In our consideration of supposed mental abnormalities we are at once confronted by the lack of a standard of mental normality. On account of our want of intimate knowledge of those processes which are the basis of the manifestations which we bring together under the name of mind, it seems improbable that such a standard can ever be more than relative and it must vary with the period, the race, the social status and the educational advantages enjoyed by the individual under consideration. Dependent upon variations in these factors and especially with the social conditions, there occur fluctuations in the mental state, affecting not only individuals, but groups and peoples, spreading as it were by contagion and swinging far to the pathological side in the less stable members of the community. Equally do such variations occur in the course of diseases, not only of the brain, but of other organs. The psychopathology of somatic disease is yet to be written, but this much we know, namely, that we do not find one kind of psychosis in infectious diseases, another in diseases of the heart, a third in diseases of the digestive tract, etc. Rather does it appear that the type of psychic reaction depends upon the individual make-up, one person showing a disturbance of manic form, another stupor or delirium, still another catatonia, etc. On practical grounds we have found it desirable to divide mental diseases into certain fairly defined clinical types. One common characteristic of all of these is the tendency to run a course, not of days or weeks like somatic diseases, but of months and years. In all of them this course may be broken by sudden fluctuations in the mental state, or episodes, which change the picture for the time being, but are of limited duration only. It is quite possible for similar episodes to occur apart from a recognized psychosis, in connection with the causes mentioned above, and under such conditions their evaluation'may present some difficulty. How frequently do such episodes occur? Everyone is subject to variations in his affective condition. The exaltation of good fortune, the depression of ill luck or domestic bereavement may well attain a pathological 'intensity, but such reactions are expected under the'circumstances and if not too prolonged do not take the patient across the border-line between sanity and insanity. Finding a person in an affective state far above or below the base line of health, our inquiry is as to its motivation. The' pathological affects are' insufficiently motivated, intense and prolonged. Clouding of consciousness is an' everyday problem of internal medicine,' occurring not only in diseases of the brain but in those' of other organs. It 'is 'to be emphasized, however, that' confusion and delirium are common episodes'in epilepsy and the psychoneuroses, which may impress no immediately' recognizable stamp upon the clinical features of the case and may require accu'rate 'hist6ty


The manuscript describes a 3-year time series of weekly measurements of volatile iodocarbons in the cold-temperate waters of Bedford Basin. The authors use this time series, with associated data, to explore the controls on the concentrations of the three principal volatile iodocarbon compounds, to calculate air-sea flux rates of iodocarbons over the three years and to compare their results to previous time series in different regions. Directly determining the production and loss terms for these compounds and hence, being able to predictively model their emission from the oceans, is challenging and time series such as this provide useful insights into the key processes involved and key data for model validation. The 3-year duration of the study provides a unique insight into inter-annual variability of their production and emission to the atmosphere.


Estuary geomorphic units delineated at a scale of 1:1500 using a combination of (a) 30 August 2012 0.15 meter resolution NPS Elwha PlaneCam aerial imagery; and (b) elevation-colored and hillshaded digital elevation models from USGS backpack/jetski topobathy surveys (28 August 2012) for areas MHHW.


To improve the public acceptance of the future nuclear power in Europe we have to demonstrate that the new reactors have significantly higher safety level compared to traditional reactors. The ESFR-SMART project (European Sodium Fast Reactor Safety Measures Assessment and Research Tools) aims at enhancing further the safety of Generation-IV SFRs and in particular of the commercial-size European Sodium Fast Reactor (ESFR) in accordance with the European Sustainable Nuclear Industrial Initiative (ESNII) roadmap and in close cooperation with the Advanced Sodium Technological Reactor for Industrial Demonstration (ASTRID) program. The project aims at 5 specific objectives: 1. Produce new experimental data in order to support calibration and validation of the computational tools for each defence-in-depth level. 2. Test and qualify new instrumentations in order to support their utilization in the reactor protection system. 3. Perform further calibration and validation of the computational tools for each defence-in-depth level in order to support safety assessments of Generation-IV SFRs, using the data produced in the project as well as selected legacy data. 4. Select, implement and assess new safety measures for the commercial-size ESFR, using the GIF methodologies, the FP7 CP-ESFR project legacy, the calibrated and validated codes and being in accordance with the update of the European and international safety frameworks taking into account the Fukushima accident. 5. Strengthen and link together new networks, in particular, the network of the European sodium facilities and the network of the European students working on the SFR technology. By addressing the industry, policy makers and general public, the project is expected to make a meaningful impact on economics, environment, EU policy and society. Selected results and milestones achieved during the first eighteen months of the project will be briefly presented, including − proposal of new safety measures for ESFR; − evaluation of ESFR core performance; − benchmarking of codes; − experimental programs; and − education and training.


§1. Let denote a linear substitution of non-vanishing determinant; and let the roots k∈ of its characteristic equation be for the present assumed distinct. Then with each root k∈ is associated an invariant point or pole P∈, and a linear invariant, or invariant (n−2)-plane ξ∈. If the n points P∈ do not lie on an (n−2)-plane, the determinant of their coordinates,


The Hylaeus brevicornis group of the subgenus Dentigera is defined and revised. A total of 22 species are included in the group, their circumscription and identification using morphological characters is described and discussed, and their distribution is studied. Three species from Lebanon and Nepal are described as new to science. The hitherto unknown females of Hylaeus (Dentigera) alievi Dathe & Proshchalykin, 2021 and Hylaeus (Dentigera) biarmicus (Warncke, 1992) are described for the first time. An integrative revision of the group involving gene sequencing is being prepared.


Objective:To compare international normalized ratio(INR) menstruated in the manual method with that in instrumental method,studying the completely automatic coagulometer influence on the determination of INR.Methods:PT of 20 healthy people and 60 patients having anti-coagula ted medicine orally for 6 weeks who have replaced their valves are determined wi th manual method and instrumental method separately,then we calculate INR for ea ch other and process T test;we do it again after using an already known thrombop lastin of ISI to demarcate the distinctive quality ISI of the coagulometers.Results:There is significant difference in INR determined with instr umental method between that with manual method(P0 05).After demarcation t here is no difference(P0 05).Conclusion:The result shows that the coagulometers have some influen ce on the INR,and the demarcation of the instruments can avoid the influence.


In this paper, we derive a time consistent investment strategy for an investor who can invest not only in a bond and stock but in a derivative as well. In order to capture typical features shown by...


Abstract Often, second/foreign (L2) language learners receive little opportunity to interact orally in the target language. Interactive, conversation-based spoken dialog systems (SDSs) that use automated speech recognition and natural language processing have the potential to address this need by engaging learners in meaningful, goal-oriented speaking practice. However, these technology-based learning tools are often developed without input from teaching professionals. As part of a larger development effort, this study examined English as a second language (ESL) teachers' perceptions regarding SDS-based speaking tasks, addressing the following research questions: (a) What do teachers think about the SDS-based tasks? (b) How would they use them in the context of their English instruction? Overall, 16 ESL instructors in an intensive English program in the United States were asked to interact with four SDS-based speaking tasks designed to elicit specific linguistic phenomena (e.g. making requests; wh-questions). The teachers completed a survey after each task to gauge their user experience, level of engagement, and perceptions of the usefulness of the tasks for their teaching contexts. A subgroup of instructors (n = 7) also participated in audio-recorded focus group meetings. Descriptive statistics were calculated for each survey item and the open-ended responses from the surveys and focus groups were analyzed qualitatively for major themes. The findings show that teachers had positive views of the SDS tasks' potential for speaking practice and diagnostic purposes, primarily in a flipped classroom model. Their perceptions seemed to be related to their own user experience and, in particular, to the perceived authenticity of a given task.


We propose a new receiver architecture for coherent detection in slotted optical packet switching rings with elastic (rate adaptive) optical transponders. Such rings are a candidate solution for future datacenter and metropolitan networks. The new receiver can detect more than a single packet per time slot and consequently has higher flexibility (translating into higher supported capacity, or, equivalently, lower end-to-end latency, or a combination or both), at the cost of a moderate increase in the transponder complexity and energy consumption (less than 10%). We apply network planning and traffic engineering simulation tools (which we validate on small examples using theoretical models) to quantify the increase in network capacity and latency reduction that can be achieved thanks to the use of the new receivers.


The aim of this study is to determine the radioactivity content of different types for building materials. Twenty four samples, from both local and foreign product were collected and measured using gamma spectrometry system. The activity concentrations have been determined for radium (226Ra), thorium (232Th) and potassium (4OK) in each sample. The samples were crushed and dried in controlled furnace for around twenty four hours, and then stored for four weeks in plastic Marinelli beakers. From the measured gamma-ray spectra, activity concentrations of marble building materials 238U (0.72– 43.2Bq/kg), 232Th (0.20 –33.10 Bq/kg), 226Ra (0.43–33.1 Bq/kg) and 40K (0.70–897.2 Bq/kg) for granite 238U (0.04–315.3 Bq/kg), 232Th (0.02–186.1 Bq/kg), 226Ra (0.03–147.2 Bq/kg) and 40K (0.30 – 1482.6 Bq/kg) The results are compared with the published data of other countries and with the world average limits. It is concluded that the measured radioactivity of building materials are within acceptable levels and does not poses any risk from radiation protection point of view. The results indicated that all the samples collected used as building materials in Alkharj area are safe in general for the radioactivity levels.


Based on the connotation of sustainable development,A comprehensive benefit evaluation index system of water-saving improvement in irrigation districts is provided in five aspects: society,resources,economy,technology,and ecological environment.It combines goals evaluation with relative literature.It establishes the projection pursuit model to improve comprehensive evaluation,and uses Ant Colony Algorithm optimization and its project direction.Water-saving improvement benefit can be scientifically evaluated according to the project values.It shows that the technology avoids the subjective determination weight by experts and the results are objective and accurate,if the method is used in the water-saving improvement projection benefit evaluation in large irrigation districts in Guanzhong.The method is basic and provides a new way for a comprehensive evaluation of reconstruction of irrigation districts.


The thesis probes into the aesthetic relation between Zhu Guang qian and the Chinese culture tradition. The probe shows that Zhu Guang qian's aesthetic ideas are greatly affected by Confucianism and Wang Fu zhi's theory of poetry.


Summary Changes in Rorschach responses obtained in an unhypnotized state, a medium hypnotic trance and under deep hypnosis suggested that content can be interpreted as symbolizing important unconscious processes. As the depth of hypnosis increased, content tended to become sufficiently transparent to verify and extend the meaning of the original, unhypnotized response. Other alterations in the Rorschach related to the depth of the trance level were noted.


On 16 July 2009, the European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruled on the Commission's appeal against the judgment of the Court of First Instance (CFI) of 11 July 2007 in the Schneider/Legrandsaga. The…


the past six or seven years there has been a growing interest among water works men in some form of certification of water plant operators. The importance of the operator's responsibility as it pertains to the health and welfare of the community needs no particular comment. Its unquestioned acceptance has assured hearty approval, by the general public and by the water works profession, of any plan designed to improve the operator or to assure the continued service of a good operator. Interest and agreement have developed among almost all water works men where some plan of certification has been proposed and discussed, and some form of certification has been put into effect in about twenty states, on either a voluntary or compulsory basis. Administration of the certification in these various states is under


A new international partnership in southern Belize that provided ongoing mentoring, teacher development, and resource allocation in two rural schools was examined through interviews with key individuals. This research was implemented through a scholar–practitioner approach, which embraces the concept of researcher as change agent. The results suggested that this partnership was providing increased educational capacity in the schools through the development of instructional strategies and intellectual capital. There were few problems mentioned, but inadequate communication and lack of parental involvement were factors for one volunteer. E attainment is often seen as a fundamental need in improving individual achievement and national economic development regardless of the current status of the country (Baldacci, Clements, Gupta, & Cui, 2008; Klasen, 2002). This means that national decisions on education often become politicized because of the importance of developing a generation of citizens who have a level of education that allows them to be effi cient and productive citizens (Ravitch, 2010). This politicization is exhibited in developed countries as resources for 226 Wesley D. Hickey, Peggy B. Gill, & Cathy Amonett Volume 5, Number 3 Scholar-Practitioner Quarterly education are often provided in ways aligned with a particular political party's philosophy. Developing countries do not have the fi scal means to provide these types of resources. For example, Belize recognizes that better educational systems are an important national interest (Faber, 2010), but creating the educational capacity for student achievement may be challenging. One reason is that the educational foundation of professional teachers and administrators is often lacking (Thompson, 2008), as well as the aforementioned lack of fi nancial resources (McGillivray, Naud, & Santos-Paulino, 2010). Improving upon the problems of schools in developing countries may be analyzed through the lens of systemic change (Medley, Kennedy, O'Reilly, & Sweat, 2009). Systemic changes are recognized as important for long-term positive impacts (Peck, Gallucci, Sloan, & Lippincott, 2009). These changes in schools within developing countries may be challenging due to the variety of needs such as supplies, equipment, and educational attainment among personnel. One systemic approach to addressing these needs is the use of international partnerships that provide both resources and increased intellectual capital within the current system (Dolby & Rahman, 2008). Determining the effi cacy of these partnerships may be accomplished through participants who take a scholar–practitioner approach. Scholar–practitioners analyze information and provide feedback to determine the effectiveness of a system (Wasserman & Kram, 2009). This analysis and critique has a goal of increasing democratic behaviors and improving social justice (Jenlink, 2005). The purpose of this article is to report on one initiative, analyzed from a scholar–practitioner perspective, which provides systemic collaboration between the Belize Ministry of Education, the humanitarian organization Teachers for a Better Belize (TFABB), the United States Peace Corps, and two schools within the Toledo district of Belize. This is a partnership in which resources, mentoring, and educational knowledge are disseminated through focused Peace Corps Volunteer placement and humanitarian support. This article reports on the benefi ts and challenges of this model based upon interviews of teachers, principals, and Peace Corps volunteers who have been involved in the affected schools during the early phase. Increasing Educational Capacity through Systemic Change: A Scholar–Practitioner Approach Increasing educational capacity of schools is a strategic decision that requires collaboration among many stakeholders. Schools in developing countries may accept partnerships that are both positive and negative. Many humanitarian efforts have good intentions, but they adversely disrupt the processes that are in place. Local administrators accept initiatives that are not in the students' best interest because of the supplies and other goods that are offered. Other efforts are benefi cial because organizers understand the context through local relationships International Mentoring Through Collaborative Partnerships 227 Scholar-Practitioner Quarterly Volume 5, Number 3 that ensure supportive improvement. The dynamics of a partnership, which may provide varying levels of comfort at the local level (Achtem, 2010), provide systemic starting points for change. The starting points of a system, along with the impact of feedback, are important long-term factors. Gribbon (2004) stated: As I understood it, what really mattered was simply that some systems are very sensitive to their starting conditions, so that a tiny difference in the initial 'push' you give them causes a big difference in where they end up, and there is feedback, so that what a system does affects its own behavior.


The paper gains an insight into the various motives underlying the purchase behavior of Indian luxury consumers when making a choice between exorbitantly priced luxury brands and high-quality non-luxury brands that are available at a fraction of cost. The study was conducted in the two metropolitan cities of India, Delhi and Mumbai, where 203 luxury consumers were examined for understanding the luxury buying motives. Ten retail luxury brands were carefully selected for the study. It was found that the consumers decide in favor of luxury brands over high-quality non luxury brands due to variables such as social recognition, social appeal, brand name/value, quality assurance, and social admiration.


A super-Schottky contact diode made of Nb on heavily doped p-GaAs has been fabricated by electron-beam deposition under high vacuum, resulting in a long life and very reliable characteristics with estimated detector current responsivity S¿1500 V¿1 and NEP ¿ 1.2 × 10¿15 w/¿HZ at 4.2 K under optimum bias conditions.


A magnesium nitrate containing solution suitable for use in the manufacture of thermally stable ammonium utrate containing fertilizer granules is produced by reacting finely-ground magnesium oxide with nitric acid, ising as the reaction medium an aqueous solution containing ammonium nitrate and magnesium nitrate within a specified range of weight ratios and under controlled temperature and pH conditions.


Holland's second and more famous illustrated publication, Heroologia Anglica, hoc est, clarissimorum et doctissimorum aliquot Anglorum qui floruerunt ab anno Christi m.d. usque ad presentem annum m.d.c.xx, vivae effigies, vitae, et elogia, duobus tomis, authore H. H., Anglo-Britanno, impensis Crispini Passaei calcographus et Jansoni bibliopolae Arnhemiensis(1620), appeared in two folio volumes, the first dedicated to James I and the second to the universities of Cambridge and Oxford. There are sixty-five portraits, the first of Henry VIII, the last of Thomas Holland (d. 1612), regius professor of divinity at Oxford, and two engravings of monuments (of Prince Henry and Queen Elizabeth respectively). Holland's last days were spent in great poverty A broadsheet issued on 26 June 1647, addressed 'to men, fathers, and brethren', appealed for charitable aid, stating that Holland had been 'a grandjury-man, and a subsidy-man, and one of the trained band charged with a corslet' (BL, 669, fol. 11, no. 34), and had acted as a commissioner under the great seal against bankrupts. we speculate that this book was henry Hollands last attempt to secure a patrongage for him and his offspring.


Reduction of CIGS layer thickness could translate in significant cost reduction. CIGS was made on transparent conductive oxide (TCO) to allow for optical characterization. This data was compared with external quantum efficiency (EQE) data. The results suggest that changes in surface morphology are an important aspect, which has to be taken into account when interpreting the data for thin CIGS cells in conjunction with the effects of reduced absorption associated with thin CIGS layers. EQE with back side illumination suggests that bulk recombination will lead to less than optimal functionality of light management technology implemented at the back side of the cell.


Prestack layer stripping was applied to azimuthally anisotropic (HTI and TTI) synthetic seismic data sets for evaluating constant rotation and shift operators. Equivalent isotropic models were compared to layer-stripped anisotropic models using RMS amplitude and shear-wave splitting time difference maps to quantify and qualify the error. It is found that in HTI media layer-stripped radial and transverse components exhibited incorrect symmetry and orientations, and there are significant distortions in the amplitudes that could adversely affect inversion and/or AVO and AVAZ analysis. However, layer-stripped PS1 and PS2 components exhibit the correct symmetry and orientation even though their amplitudes are incorrect. Time differences between PS1 and PS2 are computed using a cross-equalization spectral analysis. This problem has been studied extensively for vertical fractures (HTI media) and post-stack layer-stripping analyses; therefore this study includes an equivalent model with dipping fractures (TTI media). The results from an application of the same crossequalization method are also applied to a receiver gather from the Teal South data set in the Gulf of Mexico. Results are found to match those of previous studies in terms of both time differences and symmetry orientation.


Work on hybrid multistage switching networks is presented. A simple mapping rule is used to form a network using two-dimensional perfect shuffle interconnections, and other 2-D patterns are developed from other mappings. The general conditions for a 1-D net to be mappable into two dimensions are established, and it is pointed out that in practice all multistage interconnection networks (MINs) are mappable-a suitable mapping transformation is what is required. It is shown how to use the mapping process to produce hybrid MINs with a variable electronic island size. It is concluded that the design flexibility exists to take multistage processors and transform them into formats which are highly suitable for the employment of optical interconnects. >


Fiber reinforced concrete (FRC) is concrete containing cement and some fibrous materials disturbed randomly. The fiber used are steel, nylon, polythene and also natural fibers such as flax, bamboo, sisal, jute and wood fibers are put to use. FRC is generally made with high cement content & low water cement ratio. Fiber reinforced concrete sustains considerable loads even at deflection as compared to plain cement concrete that fails once the ultimate flexural strength is exceeded. FRC has excellent properties like as ductility, flexural-tensile strength, resistance to spitting and crack, excellent permeability and frost resistance can be successfully used in the construction of slabs, architectural panels, precast products, offshore structures, crash barriers, footings, hydraulic structures, repairs of structures, structures in seismic regions and many other applications.


This article describes the characteristics of sex offenders, discusses various registration and notification laws, addresses the civil commitment of sex offenders, analyzes the various problems with current responses to sex offenders, reports current options for treating sex offenders, and provides various recommendations for implementing a more appropriate societal response to sex offenders. Included is a comprehensive review of the latest psychiatric treatment modalities.


This article generalises the Kalman--Yakubovi[cbreve]--Popov (KYP) lemma in delta domain to treat some conditions on different restricted frequency ranges. The frequency ranges are characterised by two quadratic forms. This characterisation encompasses low/middle/high frequency conditions for delta operator systems. By utilising the obtained delta domain generalised KYP lemma, a fault detection filter design problem is dealt with for delta operator systems in finite-frequency domain. The fault detection filter design problem is formulated as a two-objective optimisation algorithm with H − and H ∞ performance indexes. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and potential for the developed techniques.


The effect of powder characteristics on the microstructures and dielectric properties of (Ba,Nb)-doped TiO{sub 2} ceramics was investigated. Two powders were prepared: one by coprecipitation and the other from mixing of reagent oxides. The powder characteristics were determined by TEM, x-ray powder diffraction, SEM, and centrifugal particle analysis. Extensive abnormal grain growth is observed in samples sintered from coprecipitated powder, while it is not found in samples sintered from reagent oxide powder. The effects of crystallite size, agglomerate distribution, and chemical homogeneity on abnormal grain growth are discussed. A mechanism of abnormal grain growth is given, and chemical homogeneity is determined to be the main factor which caused abnormal grain growth. The effect of powder characteristics on dielectric properties is also described.


A novel spherical DQC catalyst for propylene polymerization was developed using the support prepared by high-gravity technique.The catalyst and a reference catalyst were characterized by means of BET,SEM and Marlvon particle size analysis.Compared with the reference catalyst,specific surface area and pore volume of DQC catalyst increased,its shape was smooth,the particle size distribution became concentrated and the fine powder content evidently decreased.The propylene polymerization results in laboratory indicated that DQC catalyst showed higher activity,more concentrated polymer particle size distribution and less fine polymer powders than the reference catalyst.It was applied industrially to a continuous loop reactor for propylene polymerization and some polymers with high quality were produced,namely T30S and Z30S.Industrial application results indicated that DQC catalyst had good fluidity and benefited stable long period operation of loop polypropylene equipments.


The catalytic potential of triflate-based activated carbon composites has been investigated in phenprocoumon (C3-alkylated compound) synthesis, through the alkylation of 4-hydroxycoumarin with phenyl-ethyl-carbinol. The main reaction products are Oand C3-alkylated compounds. However, O-alkylated product is more easily produced to the detriment of the C3-alkylated compound, the selective synthesis of the last being a challenge in these conditions. Both the conversion of 4-hydroxycoumarin and the selectivity to C3-alkylated compound is highly influenced by the physico-chemical characteristics of the catalysts and the reaction conditions. The highest 4-hydroxycoumarin conversions (16.030.0%) and selectivity to phenprocoumon (94.0-99.7%) were achieved with triflate-based activated carbon composites, characterized by the existence of strong Brønsted acid sites, optimal Lewis/Brønsted acid ratio, and bimodal micro-/mesoporosity.


In this article, bismuth-germanate oxide glasses doped and co-doped with rare earth ions have been synthesized. Fabricated glass is characterized by good thermal stability (ΔT = 127°C) which are necessary for further forming them into photonic waveguides and low phonon-energy (ħω = 724 cm-1), much important in upconversion processes. Besides, presented glasses have a low absorption coefficient (<0.5 cm-1) in examined visible wavelength range. Upconversion luminescence spectra under 980 nm laser diode excitation have been observed in glasses doped with Er3+ and co-doped with Er3+/Eu3+, Er3+/Ho3+, Er3+/Pr3+ and Er3+/Nd3+ ions. According to emission parameters analysis, higher luminescence intensity in co-doped samples resulting from energy transfer phenomenon between active ions was observed. This demonstrates that bismuth-germanate oxide glass co-doped with proper rare earth elements system is an attractive material for applications working in visible range.


This paper describes an architecture for binary-to-thermometer decoders used in segmented D/A converters. To improve basic converter characteristics, the architecture features redundant output thermometer code. The main concept offers two modes of operation. Each mode generates a different thermometer output, i.e. a different switching sequence for the DAC MSB thermometer analog elements. This results in two different transfer characteristics of the whole DAC for the same mismatch errors of its elements. After on-chip or off-chip measurements, the more linear transfer characteristic can be selected. In this way, chip yield is improved and the design requirements can be relaxed. Ultimately, the advantages introduced by the proposed decoder lead to cheaper and smaller D/A converters


Intercostal EMG's (EMGic) and diaphragmatic EMG's (EMGdi) were studied to evaluate the role of the inspiratory muscles in compensation for an increased load during provocation tests with methacholine. The EMG's were obtained with surface electrodes. Methacholine provocation tests were performed using an Astograph which demonstrated the dose response curve to respiratory resistance (Rrs) on an X-Y recorder. The moving averages were analyzed in terms of the rates of rise (Xp/Ti) and peak activities (Xp). Experiments were performed on 15 asthmatics, aged 1 1 to 17 yrs, (6 mild and 9 severe asthmatics) and three normal subjects, aged 8 to 13 yrs. Pulmonary function values before provocation tests, except for mid-maximal expiratory flow (MMEF), showed no significant differences among these three groups. Changes in Xp and Xp/Ti were measured at the degree of 1.5 and 2 times the initial respiratory resistance level. In severe asthmatics, the changes in Xp and Xp/Ti were significantly larger than those of mild asthmatics, especially in intercostal Xp/Ti. From our results, the severe asthmatics had respiratory muscle hyper-reactivity compared with mild asthmatics, especially in the intercostal muscles.


In this Thesis, is described the heterologous expression of rhamnulose-1-phosphate aldolase from Thermotoga maritima, —a hyperthermophilic bacterium with an optimum growth temperature of 80 °C— the biochemical characterization of the recombinant enzyme and the study of its applicability as biocatalyst. The biochemical characterization allowed us to conclude that: • Rhamnulose-1-phosphate aldolase from T. maritima is a class II DHAP-dependent aldolase, which catalyses aldol addition using Co2+. •Rha-1PA from T. maritima is a hyperthermophile enzyme with optimum activity measured at 95 °C. Furthermore, in contrast with other hyperthermophilic enzymes, it maintains a significant percentage of activity at R/T. • Rha-1PA from T. maritima can be used in a wide range of reaction conditions, including different temperatures (between 20 and 95 °C), pH values (at least 50% of activity between pH 5.7 and 9.0) and in the presence of organic co-solvents (90% of the initial activity in H2O/AcN 60:40, 100% in H2O/DMSO 80:20, 50% in H2O/DMF 75:25 and 40% in 90:10 H2O/isopropanol and H2O/THF). • The significant stability of the aldolase at high temperatures has been shown, displaying a TM of 102 °C and showing a half-life of 44, 33 and 3.5 h at 80, 95 and 115 °C, respectively. • His-tag and cofactor affect not only the secondary structure of the protein, but also its thermostability. Synthetic applicability studies allowed us to conclude that: • Rha-1PA from T. maritima is a useful biocatalyst that is compatible with multi-enzyme systems for C-C bond formation involving mesophilic enzymes. • This aldolase can be applied to the synthesis of several organic compounds such as aldols, nitrocyclitols and iminocyclitols, in which similar or higher yields than Rha-1PA from E. coli had been obtained. • Stereoselectivity of the enzyme is similar to RhA-1Pa from E. coli. In both cases, stereoselectivity control is not total, since mixtures of L-threo (R,S) and D-erythro (R,R) diastereoisomers were obtained. • The study of the stereochemistry showed that in all the cases, the major diastereoisomer formed was coincidental with the natural stereopreference of the enzyme (L-threo (R,S)), except when aldehyde 1l was used as an acceptor. • Reaction control of the enzyme was studied, being the formation of L-threo isomer kinetically controlled and D-erythro isomer under thermodynamic control


We propose a metamaterial that behaves like a thermal blackbody at wavelengths from 8 to 16 µm, and more interestingly, is transparent at visible frequencies. Our design is simple and can be fabricated cost-effectively in large scale. More than 90% absorptivity in far infrared and more than 80% average transmittance at visible frequencies are achieved experimentally with the metamaterial fabricated on an 80-cm-diameter substrate. We believe that this optically transparent infrared absorber with nanoscale thickness is promising for applications such as visible-radiation-controlled infrared absorption or solar cell radiative cooling.


Since Tang legends, the Chinese classical novel has been famous for its writing skills of avoiding stereotyped and libeling superficial, adding to its plot of classical, beauty, profoundity, melody and flowing rhythm. It has a good relation with the novelist who were good at those writing skills and the extraordinary plot arrangement. Numerous complex conflict and main daily affairs could be made out by "Qupen" (the deliberate digression in writing). Through the moving stories, the writers represented characters' fate and thinking, depicted their multi-characters, brought forth the profound meaning, made the characters relive, deepened the theme and strengthen the expressive force. As known, Chinese novelists' writing skills and techniques are wonderful and colorful, among which skill of circumbendibus is common one while the techniques of "fictitious" instead of "true", and "indirect" instead of "direct" are unique. Also these valuable skills and techniques lead the way for the creation of today's novels.


This paper describes an improved map making approach with respect to the one used for the Planck High Frequency Instrument 2018 Legacy release. The algorithm SRoll2 better corrects the known instrumental effects that still affected mostly the polarized large-angular-scale data by distorting the signal, and/or leaving residuals observable in null tests. The main systematic effect is the nonlinear response of the onboard analog-to-digital convertors that was cleaned in the Planck HFI Legacy release as an empirical time-varying linear detector chain response which is the first-order effect. The SRoll2 method fits the model parameters for higher-order effects and corrects the full distortion of the signal. The model parameters are fitted using the redundancies in the data by iteratively comparing the data and a model. The polarization efficiency uncertainties and associated errors have also been corrected based on the redundancies in the data and their residual levels characterized with simulations. This paper demonstrates the effectiveness of the method using end-to-end simulations, and provides a measure of the systematic effect residuals that now fall well below the detector noise level. Finally, this paper describes and characterizes the resulting SRoll2 frequency maps using the associated simulations that are released to the community.


Value Management (VM) and Environmental Sustainability (ES) are increasingly becoming important tools to be considered in construction. At present the ES and VM have been practiced independently. This research is focused at producing an integrated process model by combining the two approaches to select construction materials. The proposed model is aimed at finding the best eco friendly materials, which gives value for money in construction projects. The material selection is based on the 'Combined Scoring Matrix', consisting of Green Labeling of materials and Multi Criteria Scoring. The model was verified through a case study for External Wall materials.


Repair of proximal hypospadias with significant chordee is still a challenging procedure. A good option for such problem is the Duckett vascularized island preputial flap. However, urethrocutaneous fistula has been reported with considerable rates. One way to lessen such complication rate is to harvest a shorter flap to ensure its robust vascularity. The present study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of tubularizing the available urethral plate as in Snodgrass description and to be anastomosed with the harvested short, as acquired, preputial island flap. The study was carried out on 14 boys, aged 2 to 10 years, eleven of them had proximal penile, while 3 had penoscrotal hypospadias. All patients underwent repair with combined Duckett (transverse preputial island flap; TPIF) and Snodgrass (tubularized incised plate; TIP) procedures. Patients were followed-up for 4-12 months. All patients, but two, showed satisfactory results; with a straight penis that has a meatus at the tip of a conical glans. Fistula rate was 28.5% (half of it healed spontaneously). Two patients showed dehiscence of the glanular part of the new urethra. The use of combined TPIF and TIP urethroplasty techniques is a reliable combination for difficult proximal hypospadias cases with significant chordee.


Should equity be an objective of fiscal policy? Welfare economics answers this question affirmatively. The subjects of fiscal equity could in principle be individuals or groups of people, including those associated with the regions of a given country (e.g., states, provinces, departments). Back in the 1950s, James M. Buchanan argued that if and to the extent that fiscal equity is considered an objective of economic policy, it should ideally be implemented and assessed on an interpersonal basis. The case for interregional fiscal equalization, if any, rested, for Buchanan, on the political infeasibility of implementing a system of taxation and public expenditure designed for achieving fiscal equity among individuals. Interregional fiscal equalization would be a second best policy choice. But whatever their theoretical rationale, the fact remains that many countries, both federal and unitary (e.g., Canada, Italy and Spain), have at some point adopted fiscal policies for counteracting interregional economic disparities. Professor Fabio Padovano's book, The Politics and Economics of Regional Transfers, is concerned with how the decisions about regional transfers are made and what their economic effects are. In the author's words, its main research questions are: ''How does interjurisdictional redistribution affect the evolution of [regional] income differentials? Do centralized governments actually redistribute more than centralized ones?'' (p. 1). Theoretically grounded on the public choice approach, which seeks to apply neoclassical economics to the analysis of political and administrative behavior, the book is intended to focus more on explaining regional transfers and their consequences (positive economics) than on prescribing geographical redistribution policies (welfare economics). Yet, despite the positive economics leaning, its conclusions have a bearing on whether interregional fiscal equalization should be an objective of economic policy. The most striking hypothesis of Padovano's book is probably that fiscal redistribution from relatively rich to relatively poor regions could end up hindering, rather than favoring, the convergence of income per capita across regions. Interjurisdictional redistribution, as a policy tool, would not be up to the task of reducing regional income disparities. How is this counterintuitive result possible? Regional transfers may initially be distributed by policy makers in a geographically progressive fashion. Beyond this first round of redistribution, such transfers are likely to have, the author rightly points out, second or higher order distributive effects (e.g., consumption out of transfer payments to a regional government). The literature on the subject typically ignores this issue altogether or assumes that the effects of the first and the successive rounds of redistribution go in the same direction. Not so fast, Padovano warns. Second and higher order rounds of redistribution could cancel out, or more than offset, the effects of first round redistribution. The action of market forces, particularly the relocation of labor and capital across jurisdictions in response to the relative differences between preand after tax wages and rates of return resulting from progressive fiscal policies, would do the job. A great challenge for empirical studies attempting to determine the extent of redistribution associated with interjurisdictional transfers is the generally limited availability and quality of regionalized data on taxation and public expenditure. Journal of Comparative Policy Analysis, Vol. 12, Nos. 1–2, 213–216, February–April 2010


Objective :   The  purpose of this study is to describe food consumption behavior and to assess nutritional status of type 2 diabetic patients  in   KohSamui  Hospital,, SuratThani Province. Methods :  The descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in 163 type 2 diabetic patients attending diabetic in   KohSamui  Hospital,, SuratThani Province. Knowledge, attitude and dietary practices toward food consumption of the participants were obtained by mean of questionnaire,. Body Mass Index (BMI) and used to assess nutritional status based on the Asian Index. The survey was carried out during October  2515  to April 2016 The  data were  analyzed  by  thepercentage, averageand Standard  Deviation, Results  :  The result showed that 51.5 % of diabetic patients were female with average age of 61 years old and 68.7 % were married.71.8 % were diagnosed as diabetic mellitus for 0-5year.The patients had knowledge toward food consumption in medium  level were 55.8 % . The attitude on food consumption in medium level were 62.6 % . The patients who partially does control food intake were 65.64 %. Majority of the patients ate three times daily which the main dish was rice  80.98%. The food frequency data revealed that most subjects reported the daily consumption of milled rice (62.64 %), pork (62.64%), plain milk (92.02%), and fried food (50.92%). 53.9% of the patients had BMI≥25kg/m 2 and 61.97 % had high levels of fasting  plasma  glucose(≥  130   mg/dl)  Keyword : behavior, nutritional , diabetic


This paper presents experimental and analytical results from a study investigating the effect of centrifugal force and gravity on two candidate mirror fixture designs to be used on a diamond-turning ma-chine. The authors illustrate and discuss the use of the finite element method as an aid in the design and fabrication of high precision metallic optical components.


Close binary systems in hydrostatic equilibrium can become unstable. The stability limit for circular orbits occurs at the orbital separation that simultaneously minimizes the total equilibrium energy and angular momentum in the system. The occurrence of such a minimum is a purely Newtonian hydrodynamic effect resulting from tidal interactions. Its existence is independent of the degree of synchronization, assuming alignment of spin and orbital angular momentum. The development of an instability can drastically affect the terminal evolution of coalescing binary systems. In particular, it can cause a rapid acceleration of the coalescence, such that the final merging takes place on a time scale much shorter than the energy dissipation time scale


Racial and socioeconomic disparities in the utilization of percutaneous structural heart disease interventions have been described in previous years, reflecting significant gaps. However, it is unclear if increased awareness has created meaningful changes in the utilization of left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) in underrepresented populations.

 We aim to further clarify current practices in the United States and answer questions to help guide further efforts in attenuating health disparities.

 The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) was queried from 2016–2019 to identify all patients >65 years of age diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter who underwent left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) using the international classification of diseases, tenth revision clinical modification (ICD-10-CM) codes. We selected this age cutoff to minimize confounding bias from lack of insurance coverage as patients age 65 and older qualify for the Center of Medicare & Medicaid Services. We excluded patients with missing race information. In addition, we confined our analysis to patients of White, Black, and Hispanic ethnicity because the number of other races was insufficient for meaningful analysis. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the odds of procedure utilization, in-hospital mortality, and significant periprocedural complications among study groups.

 We identified a total of 14,103,690 patients >65 years of age diagnosed with either atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter. Of those, 53,350 (0.38%) underwent LAAO. The mean age of the sample was 79±7.6 years. Compared to White patients, Black patients had lesser odds of undergoing LAAO when controlling for multiple confounders (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.44–0.55, p<0.001). Among Hispanic patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the odds of undergoing LAAO compared to White patients. There was no statistically significant difference in mortality, vascular complications, non-home discharge, stroke, transient ischemic attack, pericardial tamponade, and length of stay in patients undergoing LAAO among different ethnicities.

 Significant disparities, including procedure utilization and patient characteristics prior to the procedure, such as household income, still exist among Black patients compared to White patients undergoing the LAAO in the United States. Nevertheless, adjusted odds of in-hospital outcomes were similar among Black, Hispanic, and White patients. Further research is necessary to identify what mitigation strategies could be effective and what can be changed to close the remaining gap.

 Type of funding sources: None.


To investigate the role of the long‐chain noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) in the process of angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and illustrate its potential role in burn sepsis (BS) pathogenesis.


The termolecular association reaction OH + NO2 + M was studied in a low-pressure discharge flow reactor, and both HONO2 and HOONO products were detected by infrared cavity ringdown spectroscopy (IR-CRDS). The absorption spectrum of the fundamental ν1 band of the cis-cis isomer of HOONO (pernitrous or peroxynitrous acid) was observed at 3306 cm-1, in good agreement with matrix isolation studies and ab initio predictions. The rotational contour of this band was partially resolved at 1 cm-1 resolution and matched the profile predicted by ab initio calculations. The integrated absorbances of the ν1 bands of the cis-cis HOONO and HONO2 products were measured as a function of temperature and pressure. These were converted to product branching ratios by scaling the experimentally observed absorbances with ab initio integrated cross sections for HOONO and HONO2 computed at the CCSD(T)/cc-pVTZ level. The product branching ratio for cis-cis HOONO to HONO2 was 0.075 ± 0.020(2σ) at room temperature in a 20 Torr mixtu...


PP(Polypropylene synthetic resin) is one kind of important materials.East-China is one of the important areas which PP is consumed and supplied.The relations between demand and supply are researched,the evolution of Chinese PP is analysed.The competitive and the trend of the most kinds of PP are analysed further.


The initial integration of a large scale battery system in existing end products like cars is usually of experimental nature. So are the simulation models supporting its design process. In the following a comprehensive Modelica model is introduced for the simulative description of the physical behavior of lithium ion battery cells packs for relevant aspects and use cases. It is part of the Modelon Battery Library, a commercial Modelica library to model battery cells and packs of various types, shape and grouping. Thermal behavior, electrical behavior and the impact of the degradation due to aging are considered as they influence each other. The model parameters to calculate the electrical behavior are to be derived from measurements; an optimization algorithm to obtain them is integrated in the package using the Optimization Library. Functions to validate the model against these measurements are included as well. As an application example the simulation of an energetic energy storage system in the model of a battery electrical vehicle is shown.


The time‐course and extent of death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) following ablation of the superior colliculus (SC) in neonatal Wistar rats has recently been described [Harvey, A. R. and Robertson, D. (1992) J. Comp. Neurol., 325, 83–94]. Normal and pyknotic nuclei of retinotectally projecting ganglion cells were visualized using the fluorescent retrograde tracer diamidino yellow (DY), which had been injected into the SC at P2 (day of birth = P0), 2 days prior to tectal removal. The present report sets out to determine whether cycloheximide, an inhibitor of protein synthesis, or ganglioside GM1 reduced this lesion‐induced RGC death. All surgery was carried out under ether anaesthesia; DY was injected into the left SC at P2 and the injected area was removed at P4. Cycloheximide (20‐500 ng) was injected into the vitreous chamber of the right eye immediately after the lesion and again 11 ‐12 h later. In some rats, cycloheximide administration was delayed until 12 h after the SC ablation. Control rats received SC lesions alone or lesions plus sham eye injections of saline. Different doses of GM1 were applied i.p. or intraocularly. Rats were perfused 24 h after the SC lesion, at the time of peak RGC death. Retinae of lesion only or sham eye injected rats contained ‐11% pyknotic RGCs and the density of normal RGCs was ‐3400/mm2. The rate of pyknosis in cycloheximide treated retinae was reduced to ‐3%. Normal RGC density in these retinae was ∼5500/mm2, similar to that found in retinae of unlesioned animals. Delaying the application of cycloheximide significantly reduced its effectiveness in preventing RGC death. GM1 treatments had no, or only minor, impact on RGC pyknosis 24 h after SC removal. The data are consistent with the proposal that RGC death after neonatal loss of central target sites is an active process that requires protein synthesis. It is therefore possible that, in the developing mammalian visual system, target‐derived neurotrophic factors maintain RGC viability by suppressing some form of endogenous suicide program within the neurons.


This paper presents a Non-Line-Of-Sight (NLOS) identification approach based on machine learning algorithms for ultra wide band positioning systems. The identification of NLOS conditions is crucial for positioning using trilateration as NLOS introduces positive biases in the calculated distances. The proposed method is based on the classification of the Channel Impulse Responses using Fisher's Linear Discriminant and Support Vector Machines (SVM). The proposed approach has been validated by measurements in both an anechoic chamber where known reflections and obstacles are introduced and in a basement corridor as real environment scenario with more than 500 and 700 measured data sets for training, respectively. Results show an average identification accuracy of 92% for the case using SVM in the anechoic chamber and almost 100% for Fisher's discriminant combined with SVM for the corridor scenario.


OBJECTIVES
To determine the effect of postnatal administration of the long-acting progestogen contraceptive, norethisterone enanthate, on postnatal depression and on serum hormone concentrations, and their association with depression.

DESIGN
Double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial.

SETTING
A tertiary care hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa. POPULATION Postnatal women using a non-hormonal method of contraception (n = 180).

METHODS
Random allocation within 48 hours of delivery to norethisterone enanthate by injection, or placebo.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Depression scores in the three months postpartum as rated by the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS); 2. serum 17beta-oestradiol, progesterone, testosterone and the 17beta-oestradiol:progesterone ratio at six weeks postpartum.

RESULTS
There was a chance excess of caesarean section deliveries in the progestogen group. Mean depression scores were significantly higher in the progestogen group than in the placebo group at six weeks postpartum (mean MADRS score 8.3 vs 4.9; P = 0.0111; mean EPDS score 10.6 vs 7.5; P = 0.0022). Mean serum 17beta-oestradiol and progesterone concentrations were significantly lower in the progestogen group compared with the placebo group at six weeks postpartum. There were no correlations between any of the hormone parameters and depression at six weeks except in the formula feeding subgroup of the placebo group, where formula feeding and 17beta-oestradiol concentrations were positively associated with depression.

CONCLUSIONS
Long-acting norethisterone enanthate given within 48 hours of delivery is associated with an increased risk of developing postnatal depression and causes suppression of endogenous ovarian hormone secretion.


To the Editor—We wish to congratulate Professor Benz and colleagues for their outstanding article, and we thank them for their interest in our work. Both the authors and ourselves agree that the macroscopic assessment of the specimen needs to be renewed. An accurate and correct classification of the surgical specimen, and the ability to grade the quality of resection, is necessary when planning prospective studies to assess the survival associated with specific colorectal techniques. The reason why the article by Benz et al is not mentioned in the discussion is merely chronologic. Our article was submitted for consideration to Diseases of the Colon & Rectum on December 2018, whereas their article was published in March 2019. We have been working on this classification for several years. In terms of the statement that is questioned by Professor Benz, we would suggest that, even if our works have similar aims, it is still valid. In detail, as the authors stated in their study, their aim was to verify the applicability of their classification to assess the quality of complete mesocolic excision, whereas we aimed to define indicators of surgical quality of D3 lymphadenectomy for right colon cancer. Even if the definition of complete mesocolic excision by Hohenberger et al and the D3 lymphadenectomy are similar, these are distinct concepts and some differences exist. The lymph node dissection of complete mesocolic excision corresponds to the root of the main feeding artery, whereas the D3 lymphadenectomy concept is based on lymph node dissection according to lymph flow via the venous system, localized at the surgical trunk of Gillot and the surgical area of the gastrocolic trunk of Henle. The venous drainage follows the arterial anatomy, but the superior right colic vein is the only vein of the mesocolon that does not have a corresponding artery. The superior right colic vein has been proposed as a landmark for the excision of lymphoadipose tissue in the surgical area of the gastrocolic trunk of Henle. In our study, the presence of the superior right colic vein represents an independent parameter to assess the quality of the D3 lymphadenectomy in right colon cancer. The number of nodes identified in the D3 area was in fact assessed only in our research, further highlighting the focus on lymphadenectomy rather than mesocolic excision. Our plan is to validate the reliability of our classification of D3 lymphadenectomy, following the experience with complete mesocolic excision published by our colleagues.


The calls of 18 species of Amazonian forest frogs were recorded in 3 localities: the Tapajos National Park near Itaituba, the Reserva Ducke near Manaus, and the INPA-WWF reserves near Manaus. Structural and time parameters and sonographs of these calls including previously undescribed vocalization by 10 species are presented. Unlike open habitat species, several forest frong species characteriscally demonstrated one on more of the following temporal parameters: very low call rates, sporadic intervals, infrequent nights of calling and synchronized chorusing. It is hypothesized that predation has influenced the evolution of vocal behaviour in Amazonian forest frogs.


We synthesize imagery using optical flow, color analysis, and heuristics to extrapolate beyond the edge of a television screen. Projectors provide the viewer's peripheral vision with low‐detail dynamic patterns consistent with the input video, creating a sense of immersion and the impression that the scene wraps around the viewer.


EMPACT#8482;, TANDEM Computers' manufacturing information control system, is an application that uses a distributed database. The requirements of the system include supporting multiple sites, providing continuous availability to the data, and controlling updates to communal information. The approach taken to satisfy these needs involves the use of both partitioned and replicated data. Presented in this paper is a discussion of the application requirements, the design and architecture of the database, and the algorithms used for updates and inserts.


This paper introduces library's electronic reading room seat management system based on RFID,and points out that this system realizes the functions of the allocation of readers'seats,revoking of seat uses-permission,and readers' printing management,etc.,increases effectively the management efficiency of electronic reading room,and provides more humanized services.


We report the results of an experimental study that compares the performance of graphene and boron nitride flakes as fillers in the thermal interface materials. The thickness of both fillers varied from a single atomic plane to about a hundred. The measurements have been conducted using a standard TIM tester. Our results show that the addition of a small fraction of graphene (f=4 wt%) to a commercial thermal interface material increases the resulting apparent thermal conductivity substantially stronger than the addition of boron nitride. The obtained data suggest that graphene and fewlayer graphene flakes couple better to the matrix materials than the boron nitride fillers. A combination of both fillers can be used to increase the thermal conductivity while controlling the electrical conduction.


The areas planted with olive trees increase yearly in Syria, this causes the increasing of the average of wastes that comes from pruning the olive trees. This investigation has estimated the yearly amount of saved Carbon by Manufacturing Particleboard from Pruning Wastes of Olive trees in Syria (1860000 tons) whereas attained 763902 tons and can be sale with economical price 6011908, 7 Euros (€). The saving carbon from leaves attained 485050, 8 tons and 315800,1 tons from the wood. Hence contribute the saving carbon to mitigating and reduce the Greenhouse gases.


The utility model relates to weight lifting and high-air operation equipment which comprises a self-walking mechanism, a driving device and a work arm, wherein the self-walking mechanism is provided with a mounting platform, the driving device is fixedly arranged on the mounting platform, and the self-walking mechanism and the driving device are arranged in a hydraulic transmission connection mode. The work arm consists of a main work arm and an auxiliary work arm, the head portion of the main work arm is connected with a clamping mechanism or a working platform, a main support is arranged on the tail portion of the main work arm, and the main support is arranged on the upper portion of the mounting platform, and a main rotary oil cylinder is arranged between the main support and the mounting platform. The head portion of the auxiliary work arm is connected with the working platform, an auxiliary support is arranged on the tail portion of the auxiliary work arm, the auxiliary support is arranged at the front end of the mounting platform, and an auxiliary rotary oil cylinder is arranged between the auxiliary support and the mounting platform. The main work arm and the auxiliary work arm can work in a matched mode or work independently, motion is flexible, rotary scope is large, size is small, working efficiency is high, and mechanical exploit of a coal mine is achieved.


Based on Buongiorno's theory and Cauchy equations of motion, a model is developed to examine homogeneous–heterogeneous reactions in boundary layer flow of a nanofluid over a stretching sheet in which a uniform magnetic field is added perpendicular to the flow direction. We apply the shooting method and the fourth-order Runge–Kutta integration to obtain multiple solutions of nonlinear ordinary differential equations with various physical parameters. Results show that nanofluids play significant roles in the procedures of homogeneous and heterogeneous reactions, which may help maintain the stability of chemical reactions. In addition, the terms related to Maxwell fluid either have effect on stability of the system; furthermore, the increasing elastic and magnetic parameters delay the appearance of bifurcation points.


A simplified cisternographic technique, involving small amounts of contrast material and positioning without fluoroscopy, was initially employed in 3 patients but failed to demonstrate large lesions of the cerebellopontine angle. These lesions were subsequently demonstrated by adding a sufficient volume of contrast material and were evaluated further by vertebral angiography or pneumoencephalography prior to surgical documentation. Persons employing the 1–3 ml posterior fossa cisternographic technique should be aware of potential error. Nonfilling of the internal acoustic meatus should be considered an absolute indication for re-evaluation using a larger volume of contrast material.


Purpose – This paper aims to examine the limitations of promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) regulation and suggests a model for improving accountability in CSR practices through stakeholder engagement-based inclusive regulation framework that is effective, coherent and responsive. Design/methodology/approach – This conceptual paper uses desk-based research to analyse extant literature on the concept of regulation of CSR by looking at examples, benefits and limitations before proposing a framework for improving CSR regulation. Findings – The paper finds that the system of promoting CSR through self-regulation or introducing prescriptive regulation without sustainable stakeholder engagement is ineffective and inefficient. Originality/value – The paper is original in its development of a new framework of "Inclusive Regulation" as a strategy for limiting the shortcomings of prescriptive regulation and enhancing self-regulation as CSR tools. It thus contributes to both theoretical and policy perspe...


The sulphur released by the 1815 Tambora volcanic eruption resulted in a net cooling after the eruption. The cold climate was responsible for crop failures, leading to serious famine and high food prices in Europe and North America. The year 1816 became known as the "year without summer". We performed a series of climate simulations with the UK Met Office model HadGEM2‐ES to assess the climate and carbon cycle consequences of the eruption. The model shows a temperature decrease of 1 ± 0.1°C and global precipitation decrease of 3.7% in 1816. The following net primary productivity (NPP) increase is caused by strongly reduced plant respiration and supports the overall increase in land carbon storage after the eruption. Most of the carbon is taken up by the soil reservoir, mainly due to increased litter influx. Overall, the change of combined land and ocean carbon implies an atmospheric CO2 decrease of over 6 ppmv. C3 and C4 grasses, used here as an analogy for crops, revealed globally increasing productivity for C3 grasses/crops (e.g., wheat) by ≥8%, while C4 grasses/crops (e.g., maize) decreased by over 12%. Regional positive C3 and negative C4 NPP are mainly found in the tropics and midlatitudes, whereas positive C4 NPP areas are distributed in marginal areas. Negative C3 grasses anomalies are found in high‐elevation and high‐latitude regions. These findings highlight the importance of including process‐based vegetation or crop model components to represent the potentially nonlinear dependencies on climatic changes.


The chemical condition of cooling water in operation has been adjusted in weak acid ion exchange treatment fed to prevent the cooling water system from scaling. Experimental results in laboratory and power plant are very satisfactory.


Academic construction is colleges and universities' root of running them,and it also comprehensively embodies the running history of colleges and universities as well as the development demanding of society.The article analyzed the present condition of our school's academic construction,and put forward the basic way of further strengthening academic construction in our school.


In this paper, a dual-polarized dielectric resonator antenna is demonstrated for 60GHz WiFi RF front-end. The antenna is composed of an alumina ceramic cube and fed by a single layer microstrip structure. The simple antenna topology allows for an ideal solution for antenna-in-package at 60GHz. The demonstrated antenna features 22.6% bandwidth around 60GHz with 90% radiation efficiency simulated across 10GHz bandwidth. Isolation between the two orthogonal polarizations is better than 18dB across the bandwidth.


Abstract Advanced heart failure (AHF) represents an ominous stage of heart failure (HF), where the expected prognosis remains poor regardless of the improvement in medical knowledge. In this review, we summarize the definition, prognosis, physiopathology, and clinical/therapeutic management of the disease, focusing on the fast and timely referral of the patient to the AHF facilities. We provide an insight of the diagnostic and therapeutic 'work up' performed in an Italian AHF hub, implying a deep phenotypical patients characterization in order to evaluate candidacy to the therapeutic gold standards as heart transplantation (HTx) and left ventricular assist device (LVAD).


The P3 Alliance consists of the three biggest container shipping lines in the world. Together, Maersk Line, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), and CMA CGM will command a combined market share of 36.4 percent of the world's active shipping capacity. Major gateway container ports in North America play a crucial role in serving the largest economy in the world and respective hinterlands that are embedded within. As such, the article aims to examine the impact of the P3 Alliance and its implications on contestability in the major gateway container ports in North America. Our analysis contends that the alliance should not be a cause of concern for the key ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on the West Coast of the United States as the combined market share in terms of shipping capacity supplied matches up to existing capacity supplied by the largest of the other shipping alliances. However, the significantly higher market share for shipping capacity deployed by the alliance at major gateway container ports on the East Coast of the United States and stakeholding by Maersk Line's sister company APM Terminals and MSC's subsidiary Terminals Investment Limited in some of the ports could raise concerns for potential abuse of market power.


Aim  Language lateralization with functional transcranial Doppler sonography (fTCD) and lexical word generation has been shown to have high concordance with the Wada test and functional magnetic resonance imaging in adults. We evaluated a nonlexical paradigm to determine language dominance in children.


OF THE DISCLOSURE A process of producing finely divided potassium sulfate crystals suitable for use in slurry fertilizers from an aque ous solution containing potassium sulfate which comprises dissolving potassium chloride in the potassium sulfate solu tion to cause the potassium sulfate to crystallize. Upon dissolution of the potassium chloride, crystals of potas sium sulfate are precipitated that are sufficiently fine to be suitable for use in slurry fertilizers. FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a process for pro ducing minute potassium sulfate particles that are suitable for use in slurry fertilizers without further size reduction. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method of directly producing finely divided potassium Sulfate crystals by precipitation from aqueous solutions of potassium sulfate. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Although many fertilizer ingredients are soluble in water, they are not sufficiently soluble to provide a prac tical nutrient concentration. As a consequence, suspension or slurry fertilizers containing a variety of nutrients have evolved in which finely divided particles are suspended in an aqueous solution that is sprayed on the soil. Such fertilizers have become increasingly prominent in recent years. Because it is often necessary to premix and pump a slurry fertilizer, it is desirable that the slurry be relatively stable. While this stability may, in part, be achieved by the use of stabilizing agents, the particle size of the nutri ent ingredient plays a significant role in the stability of the slurry. Generally, ingredients having particles substantially all of which (e.g. at least 85%) are -200 mesh are desir able. Finer particles, essentially all of which are -325 mesh, are particularly desirable since they contribute to an even more stable slurry. The crystallization of potassium sulfate under ordinary conditions by cooling from a saturated solution, or by shock-cooling, typically produces crystals, many of which have a Tyler mesh size of from about 65 to 100 mesh. Since potassium sulfate particles of sizes substantially Smaller than this are desirable for use in slurries, it is necessary to reduce the size of such potassium sulfate crystals before they are used for slurry fertilizers. Size re duction such as by comminution not only results in the expense of an added process step but also may result in the loss of some product because of dusting or the like. Crystallization of potassium sulfate from potassium sulfate solutions in such a manner that the crystallized product obtained is of a size suitable for use directly in slurries would avoid a subsequent size reduction step and the in creased expense entailed thereby.


Three of the biggest problems that the world will face in the future are energy, food and water security. The need for alternative energy sources is increasing due to the fact that the world's energy resources are depleted and especially the damage of fossil fuels to ecology. Today, studies on alternative energy sources are carried out intensively. One of the alternative energy sources is biomass solid fuels obtained from plant or animal manure. In this study, biomass in block form will be obtained by using binders from chicken and sheep manure. Finally, the obtained biomass will be analyzed in the solid fuel analysis laboratory, and the results will be compared and written statistically.


We investigate the effect of cell-size on the energetics of vacancies in Aluminum using orbital-free density functional theory with non-local kinetic energy functionals. Extending the recently developed coarse-graining techniques based on quasi-continuum reduction to include non-local kinetic energy functionals, we consider cell-sizes up to a million atoms in this study. We find remarkable cell-size effects that are present in computational domains consisting up to 103 − 104 atoms, even in simple defects like vacancies. These results indicate the presence of important long-ranged interactions that have not been considered in prior electronic structure studies of defects conducted on a few hundred atoms. These cell-size effects are more striking in the computed di-vacancy binding energies, where vacancies are found to repel each other in small computational cells, but become attractive in larger computational cells representative of realistic vacancy concentrations. PACS numbers: 61.72.jd,31.15.es,02.70.-c,02.70.Dh


Since a couple of years, virtual reality (VR) technologies showed to be more and more useful and used in digital activities. One major and well-known issue that occurs during VR experience is the provocation of cybersickness, which refrains users from accepting these technologies. The induced cybersickness is due to a self-motion feeling that is produced when users see objects moving in the virtual world. To reduce cybersickness several methods have been proposed in the literature. The shortcoming of these methods is that the immersion and navigation quality is not guaranteed. In this paper, a new method to reduce cybersickness is proposed. The geometric deformation of the virtual model displayed in the peripheral field of view allows reducing the self-motion perceived by the user. First results show that visually induced self-motion is indeed reduced with a guaranteed immersion quality while the user navigation parameters are kept.


This research aims to find out how far of students to apply the SETS approach on inquiry-based learning. Through the SETS approach students are conditioned to be willing and able to apply the science principles to produce technological work followed by thoughts to reduce or prevent possible negative impacts that may arise from the emergence of this technology product to the environment and society based on the principle of inquiry. This SETS application is about scientific thinking so it is expected to improve scientific thinking science. Design research, the data analysis technique used is descriptive qualitative. Analysis of scientific thinking through multiple cycles. While the analysis of qualitative description with interactive analysis consists of data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion is done in an interactive form with data collection as a cycle process. The results showed pre cycle 28,44%, then at cycle I 52,33%, and at cycle II 80,33% which mean SETS approach able to improve student's scientific thinking. There is a positive response to students with SETS approach means that science learning with hands-on experience can make students think critically in solving a problem.


Form 70 - Notice of Bankruptcy and Request of a First Meeting of Creditors (Paragraph 155(d.1) of the Act). (Coming into force September 18, 2009)


THE value of local applications of solutions of penicillin in the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases of the eye is now generally recognized. Experimental and clinical evidence has shown this to be particularly true in cases of diseases of the anterior segment of the globe. 1 Experimentally, in cases of this type relatively high concentrations of penicillin in the cornea, conjunctiva, sclera, aqueous, iris and ciliary body and small amounts in the vitreous can be built up by use of the corneal bath and by subconjunctival injection. 2 High degrees of penetration of penicillin have also been attained with iontophoresis. 3 It has been our experience that administration of penicillin as eye drops by simple instillation will effect the prompt cure of the acute inflammatory diseases of the conjunctiva caused by penicillin-sensitive organisms. 2 In the treatment of corneal ulcers, however, particularly in cases in which the deeper layers


This book explains the purpose and mechanisms of NVivo qualitative data analysis software to new researchers and learners of the programme, and instructs seasoned users how to utilise the more rece...


In this thesis, we study the electronic charge transport properties in different high mobility organic semiconductors considered as possible candidates for applications in Organic Spintronics. Stringent conditions are needed to make possible the diffusive transport of a spin-polarized current through an organic spacer (injection-transport-detection): the mechanism of charge transport and the carriers mobility, as well as the interface between the organic semiconductor and the ferromagnetic metallic electrodes, should meet special criteria. Our devices are in lateral geometry. We investigate three organic materials, all compatible with wet processing of organic electronics: supramolecular fibers self-assembled by light irradiation, an ink of liquid-phase exfoliated graphene nano-sheets and a conjugated polymer semiconductor thin film exposed to strong electrochemical doping. We observe that the criteria are partially matched, but some challenges are still present.


Different inoculation techniques viz. inoculation of sets by dipping in spore suspension, bud inoculation with hypodermic syringe, bud wrapping by cotton swab dipped in smut suspension and inoculation of underground bud at the time of tillering (end May) were tested to screen against sugarcane smut in the field as well as in the laboratory conditions. In the field, out of the tested inoculation techniques, the maximum disease incidence (60.63%) was observed when buds were inoculated with hypodermic syringe and minimum (8.55%) in inoculation of underground buds at the time of tillering stage. The result showed that inoculation through mechanical injury significantly increase disease incidence but at the same time also affect the bud germination (15.56%). Significant difference in smut incidence was also observed when the inoculation was carried by teliospores and sporidia separately.

 Key words: Ustilago scitaminea, inoculation technique, screening, resistance, sugarcane.


Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the detection rate of bone metastases and the added value of 11C-acetate (ACE) positron-emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) compared to bone scintigraphy (BS) in high-risk prostate cancer (PC). Materials and Methods: A total of 66 untreated patients with high-risk PC with ACEPET/CT and planar BS findings within 3 months of each other were retrospectively enrolled. Findings were compared and verified with follow-up data after an average of 26 months. Results: The rate of detection of bone metastases was superior with ACE-PET/CT compared to BS (p<0.01). Agreement between the methods and between BS and followup was moderate (Cohen's kappa coefficient of 0.64 and 0.66, respectively). Agreement between ACE-PET/CT and follow-up was excellent (kappa coefficient of 0.95). Therapy was changed in 11% of patients due to ACE-PET/CT results. Conclusion: ACE-PET/CT performed better than planar BS in detection of bone metastases in high-risk PC. ACEPET/CT findings influenced clinical management. Prostate cancer (PC) is the second most common male cancer, affecting approximately 15% of men globally (1). Although many PCs remain clinically insignificant (2), aggressive subtypes require early detection and treatment. Predilection sites of metastatic spread in PC are pelvic lymph nodes (LNs) and bone (3). PC staging depends on parameters such as clinical stage, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level and Gleason score. Clinical pre-treatment nomograms are used to estimate the risk of pelvic LN involvement and distant metastasis (4). PC with >15% estimated risk of pelvic LN metastasis is clinically considered high-risk PC. The most common positron-emission tomography (PET) radiotracers for staging and restaging of PC, 11C/18F-choline and 11C-acetate (ACE), reflect cell membrane synthesis. This implies increased uptake of both choline tracers and ACE into the cell membrane of tumour cells, making tumours and metastases detectable by PET/computed tomography (CT) (5). The mechanism of ACE uptake is via up-regulation of fatty acid synthase (6). Comparative studies of 18F-choline and ACE have showed equal diagnostic performance and accuracy in PC recurrence (7). Other promising PET tracers for PC staging are under development, such as 68Ga-labelled compounds that bind to prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and 18Ffluciclovine (FACBC) (8, 9). The main clinical applications for ACE-PET/CT are primary staging and restaging of high-risk PC prior to radiotherapy (10-13). Long-term survival data on patients with PC relapse examined with 11C-choline PET/CT showed a 15-year PC-specific survival probability of 42% in PETpositive patients and 96% in PET-negative patients (14). No such long-term data exist for ACE-PET/CT. Bone scintigraphy (BS) is a widely available standard method for detection of bone metastases in high-risk PC (15). However, pathological BS uptake can result from any condition with increased osteoblastic activity. In order to improve noninvasive N (lymph node) and M (distant metastasis) staging in PC, more accurate imaging methods are needed. For 11Ccholine, which has been more extensively studied than ACE, a meta-analysis showed higher specificity for bone metastases with 11C-choline PET/CT compared to planar BS (16). This may also be true for ACE but more evidence is needed, since ACE reflects a completely different biochemical mechanism from that of 11C-choline, although they are similar in terms of cell membrane synthesis. A pilot study on eight BS-positive and ACE-PET/CT-positive patients showed promising results for ACE-PET/CT (17), but otherwise data are limited. Our hypothesis is that ACE-PET/CT should be a more accurate and specific method than BS, with the combination of functional information from ACE-PET with a diagnostic CT. 6475 Τhis article is freely accessible online. Correspondence to: Sara Strandberg, MD, Umea University Hospital, 90185 Umea, Sweden. Tel: +46 907850000, e-mail: email@example.com


In this paper, in view of carrying out a PDM system in Packing Department of Shanghai Jiahua Corporation, we analyse the composition and the duty of the personnel in this department, on the basis of which we establish the personnel pattern. By establishing the personnel pattern, we make clear the direction and stations at different level of the information flow; we set up the process of product information in perfect order; we standardize the duty and authority of all personnel . All of these provide effective support for the establishment of work process and product model.


This paper mainly describes the design of a miniaturized up-down converter module for Ku-band, and the key technical index requirements such as gain, gain flatness and automatic gain control (AGC) of the up-down converter module are analyzed. In this paper, the scheme is designed and optimized, and the module is implemented by hardware which has the characteristics of ultra-wideband, high integration, and good spurious and harmonic wave suppression by using the micro package technology and the low temperature co-Fired ceramic (LTCC) process.


In order to improve the precision of imported rolling force model and based on Bland-Ford formula,the modified yield stress model and rolling force model were established by combining mathematical models of yield stress and rolling force with BP neural network and Genetic Algorithm.Lots of actual measured data pretreated and divided according to steel grade were used to train the neural network.The comparison between the measured and predicted rolling force showed that the new rolling force model had higher prediction accuracy.


1Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 2West Haven Veterans Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut 3Department of Medicine, Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany 4Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts


Atomic time scales like TAI and TT(BIPM) get their accuracy from primary frequency standards (presently Caesium fountains) which realize the SI second. The rotation period of some millisecond pulsars is so regular that they may provide information on the long term stability of atomic time scales. As atomic frequency standards continuously improve, atomic time progressively outperforms the rotation of pulsars. Nevertheless millisecond pulsars could be used as a flywheel to transfer the accuracy of newly developed standards to the past. We study the factors that may limit this transfer and estimate the accuracy that could be reached, with examples based on real pulsar data.


The L-subshell internal conversion electron ratios of some hindered electric dipole transitions in the odd-mass nuclei /sup 171/Tm, /sup 175/Lu and / sup 177/Hf were measured by means of a high resolution ironfree double focusing beta-ray spectrometer. Large anomalies were observed in the conversion process. The anomalies are interpreted as an experimental evidence for the presence of dynamic effects. The internal conversion penetration parameters were determined. The results obtained are discussed. (auth)


Objective: The purpose of this study were to find out the frequency of chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) in the junior ranks of army, and to find out the number of such patients serving in low medical category due to CSOM. Study design: It was a simple multi-centre descriptive study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in ENT department of Combined Military Hospital Lahore from March 2003 to August 2003. Feedback was also taken from CMH Abbottabad and HIT Hospital Wah during this period. Subjects and Methods: A total of 5000 junior ranks were examined for CSOM. Results: Out of these 56 (1.12 %) were suffering from inactive mucosal disease. Seventy nine (1.58%) had active mucosal disease. Attico antral disease was present in 33 (0.66%) subjects and out of these 8 (0.16%) subjects had undergone mastoid exploration in the past. Ninety (1.8%) cases were serving in low medical category due to CSOM. Conclusion: The frequency of CSOM is significantly high in the army (03.36 %), considering that all inductions are made after initial medical examination. By observing few precautions the frequency may be reduced, thus decreasing the financial drain on national exchequer.


In this paper, A Microstrip patch antenna with multiband characteristics is demonstrated. At the first, Conventional patch antenna is made for 2.4GHz frequency. By introducing SRR (Split Ring Resonator) loaded patch, the proposed antenna works on resonant frequencies of 2.45 GHz, 3.5 GHz and 5.2 GHz. The antenna is suitable for WiMAX, HIPERLAN/WLAN and Bluetooth applications. CST Microwave Studio suit 2014 is used for simulating the proposed design. The Antenna parameters like Reflection Coefficient, VSWR, Gain, Radiation Pattern and surface current are simulated to analyze the performance of antenna.


Within the framework of exact quantum electrodynamics in dispersing and absorbing media, we have studied the quantum state of the radiation emitted from an initially in the upper state, prepared two-level atom in a high-$\mathit{Q}$ cavity, including the regime where the emitted photon belongs to a wave packet that simultaneously covers the areas inside and outside the cavity. For both continuing atom-field interaction and short-term atom-field interaction, we have determined the spatiotemporal shape of the excited outgoing wave packet and calculated the efficiency of the wave packet to carry a one-photon Fock state. Furthermore, we have made contact with quantum noise theories where the intracavity field and the field outside the cavity are regarded as approximately representing independent degrees of freedom such that two separate Hilbert spaces can be introduced.


Smart Textile In article number 2206665, Tyler J. Cuthbert, Carlo Menon, and co‐workers have developed a fully‐textile wearable sensing platform for human motion tracking that transmits data wirelessly. The sensing and communication circuit is made solely of conductive textile elements, which contains no electronic or rigid components. The developed smart clothes can track daily activities like walking or climbing stairs continuously and unobtrusively. Potential applications include general fitness or physical rehabilitation monitoring.


To a large extent, people who have suffered a stroke report unmet needs for rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to explore aspects of rehabilitation provision that potentially contribute to self‐reported met needs for rehabilitation 12 months after stroke with consideration also to severity of stroke.


In this paper we will use two sets of data to demonstrate how to best calculate the relationship between data from two instruments. The statistical applications to be discussed in this paper, the standard major axis and principal axis analysis, are not new (Sokal and Rohlf, 1981). Hofman et al (1986) have described their importance in neuroscience research.


The combination of catalysis and non-thermal plasma holds promise for enabling difficult chemical conversions. The possible synergy between both depends strongly on the nature of the reactive plasm...


The evolution of rough fronts in the early growth stage of poly(chloro- p -xylylene) films on Si/SiO 2 substrates was measured using atomic force microscopy, and analyzed in detail according to the dynamic scaling theories of kinetic roughening. While the growth of the interface width and the correlation length were reduced as the system entered into the three-dimensional growth mode, both the global and the local roughness exponents remained at α=1.39 and α loc =0.74. The scaling behavior, α=α s ≠α loc for α s >1, was categorized as the super-roughening process, but the characteristic scaling parameters could not be classified into any known universality classes based on local growth models. The unconventional scaling characteristics and the interesting crossover behaviors in the kinetic roughening were attributed to the delicate changes in the intermolecular interactions associated with the chemical reaction-limited aggregation.


A theoretical analysis of the heat capacity and thermal expansion of the low-temperature sc phase of fullerite C60 is made, based on the concepts of double-well orientational states of the molecules — the pentagonal and hexagonal configurations. To describe the coupling of the orientational states of the molecules with macroscopic deformations of the crystal lattice, it is assumed that the deformations contribute corrections to the energy parameters of the double-well states, and a parameter g(or) is introduced which is equivalent to the Gruneisen parameter in the theory of the thermal expansion of harmonic crystals. It is shown that this model can be used to obtain a qualitative description of the anomalies observed in the thermal properties of fullerite C60 near the orientational glass temperature Tg≃90 K, and the possibilities for obtaining empirical estimates of the parameter g(or) are discussed.


A new criterion of l2 -linfin / Hinfin performance is established by introducing a slack matrix. The designed estimator possesses two outputs which are respectively used to estimate the different estimated signals with l2-linfin and Hinfin performances. Conservatism inherent in the quadratic framework can be reduced in robust synthesis of systems with polytopic uncertainties, since the parameter dependent Lyapunov functions can be adopted. A numerical example is included to illustrate the feasibility and advantage of the proposed representations.


Modern switching power converters responsible for AC to DC conversion use advanced control methods that guarantee close to unity power factor and sine-like current waveforms. The level of harmonic distortions of such converters that employ power factor correction (PFC) can be rather low and remain in ranges of few percent. Such converters are employed also as chargers as electric vehicles (EVs). When EVs are connected to the low-voltage grid for slow charging, the AC supply voltage levels of the different charging locations are likely to vary. This can also provide effect to the load current waveform distortions, affecting the magnitude and phase shift angles of the individual harmonics. In this paper a discussion is presented on the effects of the AC supply voltage variations to the load current harmonic patterns and summation of harmonic currents when the chargers are used at different AC voltage levels.


The necessity of security in the environment of spatial knowledge gird and the deficiency of security technique available were expounded.The security strategy of spatial knowledge gird was investigated and its architectural model was set up.On the basis of attribute certificate and policy sets,by using XACML as the language for characterizing the access control of decision-making,fully employing the Web service technique,and integrating the infrastructure of authority management and XACML,this model was helped itself to be appropriate to the necessity of the spatial knowledge gird and be able to support the role-based access control,exhibiting its flexibility,adaptability,extensiveness,and developability.


Student teaching refers to the period of time when college students gradually take over the duties and responsibilities of cooperating public school teachers. During this time, student teachers attempt to apply the theories and methods learned in education courses. According to Andrews (1964), "This application of theory in the real world (classroom) helps the student teacher to begin to develop a teaching style" (p. 9).