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The Rasch sampler is an efficient algorithm to sample binary matrices with given marginal sums. It is a Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. The program can handle matrices of up to 1024 rows and 64 columns. A special option allows to sample square matrices with given marginals and fixed main diagonal, a problem prominent in social network analysis. In all cases the stationary distribution is uniform. The user has control on the serial dependency.

This paper’s primary objective is to identify the relative importance of various Islamic financial products, in theory and in practice, by examining the financing records of the Bank Islam Malaysia (Berhad) and the Bahrain Islamic Bank. Currently, seven available Islamic financing products are considered viable alternatives to interest-based conventional contracts: mudarabah (trust financing), musharakah (equity financing), ijarah (lease financing), murabahah (trade financing), qard al-hassan (welfare loan), bay` bi al-thaman al-ajil (deferred payment financing), and istisna` (progressive payments). Among these financial products, mudarabah and musharakah are the most distinct. Their unique characteristics (at least in theory) make Islamic banks and Islamic financing viable alternatives to the conventional interest-based financial system. The question before us is to determine the extent of mudarabah and musharakah in Islamic financing in practice. The data are as follows: the average mudarabah is 5% of total financing, and the average musharakah is less than 3%. The combined average of mudarabah and musharakah for the two Islamic banks is less than 4% of the total finance and advances. The average qard al- hassan is about 4%, while istisna` does not yet exist in practice. Murabahah is the most popular and dominates all other modes of Islamic financing. The average use of murabahah is over 54%. When the bay` bi al-thaman al-ajil is added to the murabahah, the percentage of total financing is shown to be 2.68%. This paper also explores some possible reasons why these two Islamic banks appear to prefer murabahah to mudarabah and musharakah.

One hundred years have passed since the discovery of insulin-an achievement that transformed diabetes from a fatal illness into a manageable chronic condition. The decades since that momentous achievement have brought ever more rapid innovation and advancement in diabetes research and clinical care. To celebrate the important work of the past century and help to chart a course for its continuation into the next, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research's Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes and the U.S. National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recently held a joint international symposium, bringing together a cohort of researchers with diverse interests and backgrounds from both countries and beyond to discuss their collective quest to better understand the heterogeneity of diabetes and thus gain insights to inform new directions in diabetes treatment and prevention. This article summarizes the proceedings of that symposium, which spanned cutting-edge research into various aspects of islet biology, the heterogeneity of diabetic phenotypes, and the current state of and future prospects for precision medicine in diabetes.

موسسات آموزش عالی باید به نحوی پاسخگوی توقعات در حال تغییر مرتبط با یادگیری و فناوری‌های جدید باشند. دست‌اندرکاران آموزش عالی، رویکردهای سنتی آموزش را زیر سوال می‌برند تا ببینند آیا در سطوح بالاتر یادگیری کارساز می‌باشند یا خیر. یادگیری عمیق و صحیح مستلزم وجود یادگیرندگان فعال می‌باشد (kuh و همکاران، 2005). افرادی که با فناوری‌های نوین بزرگ شده‌اند، خیلی موافق تبادل اطلاعات از طریق سخن‌رانی نیستند و یادگیرندگان بیشتر به دنبال تجارب فعال و سرگرم‌کننده در یادگیری می‌باشند. زمان آن رسیده است که موسسات آموزش عالی از رویکردهای سنتی دوری گزینند تا بتوانند به نحو مقتضی، پاسخگوی جامعه تحصیل کرده کنونی باشند و موسسات خود را منطبق با نیازهای قرن 21 هدایت کنند. این موسسات باید به نحوی برنامه‌ریزی کنند که دانشجویان فرصت تعامل فعال با اساتید خود را داشته باشند (ایده‌آل‌های آموزش عالی). ما باید ایده‌آل‌های آموزش عالی را بررسی کنیم و در عین حال روش‌های فعلی را با دیدی منتقدانه ارزیابی کنیم و نقش تکنولوژی ارتباطات را در ایجاد تعاملات فعال در نظر داشته باشیم. با در نظر گرفتن رویکردهای نوین در ایجاد بحث و مناظره در ایده‌آل‌های سنتی آموزش عالی می توانیم این ایده‌آل‌ها را احیاء و بازیابی کنیم. در این کتاب نشان خواهیم داد که تنها راه احیاء ایده آل‌های آموزش عالی، طراحی مجدد آموزش ترکیبی می‌باشد. در حال حاضر مدیران، اساتید و دانشجویان موسسات آموزش عالی می‌دانند که باید تجارب آموزشی را به نحوی تغییر داد. اما آموزش ترکیبی چیزی فراتر از بهبود و تغییر نحوه سخن‌رانی و ارائه مطالب است و در اصل نشان دهنده رویکرد ما به آموزش و یادگیری می‌باشد. آموزش ترکیبی در حقیقت رویکردی منسجم برای طراحی مجدد کامل فضاهای آموزشی است که آزادانه نقاط قوت آموزش برخط و رو در رو را بررسی می‌کند. زمانی که آموزش ترکیبی به طور کامل درک و اجرا شود، آموزش عالی به گونه‌ای بی سابقه از زمان توسعه‌اش در دهه 1940، تغییر خواهد کرد. چالشی که اینک پیش روی ما است درک صحیح و درست از نیازها، پتانسیل و راهبردهای آموزش ترکیبی است تا بتوانیم به آرمان‌های آموزش عالی دست یابیم.

Decades of acidic deposition have depleted soil calcium (Ca) stocks over large areas of eastern Canada. The recovery of soil Ca levels has been limited despite substantial reductions in acidic deposition and will likely take many decades because rates of loss (owing to soil leaching, timber harvesting, and forest regeneration) may equal or exceed those of supply (via atmospheric input and natural mineral weathering). As low soil Ca levels may adversely affect local biota with relatively high Ca requirements, affected sites may benefit from supplementation with an alternative Ca source. A growing body of evidence suggests that the application of wood ash to Ca-deficient forest soils can help counteract the loss of Ca and other nutrients from the soil while boosting forest productivity. Yet the use of wood ash as a forest soil amendment is currently restricted in Canada, and the costs of obtaining permits and transporting/applying the ash make landfilling a more economically viable option. Here, we explore the potential of wood ash amendments in terms of their risks and benefits, dose and application frequency, time to see benefits, and longevity of benefits. After considering these topics in the context of Ca-deficient, acidified forest soils across eastern Canada, we propose that the potential benefits of ash amendments in these areas likely outweigh the risks. Future studies are needed to clarify both the short- and long-term effects of wood ash addition on different tree species in both natural and managed forests, as well as the potential benefits for carbon capture and implications for Ca-deficient aquatic ecosystems. Key words: calcium decline, forest management, soil amendment, sugar maple, wood ash Des decennies de depots acides ont epuise les stocks de calcium (Ca) du sol dans de vastes regions de l'est du Canada. Le retablissement des niveaux de calcium du sol a ete limite malgre les reductions substantielles des depots acides et il prendra probablement plusieurs decennies, car les taux de perte (en raison du lessivage du sol, de la recolte du bois et de la regeneration forestiere) peuvent egaler ou depasser ceux de l'approvisionnement (par l'apport atmospherique et la meteorisation minerale naturelle). Puisque de faibles niveaux de Ca dans le sol peuvent exercer un effet negatif sur le biote local dont les besoins en Ca sont relativement eleves, les sites touches peuvent beneficier d'une supplementation par une source alternative de Ca. De plus en plus de preuves suggerent que l'application de cendres de bois sur des sols forestiers deficients en Ca peut aider a contrecarrer la perte de Ca et d'autres nutriments du sol tout en stimulant la productivite des forets. Pourtant, l'utilisation des cendres de bois comme amendement des sols forestiers est actuellement restreinte au Canada, et les couts d'obtention des permis et de transport/application des cendres font de l'enfouissement une option plus viable economiquement. Les auteurs explorent ici le potentiel des amendements a base de cendres de bois du point de vue des risques et des avantages, de la dose et de la frequence d'application, du temps pour constater les avantages et de la duree des avantages. Apres avoir examine ces sujets dans le contexte des sols forestiers acidifies et carences en Ca dans l'est du Canada, les auteurs proposent que les avantages potentiels des amendements a base de cendres dans ces regions depassent probablement les risques. Des etudes futures sont necessaries pour clarifier les effets a court et a long terme de l'ajout de cendres sur differentes especes d'arbres dans les forets naturelles et amenagees, ainsi que les avantages potentiels pour la capture du carbone et les implications pour les ecosystemes aquatiques carences en Ca. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : declin du calcium, gestion forestiere, amendement du sol, erable a sucre, cendre de bois, 1 Introduction Calcium (Ca) stocks in soils have been slowly declining around the world for millennia, but the downtrend has accelerated greatly over the past half century, especially in eastern [...]

Abstract The higher classification of New World Ascalaphidae is modified to reflect new information and many changes proposed in various papers over the past 70 years. The attempt has been made to retain as much as possible the traditional conceptual structure, whenever warranted. Keys and synoptic descriptions are provided for American subfamilies, tribes and genera. One new synonomy (Episperches Gerstaecker = Amoea Lefèbvre), one new name (Ascalobyas for Byas Rambur) and one new genus (Neohaploglenius) are proposed.

Abstract The higher classification of New World Mantispidae is reviewed. Keys are provided to subfamilies, tribes and genera for the New World. The genus Fusa is synonomized with Gerstaeckerella, Nobrega with Climaciella, Bellarminus with Nolima; Anchieta is resurrected. The genus Mantispa is divided into four species groups, and the genus Entanoneura is redefined.

Sumário Foram estudadas 39 espécies de Mantispidae do Brasil e elaboradas chaves para sua identificação a nível de sub-família, gêneros e espécies. Todas as espécies foram redescritas a partir do material examinado e, estão acompanhadas de sua distribuição geográfica atualizada.

Abstract The 27 species of Mantispidae known from the Amazon Basin are described, keys are presented to their identification, and distributions recorded. Seven new species are recorded for the first time: Plega beardi, Plega duckei, Plega paraense, Trichoscelia anae, Climaciella amapaensis, Mantispa ariasi, and Mantispa parvula. Twenty names are synonomized: Anisoptera romani Esben-Petersen = Anchieta bella Westwood; Anchieta nobilis Navás = Anchieta fumosella (Westwood); Mantispa cognatella Westwood = Plega hagenella (Westwood); Anisoptera amoenula Gerstaecker = Trichoscelia egella Westwood; Mantista (Trichoscelia) basella Westwood = Trichoscelia iridella Westwood; Anisoptera jocosa Gerstaecker and Symphrasis thaumasta Navás = Trichoscelia latifascia MacLachlan; Nobrega tinctus Navás = Climaciella semihyalina (Serville); Entanoneura chopardi Navás and Entanoneura jocosa Navás = Mantispa batesella Westwood; Mantispa trilineata Navás and Matispa gounellei Navás = Mantispa gracilis Erichson: Mantispa viridis Stitz, Mantispa pallescens Navás, Mantispilla flavescens Navás. Mantispilla trichostigma Navás, Mantispa viridula Erichson, Mantispa flaveola, and Mantispa flavomaculata Latreille = Mantispa minuta (Fabricius); nd Mantispa debilis Gerstaecker = Mantispa compellens Walker. Lectotypes are designated for five species: Anchieta nobilis Navás, Trichoscelia partheniella Westwood. Trichoscelia iridella Westwood. Mantispa myrapetrella Westwood, and Mantispa moulti Navás.

ABSTRACT Nine species of Hemerobiidae in six genera are described and their distributions given. Keys are provided for their identification and notes are given on biology and habitat preferences.

RESUMO Relacionadas todas as espécies de Megaloptera, Neuroptera e Raphidioptera que ocorrem no Hemisfério Ocidental ao sul dos Estados Unidos, com uma citação bibliográfica para cada uma.

Abstract Known species of the Neuropteran family Sisyridae of the Amazon Basin are described, figured, and distributions are given for this region. Two new species of Sisyra and one of Climacia are described, bringing the total number of species known from Amazonia to eight. Keys are presented for Amazonian species of Sisyra and Climacia.

As coleções de Entomolologia Sistemática do Instituto nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA) em Manaus, Brasil, no momento, contém aproximadamente 16.350 exemplares de invertebrados e vertebrados identificados, representando 330a espécies e incluindo 692 tipos que foram depositados entre 1940 e 1982 por pesquisadores e associados do Instituto Max-Planck de Limnologia em Plön, Alemanha Ocidental.

Four new species of Neidawnaria are described, and compared with other members of the genus. Keys and geographical distribution are given for all nem species and the wings of two other species are illustrated.

Abstract The two genera and eight species of Corydalidae (Neuroptera: Megaloptera) known from the Amazon Basin are described and keys are provided to their identification.

Abstract Two new species of Bakerius are described and comparisons are made with their nearest relatives.

Abstract A new species of Issikiella is described from southern Pará State, Brazil, and compared with the other two known species.

Abstract Sialidae is reported for the first time from the Amazon Basin, and a new species of Protosialis is described.

Resumo A fauna do solo e serapilheira na Reserva Florestal Ducke, perto de Manaus, foi estudada através de amostras semanais durante um período de 19 semanas desde setembro até janeiro. Dezoito famílias foram coletadas, das quais quatro famílias (Pselaphidae. Staphylinidae, Scydmaenidae e Scolytidae) correspondiam a 88% dos indivíduos coletados. Destas quatro famílias, somente Scydmaenidae mostrou um aumento significante (a nível de 95% de confidência) no tamanho populacional no decorrer deste período que corresponde também a um aumento de precipitação.

Abstract Two new species of Bittacidae (Mecoptera) from Humboldt Biological Reserve, Mato Grosso state, Brazil, are described and ecological notes are given.

Abstract The two previously known species of American Bennini are redescribed. and one new genus and species is described. Notes are given on ecology and geographical and temporal distribution.

33 species of Chrisopini are described and illustrated, of wich 30 are recorded from the Amazon Basin. Ten new species are described in Chrisopodes(duckei, spínella, nebulosa, lineafrons, polygonica, indetata, conisetosa, breviata, mediocris, and tetifera(, and nine in Ceraesochrysa(squalidens, acutipuppis, rafaeli, reddyi, nigripes, teneuícornis, ariasi, falceifera, and michaelmuris). Neosuarus (type species collaris (Schneider), a new subgenus of Chrysopodes, also contains divisa (Walker), escomeli (Navás) porterina (Navás), and flavescens (Blanchard). Orlandsia Navás and Ancylochrysa Navás are synonymized with Chrysopodes limbata (Navás), Chrysoperla asoralis (Banks) and Suarius nesotala (Banks). A neotype is designate for Ceraeochrysa cubana (Hagen). Ceraeochrysa caligata(Banks) and scapularis (Navás) are valid species. C. gloriae Alayo is synonymized with Ceraeochrysa everes (Banks).

Abstract Three new species of Nallachius (Neuroptera: Dilaridae) are described from the Amazon Basin.

The two especies of Lophopidae found in the lowland Amazon Basin, Hesticus rufimanus, (walker) and H. sanguinifrons Muir, are redescribed and their geographical distributions given. Keys are provided to genera of New World lophopidae, and to species of Hesticus .

Abstract The nineteen species of the family Ascalaphidae occurring in the Amazon Basin are described, and keys are given for their separation. Three new species are included.

Abstract From the Amazon Basin 3 spp of Neoconis End., 4 spp of Semidalis and 15 spp of Coniopteryx are reported. The biogeography of the Coniopterygidae of South America is discussed. New species are: Semidalis normani sp. n., S. rondoniensis sp. n., Coniopteryx (Scotoconiopteryx) bicornis sp. n., C. (S.) canopia sp. n., C. (S.) cucuminicola sp. n., C. (S.) quadricornis sp. n., C. (S.) rondoniensis sp. n., C. (S.) silvicola sp. n. and Coniopteryx (Coniopteryx) jorgei sp. n.

Abstract All known species of recent Mecoptera are catalogued: reference is given to original descriptions; and known distributions are recorded. New names for two junior homonyms (Panorpa issiki = Panorpa acuta Issiki & Cheng, and Panorpa banksiana = Panorpa interrupta Banks) are included, and one new synonymy (Panorpa galloisi Miyake = Panorpa cornigera MacLachlan) is noted.

Summary A new species of Berothidae is described from the Rio Trombetas, Pará State. This constitutes the first record for this family in Brazil and all of northern South America.

New species of Issikiella and Nannobittacus are described and notes are presented on other Amazonian species of Mecoptera.Nova espécie de Issikiella e Nannobittacus são descritas e notas são apresentadas para outras espécies de Mecopteros da Amazônia.