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By means of a vacuum spectrophotometer, $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ and $\ensuremath{\beta}$ bands have been observed in NaF, NaCl, and KCl irradiated by soft x rays. At liquid nitrogen temperature, the positions of $\ensuremath{\alpha}$ band are ${9.4}_{3}$ ev in NaF, ${7.1}_{6}$ ev in NaCl and ${6.9}_{5}$ ev in KCl, and the positions of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ band are ${9.7}_{5}$ ev in NaF, ${7.3}_{8}$ ev in NaCl, and ${7.3}_{1}$ ev in KCl. The doublet structure of $\ensuremath{\beta}$ band in NaCl, expected by Fuchs' theory has not been detected. This may be due to the fairly wide band width of the component bands.


Abstract The research objects of this paper are Vigna angularis, Vigna radiata and Phaseolus vulgaris, which are important grain legume resources in China. However, the genetic structure between the three species is not clear. Therefore, this study developed a set of universal gSSR (simple sequence repeat) primers based on the whole-genome sequences of adzuki beans, mung beans and common beans and analysed the genetic diversity of the test resources based on universal gSSR loci. A total of 53,099 pairs of universal primers were developed, and 43 universal primer pairs were selected for analysis of their test resources. The genetic diversity of the tested common bean germplasm resources was the largest, and the genetic diversity of the tested mung bean germplasm resources was the smallest. Based on the structural analysis and NJ algorithm, the genetic relationships of the test resources were analysed. When ΔK = 3, 3 and 2, the test resources were divided into 3, 3 and 2 subgroups, respectively. The average genetic differentiation coefficient among the three species was 0.24, and the average gene flow value was 0.78. The genetic distances among the three species ranged from 0.27 to 0.90. The genetic distance between the tested adzuki bean germplasm resources and the tested mung bean germplasm resources was the closest, and the genetic distance between the test adzuki bean germplasm resources and the tested common bean germplasm resources was the farthest. This study provides a scientific basis for the rational development, protection and sustainable use of germplasm resources.


In this paper, we review theory and evidence on the links between product market regulations that curb competitive pressures, the efficiency of resource allocation and productivity growth. We show that product market regulations differ across countries and industries and have evolved differently over time. We argue that differences in regulation have played an important role in driving resource allocation and productivity outcomes. Countries and industries where direct and indirect regulatory burdens are lighter have generally experienced the highest GDP per capita and productivity growth rates. Moreover, where regulatory burdens are lighter, the reallocation of resources towards the highest-productivity firms is stronger. The impacts of inappropriate regulations on aggregate and firm-level productivity performance are estimated to be quantitatively important and thus, reforming such regulations can provide a significant boost to potential growth in OECD economies.


Introduction. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease that leads to demyelination of the central nervous system, compromising its functions. Although the course of MS is variable, it is a naturally progressive disease, which has accelerated neurological deterioration in most patients. Treatment pattern studies are important to understand the real-world practice and clinical outcomes. Objective. The aim of this study was to describe treatment patterns among patients with MS in the Brazilian public healthcare system. Method. A retrospective cohort study was carried out through the analysis of secondary data from 2008 to 2020. To compare the clinical practice with that recommended by the Clinical Protocols and Therapeutic Guidelines (PCDT) over the years, the treatment analyzes were fragmented into 2008-2014, 2015-2017, and 2018-2020. The data was obtained from Brazilian National Health System, which is a real-world anonymized database. Results. MS patients were identified by the G35 code on International Classification of the Diseases 10th edition and with code 340 on 9th edition. The incidence and prevalence rates were calculated by years, in 2020 the incidence rate was 1.7 per 100,000 population. Conclusions. Regarding the treatment patterns, beta-interferon was the most common first-line prescribed medication for MS in all the three analyzed periods, followed by glatiramer acetate. Glatiramer was the most frequently prescribed second-line treatment only in the first extracted period (2008–2014).


In this paper, we present a lightweight system that loosely couples and integrates any kind of source systems with information retrieval capabilities. The system provides mechanisms for a rapid integration of source systems into the World Wide Web (WWW), allowing the generation of configurable collections of individual, heterogeneous source systems. The proposed system is based on a lightweight, messageoriented application server and an object-oriented client framework to provide an uniform, Java-based graphical user interface. The system offers application middleware functionalities that solve issues such as limited bandwidth and scalability of both sides ( W W W user clients and backend server systems) in a generic manner. Already integrated source systems include the system PRoGPd~SS (a method base system for mathematical algorithms with functionalities for server-side computing) and SPECTO (an XML-based, distributed monitoring system).


Population structure and spatial heterogeneity are integral components of evolutionary dynamics and, in particular, of the evolution of cooperation in social dilemmas. Despite the fact that structure can promote the emergence of cooperation in some populations, it can suppress it in others. Thus, a detailed understanding of the influence of population structure is crucial for describing the features that allow cooperative behaviors to spread. Here, we provide a complete description of when selection favors cooperation on regular graphs under birth-death and death-birth updating for any initial configuration. We find that cooperation is never favored for birth-death updating. For death-birth updating, we derive a simple, computationally tractable formula for natural selection to favor cooperation when starting from any given initial configuration. This formula elucidates two important features concerning the emergence of cooperation: (i) the takeover of cooperation can be enhanced by the strategic placement of cooperators, and (ii) adding more cooperators to the initial configuration can sometimes suppress the evolution of cooperation.


This article is the last of a series of four. This article describes in detail the fabrication of a crown connected to a Brånemark implant.


Background: Liquid organic fertilizer is a fermented solution of organic plant residues, animal and human feces containing nutrients. Lamtoro and tofu liquid waste contain N, P, K, Mg, and Ca, which are suspected to have the potential for liquid organic fertilizer to increase the growth of cayenne pepper (C. frutescens). This study aims to determine the effect of giving POC from lamtoro leaves and tofu liquid waste on the growth of cayenne pepper (C. frutescens). Methods: This study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with two replications. POC volume 1:1 consisted of two-liter lamtoro leaf extract and 2-liter tofu liquid waste. The first factor is the volume concentration of POC with the respective concentrations of V0: 0%, V1: 10%, V2: 20%, and V3: 30%. The second factor is the time of spraying POC T1: 3 days interval and T2: 6 days interval. Parameters measured included plant height (cm), number of leaves (strands), and plant fresh weight (g). Results: 20% volume (V2) with three-day intervals (T1) gave the best results for plant height (20.10 cm), number of leaves (7.00 leaves), and plant fresh weight (11.50 g). 0% volume (V0) with an interval of 6 days (T2) gave the lowest yield on plant height (6.35 cm), number of leaves (3.00 leaves), and fresh weight of plants (3.00 leaves). Conclusions: Application POC from lamtoro leaves and tofu liquid waste can potentially increase the growth of cayenne pepper (C. frutescens).


In this paper, a plug-in electric vehicle battery charger is proposed based on SEPIC PFC and LLC topologies. In addition, a new approach in introduced to actively control the dc link voltage and track the maximum efficiency point of a LLC converter over the wide voltage range of the high voltage battery pack. Comprehensive circuit modeling and loss analysis at maximum efficiency point of LLC converter are carried out. A 3.3 kW charger, charging the Li-ion battery with an output voltage range of 100 V to 420 V from variable dc link voltage, is designed and simulated. In comparison to conventional approaches, the LLC stage demonstrates 4.4% efficiency improvement at the heaviest load condition and 16.5% efficiency improvement in the lightest load condition.


Designing a suitable controller for air-conditioning systems to reduce energy consumption and simultaneously meet the requirements of the system is very challenging. Important factors such as stability and performance of the designed controllers should be investigated to ensure the effectiveness of these controllers. In this article, the stability and performance of the fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) controller are investigated. The FCM method is used to control the direct expansion air conditioning system (DX A/C). The FCM controller has the ability to do online learning, and can achieve fast convergence thanks to its simple mathematical computation. The stability analysis of the controller was conducted using both fuzzy bidirectional associative memories (FBAMs) and the Lyapunov function. The performances of the controller were tested based on its ability for reference tracking and disturbance rejection. On the basis of the stability analysis using FBAMS and Lyapunov functions, the system is globally stable. The controller is able to track the set point faithfully, maintaining the temperature and humidity at the desired value. In order to simulate the disturbances, heat and moisture load changed to measure the ability of the controller to reject the disturbance. The results showed that the proposed controller can track the set point and has a good ability for disturbance rejection, making it an effective controller to be employed in the DX A/C system and suitable for a nonlinear robust control system.


Figure 1. (A) Transthoracic echocardiography, apical four-chamber view showing right ventricular dilation and dysfunction (LV = left ventricle, RV = right ventricle, LA = left atrium, RA = right atrium; see Video E1). (B–D) Pressure tracings from right and left heart catheterization (dashed red line: mPAP = mean pulmonary artery pressure, mPAOP=mean pulmonary artery occlusion pressure, LVEDP = left ventricular end-diastolic pressure; same scale, in mm Hg, for B–D). (E) Follow-up transthoracic echocardiography, apical four-chamber view, revealing progression of right ventricular dilation and dysfunction (same abbreviations as in A; see Video E2). (F) Histology of peripheral pulmonary artery densely packed with intraluminal tumor cells (hematoxylin–eosin; original magnification, 320). (G) Peripheral pulmonary artery packed with intraluminal tumor immunopositive for estrogen receptor (original magnification, 320). (H) Pulmonary arteriole completely occluded due to fibrin thrombi and concentric stenotic fibrocellular intimal proliferation (elastic van Gieson; original magnification, 340). A 79-year-old woman with metastasizing breast cancer was admitted with progressive dyspnea. Pulmonary embolism was excluded by computed tomography. Echocardiography showed right ventricular dilation and dysfunction (Figure 1A; see Video E1 in the online supplement). Right heart catheterization revealed significant pulmonary hypertension with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 51 mm Hg (mPAP; Figure 1B). The pulmonary artery occlusion pressure (PAOP) was difficult to measure; the best tracing suggested a mean PAOP (mPAOP) of 34 mm Hg (Figure 1C); the left ventricular enddiastolic pressure (LVEDP) was 8 mm Hg (Figure 1D; same scale, in mm Hg, for Figures 1B–1D). In the following days, the patient experienced recurrent syncope on minimal exertion. Follow-up echocardiography revealed progression of right ventricular dilation and dysfunction (Figure 1E; see Video E2). Despite off-label treatment with ambrisentan, the patient died 10 days later. At autopsy, multiple peripheral pulmonary arteries were densely packed with intraluminal tumor cells (Figure 1F; hematoxylin–eosin; original magnification, 320) immunopositive for estrogen receptor (Figure 1G; original magnification, 320), consistent with tumor emboli of the metastasizing breast carcinoma; as a morphologic sign of the locally activated coagulation cascade, multiple pulmonary arterioles showed complete occlusion (Figure 1H; elastic van Gieson; original magnification, 340) due to fibrin thrombi and concentric stenotic fibrocellular intimal proliferation. Pulmonary tumor thrombotic microangiopathy (PTTM) is a rare and often fatal form of pulmonary hypertension. The discordance between PAOP and LVEDP is an intriguing hemodynamic feature. Because of thrombotic occlusion of the pulmonary terminal vascular bed the backward transmission of left atrial pressure to the balloon catheter is disrupted; rather, the measured "PAOP" represents the reflected


A new arene ruthenium(II) complex [(η6-p-cymene)Ru(L)(3,5-Hdmpz)](BF4)2⋅H2O (L = 1-methylcarbaldimino-3,5-dimethylpyrazole; 3,5-Hdmpz = 3,5-dimethylpyrazole) has been synthesized. The ligand L has been generated in situ through the condensation of 3,5-dimethylpyrazole and acetonitrile in the presence of [{(η6-p-cymene)RuCl2}2]. The complex [(η6-p-cymene)Ru{NH=C(Me)3,5-dmpz}(3,5-Hdmpz)](BF4)2⋅H2O crystallizes in monoclinic space group P21/c, a = 10.943(2), b = 26.394(7), c = 11.502(1) Å, Β = 115.43(1)°, V = 3000.1(19) Å3 and Z = 4. The compound has been characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, 2D-COSY NMR spectroscopy and a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study.


Oya Mine which had been idle since 1943 due to the g overnment policy of closing down gold mines, commenced erection of a 300 metic tons per month capacity cyanidation plant in October, 1950 and began its operation upon its completion in October of the following year to make what is now today. The special characteristic of our crude ore is that it contains a fairly large amount of coarse granules of gold and as it accompanys cyanicides of such as arsenopyrite and pyrrhotite, gravity concentration method has been jointly adopted since the time of commencement of operation of our mine in order to make cyanidation a profitable one by promptly recovering such cyanicides. Thus, in this article, the outline description is given on the changes made to the operation based mainly on cyanidation process since its commencement as well as on gravity concentration which is undivisible from cyanidation process and also on the amalgamation of gravity separation concentrate.


We have shown that piezoresponse force microscope (PFM) is an effective tool for observing 3-dimensional domain structure formed in ferroelectric crystals. The PFM is based on the measurement of the surface displacement induced by inverse piezoelectric effect by using conductive cantilevers. The small tip of the cantilever plays an important role not only in applying electric field as a top electrode but also in detecting piezoelectric displacements just beneath the tip. In the vertical mode, the component of spontaneous polarization (Ps) parallel to the electric field can be mapped, while the in-plane mode provide an image of the component of Ps parallel to the crystal surface. In a PbTiO3 crystal, 90°domain as well as 180°domain with no interface charge was observed. PFM observations of a layered Bi4Ti3O12 suggest that charged 180°domain walls with tail-to-tail and head-to-head configurations strongly interact with oxygen vacancies, which leads to a smaller remanent polarization.


Oceanic accretion complexes along active continental margins contain a mixture of oceanic and potential continental tectonic elements, among which oceanic island volcanoes are the most prominent one. Here, we report an example from the pre-Alpine Austroalpine amphibolite-grade metamorphic basement of Eastern Alps, which contains several undated ophiolitic sutures and accompanying amphibolite-rich micaschist units. All of them have been considered to have formed not later than during Variscan plate collision. Major portions of this basement are then overprinted by Permian rift processes including Permian low-pressure metamorphism. The location of a Paleotethyan suture has not been considered to extend into the Alps.

Here we report preliminary results of an extensive survey with U-Pb zircon ages, Hf isotopes on zircon and whole rock geochemistry from the Plankogel and overlying Amphibolite-Micaschist complexes in Eastern Alps, which are directly overlying the Eclogite-Gneiss unit with Cretaceous high-pressure metamorphism. The Plankogel complex is composed of coarse-grained garnet-micaschist as a matrix and plagioclase-rich biotite schist, within which hectometer-sized lenses of marble, spessartine-quartzite, amphibolite and ultramafic rocks occur. According to the new data, the amphibolites have either (1) a N-MOR-basalt geochemical signature or (2) show ocean island basalt characteristics. Metasedimentary rocks like the garnet-biotite-micaschist show a large population of Early-Middle Triassic age, partly euhedral zircons implying an age of the sedimentary precursor rocks not older than Middle Triassic, and a significant Middle Triassic volcanic component. The manganese quartzites are explained as siliceous deep-sea sediments and show a large Permian to Early Triassic volcanic components (244±6 – 282±8 Ma) with a ~340 Ma peak and minor > 630 Ma peak ages of detrital zircons. Two N-MORB amphibolites exhibit late Permian/Early Triassic protolith ages (227±10 Ma-254±6.3 Ma). Positive εHf(t) values from zircons of Permian and Triassic age reveal uniform crustal model ages between 0.92 and 1.20 Ga.

Thick biotite-amphibolites from the overlying Amphibolite-Micaschist exhibit the geochemical characteristics of ocean island alkali basalts and have U-Pb zircon ages of 415±11 Ma and 413 ± 13 Ma. Again, εHf(t) values of zircons indicate a uniform crustal model ages clustering at ca. 1.2 Ga. The youngest detrital zircons of accompanying metasediments is at 450 Ma revealing that the age of host rocks is Silurian or younger. Consequently, this succession is interpreted as part of the accretionary wedge with ocean island volcanoe relics at margin of the Paleotethyan ocean.

Our dating results are entirely unexpected and require a re-evaluation of the tectonic history of the Austroalpine units. Based on these results, we conclude that the Plankogel complex represents a Triassic ophiolite-bearing mélange with oceanic trench sediments and components from a deep-sea environment as well continental components. The detritus is rich in Permian to Middle Triassic volcanic components. The volcanic components indicate the subduction of the Paleotethyan Ocean, and oceanic lithospheric elements were incorporated into the trench sediments.

Together, the new data reveal the accretion of an ocean island into the Plankogel subduction complex. Furthermore, this accretionary system was active up to Triassic times and can be considered to relate to the Paleotethyan suture in Eastern Alps.


Peer-to-Peer protocols, specially BitTorrent, account for most traffic generated in the Internet, having a great impact on inter-ISP traffic and thus ISPs' peering costs. However, through locality mechanisms, P2P traffic can be contained close by in the network and even in the same ISP, decreasing inter-ISP traffic. Through the monitoring of over 3200 live Internet swarms, we found that there is a lot of locality that can be exploited and used to decrease inter-ISP traffic. We discuss the relationship between the swarm size, content's popularity and the existing locality and find that even small swarms have some locality properties. We also observed swarms sharing content specific to a region and thus showing a great amount of locality. During the experiment we also discovered that there is a significant amount of repeated content being shared. Various publishers tend to publish the same content through different torrent files, creating independent swarms that end up sharing a large number of common parts. This redundancy can be exploited in order to increase data availability and source diversity, as well as the existing locality. To deal with this redundancy, we propose a novel technique, called Partial Swarm Merger, which adds a new component to the BitTorrent infrastructure, allowing peers to learn about swarms with common content. With this information, peers could combine the different swarms, announcing and requesting from each swarm the pieces in common with their download. This will increase the availability of the parts which are common to the several swarms.


At the moment, the use of server devices, web applications, routers, switches, etc. has become widespread in modern information systems. These technologies have quite important advantages in the form of ease of use, a simple and convenient interface, even if their work is carried out through the use of the command line, the possibility of remote work via the Internet, as well as technologies for fast deployment. Quite often, modern technologies also have a large number of problems related to information security, because the development, testing and establishment of data transmission protocols between devices, the formation of the enterprise network architecture is very often carried out in a short time, and the company's resources become available via the Internet for users of both the company and customers, and for intruders. Vulnerabilities of varying degrees allow third parties to steal corporate information, carry out unauthorized data changes, disrupt the availability of enterprise applications, and cause Denial-of-Service problems. Currently, the problem of ensuring the security of infocommunication technologies is very relevant, so, according to, more than 60 % of all detected vulnerabilities relate to applications that use access to an external network. And more than 70 % of companies have critical risks of exploiting vulnerabilities in case of intrusion from the external perimeter of the network. One of the widespread methods of ensuring the security of network devices is the detection of vulnerabilities in order to eliminate them later. In this paper, modern methods and techniques of passive vulnerability detection in network systems are considered and their capabilities are analyzed.


The performance of bridges under strong wind and traffic is of great importance to set the traveling speed limit or to make operational decisions for severe weather, such as controlling traffic or even closing the bridge. Meanwhile, the vehicle"s safety is highly concerned when it is running on bridges or highways under strong wind. During the past two decades, researchers have made significant contributions to the simulation of the wind-vehicle-bridge system and their interactive effects. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the overall performance of the bridge and traffic system under strong wind, including bridge structures and vehicles, and the associated mitigation efforts.


Oral propranolol, first-line therapy for infantile haemangioma (IH) threatening functional impairment or cosmetic disfigurement, readily crosses the blood-brain barrier. Subsequently therefore, there are concerns about potential effects on infant development. Phillips et al. followed 200 children prescribed propranolol, observing sedative effects during treatment and reported gross motor abnormalities in 13 of 188 children, 7 of whom had delayed age (17-20 months) at first walking. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


Quality characteristics of Kwamaegi (semi-dried saury) prepared by treatment of chitosan-ascorbate (CA) and vacuum drying at (VDK), and the effect of the Kwamaegi on serum lipid profiles and anti-oxidation-related enzyme activity in rats fed high fat diets were investigated. The preparation periods were hr in VDK, while naturally dried Kwamaegi (NDK) took 360480 hr. Total microbe contents of VDK and NDK were and 8.2 log CFU/g, respectively. There was no significant difference in amino-nitrogen content. Compared with NDK, the acid and peroxide value, and fishy flavor of VDK40 (dried at ) were significantly lower, and the texture, color and overall acceptability were higher. In animal experiments, weight gain, content of LDL-cholesterol and lipid peroxide, activities of total (T) and O type (O) xanthine oxidase, and the O/T ratio (%) were significantly lower in the VDK40 diet group than in the NDK diet group. The content of HDL-cholesterol in the VDK40 diet group was higher than in the NDK diet group. These results suggest that preparing CA-treated Kwamaegi with vacuum-drying at can be applied throughout the year, and may shorten preparation time and improve its microbiological safety and nutritional values.


A key aspect of the financial and economic crisis that has shaken Asian economies is the rapid movement of international capital flows out of the region. Understanding this adjustment is crucial to understanding the likely adjustment path in these economies over coming years. There are competing explanations for the cause of the crisis however most commentators would agree that a major shock that impacted on the countries has been a dramatic increase in the perceived risks of investing in these economies. This paper explores the impact of a re-evaluation of the risk in the Asian economies using a global simulation model that captures both the flow of goods as well as international capital flows between countries. A rise in risk that is reversed over three years is shown to have significant real effects although these dissipate quickly. The role of this paper is not to track the Asian crisis. This is done in a companion paper. The aim of this paper is to draw out the impacts of a change in risk on the Asian economies. Warwick J. McKibbin Research School of Pacific & Asian Studies Economic Studies Program Australian National University The Brookings Institution ACT 260


The subject of thesis is familiar with the issues sound detections apparatus, their installation commissioning, also receiving the signal from the sound detections apparatus, obtaining sensitive information, conduct technical inspections defense. Then search sounddetections devices with the help of high-frequency detector and spectral analyzer. Form how with the help of special techniques save information in the meeting room. In the theoretical part are interested of electromagnetic radiation. In the practical part instaling special technical security apparatus. Locates sounddetections facility with the help of Defense technical inspections at the premises in the U5.


Diabetic Foot Ulcer (DFU) is an usual impact in DM patients in which early detection is very important. A risk assessment tool for DFU has previously been developed by researchers. This study aimed 1) translate and did cultural appropriateness ; 2) To test some psychometric properties: face validity, intra-rater, inter-rater, and test-retest reliability. The results showed that 1) The expert translator has not have different definition; 2) face validity was acceptable, mostly the nurses agreed with the assessment tool and they said that easy to specialist nurses use the assessment tool, but the general nurses will not understand use the tool; 3) Intrarater reliability using Intra-class Coefficient Correlation (ICC) for total score was 0.996 with Kappa 1.00 for duration of DM, history of ulceration, history of claudication, neuropathy sensory, abnormal skin, foot care, Kappa 0.93 for foot deformities, Kappa 0.92 for history of amputation, and Kappa 0.89 for peripheral vascular disease; 4) inter-rater reliability using the ICC and alpha cronbach's was 1.00 for the researcher and nurse 1. The researcher and nurse 2, 3 was 0.96 for alpha and ICC. The result of ICC of patient 1 was 0.93 and the patient 2 was 0.3. Patient 1 showed that the ICC was significance but patient 2 showed that the tool was not reliable and 5) test-retest using the alpha cronbach's is 0.991 of total score and ICC is 0.991. The conclusion is the tool of risk assessment tool for DFU was valid and reliable.


The patient exhibited elevated body temperature and impaired consciousness; he was admitted to the internal disease intensive care unit for tests and treatment. He presented a poor general condition and lethargic consciousness. Principal preliminary diagnoses of metastatic tumors and hydatid cysts were considered. Multiple hepatic lesions, local invasion in the right adrenal gland, multiple pulmonary metastases, and local invasion in the upper pole of the right kidney were detected (Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3). A liver biopsy was performed. The pathology report was compatible with alveolar echinococcosis. The ELISA test results were compatible with the diagnosis of echinococcosis (IgG = 2.4). Surgical treatment was not considered appropriate because of the widespread lesion. Albendazole treatment at 800 mg/day was started with a diagnosis of diffuse hydatid cyst. The patient lost consciousness and died.


After 16 years of suspension during the leadership of Steve Jobs, Apple now pays cash dividends. Since the death of Jobs, Apple has distributed twelve quarterly dividends. Of these, cash was paid 7 days after the ex-dividend date on nine occasions, and twice after 8 days. It has been well documented that individuals prefer numbers with salient last digits, such as 0 and 5, when making quantitative decisions. These phenomena motivate us to examine if 7 (in other words, weekly cycle effect) is a salient number in determining the period between the ex-dividend date and the payment date. Since Taiwanese firms pay annual dividends, we conjecture that in Taiwan a period of 28 days is the most common period chosen for annual dividend distribution. This conjecture is verified and we provide evidence that the period decision is mainly affected by weekly cycle effect, and liquidity discretion. The periods are clustering around multiples of 7 from 14 to 49 days. We advance that the cycle of weekdays governs our daily life, just as two hands and ten fingers characterize our human body. Subsequently, we propose a behavioral and heuristic argument to explain why market participants are prone to number with final digits of 0, 5, and even numbers when making quantitative decisions.


This book gives a panoramic view of misogyny in Meja Mwangi's trilogy of urban fiction. Mwangi burst onto the literary scene with his city novels; Kill Me Quick, Going Down River Road, and The Cockroach Dance all published in the 1970s, and which distinguished him as a creative writer of popular literature. Since then, he has gone ahead to write both adult and children literature, and in the process bagged several major literary accolades. He is the only writer from Kenya so far to have won the Jomo Kenyatta Prize for Literature a record six times in different categories. Despite his achievements, Mwangi has received a myriad of negative criticisms emanating from his trilogy, especially in the way he portrays the Mwangian female. However, his texts have still proven to be popular with readers. The Mwangin Man in the trilogy has instinctively developed a misogynistic attitude directed towards women. He has evolved from despising women in Kill Me Quick to full blown misogyny in Going Down River Road. In The Cockroach Dance, Meja Mwangi introduces the Amazon woman who thrives in society as she is assertive and aggressive and wards off misogyny perpetrated by Mwangi's male characters.


Abstract : An air defense system is vital for any country that wants to protect its homeland. Today, air defense systems are integrated systems that consist of early warning radars, fighter aircraft, airborne early warning aircraft, and surface-to-air missiles (SAMs). The Turkish air defense system does not as yet have long-range SAMs, but Turkey plans to procure SAM systems to protect its borders. This research develops two location optimization models to optimally locate SAM sites to defend specified areas of the country. One of the models finds the minimum number of SAM sites needed to cover the specified areas; the other finds the maximum coverage for a given number of SAM sites. The model is formulated as an integer program, and the LINGO 10 software package is used to solve the model. Three candidate SAM systems are examined. All models use the maximum range of each SAM system. Sensitivity analysis is used to explore how much the optimal solution(s) change given fluctuations in input values. The main objective of the study is to provide the Turkish Air Force coverage information regarding the three candidate SAM systems. The study also provides a model that can be used to examine other candidate systems. The results and models presented in this research should facilitate the development of a more effective air defense system for Turkey.


Educational environment refers to the whole range of components and activities within which learning happens. This includes faculty, teaching and learning methods, learning resources, monitoring and evaluation. Educational environment has been shown to directly affect students' performance both at undergraduate and graduate levels. An educational environment that is not conducive to learning not only impedes learners' ability to acquire new knowledge, thus hindering their growth as professionals, but also adversely affects their social life and contribution in the community. The availability of a learner-friendly environment becomes even more essential in disciplines that are directly related to health care and patient interaction. Optometry is one such profession where optometrists are trained to prescribe and fit lenses to improve vision, and to diagnose and treat common eye diseases using topical diagnostic and therapeutic drugs and non-surgical procedures.


This article highlights the importance of water as a source of conflict in the Middle East and as an element of peacebuilding and development. It studies the internal and external factors that create and increase water scarcity – and thus the prospects for conflict – between Turkey, Syria and Iraq. The causes and impacts of water scarcity are examined and possible solutions are presented for reducing scarcity and achieving development and peace in these neighbouring countries.


In order to study the effect of PVA fiber dispersion on the performance of cement-stabilized macadam as pavement base material, the dispersion factor Fvc is introduced (Fvc = 1 − Cvc, Cvc refers to dispersion coefficient of relative mass fraction proportion coefficient) as a factor to judge the dispersion degrees. Besides, the connections among Fvc and the compressive strength of the splitting strength of cement-stabilized macadam in various curing periods are analyzed. The research conclusions reveal that (1) when the mass ratio of PVA fibers to coal ash is higher than 1 : 50, resulting Fvc > 0.95, it means the PVA fibers can disperse evenly in the cement-stabilized macadam; (2) both the compressive strength and the cleavage strength of cement-stabilized macadam with PVA fibers are proportional to Fvc; moreover, both the compressive strength and the splitting strength of cement-stabilized macadam with PVA fibers are obviously stronger than those in the common macadam; and (3) under the same curing period and with the same Fvc value, both the compressive strength and the splitting strength in the first type of cement-stabilized macadam (volume content: 0.9 kg/m3 of PVA fibers) are stronger than those in the second type of cement-stabilized macadam (volume content: 0.6 kg/m3 of PVA fibers).


complexity of of of paper is on the role of the local authorities as one of the key stakeholders responsible for the success of brownfield regeneration. Their position and the instruments they use in such a process can be elucidated by observing the organisation of the planning process, the negotiation and decision-making procedures, and the means of conflict resolution. Two European case studies on brownfield regeneration form the empirical research scope of this paper: A former cable and wire factory in Vienna and a former Roma settlement in Budapest. The paper provides an insight into possibilities for a redefinition of planning culture through innovative and proactive planning approaches to brownfield regeneration.


The present invention discloses a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, a substrate and a manufacturing method. The thin film transistor substrate comprising: a glass substrate is formed on a glass substrate and a signal line, a scanning line, a first pixel electrode, the second pixel electrode, a common electrode and a thin film transistor. Wherein the first pixel electrode and second pixel electrodes at least partially overlap to form a plurality of horizontal slits arranged on the second pixel electrode, the first pixel electrode and the hollow structure at a position overlapping the second pixel electrode. By the above-described embodiment, the present invention can improve the transmittance improving the viewing angle color shift, to improve the picture quality.


This study aims at determining students views about UZWEBMAT, which is an individualized e-learning environment.  UZWEBMAT is an adaptive and intelligent individualized e-learning environment, which was developed for teaching of the unit of probability, which is one of the topics included in 10th grade mathematics curriculum.  The present study was conducted in the 2010-2011 spring semester. The sample of the study is 81 10th grade students from two high schools in Trabzon, Turkey. In order to answer the research questions about the evaluation of UZWEBMAT in mathematics teaching, qualitative data were obtained from the students participating in the study. Obtained data were analyzed by using qualitative data analysis techniques. According to the research results, among the prominent positive student views are education is provided in accordance with differences between individual learning styles, mathematical relations and formulas are acquired via discovery, permanent learning is provided, and learning responsibility is laid on the student. Considering these results, it can be said that UZWEBMAT provides students with a learning environment complying with their individual learning characteristics and needs. Keywords: Adaptive educational hypermedia, Personalization in e-learning environments, Learning differences, Secondary mathematics education


Globally, energy consumption grew most quickly in the transport and building sector, driven by rising passenger travel and freight transport, households and a rapid expansion in the service economy. The improvement of energy efficiency is a shared policy goal of many governments in world. The purpose of this study was to analyzed the trend of energy efficiency of building sector using energy intensity for building energy policy. Activity data were analysis factors as energy consumption statistic, GDP, population, value-added, number of household, number of building mass and floor area. In the energy consumption of buildings in Korea, the building sector accounts for 18.2% of a total energy consumption. Korean government has made a lot of effort to develop the building energy saving systems and codes. The results show that energy intensity of commercial buildings based floor area is 11.9kgoe/㎡ in 2010. Energy intensity of residential buildings per floor area was 13.8kgoe/㎡ in 2010 and was reduced by 54% for 1996. The time-series trend of energy efficiency based floor is growing continuously.


The catalytic reduction of deoxybenzoin, benzoin, benzil and furil with various Urushibara catalysts under high pressure were studied. It was found that benzil and furil was converted into the corresponding α-ketols by the partial reduction under proper condition. Some modifications for the preparation of the Urushibara catalyst were attained. The newly developed precipitated nickel prepared by a very simple way proved to give a catalyst as active as the usual Urushibara nickel catalyst for practical use. Hydrochloric acid was found to be applicable for the digestion of the precipitated nickel in place of acetic acid.


Translation is essential for cellular maintenance and growth, as well as survival in response to a variety of stresses. Translation factors are often overexpressed in cancers, and their experimental inhibition has been shown to retard cancer cell growth in a variety of pre-clinical models. Further, clinically relevant forms of cellular stress (e.g. ionizing radiation (IR), hypoxia) result in altered translational programs, and inhibition of translation following such stress results in impaired cellular recovery. Cumulatively these observations suggest that modulation of translation, alone or in combination with genotoxic stress, is of potential therapeutic relevance in oncology. Bouvardin (BVD) is a plant-derived protein synthesis inhibitor that we identified in a screen for enhancers of ionizing radiation (IR). We previously demonstrated that BVD functions as a translation elongation inhibitor by blocking dissociation of elongation factor 2 (eEF2) from the ribosome. In preclinical models of head and neck cancer (HNC) and glioblastoma two cancer indications for which IR is a standard of care, we demonstrated that BVD enhanced clonogenic death induced by IR. Further, BVD enhanced the growth inhibitory effects of IR in HNC tumor xenografts. We show here that a fully synthetic derivative of BVD, SVC112, exhibits strong therapeutic properties alone, and in combination with standards of care, in a variety of solid and hematological cancer models. As an example for solid tumors: in HNC cell lines SVC112 exhibits antiproliferative activity with an average IC50 of ≈150 nM, with no IC50 exceeding 500 nM. In clonogenic assays, physiologically relevant levels of SVC112 robustly synergistically enhance clonogenic death induced by HNC standards of care (e.g. IR and cisplatin). Finally, in cell line based HNC xenografts, SVC112 exhibits antitumorigenic activity as a single agent and enhances the growth inhibitory effects of IR-cisplatin treatment. As an example for hematological cancers: in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines SVC112 exhibits antiproliferative activity in sensitive cells with an average IC50 of ≈25 nM. Brief exposure to physiologically relevant levels of SVC112 induces rapid and robust apoptosis in sensitive AML cell lines concomitant with the loss of known drivers of AML growth (e.g. MCL-1). Finally, in cell line based AML xenograft models, SVC112 as a single agent induces robust and sustained antiproliferative activity. Cumulatively these data demonstrate that SVC112 mediated inhibition of translation elongation alone, and in combination with existing standards of care, is a potentially promising treatment option for a variety of solid and hematological cancers. This project has been funded in part with Federal funds from the NCI/NIH, Department of Health and Human Services, under Contract No. HHSN261201300021C Citation Format: Nathan Gomes, Barb Frederick, Daniel Gustafson, Bert Pronk, Tin Tin Su. Development of a translation elongation inhibitor for the treatment of cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5858.


SUMMARY A patient with massive pericardial effusion and electrical alternans was studied. Intravenousadministration of 8 mg practolol produced a decrease in heart rate from 120 to 87 beats/min, with increaseof the alternans. The postulation that tachycardia is necessary for the appearance of electrical alternans in cardiac tamponade cannot be supported from this finding. Additional Indexing Words:PractololELECTRICAL ALTERNANS is characteristicof pericardial effusion, especially of neo- plastic origin. This phenomenon has been explainedby increased cardiac motion or rotation due to the ex-cessive fluid in the pericardium.' This assumption has been supported by studies employing reflected ul-trasound.2 In addition to the excessive motion of the heart,rapid heart rate has beenconsidered a critical factor in the appearance of electrical alternans. It has been pointed out by McGregor and Baskind' and Littman and Spodick,' and clinical experience has borne out that in all reported


The recent paradigm shift from model-based to data-driven approaches has involved a growing number of data-fusion tasks. Specifically for pansharpening, unsupervised deep learning methods have been recently explored with the goal of overcoming the generalization limits shown by early pansharpening convolutional neural networks based on supervised training schemes. Furthermore, some of these exploit the target-adaptive modality to face the scarcity of training data. On the downside, combining usupervised training and target adaptivity causes a non-negligible increase of the computational cost. This work presents a new target adaptive scheme that allows to keep limited the computational cost at inference time while preserving accuracy.


Background: The effectiveness of telehealth programs in the administration of rehabilitation and the monitoring of postoperative progress after joint replacement is not well studied. The purpose of the present study was to systematically review the currently available evidence on the use of smart-device technology and telehealth programs to guide and monitor postoperative rehabilitation following total joint arthroplasty and to assess their impact on outcomes following surgery. Methods: A literature search of the MEDLINE database was performed using keywords "mobile," "app," "telehealth," "virtual," "arthroplasty," "outcomes," "joint replacement," "web based," "telemedicine," "TKA," "THA," "activity tracker," "fitness tracker," "monitor," "rehab," "online," and "stepcounter" in all possible combinations. All English studies with a level of evidence of I to III that were published from January 1, 2010, to December 19, 2020 were considered for inclusion. Quantitative and qualitative analysis was performed on the data collected. Results: A total of 28 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and reviewed. With regard to objective functional outcome measures, such as strength, range of motion, or results of the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, the virtual physical therapy group had equivalent or slightly superior outcomes compared with in-person physical therapy. There was similar improvement overall in patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and patient satisfaction between virtual and in-person physical therapy. Virtual physical therapy resulted in cost savings ranging from $206 to $4,100 per patient compared with in-person physical therapy. Conclusions: Telerehabilitation following lower-extremity joint replacement is less expensive compared with in-person physical therapy, with equivalent outcomes and patient satisfaction. Telerehabilitation and electronic health adjuncts can be used to substitute for traditional rehabilitation and augment postoperative care following total joint arthroplasty, respectively. Telerehabilitation that provides outcomes equivalent to in-person physical therapy not only increases convenience for patients but also decreases the cost burden on the health-care system. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.


Shaḥrur methodology and legal implications have been widely written by researchers, but only some researchers elaborate Sunnah in depth analysis. In discussing Sunnah, Shaḥrur mentioned the problems that have serious implications, such, whether all the words, actions and silence of Muhammad is the result of revelation or ijtihâd of Muhammad himself? Shaḥrur assumed that Sunnah is actually the result of ijtihâd of Muhammad himself and it is not revelation. Therefore, definition that has been established on Sunnah (everything that comes from Muhammad either of the words, deeds and statutes) is not appropriate. Dissolving this definition for Shaḥrur became possible because these definitions are not made by Muhammad himself, but by the next generations. According to him, Sunnah is derived from the word sanna which means the ease and flow smoothly. Thus, what is said, done and set by Muhammad is an example of how such limits practiced in space and time of Muhammad. He is not the last and not the only laws that must be done. Based on the definition that has been made, Shaḥrur divided Sunnah into two categories, namely sunnah risâlah and sunnah nubuwah. Sunnah risâlah maintains on law, morals, and good manners, while sunnah nabuwah preserves objective sciences. Further, it implies that the adherence to sunnah risâlah is an obligation, adherence to sunnah nubuwah is non-compulsory.


Joellen is a 36-year old mother of two. She currently holds a full-time job. After graduating from high school, Joellen completed one year at her local community college. She and her husband then moved to a different state, and she took some additional courses from a local community college. She also took a college telecourse. She recently decided to matriculate at a fouryear institution in her city. The college has asked for all her prior transcripts, in order to determine how many and which credits will transfer.


The usual approaches for designing trickle irrigation systems are based upon empirical estimation of the emitters' density and the moistened soil volume. The objective of this paper is to implement a quasi-analytical approach that allows the inference of these two parameters. The emitters' density is determined so that the rooted soil volume would be moistened even at the peak period. The proposed approach enables to adjust the irrigation time in order to replenish the rooted soil volume up to a threshold for an optimal plant growth. The required inputs are: the water retention curve, the hydraulic conductivity at the wetting front, the radius of the moistened spot at the soil surface, and the rooted soil depth. The method is assessed with respect to study cases for sandy and silty soils. The used emitters' discharge were 2 l/h and 4 l/h. The present approach has the advantage of preserving the mass conservation as well as the dynamic aspect of irrigation management. For design purpose, the irrigation time is set equal to the time required to attain a quasi-state flow conditions within the rooted zone. Nevertheless, irrigation time should vary so that design errors are adjusted for irrigation scheduling needs.


Nearly 25% of Canadians have either diabetes or prediabetes, with diabetes-associated health care costs reaching $12.2 billion in 2010.1 It has been reported that glycemic control in primary care is poor. Harris and colleagues2 conducted a study across the 10 provinces of Canada to assess the quality of care and treatment of type 2 diabetes patients in primary care settings. They reported that almost half of the patients with type 2 diabetes in primary care settings did not achieve their glycemic target (HbA1c ≤7%).2 Poor glycemic control puts diabetes patients at high risk of suffering from diabetes complications.3 Glycemic control testing plays an essential role not only in diabetes diagnosis,4 but it is also considered the first step in diabetes management.2 There are 3 different ways to measure glycemic control:

Fasting plasma glucose (FPG)

Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), in which the blood glucose concentration is measured 2 hours after taking a glucose solution (75 g anhydrous glucose dissolved in water)

Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) (the 2008 Canadian Diabetes Association Guidelines recommend diabetes patients to have HbA1c ≤7%)4


This research is performed in order to analyze the financial performance of the foreign exchange national private bank listed on the BEI in period of 2009-2011.
Sampling technique used was purposive sampling by amount sample as much 15 banks. The Analytical techniques used to measure the bank's financial performance using financial ratio analysis (CAR, LDR, ROA, and BOPO) then do a comparison between the financial performance of banks with ratings standards set by the Bank using the Cross Section Analysis.
From the results of the analysis indicate that the acquisition value of the average of three ratios, namely LDR, ROA, and BOPO are ranked according to the BI. While the average value of the ratio of CAR showed a poor performance with the acquisition of CAR values are very high. However, all foreign exchange BUSN showed a better performance is characterized by an increase in performance every year. And the condition is very good for further development of foreign exchange BUSN.


The performance of many computer vision and machine learning algorithms are heavily depend on the distance metric between samples. It is necessary to exploit abundant of side information like pairwise constraints to learn a robust and reliable distance metric[2, 3]. Let D = {(xl i ,xj,yi j)} l i, j=1 denotes the labeled training set for the target task, wherein xi, x j ∈ Rd and yi j = ±1 indicates xl i and xl i are similar/dissimilar to each other. Then, a metric is usually learned to minimize the distance between the data from the same class and maximize their distance otherwise. This leads to the following loss function for learning the metric A:


Given λ and μ, we show that, unless one of the relations (λ−μ) = 4μ, λ− μ = −2, (λ− μ) + 2(λ− μ) = 4μ is satisfied, there are only finitely many parameter sets (v, k, λ, μ) for which a strongly regular graph with these parameters could exist. This result is used to prove as special cases a number of results which have appeared in previous literature. 1 Properties of Strongly Regular Graphs In this section we present some well known results needed in Section 2. The results can be found in [11, ch.21] or [8, ch.10]. A strongly regular graph with parameters (v, k, λ, μ), denoted SRG(v, k, λ, μ), is a k-regular graph on v vertices such that for every pair of adjacent vertices there are λ vertices adjacent to both, and for every pair of non-adjacent vertices there are μ vertices adjacent to both. We assume throughout that a strongly regular graph G is connected and that G is not a complete graph. Consequently, k is an eigenvalue of the adjacency matrix of G with multiplicity 1 and v − 1 > k ≥ μ > 0 and k − 1 > λ ≥ 0 (1) Counting the number of edges in G connecting the vertices adjacent to a vertex x and the vertices not adjacent to x in two ways we obtain k(k − λ− 1) = (v − k − 1)μ (2) Thus if we are given three of the parameters v, k, λ, μ, the fourth is uniquely determined. If A is the adjacency matrix of an SRG(v, k, λ, μ), we have the equation A = kI + λA + μ(J −A− I) (3) Since eigenvectors with eigenvalue θ 6= k are orthogonal to the all-ones vector, then by (3) the remaining eigenvalues must satisfy the equation θ − (λ− μ)θ − (k − μ) = 0 (4) Thus the eigenvalues of G are k, and θ1, θ2 = (λ− μ)±√∆ 2 , (5) where ∆ = (λ− μ) + 4(k − μ) > 0 (6) Because the sum of the eigenvalues equals trace(A) = 0 it follows easily (see equations (11) and (12)) that the corresponding multiplicities are 1, and m1,m2 = 1 2 ( v − 1± (v − 1)(μ− λ)− 2k √ ∆ ) (7) Since the values m1 and m2 are multiplicities of eigenvalues, they must be integers. The complement of an SRG(v, k, λ, μ) is an SRG(v, k, λ, μ), where k = v − k − 1, λ = v − 2k + μ− 2, and μ = v − 2k + λ From these parameters we see that λ = v − 2k + μ − 2 ≥ 0 is a necessary condition for an SRG(v, k, λ, μ) to exist. Definition Parameter sets of nonnegative integers (v, k, λ, μ) where (1) and (2) hold, m1 and m2 are positive integers, and λ ≥ 0, are called feasible parameter sets. The term feasible is used here only to mean that certain preliminary requirements are met; a feasible parameter set need not be the parameter set of an srg. There are other conditions that the parameters of an srg must satisfy (e.g. the Krein Conditions [11, p. 237]). However, it turns out to be more convenient to work with the restricted list of conditions in the definition and apply additional conditions to our results in Table 1 for specific cases. Given λ and μ, we show in Section 2 that, unless λ and μ satisfy one of three relations, there are only finitely many feasible parameter sets (v, k, λ, μ). We give formulas for the parameters, eigenvalues, and eigenvalue multiplicities for each of the three cases for which there may be infinitely many feasible parameter sets. In Section 3 we present some consequences of the results in Section 2, some of which have appeared in the literature. Strongly regular graphs with m1 = m2 are called conference graphs. We have the following two well-known results on conference graphs [11, p.235]. Lemma 1 Let G be a strongly regular graph. Then G is a conference graph if and only if G is an SRG(v, 1 2 (v − 1), 14 (v − 5), 14 (v − 1)). Lemma 2 Let G be a strongly regular graph with parameters (v, k, λ, μ) and eigenvalues k, θ1 and θ2. If G is not a conference graph, then θ1 and θ2 are integers and ∆ is a perfect square.


This chapter provides an introductory framework to understand this book, exploring why the emergence of community networks (CNs) has been particularly beneficial by nurturing multistakeholder cooperation, fostering sustainable expansion of connectivity and promoting the advancement of fundamental rights. The first section of this chapter briefly explores the idea of a right to Network Self-determination, providing concrete evidence of why the development of CNs allows individuals to enjoy this right. The second section, offers an overview of the strategies that can be adopted to develop CNs, by exploring the contributions featured in this book, while emphasising the great public-interest role that such contributions play, by sharing the knowledge necessary not only to build new CNs but also to make such initiatives scalable, sustainable and legally compliant. CNs are collaborative networks, developed in a bottom-up fashion by groups of individuals that conceive, deploy and manage the new network infrastructure a common good. At the centre of CNs and the socio-economic ecosystems they generate lay the communities who are essential to initiate, maintain and guarantee the success of these connectivity efforts. This chapter argues that CNs provide tangible examples of valuable alternative approaches to expand connectivity – and, consequently, to fulfil the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – in a bottom-up fashion. It stresses that the raise of CNs also offers a solid demonstration of how Internet governance processes can allow different stakeholders to cooperate, achieving common goals and concretely influencing the evolution of the Internet. 24 The Community Network Manual: How to Build the Internet Yourself


One of the most comprehensive ecosystem surveys ever conducted in the Southern Ocean is the focus of a special issue of Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography published in May.


Sequestered in the uterus, the developing fetus has until recently been the subject of much speculation and myth. Unable to see or examine an unborn child, obstetricians considered fetal wellbeing to be a by-product of maternal health. The fetus is no longer considered a transient maternal organ. The fetus is now a second patient who faces greater risks of serious morbidity and mortality. The ability to predict continued fetal survival for finite interval has a major implication for both mother and fetus. Advances in perinatal care in last 30 year have resulted in a dramatic decrease in perinatal mortality. These advances include improvement in fetal surveillance techniques and technologic aspects of neonatal intensive care. The association of specific intrapartum fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns with perinatal outcomes has led to the use of FHR monitoring for investigating antepartum problems. ABSTRACT


One of the most challenging problems faced by tracking algorithms is the issue of template drift. For robust object tracking, template should be adaptive enough to incorporate maximum changes of target appearance, and at same time it should be restrictive enough to reject any background information entering into its model so that drifting of template may be avoided. The existing template updating methods does not take into account the actual appearance changes of the targets, therefore, they are not much effective against template drift. This paper proposes a new template updating method for correlation based tracking algorithms which updates the template according to rate of change in appearance of the target. Moreover, the method is capable to revert the template near to some previous better representation if recent updating is incorrect. Thus, the proposed algorithm helps to overcome the problems of template drift especially during slow occurring occlusion and complex (e.g., out-of-plane) motion of the target. Experimental results and comparison with other algorithms on different publicly available challenging videos prove the efficacy of the algorithm.


O ver the last decade, RNAi-based lossof-function screens have proven to be an effective tool to identify essential genes and critical genetic drivers for a host of responses as well as potential drug candidates (see review: Diehl, et al., Drug Discovery Today: Technologies 11: 11-18, 2014). More recently, similar screens using CRISPR technology to knock out, rather than knock down, genetic targets have been shown to be an alternative to RNAi-based screens (Wang, et al., Science 343, 8084, 2014; Shalem, et al., Science 343, 84−87, 2014). How do these two complementary screening approaches compare?


Military assets, and mostly the expensive ones are generally appraised at the acquisition stage on the basis of their total life cycle costs. This study provides a theoretical foundation and a parametric cost model for forecasting the life cycle cost for the C-27J Spartan airplane.


Detection of space small moving targets in time sequence of space images is a key technique for space- based surveillance,tracking and catalog. To process the mass of multidimensional data from an optical telescope in a timely and computationally efficient fashion,an algorithm is introduced for targets detection and trace acquisition based on neighborhood binary and advanced PHT( probability hough transformation) method. Compared with MTI( moving target indicator) algorithm,the number of positive false and candidate tracks is reduced obviously. Simulation results show that the algorithm is useful for optically detecting moving targets which move in a straight path quickly across many frames of data.


2124 aluminum alloy was prepared by spray forming technology.Its densification mechanism during hot rolling was investigated.The effects of deformation rates and deforming temperature on microstructures and mechanical properties were also studied.The results show that the optimum deforming temperature is 450 ℃,and at this temperature the deposit maintains a fine grain microstructure and a relatively high strength after hot rolling.The densification rate is high when the total deformation extent is less than 30%,however,when the total deformation extent is up to 40% the fully dense alloy can be fabricated.At the temperature of 450℃ and deformation extent of 80%,the tensile strength of the spray formed and rolled alloy is superior to those of as-cast and rolled ones.After T6 heat treatment,the tensile strength of spray formed and rolled strip is enhanced.Its tensile strength is 502.2 MPa and elongation is 12.23%.


A number of workshops have been conducted with support from ASA Technical Initiative funds. The emphasis in the workshops is on assisting teachers to use music as a vehicle to introduce science concepts. A monochord is constructed. Teachers are provided a tuning fork, a resonance tube, a spring, a ''singing'' tube, and material to construct a monochord. Concepts discussed include wave properties such as wavelength, frequency, amplitude, phase, and speed of propagation. In addition the connection to music is made by observing standing waves and relating frequency ratios to musical intervals. The teaching approach and workshop content will be illustrated in the presentation.


Nowadays, there is a growing number of sales occurring over the Web in e-commerce stores. Customers often have questions about a product before they buy it. By answering them instantly, online stores can improve user experience, customer's satisfaction and sales conversion rate. Effective and automated customer service via computer systems requires the handling of large amounts of unstructured information like product specifications. In this paper, we define and evaluate a technique to generate knowledge graphs (KGs) by extracting relevant product information from unstructured natural language questions and answers. The knowledge encoded in the KG is used to answer new clients' questions via SPARQL requests. Our solution is evaluated in a real world, using data from online stores in the GoBots, a leading e-commerce chatbot business in Latin America. Obtained results show the benefits of exploring KGs for responding a higher spectrum of questions in real-world settings.


Research discipline area selection plays vital role for researchers to classify particular document based on their research domain. To select research discipline area current methods perform manual matching of similar research domain. This paper presents text-mining approach to classify research papers automatically according to their similarities in research areas or keywords. We then show the effectiveness of this classifier by evaluating performance in terms of standard precision, recall and f-measure for a collection of test documents. This work implements support vector machine training algorithm to classify research papers because it is fast classification, fast learning and more accurate technique.


The investigation of DNA interaction with aluminum ions in solutions of various ionic strength (1M and 0.005M NaCl) was carried out by methods of viscometry, spectrophotometry, circular dichroism and atomic force microscopy. The possible binding mechanism of hydrated aluminum ions with DNA was proposed according to the experimental results.


This text is an updated English translation of Satellitengeodasie, a book that was published in German in 1989. The text is the first in many years that attempts to cover the broad spectrum of methods, applications, and systems, both classical and current, that have developed in the field of satellite geodesy.

The material is presented in a structure that follows the major observational methods used in satellite geodesy: classical techniques, Doppler, GPS, laser, altimetry, and special methods including satellite-to-satellite tracking, satellite radiometry, and VLBI. Before introducing these observational techniques in detail, the author provides the fundamentals on reference frames, time signal propagation, orbital mechanics and basic applications of satellite geodesy in positioning, gravity field modeling, navigation, marine geodesy, kinematics, and geodynamics. An excellent reference list completes the text.


Based on wavelet multiresolution analysis theory, this paper proposes a two-step identification method for multirate sampled-data systems. First the problem of multirate sampled-data consistent reconstruction is studied, then a new weighted band-wise identification method is proposed. This method has the advantages of noise-free, convenient modeling of the interesting band of plant precisely, and easy incorporation with system design. Simulation results are given to illustrate that this two-step identification method is effective and feasible in process modeling.


The multilayer structure of the organic light emitting diode has merits of improving interfacial characteristics and helping carriers inject into emission layer and transport easier. There are many reports to control hole injection from anode electrode by using transition metal oxide as an anode buffer layer, such as V2O5, MoO3, NiO, and Fe3O4. In this study, we apply thin films of LiF which is usually inserted as a thin buffer layer between electron transport layer(ETL) and cathode, as an anode buffer layer to reduce the hole injection barrier height from ITO. The thickness of LiF as an anode buffer layer is tested from 0 nm to 1.0 nm. As shown in the figure 1 and 2, the luminous efficiency versus current density is improved by LiF anode buffer layer, and the threshold voltage is reduced when LiF buffer layer is increased up to 0.6 nm then the device does not work when LiF thickness is close to 1.0 nm As a result, we can confirm that the thin layer of LiF, about 0.6 nm, as an anode buffer reduces the hole injection barrier height from ITO, and this results the improved luminous efficiency. This study shows that LiF can be used as an anode buffer layer for improved hole injection as well as cathode buffer layer.


This qualitative study examined the methods that Black same-gender loving (SGL) men used to reconcile their sexual orientation and Christianity. Specifically, the study sought to answer two questions: (1) What does it mean to Black SGL men to have reconciled their Christian beliefs and participation with their sexual orientation? and (2) What specific methods do Black SGL men use to reconcile their Christian beliefs and participation with their sexual orientation? Seven Black Christian SGL men participated in the study. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was conducted and yielded eight themes: happiness with and acceptance of self; sense of integrity; geographically distancing self from family and home church; personal interpretation of Biblical text; educating self about same-sex sexual orientation; seeking interpersonal support from and providing interpersonal support for other Black SGL people; use of lived experiences to guide actions; and reconciliation as a practice. The implications of these findings are discussed.


This article analyses a proposal for a new regulation of the European Parliament and of the European Council, which objective is to establish new guidelines to improve the operation of the taxation systems in the European Union as well as to support the fight against tax fraud, tax evasion, and aggressive tax planning in the region.


Cinema in Canada was pioneered in Quebec by the French a fact that historians have quickly forgotten (did they ever know it ?) as our small country is only of slight interest to the chroniclers of greater nations. So it is stilI largely unknown at least until today that the first public cinematographic screening in Canada occurred in Montreal on June 28, 1896, a fact which I have been able to discover thanks to the laziness of other researchers. Thousands of words have been written in homage to Lumiere agent Felix Mesguich who amazed New Yorkers with the Lumiere Cinematographe. Yet one day earlier, Mesguich's colleague,


The audit process in fact is the course to control audit risk and to balance the income , risk and cost of audit at the same time. It is the key for CPAs to evaluate inherent risk and control risk properly in the course of audit, only through which CPAs can conclude proper desired audit risk and minimize the cost. But it is just the biggest problem to evaluate the inherent risk and control risk properly, so CPAs have to follow the moderate prudence principle, that is to say over-evaluate the inherent risk and control risk.


Scholars have increasingly examined the policies that states adopt to forge relationships with, deliver services to, and protect the rights of emigrants living abroad. Much of this research has focused on explaining the emergence and scope of emigrant policies. This article contributes to existing research by analyzing variation in the outcome of one particular emigrant policy: the Mexican state's delivery of sociolegal consultations and support through its consular network in the United States. Specifically, I assess how the Mexican state's provision of consular protection services diverges in frequency and form over time and within local contexts of reception. To address my research questions, I conducted a longitudinal analysis of data representing all 50 Mexican consulate districts in the United States (2010 through 2015). My dataset merges information from a variety of sources, such as the American Community Survey, with an administrative database that documents the Mexican state's provision of sociolegal services in matters related to human rights, penal, migratory, labor, civil, or administrative issues. I find that the frequency of services across these issues varies in conjunction with the social, political, and economic characteristics of the administrative districts within which Mexican consulates operate. Furthermore, I argue that local contexts of reception can structure the frequency of sociolegal consultations between Mexican migrants living in the United States and the Mexican government through three pathways related to migrant incorporation experiences and vulnerabilities in receiving societies. Overall, my findings reveal how local receiving-society contexts can shape the support sending states provide to emigrants.


The farmers' scien-tech and culture diathesis is a development bottleneck restricting the constant deepening of China's agricultural modernization,which characteristics include the low level of overall education,regional difference and educational non-regularization.This essay discusses the needs of training for farmers according to their willing optional priority order and the main problems of training in the perspective of farmers.Besides,The paper analyzes the difficulties in process of cultivating the new farmers and its essential causes.The results indicate that cultivating farmers is facing lots of problems,such as a massive outflow of high-quality labor,difficulty in regularly teaching,shortage of fund and Unbalanced allocation of educational resources.However,the underlying causes of these series of problems mainly include: first of all,the aging of farmers and their low income.Secondly,multi-input system has not been established yet.Thirdly,relative laws and systems should be improved in further and the mechanism of education and training is still not sound.Based on the mentioned above,the opition of long-term basic paths and appopriate policies are putting forward in order to accomplish the objectives of the new farmers'cultivation.


AN ACCIDENT INDEX WAS DERIVED FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL OPERATOR REPRESENTING THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS HE WOULD BE EXPECTED TO HAVE AS THE RESULT OF THE INDIVIDUAL MILEAGE OPERATED UNDER THE VARYING HAZARDS OF THE SEVERAL ROUTES, DURING DIFFERENT PERIODS OF THE YEAR, AND AT DIFFERENT HOURS OF THE DAY. THE FREQUENCY DISTRIBUTION OF EXPECTED ACCIDENTS WAS VERY SIMILAR TO A NORMAL PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTION INDICATING TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS ARE GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF CHANCE. NO RELATIONSHIPS WERE FOUND THAT WOULD PERMIT THE RESULTS TO BE USED FOR PREDICITION. /AUTHOR/


We may hope that Professor Blunt's recent study' of the wide variety of meanings given to the words Baroque and Rococo will stimulate more precise usage, in future, of those stylistic terms. The present study follows Blunt's example by examining the meanings which have been attached to the term 'Plateresque' and then attempting to suggest what criteria could best be used to determine the limits within which it may be meaningfully applied. Blunt's comments on Rococo are of special interest in relation to Plateresque because both terms are used first and foremost for architectural decoration, and thence extended to applied arts susceptible to similar decoration such as furniture and metalwork respectively. Particularly interesting for the present study are Blunt's comments bearing on the 'permissible' or desirable extension of the term Rococo, e.g. to planning and scale in domestic architecture, or to the paintings of Watteau. F. Kimball's narrow interpretation of the word is contrasted with the wide extension to cover other artistic activities proposed by P. Minguet. We shall find similar differences in the case of Plateresque and similar difficulties in deciding whether the broader or narrower usage is to be preferred. It is, however, fairly clear that by going on extending the width of application, precision must eventually suffer; and as the invention and establishment of new art historical terms is a hard task, the existing ones are always liable to be overworked. Quite a number of definitions have been proposed for the term Plateresque over the past thirty years and its history as a word has not been altogether neglected. One art historian following another has suggested that the term 'occurred first to Crist6bal de Villal6n in 1539 to describe the Gothic cathedral of Le6n'.2 This however is a red herring. Far from being the inventor, Villal6n did not even use the word platero, let alone plateresco. What he wrote was:


This article contains a sceptical appraisal of the call for papers, and an attempt to unpack and criticise the various layers of assumptions contained in it. First, I start with some close parallels between the British and Russian colonial experiences. The collapse of Britain's maritime and Russia's continental empire have caused deep crises of identity and purpose in both cases. Second, close attention must be paid to Kant's 1795 proposal in "Perpetual Peace: A Philosophical Sketch", which is so often referred to, in the context of his philosophy as a whole. This contribution has been more often cited than
actually read. What did Kant have in mind so soon after the French Revolution, and the experience of universalising nationalism? The passages I cite, denouncing the British imperial enterprise, may not be so familiar. Third, attention is focused on Jeremy Bentham, John Stuart Mill, both fathers of modern liberalism; and on my ancestor, editor of Bentham's works, John Bowring. I show in detail how liberals became imperialists. Fourth, I analyse the contribution to the question of "liberal" as against "illiberal" states of Anne-Marie Slaughter, writing in the immediate aftermath of the end of the Cold War and the demise of "communism". Fifth, I examine Britain. It is subjected to scrutiny as a "paradigm" of a state with liberal governments, and I ask what was "liberal" about the activities of British colonisers all over the world. I close where I started, with a comparison of Britain and Russia.


Dillon S. Myer (1891–1982) has been framed as the lone villain in incarcerating and dispersing the Japanese Americans during WWII (as director of the War Relocation Authority) and terminating and relocating Native American tribes in the 1950s (as Commissioner of Indian Affairs). This view is almost solely based on the 1987 biography Keeper of Concentration Camps: Dillon S. Myer and American Racism by Richard Drinnon. Little more has been written about Myer and his views, and a comprehensive comparison of the programs is yet to be published. This article compares the aims of the assimilation and relocation policies, especially through Myer's public speeches. They paint a picture of a bureaucrat who was committed to his job, who held strongly onto the ideals of Americanization and assimilation, and who saw "mainstream" white American culture as something for all to strive after, but who was hardly an utter racist.


Programmed cell death (PCD) in the ascidian species Ciona intestinalis (Tunicata; Chordata) is investigated from early larvae to juvenile stages, by means of digoxigenin‐based terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated biotinylated UTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) technique. At first, PCD in the swimming larva affects trunk mesenchyme and central nervous system (CNS), then it participates extensively to metamorphosis, until it is restricted to developing organs of juveniles. Analysis of patterns of cell death and division in the larval CNS question old models on the genesis of the adult C. intestinalis brain. Upon performing immunochemical and functional assays for mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase kinase‐1 (MEKK1), MAPK kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), and dual phosphorylated extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (dpERK1/2), the neurogenic competence of the larval brain appears to rely on a combinatorial regulation of PCD by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling cascade. These results show that, in tunicates, PCD consists of a multistep program implicated in growth and patterning with various roles. Developmental Dynamics 230:251–262, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


In Ayurveda, Sushruta Samhita describes Bhagna Chikitsa (treatments for fractures). Sri Lanka has a well-established traditional orthopedic treatment system (Kedum Bindum Vedakama). Shaft of humerus fractures are common over middle one-third. It is common in adults as well as in children. A 14 year-old child was subjected to a compound fracture over shaft of humorous. Three months following allopathic treatment, he was presented to Ayurveda for further management. At the beginning, fracture was aligned and immobilized using "k" wire (mode of internal xation) over three weeks and it was removed. The patient presented with an external wound with wasting of forearm and restricted movements of elbow, wrist and ngers. Anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (L) views of the X-ray reports showed non-union of the bones. Total duration of the treatment was 6 months. Initially, all non-united bone fragments were immobilized for 6 months using bamboo splints. Prior to applying the two splints over lateral and medial sides of the arm, herbal oils of Seethodaka, Pinda, Narayana and herbal paste of Katakala were applied. Subsequently, up to 6 months, motor, sensory function assessment and quality of life assessment with quality of life of the international osteoporosis foundation (QLIOF) were done following Ayurveda treatment. Initial power of wrist and ngers was grade 1 and at the end of 6-month it improved to grade 5. The difference in the QLIOF scores was analyzed using Wilcoxon signed rank test. There was a signicant (p<0.05) difference between the pre-treatment (14) and post-treatment (59) QLIOF scores. The evidence of AP and L views of the X-ray showed complete heal of the fracture. A study with a larger population is proposed to assess the efcacy of the given Ayurveda treatment protocol.


The thermotropic liquid-crystalline behavior of the metal complex salts [(C18H37)(CH3)3N]2[MCl4] and [(C18H37)2(CH3)2N]2[MCl4] (M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd) was evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing optical microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, and electronic absorption as well as by Raman spectroscopy. Introduction of divalent metal ions into the cationic amphiphiles was found to result in enhancement of their thermal properties. Although the parent tetraalkylammonium chlorides showed no liquid-crystalline phase (or indistinct transition behavior), the derived tetrachlorometalate salts exhibited a stable liquid-crystalline phase and simple phase transition behavior. For instance, the tetrachlorocobaltate salt, [(C18H37)2(CH3)2N]2[CoCl4], showed a smectic A (SA) phase in an extremely wide temperature range from 45 to 155 °C on heating. In the SA phase, the complexes were confirmed to form a layered self-assembly that is built up from alternating layers of tetrahedral [MCl4]2- ions and flexible...


The presence of obstacles between a mobile user and the serving access point might determine frequent link blockages that could be expensive in terms of signaling caused by handovers and antenna beamforming, especially in the perspective of millimeter wave communications. In this paper, an analytical framework to characterize the statistics of the link lifetime of a moving user in the presence of random obstacles with different sizes is derived for two different mobility models. Using statistical geometry arguments, closed-forms of the cumulative distribution function and the average link lifetime are obtained as a function of the distance, user's speed and direction, obstacles' density and size. The analytical framework is validated through simulations and allows to get insights on the impact of system parameters on the link lifetime.


Sixty sorghum hybrids along with sixteen parents were studied in summer for genotypic correlation and path analyses. Grain yield exhibited a strong positive association with seedling vigour and 100 grain weight but a weak positive association with panicle length at genotypic level. The path analysis revealed that maximum direct effect on grain yield was exerted by panicle length followed by seedling vigour, 100 grain weight, number of leaves per plant and L/B ratio.


Director of External Relations, Sanergy Sheila Kibuthu, Communications Manager, Sanergy UNLOCKING THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY POTENTIAL TO TACKLE THE SANITATION CHALLENGE Most of the African countries are far from reaching the Sustainable Development Goal 6.2 aiming at achieving access to proper sanitation for all by 2030. Diseases related to poor sanitation, such as diarrhoea, cause thousands of preventable deaths, hamper productivity, education, and economic growth.


Quantitative studies of conflict analyze either civil or interstate war. However, the reason for this division is unexplored. In this article, we examine whether the segregation of analyses by conflict "type" is appropriate. While there may be observable differences between civil and interstate wars, theories of conflict focus on phenomena—such as information asymmetries, commitment problems, and issue divisibility—that should explain both conflicts within and between states. In analyses of conflict onset, duration, and outcome combining civil and interstate wars, we find most variables have similar effects on both "types" of war. Our article thus questions whether there is any justification for separate study of war types.


Gibberella circinata[anamorph Fusarium circinatum (= F. subglutinans f.sp. pini)] causes pitch canker and is an important pathogen in South African pine nurseries. The initial outbreak of the pitch canker fungus was limited to a single nursery at Ngodwana in Mpumalanga Province. Subsequently, several other pine nurseries in South Africa became infected. Most of these outbreaks were relatively small except for the outbreak in the Klipkraal nursery (Mpumalanga Province). The genetic diversity, population differentiation and relative frequencies of the sexual and asexual cycles among two South African subpopulations were determined to establish whether immigration, mutation and/or recombination contributed towards population structure. The allelic diversity of the initial population (Ngodwana) was observed to be lower (0·16) than that of the more recent Klipkraal population (0·25). Approximately 4% (GST = 0·04) of total gene diversity could be attributed to differences among the subpopulations. Furthermore, six new vegetative compatibility groups (VCGs) have been identified since the initial outbreak of G. circinata in South Africa 10 years ago. The relatively low allelic diversity and low level of genetic differentiation suggest restricted gene flow among subpopulations, and indicate that the pathogen has been introduced recently. However, the amount of allelic and VCG diversity suggests that multiple genotypes have been introduced into South Africa. The increases in effective population number, allelic diversity and new VCGs over the past 10 years suggest that sexual reproduction might be occurring.


Cutaneous metastases from internal malignancies are very common. This report describes an extremely rare case of cutaneous metastases from esophageal carcinoma. This is a case of an uncommon cutaneous metastases from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagus in a 62-yearold female. This report emphasizes the importance that newly appearing skin lesions may be the first presentation of metastasis from esophageal carcinoma. A 62 yr old female admitted with h/o dysphagia to solids since three months. Upper GI endoscopy showed polypoid growth in mid esophagus at 30 cm beyond which scope could not be negotiated. Biopsy was taken and reported as moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. After confirming operability and resectability transhiatal esophagectomy was performed in March 2008. Histopathological report showed moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, extending up to the muscularis layer with lymphovascular metastasis, and nine out of thirteen nodes showed evidence of metastasis, however resection margins were free. Postoperative period was uneventful with no evidence of leak and the patient was able to eat solids. In view of R0 resection and HPE diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma, the patient was not subjected to any form of adjuvant treatment. Patient followed up in August 2008 when she complained of a swelling on the left side of the chest wall. On examination, a 2 cm x 1 cm hard, nontender nodule, with no increase in local temperature, fixed to the skin but not to chest wall or ribs was palpated. There was no evidence of ulceration or discharge from the nodule. FNAC of the nodule was reported as metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. In September 2008, PET CT scan revealed active mediastinal, abdominal and retroperitoneal nodal disease. Bilateral pleural disease and pulmonary nodules in the right lung were also present. The patient was started on palliative chemotherapy with Taxol and Carboplatin. Four cycles were completed in December 2008. As there was no response to this treatment, the patient was then started on chemotherapy with Capecitabine plus Oxaliplatin, which again did not show any response. She was counseled and discharged on supportive treatment. Maheshwari G, et al. OMJ. 25, 51-52 (2010); doi:10.5001/omj.2010.14 Brief Communication


During their development, power systems become more and more interconnected and heavily loaded. With the increasing size and complexity of systems and as the result of the liberalization of the electrical markets, needs for innovative applications and technical improvements of the grids will further increase. HVDC plays an important role for these tasks. Commercial applications of HVDC started in the 1950ies. In the meantime, HVDC became a reliable and economically important alternative for AC transmission, offering advantages in the operation of power systems in addition to the power transfer. The paper discusses expected present and future HVDC applications. Integration of HVDC into AC systems will be used more frequently as it can simplify the system configuration, control load flow and, at the same time, it improves the dynamic system performance and increases the system reliability. For the interconnection of large power systems HVDC offers technical and economical advantages, especially if the interconnection is weak. The connection of remote power stations to the system, e.g. off-shore wind generation, can be effectively put into practice by means of HVDC. Advantages of these applications will be discussed and demonstrated by implemented projects.


« Affluent Africa » and French Enterprises
How can one refer to an « affluent Africa » in the present context of a multiplication of conflicts and the humanitarian disasters known to the continent? The cultural geographical diversity of African countries give the continent numerous images of which two may be extracted: Northern Africa, which is already a partner, and Sub-Saharan Africa, which will become one. International investors, French particularly, do not consider Africa a priority as they orient their investments towards a certain political stability. Therefore, the development of Africa appears possible only through a genuine partnership between the public and private spheres, as was the case in many Asian countries, a partnership that is the main objective of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).


Guidelines recommend intensive low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering in high cardiovascular (CV) risk patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), stroke and critical limb ischemia (CLI).

 We evaluated LDL-C goal attainment and lipid-lowering treatment (LLT) in a Chinese population with ACS, stroke and CLI patients.

 We retrospectively evaluated consecutive high CV risk patients discharged between 2013 and 2017 from 3 hospitals in Hong Kong. Lipid profile and LLT were compared among 3 patient groups: ACS, Stroke and CLI.

 Of 10,168 high-CV risk patients (mean age 70.6±13.7 years; 62.4% male), 64.0% were ACS, 33.6% stroke and 2.5% CLI. Between baseline and 12-month, mean LDL-C reduced from 2.7±1.1 to 2.0±0.8 mmol/L in ACS patients, 2.7±1.0 to 2.0±0.7 mmol/L in stroke patients and 2.5±1.0 to 2.2±0.9 mmol/L in CLI patients (p<0.01). Proportion of CLI patients (29.9%) who achieved target LDL-C <1.8mmol/L at month 12 was significantly lower than stroke (45.6%) and ACS (48.2%) patients (p<0.01). The mean residual distance to target LDL-C was greatest in CLI (0.8±0.8 mmol/L) compared to stroke (0.6±0.6 mmol/L) and ACS (0.7±0.7 mmol/L) patients (p<0.01). Use of statin therapy on discharge was highest in ACS (88.4%) compared to stroke (78.3%) and CLI (52.6%) patients (p<0.01). But use of high-potency statin (rosuvastatin ≥20mg, atorvastatin ≥40mg or simvastatin ≥80mg) on discharge was very low in stroke (3.0%) and CLI (2.0%) compared to ACS (21.4%, p<0.01) patients. At 12 months 28.8% ACS, 34.3% stroke and 51.4% CLI patients were on no LLT (p<0.01) and the use of high-potency statin did not change significantly (3.0% in stroke, p=0.99; and 1.2% in CLI, p=0.48). Despite the poor achievement in LDL-C target in CLI patients, the proportion of CLI patients switching to high-potency statin (0.8%) was significantly lower than stroke (1.3%) and ACS (5.2%) patients (p<0.01).

 This study demonstrated significant therapeutic gaps in lipid-lowering management in high CV risk patients. In particular, CLI patients were less aggressively treated with LLT and hence larger proportion of patient not achieving LDL-C target compared to ACS and stroke patients.


Background:
 QT dispersion measurement is a potential risk stratification tool but is a conflict in the literature on how PCI and other procedures affect it. We aimed to compare PCI with other procedures like Streptokinase, PCI plus thrombectomy, and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) on QT interval.

 Methods:
 We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between PCI and QTd through a literature search in three electronic databases, Science Direct, PubMed, and Google Scholar, for empirical studies published in English. Random effects model was used.

 Results:
 Eleven studies were found in total. We found significant differences in QTc between pre and post PCI and a significant reduction in QTc across all the studies (SMD 2.57, 95% CI 1.22 to 3.92; p<0.05). Five studies compared the efficacy of PCI and control (other procedures) in reducing QTd after 24 hours of treatment procedures. The mean change from baseline in QTd is more significant in the PCI group (post-PCI) compared to the control group, although there is no statistically significant difference between the two groups (SMD -0.30, 95% CI -1.25 to 0.65; I2 = 96%). A significant reduction in QTd corresponding to a statistically significant difference between QTd prior and post-PCI intervention for QTd at 2hrs, 24hrs, and 2-7 days, was found. The estimated overall effect measure reveals statistical significance (SMD 1.18, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.65; P < 0.05).

 Conclusion:
 QTd difference was significant post-PCI. Future studies on evaluating it as a predictor to various outcomes could illustrate it's benefit in clinical practise.


The flow being formed for a submarine-launched missile vertically exited from water,is a two phases flow with free surface.Based on VOF method,we establish the mathematic model on the submarine-launched missile vertically exited from water,and a arithmetic to reconstruct free surface.The program based on the arithmetic is convenient.It can treat with the problem with strong nonlinear phenomenon.The results show that the mathematic model and the numerical method are rational and effective and can converge stably.It has sufficient accuracy being used in projects.