Second contribution to the knowledge of the larvae of the Raviniini (Diptera, Sarcophagidae) based on observations using scanning electron microscope

First and second instar larvae of some Sarcophagidae (Diptera) of the tribe Raviniini are described on observations with a scanning electron microscope.

A public-key cryptosystem based on second order linear sequences

Based on Lucas functions, an improved version of the Diffie-Hellman distribution key scheme and to the ElGamal public key cryptosystem scheme are proposed, together with an implementation and computational cost. The security relies on the difficulty of factoring an RSA integer and on the difficulty of computing the discrete logarithm.

How reliable is the monitoring of permanent vegetation plots? A test with multiple observers

Questions: A multiple plot design was developed for permanent vegetation plots. How reliable are the different methods used in this design and which changes can we measure? Location: Alpine meadows (2430 m a.s.l.) in the Swiss Alps. Methods: Four inventories were obtained from 40 m(2) plots: four subplots (0.4 m(2)) with a list of species, two 10m transects with the point method (50 points on each), one subplot (4 m2) with a list of species and visual cover estimates as a percentage and the complete plot (40 m(2)) with a list of species and visual estimates in classes. This design was tested by five to seven experienced botanists in three plots. Results: Whatever the sampling size, only 45-63% of the species were seen by all the observers. However, the majority of the overlooked species had cover < 0.1%. Pairs of observers overlooked 10-20% less species than single observers. The point method was the best method for cover estimate, but it took much longer than visual cover estimates, and 100 points allowed for the monitoring of only a very limited number of species. The visual estimate as a percentage was more precise than classes. Working in pairs did not improve the estimates, but one botanist repeating the survey is more reliable than a succession of different observers. Conclusion: Lists of species are insufficient for monitoring. It is necessary to add cover estimates to allow for subsequent interpretations in spite of the overlooked species. The choice of the method depends on the available resources: the point method is time consuming but gives precise data for a limited number of species, while visual estimates are quick but allow for recording only large changes in cover. Constant pairs of observers improve the reliability of the records.

Role of surgery in the management of brain arteriovenous malformations: prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Management of brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) is controversial. We have analyzed the largest surgical bAVM cohort for outcome. METHODS: Both operated and nonoperated cases were included for analysis. A total of 779 patients with bAVMs were consecutively enrolled between 1989 and 2014. Initial management recommendations were recorded before commencement of treatment. Surgical outcome was prospectively recorded and outcomes assigned at the last follow-up visit using modified Rankin Scale. First, a sensitivity analyses was performed to select a subset of the entire cohort for which the results of surgery could be generalized. Second, from this subset, variables were analyzed for risk of deficit or near miss (intraoperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion of ≥2.5 L, hemorrhage in resection bed requiring reoperation, and hemorrhage associated with either digital subtraction angiography or embolization). RESULTS: A total of 7.7% of patients with Spetzler-Ponce classes A and B bAVM had an adverse outcome from surgery leading to a modified Rankin Scale >1. Sensitivity analyses that demonstrated outcome results were not subject to selection bias for Spetzler-Ponce classes A and B bAVMs. Risk factors for adverse outcomes from surgery for these bAVMs include size, presence of deep venous drainage, and eloquent location. Preoperative embolization did not affect the risk of perioperative hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the ruptured and unruptured low and middle-grade bAVMs (Spetzler-Ponce A and B) can be surgically treated with a low risk of permanent morbidity and a high likelihood of preventing future hemorrhage. Our results do not apply to Spetzler-Ponce C bAVMs.

Second-Order Approximation to the Rotemberg Model around a Distorted Steady State

Less is known about social welfare objectives when it is costly to change prices, as in Rotemberg (1982), compared with Calvo-type models. We derive a quadratic approximate welfare function around a distorted steady state for the costly price adjustment model. We highlight the similarities and differences to the Calvo setup. Both models imply inflation and output stabilization goals. It is explained why the degree of distortion in the economy influences inflation aversion in the Rotemberg framework in a way that differs from the Calvo setup.

Revisiting the Dollar-Euro Permanent Equilibrium Exchange Rate: Evidence from Multivariate Unobserved Components Models

We propose an alternative approach to obtaining a permanent equilibrium exchange rate (PEER), based on an unobserved components (UC) model. This approach offers a number of advantages over the conventional cointegration-based PEER. Firstly, we do not rely on the prerequisite that cointegration has to be found between the real exchange rate and macroeconomic fundamentals to obtain non-spurious long-run relationships and the PEER. Secondly, the impact that the permanent and transitory components of the macroeconomic fundamentals have on the real exchange rate can be modelled separately in the UC model. This is important for variables where the long and short-run effects may drive the real exchange rate in opposite directions, such as the relative government expenditure ratio. We also demonstrate that our proposed exchange rate models have good out-of sample forecasting properties. Our approach would be a useful technique for central banks to estimate the equilibrium exchange rate and to forecast the long-run movements of the exchange rate.

First-and second-best allocations under economic and environmental uncertainty

This paper uses a micro-founded DSGE model to compare second-best optimal environmental policy and the resulting allocation to first-best allocation. The focus is on the source and size of uncertainty, and how this affects optimal choices and the inferiority of second best vis-��-vis first best.

An��lisis de l'utilitat d'una plataforma digital sincr��nica i de l'apropiaci�� conceptual del professorat dels Camps d'Aprenentatge en el marc d'un curs de formaci�� permanent

El projecte pretenia analitzar com l'��s de les noves tecnologies incideixen en un proc��s de formaci�� permanent per afavorir la participaci�� i l���apropiaci�� de les noves mirades als fen��mens, la innovaci�� en did��ctica de les ci��ncies experimentals i les ci��ncies socials. El projecte ha tingut una durada d'un any i s'ha realitzat a Catalunya. En el projecte han intervingut tres formadors de la UAB i els Camps d'Aprenentatge depenents del Departament d'Educaci��. El desenvolupament del projecte ha tingut lloc en base als materials elaborats o transcrits durant diferents sessions virtuals, en les que s'ha utilitzat una plataforma sincr��nica, i en diferents sessions presencials. Els resultats del projecte mostren que tot i que el canvi de les mirades sobre els fen��mens del m��n ��s un proc��s lent, l'us de la plataforma combinada amb sessions presencials, i l'an��lisi i la discussi�� dels resultats amb els formadors, afavoreix aquest proc��s de canvi.

Predictors of temporary and permanent work disability in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: results of the swiss inflammatory bowel disease cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease can decrease the quality of life and induce work disability. We sought to (1) identify and quantify the predictors of disease-specific work disability in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and (2) assess the suitability of using cross-sectional data to predict future outcomes, using the Swiss Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort Study data. METHODS: A total of 1187 patients were enrolled and followed up for an average of 13 months. Predictors included patient and disease characteristics and drug utilization. Potential predictors were identified through an expert panel and published literature. We estimated adjusted effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals using logistic and zero-inflated Poisson regression. RESULTS: Overall, 699 (58.9%) experienced Crohn's disease and 488 (41.1%) had ulcerative colitis. Most important predictors for temporary work disability in patients with Crohn's disease included gender, disease duration, disease activity, C-reactive protein level, smoking, depressive symptoms, fistulas, extraintestinal manifestations, and the use of immunosuppressants/steroids. Temporary work disability in patients with ulcerative colitis was associated with age, disease duration, disease activity, and the use of steroids/antibiotics. In all patients, disease activity emerged as the only predictor of permanent work disability. Comparing data at enrollment versus follow-up yielded substantial differences regarding disability and predictors, with follow-up data showing greater predictor effects. CONCLUSIONS: We identified predictors of work disability in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Our findings can help in forecasting these disease courses and guide the choice of appropriate measures to prevent adverse outcomes. Comparing cross-sectional and longitudinal data showed that the conduction of cohort studies is inevitable for the examination of disability.

Measuring the Euro-Dollar Permanent Equilibrium Exchange Rate using the Unobserved Components Model

This paper employs an unobserved component model that incorporates a set of economic fundamentals to obtain the Euro-Dollar permanent equilibrium exchange rates (PEER) for the period 1975Q1 to 2008Q4. The results show that for most of the sample period, the Euro-Dollar exchange rate closely followed the values implied by the PEER. The only significant deviations from the PEER occurred in the years immediately before and after the introduction of the single European currency. The forecasting exercise shows that incorporating economic fundamentals provides a better long-run exchange rate forecasting performance than a random walk process.

Enhancing Interns��� Aspirations towards the Labour Market through Skill-Acquisition: The Second Chance Schools Experience

Second Change School programmes are active in a number of European countries. These schools offer vulnerable young adults an alternative opportunity to enhance their employability skills by alternating education with work experience. People enrolling in these programmes disengaged from schools at an early age. They already experienced or are at-risk to enter into unemployment. This paper examines the impact of the Second Chance Schools on their participants��� aspirations towards the labour market through skill-acquisition. We are able to identify the perception of Second Chance Schools��� interns regarding entry to the professional life. A third of them, for example, consider their attitude or their surroundings as a barrier preventing them from getting a job. However, our results emphasise the role of the interns��� coach in improving their aspirations towards the labour market. We also show that when compared to male interns, female interns have a stronger (positive) perception of the school as a place where they can gain skills.

Sempre connectats: les biblioteques en un m��n de connectivitat permanent

La comunicaci�� m��bil ��s la tecnologia que ha estat adoptada d'una forma m��s ��mplia i r��pida que cap altra. (Castells et al., 2007). Representa la difusi�� de les comunicacions i de la capacitat computacional en una part cada cop m��s gran de les activitats socials, d'investigaci�� i aprenentatge. Ha trobat eco en el comportament emergent de la joventut, donant recolzament als models caracter��stics d'interacci�� social i formaci�� de grups, ��s de la informaci�� i expressi�� personal. La creaci�� de xarxes difuses canvia la manera de coordinar els nostres recursos per aconseguir objectius. Per exemple, canvia l'��s del temps i l'espai. La pausa en directe ��s una rutina perqu�� els estudiants puguin escoltar o mirar confer��ncies en el gimn��s o en el tren. L'��s de l'espai per promoure cites ���ad hoc��� i l'aprenentatge social est�� guanyant import��ncia. A mesura que la xarxa s'est��n, tenim m��ltiples punts de connexi�� que ens ofereixen diferents graus d'experi��ncia (l'escriptori, el tel��fon m��bil, l'xBox o la Wii, el sistema GPS, els tel��fons intel��ligents, ordinadors ultraport��tils, etc.). Malgrat coincidir en diversos espectes, tamb�� estan optimitzats per diferents prop��sits. Un acompanyament natural a aquesta xarxa de punts de connexi�� ��s el trasllat de molts serveis cap al n��vol, que es troba disponible a la xarxa a trav��s dels diferents dispositius i entorns. Aix�� significa que cada cop ��s m��s parcial centrar-se exclusivament en el lloc web institucional com a principal mecanisme de distribuci�� i en el navegador com a principal entorn de consum. Els estudiants estan orientats als resultats i valoren la comoditat. Aquest ��mfasi, juntament a les restriccions de disseny d���alguns dispositius promou la necessitat d���arribar r��pidament a la rellev��ncia. La socialitzaci��, la personalitzaci�� i la consci��ncia de la localitzaci�� cobren m��s import��ncia. Les biblioteques han estat treballant per desenvolupar serveis preparats per la xarxa. La comunicaci�� m��bil intensifica aquesta activitat i hi afegeix nous reptes mentre s'estudia qu�� vol dir estar preparat per la xarxa. Aix�� t�� implicacions en l'organitzaci�� des del moment que l'��mfasi es despla��a cap a la integraci�� del proc��s de treball al voltant de l'estudiant o investigador i crea noves relacions amb altres organitzacions de serveis del campus. Tamb�� t�� conseq����ncies en la manera d'utilitzar l'espai, en les habilitats de la biblioteca i en com es desenvolupen les col��leccions. Podem observar l'impacte de la comunicaci�� m��bil en els serveis de dues maneres. En primer lloc, els serveis es poden convertir en aptes per ser m��bils, com ��s el cas de les interf��cies m��bils per als serveis de les biblioteques, els serveis d'alerta, etc. En segon lloc, la mobilitzaci�� continua la reestructuraci�� dels serveis, les organitzacions i l'atenci�� produ��da per la xarxa. Penseu aqu�� la manera de socialitzar i personalitzar els serveis; en com adaptar l'��s de la col��lecci�� i el servei que s'est��n a l'entorn institucional, personal i de n��vol; en com posicionar i promoure la marca de la biblioteca a mesura que els serveis s'atomitzen i es fan menys visibles a la xarxa; i altres q��estions m��s complexes com qu�� ��s millor fer localment i qu�� s'ha de fer amb acords de col��laboraci�� o terceres parts.

The normative dimension of social life from a second-person perspective

This thesis argues that insofar as we want to account for the normative dimension of social life, we must be careful to avoid construing that normative dimension in such a way as to exclude that which the second-person perspective reveals is important to social life and our ability to participate in it.��The second-person perspective reveals that social life ought to be understood as a mix or balance of the regular and the irregular, where, in addition, those one interacts with are always to some extent experienced as other in a way that is neither immediately, nor perhaps ultimately, understandable. For persons to be able to participate in social life, conceived of in this way, they must have abilities that allow them to be, to some extent, hesitant and tentative in their relations with others, and thus tolerant of ambiguity, uncertainty and unpredictability, and responsive to and capable of learning from the otherness of others in the course of interacting with them.��Incorporating the second-person perspective means we have to make some changes to the way we think about the normative in general, and the normative dimension of social life in particular. It does not mean giving up on the distinction between the normative and the regular - that continues to be fundamentally important but it does mean not excluding, as part of social life and as worthy of explanation, all that which is irregular. A radical way of putting it would be to say that there must be a sense in which the irregular is part of the normative. A less radical way, and the way adopted by this thesis, is to say that any account of the normative dimension of social life must not be such as to exclude the importance of irregularity from social life. This will mean 1) not characterising conventions, norms and rules as determinants of appropriateness and inappropriateness; 2) not thinking of them as necessary; 3) not thinking of them as necessarily governing minds; and 4) not thinking of them as necessarily shared.��-��L'argument principal de la th��se est que, pour rendre compte de la dimension normative de la vie sociale, il faut veiller �� ne pas exclure la perspective de la deuxi��me personne - une perspective importante pour comprendre la vie sociale et la capacit�� requise pour y participer.��Cette perspective nous permet d'imaginer la vie sociale comme un m��lange ou un ��quilibre entre le r��gulier et l'irr��gulier, l'interaction entre des individus pouvant ��tre appr��hend��e comme l'exp��rience de chaque personne avec ��l'autre�� d'une mani��re qui n'est pas imm��diatement compr��hensible, et qui ne peut pas, peut-��tre, ��tre ultimement comprise. Pour participer �� la vie sociale, l'on doit avoir la capacit�� de rester h��sitant et ��r��actif�� dans ses relations avec les autres, de rester ouvert �� leur alt��rit�� et de tol��rer l'ambigu��t��, l'incertitude et l'impr��visibilit�� des interactions sociales.��Adopter une perspective ���� la deuxi��me personne�� conduit �� une autre mani��re de penser la normativit�� en g��n��ral, et la dimension normative de la vie sociale en particulier. Cela ne veut pas dire qu'il faut abandonner la distinction entre le normatif et le r��gulier - une distinction qui garde une importance fondamentale - mais qu'il faut reconna��tre l'irr��gulier comme faisant partie de la vie sociale et comme ��tant digne, en tant que tel, d'��tre expliqu��. Une conception radicale pourrait m��me concevoir l'irr��gulier comme faisant partie int��grante de la normativit��. Une approche moins radicale, qui est celle adopt��e dans cette th��se, est de dire que tout compte-rendu de la dimension normative de la vie sociale doit prendre en consid��ration l'importance de l'irr��gularit�� dans la vie sociale. Une telle approche implique que les conventions, normes et r��gles (1) ne d��terminent pas ce qui est appropri�� ou inappropri��; (2) ne sont pas toujours n��cessaires ; (3) ne gouvernent pas le fonctionnement de l'esprit ; et (4) ne sont pas n��cessairement partag��es.