Academic literature on the topic '346.440 23'

Smart textile structures such as sensor yarns provide real possibility for in situ structural health monitoring of textile reinforced thermoplastic composites. In this work thermal properties of E-glass/polypropylene (GF/ PP) and E-glass/poly(N,N’-hexamethylene adipamide) (GF/PA66) sensor yarns based on conductive polymer complex [3,4(ethylenedioxy)thiophene]-compl-poly(4-vinylbenzenesulfonic acid) (PEDOT-compl-PSS) and related composites were studied. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC) and limiting oxygen index (LOI) methods were used to detect thermal behaviour of these structures and effect of coatings applied. According to TGA, GF/PP sensor yarn started to decompose at higher temperature, 345 °C, and showed higher pyrolysis residue, 28 %, compared to GF/PA66 sensor yarn that started to decompose at 316 °C and had lower pyrolysis residue, 23 % . The MCC showed that Heat Release Rate peaks of GF/PP sensor yarn, 341 W/g, and GF/PA66 sensor yarn, 348 W/g, occurred at similar Heat Release Temperature, ~ 430 °C. The additional peak, 51 W/g, was detected for GF/PP sensor yarn at 493 °C. Finally, LOI 22 and LOI 23 were detected only for GF/PP and GF/PA66 composites with integrated sensor yarns.

One hundred and thirty-one pregnant, parous Border Leicester x Merino ewes at pasture were supplemented with a mixture of lupin and oat grain for a minimum of 3 weeks prepartum, and an average of 1 week post-partum in a lamb production experiment. Supplement was group-fed daily at a rate of 400 g/ewe. Pasture and grain intake were determined on 1 day, at an average 7 days prepartum. On an individual ewe basis, there was considerable variation in supplement intake with 11% of ewes consuming <200 g/day and 10% consuming >700 g/day. Significantly (P<0.01) more supplement but less pasture (P<0.05) was eaten by twin-bearing ewes (440 � 23 g) than single-bearing ewes (340 � 36 g). Total feed intake was similar with less variation than in supplement or pasture intakes. Results suggest lower pasture intakes in twin-bearing ewes can be compensated by higher grain intakes which means that separation of single- and twin-bearing ewes may not always be warranted in a supplementation program.

The Internet impacts students' lives and career paths. Excessive use may correlate with tobacco and alcohol consumption despite its benefits. The present study aimed to identify the relationship between gratification of Internet usage, problems in Internet usage, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse among Malaysian youth. The quantitative method was applied by using a survey questionnaire. A total of 440 students from the University Putra Malaysia (32.3% males, 67.7% females) were selected using a stratified random sampling method. The majority of the respondents (93.2%) were single. The students ranged from 23 to 40, with the majority of the younger group (78.3%) in the age range of 18-23. No link was found between Internet use gratification and alcohol/drug usage. No correlation was found between the Internet, alcohol, and drug problems. The association between age and alcohol usage was not significant. However, this relationship for drug abuse was substantial and positive. No significant differences were found in the mean values for the respondents' fields of study and alcohol or drug usage. The findings of the independent t-test illustrated that there were significant differences between marital status and alcohol consumption. Still, there were no significant mean differences between marital status and drug usage.

Abstract. In August 2021, a historic heatwave was recorded in Greece which resulted in extreme wildfire events that strongly affected the air quality over the city of Athens. Saharan dust was also transferred over Greece on certain days of the same period due to the prevailing southern winds. The impact of these events on air quality and surface solar radiation is investigated in this study. Event characterization based on active and passive remote sensing instrumentation has been performed. The study shows that significantly increased levels of air pollution were recorded from the end of July to the first week of August. The smoke led to unusually high aerosol optical depth (AOD) values (up to 3.6 at 500 nm), high Ångström exponent (AE) (up to 2.4 at 440–870 nm), and a strong and negative dependence of single-scattering albedo (SSA) on wavelength that was observed to decrease from 0.93 at 440 nm to 0.86 at 1020 nm, while the dust event led to high AOD (up to 0.7 at 500 nm), low AE (up to 0.9 at 440–870 nm), and a positive dependence of SSA on wavelength that was observed to increase from 0.89 at 440 nm to 0.95 at 1020. Furthermore, the smoke plume was also detected over the PANhellenic GEophysical observatory of Antikythera on 7 August, which is about 240 km away from Athens. Increased AOD values (up to ∼ 0.90 at 500 nm) associated with a high fine-mode AOD (up to ∼ 0.85 at 500 nm) and decrease in SSA with wavelength suggested the dominance of fine biomass burning aerosols. The impact of dust and smoke on solar irradiance revealed significant differences in the spectral dependence of the attenuation caused by the two different aerosol types. The attenuation of solar irradiance in the ultraviolet (UV-B) spectrum was found to be much lower in the case of dust compared to smoke for similar AOD500 values. Differences were less pronounced in the near-infrared and visible spectral regions. The large AODs during the wildfires resulted in a decrease in the noon UV index by up to 53 %, as well as in the daily effective doses for the production of vitamin D (up to 50 %), in the daily photosynthetically active radiation (up to 21 %) and in the daily global horizontal irradiance (up to 17 %), with serious implications for health, agriculture, and energy. This study highlights the wider impacts of wildfires that are part of the wider problem for Mediterranean countries, whose frequency is predicted to increase in view of the projected increasing occurrence of summer heatwaves.

Objectives:The risk of subsequent fractures is double the risk of having a first fracture. We analysed whether this risk is constant or not over time.Methods:A population-based study in 4140 postmenopausal women, aged between 50 and 90 years, on radiographic confirmed clinical fractures from menopause onwards analysed by Cox regression.Results:A total of 924 (22%) women had a first fracture and 243 (26% of 924) a subsequent fracture. Of all first fractures, 4% occurred in each year from menopause onwards, while after a first fracture 23% of all subsequent fractures occurred within 1 year and 54% within 5 years.When calculated from time of first fracture, the relative risk (RR) of subsequent fracture was 2.1 (95% CI 1.7 to 2.6) and remained increased over 15 years. When calculated for specific time intervals after a first fracture, the RR was 5.3 (95% CI 4.0 to 6.6) within 1 year, 2.8 (95% CI 2.0 to 3.6) within 2–5 years, 1.4 (95% CI 1.0 to 1.8) within 6–10 years and 0.41 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.53) after >10 years.Conclusions:From menopause onwards, clinical fractures cluster in time, indicating the need for early action to prevent subsequent fractures.

346 Background: AFP is elevated in 70% of HCC and is associated with poor prognosis. The role of AFP as a biomarker of response to systemic treatments has not been established, though small, retrospective studies show association between AFP decline and survival on sorafenib. The relationship between AFP changes and response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) has not been reported. This study examines AFP changes on treatment for association with outcomes on first-line (1L) SOR and any subsequent CPI in a contemporary, multicenter U.S. population. Methods: Design: Multicenter retrospective case series. Key eligibility: Received 1L SOR or SOR-based combination for advanced HCC; ≥ 1 post-treatment AFP value available; enrolled on IRB-approved registry. Objectives: associate AFP changes within 3 months of start of treatment with overall survival (OS) and time on treatment (TOT) on 1L SOR and any subsequent CPI; associate baseline AFP with OS and TOT for SOR and CPI; relate baseline AFP and changes on treatment to clinical covariates. Results: 152 patients were identified from two centers. Baseline characteristics: M/F 132/20; HBV/HCV/nonviral 40/71/41; Child Pugh A/B 128/23; BCLC A/B/C: 4/15/133. Baseline AFP < 20/ ≥ 400: 43/59. 43 received CPI after SOR. See Table. Baseline AFP was not related to TOT or OS for SOR or CPI. Multivariable analyses for AFP with clinical covariates will be presented. Conclusions: This series is the largest multicenter analysis of AFP response to systemic therapy with SOR and CPI. AFP decrease and increase within the first 3 months of treatment with SOR and CPI were inversely and significantly associated with median OS. AFP warrants further study in randomized cohorts as a biomarker of response to systemic therapy in HCC, now with multiple treatment options available at progression.[Table: see text]

This study proposes a novel technique for computing cloud feedbacks using histograms of cloud fraction as a joint function of cloud-top pressure (CTP) and optical depth (τ). These histograms were generated by the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) simulator that was incorporated into doubled-CO2 simulations from 11 global climate models in the Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project. The authors use a radiative transfer model to compute top of atmosphere flux sensitivities to cloud fraction perturbations in each bin of the histogram for each month and latitude. Multiplying these cloud radiative kernels with histograms of modeled cloud fraction changes at each grid point per unit of global warming produces an estimate of cloud feedback. Spatial structures and globally integrated cloud feedbacks computed in this manner agree remarkably well with the adjusted change in cloud radiative forcing. The global and annual mean model-simulated cloud feedback is dominated by contributions from medium thickness (3.6 < τ ≤ 23) cloud changes, but thick (τ > 23) cloud changes cause the rapid transition of cloud feedback values from positive in midlatitudes to negative poleward of 50°S and 70°N. High (CTP ≤ 440 hPa) cloud changes are the dominant contributor to longwave (LW) cloud feedback, but because their LW and shortwave (SW) impacts are in opposition, they contribute less to the net cloud feedback than do the positive contributions from low (CTP > 680 hPa) cloud changes. Midlevel (440 < CTP ≤ 680 hPa) cloud changes cause positive SW cloud feedbacks that are 80% as large as those due to low clouds. Finally, high cloud changes induce wider ranges of LW and SW cloud feedbacks across models than do low clouds.

The chemical composition of essential oils isolated from immortelle (Helicrysum italicum subsp. italicum) collected in Herzegovina during five different periods, was investigated by GC/MS analysis. The main compounds were a-pinene (15.7 %) and γ-curcumene (12.8 %), followed by 4,6,9-trimethyldec-8-en-3,5-dione (8.7 %), neryl acetate (6.9 %), limonene (6.4 %) and β-selinene (5.3 %). In total, 69 components were identified whose share changed over the vegetative cycle. Antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of immortelle were determined according to DPPH (IC50 = 23–34 μg/mL) and FRAP (29 μg/mL is equivalent to 1.1‒2.2 mM Fe2+) methods. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory potential, investigated by modified Ellman’s assay and determined as IC50 values, were 340–440 μg/mL for methanol extracts and 135 μg/mL for essential oil. Metanolic extracts showed strong antioxidant activity and potential to inhibit AChE. Essential oil possesses complex chemical composition, inhibition activity of AChE and weak antioxidant capacity.

The breeding ecology of the red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) was studied in a mixed conifer – hardwood forest in southern Québec between June 1978 and October 1980. There were two mating seasons per year, one in March–April and one in June–July. The average size of 12 litters was 4.2 young (4.6 in 1979 and 4.0 in 1980). The sex ratio (female: male) of young was 23:25. The earliest recorded age at first successful mating was 10 months. In 1979, nearly all females, including yearlings, bred successfully in the spring and 50% of them raised a second litter. In 1980, only adult females produced young in the spring and four of six yearlings reproduced in the summer. A maximum of 29% of all females could have produced two litters in 1980. Differences in birth rate between the two years may be explained by a lower quality and (or) quantity of food resources at mating time rather than a drop in food supply available the previous fall.

El projecte de tesi s'emmarca dins de l'anàlisi del bon govern de les empreses. El bon govern empresarial constitueix en l'actualitat una de les línies de recerca en Economia Financera que estan experimentant un desenvolupament més important en l'àmbit de l'economia i l'administració d'empreses (Correa et al., 2009; Richart et al., 2011) . Així la primera part de la tesi se centra a analitzar les tendències en recerca sobre Govern Corporatiu Internacional, aprenent, entre altres coses, que les regulacions poden ajudar a millorar el govern de les empreses i la percepció que es té d'ell per part de les accionistes. Per això, després d'haver analitzat les directrius en Govern Corporatiu aquest treball se centra en un dels conflictes d'agència que estan de més actualitat, la relació entre els accionistes i els auditors, i com aquests últims poden estar condicionats o no per les empreses a les quals auditen. Aquesta tesi doctoral analitza el contingut informatiu de la presentació d'informes d'auditoria amb excepcions en les empreses cotitzades espanyoles en el període 2002-2010. Els importants canvis en la regulació de l'auditoria esdevinguts a Espanya durant la passada dècada, Ley 44/2002 de Medidas de Reforma del Sistema Financiero, amb l'objectiu principal de reforçar la independència, fan necessari actualitzar els resultats de les investigacions precedents. A diferència d'aquestes, s'ha analitzat l'efecte de la presentació d'excepcions no únicament en el preu de l'acció sinó també en el volum de negociació. Aquest treball llança nous resultats sobre el comportament del mercat de valors espanyol que donen suport, com s'esperava, un creixent contingut informatiu de les excepcions. Així, mentre els primers treballs concloïen que les excepcions no tenien contingut informatiu rellevant, els resultats d'Andrés et al. (2007) plantejaven ja una certa reacció del mercat a la presentació d'excepcions. En aquesta línia, els nostres resultats mostren una reacció més evident que l'observada per aquests autors. On més valor estan aportant els auditors al mercat és en l'emissió dels informes sobre empreses la propietat està més dispersa. Quan el capital flotant de l'empresa està per sobre de la mitjana, els inversors d'aquestes empreses, que majoritàriament no han pogut anticipar el seu contingut, reaccionen amb un descens significatiu dels preus el que indica que l'informe té un contingut informatiu valuós per a la presa de decisions. La resta d'anàlisi segmentats realitzats permeten concloure que el mercat reacciona en major mesura davant la presentació d'excepcions en el cas de petites empreses, quan aquestes tenen lloc en situacions de crisi borsària i quan es tracta d'excepcions d'empresa en funcionament.
El proyecto de tesis se enmarca dentro del análisis del buen gobierno de las empresas. El buen gobierno empresarial constituye en la actualidad una de las líneas de investigación en Economía Financiera que están experimentando un desarrollo más importante en el ámbito de la Economía y la Administración de empresas (Correa et al. 2009; Richart et al. 2011). Así la primera parte de la tesis se centra en analizar las tendencias en investigación sobre Gobierno Corporativo Internacional a través de un estudio bibliométrico, aprendiendo, entre otras cosas, que las regulaciones pueden ayudar a mejorar el gobierno de las empresas y la percepción que se tiene de él por parte de las accionistas. Por ello, tras haber analizado las directrices en Gobierno Corporativo este trabajo se centra en uno de los conflictos de agencia que están de más actualidad, la relación entre los accionistas y los auditores, y como estos últimos pueden estar condicionados o no por las empresas a las cuales auditan. Esta tesis doctoral analiza el contenido informativo de la presentación de informes de auditoría con salvedades en las empresas cotizadas españolas en el periodo 2002-2010. Los importantes cambios en la regulación de la auditoría acontecidos en España durante la pasada década, Ley 44/2002 de Medidas de Reforma del Sistema Financiero, que han tenido como objetivo principal reforzar la independencia, hacen necesario actualizar los resultados de las investigaciones precedentes. A diferencia de éstas, se ha analizado el efecto de la presentación de salvedades no únicamente en el precio de la acción sino también en el volumen de negociación. Este trabajo arroja nuevos resultados acerca del comportamiento del mercado de valores español que apoyan, como se esperaba, un creciente contenido informativo de las salvedades. Así, mientras los primeros trabajos concluían que las salvedades no tenían contenido informativo relevante, los resultados de Andrés et al. (2007) planteaban ya una cierta reacción del mercado a la presentación de salvedades. En esta línea, nuestros resultados muestran una reacción más evidente que la observada por estos autores. Donde más valor están aportando los auditores al mercado es en la emisión de los informes sobre empresas cuya propiedad está más dispersa. Cuando el capital flotante de la empresa está por encima de la media, los inversores de estas empresas, que mayoritariamente no han podido anticipar su contenido, reaccionan con un descenso significativo de los precios lo que indica que el informe tiene un contenido informativo valioso para la toma de decisiones. El resto de análisis segmentados realizados permiten concluir que el mercado reacciona en mayor medida ante la presentación de salvedades en el caso de pequeñas empresas, cuando éstas tienen lugar en situaciones de crisis bursátil y cuando se trata de salvedades de empresa en funcionamiento.
The thesis project is part of the analysis of good corporate governance. Good corporate governance is at present one of the lines of research in financial economics that are experiencing major development in the field of economics and business administration (Correa et al., 2009; Richart et al., 2011). The Corporate Governance aims to assure investors the performance of its capital and establishing a climate of confidence in the market because on one hand thanks to the performance of the boards have controlled the executive and the other is encouraged transparency and access to information. So the first part of the thesis focuses on analyzing the researching trends on International Corporate Governance, learning, among other things, that regulations can help improve corporate governance and the perception that the shareholders have of it. Therefore, after analyzing the Corporate Governance guidelines, this study focuses on the conflict of agency that are more present, the relationship between shareholders and auditors. This thesis analyzes the information content of the presentation of qualified audit reports in Spanish listed companies in the period 2002-2010. Major changes in the regulation of audit occurred in Spain during the last decade, with the main objective of reinforcing the independence, make it necessary to update the results of previous investigations. Unlike them, we analyzed the effect of presenting qualifications not only in the share price but also in trading volume. This work sheds new results about the behavior of the Spanish stock market that support, as expected, a growing information content of qualifications. So while early work had concluded that the exceptions not relevant informational content, the results of Andres et al. (2007) posed as a certain market reaction to the presentation of qualifications. In this line, our results show a clear reaction observed by these authors. Where are you bringing value to market auditors in issuing reports on companies whose ownership is more dispersed. When the float of the company is above average, investors in these companies, most of which have failed to anticipate the content, react with a significant decline in prices indicating that the report is a valuable informative content for decision making. The rest of segmented analyzes support the conclusion that the market reacts further with the submission of qualifications in the case of small businesses, when they occur in situations of crisis and stock market when it comes to qualifications of going concern.

Abstract This chapter provides a checklist for the family Eulophidae. It provides information on species diversity, host records, distribution records by province in Iran, as well as world distribution. Comparison of the eulophid fauna of Iran with adjacent countries indicates that the faunas of Russia (666 species) and Turkey (246 species) are more diverse than Iran (236 species), followed by Turkmenistan (70 species), Kazakhstan (57 species), Pakistan (44 species), Azerbaijan (34 species), United Arab Emirates (31 species), Armenia (23 species), Iraq (10 species), Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia (both with eight species) and Oman (six species); no species have so far been reported from Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar. The much larger number of eulophid species reported from Russia likely correlates with not only its large land area but also its history of taxonomic research on Eulophidae in the country. Russia shares 147 known species with Iran, followed by Turkey (133 species), Azerbaijan (22 species), Turkmenistan (21 species), Armenia and Pakistan (both with 20 species), United Arab Emirates (13 species), Iraq (10 species), Afghanistan (seven species), Saudi Arabia (four species) and Oman (two species).

Abstract This chapter provides a checklist for the family Eulophidae. It provides information on species diversity, host records, distribution records by province in Iran, as well as world distribution. Comparison of the eulophid fauna of Iran with adjacent countries indicates that the faunas of Russia (666 species) and Turkey (246 species) are more diverse than Iran (236 species), followed by Turkmenistan (70 species), Kazakhstan (57 species), Pakistan (44 species), Azerbaijan (34 species), United Arab Emirates (31 species), Armenia (23 species), Iraq (10 species), Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia (both with eight species) and Oman (six species); no species have so far been reported from Bahrain, Kuwait or Qatar. The much larger number of eulophid species reported from Russia likely correlates with not only its large land area but also its history of taxonomic research on Eulophidae in the country. Russia shares 147 known species with Iran, followed by Turkey (133 species), Azerbaijan (22 species), Turkmenistan (21 species), Armenia and Pakistan (both with 20 species), United Arab Emirates (13 species), Iraq (10 species), Afghanistan (seven species), Saudi Arabia (four species) and Oman (two species).

ABSTRACT The Baie Verte Line in western Newfoundland marks a suture zone between (1) an upper plate represented by suprasubduction zone oceanic crust (Baie Verte oceanic tract) and the trailing continental Notre Dame arc, with related upper-plate rocks built upon the Dashwoods terrane; and (2) a lower plate of Laurentian margin metasedimentary rocks with an adjoining ocean-continent transition zone (Birchy Complex). The Baie Verte oceanic tract formed during closure of the Taconic seaway in a forearc position and started to be obducted onto the Laurentian margin between ca. 485 and 476 Ma (early Taconic event), whereas the Birchy Complex, at the leading edge of the Laurentian margin, was subducted to maximum depths as calculated by pseudosection techniques (6.7–11.2 kbar, 315–560 °C) by ca. 467–460 Ma, during the culmination of the Taconic collision between the trailing Notre Dame arc and Laurentia, and it cooled isobarically to 9.2–10.0 kbar and 360–450 °C by 454–449 Ma (M1). This collisional wedge progressively incorporated upper-plate Baie Verte oceanic tract rocks, with remnants preserved in M1 high-pressure, low-temperature greenschist-facies rocks (4.8–8.0 kbar, 270–340 °C) recording typical low metamorphic gradients (10–14 °C/km). Subsequently, the early Taconic collisional wedge was redeformed and metamorphosed during the final stages of the Taconic cycle. We relate existing and new 40Ar/39Ar ages between 454 and 439 Ma to a late Taconic reactivation of the structurally weak suture zone. The Taconic wedge on both sides of the Baie Verte suture zone was subsequently strongly shortened (D2), metamorphosed (M2), and intruded by a voluminous suite of plutons during the Salinic orogenic cycle. Calculated low- to medium-pressure, low-temperature M2 conditions in the Baie Verte oceanic tract varied at 3.0–5.0 kbar and 275–340 °C, with increased metamorphic gradients of ~17–25 °C/km during activity of the Notre Dame arc, and correlate with M2 assemblages in the Birchy Complex. These conditions are associated with existing Salinic S2 white mica 40Ar/39Ar ages of ca. 432 Ma in a D2 transpressional shear zone and synkinematic intrusions of comparable age. A third metamorphic event (M3) was recorded during the Devonian with calculated low-pressure, low-temperature conditions of 3.2–3.8 kbar and 315–330 °C under the highest metamorphic gradients (23–30 °C/km) and associated with Devonian–early Carboniferous isotopic ages as young as 356 ± 5 Ma. The youngest ages are related to localized extension associated with a large-scale transtensional zone, which reused parts of the Baie Verte Line suture zone. Extension culminated in the formation of a Middle to Late Devonian Neoacadian metamorphic core complex in upper- and lower-plate rocks by reactivation of Baie Verte Line tectonites formed during the Taconic and Salinic cycles. The Baie Verte Line suture zone is a collisional complex subjected to repeated, episodic structural reactivation during the Late Ordovician Taconic 3, Silurian Salinic, and Early–Late Devonian Acadian/Neoacadian orogenic cycles. Deformation appears to have been progressively localized in major fault zones associated with earlier suturing. This emphasizes the importance of existing zones of structural weakness, where reactivation took place in the hinterland during successive collision events.

Abstract Primates originated in a “hot-house” world of widespread rainforests. Plesiadapiform primates thrived during the Paleocene but died out when arboreal rodents won their niches. Euprimates radiated during the Eocene, which ended in a period of global cooling ~40–34 Ma. The resulting deforestation reduced primate habitats and increased competition for arboreal resources. The abrupt global cooling that initiated the Oligocene, ~34 Ma, exacerbated deforestation at temperate latitudes and caused food production to become seasonal and volatile. Afterward, anthropoids became larger animals that foraged diurnally over an extensive home range, initially as slow arboreal quadrupeds. Hominoids appeared ~26–23 Ma and diversified ~17–15 Ma during a warm period. Global cooling resumed ~14–9 Ma, which caused more deforestation and the extinction of many ape species. As hominoid diversity waned, cercopithecoids and platyrrhines radiated. During the Plio-Pleistocene, both cercopithecoids and hominins exploited the open habitats that replaced forests.

Abstract A Philippine strain of Kappaphycus alvarezii was introduced for experimental cultivation in Ubatuba Bay, Ubatuba, Sao Paulo State, Brazil (23°26.9’ S, 45°0.3’ W). The species was cultivated on horizontal ropes 20-40 cm below the sea surface, and on vertical ropes descending to 2.0 m. Knowledge of the physical and biological factors affecting growth rates of K alvarezii is of primary importance for the analysis of mariculture enterprise viability and potential spread and control in the region. Experiments conducted from 1996 to 1999 showed growth rates varying from 3.6 to 8.9% d-1, primarily correlated with seawater temperature with monthly mean values from 19.9 to 29.00C, and extremes values from 17.0 to 33.0°C. Other factors affecting growth rates were: i) low salinity in periods of exceptional heavy rainfall; ii) light attenuation with increasing depth, and iii) effects of grazers, increasing with depth.

Abstract The most chilling biblical war texts refer to erem, the ban, under which all human beings among the defeated are “devoted to destruction.” In one important passage, Num 21:2-3, Israelites vow their enemies to God as a promise for his support of their successful military efforts. In the majority of texts in Deuteronomy and Joshua, it is assumed that God demands total destruction of the enemy. Frequently a reason for the annihilation is provided (e.g. Num 21:23-24; Deut 2:30-35; 7:2-6); in other instances no rationale is provided, only the command or its fulfillment (Josh 6:17, 21; 8:24-29; 10:28, 30, 31-32, 35, 37, 39, 40). Chains of living beings are listed-sometimes including domestic animals but usually not- “man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey” (1 Sam 15:3; 22:19); “men, women, and children” (Deut 2:34); “man and woman, young and old, ox, sheep, and donkey” (Josh 6:21). The parallel verbs of destruction help to make the blotting out complete: “strike/devote to destruction/do not spare” (1 Sam 15:3); “we devoted to destruction/we left no survivor” (Deut 2:34); “struck with the edge of the sword/ devoted to destruction/ left no survivor” (Josh 10:28). Let no one escape the imposition of total destruction and spare or be spared, a sympathetic mother, a piteous baby.

Assessment is an integral part of the learning and teaching. Trends in International Mathematics and Science report reveals that in South Africa, grade 9 has the worst science skills. The objective of the study is to explore if teachers can promote science learning through science content and practical assessment. The descriptive survey design was utilized in the study. The study was informed by Vygotsky’s social constructivism. Thirty out of sixty-seven schools were selected using simple random sampling. Cronbach’s alpha test was used to ascertain the scale reliability of the questionnaire. The findings revealed the following: Data illustrates how educators assess Science Learning. Responses were agreed, neutral, disagree, and no response. Align with cognitive domains 86.7%; Principles of assessment 77%; Investigations 66.7%; Simulation 63.3%; Debates 50%; each among these: Assignment, Experiments, and Examinations 40%; Problem Solving 37%; Projects 34%; Presentation 23%; Roleplay 17%; Tests 13.3%; and Quiz 7%. Regarding Neutral, data validates that teachers need support as well as those who disagreed they lack content knowledge regarding strategies of assessment. We recommend teachers to value assessment and implement different strategies of assessment so that students can be able to apply both theory and the practical.

This chapter focuses on sounds that occur simultaneously. The concept of harmony here is broad and has a far-reaching scope; it includes functional and non-functional harmonies, color, and any other approach to simultaneous sonorities. Exercise 21 suggests the implementation of voice leading as a constructive principle through stylistic imitation. Number 22, in which “melody becomes harmony,” proposes the harmonization of a melody using exclusively its pitch content. Exercise 23 incorporates symmetrical harmonies; 24 and 25 use the harmonic series to create harmonies. In 26 the harmonies are built around major and minor triads with pitches in common. Exercise 27 incorporates the use of integer notation; 28 uses scale degrees but not triads. The base of exercise 29 is the 12-tone row; 30 uses the concept of “circle” progression or harmonies that move around the circle of fifths; 31 and 32 incorporate harmonies that move in major and minor thirds; 33 and 34 discuss overlapping triads and polytonality; 35 provides an opportunity to work with pedal tones; 36 incorporates the church modes and 37 the use of clusters (i.e., harmonies based exclusively on minor a major seconds). Exercise 38 is based on harmonic sequences; 39 and 40 discuss implied harmonies and writing “contrafacts.”

ЦЕЛЬ: оценить влияние рукавной гастропластики на менструальный цикл и уровень половых гормонов у пациенток репродуктивного возраста с ожирением МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ: проведено наблюдательное проспективное исследование 32 пациенток с индексом массы тела (ИМТ) ≥ 35 кг/м2 в возрасте от 19 до 38 лет с различными нарушениями менстру- ального цикла (НМЦ). Пациенткам выполняли рукавную гастропластику (РГ) по стандартной методике. Исходно и через 1 год после операции оценивали ИМТ, на 3-5 день менструального цикла при его наличии определяли уровень гонадотропных гормонов: фолликулостимулирующего (ФСГ) и лютеинизирующего (ЛГ), уровень общего эстрадиола, свободного тестостерона и пролактина, а также антимюллерова гормона (АМГ) как маркера овариального резерва. Уровень прогестерона определяли на 21-23 день менструаль- ного цикла (при его наличии). Индекс инсулинорезистентности НОМА-IR рассчитывали по стандартной формуле, за инсулинорезистентность принимали значение более 2,7. РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ: медиана возраста пациенток составила 29 (22 – 35) лет, ИМТ исходно - 38,8 кг/м2 (36,2 – 40,2). Структура МНЦ была представлена следующим образом: олигоменорея выявлялась у 28,1% па- циенток (n = 9), аномальные маточные кровотечения у 53,1% пациенток, (n = 17), аменорея на протяжении как минимум 6 месяцев до оперативного вмешательства – у 18,8% пациенток (n = 6). Исходно НОМА-IR был равен 5,4 (3,2 – 8,1), что свидетельствует об инсулинорезистентности; только у одной пациентки HOMA-IR был менее 2,7. Исходно уровень ФСГ составил 4,6 мМЕ/мл (3,0 – 6,4), ЛГ – 11,2 мМЕ/мл (8,4 – 15,2). Уровень эстрадиола общего составил 362 пг/мл (318 – 414), свободного тестостерона – 5,7 пг/мл (4,2 – 6,8). Уровень пролактина был равен 448 мМЕ/л (316 – 522). Уровень прогестерона составил 12,3 нмоль/л (7,3 – 18,8). Уровень АМГ составил 2,9 нг/мл (1,9 - 3,5). Значимых различий в уровне описанных гормонов у пациенток с различными НМЦ выявлено не было, также не выявлялось корреляции с возрастом и ИМТ. Через 1 год после РГ у всех пациенток ИМТ снизился до 27,3 кг/м2 (24,6 – 29,1), р < 0,001. НОМА-IR был ниже исходных значений: 2,8 (1,6 – 3,6). У 22 женщин произошла нормализация менструального цикла; через 1 год после операции у 4 женщин сохранялись аномальные маточные кровотечения, у 3 – олигомено- рея, у 3 – аменорея. Описанные пациентки были старше, однако различия в возрасте не были статистически значимы. Уровень ФСГ через 1 год после РГ повысился и составил 11,6 мМЕ/мл (8,2 – 15,6), р = 0,042; уровень ЛГ снизился по сравнению с исходными значениями до 6,4 мМЕ/мл (3,2 – 9,1), р = 0,048. Уровень общего эстрадиола снизился до 320 пг/мл (265 – 373), однако различия статистически не значимы. Свободный тестостерон был ниже исходных значений – 3,2 пг/мл (2,5 – 4,8), р = 0,034. Уровень пролактина значимых изменений не претерпел. Уровень АМГ через 1 год после операции возрос до 3,5 нг/мл (2,9 – 4,5), р = 0,042; уровень прогестерона – до 26,3 нмоль/л (15 – 42), р = 0,024. ВЫВОДЫ: выполнение РГ у пациенток с ожирением приводит к снижению инсулинорезистентности, нормализации менструальной функции у большинства пациенток, что сопровождается повышением уровня АМГ, изменением соотношения гонадотропных гормонов и уменьшением уровня свободного тестостерона, а также повышением уровня прогестерона.

Abstract Water contaminated with phenols is produced from several oil and gas related industries. Although there are a number of treatment methods, enzymatic wastewater treatment is more attractive due to its sustainability, environmental-friendliness, and mild nature. A key limitation of this process, however, is the enzymatic deactivation (whether complete or partial) during the treatment process. This limitation might be addressed to a certain extent through the addition of biosurfactants to the reaction medium. Thus, the key aim of this study is to utilize laccase (an oxidoreductase enzyme from Trametes versicolor) to remove bisphenol A (BPA) from wastewaters in the presence of rhamnolipid biosurfactant. Since most wastewaters contain inorganic salts, the efficacy of enzymatic treatment of high saline wastewaters has been evaluated. The beneficial effect of the biosurfactant addition during the enzymatic treatment of highly saline phenolic wastewater has been also assessed. Additionally, the effect of increasing the biocatalyst and the phenolic pollutant concentrations have been also probed. The results showed that the BPA degradation rate increases with increasing the enzyme concentration. The extent of BPA removal also increased with increasing the biocatalyst concentration, approaching almost a complete removal at an enzyme concentration of 400 ppm. The BPA degradation rate also increased almost linearly with increasing its initial concentration; however, its removal extent showed the opposite trend. The addition of as low as 1 ppm rhamnolipid biosurfactant to the reaction medium increased both the BPA degradation rate and the removal extent relative to the biosurfactant-free wastewater samples. The addition of the biosurfactant to the reaction medium boosted the BPA degradation rate and the removal extent by 1.1- to 1.23-fold. The highest BPA degradation rate and removal enhancement (about 23% higher than those in the absence of the biosurfactant) was obtained for BPA-rhamnolipid mass ratio of 50:1. The presence of salt severely reduced the BPA degradation rate and removal. The addition of 20 mM NaCl resulted in about 1.7-fold drop in the BPA degradation rate and removal. The drop in the BPA degradation rate and removal reached more than 3.6-fold at 500 mM NaCl. The addition of 1 ppm rhamnolipid partially compensated the negative effect of salinity, providing relatively higher BPA degradation rate and removal at all examined salinity levels. The findings reported herein reveal the positive effect of biosurfactant addition to the enzymatic reaction medium and the need for the salt removal prior to subjecting the saline wastewaters to enzymatic treatment.

Purpose: Radiation therapy is the main stray for the treatment of the cervical cancer. Normal organs such as bladder, rectum, sigmoid colon and bowel loops also get significant dose during treatment of carcinoma of cervix which often results late toxicity. The purpose of this study is evaluate CT image based volumetric doses of organ at risk and correlate the doses with the toxicity profile observed in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: Sixty high dose rate intracavitary brachytherapy applications were performed in thirty patients of carcinoma of cervix. External beam therapy was planned for 46 Gy in 23 fractions followed by two brachytherapy sessions of 9 Gy/session. External beam radiotherapy was given by four field box technique to each patient. CT based treatment planning was done for each intracavitary brachytherapy application. Dose volume histogram was used for analysis of volumetric dose parameters and correlated with the RTOG defined normal organ toxicity profile of the patients. Results: In the follow up of two years 2 (6.66%) patient had died, 12 (40%) patients had reported no significant problem, 3 (10%) patient got bladder toxicity of grade 2, 10 (33.33%) patients had reported small intestine toxicity of grade 1 and grade 2 while no information could be available for 3 (10%) patients. The average volume of rectum, sigmoid colon and bowel loops were 60.34 cc, 22.19 cc and 270.82 cc. The average, median and 2 cc volume doses for rectum 289 ± 121 cGy, 263 ± 113 cGy and 884 ± 444 cGy for sigmoid colon 409 ± 211 cGy, 366 ± 185 cGy and 693 ± 371 cGy resp. and for bowel loops 240 ± 169 cGy, 153 ± 59 cGy and 870 ± 222 cGy. The average and median sigmoid colon point doses were higher than rectum average (p= 0.000) and median doses (p =0.001) but 2cc volumetric doses of sigmoid colon are less than rectum 2cc volumetric doses (p = 0.013). For bowel loops the 2cc volumetric doses were much higher than average doses (p = 0.000) due to its large volume. The recto-sigmoidal toxicity profile were evaluated for sigmoidal max doses and rectum 2 cc volumetric dose profile. There was a poor correlation between rectum 2 cc volumetric dose and sigmoid 2 cc volumetric doses. Conclusion: According to dose toxicity profile, sigmoidal doses represent an important role for dose constrains but till now no protocol has been formed for reporting the sigmoidal doses. This study attracts the attention for reporting the sigmoidal and bowl loop doses. This study demonstrates the possibility and role of volumetric imaging and dosimetry for improvement in dose constraints.

The survey presented in this report reveals that Nordic citizens are concerned about climate change. Many people are willing to increase efforts to fight climate change, even if this entails a personal contribution in terms of higher taxes or behavioural change. The survey shows that different social groups perceive the impacts of climate change and climate mitigation policies in different ways. In general, attitudes towards climate policies and perceptions regarding their fairness are conditioned by socio-demographic factors such as gender, age, employment status, type of housing and transport behaviour. General attitudes towards climate change and climate policies The first part of this report explores general attitudes towards climate change and climate policies. This section shows that seven in ten (71%) respondents think that climate change is a serious or very serious problem, particularly among the youngest age group (18-29 years). Three in four (74%) interviewed persons in this group share this view. Those with a university degree are more concerned about climate change (83%) than those with primary or secondary education (57% and 62%, respectively). Approximately half (48-51%) of respondents in all age groups agree that more financial resources should be invested in preventing climate change, even if this would imply an increase in taxes. The survey results show that women in the Nordic Region are more concerned about climate change than men (79% compared to 64%). It also reveals that people living in urban areas are more worried about climate change (82%) than those who live in towns and suburbs (68%) or in rural areas (62%). Urban dwellers are also more positive about investing more resources in preventing climate change (59%) than those who live in rural areas (39%) and in towns and suburbs (46%). More than half of the respondents (52%) agree that taking further action on climate change would be beneficial for the economy. Students, unemployed and retired people are more likely to agree with this view (55%, 57% and 55%, respectively) than those currently in employment, including the self-employed (50%). Those employed in carbon-intensive sectors are less positive about the expected economic impact of climate policies than those who work in other economic sectors (41% compared to 55%). They are also more concerned about the risk of job losses during the transition to a low-carbon economy than those employed in sectors with lower carbon intensity (37% compared to 24%). Concerns about this issue are also higher among those who live in rural areas (31%) or towns and suburbs (30%) compared to those who live in cities (22%). Present and future effects of climate change mitigation policies on individuals and households The central part of the survey explores perceptions regarding the present and future impacts of climate policies. Such challenges are perceived differently depending on specific sociodemographic conditions. Nearly one fourth (23%) of respondents state that high energy costs mean they are struggling to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature. Those living in houses report being more impacted (27%) than those living in apartments (18%), and those using fossil fuels to heat their homes are most affected (44%). The risk of energy poverty is also higher among non-EU immigrants to the Nordic Region. Those who say they are struggling to keep their homes at a comfortable temperature range from 23% among Nordic-born citizens to 37% among non-EU immigrants. Nearly three in ten respondents (28%) have modified their transportation behaviour during the last year due to high fuel costs. This proportion is substantially greater among those living in towns and suburbs (32%) compared to those who live in rural areas (29%) or cities (23%). The majority of the Nordic population (52%) states that current climate policies have a neutral effect on their household economies. However, 28% of respondents say they are negatively impacted by climate policies in economic terms. Men report being negatively affected more frequently than women (33% vs 22%, respectively). People who live in houses are more likely to claim they are being negatively impacted than people who live in apartments (31% and 23%, respectively). Nearly half (45%) of the respondents in the Nordic Region agree that climate initiatives will improve health and well-being, and half of the respondents (50%) think that climate change initiatives will lead to more sustainable lifestyles in their area. However, half (51%) of the Nordic population expect to see increases in prices and the cost of living as a consequence of climate policies, and those who believe that climate policies will create jobs and improve working conditions in the areas where they live (31% and 24%, respectively) are outnumbered by those who believe the opposite (35% and 34%, respectively). Fairness of climate policies The last section of the report looks at how the Nordic people perceive the fairness of climate policies in distributional terms. In the survey, the respondents were asked to judge to what extent they agree or disagree that everyone in their country or territory is equally affected by initiatives to fight climate change regardless of personal earnings, gender, age, country of origin and where they live – cities or rural areas. The results show that the Nordic people believe climate change initiatives affect citizens in different ways depending on their demographic, socioeconomic and territorial backgrounds. More than half of the respondents (56%) disagree that everyone is equally affected by initiatives to fight climate change regardless of earnings. Only 22% agree with this statement. Younger age groups are more pessimistic than older age groups on this point (66% in the 18-29 age group compared to 41% in the 65+ group). Almost half of respondents (48%) agree that climate policies are fair from a gender perspective, while 25% disagree with this statement and 23% are neutral. Roughly one in three (30%) respondents in the Nordic Region agree that people are equally affected by climate change initiatives regardless of age, 41% disagree with this statement and 25% are neutral. More than one third (35%) of the Nordic population agree that everyone is equally affected by initiatives to fight climate change regardless of the country of origin, while 34% of them disagree. More than half of respondents (56%) think that the impact of climate initiatives differs between rural and urban areas, while only 22% think that all areas are equally affected. Respondents who live in cities are more likely to respond that climate policy impacts differ between rural and urban areas (60%) than respondents who live in rural areas (55%) and towns and suburbs (53%). One third (33%) of respondents in the survey think that the Sámi population is affected by climate change initiatives to the same extent as the rest of the population. In Greenland, a majority of the population (62%) agrees that the indigenous population in Greenland is equally affected by measures to combat climate change. The results from this survey conducted in the autumn of 2022, show that the population in the Nordic Region perceive the impacts of climate mitigation policies in different ways. These results can raise awareness and stimulate debate about the implementation of climate mitigation policies for a just green transition.

Objectives. To update the evidence on benefits and harms of cannabinoids and other plant-based compounds to treat sub-acute and chronic pain in adults and adolescents using a living systematic review approach. Data sources. Ovid® MEDLINE®, PsycINFO®, Embase®, the Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS® databases; and reference lists of included studies were searched to April 23, 2023. Review methods. An updated protocol with expanded inclusion criteria (addition of sub-acute [4 to 12 weeks’ duration] pain and adolescents) was posted on the PROSPERO registry. We grouped studies based on their THC to CBD ratio and by product type, i.e. whole-plant (extracted or purified), or synthetic. We conducted random effects meta-analyses and categorized magnitude of benefit (large, moderate, small, or no effect [less than small]). Results. Two new RCTs (n=115 and 15) and two new observational studies (N=2,071) were added for this annual update; no study addressed subacute pain or adolescents. One new RCT compared high and low THC to CBD ratio products versus placebo; the other new RCT evaluated was very small and had methodological limitations. Since the inception of this living review, from 5,228 total abstracts identified, 23 RCTs (N=2,035) and 10 observational studies (N=15,840) assessing different cannabinoids were included; no study evaluated kratom. Studies were primarily short term, and 58 percent enrolled patients with neuropathic pain. Comparators were primarily placebo or usual care. Strength of evidence was low, unless indicated otherwise. Compared with placebo, plant-extracted, comparable ratio THC to CBD oral spray was associated with a small decrease in pain severity (7 RCTs, N=632, 0 to 10 scale, mean difference [MD] −0.54, 95% confidence interval [CI] −0.95 to −0.19, I2=39%; SOE: moderate) and overall function (6 RCTs, N=616, 0 to 10 scale, MD −0.42, 95% CI −0.73 to −0.16, I2=32%; SOE: moderate) versus placebo. There was no effect on study withdrawals due to adverse events. There was a large increased risk of dizziness and sedation, and a moderate increased risk of nausea (dizziness: 6 RCTs, N=866, 31.0% vs. 8.0%, relative risk [RR] 3.57, 95% CI 2.42 to 5.60, I2=0%; sedation: 6 RCTs, N=866, 8.0% vs. 1.2%, RR 5.04, 95% CI 2.10 to 11.89, I2=0%; and nausea: 6 RCTs, N=866, 13% vs. 7.5%, RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.77, I2=0%). Synthetic high-THC to CBD ratio products were associated with a small improvement in pain severity, a moderate increase in sedation, and a large increase in risk of nausea following the addition of one new RCT (pain: 7 RCTs, N=448, 0 to 10 scale, MD −0.95, 95% CI −1.81 to −0.25, I2=60%; sedation: 4 RCTs, N=386, 19% vs. 12%, RR 1.60, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.95, I2=8%; nausea: 3 RCTs, N=353, 11.1% vs. 5.2%, RR 2.22, 95% CI 0.90 to 5.05; I²=0%). There was also moderate SOE for a large increased risk of dizziness (3 RCTs, N=353, 29% vs. 11%, RR 2.52, 95% CI 1.20 to 4.82, I2=41%). Extracted whole-plant high-THC to CBD ratio products (oral) were associated with a large increased risk of study withdrawal due to adverse events (1 RCT, viii 13.9% vs. 5.7%, RR 3.12, 95% CI 1.54 to 6.33) and dizziness (1 RCT, 62.2% vs. 7.5%, RR 8.34, 95% CI 4.53 to 15.34); outcomes assessing benefit were not reported or insufficient. Evidence (including observational studies) on whole-plant cannabis, topical or oral CBD, low-THC to CBD products (2 new RCTs), other cannabinoids, comparisons with active non-cannabis treatments or between cannabis-related products, and impact on use of opioids also remained insufficient. Evidence was not available on important harms such as psychosis, cannabis use disorder, and cognitive effects. Conclusions. Low to moderate strength evidence suggests small improvements in pain (mostly neuropathic), and moderate to large increases in common adverse events (dizziness, sedation, nausea) with high and comparable THC to CBD ratio extracted cannabinoids and synthetic products versus placebo during short-term treatment (1 to 6 months) in adults with chronic pain. Evidence for low-THC to CBD ratio products, whole-plant cannabis, and other comparisons, outcomes, and plant-based compounds was unavailable or insufficient to draw conclusions.

MGR recorded 1638 violent incidents in August 2023, mostly triggered by politics, access to resources, and other socio-economic factors. More than 273 deaths and 2259 injuries have been recorded from these incidents. The highest number of violent incidents have been recorded in the form of clashes and attacks (369). Some 402 incidents are directly or indirectly political violence which resulted in 13 deaths. Geographically, Chittagong (369) scores the highest number of violence followed by Dhaka (337), Rajshahi (235), and Khulna (233). There were 246 protests and demonstrations and at least 176 were triggered by politics. While some 23% of political violence contributed by Bangladesh Awami League & affiliates, 15.96% contributed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Inter-party violence between the Awami League showed a significant surge in August 2023. Whereas 64% incidents were rural, 36% violence incidents took place in urban areas in August. In the month of August, student violence has decreased with a total of 90 cases reported across different regions. A notable finding was that approximately 44% of political clashes and attacks were directly linked to student or campus-related conflicts.

MGR recorded 1168 violent incidents in 1-21 September 2023, mostly triggered by politics, access to resources, and other socio-economic factors. More than 189 deaths and 1123 injuries have been recorded from these incidents. The highest number of violent incidents have been recorded in the form of clashes and attacks (314). Some 207 incidents are directly or indirectly political violence which resulted in 12 deaths. Geographically, Khulna (236) scores the highest number of violence followed by Chittagong (223), Dhaka (216), and Rajshahi (161). There were 93 protests and demonstrations and at least 59 were triggered by politics. While some 31.05% of political violence contributed by Bangladesh Awami League & affiliates, 13.00% contributed by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP). Intra-party violence within the Awami League (23) showed a significant surge in 1-21 September 2023. Whereas 66% incidents were rural, 34% violence incidents took place in urban areas in 1-21 September. In the period of 1-21 September, 64 incidents of violence have been recorded as a form of student violence across different regions. A notable finding was that approximately 40% of political clashes and attacks were directly linked to student or campus-related conflicts.