is, tacrine). The inactivation kinetics showed a biphasic character, which can be analyzed as the result of the existence of two conformational states in solution. Pseudo‐irreversible inactivation of BChE, which results from catalytic serine carbamylation, was suggested by recovery of the enzyme activity after dilution and was demonstrated by X‐ray crystallography. Remarkably, the 3D structure of the carbamylated BChE conjugate showed a nonambiguous carbamylation of the catalytic serine residue as the only chemical modification on the protein. The photoreversibility of the enzyme inactivation was analyzed by irradiating the inactivated enzyme at 365 nm and was shown to reach completion in some conditions. The efficient and specific "caging" of BChE, together with the availability of carbamylated BChE crystals, will offer a unique possibility to study the catalytic properties of this enzyme by kinetic crystallography after cryophotolytic uncaging of the enzyme conjugate crystals.


We describe a tunable filter suitable for whitelight interferometry, utilizing an high-finesse extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometer formed by fusion bonding of two mirror-coated single-mode fibers to a short piece of borosilicate tubing. Wavelength tuning up to 90.8nm is achieved using a Peltier device. Experimental results for a temperature sensor are presented.


All regulations 1 standardizing cow's milk for human consumption exclude its use for a period of time before parturition, the period varying from fifteen to sixty days. Standards of this character are based on the supposition that pregnancy influences the normal composition of milk; in other words, that the milk no longer has a normal composition after gestation has reached a certain stage. The evidence on which this supposition is based is, however, extremely difficult to find, although the literature is extensive with regard to variations in the composition of milk. The question of the factors influencing the normal composition of cow's milk has for several years been the object of critical study by the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. Certain portions of data, which were obtained for another purpose, 2 give a clearer insight into the importance of gestation as a factor causing milk of abnormal composition than any data


Incisional hernia represents a rare complication after ventriculoperitoneal shunt positioning due to failure of the fascial suture in the site of abdominal entrance of ventriculoperitoneal catheter. Clinical presentation can be extremely variable, according to patient's performance status, herniated material constitution (i.e. mesenteric fat, bowel loops or both) and complication occurrence (e.g. strangulation or intestinal obstruction). Early diagnosis is fundamental in order to surgically repair the defect and prevent further complications. We present the case of a paucisymptomatic incisional hernia following ventriculoperitoneal shunt positioning. Diagnosis was made by means of ultrasound and confirmed by means of computed tomography. The patient was successfully managed by means of surgical repositioning of herniated loop and re-suture.


Reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to cancer growth and metastasis. Using antioxidants to modulate cellular ROS levels is a promisingstrategy for cancer prevention and treatment. Calophyllum inophyllum L., or tamanu, is a medicinal plant renowned for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties in traditional medicine systems. However, the anticancer effects of C. inophyllum extract on cellular ROS remain unexplored. This study represents the first report on such effects and provides the potential mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of C. inophyllum extract. The branches of C. inophyllum were extracted, and the extract was comprehensively analyzed for phytochemical constituents, antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, and total flavonoid content. Subsequently, the extract's potential anticancer properties were evaluated using patient-derived cells from breast and lung cancer. The results revealed that the C. inophyllum extract possesses notable antioxidant activity and demonstrated no cytotoxicity within the initial 24 h of treatment. However, after 72 h, it exhibited significant antiproliferative effects. Moreover, the extract exhibited inhibitory properties against migration and invasion at concentrations below the IC50, which corresponded to the expression of related genes. Notably, these effects correlated with the reduction of intracellular ROS levels. Overall, our findings highlight the anticancer potential of C. inophyllum extract, emphasize its ability to modulate cellular ROS levels and target key molecular pathways involved in cancer progression. This study sheds light on the promising therapeutic implications of C. inophyllum extract as a novel agent for cancer treatment, which is safe for normal cells.


Abstract Volcanic tuffs are important in determining the stratigraphic age of sedimentary sequences, which is closely related to the tectonic, sedimentological, geomorphological, palaeoclimatic, and palaeo-ecological evolution of the sequences. However, it may be difficult practically to identify tuffs in stratigraphic sections, especially when they are altered after deposition. In this study, a series of petrographic, mineralogical, and geochemical analyses was deployed in the tuff layers cropping out in the Lunpola Basin of the central Tibetan Plateau, which is a crucial site for studying the dynamics and processes of the Cenozoic uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and its environmental impacts. In these pyroclastic layers, authigenic analcime is the main volcanic glass alteration product. The analcime-bearing samples are Na-enriched, in contrast to the K-abundant magmatic rocks in the central Tibetan Plateau. The distribution patterns of the rare earth elements (REEs) of the bulk analcime-bearing samples are similar to those of the magmatic rocks but different from those of the analcime-poor sediments and analogues of well-mixed upper continental material (e.g. the upper continental crust and post-Archaean Australian average shales). The distinct distributions of Na and REEs among analcime-bearing samples, analcime-poor sediments, and volcanic rocks reveal that analcime formed both from alteration of volcanic material and from mixing processes with non-volcanic sediments. It is proposed, therefore, that the discrimination plot of Na2O/Al2O3-(La/Yb)N may be used to distinguish the analcime-related pyroclastic rocks from the basin sedimentary sequence, and thus it may provide a means of discriminating between various volcanic material and of supporting age dating by tephrochronology in the central Tibetan Plateau.


Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, characterized by gradual cartilage degradation, bone remodeling, synovitis, and chronic pain. Due to the limited self-healing capacity in condylar cartilage, traditional clinical therapy have limited symptom-modifying and structure-modifying effects to restore impaired cartilage as well as other TMJ tissues. In last years, stem cell-based therapy has collected much attention as a possible approach toward tissue repair and regeneration. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), derived from the bone marrow, synovium, and even umbilical cord, play a role as seed cells for the cartilage regeneration of TMJ. MSCs possess multilineage differentiation potential, including chondrogenic differentiation as well as osteogenic differentiation. In addition, the modulations of MSCs exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects under aberrant conditions. Furthermore, MSCs combined with appropriate scaffolds can form cartilaginous or even osseous compartments to repair damaged tissue and impaired function of TMJ. In this review, we will describe the potential sources of MSCs and novel approaches for the cartilage regeneration of TMJ, particularly focusing on the MSC-based therapy and tissue engineering.


Improvement of robotics and or robotic movement is a continuing pursuit. The robotic platform should be able to move between areas of interest quickly and safely but there movement is restricted due to unstructured surfaces such as stairs and hurdles which are higher than the radius of the wheels. In this paper a novel Obstacle surmounting mechanism is designed for high performance locomotion over various terrains for mobile robotic platform. Initially, here we have incorporated the proposed mechanism in two wheeled robot with a trailing link. Proposed mechanism for surmounting obstacles utilizes four bar mechanism with such dimensional relations and arrangements that it enables mobile robotic platform for encountering hurdles which are higher than the diameter of the wheel. The actual approach is to encounter the hurdles through single degree of freedom obstacle surmounting mechanism and placing the wheels over the hurdle smoothly. Each wheel is powered by independent motors.


The costs of producing quality medical care and the proper allocation of resources to assure quality are major contemporary concerns. Minimalists attempt to improve quality and lower costs through the application of the theory, "less is more." Bureaucracies make the same attempt through the denial of payments for "unnecessary" services. Governments and insurers try to "improve quality" by impeding the flow of new technology so that costs will be restricted (presumably allowing society better access to current care modalities). All impose regulations and requirements on medical practice. Each of these approaches is examined individually and substantial problems with their application in actual practice are illustrated. Genuine quality is not a cost or resource allocation problem. Quality is free.


Among U.S. adults, more than 35% are obese and 9% are diagnosed with diabetes. Obesity and diabetes impair daily functioning and associate with poorer subjective quality of life (QOL). Exercise is an effective intervention for weight loss, functional improvement, and amelioration of psychological symptoms; however, the precise characteristics of prescription to optimally enhance QOL in this population are not well defined. PURPOSE: To evaluate QOL predictors in subjects with type 2 diabetes undergoing structured exercise. METHODS: 61 subjects with diabetes were randomized into one of two 10-week exercise interventions; 38 subjects completed the program. Group 1 (n=23) participated in organized interval training with professional supervision twice weekly; group 2 (n=15) performed the same supervised interval training but also performed two 60-min unaccompanied walking sessions per week. At baseline and follow-up, demographic, anthropometric, functional, and QOL data were collected. Multiple linear regression determined the effect of exercise, physical functioning, and anthropometric indices on QOL outcomes. RESULTS: At baseline, subjects were 67.9 ± 9.1 years of age, 42.1% male, and they had a composite QOL score of 58.9 ± 18.1. Older age and three assessments of physical functioning associated with higher baseline QOL; obesity associated with a trend for higher QOL (p=0.054). From baseline to posttest, QOL improved 17.7% (p<0.001). Group assignment was not a significant predictor of this change (p=0.998). Women improved more than men (p=0.031), and improvement in physical function associated with greater improvements in QOL. At the end of the intervention, age (p=0.022) and physical function corresponded to elevated QOL. Group assignment was not a significant predictor (β=9.3; p=0.098). At baseline (p<0.001), change scores (p=0.021), and at follow-up (p<0.001), the six-minute walk was the most pronounced variable of physical functioning to correspond to QOL. CONCLUSION: Exercise improved QOL for subjects with diabetes. Additional walking didn't help. Older men and especially women improved more. This may be a consequence of attention, as supervised sessions provided marked improvement. It may be important for exercise aimed at improving psychological wellbeing to include companionship.


Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is cultivated worldwide. Its stigmas represent the highest-priced spice and contain bioactive compounds beneficial for human health. Saffron cultivation commonly occurs in open field, and spice yield can vary greatly, from 0.15 to 1.5 g m−2, based on several agronomic and climatic factors. In this study, we evaluated saffron cultivation in soilless systems, where plants can benefit from a wealth of nutrients without competition with pathogens or stresses related to nutrient-soil interaction. In addition, as plant nutrient and water uptake can be enhanced by the symbiosis with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), we also tested two inocula: a single species (Rhizophagus intraradices) or a mixture of R. intraradices and Funneliformis mosseae. After one cultivation cycle, we evaluated the spice yield, quality (ISO category), antioxidant activity, and bioactive compound contents of saffron produced in soilless systems and the effect of the applied AMF inocula. Spice yield in soilless systems (0.55 g m−2) was on average with that produced in open field, while presented a superior content of several health-promoting compounds, such as polyphenols, anthocyanins, vitamin C, and elevated antioxidant activity. The AMF symbiosis with saffron roots was verified by light and transmission electron microscopy. Inoculated corms showed larger replacement corms (+50% ca.). Corms inoculated with R. intraradices performed better than those inoculated with the mix in terms of spice quality (+90% ca.) and antioxidant activity (+88% ca.). Conversely, the mixture of R. intraradices and F. mosseae increased the polyphenol content (+343% ca.). Thus, soilless systems appeared as an effective alternative cultivation strategy for the production of high quality saffron. Further benefits can be obtained by the application of targeted AMF-based biostimulants.


The goal of any test must be to prove reliability. In centrifugal compressers there are basically two types of tests. The first proves the mechanical integrity, while the second verifies the aerodynamic performance. No one test can satisfy all goals so it is left to the purchaser to specify the type of test(s) which will satisfy his requirements. This paper discusses the limitations of various types of tests. Emphasis is given to Hydrocarbon Testing and, in particular, Class I Hydrocarbon Testing.Copyright © 1987 by ASME


author also fails to spell out the meaning of the 'software crisis' for program design. Today this can be seen as a serious deficiency in a book on large scale systems. Similarly the chapter on computer languages disappoints as it is based on an uncritical feature survey. Even in 1975 a sharper software reliability-based assessment of languages was possible. No references to PASCAL and only two passing references to ALGOL 68 further illustrate the unsatisfactory nature of this chapter. Other chapters have also become out of date. For example, the section on process management contains no mention of Hoare's monitor concept. Despite these criticisms, however, this book is useful as a compact reference work on various operating systems and their underlying principles. DERECK COLEMAN, Department ofComputation, U.MJ.S. T.


Jordanian towns have not been incorporated into the building of the nation, nor have they been considered in the definition of what Jordan is, the decisive factor being direct allegiance to the Hashemite monarchy. Jordanian towns are not a favourable environment for the expression of citizenship free from primary affiliations. However, in the capital, city residents manage to launch initiatives for citizen participation for the community, showing they belong to a post-modern urban elite and even making the city participate in a form of "global citizenship". This introduction of the book "Cities, Urban Practices and Nation Building in Jordan" addresses through urban life the extensively studied issue of national identity and citizenship in Jordan, examining the forms of integration and demarcation of the different components of the population in urban arenas. It takes a diachronic approach that presents the role of towns in Jordan's nation building, the management of urban spaces and the practices of individual urban residents detached from kinship affiliations.


We identify the presence of soft budgets and analyse their impact on enterprise restructuring in Romania over the initial transition period. A simple analytical framework is developed to show that hardened budget constraints foster rationalization of costs, but not active restructuring. The latter requires availability of external financing. The model emphasises the importance of the credibility of hard budgets. The empirical findings are consistent with the predictions of the model. Using a sample of over 4,000 Romanian enterprises during 1992-95, we show that hardened budget constraints induce labour shedding. There is no evidence of positive effects on active restructuring, which we define as new investments.


The emergence of social network sites such as Facebook, Friendster, Myspace, Twitter, You Tube and the like are basic for nearly everybody. The researchers explored on the Facebook (FB) phenomenon as the latest trend among teenagers. The study determined the transformation brought about by Facebook phenomenon as analyzed in the different reflections, testimonies, and insights given specifically by the Filipino college students. The respondents of the study were 250 college students from the state college of Occidental Mindoro and private maritime university of Iloilo City who were purposively selected on the basis of their exposure to FB. The researchers utilized both quantitative and qualitative modes of data collection. Results of the study showed that the college students have a high level of perception on Facebook. Their level of perception differs significantly when they are classified according to Type of School, Gender and Year Level. In totality, FB transformed the Filipino youth socially, emotionally, mentally and technologically. Their exposure to FB brings them to the world of internet where communication is essential, entice them to get more friends, allow them to express their ideas, feelings, and sentiments freely. These activities using Internet lead them to become technologically attuned individuals.


β-In2S3 and β-In2S3:Co2+ single crystals were grown by the chemical transport reaction method using In2S3, S, and ZnS as starting materials and (ZnCl2 + I2) as a transport agent. The single crystals crystallized into a tetragonal structure. The indirect optical energy band gaps of the single crystals at 298 K were found to be 2.240 eV and 1.814 eV for β-In2S3 and β-In2S3:Co2+, respectively. The direct optical energy band gaps were found to be 2.639 eV and 2.175 eV for β-In2S3 and β-In2S3:Co2+, respectively. Impurity optical absorption peaks were observed for the β-In2S3:Co2+ single crystal. These impurity absorption peaks were assigned, based on the crystal field theory, to the electron transitions between the energy levels of the Co2+ ion sited in Td symmetry.


We aimed to assess an impact of different prehabilitation schemes on a risk of postoperative cardiorespiratory complications after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and comorbid chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods. Two groups of patients with CAD and comorbid COPD who were planned for CABG were recruited in the study using the pairwise testing. A criterion of difference was the treatment with tiotropium/olodaterol (Tio/Olo) as one of prehabilitation components. An occurrence of postoperative cardiorespiratory complications was analyzed according to prehabilitation schemes used. Results. The patients with CAD + COPD treated with Tio/Olo during 12.4 ± 5.4 days prior to CABG surgery demonstrated improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters characterizing the severity of COPD just before surgical coronary revascularization. A risk of postoperative cardiovascular and respiratory complications was higher in patients not receiving bronchodilator therapy before the surgery.


In a first step, the goal of the w ork is to obtain an accurate characterisation of the heat source of the infrared em itter. In a second step, the com putation of the view factor betw een the lam p and the preform has been perform ed using a Monte-Carlo m ethod. Then, an experim ental valid ation of the view factor com putation using quantitative infrared therm ography has been d eveloped. This w ork is a first contribution to the stud y of rad iative heat transfer w hich are involved in infrared heating of preform related to the injection stretch-blow m old ing of therm oplastic bottles.


The Biological Diversity Act, 2002 provides for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources, knowledge and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Paper would provide a brief overview of the recent loss of biodiversity in India and review the current status of implementation of the provisions of the Biodiversity Act, 2002 in India and seek to bring forth the reason for the non-implementation of the Provision of the Act. The Paper would highlight the richness of biodiversity in India before and after the passage of the Act of 2002 so as to measure the effectiveness of the Legislation. Further, the paper would also analyze the International Legal Framework i.e., The Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and the Fair and Equitable sharing of benefits arising from their utilization to the Convention on Biological Diversity to highlight the international trend in the protection against Biodiversity Loss.


With the growing interest in visible light communication (VLC), it is desired to transmit data at very high rates despite the LED's bandwidth becoming a bottleneck. The bandwidth of a white LED usually ranges between hundreds of kHz and a couple of MHz, limiting transmission rates dramatically in a VLC system. Successful design of an efficient equalizer for VLC systems heavily depends on the realistic modeling of LED's frequency response. In this letter, we first propose a new LED response model taking the parasitic effects appearing at higher frequencies into account. The proposed model provides better match with measurements of commercially available LEDs over a wide frequency range as compared to the existing models in the literature. Then, we design a digital equalizer in line with the proposed model and implement it as an offline digital system in Matlab. The designed equalizer yields an overall flat system response over a wide frequency range. As a demonstration, we present the measured eye diagrams and bit error rate performance results of the equalized VLC system with on-off keying modulation and demonstrate improvements in data rate in comparison to the LED bandwidth.


This paper reviews one of the mechanisms with which capital weaves a new type of subjection of the human being, the production of needs. Unlike other living beings, whose needs are determined by their biology, human beings are the fruit of the social relations that they establish within their culture. Humans need objects, but their needs arise through the objects called to satisfy them, objects that in capitalist society are capital –value in process of valorisation. In this way, need is itself a product of capital, and capital thus appears as a force that imposes itself on the human being from within, not only in the labour process but in the very constitution of the human needing being. The article discusses the triple human condition that gives rise to this phenomenon –the objective being (the need for the object), the being of desire (the need beyond the object) and the object's being (the need as product of object)– and concludes that capitalist market, that civilizing force that gives rise to the modern, autonomous individual, reduces freedom to a simple means of capital valorisation.


Analytical chemistry is the study of separation, identification and quantification of the chemical components of natural and artificial material. Quantitative analysis gives an indication of identity and purity of the chemical species in the sample and quantitative analysis determines the amount of one or more of these components. The separation of components often performed prior to analysis. Analytical chemistry is also focused on improvement in experimental design, chemometrics and creation of new measurement tools to provide better chemical information.
Analytical instrumentation plays an important role in production and evaluation of new product. Analytical technique is a method that is used to determine the concentration of a chemical compound or chemical element. There are a wide variety of techniques used for analysis, from simple weighing to titration to advanced techniques using highly specialized instruments. The most common techniques used in analytical chemistry are the following.
 • Titrimetry, based on the quantity of the titrant needed to react with the analyte.
 • Electroanalytical methods, includes potentiometry and volumetry.
 • Spectroscopy based on the differential interaction of the analyte along with electromagnetic radiation.
 • Chromatography in which the analyte is separated from the rest of the sample so that it may be measured without interference from other compounds
 • Microscopy
 • Bio-analysis
 • Radio analytical chemistry

In present study simultaneous equation in UV methods, RP- HPLC and HPTLC were developed and validated for some of the selected formulations containing two drug combinations.
UV spectroscopic methods solving simultaneous equation is developed and validated for the following drug combination and formulation
 i. Naproxen & Esomeprazole magnesium
 ii. Temisartan & Cilinidipine
 iii. Cilastatin sodium & Imipenem
 iv. Propranolol hydrochloride & Alprazolam

In UV spectroscopy all the selected raw materials were dissolved in methanol and their spectra were recorded and the formulations were analysed. The actual amount of drugs in formulation was calculated by solving simultaneous equation.
As the methods require only methanol as a solvent and less time consuming process, it can be followed in routine analysis to standardize the raw material as well as finished products with reproducible results.
The following drug combinations & their formulations were estimated and validated by RP-HPLC.
 i. Naproxen & Esomeprazole magnesium
 ii. Telmisartan & Cilinidipine
 iii. Cilastatin sodium & Imipenem
 iv. Propranolol hydrochloride & Alprazolam
 v. Aspirin & Isosorbide mononitrate

In RP-HPLC mobile phase and stationary phase played an important role in the resolution of the drugs. Chromatographic conditions were optimized before the development of chromatogram. Then the system suitability parameters were calculated. The formulations selected were then analyzed using fixed chromatographic parameters. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.
The developed RP-HPLC methods were validated for specificity, repeatability, reproducibility, linearity, robustness, stability of solution and system suitability as per ICH guidelines.
As the methods are accurate, reproducible and highly sensitive at microgram levels of analyte it can be conveniently used in drug control laboratories and in industries to estimate the drug content in raw materials as well as in finished products.
The following drug combinations and its formulations were estimated by HPTLC
 i. Naproxen & Esomeprazole magnesium
 ii. Telmisartan & Cilinidipine
 iii. Propranolol hydrochloride & Alprazolam
 iv. Aspirin & Isosorbide mononitrate

In HPTLC technique system suitability parameters were fixed and the drug combination were injected, analysed. HPTLC method requires microgram levels of sample for its analysis.
Simultaneous analytical procedure are now being used more frequently for estimation of drugs in multi component pharmaceutical formulations due to the following reasons
 i. Time consuming extraction and separations are avoided
 ii. Usage of expensive reagents has been minimized.

From the above discussion, it was concluded that all UV spectrophotometric, RP-HPLC and HPTLC methods were found to be accurate, economic and rapid. Hence, the developed methods could be conveniently adopted for the routine analysis in formulations and for analyzing raw materials.


An electron microscope study was made to determine the effect of mechanical compaction method on the fabric produced in a compacted commercial kaolin. Direct platinum-shadowed carbon replicas were made from horizontal and vertical fracture surfaces within the middle third of cylindrical specimens compacted by static load, impact, and kneading compaction at optimum moisture content and at 3% above and below optimum. Replicas were studied in the electron microscope to arrive at a qualitative evaluation of fabric. No oriented fabric or edge-to-face random fabric of individual particles, as postulated by others, was found. Regardless of compaction method the fabric was found to consist of parallel and random arrangements of packets of kaolin flakes. Both impact and kneading compaction produced essentially the same fabric consisting of trajectories of parallel packets, probably the result of shearing deformation during compaction, within essentially randomly oriented zones of packets. Static load compaction produced a fabric in which some tendency of the packets to orient normal to the direction of loading was apparent. For all compaction methods some increase in parallel packet orientation was noted with increase in molding water content. The mode of parallel orientation differed between static load compacted specimens and those produced by either impact or kneading compaction. Results of the study indicate that some revision of concepts regarding particle orientation due to mechanical compaction should be made.


ABSTRACT: In cities such as Sydney, a succession of wars on graffiti has produced a moral geography of artistic practice. At the same time, the rise to prominence of creative cities discourses and the subsequent revaluation of creativity as a postindustrial salve unsettles the dominance of the normative criminalization of graffiti. The profusion of cultural plans and public art policies, along with metropolitan initiatives promoting the creative city, provide opportunities to resignify graffiti as productive creative practice. Set in a discursive world of murals, street art, and "legal graffiti," some graffiti writers are grasping these opportunities, deploying multiple subjectivities in order to negotiate the moral geographies of the creative city. This article looks at contemporary state responses to graffiti in Sydney and the ways graffiti writers and street artists work within and beyond the various attempts to capture, enclose, and engage graffiti and graffiti writers.


Human keratinocyte growth factor‐2 (KGF‐2) is a member of the fibroblast growth factor family that promotes healing of experimental small intestinal ulceration and colitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether repifermin, a truncated form of recombinant human KGF‐2, reverses abnormalities in colonic mucosal transport in a murine model of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced colitis. Male Swiss‐Webster mice were given 4% DSS in drinking water for 7 days and then normal drinking water for 3 days. Repifermin (5 mg kg−1, i.p.) or vehicle was administered daily for 7 days starting on Day 4 of DSS exposure. On Day 10, net ion transport was measured electrophysiologically in colonic mucosal sheets. Repifermin significantly reduced DSS‐induced colonic inflammation measured by tissue myeloperoxidase activity. Concurrently, in colonic tissue taken from mice treated with repifermin, there was a normalization of basal potential difference and short circuit current, and an improvement in the secretory responses to stimulation of muscarinic and ganglionic cholinoceptors. In control mice, repifermin did not interact directly with colonic epithelial cells or intramural neurones to induce immediate changes in net electrogenic transport. The results suggest that repifermin therapy may improve the mucosal electrogenic transport that is impaired during colitis.


We investigate why governments restrict exports of exotic raw materials taking
rare earth elements as a case study. Trade restrictions on exotic materials do not
have immediate macroeconomic effects. Relocating rare earth intensive industries is
found to be the main reason behind China's export barriers. They are part of a more
extensive strategy aiming at creating comparative advantages in these sectors and at
overcoming path dependencies. Moreover, export barriers serve as a second-best instrument
to reduce pollution and to slow down the depletion of exhaustible resources.
Growing domestic rare earth consumption renders those increasingly ineffective. Rising
reliance on mine-site regulation indicates that this fact is taken into account. Rare
earth extraction is dominated by a few large companies; the demand side is dispersed.
That speaks against successful lobbying for export restrictions. It appears as if the
export barriers are set up to compensate mining firms.


Analog signal processing (ASP) is presented as a systematic approach to address future challenges in high speed and high frequency microwave applications. The general concept of ASP is explained with the help of examples emphasizing basic ASP effects, such as time spreading and compression, chirping and frequency discrimination. Phasers, which represent the core of ASP systems, are explained to be elements exhibiting a frequency-dependent group delay response, and hence a nonlinear phase response versus frequency, and various phaser technologies are discussed and compared. Real-time Fourier transformation (RTFT) is derived as one of the most fundamental ASP operations. Upon this basis, the specifications of a phaser resolution, absolute bandwidth and magnitude balance are established, and techniques are proposed to enhance phasers for higher ASP performance. Novel closed-form synthesis techniques, applicable to all-pass transmission-type cascaded Csection phasers, all-pass reflection-type coupled resonator phasers and band-pass cross-coupled resonator phasers are described. Several applications using these phasers are presented, including a tunable pulse delay system, a spectrum sniffer and a realtime spectrum analyzer (RTSA). Finally, future challenges and opportunities are discussed.


Learning Objectives: After reading this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the theory and principles behind successful avascular fat transfer; 2. Apply these principles into techniques that yield safe and successful fat grafting operations; 3. Identify the well-established indications and limitations of the various fat grafting operations as well as the indications that require additional clinical and translational research. Summary: In this article, the authors summarize the established principles and techniques of fat grafting, discuss debated topics, and present both the well-established and the novel clinical applications of fat grafting.


Anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha and anti-integrin monoclonal antibodies show great benefits for inducing and maintaining remission, healing the mucosa and restoring the quality of life of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases. The therapeutic potential of these intrinsically powerful biologicals is tempered by a high variability in clinical response. Whereas primary non-response is defined as the lack of clinical response to treatment, assessed 8–12 weeks after initiation, secondary loss of response is defined as loss of clinical benefit after initially responding which can be attributed to disease-related or drug-related factors. Assays have been developed to determine the concentration of the therapeutic antibody in serum of the treated patient. The trough concentration is the concentration just before the next administration and for practical reasons therapeutic drug monitoring is mainly based on measurement of these trough concentrations. Several studies have reported correlations between through concentration of infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, vedolizumab and clinical outcome. Optimal therapeutic windows have been defined for both infliximab and adalimumab. A panel of prospective studies in which dosage regimens are adapted in order to achieve target trough infliximab concentrations that correlate with beneficial therapeutic outcomes have been initiated. Immunogenicity is the capability of biologicals to elicit an unwanted immune response that results in the formation of anti-drug antibodies. Anti-drug antibodies can be non-neutralizing or neutralizing. Non-neutralizing antibodies do not impair the drug-target interaction but may increase clearance of the drug resulting in lower serum concentrations. Neutralizing anti-drug antibodies compete with the target for the antigen-binding site and modulate directly the activity of the drug in addition to the enhanced clearance of the drug. A number of anti-drug antibody assays to quantify the immunogenicity of biologicals have been developed. Most of the assays quantify the total amount of anti-drug antibodies but comparing anti-drug antibody concentrations between different assays is hampered by the use of different calibrators and by the fact that drug tolerance differs among assays ranging from extreme drug sensitive over various forms of drug tolerant to drug resistant anti-drug antibody asssays. The clinical relevance of the different type of anti-drug antibody assays remains to be proven. Combining therapeutic drug concentrations and anti-drug antibody concentrations with relevant patient, disease and drug information will lead to optimal dosing of patients aiming at optimal clinical, biochemical and endoscopic outcomes. Disclosure of Interest A. Gils Grant/research support from: IIR grants from pfizer, Speakers bureau: speakers fee by Pfizer, MSD, Abbvie, Takeda, JnJ


Variable ordering heuristics are used in constraint satisfaction algorithms. Different characteristics of various variable ordering heuristics are complementary. Therefore we have tried to get the advantages of all heuristics to improve search algorithms performance for solving constraint satisfaction problems. This paper considers combinations based on products and quotients, and then a newer form of combination based on weighted sums of ratings from a set of base heuristics, some of which result in definite improvements in performance.


ABSTRACT A strain of Escherichia coli containing TEM-1 and CTX-M-1 was tested in an in vitro pharmacokinetic model against ceftazidime with and without AM-112, a serine β-lactamase inhibitor. Ceftazidime alone was less effective than ceftazidime plus AM-112, and a single dose was more effective than three fractionated doses.


Industries have played vital roles for economic development that enable people to create new and better livelihoods, more income, and modern life systems. However, Ethiopia has little benefited from industry sector due to limited number of industries with less advanced technologies. This study was conducted in Addis Ababa, the Capital City of Africa. Datasets were collected from 2,204 institutions through structured interview, field observation and GPS points. Datasets were entered, cleaned and analyzed using a relational database system in Visual Basic and MS-access database environment. Spatial distribution of industries indicates that only 18% of industries were found in industry zones, while 82% are outside industry zones and of which 78% of them are found in residential areas. Industrial wastes are disposed either to nearest river or open field. The findings indicate that only 10% of industries treated and disposed their wastes whereas 90% didn't treat industrial wastes but disposed to the environment. The major observed impacts were on: affecting human and animals' health, pollute surface and groundwater, pollute soil and air, trigger firing, damage ditches, block canals and cause over floods, among others. It requires concerted efforts to minimize and avoid improper waste disposal systems so as to realize economically active, environmental suitable and socially conduce capital city for its residents, tourist and business people.


Introduction : A double tooth can be a consequence of fusion or gemination and is characterized by a size increasing of the tooth and a morphological modification. This anomaly concerns the anterior teeth and occurs in temporary and permanent dentition. Double teeth causes various problems (easthetic, occlusal, endodontic, orthodontic, periodontal...). The management of clinical situations involving such abnormalities is often complex. Our aim is to present reasoned analysis based on a systematic review of therapeutic attitudes used in different clinical situations when the abnormal tooth is located at the anterior maxillary region. Material and Methods: we carried out an electronic research via Pubmed and Sciencedirect to collect case reports published during the 20 recent years (1999-2020). We included 46 articles corresponding to 57 relevant case report that we classified based on Aguilo and coll. Classification (1999). Results: Partial crown and root section is indicated for type I. Stipping is indicated for type II. The management of type III is compromised by the canal morphology. Extraoral and entraoral hemisection are only incated for type IV. Coronoplasty is usually unavoidable. Endodontic, orthodontic or periodontal treatment can be indicated depending on the situation. The extraction is considered as a last resort, the space is restored by autotransplantation of a supernumarary tooth, a prosthetic restauration or an implant by the end of the craniofacial growth. Conclusion : The managment of double teeth is a therapeutic challenge, every case is different, a multidisciplinary approach is recommended.


This essay is based on a talk at Advances in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Sciences 2020 (AAMOS20) in a symposium honoring Prof. S. T. Manson's decades-long contribution to photoabsorption studies. Quantum physics introduced into physics pairs of conjugate quantities bearing a specific complementary relationship, energy and time being one such pair. This gives rise to two alternative representations, a time-dependent and a time-independent one, seemingly very different but both capable of embracing the same physics. They give complementary descriptions and insight, with technical questions, theoretical and experimental, determining which may be the more convenient and practicable at any juncture. Two recent topics, Cooper minima in photoabsorption in Cl− and Ar, and angular-momentum barrier tunneling of f photoelectrons from Se in WSe2, provide illustrative examples, also of the role that technological developments over the past five decades played in our approach to and understanding of phenomena.


ABSTRACT Socioeconomic status (SES) differences in parenting are often implicated in widening the SES-achievement gap. Using nationally representative data (N = 12,887), the author tested for variation across SES in the types and intensity of parenting behaviors utilized and then examined SES differences in the relationship between parenting and student achievement growth from kindergarten to Grade 8. Exploratory factor analysis identifies three dimensions of early parenting: Educational engagement, stimulating parent–child interaction, and discursive discipline. Regression results indicate that all three are used most heavily by high-SES families. However, only educational engagement consistently predicts achievement growth. Surprisingly, it is positively associated with achievement for lower-, but not higher-SES students in Grades 1–8. Further, educational engagement is beneficial for low-SES children because it is particularly beneficial for low-achieving students, consistent with a compensatory hypothesis.


The authors describe the diagnosis of a rare neoplasm, a sacrococcygeal chordoma, which was suspected in view of compressive symptoms and diagnosed with the aid of endoscopic and x-ray methods (barium enema and CT). Diagnosis was confirmed at surgery.


Semantics: A Reader contains a broad selection of classic articles on semantics and the semantics/pragmatics interface. Comprehensive in the variety and breadth of theoretical frameworks and topics that it covers, it includes articles representative of the major theoretical frameworks within semantics, including: discourse representation theory, dynamic predicate logic, truth theoretic semantics, event semantics, situation semantics, and cognitive semantics. All the major topics in semantics are covered, including lexical semantics and the semantics of quantified noun phrases, adverbs, adjectives, performatives, and interrogatives. Included are classic papers in the field of semantics as well as papers written especially for the volume. The volume comes with an extensive introduction designed not only to provide an overview of the field, but also to explain the technical concepts the beginner will need to tackle before the more demanding articles. Semantics will have appeal as a textbook for upper level and graduate courses and as a reference for scholars of semantics who want the classic articles in their field in one convenient place.


During the chemical synthesis nanometer-sized particles of ferrous iron oxide were in situ infiltrated into the mesopores in a porous silicon film. The microstructures of porous silicon and the magnetic properties of the nanometer-sized particles of the ferrous iron oxide were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and the hysteresis loop measurement, respectively. Our results have demonstrated that the magnetic properties of the nanometer-sized Fe3O4 particles can be dramatically modified when they are confined into the mesopores of the porous silicon film.


ABSTRACT A new, simple method is presented for deriving the instability potential of thin plates, based on the equilibrium conditions and constitutive law for incremental forces considering the geometric nonlinear effect. First, the equations of equilibrium are established for the plate at the last calculated C1 and current deformed C2 states, from which the equilibrium equations for the incremental forces at C2 are derived. Then, the incremental forces are derived as the summation of two parts: (1) the part from the increase of the Cauchy stresses at C1 to the 2nd Piola-Kirchhoff stresses at C2, which are related to the strain increments and derivable from the linear constitutive; and (2) the part by the difference between the 2nd Piola-Kirchhoff and 1st Piola-Kirchhoff stresses, which are related to the cross-sectional forces at C1 and rigid displacements. Based on the previous concept, the rigid body rule and coordinate indifference of tensor expressions, the constitutive law for incremental forces including the geometric nonlinear effect is derived. Further, by the variational principle, the following instability potentials are derived: δUGB caused by the balance conditions for initial forces, δUGC caused by the constitutive law for incremental forces, and δUGR caused by the rotation of boundary moments. Consequently, the total instability potential is presented for the plate in the virtual work form. The present approach is self-explanatory, which requires only simple integration operations. Moreover, the two essential conditions are satisfied: equilibrium conditions for incremental forces and rigid body rule. Numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the rationality of the present plate theory compared with the conventional one.


Detailed analysis of the rearrangement and expression of two mouse Vkappa genes has been used to examine B cell repertoire development. The Vkappa1-A gene is used by a large proportion (9.6%) of splenic B cells in the adult primary repertoire, whereas the Vkappa22 gene is used at a much lower frequency (0.16%). Consistent with these results, quantitative PCR (Q-PCR) assays revealed that the number of splenic B cells with rearranged Vkappa1-A genes is much greater than the number with rearranged Vkappa22 genes. Q-PCR was also performed on both normal bone marrow pre-B cells and transformed pre-B cells induced to rearrange their kappa loci at high frequency. In contrast to splenic B cell rearrangements, the numbers of Vkappa1-A and Vkappa22 rearrangements in pre-B cells differ by only two- or threefold, suggesting that the intrinsic rearrangement frequencies of these two Vkappa genes are not significantly different. Further evidence of disproportionate selection was obtained by comparing the percentages of productive rearrangements amplified from genomic splenic DNA. Sequence analysis showed 84% (37 of 44) of the Vkappa1-A rearrangements but only 57% (29 of 51) of the Vkappa22 rearrangements to be in-frame. Together these results suggest that B cells expressing Vkappa1-A-encoded light chains are preferentially selected either in the periphery or in the transition from pre-B to B cell. Sequence data also reveal a surprisingly restricted diversity of VJ junctions, apparently due to biases introduced by the rearrangement mechanism.


The study area is located at northeast of Neyshabour in the Khorasan Razavi Province, northwest Arghash Gold Mine. The rocks of area are composed of polutonic to subvolcanic units with acidintermediate in composition. They consist of granodiorite, diorite and granite. Alteration zones are: propylitic, sericitic, silicified and argillic. In the study area, mineralization is divided into two types: primary and secondary. The Primary mineralization consists of disseminated type in intrusive bodies (syngentic) and vein-type mineralization in fault zones (epygentic). Pyrite is recognized in dioritic and granitic intrusive as disseminated.The veintype mineralization consists of chalcopyrite, pyrite, quartz and calcite minerals which are related to NE-SW, NW-SE, E-W fault zones dipping 60 degree. Secondary minerals in the study area are malachite, azurite, hematite, goethite and covellite. Geochemical study in the area shows anomalies for Cu, Pb and Zn in primery and secondary geochemistry halos. High concentration of Cu, Zn and Pb in stream sediments samples are 124, 85 and 38 ppm and in rock samples are 2200, 336 and 589 ppm respectively. Based on present of disseminated mineralization in the surface and undersurface Arghash area, present of vein-type mineralization Au and Sb in the arghash area and present of vein-type mineralization in the fault Zone in the study area, present of geochemistry halos for Cu ,Zn ,Pb in the study ares and surrounded, probably Arghash area can be vein-type mineralization ralatad to copper porphyry system in this area.


3,3-5-L-Triiodothyronine (T(3)) exerts significant protection against ischemia-reperfusion (IR) liver injury in rats. Considering that the underlying mechanisms are unknown, the aim of this study was to assess the involvement of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and oxidative stress in T(3) preconditioning (PC). Male Sprague-Dawley rats given a single dose of 0.1 mg of T(3)/kg were subjected to 1-hour ischemia followed by 20 hours reperfusion, in groups of animals pretreated with 0.5 g of N-acetylcysteine (NAC)/kg 0.5-hour prior to T3 or with the respective control vehicles. At the end of the reperfusion period, liver samples were taken for analysis of iNOS mRNA levels (RT-PCR), liver NOS activity, and hepatic histology. T(3) protected against hepatic IR injury, with 119% enhancement in liver iNOS mRNA/18S rRNA ratios (p<0.05) and 12.7-fold increase (p<0.05) in NOS activity in T(3)-treated animals subjected to IR over values in control-sham operated rats, with a net 7.7-fold enhancement (p<0.05) in the net effect of T(3) on liver iNOS expression and a net enhancement of 0.58 units in NOS activity, changes that were abolished by NAC treatment before T(3). It is concluded that T(3)-induced liver PC is associated with upregulation of iNOS expression as a protective mechanisms against IR injury, which is achieved through development of transient and reversible oxidative stress.


The peaks to trough distributions of nonlinear high sea waves in bi-modal sea states are investigated. The statistical distribution of wave height is firstly investigated by considering the Boccotti's distribution, where the parameters of the distribution are calculated for some bimodal spectra of sea states recorded in the Atlantic Ocean. The nonlinear crest and trough distributions are then obtained particularizing for two peaked spectra the second-order Fedele & Arena distribution, which depends upon two parameters. The results have been finally validated by means of Monte Carlo simulations of nonlinear random waves with bimodal spectra.Copyright © 2007 by ASME


The intensities of the fundamental and overtone vibration bands of the OH group in some phenols and alcohols have been determined. Variations in the relative intensities of the fundamental and overtone for different molecules are explained by differences in electrical anharmonicity. Using reasonable approximations, expressions have been derived for the relation between bond dipole and bond length in the region of the equilibrium position, and a theoretical consideration of the O—H bond in water has been used to decide between alternative solutions.


s 233 developed only runners and the control S. alba x 5. fragilis first roots and later branchlets. The creative, economic and environmental applications of willow


The engine-compressors GMVH types are used in the national gas trans mission system in Poland. There is a danger of scuffing of the working components of the e ngine-compressor particular pistons and cylinders during the process of their exploitation. The growth of resistance in motion parts of the machine is the main symptom of t he scuffing. In the cinematic system of the engi ne-compressor where the engine and compressor are fully mechanically integrated it is impossible to assess the power of mechanical friction without stopping the machine. But if the enginecompressor is equipped with a cylinder pressure measuring system it is possible t o determine the indicated power of all compressor and engine cylinders and assess the friction losses as a difference between the sum of the engi ne's cylinders indicated power and the sum of the compress or's cylinders indicated power. In the differential measurements of absolute values measuring errors are a ccumulated so c onsiderable uncertainty of the measured parameter is expected. The accuracy of the friction power losses assessment met hod is not sufficient for research purposes. However, despite the expected significant errors, assessed parameters trends observation should allow to detect of rapid changes of machine technical condition caused by piton scuffing. To ensure th e sense of this met hod a precise measurements and in particular the error consistency of indicated pressure assessment of all cylinders i n long time period are necessary. The experience from engine-compressors monitoring and diagnostic system services, the main sources of errors and methods for their minimization are described in the paper.


This study sheds light on the effects of policies that introduce competition into the marketplace of the provision of government services. The outcomes indicate that both nonprofit and government market share in a state are negatively affected by for-profit entry, a substitution relationship. The framing of the article in the New Public Management era and the Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 provides context in which to assess the policy consequences in hospice care. Given the budgetary challenges and growing cost of health care, this analysis begins a discussion of the effects of for-profit entry into the provision of government services, providing a glimpse into what the future holds for hospice care in the reforms of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of 2010.


The use of cover crops in no-tillage systems can provide better conditions for the development of soybean plants with positive effects on grain yield and growth analysis techniques allow researchers to characterize and understand the behavior of soybean plants under different straw covers. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterize, using growth analysis, yield components and agronomic performance of soybean under common bean, Brachiaria brizantha and pearl millet straws. The experiment was performed on a soil under cerrado in the municipality of Santo Antonio de Goias, GO. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with three treatments (cover crops) and five replications. Soybean grain yield was lower in the B. brizantha straw treatment (3,708 kg ha -1 ) than both in the pearl millet (4.772 kg ha -1 ) and common bean straw treatments (5,200 kg ha -1 ). The soybean growth analysis in B. brizantha, pearl millet and common bean allowed characterizing the variation in the production of dry matter of leaves, stems, pods and total and leaf area index that provided different grain yields. The cover crop directly affects the soybean grain yield.


A uniform-sized molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for β-estradiol has been prepared using 4-vinylpyridine and ethylenedimethacrylate as a functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. The molecular recognition properties of the MIP were evaluated by HPLC using a mixture of phosphate buffer and acetonitrile as the eluent. The MIP showed the highest selectivity for β-estradiol. The MIP could efficiently separate estrogens from other steroids such as testosterone and corticosterone, and could separate estrogens one another.


Major, trace and rare earth elements (REE) concentrations in limestone beds of the Canova and El Caloso members of the Mural Formation in the Cerro Caloso Pitaycachi area were measured to understand the depositional conditions and source of REE. Contents of SiO2 and Al2O3 and concentrations of Zr, Y and Th are higher in the Canova member than in El Caloso member, whereas the content of CaO is comparable in both members. The sum of REE content however is low in both the Canova (10.4 ± 2.6, n=12) and El Caloso (3.4 ± 2.1, n=2) members. These values indicate that carbonate sedimentation of the Canova and El Caloso possess seawater-like shale-normalized REE+Y patterns with 1) light REE depletion (NdN/YbN = 0.74 ± 0.08, n=12; 0.58 ± 0.2, n=2; respectively), 2) both negative and positive Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce* : 0.81–1.10, 0.94 ± 0.10, n=12; Ce/Ce* : 0.60 to 0.91, 0.76 ± 0.22, n=2; respectively), and 3) superchondritic Y/Ho ratio (33.5 ± 4.0, n=12; 40.4 ± 8, n=2; respectively). The observed variations in Ce contents and Ce anomalies in the studied samples resulted from detrital input and scavenging processes. The limestones show positive Mn* values (0.439 to 0.850) and low contents of U (~0.35–1.70 ppm) and authigenic U (0.31–1.57 ppm) suggesting that they were deposited under oxygen-rich environment. The REE+Y patterns of the Canova samples are identical to those of Late Devonian carbonate sediments whereas the El Caloso samples are comparable to Holocene reefal microbalite with slight light REE depletion. This suggests that the limestones from Canova and El Caloso members possibly retained their original seawater-like REE patterns. The observed variability in REE content and REE+Y pattern is due to the presence of minor amounts of detrital materials in some samples. The present study reveals that the limestones still retain their original seawater-like pattern, provided that shale contamination was least (<5%), and they serve as a seawater proxy.


Since 1997, the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta, was hit by five major floods. In January of 2013 the Pluit polder, with 215.000 residents, in the north of Jakarta was hit by a severe flood. One of the causes of the flooding was the failure at the Pluit pumping station. A few hours after the flooding all the three pumping houses at the Pluit pumping station were broke down. The waduk (lake) in front of the pumping station was not able to store the total amount of water that was flowing towards waduk Pluit. As a result, a great part of the Pluit polder was inundated. This event raised the question if the storage capacity of the Pluit polder is sufficient. The research is done about what measures are required to let the Pluit polder meet the current applicable design criteria regarding the storage- and pumping capacity.
By studying several documents original design criteria and current design criteria are examined. Amongst these documents was the "Flood control manual" by W-E-R Agra Limited in 1993 and the "Masterplan for drainage and flood control for Jakarta" by NEDECO in 1973. The first document is made to create a more consistent approach in the Public Works departments in Indonesia. The second document is the original design plan for the Pluit polder and includes information about the design criteria used when the polder was initially designed.
Thereafter the current situation in the Pluit polder is analyzed. This is done by field trips towards some of the pumping stations, gates and drains in Pluit. These fieldtrips created a global understanding of the drainage system. The technical details about the capacities and standard operation procedures of the pumping stations were found in documents of Dinas Pekerjaan Umum. From the Flood Hazard Mapping (FHM) model by Deltares mostly geographical information about gates and pumping stations is taken. The technical information from DPU was compared to the FHM and some corrections in the FHM were made.
With all the gathered information and the FHM model, the discharges towards the pumping stations are calculated. With the discharges and the pumping capacities of the pumping stations known, the amount of water that has to be stored is calculated. From these results it becomes clear if the current design still meets the applicable design criteria.
The drainage system in the Pluit polder is originally designed with return periods of 2 years for the minor drainage system and 25 years for the major drainage system. In Pluit, the minor drainage system consists of all the drains except for some designated rivers (the kali Cideng, kali Besar and AK Ciliwung Kota). Dinas Pekerjaan Umum (DPU) still uses the same return periods for the major drainage system. For the minor drainage system they use a 10- or 25-year return period, depending on the local situation (obstacles can be illegal housing, high land prices etc.).
In the Pluit polder are three major pumping stations (pompa Pluit (now 34 m3/s, in the future 49 m3/s), pompa Cideng (40.2 m3/s) and pompa Melati (13.6 m3/s). In the future the pumps of Pasar Ikan (30 m3/s) and Duri (6 m3) will be build. The system exists of several sub drainage systems which are connected by gates. These gates will be opened towards Pluit when the water level in another sub drainage system will become too high.
The pumping stations and the storage capacities in the Pluit polder are enough to handle a 25-year rainfall return event and therefore meet the design criteria. In the current situation there is 8.35 m3/s of unused pumping and storage capacity (calculated to a 24-hour pumping capacity). In the future situation this will be 30.2 m3/s. This means in the future situation a total pumping capacity of 30.2 m3/s can break down and Pluit will still meet the design criteria.
Since the storage and pumping capacities in the Pluit polder are enough to handle a 25-year return period with still some backup capacities left, it is recommended to DPU that the future focus should be on the maintenance of the pumping stations and waduks instead of building new pumping stations and waduks. As long as the current system is functioning as it should be, the Pluit polder meet the 25-year return period. If the parts of the system are not fully functioning, it is not guaranteed that the system will meet the design criteria.


An 18 year old woman with congenital hemihypertrophy of her left side, presented with the rapid onset of virilism, hypertension and a cushingoid appearance. A computed tomographic examination revealed adrenal and hepatic masses. Adrenocortical carcinoma was confirmed by surgical pathology. Hemihypertrophy is linked to a variety of benign and malignant disorders that usually appear during childhood. These disorders include adrenocortical carcinoma and hepatoblastoma. We bring this case to clinical attention to increase awareness that adult patients with congenital hemihypertrophy are still at a significant risk of developing neoplasms.


Direction-of-arrival (DoA) estimation of electromagnetic (EM) waves impinging on a spherical antenna array in short time windows is examined in this paper. Reflected EM signals due to non-line-of-sight propagation measured with a spherical antenna array can be coherent and/or highly correlated in a snapshot. This makes spectral-based methods inefficient. Spectral methods, such as maximum likelihood (ML) methods, multiple signal classification (MUSIC), and beamforming methods, are theoretically and systematically investigated in this study. MUSIC is an approach used for frequency estimation and radio direction finding, ML is a technique used for estimating the parameters of an assumed probability distribution for given observed data, and PWD applies a Fourier transform to the capture response and produces them in the frequency domain. Although they have been previously adapted and used to estimate DoA of EM signals impinging on linear and planar antenna array configurations, this paper investigates their suitability and effectiveness for a spherical antenna array. Various computer simulations were conducted, and plots of root-mean-square error (RMSE) against the square root of the Cramér–Rao lower bound (CRLB) were generated and used to evaluate the performance of each method. Numerical experiments and results from measured data show the degree of appropriateness and efficiency of each method. For instance, the techniques exhibit identical performance to that in the wideband scenario when the frequency f = 8 GHz, f = 16 GHz, and f = 32 GHz, but f = 16 GHz performs best. This indicates that the difference between the covariance matrix of the signal is coherent and that the steering vectors of signals impinging from that angle are small. MUSIC and PWD share the same problems in the single-frequency scenario as in the wideband scenario when the delay sample d = 0. Consequently, the DoA estimation obtained with ML techniques is more suitable, less biased, and more robust against noise than beamforming and MUSIC techniques. In addition, deterministic ML (DML) and weighted subspace fitting (WSF) techniques show better DoA estimation performance than the stochastic ML (SML) technique. For a large number of snapshots, WSF is a better choice because it is more computationally efficient than DML. Finally, the results obtained indicate that WSF and ML methods perform better than MUSIC and PWD for the coherent or partially correlated signals studied.


Everyone has their own personal struggles, and we are in the habit, for better or for worse, of powering through them. But is that the right approach? Sleep deprivation, anxiety, depression, to name but a few, are frighteningly commonplace amongst the general populace. To deny that these conditions exist in the workplace would seem to be foolish. The important question is, is this reality acknowledged? Are there support structures in place to help us address mental health issues when they arise? After all, healthier employees are in everyone's best interest: company, client, and of course, the individuals themselves. This panel will be comprised of members of the SIGUCCS community who currently experience, or have experienced, some form of mental health issue that they feel has had an impact on their professional (and personal) lives. We'll talk about how these conditions manifested themselves, the impact that they had or are having on our work, and what we did or are doing to address them. We'll also talk about the importance of support structures in our workplace, whether they existed in our personal experiences or not. Please join us in what we hope to be a safe environment for an important conversation.


INTRODUCTION
Biopsy and histological evaluation of sentinel lymphatic node limits the axillary node dissection only in cases of positive histological finding and decreases the occurrence of postoperative complications related to the axillary node dissection.

METHODS
We used radiotracer SentiScint, Medi-Radiopharma Ltd, Hungary and preoperatively administered blue dye--Blue Patenté V, Guebert, Aulnay-Sous-Bios, France. 11 (18%) patients were subdued to deep peritimorous application of radiotracer, 10 (16.4%) to sub/intradermal application over the lesions and n 40 (65.6%) patients the application was sub/intradermal and periareolar. The patients underwent an operation protocol of corresponding quadrantectomy, radionavigated blue-dye sentinel node biopsy and axillary dissection.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS
From May 2006 to June 2008, we examined 61 patients with breast carcinoma. They underwent radionavigated and blue-dye sentinel node biopsy. We detected 57 (93.4%) sentinel nodes with preoperative scintigraphy, of which only 51 (83.6%) were detected peroperatively and underwent histological evaluation. In six (9.8%) cases, the "frozen cut" histology of the primary lesion had shown a benign lesion; hence no sentinel node biopsy or axillary disection was performed. 12 (19.7%) of 51 histologically evaluated sentinel nodes had metastatic invasion. We retrospectively compared the histological fund in sentinel and axillary nodes in patients with metastatic sentinel nodes. In 6 (16.6%) cases, the sentinel node was positive of metastatic invasion but axillary nodes were histologically negative, in 6 (16.6%) cases the sentinel node and axillary nodes were positive for metastatic invasion. We observed falsely negative findings in 3 (8.3%) patients with negative histological fund in the sentinel node, but positive axillary nodes (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 11). Full Text (Free, PDF) www.bmj.sk.


Improving transition metal-nitrogen-carbon (M-N-C) as a noble-metal-free catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is critical to achieve low-cost electrochemical energy conversion. Herein, an in situ S doping strategy of enhancing Fe-N-C activity for ORR was developed by newly designed Fe(II) ion coordinated S-containing bis(imino)-pyridine-based polymers as precursors, which were synthesized through copolymerizing three monomers of 2, 6-diacetylpyridine (DAP), triamterene (TIT), and 2,5-dithiobiurea (DTB) as both N and S sources. All samples derived from various molar ratios of the three monomers possess a self-supporting structure of nanosheets. Additionally, incorporating DTB into the copolymer can not only strongly affect the derived coordinative species of N dopants to Fe atom but also effectively induce the synergistic effect between S dopants and FeNx moieties, resulting a significant improvement for ORR. The S-doped Fe-N-C nansheets with Fe coordinated by 4 pyrrolic N dopants exhibit the highest ORR activity and stability in alkaline media with a higher power output of Zn-air battery than that of the same loading of Pt/C. Theoretical calculation identifies that the thiophenic S dopant adjacent to Fe-pyrrolic N moiety can decrease the d band center of Fe atom, greatly weakening the energy profiles of oxygenated intermediates and thus enhancing ORR. In addition, because of the designability of transition metal coordinated S-containing bis(imino)-pyridine based polymers in the work, therefore, it is believable that this strategy would open a wide space to explore the structural relationship between precursors and MNx active sites with S dopants for the purpose of achieving highly efficient and robust M-N-C catalysts for energy-related electrocatalysis.


R.E.A.L. therapy is a novel approach that merges rational emotive and logotherapy techniques in a creative manner for families. This model teaches skills aimed at enhancing meaning and attachment in the family, building social literacy skills and personal insight through emotion recognition, and addressing negative thinking patterns through evidence testing. As traditional "talk therapy" may exclude young children from participating in family psychotherapy, the hands-on activities presented in this article may serve to engage the whole family in the therapy process.


Evaluation trenching was carried out in January and February 1998 on the site of the proposed Wellcome Trust Genome Centre Campus Extension, Hinxton Hall, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire. Archaeological field evaluation confirmed the survival of archaeological features, many of which had previously been identified from cropmarks and geophysical survey data. The evaluation showed that these remains mostly date from the late Iron Age through to the late Saxon periods.

The earliest archaeology present within the development area consists of a general background scatter of Neolithic, Bronze Age and Iron Age flint work which lies within the topsoil or later archaeological features. The earliest farmstead comprising post built structures, pits, boundaries, midden deposits infilling ditches and enclosures. Early Romano-British archaeology continues the Iron Age land use pattern, although at a later date in the period pitting and quarrying for the extraction of sands and gravels occurs along the riverside. Land to the east appears to continue as a zone of agricultural activity.

During the late Saxon, and possibly earlier, a discrete zone of pitting occurs along the riverside within the smaller of the Iron Age enclosures. Trackways from the Saxon settlement at Hinxton Hall link the two activity areas.

The evaluation has helped to identify important elements of the Iron Age , Roman and Saxon landscapes which, if studied in greater detail will help us to understand the activity zones, their inter-relationships and their temporal and spatial transformations.


The survey is devoted to the multidimensional generalization of the Riemann zeta function as a function of a positive integral argument.


Analysis of original and literary data permits to conclude that the life cycle in Orthonectida may be characterized as a monohost--monoxenous one, including regular interchange of three generations: asexual and parthenogenetic ones, which are represented by parasitic plasmodiums, and sexual generation, represented by free living and non-feeding males and females or, rarely, hermaphrodites. The sexual individuals are bilaterial, while the parasitic ones are anaxonic. The life cycle of Orthonectida includes the agamic reproduction, apomictic parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction regularly following one another. The life cycle of Orthonectida can be considered as a combination of metagenesis and heterogony. So far, such combination has not been described in any group of metazoan parasites.


Extract A previous paper by McFarlane et al. (1952a ) has recorded the presence in New Zealand of a type of abortion in sheep due to infection by a weakly acid-fast Gram-negative bacillus, and characterized pathologically by widespread lesions in the foetal membranes. It was later shown (McFarlane et al., 1952b ) that a morphologically similar organism is associated with lesions in the genitalia of the ram. Successful experimental transmission has been reported from ram to ram and from ram to ewe using suspensions of organisms obtained from naturally occurring cases of the epididymitis complex in rams (N..Z Dept. Agric., 1951–52, and McFarlane et al., 1952b ). The detailed bacteriology of this organism has been studied by Buddle and Boyes (1953), who showed that the organism obtained from infected ram genitalia is identical with that obtained from infected foetal membranes.


The linear amplification with nonlinear components (LINC) transmitter is an architecture that provides linear amplification using nonlinear but power efficient amplifiers. The signal component separator (SCS) is a crucial signal processing function of LINC. It forms two constant-amplitude phase-modulated signal components from the input signal. Due to the nonlinear signal processing involved, digital signal processing (DSP) implementation of the SCS at baseband has so far been assumed to be the best choice although it suffers from matching, bandwidth and power consumption problems. In this paper a new SCS architecture based on analog integrated circuit techniques is presented to avoid the disadvantages in a DSP based realization. A 200-MHz IF SCS chip using the proposed architecture was designed and fabricated in a 0.8 /spl mu/m BiCMOS process. An experimental LINC transmitter was built with the SCS chip, nonlinear amplifiers and a power combiner. Test results showed that spurious levels around -50 dBc could be obtained with a /spl pi//4-shifted DQPSK modulated North American Digital Cellular (NADC) signal. This implies a high degree of linearity in the implemented LINC transmitter.


The occurrence of several pandemics in recent decades has posed a significant threat to human and animal health. The COVID-19 pandemic, which rapidly spread to 187 countries, has caused significant economic disruption in various industries, including the dairy industry. The dairy industry has been affected by supply chain disruptions, consumer behavior changes, and global demand shifts due to the pandemic. The present review aims to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly from the dairy farm level, and propose strategies for mitigating the effects of future global crisis events. The dairy industry, a major source of income for many dairy herds, was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The consumption patterns of milk and dairy products underwent substantial alterations, leading to decreased profitability of dairy farms due to disruptions in the supply chain, increased transportation costs resulting from transportation restrictions, and a shift in consumer purchasing behavior. These factors collectively resulted in reduced revenue from selling milk and dairy products. Heifer replacement considerations also impacted the economic viability of dairy farms. The pandemic caused a shortage of meat (beef, pork, poultry) and a surplus of milk. In addition to the abovementioned factors, the COVID-19 pandemic also impacted other economic indicators, such as gross returns from the sale of culled dairy animals and dairy feed costs. These impacts further amplified the financial challenges faced by the dairy industry and dairy farmers, underscoring the need for robust mitigation strategies and resilient policies to minimize the economic impact of pandemics and other crises. In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted the dairy industry, affecting supply chains and international commerce. Governments are encouraged to implement measures to mitigate the impact of future pandemics on the dairy sector. The authors of this review propose several recommendations for dairy farmers and veterinarians to increase their resilience in the face of future outbreaks. These recommendations include sourcing feed from reliable local farms, acquiring internet connectivity equipment to facilitate communication during travel restrictions, maintaining a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment, incorporating mechanization in farm operations, stockpiling essential veterinary medications and vaccines, and training technicians to perform veterinary procedures in emergencies when veterinary services are unavailable.


This paper proposed a vibration driven energy harvesting platform based on piezoelectric material. A new maximum power point tracking (MPPT) method for this platform is also presented. This platform harvests ambient vibration energy as its power source, and is capable of self-starting, and self-powered operation without the need of a battery. The proposed MPPT methodology consumes very little power, and is especially suitable for the environments, where ambient harvested power is very low. System modeling, analysis, and implementation are developed. Simulation results show that the power harvesting efficiency with the proposed MPPT scheme is higher than 90% and the power utilization efficiency of the overall platform is higher than 50%.


ABSTRACT Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), the Mediterranean fruit fly (medfly), is one of the most important fruit pests worldwide. The medfly is a polyphagous species that causes losses in many crops, which leads to huge economic losses. Entomopathogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus have been proven to be safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective tools to control pest populations. As no control method for C. capitata based on these bacteria has been developed, isolation of novel strains is needed. Here, we report the isolation of 115 bacterial strains and the results of toxicity screening with adults and larvae of C. capitata. As a result of this analysis, we obtained a novel Bacillus pumilus strain, strain 15.1, that is highly toxic to C. capitata larvae. The toxicity of this strain for C. capitata was related to the sporulation process and was observed only when cultures were incubated at low temperatures before they were used in a bioassay. The mortality rate for C. capitata larvae ranged from 68 to 94% depending on the conditions under which the culture was kept before the bioassay. Toxicity was proven to be a special characteristic of the newly isolated strain, since other B. pumilus strains did not have a toxic effect on C. capitata larvae. The results of the present study suggest that B. pumilus 15.1 could be considered a strong candidate for developing strategies for biological control of C. capitata.


Visual anthropologists are aware that we can effectively use cameras (photo or video) as methodological devices. We can document events, create relationships, and present our findings in visual format. But few of us have discussed the conceptual capacity of the images we create in ethnographic research. Taking MacDougall's argument that images produce a different kind of knowledge, I use the example of a film I made about a Brazilian immigrant in Lisbon to explore how the process of filming has helped me to conceptualize some of my ethnography. I contend that the double potential of images (as indexes and icons) can result in a specific mode of analytical approach. In the case I highlight here, filming Eugenia's first visit back home has made us both realize the transformative nature of this event to her perception and practice of homemaking.


The research of AR –technology in learning has indicated promising results, such as increased content understanding and student motivation. However, difficulties are reported as well, for example attention tunneling and usability difficulties. (for a review, see Radu 2014) Religious buildings offer a rich and authentic environment for learning about religion and understanding the surrounding culture. In an experiment with elementary school pupils (age 11-12) we wanted to explore the possibilities of augmented reality in creating a holistic learning environment in a church. Augmented reality proved a versatile tool for learning about church, biblical texts and doctrinal contents as well as learning of 21st century skills. The experiment also pinpointed challenges that need to be taken into account when designing augmented reality learning environments in a church.


Background: Direct-acting oral anticoagulants are indicated for the treatment of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation, but their use in patients after undergoing cardiac surgery is poorly defined despite a high prevalence of postoperative atrial fibrillation in this population. Methods: Patients diagnosed with postoperative atrial fibrillation were prospectively randomized to warfarin or apixaban. Safety, efficacy, and economic outcomes were evaluated until their 4- to 6-week postoperative appointment. Results: While this pilot study was not powered to determine a difference in safety or efficacy, adverse event rates were similar to the published literature. It was noted that a patient's course of therapy when utilizing apixaban was significantly less costly than warfarin when including medication, bridging, and laboratory expenses. Conclusion: Apixaban and warfarin both appeared to be safe and effective for anticoagulation throughout the duration of this pilot study in treating postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting. Apixaban was associated with significantly less expense when bridging and monitoring costs were included in addition to medication expense.


Hans Christian Andersen's story 'The Little Mermaid' is read as a creation myth and a metaphor for woman's condition in patriarchy, broadly conceptualised within a Lacanian framework. In the first part, the psychoanalytic concept of castration (broadly conceptualised as containing any existential severance which forms the basis for sexual difference and subjectivity) is utilised to argue that the myth is about a construction of (mostly female) subjectivity through a series of separations or splits: (1) birth, (2) growing up, (3) desire and (4) death. Birth and death are read as representing real separations. Growing up is read as structured around a symbolic castration of tongue and voice, while desire is read as structured around lack. In the second part the ideological implications of Disney's adaptation of the original for its symbolic status are explored. It is argued that by simplifying and externalising internal complex conflicts in the Andersen story, Disney's version reduces the myth to a fairy tale, and reproduces the ideology of romantic love.


We propose a new, unified approach to solving jump-diffusion partial integro-differential equations (PIDEs), which often appear in mathematical finance. Our method consists of the following steps. First, a second-order operator splitting on financial processes (diffusion and jumps) is applied to these PIDEs. To solve the diffusion equation, we use standard finite-difference methods, which for multidimensional problems could also include splitting on various dimensions. For the jump part, we transform the jump integral into a pseudo-differential operator. Then, for various jump models, we show how to construct an appropriate first- and second order approximation on a grid that supersets the grid we used for the diffusion part. These approximations make the scheme unconditionally stable in time and preserve the positivity of the solution, which is computed either via a matrix exponential or via a Pade approximation of the matrix exponent. Various numerical experiments are provided to justify these results.


OBJECTIVES
Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C)and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-3 (VEGFR-3) in laryngeal squamous carcinoma and its relationship to lymph node metastasis were investigated.

METHODS
VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 gene expression in 30 cases of normal laryngeal mucosa tissue (NLM), primary laryngeal carcinoma cell carcinomas (PLC) and cervical lymph nodes (CLN) was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Protein levels of VEGF-C expression were determined by immunohistochemical staining in 60 cases of PLC.

RESULTS
Expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 different among NLM, PLC and CLN in the same patient. In PLC, expression was significantly higher in lymph node positive group than in the lymph node negative group and associated with histological grade of differentiation; Expression of VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 was not linked with age, sex, site or T stage.

CONCLUSIONS
A close correlation was found between VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 expression and lymph node metastasis in PLC, suggesting a role in metastasis of laryngeal carcinomas.


The reflection and refraction of plane magnetohydrodynamic waves at an interface separating two different media is studied for various orientations of the external magnetic field. It is pointed out that by making use of trace velocity plots it is a simple matter to determine the nature and disposition of the reflected and refracted waves which are generated by an incident wave of any given species.


Abstract : "We are today a Nation at risk to a new and changing threat."1 With these opening remarks to the National Security Strategy for Homeland Security, President George W. Bush simplified the terrorism problem facing the United States (U.S.) today - - a problem that intensified after the 11 September 2001 attacks. The demand to find solutions to this problem, and make the U.S. more secure from terrorist attacks, may result in an increased domestic security role for the U.S. military. However, the Posse Comitatus Act (PCA) limits the domestic use of the military. In light of the recently activated U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Northern Command, should the Posse Comitatus Act be repealed or amended? This paper will examine the debate concerning the PCA by explaining the founding origins of the PCA; the current PCA and its amendments focusing in particular on what the PCA specifically permits and prohibits; implementation problems for the U.S. military; the arguments for and against changing the PCA; examining the people and process involved in the debate concerning the PCA; and lastly providing a proposal for change.


The high impact of predators on breeding success has favored the evolution of diverse behavioral strategies that enhance both individual survivorship and reproductive success. Self- and nest-defense against predators are inter-related behaviors that vary according to life history traits and the risks involved in defense. In addition, interpopulation differences in the composition of predator guilds, and hence predation pressures, may result in geographic variation in antipredator defense strategies. It is generally accepted that the absence of predators could drive the loss of antipredator behavior. However, it is unclear how species respond if one type of predator (e.g., a specialized nest predator) is absent but others are present. The multipredator hypothesis suggests that the absence of only a few predators is not sufficient to drive a change or loss of antipredator behavior in a species. We examined interpopulation variation in defense behavior in the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a suboscine bird inhabiting a wide latitudinal range in southern South America. In populations where nest predators were either present or absent, we examined the responses of rayaditos to an adult predator (an owl) and to a nest predator (a marsupial). Owl-defense behavior involved more intense and longer responses than marsupial-defense. This suggests that adult rayaditos may allocate more energy to defend themselves than their young. However, because the presence of adult predators near the nest also prevents parents from feeding the nestlings, owl-defense may simultaneously represent a form of nest-defense. No differences in marsupial-defense were found among the three sampled populations, despite the absence of native mammalian nest predators in one population. The lack of variation in nest-defense behavior provides some support for the multipredator hypothesis, although the high interpopulation gene flow in this species could also contribute to this behavior's maintenance.


The purpose of this study was to investigate instruction provided in band and orchestra literature as part of undergraduate music education curricula at member institutions of the National Association of Schools of Music. A survey of institutions with accredited music education degree programs indicated that instruction in band and orchestra literature occurred in the following manner: Within Another Required Course (63.4%), Through a Required Literature Course (24.4%), and Through an Elective Literature Course (19.5%). For those institutions indicating instruction through another required course, the ranking of those courses types was: Methods Courses (46.5%), Conducting Courses (39.5%), Ensembles (7%), Practicum (4.7%) and Other (2.3%). A comparison of the number of credit hours required for the music education degree, the number of credit hours awarded for the courses, and the percentage of time dedicated to literature instruction, indicated that 0.7% of the total required degree hours were used to discuss literature. A similar comparison indicated that respondents with a required literature course dedicated 2.7% of the total required degree hours to literature instruction. Credit hours earned for elective literature courses accounted for 1.9% of the total degree hours. Respondents indicated an average of 22.3% of music education majors enrolled in the elective courses. Survey questions regarding instructional techniques indicated that Listening, Score Study, and Classroom Discussion were most frequently used. Survey questions regarding curricular content indicated some consistency among responses to provided lists, but a wider variety in content on free response questions. The implication of the study is that a relatively small percentage of time is being dedicated to instruction in the band and orchestra literature that serves as the core of most public school music programs, and, while some consistency exists among curricular content, enough subjective differences exist to warrant additional literature study within undergraduate degree programs.


Research to date has been equivocal on the relationship between firesetting and psychopathology and has been impeded by studies lacking adequate control samples. The present study examined psychopathology in a sample of incarcerated adult male firesetters (n = 112) and prison controls (n = 113) using the Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory-III. Firesetters demonstrated multiple elevated scores on personality and clinical syndrome scales. Logistic regression showed that the borderline personality scale was the strongest personality scale discriminator between firesetters and controls. Major depression and drug dependence were the strongest clinical syndrome scale predictors. However, both clinical syndrome scale predictors appeared to be mediated by borderline personality scores indicating that firesetters are best characterized by responding indicative of borderline personality traits rather than other psychopathological deficits. The results suggest that, relative to other offenders, firesetters face challenges with impulse control, affect regulation, stability of interpersonal relationships, and self-image.