Motor rehabilitation on patients suffering physical sequelae of stroke, such as hemiplegia, is a long and expensive process. Furthermore, the accessibility and customization of robotic rehabilitation devices is a key challenge. The purpose of this work was the design and construction of a prototype of passive rehabilitation for the upper limb, intended for the functional recovery of the wrist and hand on a patient with hypotonia and hemiplegia in his left limb, to be used at home. The developed device consists of a robotic system controlled through a Raspberry pi and implementation of two electric actuators, one to mobilize the flexion and extension of the wrist and another for the opening and closing of the hand. It also used a plate transmission system to execute the movements. 3D printing technology was used to produce most of the prototype parts, which were designed by computer. In addition, an interface was created to establish communication between the user and the device and to be able to choose modalities and time of the therapy, which was visualized by a 7-inch touch screen. After construction, the device was tested to verify its operation, obtaining as a result that it fulfilled the established objectives and executed the movements correctly within the stipulated time. Future work is expected to improve the structure and expand the device's exercise modalities and including miofeedback.


Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop and analyze a reliability model of a single-unit system considering two weather conditions-normal and abnormal. The unit may fail completely either directly from normal mode or via partial failure. A single repair facility is available who plays the dual role of inspection and repair. The server first inspects the totally failed unit to see the feasibility of its repair. If repair of the unit is not feasible, it is replaced by new one. Server conducts the repair only on totally failed unit. The operation, inspection and repair of the unit are stopped in abnormal weather as a precautionary measure to avoid excessive damage to the system. Failure rates and rate of change of weather conditions are constant whereas the inspection and repair rates are general. By using semi-Markov process and regenerative point technique some reliability measures of system effectiveness are obtained. Graphs of MTSF, availability and profit for a particular case are drawn to highlight the importance of the study.


BACKGROUND
Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic inflammatory disorder mediated by Th1 cells. Apremilast is a novel oral PDE4 enzyme inhibitor capable of blocking leukocyte production of IL-12, IL-23, TNF-a, INF- with subsequent suppression of Th1 and Th17-mediated immune responses, and proven clinical efficacy for psoriasis as well as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

OBSERVATIONS
Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus Disease Area and Severity Index (CLASI) showed a significant (P<0.05) decrease after 85 days of treatment with apremilast 20 mg twice daily in 8 patients with active discoid lupus. The adverse events related to the drug were mild and transient.

CONCLUSIONS
This is the first open label study to use apremilast as a treatment modality for discoid lupus. Our observations indicate that apremilast may constitute a safe and effective therapeutic option for DLE.


The invention discloses honeycomb core material, compound wave-absorbing material and honeycomb enhanced metamaterial. The honeycomb core material comprises a plurality of honeycomb periodic structure units and is characterized in that artificial metal microstructures are attached to honeycomb walls of at least part of the honeycomb periodic structural units. Both the compound wave-absorbing material and the honeycomb enhanced metamaterial comprise the honeycomb core material. Compared with the traditional pure-honeycomb structure of the prior art, the honeycomb core material has the advantages that the metal microstructures are attached to the honeycomb walls, leading to dielectric parameter and permeability greatly improved within the X wave band, besides, within the frequency band, the permeability generates magnetic resonance so as to enhance loss; In this way, remarkable advantages are imparted on production of the narrow-band wave-absorbing material and high-loss shielding material.


Aim To investigate the clinical implications of the expression of CD40 ligand (CD40L) on peripheral blood monocytes and sera soluble CD40L (sCD40L) changes in patients with unstable angina. Methods 16 normal controls and 40 patients including 20 with SA(8 patients by PTCA), 20 with UA entered in this study. The expression of CD40L on monocytes was analyzed by indirect-immonofluorescence flow cytometry and sera sCD40L levels were measured by ELISA. Results (1) The expression of CD40L on monocytes in UA were higher compared with SA and controls (P0.01), while no significant difference was found between SA and controls(P0.05). (2) Patients with UA had significantly raised sCD40L sera levels when compared with patients with SA and controls(P0.01). Values also differed significantly between patients with SA and controls. (3) PTCA induced a marked rise in sCD40L levels in all patients, while the expression of CD40L on monocytes showed no significantly difference between patients with PTCA before and after. (4) A significant correlation was observed between sCD40L sera concentrations and the number of complex lesions(r=0.54, P0.01). sCD40L, however, was not significantly associated with disease extent and range. Conclusions The enhanced level of serum soluble CD40L may play an important role in coronary plaque instability and disruption, and may represent a marker of coronary disease activity.


Deep neural networks (DNNs) have been successfully applied in various fields. In DNNs, a large number of multiply-accumulate (MAC) operations is required to be performed, posing critical challenges in applying them in resource-constrained platforms, e.g., edge devices. Dynamic neural networks have been introduced to allow a structural adaption, e.g., early-exit, according to different inputs to reduce the computational cost of DNNs. Existing early-exit techniques deploy classifiers at intermediate layers of DNNs to push them to make a classification decision as early as possible. However, the learned features at early layers might not be sufficient to exclude all the irrelevant classes and decide the correct class, leading to suboptimal results. To address this challenge, in this paper, we propose a class-based early-exit for dynamic inference. Instead of pushing DNNs to make a dynamic decision at intermediate layers, we take advantages of the learned features in these layers to exclude as many irrelevant classes as possible, so that later layers only have to determine the target class among the remaining classes. Until at a layer only one class remains, this class is the corresponding classification result. To realize this class-based exclusion, we assign each class with a classifier at intermediate layers and train the networks together with these classifiers. Afterwards, an exclusion strategy is developed to exclude irrelevant classes at early layers. Experimental results demonstrate the computational cost of DNNs in inference can be reduced significantly.


The scenario of 21st century relies heavily on the computer and digital system. Many scholars argued that it is important to implement and evolve the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in school system which will give direct advantages for students, teachers and educational institutions. Therefore, this study is aimed to examine the enhancement of student's STEM literacy on knowledge aspect after implementing STEM based module in learning earth's structure and its dynamics topic. The method of this study is weak experiment pretest posttest one group only. The subject of this research is one class of 7th grade students that consist of 39 students in one junior high school in Bandung, Indonesia. Developed STEM based module on earth's structure and its dynamics topic is delivered to students in their learning activity. Moreover, to measure students' knowledge enhancement of STEM literacy, a pre-test and a post-test were given to students which consist of 20 multiple choice questions. Specifically, there are 11 questions of science literacy, four questions of technology-engineering literacy and five questions of mathematics literacy. Student's pre-test and post-test result is analysed by calculating normalized gain and its effect size. The results of this research showed that students' science literacy enhanced satisfactory (n-gain = 0,35) with 1,10 of effect size (strong effect), technology-engineering literacy shows the highest enhancement of (n-gain = 0,56) means that it also enhanced satisfactory with effect size score is 1,24 (strong effect), and mathematics literacy is the lowest enhancement of (n-gain = 0,32) and is categorized as satisfactory enhancement with effect size of 1,13 (strong effect). To sum up, student's STEM literacy enhanced satisfactory with strong effect size after the implementation of STEM based module in their learning activity.


Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/) which permits non-commercial use, reproduction and distribution of the work without further permission provided the original work is attributed as specified on the SAGE and Open Access pages (https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/open-access-at-sage). https://doi.org/10.1177/20594364211011686 Global Media and China 2021, Vol. 6(2) 241–248 © The Author(s) 2021 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1 77/2059436421 01 6 journals.sagepub.com/home/gch Book Review: Tim Jordan, The Digital Economy.


4128 Background: Several studies suggest that increased gene copy number of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) or presence of mutations of the K-ras oncogene are associated with cetuximab response or resistance in patients (pts) with mCRC. In this setting data are not yet available regarding deleted in colorectal cancer (DCC), a tumor-suppressor gene located at chromosome 18q21, although DCC could theoretically modulate the EGFR/K-RAS pathway. This study aimed to identify biological predictors for sensitivity and resistance to cetuximab in pts with mCRC. Methods: Paraffin embedded tumor blocks from 31 mCRC pts treated with cetuximab-based regimens (Table 1) were retrospectively analyzed for EGFR (immunohistochemical staining - IHC and fluorescence in situ hybridization - FISH), DCC (Fragment analysis), and K-RAS (exon 12 mutation). Results: EGFR FISH positive patients (n=18), defined as ratio EGFR/nucleus =3, had a significantly higher time to progression -TTP (6.2 versus 3.2 months, p = 0.003) t...


AbstractMost pharmaceutical products are complex systems designed to meet several compendial or other performance standards simultaneously. Ideal or 'optimum' product composition and the manufacturing process variables are generally established after extensive experimentation. Artificial Neural Networks are pattern recognition tools that allow the development of 'expert' systems without having to write computer programs. With this technology it may be possible to develop formulation 'expert' systems to predict the formulation composition and the manufacturing process conditions necessary to achieve the desired performance standards. This report introduces the concept of a formulation expert system to predict the in vitro drug release profile from hydrophilic matrix tablets. Formulation expert systems or Computer Aided Formulation Design has the potential to reduce the time and cost of the product development process.


Content based video retrival systems requires video to be segmented into objects. A large number of video segmentation algorithms have been proposed such as semi-automatic and automatic. Semiautomatic methods requires the human intervention and also not suitable for some applications. Many applications requires automatic segmentation but still there is lot of scope for the improvement. The proposed work aims at contributing to identify the laconas that are present in the existing segmentation system and also to give the possible number of solutions to overcome those laconas so that the accurate and efficient video object segmentation system can be developed. The proposed system deals with the issue of automatic video segmentation system such as uncovered background, Temporary poses and Global motion of background.


Recent studies of public involvement in postindustrial democracies have suggested that a new style of politics has emerged over the last two decades (Dalton 1988). This new style of politics is characterized in major part by an expansion of the parameters of appropriate political action beyond reliance upon conventional political channels. Some commentators argue that support for new modes of participation arise out of sociopolitical changes occurring in the postwar period (Ciglar and Loomis 1983: chap 1; Inglehart 1977). Economic growth, prosperity and political stability arising from the absence of global warfare have given rise to new demands on government by an increasingly knowledgeable public. It has been further argued that contemporary citizen organizations and social movements are more likely than were those of older generations to engage in "elite challenging" political activities such as demonstrations and boycotts (Szabo 1983). Contemporary political conflicts arising over increasingly complex and technically sophisticated issues have generated the advent of many new interest groups (or the revival of extant groups) which draw a wide range of citizens into the politcal process via single issue concerns. One such policy area where this type of political conflict has arisen falls within the domain of nuclear deterrence (Dahl 1985). Traditionally, the politics of nuclear deterrence was largely insulated from


Based on current installation of agriculture specialties in China such as Chinese solar greenhouses and their developing actuality,this article discusses application and developing way of water-and energy-saving technology for solar greenhouse,which covers rainfall collection system of greenhouse roof,methane warming for greenhouse and improving CO2 environment by methane.The paper submits the proper integrity of rainfall collection facility with solar greenhouse,the fitness of methane tank volume to solar greenhouse size and the significance of enhancing environmental CO2 concentration in greenhouse for greenhouse water-saving.


We present KaRMMa 2.0 , an updated version of the mass map reconstruction code introduced in Fiedorowicz et al. (2022). KaRMMa is a full-sky Bayesian algorithm for reconstructing weak lensing mass maps from shear data. It forward-models the convergence field as a realization of a lognormal field. The corresponding shear map is calculated using the standard Kaiser– Squires transformation, and compared to observations at the field level. The posterior distribution of maps given the shear data is sampled using Hamiltonian Monte Carlo chains. Our work improves on the original algorithm by making it numerically efficient, enabling full-sky reconstructions at ≈ 7 arcmin resolution with modest computational resources. These gains are made with no loss in accuracy or precision relative to KaRMMa 1.0 . We compare the KaRMMa 2.0 posteriors against simulations across a variety of summary statistics (one-point function, two-point functions, and peak/void counts) to demonstrate our updated algorithm provides an accurate reconstruction of the convergence field at mildly non-linear scales. Unsurprisingly, the lognormal model fails as we approach non-linear scales ( ℓ (cid:38) 200), which in turn biases the map posteriors. These biases are at the 2% level in the recovered power spectrum, and at the 5% to 15% level for other statistics, depending on the resolution.


A full-fledged biomedical engineering graduate program leading to a master's degree and suitable for third world countries is suggested. The course would be of 1-1/2-years (3 semesters) duration, with the first two semesters consisting of course work and the third semester exclusively devoted to dissertation project work.<<ETX>>


This paper reported the results for quantitative determination of acrylamide via hydrolysis process using ultra violet-visible (UVVis) spectrophotometric method. This quantitative determination started with hydrolysing acrylamide in a strong basic condition to yield ammonia and acid salt. The optimum conditions of hydrolysis (concentration of the base used and time for hydrolysis) were also determined. From this study, the optimum conditions to hydrolyse acrylamide were achieved using 6.0 M of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 10 minutes. The hydrolysis process was characterised by monitoring the ammonia produced using Nessler's reagent through the formation of yellow colouration in the presence of ammonia. After the optimisation of hydrolysis process, the characterisation of all parameters including concentration of Nessler's reagent used, reproducibility, dynamic range, and interference ions were studied. Linear dynamic ranges from 0-10 ppm acrylamide with limit of detection (LOD) of 0.074 ppm were obtained when 3.0 mM Nessler's reagent was used. The relative standard deviations (RSD) for reproducibility were 2.8-3.3%. No significant interference from cations such as Na, K, Ca during quantitative analysis of acrylamide, but ions such as Fe and NH3 affected the analysis.


This paper studies the problem of log-optimal protfolio for * -mixing stock market and a stock market without constraint respectively. By employing the technique in studying strong limit theorem, we obtain some limit properties for log-optimal portfolio under the model of long term behavior of a sequence investment.


We really appreciate the comments by Drs Malinger and Lerman-Sagie. We completely agree with them that operator experience and expertise in dedicated neurosonography are key factors in the accuracy of fetal ultrasound diagnosis of brain abnormalities. This, actually, is also likely to be true for fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). All the included studies were performed in referral centers by experts in fetal medicine; thus, we can assume that the standard of ultrasound scanning was high, even if it did not reach the quality achieved in world-renowned centers like the one in which Drs Malinger and Lerman-Sagie work, and a few others to which they referred in their letter. Assessing the quality of ultrasound was not the aim of our study, and a minority of the articles gave sufficient information to allow such assessment. The thoroughness of postnatal follow-up is also an important issue. However, the aim of our systematic review was to assess to what extent MRI improves ultrasound detection of fetal brain abnormalities, rather than to compare the two techniques. Such a comparison would not have made sense, since: 1) the radiologists were aware of the ultrasound findings; 2) we calculated sensitivity and specificity of MRI and did not compare them with sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound, since they are very different techniques; 3) obviously, fetal MRI will never replace fetal ultrasound. Clearly, the additional role of MRI would also be dependent on the quality of the ultrasound scanning, but a systematic review has to rely on the quality of the data published in the primary studies included. In their letter, Drs Malinger and Lerman-Sagie analyzed the result of one article, which showed that only in 1 of 185 cases did MRI probably provide valuable additional information. However, they could also have observed that in six of the included articles additional information was provided in at least 25% of cases. We believe that the role of a systematic review is to pool the available evidence in order to solve or clarify discordance in the literature. Therefore, we respectfully disagree with the statement that our review 'compares apples and oranges'. Drs Malinger and Lerman-Sagie may be unaware that this has been done before1, and was not the subject of our study. On the contrary, in the interpretation of our analysis, we concluded that MRI supplements ultrasound in a subgroup of fetuses with sonographically suspected or diagnosed brain abnormalities; hence, MRI should be considered in selected fetuses. In our view, these conclusions are not very different from their suggestion in the last paragraph of their letter.


Orthopedic surgery is one of the most blood-consuming surgeries. Currently there has been a radical change in transfusion policies, developing a series of therapeutic measures essentially created to minimize the use of allogeneic blood. On the one hand, the safety of our patients must be even more our main objective. On the other hand, our economic resources are more restricted and therefore we must evaluate our surgical techniques and proceedings in order to be safer and more cost-effective. The aim of this study is to report our results of the blood lost, the percentage of blood loss, the necessity of transfussions and how many blood pakages are needed. From a sample of 2400 total knee arthroplasties proceedings, we analyze some surgical proceedings such as lligament balance, patelar traking, artrotomy, ischemia, femoro-tibial axis and type of arthroplasty. We also examine the total blood lost and the percentage of total blood loss after 4 hours, after 24hours and after 48 hour of the total knee arthoplasty surgery. We made a statistical analysis with t-test or anova test when it was necesassary. The outcome of our investigation show that the blood loss when the ischemia is less than 50 minutes is 1470 cc and 1603 cc when is more than 50 minuntes (p As a conclusion we should know that our patients have more blood loss when the ischemia is more than fifty minutes, the bleeding is higher when we make a medial arthrotomy and when we use a rotational knee primary arthroplasty.


Background: Pelvic mass lesions are a commonly encountered entity in gynecological practice. These masses may be uterine or adnexal, benign or malignant. Clinicians have to be aware of their differential diagnosis to triage the patients and ensure optimum therapeutic approach. The objectives of this study were to study the diverse clinical spectrum of gynecological pelvic masses and to correlate the preoperative diagnosis based on clinical examination and ultrasonography with intraoperative surgical findings and histopathological examination. Methods: This was a cross sectional observational study on 114 patients with a diagnosis of pelvic mass who underwent laparotomy. All the patients were evaluated by a complete history, general abdominal and pelvic examination, followed by ultrasonography. These preoperative findings were then correlated with surgical findings and histopathological diagnosis. Results: 48% 0f the patients were in the age group of 41-50 years. The most common presenting complaint was lower abdominal/ pelvic pain seen in 78% of the patients. Uterine masses mostly presented as abdominal pain, abdominopelvic mass, menstrual complaints whereas ovarian masses presented with vague G. I symptoms or were asymptomatic. 37% of all masses were leiomyomas. There were 16 uterine malignancies and 14 ovarian cancer cases. Preoperative USG correlated well with histopathological diagnosis. Conclusions: A methodical approach consisting of a proper history, clinical examination, imaging studies and correct interpretation of diagnostic procedures is necessary for the triage and optimum management of gynecologic pelvic masses.


Abstract After several years of outstanding financial success and creating a brand franchise recognized as one of the world's premier provider of high quality commercial and consumer electronics products to the global markets it served, Digital Technology Corporation was recently encountering serious financial performance deterioration, particularly in international markets. After reviewing the results of an extensive audit and analysis of Digital's current worldwide structure and strategy, Digital's Board of Directors approved a redesigned organizational architecture and associated performance management system that would dramatically impact Digital's international managers and foreign country operations. The new architecture redistributed authority, responsibility and accountability, and incorporated a tightly linked performance management system. This disruptive power shift from geographical regional and country managers to U.S. domestic based business unit managers, and the performance incentive and reward system designed to reinforce this shift would dramatically impact Digital's international managers and their operations. This case study provides a platform for students to further diagnose Digital's eroding international performance and to suggest remedial prescriptions involving alternative structures and strategies. In addition, students are encouraged to explore the possible negative consequences of those prescriptions, as well as the changes proposed in the case study, impacting Digital's organizational culture and its future performance. Finally, the case study is designed to challenge students to suggest organizational development initiatives required to ensure the resulting organizational culture is capable of successfully implementing Digital's redesigned organizational architecture .


Over the last decade, Southern Africa has experienced power outages. This is due to insufficient electrical power supply systems, as well as load development in areas that were not sufficiently planned for. The Southern African countries can have a reliable, sustainable, and efficient electrical power grid with the use of power interconnections to exchange power. The primary difficulty with the present grid is to generate electricity using the old electrical infrastructure while also serving loads inside national borders. Most Southern Africa interconnections were implemented in 1995, after the formation of the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). It was discovered that when electricity interconnection grows larger, the network system becomes more complex. Additionally, power connectors may encounter issues with frequency and voltage control. Numerous Southern African countries are unable to fulfill peak demand within their borders due to population ngrowth and aging infrastructure, resulting in electrical shortages. This article discusses the results on how to improve grid reliability by controlling voltages with a static var compensator. The remainder of the study discusses an efficient technique for optimizing the current SAPP power network through the use of High Voltage Direct Current Line Commutated Converter (HVDC-LCC) links and as a component of the Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS).


In this paper we prove three different types of the so‐called many‐particle Hardy inequalities. One of them is a 'classical type' which is valid in any dimension d ≠ 2. The second type deals with 2‐dimensional magnetic Dirichlet forms, where every particle is supplied with a solenoid. Finally we show that Hardy inequalities for fermionic functions (fully anti‐symmetric for d = 1, 2) hold true in all dimensions.


ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the influence of direct variable intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence on employee performance and to examine the role of professionalism in influencing variables influence of variable intellectual intelligence and emotional intelligence on employee performance. The data in this research is secondary data obtained directly through the company. In this study tested the validity and reliability test which further hypothesis testing using Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM). By using the software, version 3. Stages SmartPLS PLS calculation using the two models namely Measurement Model (Outer Model) and Testing Structural Model (Inner Model). The test results showed that the first hypothesis intellect significant positive effect on employee performance. The results of the second hypothesis testing found evidence that emotional intelligence is not significant negative effect on employee performance. The results of the third hypothesis testing found evidence that professionalism significant positive effect on employee performance. The results of the fourth hypothesis testing found evidence that the intelligence quotient significant positive effect on professionalism. The results of the fifth hypothesis testing found evidence that emotional intelligence is not significant positive effect on professionalism. Variable professionalism and significant negative effect on the intellectual intervene on employee performance. As well as the negative and not significant in influencing emotional intelligence on employee performance. Keywords: Employee Performance, Professionalism, Intellectual Intelligence, Emotional Intelligence. ABSTRAK Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meneliti pengaruh langsung variabel kecerdasan intelektual serta kecerdasan emosional terhadap kinerja karyawan serta untuk menguji peran variabel profesionalisme dalam mengintervensi pengaruh dari variabel kecerdasan intelektual serta kecerdasan emosional terhadap kinerja karyawan. Data dalam penelitian ini menggunakan data yang diperoleh langsung melalui pihak perusahaan. Dalam penelitian ini dilakukan uji validitas dan uji reliabilitas yang selanjutnya pengujian hipotesis dengan menggunakan Structural Equation Modeling-Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). Dengan menggunakan software SmartPLS versi 3. Tahapan perhitungan PLS menggunakan 2 model yaitu Pengukuran Model (Outer Model) dan Pengujian Model Struktural (Inner Model). Hasil pengujian hipotesis pertama menunjukan bahwa kecerdasan intelektual berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Hasil pengujian hipotesis kedua ditemukan bukti bahwa kecerdasan emosional berpengaruh negatif tidak signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Hasil pengujian hipotesis ketiga ditemukan bukti bahwa profesionalisme berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap kinerja karyawan. Hasil pengujian hipotesis keempat ditemukan bukti bahwa kecerdasan intelektual berpengaruh positif signifikan terhadap profesionalisme. Hasil pengujian hipotesis kelima ditemukan bukti bahwa kecerdasan emosional berpengaruh positif tidak signifikan terhadap profesionalisme. Variabel profesionalisme berpengaruh negatif signifikan dalam mengintervensi kecerdasan intelektual terhadap kinerja karyawan. Serta berpengaruh negatif tidak signifikan dalam mengintervensi kecerdasan emosional terhadap kinerja karyawan. Kata kunci: Kinerja Karyawan, Profesionalisme, Kecerdasan Intelektual, Kecerdasan Emosional.


Important experimental artifacts due to the gate leakage are identified during Low Frequency Charge Pumping (LFCP) experiments performed on SNOS cells to probe the SiN traps. Gate leakage is shown to impair the LFCP data detected at the S/D and bulk terminals and detailed experimental analysis is carried out on SNOS and MOSFETs to investigate how the effect of the gate leakage can be compensated for to recover reliable LFCP measurements.


The Spanish National Court has applied the landmark ECJ dual pricing ruling to quash a decision by the Spanish Competition Commission dismissing a complaint against Pfizer's pricing policy for…


Corrosion is one of the greatest single factors in the failure of metals; no broad discussion of this topic
could possibly be complete without reference to corros-
ion phenomena. The mechanical failures encountered in practice can often be ascribed to causes such as the faulty design of components, or the unreasonable stress-ing of parts, or the use of wrong or impure materials or of those which have received faulty metallurgical treat-ment, or to the incorrect operation of machinery or
equipment; the metal may well he less to blame than the man who manufactures it or uses it.But a tendency towards corrosion, on the other hand, is an inherent character-istic of many metals,including those most widely in use, and often contributes indirectly to, or intensifies, the other forms of failure to which metals are susceptible.
No excuse is needed, therefore, for introducing a review of the subject into this Symposium


The present paper reports 28 species of mites under 3 orders, 14 families and 23 genera and 6 species of insects belonging to 6 families and 3 orders collected from some edible and wild mushrooms from Mini Sundarbans and adjoining areas of Taki-Hasnabad (Dist-North 24 Parganas). This includes both damage causing and predatory species of mites and insects. There are 3 species of mites not earlier known to occur on mushrooms in India. All the species are listed giving collection localities including GPS data and nature of association with mushroom.


This paper proposes a method of
estimating Value at Risk (VaR) based on the assumption that the
financial returns follow a switching regime ARCH model. We use the
simple switching-regime model, the traditional GARCH(1,1) model
and the switching-regime ARCH model to do some empirical analysis
and to calculate the VaR values under different confidence levels
for Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Index. The calculated VaR values
are compared. The results of back-testing and the Proportion of
Failure test show the VaR values calculated by the
switching-regime ARCH model are preferred to other methods.


Nitrogen and sulfur distribution ratios between CaO-Al203slags and Fe-0.0001 -33masso/oAl alloys were measuredin the temperature range of 1823 to 1923 K, using an Al203 and CaOcrucibles, The distribution ratios under a CaOcrucible were higher than those under an AI203 Crucible, and increased with an increase of Al content, Nitride and sulfide capacities defined by CN3-=(masso/oN)•P30/241PI~22 and Cs2-= (massoloS) •Pb/2/P~/2, respectively, which were obtained by using the reported values for activity of Al203' agreed wel] with those directly measuredin a gas-slag experiment under an AI203 crucible, but disagreed with those under a CaOcrucible. Activities of Al203 in the CaO-Al203melts saturated with CaOwere evaluated based on the results in the gas-slag experiments.


A dissertation of limited scope submitted to the Faculty of Arts in
 partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Post-Graduate Diploma in
 Recreation and Tourism, in the Department of Recreation and
 Tourism at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2008.


Modern microelectronic processors have migrated towards parallel computing architectures with many-core processors. However, such expansion comes with diminishing returns exacted by the high cost of data movement between individual processors. The use of optical interconnects has burgeoned as a promising technology that can address the limits of this data transfer. While recent pushes to enhance optical communication have focused on developing wavelength-division multiplexing technology, this approach will eventually saturate the usable bandwidth, and new dimensions of data transfer will be paramount to fulfill the ever-growing need for speed. Here we demonstrate an integrated intra- and inter-chip multi-dimensional communication scheme enabled by photonic inverse design. Using inverse-designed mode-division multiplexers, we combine wavelength- and mode- multiplexing and send massively parallel data through nano-photonic waveguides and optical fibres. Crucially, as we take advantage of an orthogonal optical basis, our approach is inherently scalable to a multiplicative enhancement over the current state of the art.


In this paper directions are given for the preparation of δ-sultones with two double bonds in the ring, starting with αβ- or βγ-unsaturated ketones and a cold mixture of concentrated sulphurie acid and acetic anhydride in the molecular ratio of 1:2. The examples relate to nine of the eleven possible constitutional types.


The application of log-amplifier AD8309 in Instantaneous Frequency Measurement(IFM) is described.With the phase detector based on AD8309,it successfully applies on the IFM part of an AFC.With an input RF signal frequency 298 ~ 318 MHz,a power of-50 ~ + 20 dBm,and a modulation pulse of 150 ns,it realizes a precision of 150 kHz with the nicety less than 300 kHz.The phase detector has the advantages of narrow modulation pulse width and wide dynamic range.


This article presents the analysis of some constitutional human and citizen rights as the object of criminal
protection. It examines articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which provide for the criminal responsibility
for violation of the election rights, and offers ways of their improvement.


This consensus aimed to provide a practical update regarding the current role of tissue-based biomarkers in bladder cancer. Their prognostic and predictive role both in non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC) and in muscle-invasive disease (MIBC) has been reviewed with particular focus to their use in clinical practice.
In summary, literature information about the prediction of disease recurrence in NMIBC is inconclusive, and even less data is available for prediction of response to intravesical BCG. Concerning disease progression, external prospective validation studies suggest that mutational FGFR3 status and gene signatures may improve models based on clinico-pathologic information.
In MIBC, tissue-based biomarkers are increasing their importance since they may predict the response to systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In particular, the advent of molecular characterization carries the promise to revolutionize the paradigm of decision-making in the treatment of MIBC. Molecular subtyping has shown to be able to improve the prediction of pathological stage at RC and to predict the response to systemic chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, external and prospective validations are warranted to confirm these preliminary findings.
Several different tissue-based biomarkers such as PD-1/PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, and the analysis of tumor microenvironment may, in the future, play a role in selecting patients for systemic immunotherapy. However, to date, no pretreatment recommendations can be definitively made based on any molecular predictors.
In conclusion, despite their promising role, the use of tissue-based biomarkers in bladder cancer should be limited to experimental settings.


Field tests were conducted in the Asiago Forest, Venetian Prealps (Italy) to evaluate the efficacy of nematode strains (Heterorhabditis sp. HL 81 Steinernema carpocapsae IS 230 S. feltiae C = bibionis,) IS 389 S. kraussei SK) against the spruce web‐spinning sawfly Cephalcia arvensis. Soil applications of 100 juveniles cm‐2 of S. feltiae and S. kraussei resulted in 56% and 36.4% reduction of emergences of sawfly, respectively, when performed before the mature larvae drop and enter the soil. The effectiveness of S. feltiae becomes 32.3% if the nematodes are applied when the larvae have already prepared their chambers. S. feltiae parasitized more females and long‐term diapausing individuals than S. kraussei. The two most effective strains (IS 389 and SK) seem to be well adapted to low temperature, which is likely to be the most important limiting factor for nematode activity in the mountain spruce forests. An ichneumonid parasitoid (Xenoschesis fulvipes,) was strongly affected by S. feltiae, resulting in 66....


This paper mainly focuses on the research on one kind of full digital integrated design scheme based on digital phase shifting PWM wave. This paper adapts C8051F series SCM and CPLD as the control core. The application specific integrated circuit of shifting phase PWM control based on CPLD is designed, on basis of which, a sample machine of unit cascading type medium and high voltage multilevel inverter is developed. According to large amount of simulation and experiment testing, the system plan is proved to be reasonable and feasible.


As most of the way of resource leveling is focused on time-resource trade off,very little is involved in the quality and cost,a two-stage optimization model is proposed:synthesis optimization models is established based on the relationship of the time,the quality.The cost is the misalignment,and it uses chromosomes which are built up by mode to carry on the heredity operation.The second stage is to choose a non-poor solution obtained from the decision-maker from the first stage inputs to this stage to carriy on the resource leveling optimization.It takes time in resources variance minimum as the objective function,and the gene value which is non-critical process's beginning time to make up the chromosome to carry on the heredity operation.An application example is analyzed to illustrate the use of the model and demonstrate its capabilities in generating and visualizing optimal tradeoffs during construction time,cost,quality,and resource.


Two novel coordination compounds, 1 [Zn4(L1)4(NO3)2(H2O)2](NO3)2·2H2O and 2 [Mn2(L2)2(DMF)(H2O)3](ClO4)2·DMF (HL1 = N -[(1E)-pyridine-2-ylmethylidene]pyrazine-2carbohydrazide, H2L2 = 2-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzaldehyde(pyrazin-2-ylcarbonyl)hydrazone), based on the N–N bridged ligands were prepared and structurally characterized. Compound 1 represents the [2*2] molecular squares, in which both N atoms belonging to the N–N bridged ligands are connected to the Zn centers. The emission of compound 1 exhibits a blue shift, which can be assigned to strong electrostatic interaction between Zn ions and the L1. Compound 2 represents a rare phenol-O bridged Mn2 complex. The magnetic investigation indicates weak antiferromagnetic interactions between the Mn centers.


This review aims to outline long-term research from the western English Channel undertaken by the laboratories in Plymouth. Data held at Plymouth are described, and details of survey methods, sites, and time-series are given. Major findings from long-term studies are summarized, and their limitations outlined. Current research, with recent resurgence and expansion of many sampling programmes, is presented, along with future approaches, illustrating how these important and unique data, as well as providing an environmental baseline, can aid in understanding and predicting complex ecological responses to a changing environment.


Innovation is the major element in an industry subject to competition. Traditionally, competition through innovation is analyzed through deterministic and stochastic models. This paper proposes to determine the influence of investment capacity upon the choice of positioning of firms in the telecommunications industry. Based on the case of Senegal telecom, we attempt to understand the motivations of the incumbent firm (called first mover) to implement innovations to maintain a leader position than the followers.


Photograph of Brunnerton, with a suspension bridge over the Grey River. Photograph taken circa 1880s by James Ring.
Source of title - Title supplied by Library
Source of descriptive information - Notes on file print. Date estimated by cataloguer. Photographer from photographer's inscription. Grey River identified from PAColl-7344-62.
Other Titles - Brunnerton Bridge NZ
Inscriptions: Photographer's title on negative - bottom left - Brunnerton Bridge NZ 276 JR
Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).
Physical Description: Albumen print, 13.6 x 20.6 cm


The pulmonary lymphatics are critical for proper lung function, yet seldom considered in lung pathology. Newer and more convenient methods for studying lung lymphatics are now available and might create new diagnosis and treatment opportunities. https://bit.ly/3ldJGeo


A staged building programme has been necessary to meet the growth in demand on the British Library Lending Division and to house its increased stock. The Urquhart Building, the main building on the site, is designed for easy access to high‐use stock, fast flow of material, and future flexibility. The ground floor receives and despatches post, and mechanical handling equipment moves request forms and library materials to the processing and records area on the first floor and the six further storeys that house stock. There are large areas for access and machinery on the storage floors. The shelving for both hard‐copy and microforms was specially designed. Mechanical handling systems include conveyors in the packing areas, automatic vertical elevators, and mobile containers to carry request forms between request processing and storage areas. Other buildings on the site will be used for future stock expansion.


1. A method is described for studying environmental factors which affect the respiration of fishes.2. An increase in temperature of water surrounding puffer fishes is followed by increased oxygen consumption by the fishes, a greater quantity of water pumped through the branchial chamber, and a faster respiratory rhythm. The percentage of dissolved oxygen absorbed remains constant at all temperatures observed.3. Increase in hydrogen ion concentration inhibits oxygen consumption by marine fishes, but addition of CO2 has a more pronounced effect than addition of HCl at the same pH.4. The results indicate that marine, fishes apparently remove dissolved oxygen from sea water by an efficient mechanism of gill aeration. Fishes absorbed about 46 per cent of dissolved oxygen from sea water at all observed oxygen tensions.


PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of different guide fins structures (i.e. single-layer and double-layer guide fins) on the exhaust flow and thermal uniformity of the motorcycle exhaust thermoelectric generator.Design/methodology/approachOne single-layer guide fins structure and three double-layer guide fins structures are numerically investigated in terms of exhaust flow uniformity with different exhaust properties. Then, the double-layer guide fins structure achieving the highest flow uniformity is fabricated and experimentally investigated on a motorcycle at different engine speeds together with the single-layer guide fins structure to evaluate the thermal uniformity.FindingsThe double-layer guide fins structure obtains a better flow uniformity and thermal uniformity compared to the single-layer structure. Among surveyed structures, the double-layer structure with three closed V-shape guide fins achieves the highest flow uniformity. This structure also improves the thermal uniformity from 3.0 to 90.1% in comparison with the single-layer structure in experiments.Originality/valueIn this paper, the double-layer guide fins structures are derived from the improvement of the single-layer guide fins structure. The fluid flow uniformity index is applied as a measure for assessing the exhaust flow uniformity. The enhancement of thermal uniformity of the double-layer guide fins structure is expected to increase the longevity and performance of the motorcycle exhaust thermoelectric generator.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the prevalence and differences between gender and grades of suicide ideation among middle school students in China from 2000 to 2012 so as to provide basis for suicide prevention among middle school students.

METHODS
Electronic search strategy was carried out, using PubMed, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and CBM to collect data on suicide ideation among middle school students. Fixed effects model or random effects model was employed according to statistical tests for the homogeneity. Publication bias was assessed by rank correlation test.

RESULTS
40 papers were included for meta-analysis, with a total sample size of 320 375. The combined prevalence of suicide ideation was 17.99% (95%CI: 16.59% - 19.49%). Prevalence rates of suicide ideation were stratified by factors as gender and grade at school. Pooled prevalence rates on suicide ideation were as follows: 14.71% (95%CI: 13.42% - 16.11%) and 19.92% (95%CI: 19.30% - 21.64%), P < 0.05 for boys and girls;16.94% (95%CI: 15.35% - 18.66%) and 19.01% (95%CI: 17.23% - 20.93%), P < 0.05 for senior or junior high school students, respectively.

CONCLUSION
There were differences in the prevalence of suicide ideation among middle school students between genders and grades in China.


An integration system is set up to meet the need for information integration in the process of mold design and manufacture and detection of aero-engine turbo blade by investment casting.The general structure is presented and the related work is mainly focus on the realization of key modules such as integration system framework,master model building and designing information management,anti-deformation design of mould cavity,intelligent mould design,blade nondestructive testing and evaluation.The system can manage the data flow of mould design and blade test effectively,optimize the mould design process and achieve the goal of integration design.


An analysis is made of the temperature rise caused by the alternating currents of the electric locomotives. The temperature variations with respect to both time and distance are considered. The analysis considers the thermal response in case of one-sided and two-sided power supply of the contact wire, while one or several electric locomotives travel on the line. The basic process associated with heating up of a wire due to a constant current is clarified.


The Indian economy has been growing at a skyrocketing speed from the last couple of years but from the last few months economy has been facing the greatest downturn in the business. Most of the big as well as small chunk of the organisations have started shedding of flab by lay off downsizing, separation and hence compressed the number of manpower worked in organisations. Every organisation gets affected by this downturn and in today s world it's become essential to build on competitive activities of business. There has been much of discussion on such issues, as how to combat with the crisis and what competencies an organisation needs to have in order to compete? Mapping competencies is the solution of this existing problem and with the help of this an organisation would be able to recuperate. Competency mapping is the process of identification of the capabilities and potentialities required to perform successfully a given job or role or a set of tasks. Competency based human resource is the best HR practices which is applicable at eveiy level. Competencies are used as the key criteria for implementing the application. Maximum number of organization has been implementing competency based application at the micro and macro level. Competency Models enable Business and Industry to provide an understanding of what will be measured in performance appraisals and employ individual into appropriate assignments in addition to this facilitate learning and development which in turn enhance productivity and growth.


This study aims to explore the 93 vocational universities with 11,774 teachers in Taiwan, with anaverage budget of teachers on technical research program as input, and paper count as output for theindustry-university cooperation income. Because there are many influencing factors from technicalresearch expenditure into industry-university cooperation income, this study uses the publishedresearch paper count as mediating variable. First ,make sure that the research expenditure andresearch output relate. Secondly, testing the relation between research output and industry-universitycooperation income. The research data is made by 93 vocational universities over 10,000 teachers inTaiwan. The results show that published paper count does have a mediating effect. The purpose of thisstudy is to explore the impact of income of Taiwan's industry-university cooperation, and to identifywhat the school may be able to improve mediating factors to get industry-university cooperationincome, as a school preparation direction before the university-industry cooperation.


Objective
To investigate the job stressors and burnout of senior nurses, and explore the possible strategies for alleviating stress and reduction of demission rate of senior nurses.

Methods
Two hundred and thirty head nurses and senior nurses were included in this study. Nurse Job Stressors Inventory (NJSI) and Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) were applied to evaluate the burnout and work-related stress of nurses with the combination of convenience sampling and cluster sampling.

Results
The NJSI scores of senior nurses and head nurses were (2.62±0.56) points, (2.45±0.47) points, the two scores were significantly different (t=- 2.465, P <0.05); the scores of three dimensions of MBI in senior nurses were (30.01±11.86) points, (8.01±5.74) points, (35.35±9.57) points, while the scores in head nurses were (21.65±10.39) points, (5.14±3.37) points, (38.81±8.45) points. Statistically significant difference was seen between the two groups (t=- 5.261, - 4.705, 2.691, P<0.05) . There was a higher positive correlation between job stressors and burnout of senior nurses (r=0.521) than head nurses (r=0.432).

Conclusions
The level of job burnout is higher in senior nurses than head nurses, attributing to the higher controllability of head nurses. It is suggested to reduce the job burnout of senior nurses and to keep senior nurses in the profession fields, based on the theory of magnetic hospital.

Key words:
Head nurses; Senior nurses; Job stressors; Burnout; Job control


*Doctor en CC de la Educación Física y del Deporte **Licenciado en CC de la Educación Física y del Deporte 1Laboratório de Biociências da Motricidade Humana (LABIMH) da Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO) – Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. 2Grupo de Investigación en Salud, Actividad Física, Fitness y Comportamiento Motor (GISAFFCOM) de la Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM) – Murcia, España. 3Laboratório de Aspectos Prognósticos, de Intervenção e de Cuidado na Saúde e na Performance Humana da Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina (UNOESC) – Joaçaba, Brasil. 4Facultad de Educación Física y Deportes de La Universidad de Valencia – Valencia, España. 5Programa de Pós-graduação Stricto Sensu em Enfermagem e Biociências – Doutorado (PPgEnf Bio) da Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UNIRIO) – Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of intensive dynamic flexibility (FD) on the tissue being using as an indicator the hydroxyproline ́s concentration (HP) in urine. The sample comprised 64 men (18.6 ± 0.5 years; 175.97 ± 5.81 cm. and 66.74 ± 8.88 kg.) randomly divided into two equal groups: flexibility (FG) and control (CG). FD work was made in three series for each movement with interval of five seconds. First performed flexion and extension of the shoulder joint, then proceeded the same way the hip joint. Were performed three urine collected before exercise (initial), 24 and 48 hours later. The Friedman test presented a significant increase of HP at 24 hours in comparison with basal levels (% = 23.7%, p < 0.002) and at 48 hours (% = 21.9%, p = 0.003) in FG. When analyzing the differences occurred in the concentration of HP in 24h when the FG was compared to CG, by Cohen ́s index and the effect size, we can say that there is a large effect of the independent variable, because it presents values of d> 0.8 (d = 1.14, and r = 0.50). It was concluded that the FD exercises are very intense because they cause tissue injury until 24 hours after application, requiring 48 h for recovery.


【Objective】 To assess the situation of sedentary activity and its association with the prevalence of obesity among middle school students in Xi'an. 【Methods】 A total of 737 students were enrolled from three secondary schools in Xi'an by multi-stage random cluster sampling method.Body mass index(BMI) was derived from measured height and weight.Underweight,normalweight,overweight and obesity were classified with BMI cut-off points from WGOC and 2000 report on the physical fitness and health surveillance of Chinese school students'.Information about time spent on sedentary activity and sleeping was collected from students' self-administered questionnaire,while birthday and parents' information were reported by their parents. 【Results】 The total sedentary time was(5.7±2.7) hour per day,among which(2.1±1.5)h and(2.3±1.1)h were spent on watching TV and doing homework respectively.The daily sleeping time was(8.4±0.9)h.Overall 12.6% of secondary school students were overweight or obese(overweight 8.8%;obesity3.8%).In a logistic regression model,after adjusted for sex,grade,residence and parents' culture,odds ratios were 38% higher with each hour on watching TV per day(OR=1.38,95%CI:1.01~1.89).While in a multiple linear model,BMI added 0.07 kg/m2 after adjusted confounders. 【Conclusion】 Watching TV may be close associated with adolescents' overweight and obesity in Xi'an.


This document formally deprecates the use of ICMP Source Quench
messages by transport protocols, formally updating RFC 792, RFC 1122,
and RFC 1812. [STANDARDS-TRACK]


This paper present a new displacement reconstruction scheme using only acceleration measured from a structure. For a given set of acceleration data, the reconstruction problem is formulated as a boundary value problem in which the acceleration is approximated by the second-order central finite difference of displacement. The displacement is reconstructed by minimizing the least squared errors between measured and approximated acceleration within a finite time interval referred to as a time window. An overlapping time window is introduced to improve the accuracy of the reconstructed displacement. The displacement reconstruction problem becomes ill-posed because the boundary conditions at both ends of each time window are not known a priori. Furthermore, random noise in measured acceleration causes physically inadmissible errors in the reconstructed displacement similar to the conventional time integration schemes. A Tikhonov regularization scheme is adopted to alleviate the ill-posedness. The validity of the proposed method is demonstrated through two laboratory experiments.


We present conditions for the efficient simulation of a broad class of optical quantum circuits on a classical machine: this class includes unitary transformations, amplification, noise, and measurements. Various proposed schemes for universal quantum computation using optics are assessed against these conditions, and we consider the minimum resource requirements needed in any optical scheme to generate optical nonlinear processes and perform universal quantum computation.


The unity of thought, had to be, seems, relatively easy to be achieved by the concentration on a central topic. The theology of the New Testament is, essentially, a Christology. By passing from the Old Testament to the New Testament, by various powers of thought, we could see how the knowledge of the Old Testament is necessary for understanding of the New Testament; but also the diversity of these powers is more or less in a variety of writings yet firmly focused on the person of Jesus Christ. The mystic experience of the eternal Life in the fourth Gospel, replaces, to a great extent, the waiting of Parousia in three others. By following the diverse powers of the biblical thought from the Old Testament to the New Testament, we expected, maybe to a convergence in sense of Gospel. The original text of the chapter is in French.Keywords: biblical thought; eternal life; Gospel; Jesus Christ; New Testament; powers of thought; unity of thought


This article considers recently status of geothermal energy in Turkey. Turkey is the 7th richest country in the world in geothermal potential. The overall geothermal potential in Turkey is about 38,000 MW. But only 2% of its potential is used. Geothermal electricity generation has a minor role in Turkey's electricity capacity as low as 0.09% but the projections foresee an improvement to 0.32% by the year of 2020. Most of the geothermal sites for electricity generation are located in Aydin–Germencik (505 K), Denizli–Kizildere (515 K), Aydin–Salavatli (444 K), Canakkale–Tuzla (446 K) and Kutahya–Simav (435 K). Turkey has increased their installed capacity over the past five years from 140 MWt to 820 MWt, most for district heating systems. This supplies heat to 51,600 equivalent residences and engineering design to supply a further 150,000 residences with geothermal heat is complete.


This paper concerns with the motion of the interface for a damped hyperbolic Allen–Cahn equation, in a bounded domain of \begin{document}$ \mathbb{R}^n $\end{document} , for \begin{document}$ n = 2 $\end{document} or \begin{document}$ n = 3 $\end{document} . In particular, we focus the attention on radially symmetric solutions and extend to the hyperbolic framework some well-known results of the classic parabolic case: it is shown that, under appropriate assumptions on the initial data and on the boundary conditions, the interface moves by mean curvature as the diffusion coefficient goes to \begin{document}$ 0 $\end{document} .


The guiding ideology is the theory flag of the governing party and the thought theory system to instruct the activities of the party,it is also a set of cognition belief system to mobilize,condense and restrain the numbers of the party.It has generally the basic characteristic with the integrity,the stability,the development and opening and so on.It has the five functions: Guidance function,proof function,condensation function,mobilization function and restraint function.


We summarize the preliminary results concerning the hydration structure of trivalent rare-earth ions and the charge localization process in DNA fibers obtained during this fiscal year using a first principles molecular dynamics approach. In the first case, we demonstrated that the free energy surface obtained using the metadynamics based on the Car-Parrinello molecular dynamics for the hydration of Y and La captures the characteristics of the hydration of the trivalent rare-earth ions belonging to the different groups. In the second project, instead, we have shown how a proton-coupled mechanism is able to enhance the charge localization on guanine (G) bases with respect to the localization induced by simple thermal fluctuations, providing support to experiments.


Once a water supply pipeline bursts, the seepage field of the surrounding soil mass will change, and the safety of the adjacent foundation pit will be affected. In this study, a foundation pit accident was taken as an engineering case. On the basis of fluid-solid coupling theory and COMSOL Multiphysics, the mechanism of the retaining wall collapse induced by the bursting of a water supply pipeline was studied. Results indicated that in the early stage of this collapse, the shear strength of soil mass and the anchoring force weaken gradually. The retaining wall deformation develops slowly. In the late stage, with the failure of the top anchor cable, a continuous sliding surface connecting the retaining wall bottom and the ground surface appears in the soil mass. The retaining wall deformation increases rapidly, and the collapse may occur in a short time. In the construction process of a foundation pit, attention should be paid to the adverse effects caused by the bursting of a water supply pipeline. The monitoring of the anchor cable axial force and retaining wall deformation should be strengthened to ensure the long-term safety of the foundation pit.


The paper is an attempt of critical interpretation of Pascal Quignard's works with special attention paid to the context of Lacan's theory that seems to be a basis for its understanding. It brings a review of main features of Quignard's writing. It gives a description of its molten form that makes his texts 'immune', resistent to critic understood also as an interpretation while music plays here a key role in giving one, coherent form to these writings. Quignard's books are empowered by its form and numerous links to ancient texts. They create and describe some specific ontological category 'between-being-and-not-being' which interacts in dialogue with notions of Lacan's psychoanalysis. This paper is an attempt to interpret this category. It is a form of a dialogue with unusual phenomenon of Pascal Quignard's works. It is written in its own language but – as Bachtin described it – reflecting in it the language of the dialogue's partner.


The study of tourist behaviour has become an active and significant contributor in the overall analysis of tourism. This paper considers recent research work at James Cook University, an institution whose researchers have had a long interest in tourist behaviour topics. A review of a number of recent research projects in tourist behaviour by the Australian research team is provided and the value of four integrating concepts linking this research is specified. The four concepts highlighted are the travel career ladder which is an approach to tourist motivation, cognitive steps and mindfulness, which are conceptual organisers of how people think and process information and social situations which provides an integrative view of key factors to consider when describing social behaviour. The paper concludes by highlighting some recent commentary on tourist behaviour trends by prominent tourism analysts noting that the specific stream of tourist behaviour studies reported in this article do not fully support th...


The present paper is concerned about our research results on the effect of garbage-compact density on the stabilizing process of laboratory-simulating semi-aerobic landfill with leachate recirculation. It is well known that sanitary landfill has a lot of advantages,such as simple operation and management,low cost and suitable for various types of garbage,it has become a major final disposal of solid garbage in many countries. In spite of this,there has been existing a big problem with this type of landfill,that is,its high content of organic pollutant and that of ammonia-N. To solve this problem,we have focused our research on the study of the influence of stabilization process of simulating semi-aerobic landfill with leachate recirculation for a long time in the laboratory conditions of different garbage compaction densities. To be exact,we have classified the garbage-compact densities into 2#,3# and 4# simulating columns,which can be classified into three orders,that is,671.47 kg/m3,524.02 kg/m3 and 430.18 kg/m3,respectively. After 630 days' test operation,COD concentration of leachate would drop from about 50 000 mg/L to 2 210 mg/L,2 790 mg/L and 2 090 mg/L; ammonia-N concentration decreases from 1 300 mg/L to 45.1 mg/L,12.1 mg/L and 4.96 mg/L,with their accumulated surface settlements reduced to 97.2 cm,122.5 cm and 152.7 cm,respectively. The results of our experiments indicate that laboratory simulating semi-aerobic landfill with leachate recirculation enjoys advantages in accelerating the garbage sedimentation and improving leachate quality. The smaller the garbage compact density is,the sharper the previous aerobic reaction in simulating columns and the higher garbage temperature will be,and,in turn,the greater the leachate quality improvement,the garbage sedimentation and stabilization rate. Therefore,controlling garbage compact density appropriately is of great importance during the design and operation of semi-aerobic landfill.


With the demand for the unity of theory and life a characteristic of the pedagogical process is elaborated that goes beyond the goals of education and exceeds them at the same time. The relation between theory and life is interpreted dialogically (Buber) and unfolded enlargingly within quite different fields such as the Bauhaus theory (Moholy-Nagy), the theory of knowledge (Scheler), and approaches of empirical psychology (Lewin, Riegel, Scheerer). The unity of theory and life then proves to be a dialectical synthesis whose pedagogical rank is being stressed.


Abstract In this paper, a tele-operation construction robot control system with virtual reality is investigated. The system consists of a servo-controlled tele-operation construction robot, two joysticks for controlling the tele-operation construction robot, and 3-dimensional virtual environment. Computer graphics (CG) of the tele-operation construction robot and task objects in virtual scene are presented to the operator as a tool for assisting tele-operation. And the operator performs the remote operation of the construction robot by manipulating the graphic robot directly in virtual environment using the joysticks. The position and shape of the task objects in virtual world are updated in real-time on basis of image information obtained by a stereo camera fixed in the remote field. To improve the efficiency as well as security of tele-operation, and overcome the shortcomings (such as time-consuming judgement and mistaken selection of screen to be observed) of conventional three-screen visual display, the methods of auto point of view (APV) and semi-transparent object (STO) are introduced in this paper. Finally, A comparative study of a one-screen visual display combining APV and STO with the conventional three-screen visual display is carried out based on the results of evaluation experiments (task efficiency, risk indexes, questionnaire). These experiments confirmed that one-screen visual display combining APV and STO is superior in operability, safety, and reduction of stress.


The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of rotation model on students' learning outcomes at grade VI in science subject. This research used experimental research methods. The subjects in this study were 34 students at grade VI SDN Krajanbogo Bonang Demak as the experimental class and 22 students at class VIA SDN Sidomulyo 2 Wonosalam Demak as the control class. The result of N-Gain score test showed that the experimental class (applying rotation model) had an average N-Gain score of 66.44% which fell into 'Quite effective' category. Meanwhile, the application of the conventional model to the control class obtained an average N-Gain score of 39.30% in the category of 'Ineffective'. Meanwhile, the effectiveness test using the paired sample t test found that the significance value (2-tailed) was 0.000 <0.05. In addition to the significance value, the value of t count > t table which was 38.152> 2.035. From these results, it was concluded that the application of the rotation model gave a significant impact on students' learning outcomes in science subject for grade VI elementary schools.


The implementation of graded thicknesses in structural designs is an efficient strategy for improving the energy absorption performance of thin-walled columns. In this study, the mechanical responses of square columns with double-surfaced gradients under axial crushing forces were analytically and numerically investigated. A mathematical expression for the mean crushing force on a novel tube design is derived according to the super folding element method by introducing two novel parameters: the average thickness of the efficient energy absorbing region (EEAR) and global average thickness. The analytical predictions show good agreement with the simulation results that were obtained using the nonlinear finite element program ANSYS/LS-DYNA. The results demonstrate that a greater coefficient of average thickness of the EEAR versus global average thickness improves the energy absorption efficiency. However, increasing this coefficient largely depends on the sectional material distribution law. To explore the effects of this law on crushing responses, three different material distribution types were investigated. A significant improvement in specific energy absorption (approximately 30%) was obtained for a double-surfaced column with an optimized material distribution type compared to that of a square column with a uniform thickness.


Catalogue of an exhibition put together as a fourth year art history project at the Tasmanian School of Art, Tasmanian College of Advanced Education.
A Tasmanian School of Art Gallery publication


This study was to implement a relative simple but realistic model for cohesionless soils into FLAC to perform analyses. The model is named "RD model" and can be applied to plane strain and axisymmetric problems. The model is based on the concept of critical state soil mechanics and is capable of simulating dilative and contractive behavior of granular soils. The RD model is developed using FISH language. The responses of a soil element subjected to an axial compression test were used to illustrate the behavior of the RD model. The soil element was loaded monotonically while maintaining the lateral stress constant. Two conditions of the sands were simulated, that is, initially loose and dense states. The terms "loose" and "dense" are related not only to the void ratio of the soil but also to the magnitude of the stress level. To show the application of the developed model, an exampl e of a circular surface foundation was simulated. The stress-strain results of the RD model for the foundation were compared to that of the MohrCoulomb model under the same loading conditions. Therefore, three sets of soil parameters for the dense and loose states of the RD model, and for the Mohr-Coulomb model were used. The results of the stress versus displacement of the simulations are presented. It is assumed that similar critical state behavior exists in cyclic loading. An attempt was made to si mulate cyclic behavior of cohesionless soil. The results of the simulation for element level are presented.


Thin films of HfO2 are deposited by liquid injection metal-organic (MO) CVD and atomic layer deposition (ALD) using the new cyclopentadienyl precursors [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] and [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)] (mmp = OCMe2CH2OMe). Both precursors evaporate at moderate temperatures, making them very suitable for MOCVD and ALD applications. Thin films of HfO2 are deposited by MOCVD in the temperature range 400–650 °C, and by ALD in the temperature range 300–450 °C, using both [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] and [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)] . Analysis by X-ray diffraction (XRD) shows that the films are deposited with an essentially amorphous microstructure, but subsequent annealing above 700 °C in dry air crystallizes the films into the α- or monoclinic phase. Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) shows that residual carbon (0–5 at.- %) is present in the oxide films and that the HfO2 films grown by MOCVD generally contain more carbon than those grown by ALD. The dielectric properties of the as-deposited HfO2 films are evaluated using [Al/HfO2/SiO2/n-Si] MOS capacitor structures with various HfO2 thicknesses ranging from 1.7 nm to 102 nm. The calculated permittivity (ϵox), assuming the presence of a 1 nm native SiO2 interlayer, is found to be ϵox ∼ 14 for a HfO2 film grown by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)], whilst for a film grown by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)], ϵox is found to be ∼10. Equivalent oxide thicknesses of 2.5 and 0.78 nm are measured for HfO2 films deposited by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] and [(MeCp)2HfMe(mmp)], respectively. The leakage current density for a film grown by ALD using [(MeCp)2HfMe(OiPr)] remains very low (<10–6 A cm–2) up to 2.5 MV cm–1, whereas the leakage current density is significantly higher for the MOCVD-grown films.


Chart-based technical analysis is primarily concerned with the recognition of non-linear patterns in the time series of past prices. Financial economists have traditionally regarded pattern recognition a highly subjective task, and, therefore, not subjected this area of finance to their usual scrutiny. We propose the use of point and figure charts to study the non-linear dynamics of stock prices. Pattern recognition in point and figure charts is an objective task, and it only requires algorithms of low (i.e. linear) computational complexity. An application of this technique to the 1962-2003 CRSP daily stock files yields a number of interesting findings. First, certain well-known chart patterns are shown to be indeed useful in predicting future stock returns. Shares whose stock prices completed 'buy-signals' systematically outperform shares that completed 'sell-signals' over subsequent holding periods of three to twelve months. Second, this effect appears to be attributable exclusively to chart patterns that we classify as 'trend-confirming'. 'Trend-reversing' chart patterns appear to be less reliable and contain little useful information. This finding provides some empirical support for the popular notion that stock prices tend to move in trends. Finally, an investigation of stock returns immediately following the completion of various chart patterns suggest that some investors are aware of the above findings, and that their trading activities affect stock prices at least in the short run. Overall, our study suggests that point and figure charts may be a useful tool for empirical research in the areas of market efficiency and behavioral finance.


Solar-induced fluorescence (SIF) is a promising proxy for photosynthesis, but it is unclear whether SIF performs well in tracking the gross primary productivity (GPP) under different environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated the dynamics of SIF and GPP from October 2020 to June 2021 in a winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) field and found that the ability of SIF to track GPP was weakened at chilling temperatures. Accounting for the coupling of light and temperature at seasonal scales, we found SIF yield showed a lower temperature sensitivity and had a lower but broader optimal temperature range compared with light use efficiency (LUE), although both SIF yield and LUE decreased in chilling conditions. The discrepancy between the temperature responses of SIF yield and GPP caused an increase in the ratio of SIF to GPP in winter, which indicated the variation in the GPP-SIF relationship during this period. The results of our study highlight the impact of low temperature on the relationship between SIF and GPP and show the necessity of reconsidering the dynamics of energy distribution inside plants under changing environments.


The aim of this study was to compare the fattening and carcass traits of lambs which were produced by two-way and three-way crossbreeding studies with K›v›rc›k sheep, the predominant breed in the Marmara region, Chios sheep, the most prolific breed in the region and German Black-Headed Mutton (GBM) which has been found to be the mutton breed which exhibits the best adaptation to the environmental conditions of the Marmara region. It was determined that two-way and three-way crossbred lambs were similar with regard to fattening and carcass traits, and both showed better performance than K›v›rc›k lambs. The crossbred lambs exhibited faster weight gain and consumed less feed per unit weight gain during the fattening program, yielding better quality carcasses than the K›v›rc›k lambs. With this study, it was concluded that the meat production of lambs could be increased by the use of GBM rams and two-way or three-way crossbreeding studies in the region. ‹kili ve uclu melez kuzular›n besi ve karkas ozellikleri yonunden birbirlerine benzer olduu, bu kuzular›n saf K›v›rc›k kuzulara k›yasla daha yuksek performans sergiledikleri, melez kuzular›n besi suresince h›zl› canl› a¤›rl›k art›fl› gosterdikleri ve kazan›lan canl› a¤›rl›klar icin K›v›rc›k kuzulardan daha az yem tukettikleri ve daha kaliteli karkas verdikleri tespit edilmifltir. Bu araflt›rma ile ASB koclar›n kullan›ld›¤› ve iki veya uc ›rk›n melezlendii kullanma melezlemesi modellerinin bolge koflullar›nda uygulanmas› ile yoredeki kuzular›n et verimlerinin art›r›labilecei sonucuna var›lm›flt›r.


This study investigates the behavior of credit default swap (CDS) spreads surrounding the discovery of financial reporting fraud. We find that CDS spreads increase in the months before the public discovery of fraud and then spike on the discovery date, implying some CDS investors are better able to detect fraud. We next show that the increase in CDS spreads prior to the public discovery of fraud is more pronounced for firms with larger bank loans and more lead banks in a loan syndicate. We also find that CDS spreads before the public discovery increase more significantly for fraud firms with higher credit risk, less effective governance, and greater information asymmetry between corporate insiders and outside investors. Overall, our results suggest that CDS investors who have higher incentives to monitor the credit risk of the reference entity tend to possess superior information about suspected fraudulent activities, and thus, are better able to detect financial reporting fraud, prior to the public disclosure of fraud. JEL classification: M41; G12; G13; G34


Among SOF personnel with concussion history, those with ≥3 had significantly diminished CVR response relative to those with 1-2 concussions during the breath-holding (F1,1125 = 4.84, p = 0.03) and the hyperventilation (F1,1125 = 5.07, p = 0.02) tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Changes in MCAv did not differ under resting conditions; however, SOF personnel with a greater concussion history showed impaired CVR when tested with physiological breathing stressors. While long-term neurophysiological effects of blast-related injury are currently unknown, assessing CVR response may provide further insight into cerebrovascular function and overall physiological health following blast exposure.


The intensive observed precipitation data and hydrological information on Huaihe River Basins(referred as HRB hereinafter) are employed to analyze the spatial-temporal distribution of precipitation and flooding features during the summer of 2007.Comparison is made with the years of 1954 and 2003 for the same period.Results show that the total precipitation,river-level and flow are higher than those of 2003,but less than of 1954.The precipitation over Huaihe River Basin are produced by 10 weather processes from June 19 to July 23.The rainband over HRB from June 19 to July 23 is relatively stationary and stronger.From June 18 to 28,the severe precipitation occurring over the upper reaches of HRB makes the water-level increasing to relative high level.And after June 29,severe precipitation moves to the middle and lower reaches of HRB,which induce to water-level increase to alert level.The long-range stationary rainy band over HRB is caused by westhward-extended stable subtropical high and activities of cold air from middle latitude.


The United States-Mexico Borderlands are indispensably associated with organized crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration from Central America to the U.S. Corruption is a factor facilitating functioning of these activities from many years, prevalent among local authorities, companies or law enforcement bodies. This paper is concerned with the way corruption maintains nowadays at the United States-Mexico Borderlands, and through which activities it reveals. The author especially focuses on the analysis of the corruption of law enforcement bodies responsible for maintaining security along the U.SMexico border, and emphasizes inveteracy of corruption in borderland culture and in awareness of its inhabitants.


The Internet and related technologies are impacting on the law like no other phenomenon in our lifetime. The impact is felt from the basic institutions of contract and tort to the remote corners of competition law and securities law. The legislative system is not coping with the challenge, as demonstrated by the paralysis over the Electronic Transactions Bill and the Crimes Amendment Bill (No 6). This article opens with some background material about the Internet, proceeds to consider its impact on eight areas of the law and concludes with some observations about the feasibility and direction of regulation.


Mobile video streaming services have widely adopted Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) streaming to dynamically adapt the streaming quality to variable network conditions. A wide range of third-party entities such as network providers and testing services need to understand such adaptation behavior for purposes such as QoE monitoring and network management. The traditional approach involved conducting test runs and analyzing the HTTP-level information from the associated network traffic to understand the adaptation behavior under different network conditions. However, end-to-end traffic encryption protocols such as HTTPS and QUIC are being increasingly used by streaming services, hindering such traditional traffic analysis approaches. To address this, we develop CSI (Chunk Sequence Inferencer), a general system that enables third-parties to conduct active measurements and infer mobile ABR video adaptation behavior based on packet size and timing information still available in the encrypted traffic. We perform extensive evaluations and demonstrate that CSI achieves high inference accuracy for video encodings of popular streaming services covering various ABR system designs. As an illustration, for a popular mobile video service, we show that CSI can effectively help understand the video QoE implications of network traffic shaping policies and develop optimized policies, even in the presence of encryption.


............................................................................................................. VIII CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION ................................................................................ 1 1.1. MOTIVATION ........................................................................................ 1 1.2. CONTRIBUTION .................................................................................... 2 1.3. ORGANIZATION OF THE THESIS ............................................................ 2 CHAPTER 2 : LITERATURE SURVEY OF EXISTING NETWORKS-ONCHIPS .............................................................................................................................. 3 2.


Bisphosphonates, characterized by P-C-P bonds, are stable analogues of naturally occurring inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi), which contains cleavable P-O-P bonds. The mode of action of these compounds was originally ascribed to their ability to adsorb strongly to hydroxyapatite crystals, and to inhibit their growth and dissolution. It has gradually become clear that this concept is insufficient to account for all their effects, and that cellular actions are involved, particularly with the more potent compounds. The bisphosphonates represent a novel class of drug, and have opened up new approaches in the therapy of bone diseases. Several bisphosphonates, notably etidronate, clodronate, tiludronate, pamidronate and alendronate (ALN), have been registered for various clinical applications. Depending on the compound, these include use as agents for bone scanning and as drugs for the treatment of Paget's disease, hypercalcaemia of malignancy, bone metastases and osteoporosis. As a class, the bisphosphonates are characterized by poor intestinal absorption but marked inhibitory effects on bone resorption. They target to bone and the main route of elimination is in the urine. The ideal bisphosphonate would display consistent intestinal absorption, consistent and reversible effects on bone turnover, low toxicity, e.g. on bone mineralization and on the gut, and perhaps shortened residence time in bone. Present-day compounds, such as ALN, fulfil these ideals to a substantial degree. Alendronate is one of the more potent bisphosphonates currently undergoing clinical investigation for the treatment of osteoporosis. The pharmacokinetics of ALN are similar to those of other bisphosphonates. Clinical trials show that ALN has substantial effects on preventing bone loss and increasing bone mass, and can reduce fractures at several skeletal sites. Bisphosphonates such as ALN clearly have much to offer in adding to the treatment options available for osteoporosis. Several other potential applications for bisphosphonates exist, and, in this sense, the current interest in bisphosphonates is only an early step in realizing their full potential.


The current paper argues that studying power differentials rather than gender differences may provide a more valuable heuristic for understanding the development of food abuse in varying nations as well as the presentation of eating problems in men. Feminist as well as transcultural literature is cited to argue against 'weight obsessed' models of aetiology and recovery. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.


The commonly used switch factor (SF) based delay analysis can not provide an accurate delay value at the presence of coupling noise especially when aggressor signal arrives after the victim signal have passed the threshold voltage. Therefore, full waveform accuracy must be used to accurately predict the signal delay. In this paper, a closed form expression of the output waveform is derived for the coupled interconnects. Then based on this expression, an efficient Newton-Raphson iteration method is proposed to estimate the signal delay at the presence of coupling noise. It is shown that the proposed method can accurately estimate the delay in the presence of coupling and successfully bound this value even when there are multiple aggressor nets.


Based on the Tikhonov regularization inversion problem theory, a Tikh-4D-Var data assimilation method, which using multiple regularization parameters as a weak constraint for four dimensional variational data assimilation (4D-Var), has been developed by the authors recently. We have shown that the new method is effective in improving the typhoon prediction compared with traditional 4D-Var for the assimilation of bogus observations. In this study, the new method is first applied to the typhoon initialization with microwave radiance observations assimilation, and the results are compared with 4D-Var for typhoon Chaba (2010). Results show that compared with 4D-Var experiment, Tikh-4D-Var experiment can effectively reduce the iterations to accelerate the convergence, and obviously improve the initial structure, the simulated structure, and the intensity and track prediction when radiance observations assimilated. Meanwhile, due to the optimal use of the radiance observations, the warm-core structure and secondary circulation of Tikh-4D-Var experiments improve more significant than the experiments without radiance observations. Moreover, the regularization parameters for different observations are un-correlated, and increasing or decreasing observation type don't influence the calculation of regularization parameters.


A new Myxosporea, Zschokkella mugilis n. sp., was found in the gall bladder of several mugilids. It is distinguished from all previously reported Zschokkella from mugilids by the absence of valve ornamentation and from other species by the size of the spores. Prevalence of infection was 62.5% for Mugil capito, 70% for M. cephalus and 64.3% for Liza saliens. Plasmodia with rhizoids attached to epithelial cells appeared to compromise the host as evidenced in light and transmission electron micrographs presented herein. General ultrastructure and disporous sporogenesis of Z. mugilis resembled other Myxosporeans, but sporogonic cells did not seem to be formed in pansporoblasts.


Hydraulic fracturing has become a valuable technique for the stimulation of oil, gas, and geothermal reservoirs in a variety of reservoir rocks. In many applications, only short fractures are needed for economic production. In low-permeability reservoirs, however, long penetrating fractures are generally needed, and in this case, natural fractures can be the cause of many adverse effects during a fracture treatment. Natural fractures can influence the overall geometry and effectiveness of the hydraulic fracture by: (1) arresting the vertical or lateral growth, (2) reducing total fracture length via fluid leakoff, (3) limiting proppant transport and placement, and (4) enhancing the creation of multiple or secondary fractures rather than a single planar hydraulic fracture. The result may range from negligible to catastrophic depending on the values of the ancillary treatment and reservoir parameters, such as the treating pressure, in-situ stresses, pore pressure, orientations of the natural fractures relative to principle in-situ stresses, spacing and distribution of the natural fractures, permeability, etc. Field observations from mineback experiments at DOE's Nevada Test Site and the multiwell experiment in Colorado, laboratory tests, and analyses of these data are integrated to describe the complex fracture behavior found to an provide guidelines for predicting when thismore » complex fracturing occurs.« less


The quality of electrical energy reaching the electricity consumers via distribution system is very poor. Also, the management of electrical distribution system is becoming more complex and difficult because of various problems being faced on Nigeria Electricity Distribution System. These problems include; high power losses and voltage drops on the primary distribution networks. This work considered the application of tap changing transformer on primary feeders with the sole objective of minimizing distribution system losses. Piece-wise power equations to determine power loss and voltage drop are presented. To further reduce the losses, mathematical algorithms showing tap changing techniques were also presented with the basic assumption that voltage drop on any of the selected feeders should be within statutory limit of ±10%. The algorithms were tested with three selected 11kV primary feeders; Odeda, Obantoko and Ibara feeders from Abeokuta Distribution Network in Ogun State, Nigeria. The results of Odeda and Obantoko 11kV feeders showed that the percent voltage drops are within the regulatory limit of ±10%. However, with the application of optimum tap changing to Ibara feeder; it was still difficult to obtain a statutory limit of ±10% voltage drop. With this limitation, the proposed further study is to compare this technique with the use of shunt capacitor and appropriate reconfiguration techniques for distribution system.


In this paper, a possible solution for multimethod modeling of wideband branch-line hybrid is presented. Solution is based on the wave digital approach taking into account directly the scattering parameters of the microstrip lines with defected ground structures. Defected ground structure is used to improve the performances and the frequency responses of the designed wideband hybrid. As an example of application, a tri-section wideband branch-line hybrid for operating at center frequency of 2400 MHz has been design and fabricated. The predicted and measured results show very good agreement.


Abstract: This paper proposes that mental disorders are best conceived as practical psychiatric kinds. This means understanding them as the products of psychiatric practice. The practical psychiatric kinds approach emphasizes the fundamentally normative rather than natural structure of mental disorders. The paper critically considers an earlier biologically oriented effort to eliminate categories of mental disorder. It also assesses efforts both to take a "balanced view" of mental disorders as equally causal and social kinds, and to retain categories of mental disorder by finding the right supporting natural kinds based theory. These assessments lead to the contention that psychiatric kinds are practical, geared toward successful living and oriented toward individuated needs. The practical psychiatric kinds thesis provides an alternative way of entering into a social critical evaluation of the normative dimension of mental disorders today.


We analyze functionals that characterize the distribution of eigenstates in Fock space through a tool derived from algebraic topology: persistent homology. Drawing on recent generalizations of the localization landscape applicable to mid-spectrum eigenstates, we introduce several novel persistent homology observables in the context of many-body localization that exhibit transitional behavior near the critical point. We demonstrate that the persistent homology approach to localization landscapes and, in general, functionals on the Fock space lattice offer insights into the structure of eigenstates unobtainable by traditional means.


Automatic sprinkler systems are considered as one of the most important facilities for providing building fire safety. Even old high‐rise buildings are required to upgrade the fire safety provisions. Four standards on installing sprinkler systems in high‐rise commercial buildings are briefly reviewed and compared. They are the British Standard 5306, the National Fire Protection Association Standard NFPA‐13, the Australian Standard 2118.1 and the Codes of China. Key areas are discussed by comparing their suitabilities for local use. Designs following the four standards for a typical old high‐rise building (i.e. those built before 1972) will be worked out to illustrate the differences in using the four methods.


Summary Monthly blood-plasma carotene and vitamin A determinations on six mature cows each of the Ayrshire, Guernsey, Jersey, and Holstein breeds were made over a 2-year period. Monthly determinations were similarly made on 16 bulls over an 11-month period. The data show wide fluctuations in blood plasma carotene, as might be expected. The different breeds respond similarly to changes in carotene intake but the extent of change in blood-plasma carotene varies greatly with the breed. The blood-plasma vitamin A varies over rather narrow limits in comparison with blood-plasma carotene. The average monthly range, all breeds considered together, was from a low of 18 micrograms per 100 ml. in June to a high of 24 in October. Breed differences in normal blood-plasma vitamin A are indicated. Changes in blood-plasma vitamin A do not closely follow blood-plasma carotene changes but tend to lag behind. For example, maximum blood-plasma vitamin A values were found about one month after maximum blood-plasma carotene values.


Great destructive earthquakes are a kind of dreadful natural disaster,which cause huge economic loss and personnel casualty.The professional search and rescue procedures can decrease economic and life losses furthest.It is necessary to set up an effective seismic disaster relief system.The national training site is set up for training professional rescue troops.According to the destructive shapes of structures and the international advanced experience on search and rescue,this paper gives the scheme design of the earthquake ruins in the emergent seismic rescue-training site,which includes the functions design for the controllable seismic ruins.