Modalities Of Acquisition Research Articles

Procedures for the Acquisition of Citizenship in the Republic of Kosovo

The Republic of Kosovo is a parliamentary republic that declared its independence on February 17, 2008. Currently, Kosovo is in the stage of institutional, political, and economic development and consolidation, and is strongly advancing toward the Euro-Atlantic integration process. States, in principle, within the domestic power they possess, have the right to regulate the procedures and requirements of acquiring and revoking citizenship, which can be considered as an element and instrument of the exercise of state sovereignty. However, states are generally careful when drafting legislation regarding citizenship to align their legal guidelines with important international instruments. The Council of Europe’s Convention on Nationality, along with the Law on Citizenship of Kosovo and those of other states subject to comparison, are the subject of this paper. The new Law on Citizenship (which is currently in force) was approved in 2013. This law defines the modalities of acquisition, loss, and re-acquisition of citizenship of Kosovo and other issues related to citizenship. The main focus of this article is the correct definition and fair implementation of the procedures, criteria and requirements of the modalities for obtaining the citizenship of Kosovo through the Law on Citizenship of Kosovo and other related laws. Such an approach will contribute, no matter how little, in facilitating a fairer execution of the Law on Citizenship of Kosovo.

Evaluation of Radiation Exposure and Image Quality in Congenital Catheterization Laboratory; A Single Centre Comparative Study Using Different Acquisition Modes

Abstract Background The exposure to ionizing radiation delivered during the catheterization procedures has various negative biological effects to the patient, so concern has risen sharply about radiation hazards over the past decade.While angiography imaging system vendors have all made great strides with new technologies that reduce the amount of x-rays needed while maintaining excellent image quality, the procedures have become more complex, lasting longer and require more imaging than standard procedures. Aim of the Work To study the effect of lowering radiation dose by using a fluoro angiography on image quality in pediatric cardiac catheterization. Patients and Methods We studied 90 patients who underwent cardiac cath. for CHD at Ain Shams University hospital. Patients were randomized into three groups according to mode of acquisition used in procedure (fluro angiography only–cine angiography only–mixed). Radiation indices were measured, also image quality questionnaire was filled by operators after each procedure. Results statistically significant difference between three modalities of acquisition as regard the radiation indices (DAP, total air kemra, fluoroscopy time) with p value <0.005. While operators satisfaction with image was nearly the same in the three groups with median score 68.5 (p value 0.681). Conclusion Based on the results of the current study it can be concluded that: Mixed imaging acquisition had highest radiation exposure indices in comparison with other two acquisition modalities (fluro angiography only – cine angiography only), with statistically significant difference with fluro only mode (p value <0.005), and no statistically significant deference with cine only mode. Complexity of the procedures & increased the cath. lab machine imaging protocol to 30 fps and repeat the same injection in the cine mode after fluro mode were the most important factors that made mixed acquisition had the highest radiation indices and exposure. Image quality and operators satisfaction were nearly the same in three acquisition modes (fluro-cine-mixed) with median image score 68.5 (p value 0.681), in expense of more radiation exposure in mixed mode. Increase operators awareness to radiation and continuous monitoring of radiation exposure with application of ALARA principles is important to reduce radiation exposure.

Urban land policy in San Carlos de Bariloche (2001-2019). Contributions for a critical balance.

This article addresses urban land policies as a key element to guarantee habitability conditions for the working class. With this in mind, the article analyzes the urban land policy developed in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro, in the post-crisis period of 2001, in particular after the housing crisis of 2006-2008, until 2019, in order to make a critical balance of the lots with utilities production policy. Starting from a documentary and qualitative methodological approach, the different operations initiated by the municipal State are examined, taking into account the modalities of land acquisition, the forms of infrastructure financing, the recipients, and their form of organization, among other variables. The results of the research show an effort by the local government of San Carlos de Bariloche to provide utilities to 140 hectares of urban land, but they also show the limitations in its implementation. The work attempts to contribute to the discussion on the causes of urban informality and its relationship with housing and urban policies implemented by local governments in Latin America. The production of lots with utilities is a fundamental pillar of urban policy, but its research has been limited. As such, the article also tries to account for this gap in the literature.

How large-scale geographic factors affect the different dimensions of functional diversity: evidence from the beech forest herb layer (Apennines, Italy)

Background and aims – The research aim was to investigate the relation between large-scale geographic factors and the functional structure of the herbaceous layer of calcareous beech forests in the Apennines, managed as high forest.Material and methods – We selected 163 plots (20 × 20 m), ranging from Central to South Italy, using a random stratified sampling design. We correlated the effect sizes of traits’ community-weighted means, functional richness, evenness, divergence, dispersion, and Rao’s quadratic entropy, with the main axes of variation in species composition.Key results – The geographical range played a weak role in shaping the species composition of the herbaceous layer. However, we found evidence of functional convergence towards the northern sectors of the study area, where traits linked to resource retention strategies and vegetative spread are filtered. We did not find any evidence of convergence northwards for leaf phenology and pollination types.Conclusion – The increase of the intensity in the environmental stress was associated with a decrease of diversity for traits related to resource conservation strategies and vegetative propagation. On the contrary, the lower cold stress intensity southwards fostered a better niche partitioning, ensuring the coexistence of species with different modalities of resource acquisition and conservation.

Neurorétinopathie maculaire aiguë : description et intérêt de l’OCT en face, série de cas

Acute macular neuroretinopathy (AMN) is a rare disease characterized by involvement of the outer retinal layers of the macula. The diagnosis of AMN is based on multimodal imaging, combining infrared reflectance (IR) imaging and optical coherence tomography with B-scan analysis (OCT-B). The en face OCT is a tomographic image processing technique, integrating data from entire A-scans to create a frontal retinal image of the desired area. Structural en face OCT imaging appears to be effective in delineating AMN lesions, using segmentation between the outer plexiform line and the ellipsoid line. In the future, analysis of the various modalities of a single OCT acquisition may be sufficient to diagnose AMN.

How to PROceed? Reviewing obstacles and perspectives in patient-centered digital care in radiation oncology

As the general public is increasing their online presence and is becoming confident with the digital infrastructure, an opportunity for patient-centered digital care has arisen. Electronic patient-reported outcomes, (e)PRO in short, may facilitate enhanced clinical management of radiation oncology patients. This might enable the physicians to take the initiative and counteract symptoms or undesired side effects before they aggravate and thus, reducing treatment-associated costs. In this article, we review the impetus for and modalities of (e)PRO-based data acquisition and handling in research and routine. We conclude that prospective and technical studies are needed to prove the clinical significance of (e)PROs to pave the way to monetary compensation and widespread application.

Enhanced Written vs. Verbal Recall Accuracy Associated With Greater Prefrontal Activation: A Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study.

Background: Memory efficiency is influenced by the modalities of acquisition and retrieval. The recall accuracy of read or voiced material differs depending on whether the recall is given verbally or in writing. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is critical for both attentional allocation and short-term memory, suggesting that different short-term memory recall modalities are associated with distinct mPFC processes and activation patterns.Methods: Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to monitor mPFC oxygenation parameters of 30 healthy subjects during acquisition and recall tasks as a measure of neural activity. Oxygenation parameters and recall accuracy were compared between oral and written answers and the potential correlations were analyzed.Results: Written responses were more accurate than verbal responses to the same questions and evoked greater changes in mPFC oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) and total Hb (total-Hb). Furthermore, there were significant positive correlations between recall accuracy and both Δ[oxyHb] and Δ[total-Hb] in the mPFC.Conclusion: Memory accuracy of written material is greater when responses are also written rather than verbal. In both cases, recall accuracy was correlated with the degree of mPFC activity. This NIRS-based learning and memory paradigm may be useful for monitoring training efficacy, such as in patients with cognitive impairment.

Performance of endobronchial-ultrasound guided miniforceps biopsy of targeted mediastinal and hilar lesions.

Performance of endobronchial-ultrasound guided miniforceps biopsy of targeted mediastinal and hilar lesions.

Dematerialisation of patient's informed consent in radiology: insights on current status and radiologists' opinion from an Italian online survey.

To assess the current status of patient's informed consent (PIC) management at radiological centres and the overall opinion of radiologist active members of the Italian Society of Medical Radiology (SIRM) about PIC dematerialisation through an online survey. All members were invited to join the survey as an initiative by the Imaging Informatics Chapter of SIRM. The survey consisted of 11 multiple-choice questions about participants' demographics, current local modalities of PIC acquisition and storage, perceived advantages and disadvantages of PIC dematerialisation over conventional paper-based PIC, and overall opinion about PIC dematerialisation. A total of 1791 radiologists (amounting to 17.4% of active SIRM members for the year 2016) joined the survey. Perceived advantages of PIC dematerialisation were easier and faster PIC recovery (96.5%), safer storage and conservation (94.5%), and reduced costs (90.7%). Conversely, the need to create dedicated areas for PIC acquisition inside each radiological unit (64.0%) and to gain preliminary approval for the use of advanced digital signature tools from patients (51.8%) were seen as potential disadvantages. Overall, 94.5% of respondents had a positive opinion about PIC dematerialisation. Radiologists were mostly favourable to PIC dematerialisation. However, concerns were raised that its practical implementation might face hurdles due to its complexity in current real life working conditions.

Does Land Conflict Matter to Farm Productivity? A Case Study of Cambodia

Land-related conflicts in Cambodia have been garnering much attention. The Cambodian government, through the Prime Minister, pledged to resolve land-related disputes, as they not only hurt the people but negatively impact on the national development agenda. Land disputes are estimated to involve 200,000 poor Cambodians. The government has been urged by international aid agencies to solve land problems to aid rural development and alleviate poverty. This paper evaluates the determinants of land conflict and its impact on land productivity, and provides recommendations on land governance in Cambodia, using an extensive 2004 nationwide household survey data consisting of 15,000 households in 600 rural and 300 urban villages. In the face of a growing landless population, primarily with loss of ownership by female-headed households, this study finds evidence that suggests other approaches for policymakers in preventing a growing landless population and land conflict prevention. It was also found out that modalities of acquisition are not a dominant cause of land conflict, while posessing land title reduces the probability of getting one's land into dispute. The analysis finds evidence of negative impact of land conflicts on farm productivity. This finding supports the hypothesis of the study and confirms the downward spiral events of conflicts that impact on farm productivity. The most involved in land-related conflicts are agricultural lands, which may signify the community’s risk for low land productivity. The numerous land grabbing incidents in Cambodia may also lead to land conflicts. There is urgent call for the Cambodian government to solve land conflicts or improve land governance not only for agricultural development, but also for Cambodians’ rights over their lands. The impetus of resolving land issues, especially in rural Cambodia, will contribute to more effective poverty reduction efforts.

Between cooking and knapping in the southern Caucasus: Obsidian-tempered ceramics from Aratashen (Armenia) and Mentesh Tepe (Azerbaijan)

Obsidian-tempered ceramics represent a typical production of the Chalcolithic period in the southern Caucasus. Previous studies have already assessed the viability of LA-ICP-MS analysis to identify the provenance of the obsidian temper contained in the ceramic paste. In this article the results of the analyses of the obsidian-tempered ceramics and of the obsidian lithic artefacts from the sites of Aratashen (Armenia) and Mentesh Tepe (Azerbaidjan) are compared. The aim of this comparison is to define analogies and differences in the modalities of acquisition of the obsidian as they are revealed by ceramic and lithic production at two sites that were localised at different distances from primary and secondary sources of obsidian. The results of this comparison allowed us to highlight different modalities of provisioning and exploitation of the same raw material by knappers and potters.

Accès au foncier et relations de pouvoir : l’enchâssement des acquisitions foncières à grande échelle au Mozambique

Malgre une litterature abondante, les acquisitions foncieres a grande echelle sont generalement considerees comme des elements exogenes aux territoires dans lesquelles elles sont realisees. La plupart des analyses ne s’interesse, en effet, qu’aux processus de consultation et a la reconnaissance legale des droits fonciers des populations locales. Cette approche ne permet pas de cerner la complexite du phenomene, et en particulier l’enchâssement social de ces acquisitions foncieres. En s’appuyant sur l’etude empirique d’un echantillon d’acquisitions foncieres a grande echelle au Mozambique, cet article analyse les modalites d’acces au foncier utilisees par les investisseurs et illustre les principes de l’influence reciproque entre ces projets et la gouvernance fonciere. Les representants de l’Etat aux differentes echelles et les elites nationales sont generalement en competition pour beneficier de ces opportunites d’investissement. Conscient de ces « faisceaux de pouvoir », les investisseurs les utilisent, selon differentes modalites, pour faciliter leur acces au foncier. Cette situation est utilisee par l’Etat central pour reaffirmer son autorite sur l’attribution des terres et se fait generalement au detriment de la protection des droits fonciers des communautes locales et en faveur du developpement des projets d’investissements fonciers a grande echelle.

A Statistical Direct Volume Rendering Framework for Visualization of Uncertain Data.

With uncertainty present in almost all modalities of data acquisition, reduction, transformation, and representation, there is a growing demand for mathematical analysis of uncertainty propagation in data processing pipelines. In this paper, we present a statistical framework for quantification of uncertainty and its propagation in the main stages of the visualization pipeline. We propose a novel generalization of Irwin-Hall distributions from the statistical viewpoint of splines and box-splines, that enables interpolation of random variables. Moreover, we introduce a probabilistic transfer function classification model that allows for incorporating probability density functions into the volume rendering integral. Our statistical framework allows for incorporating distributions from various sources of uncertainty which makes it suitable in a wide range of visualization applications. We demonstrate effectiveness of our approach in visualization of ensemble data, visualizing large datasets at reduced scale, iso-surface extraction, and visualization of noisy data.

Protocol of ultrasound detection of multifidus in the lumbar spine tract

A correct morphological analysis is strictly related to the modalities of acquisition. A protocol to standardize cross-sectional ultrasound scans of lumbar multifidus (LM) was set, aiming to correct and complete information (1). Three authors of the study took turns as subject and operator mutually, repeating the scans until definite, correct, and complete images were obtained for each of the lumbar levels investigated. The convex probe (5.0Mhz emission) of a LogiqE (Ge Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI, USA) in B-mode Real Time modality was used. During each scan, the setting of the machine was fixed for all planes. The gain was set at 82, parameters of depth control at 7cm, focal frequency at 31Hz with the implementation of bifocal setting. Each scan conducted on the posterior aspect of the lumbar vertebra produced characteristic shapes that were indicative of the level at which the scan was performed. For a complete and correct definition of the area and section of interest of LM, the recognition of the lateral side of the osteofibrous space was particularly critical (2). Once the optimal plane to scan LM had been defined, three different morphologies, characteristic of the vertebral recesses corresponding to vertebrae L5-L4, L3, L2-L1, were identified (3). To guarantee uniformity in data collection, in the communication and individualization of the parameters characterizing the clinical pictures, the protocol of acquisition had to be repeatable, reliable, and it had to reduce the operator dependence (1,2,3). In conclusion, a correct and complete image is subject to qualitative and quantitative evaluation in the area of interest of LM. This undeniably favours communication between different diagnostic centres and the detection of morphological modifications that characterize both function and pathology.

FLIM Phasor Analysis for Time-Domain and Frequency-Domain Data

1779-Pos Board B671 FLIM Phasor Analysis for Time-Domain and Frequency-Domain Data Enrico Gratton, Michelle A. Digman, Chiara Stringari, Cosimo Arnesano. University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA. The phasor analysis of FLIM images provides a fit free global view of molec- ular species and their interaction in cells and tissues. Different techniques are used to collect the original data either in the time domain or in the frequency domain. The ‘‘phasor transformation’’ which is based on the calculation of Fourier components should in principle make the phasor plot independent of the domain of data collection. However, technical differences between the modalities of data acquisition in various instruments result in slightly different phasor calculations. In this poster we discuss the origin of the variations be- tween the different methods of data acquisition. In particular we compare data obtained with the classical analog frequency domain instrument, data obtained with the FLIMbox principle that is based on a digital equivalent of the frequency domain instrument and data obtained with the popular time- correlated single photon counting instrument. We discuss how to minimize these differences which could results in phasors plots that can be directly com- pared form data obtained with different instruments. We also discuss and com- pare methods of data filtering which can decrease the noise in the phasor plot without affecting the resolution of FLIM images. Finally we compare phasor plots obtained for different harmonics of the laser repetition frequency. We show that the phasor plot at high harmonics from autofluorescence tissue sam- ples can distinguish between various extracellular components such as the weak fluorescence from collagen and elastin. Work supported in part by NIH-P41 P41-RRO3155, 8P41GM103540 and P50-GM076516

Gender in Italian–German bilinguals: A comparison with German L2 learners of Italian

This study compares mastery of gender assignment and agreement in Italian by adult Italian–German bilinguals who have acquired two languages simultaneously (2L1), and by adult German highly proficient second language learners (L2ers) of Italian. Our data show that incompleteness in bilingual acquisition and in second language (L2) acquisition primarily affects gender assignment: the categorization of nouns and the interpretablegenderfeature are subject to vulnerability in the two modalities of acquisition. Overall, mastery of morpho-syntax (i.e., gender agreement) was nearly native-like for both groups of speakers, suggesting that uninterpretable features are unlikely to be subject to vulnerability in the heritage language of adult bilingual speakers and can be acquired in adult L2 acquisition. Deviances from the target in gender assignment and, to a lesser extent, in gender agreement are attributed to both language-internal (i.e., language) and language-external factors (i.e., amount of input).

Mammoths used as food and building resources by Neanderthals: Zooarchaeological study applied to layer 4, Molodova I (Ukraine)

Considering Neanderthal subsistence, the use of mammoth resources has been particularly discussed. Apart from procurement for food, the use of mammoth bones as building material has been proposed. The hypothesis was based on the discovery made in Molodova I, Ukraine (Dniester valley). In this large multistratified open-air site, a rich Mousterian layer was excavated. Dated to the Inter-Pleniglacial (MIS 3), it has yielded 40 000 lithic remains associated with ca. 3000 mammal bones, mostly from mammoth. Several areas have been excavated: a pit filled with bones, different areas of activities (butchering, tool production), twenty-five hearths and a circular accumulation made of mammoth bones, described as a dwelling structure set up by Neanderthals. Attested dwelling structures made of mammoth bones are known in Upper Paleolithic sites, from Ukraine and Russia, attributed to the Epigravettian tradition.This paper presents a zooarchaeological study of large mammal remains from Molodova I layer 4, to understand the modalities of acquisition and utilization of mammoth resources for food and technical purposes, especially to test the hypothesis of using bones as building elements. The number of mammoths is estimated to at least fifteen individuals of all age classes and both sexes, which died during several episodes, near or on the site.The taphonomic modifications due to weathering, water percolation and plant roots indicate the location of bones in holes, such as the pit and the basement of the circular accumulation. Secondary actions of carnivores, especially of hyaenid type, are rare on bones, showing that the assemblage was not accumulated by these predators. The anatomical preservation, the age and sex features and the taphonomic data indicate several modalities of mammoth acquisition by hunting, scavenging and collecting.Based on anthropogenic marks, mammoth meat has been eaten. The presence of series of striations and ochre on mammoth bones are associated with a technical or symbolic use. Furthermore, mammoth bones have been deliberately selected (long and flat bones, tusks, connected vertebrae) and circularly arranged. This mammoth bone structure could be described as the basement of a wooden cover or as a wind-screen. The inner presence of fifteen hearths, lithic artifacts and waste of mammal butchery and cooking is characteristic of a domestic area, which was probably the centre of a residential camp recurrently settled. It appears that Neanderthals were the oldest known humans who used mammoth bones to build a dwelling structure.

Relationships between reindeer and man in southwestern France during the Magdalenian

French Late Glacial deposits, mostly discovered at the end of the 19th century, contain abundant reindeer bones ( Rangifer tarandus). This species, which disappeared from France ca. 12000 BP, during the Allerød climatic oscillation, constituted the main game of Magdalenian groups of several geographical zones. This paper presents the results regarding modalities of acquisition and treatment of reindeer carcasses by Magdalenian groups in southwestern France. The Reindeer mass kills hypotheses proposed for the Parisian Basin cannot be applied to the South of France. The factors responsible for this difference are considered, notably seasons of hunt and extent of reindeer migrations.

2009 EANM parathyroid guidelines

The present guidelines were issued by the Parathyroid Task Group of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine. The main focus was imaging of primary hyperparathyroidism. Dual-tracer and single-tracer parathyroid scintigraphy protocols were discussed as well as the various modalities of image acquisition. Primary hyperparathyroidism is an endocrine disorder with high prevalence, typically caused by a solitary parathyroid adenoma, less frequently (about 15%) by multiple parathyroid gland disease (MGD) and rarely (1%) by parathyroid carcinoma. Patients with MGD may have a double adenoma or hyperplasia of three or all four parathyroid glands. Conventional surgery has consisted in routine bilateral neck exploration. The current trend is toward minimally invasive surgery. In this new era, the success of targeted parathyroid surgery depends not only on an experienced surgeon, but also on a sensitive and accurate imaging technique. Recognizing MGD is the major challenge for pre-operative imaging, in order to not direct a patient towards inappropriate minimal surgery. Scintigraphy should also report on thyroid nodules that may cause confusion with a parathyroid adenoma or require concurrent surgical resection. The two main reasons for failed surgery are ectopic glands and undetected MGD. Imaging is mandatory before re-operation, and scintigraphy results should be confirmed with a second imaging technique (usually US for a neck focus, CT or MRI for a mediastinal focus). Hybrid SPECT/CT instruments should be most helpful in this setting. SPECT/CT has a major role for obtaining anatomical details on ectopic foci. However, its use as a routine procedure before target surgery is still investigational. Preliminary data suggest that SPECT/CT has lower sensitivity in the neck area compared to pinhole imaging. Additional radiation to the patient should also be considered. The guidelines also discuss aspects related to radio-guided surgery of hyperparathyroidism and imaging of chronic kidney disease patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism.

Una sociologia della memoria sociale

In his book De Arte Excerpendi: Imparare a dimenticare nella modernita (Leo S. Olschki Editore, Firenze 2006), Alberto Cevolini offers an innovative contribution, from the perspective of the social systems theory, to the sociology of culture by investigating the transformations related to the processes in the storage of social knowledge. Special attention is paid to the analysis of the connection between changes of the social structure in the transition from premodern to modern society, on the one hand, and the modalities of acquisition, memorization and filing of knowledge, on the other. The main thesis of the volume is that the specificity of the modern social memory consists of adopting new techniques, such as modern archives, which, while making unnecessary the use of individual memory, entail a high degree of variety, innovation and contingency of social knowledge.