Housing can be inferred as an industry with activities that provide buildings and structures with the aim to fulfill the human needs for shelter, protection from any dangers and as a rest place after daily activities. The demand for housing keeps increasing in consistence with the rising number of global population as people seek for betterment of life in the modern civilization. The Malaysian housing industry experiences similar circumstances. However, Malaysian government has stressed that the provision of housing should be developed in a sustainable manner. In order to encourage sustainable practice in the housing industry, the government has urged the housing developers to develop green homes by introducing incentives in relation to green technology development as well as become a leader in green building design. Nevertheless, most of the housing developers are still reluctant to develop green homes. This study aims to identify factors that influence readiness of housing developers to develop green homes. A questionnaire-based survey was carried out within 395 housing developer firms and 249 questionnaires were duly returned. Statistical analyses such as descriptive analysis, exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis were utilized to analyze the data. This study found that there are three significant factors influencing Malaysian housing developers' readiness to develop green homes that comprise of government supports, external expertise supports and housing market readiness. This implies that government's role, the availability of local green technology expertise and marketing research on housing market will facilitate the housing developers to develop green homes in Malaysia.


In this paper we roughly quantify the degree of risk aversion induced by three rationales for corporate risk management: the cost of financial distress, costly external finance, and the principal-agent relationship between shareholders and management. In so doing, we provide a foundation for the use of corporate utility functions. However, we are unable to fully support the degree of risk aversion reported in the decision analysis literature. Specifically, financial distress and costly external finance appear to induce relatively little risk aversion, while principal-agent concerns lend only partial support to published corporate risk tolerance guidelines.


This study investigates the 3 rd year and 4 th year pre-service teachers" evaluations of the practices in teaching English to young learners in terms of 21 st century teacher qualifications. Employing a mixed methods design, this study includes the qualitative data that come from semi-structured interviewed questions administered to pre-service teachers in five different English Language Teaching programmes. The quantitative data come from the content analysis of the course "Teaching English to Young Learners" syllabi in these universities. The findings indicate that pre-service teachers have individual learning needs mainly on organizational skills, the use of technology, and characteristics of young learners. The current syllabi for the course are found to be ineffective in preparing pre-service teachers for 21 st century teacher qualifications. This study also discusses pre-service teachers" readiness levels as a 21 st century teacher to teach young learners English. Suggestions are made for the course content and to promote 21 st century teacher qualifications at pre-service level. © 2017 JLLS and the Authors Published by JLLS.


The effects of contracting and lottery procedures on exercise attendance and improvements in fitness were assessed using 37 female college students assigned to five groups. Three of the groups utilized contract procedures, one a lottery, and the fifth was a no-treatment control group. Subjects in two of the contracting groups ran over twice as much distance as subjects in the other three groups, providing an assessment of the effects of increased training on the measure of fitness (the 12-minute test). Results showed that all contracting groups and the lottery group attended the exercise sessions significantly more than did the control group.


During wireless charging, the transmission distance of electric vehicles varies, resulting in different levels of electromagnetic field leakage. An improved active shielding technology, the double-coil dynamic shielding technology, is proposed in this paper for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems with different transmission distances. Modeling, simulation, and experiments are performed for the WPT system with a double-coil dynamic shielding scheme and compared with other cases. The results show that the proposed double-coil dynamic shielding scheme is able to shield approximately 70% of the electromagnetic field leakage for WPT systems at different transmission distances. In addition, it essentially causes no degradation in transmission efficiency (only 3.1%). The effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed scheme are verified.


Europe: energy and strategy. Different routes to a single target. Research purpose and structure of the analysis. Literature review on ownership unbundling. Open issues: trade-offs; energy mix. The position of the European commission: the 3th package. Proposal for ownership unbundling in the electricity sector. Scope and limits of the analysis. Transmission system operation in Europe. Electricity transmission and the role of TSOs. Governance models. Benchmarking analysis. Assessment of empirical evidence. Methods and hypotheses chosen. Results and assessment of the results. The debate in the European Union.


The adsorption equilibrium constants for naphthalene on alumina have been measured in the presence of subscritical and supercritical carbon dioxide by the dynamic tracer response technique. The equilibrium constants decrease with increases in density, and the isochroic temperature dependency is very small at supercritical conditions. Through chromatography theory, an expression has been developed for the density dependency of the capacity factor, a quantity related to the adsorption equilibrium constant by the porosity and density of the particle and the porosity of the bed, in terms of the partial molar volume of the solute at infinite dilution in the fluid phase. The partial molar volumes extracted from the data agree well with the published data. Investigation of the dynamics of the bed shows that a model, including axial dispersion and effective diffusion into the pores, successfully represents the data. The effective diffusivities and the axial dispersion coefficients were also extracted from the second central moments of the response curves at each condition.


This paper is a continuation of a series of publications related to laboratory assessment of the performance of carbon dioxide corrosion inhibitors for oilfield pipelines in the West Siberian region. The test results obtained in U-shaped glass cells are considered. The effects of temperature, carbon dioxide content, test duration, specimen surface condition, presence and volume of a hydrocarbon phase, and inhibitor concentration on the corrosion kinetics and protective properties of a wide range of industrial inhibitors are analyzed. Recommendations are given on specific inhibitor test conditions to be used for assessment of inhibitor suitability for the protection of water pipelines and oil pipelines with low watercut.


Nanoparticles, especially coated or supported magnetic metal part, have emerged as a new class of nanocatalyst. Simple separation of them using an external magnetic field without any filtration is one of the main features for using this type of catalyst. These catalysts showed both high catalytic activity and high degree of chemical stability in various organic solvents.Multi-component reaction (MCRs) has offered many fascinating and challenging transformation in organic synthesis. The atom-economy, convergent character, operational simplicity, structural diversity, and complexity of the molecules are the major advantages associated with multi-component reactions. Besides this multi-component reactions are emerging as a powerful tool in the synthesis of biologically important compounds.Among the heterocycles, functionally substituted 4H-chromenes have received considerable attention in the field of medicinal chemistry because of their wide range of useful biological properties, which include spasmolytic, diuretic, anticoagulant and anticancer activity. Because of their importance, the methods for their synthesis have become a focus of synthetic organic chemist.In continuation of our interest in the application of nanocatalysts in organic synthesis, cellulose -supported metal nanocomposite used as a catalyst for the one-pot and three component synthesis of different 2-amino-4H-chromene derivatives in good to excellent yield under mild conditions. A good correlation between the amount of surface acid sites as well as the surface morphology of the catalysts and the catalytic activity has been observed. This method has been found to be simple and economical, because the solid support could be recycled and reused without significant loss of its catalytic activity.


Terrestrial invasive invertebrates can rapidly colonize new areas, causing detrimental effects on biodiversity, economy, and lifestyle. Targeted environmental DNA (eDNA) methods could constitute an early detection tool given their sensitivity to small numbers of individuals. We hypothesized that terrestrial runoff would transport eDNA from the land into adjacent water bodies and used the invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes) as a model species to test this hypothesis. We collected water samples from four waterbodies adjacent to infestations following rainfall events for eDNA analysis. We also collected soil samples from areas of known infestations and tested five eDNA extraction methods to determine their efficiency to extract eDNA from soil. Water samples resulted in positive yellow crazy ant eDNA amplification (20–100% field replicates across all sites), even at one site located 300 m away from where ants had been detected visually. Soil samples resulted in a high percentage of false negatives when sampled from ant transit areas than from nest entrances. Unpurified DNA extracts from soil also resulted in false negative detections, and only after applying a purification step of DNA extracts, we detected yellow crazy ant eDNA in 40–100% of field replicates across all methods and sites. This is the first study to empirically show that eDNA from a terrestrial invertebrate can be successfully isolated and amplified from adjacent or downstream waterbodies. Our results indicate that eDNA has the potential to be a useful method for detecting terrestrial invertebrates from soil and water.


Research on ecosystem-based fisheries management, marine biodiversity conservation, and other fields requires appropriate maps of the major natural regions of the oceans, and their ecosystems. It is proposed here that a classification system proposed by T. Platt and S. Sathyendranath and implemented by A.R. Longhurst, defined largely by physical parameters, and which subdivides the oceans into four 'biomes' and 57 'biogeochemical provinces' (BGCPs), could be merged with the system of 50 Large Marine Ecosystems (LMEs) identified by K. Sherman and colleagues, which would represent subunits of the BGCPs. This arrangement enhances each of the systems, and renders them mutually compatible. For the LMES' subprovinces are pragmatically defined to serve as a framework for the management of coastal fisheries, and other purposes, while the BGCPs have rigorous physical definitions, including borders defined by natural features. Moreover, incorporating the 50 defined LMEs into the framework of BGCPs will allow straightforward scaling-up of LME-specific flow estimates (including fisheries catch~s) up to basin and ocean scales. The combined mapping will allow the computation of GISderived properties such as temperature, primary production, etc., and their analysis in relation to fishery catch data for any study area. A further useful aspect of the proposed scheme is that it will enable us to quantify the EEZ of various countries in term of the distribution of marine features (e.g. primary production, coral reef areas) so far not straightforwardly associated with different coastal states. Applications to shelf, coral reef and oceanic fisheries, and to the mapping of marine biodiversity are briefly discussed.


By the determination of Copper in white granulated sugar according to the method in National Standard Determination of copper in food GB/T 5009.13-2003,the influence factors of uncertainty were found,and the mathematical model was established to calculate the component uncertainty.The combined standard uncertainty and the expanded uncertainty of the method were given eventually.


This volume began when Larry Davis called Kretzschmar in August 1988 with the suggestion that a conference on computer methods be held in Athens. The idea was a good one, both because there is a need to share experience about computer methods-we do not all want to reinvent the wheel, though some of us want to reconsider its principles-and because computer methods are the key to modern dialectology. It is not controversial to say that the development of dialect studies, whether geographical or sociolinguistic, has always been hampered by a superfluity of data: Wenker's pioneering project and the American Atlas projects, by way of example, have been much delayed in publication of data and findings because of the sheer mass of information gathered. Even smaller surveys have had to settle for selective analysis of their data because the wealth of possibilities for analysis overran the editors' time and the human capacity for holding in mind only so much information at once. Computers can help to overcome these problems: they


Abstract The synthesis of biosourced copolyethersulfones by polycondensation of 1,4:3,6-dianhydrohexitol monomers and bisphenol A is reported. Structures and properties of these copolymers were investigated in each case. In the first part, the impact of the position of the two hydroxyl groups of isosorbide, isomannide, and isoidide is discussed. In the second part, we focused on improving the cost/thermal properties balance by introducing controlled proportions of bisphenol A as comonomer. The addition of bisphenol A serves two purposes. The first one is to maintain good thermal and mechanical properties of resulting copolymers. The second reason is to insure low-cost route to copolyethersulfones for a potential use in industrial applications. All the products have been fully characterized by NMR spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF spectrometry, and viscosimetry. The thermal properties were studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).


In a companion ACC '06 paper we present a boundary control law, designed using the backstepping method, that stabilizes the 3D Navier-Stokes system linearized around the much studied Poiseuille flow profile. This control law employs three controllers that actuate solely along one boundary. The controller that acts in the wall normal direction prepares the system for the backstepping method, while the other two controllers, which act in the streamwise and spanwise direction, are designed using backstepping to stabilize the system. They do so by decoupling the normal vorticity from the normal velocity and then stabilizing the normal velocity. Instead of solving Ricatti equations to find the kernels for the controller gain, the kernels are found by solving certain linear hyperbolic pdes offline. We study the pdes derived in the companion paper that define the gain kernels. We focus first on the specific case of perturbations with no streamwise dependence. This is equivalent to setting the streamwise wavenumber to zero. We derive explicit solutions to the gain kernels for this important case where transient growth is the largest. In addition, we solve a series of related pdes in order to find an approximate solution to the gain kernel pdes when the streamwise and spanwise wavenumbers are small


Calculations are presented for muon-neutrinos arising from charged pion decay in flight, and for possible (beyond-the-standard-model) neutrinos from pi-zero decay in flight. In-flight decays are calculated for both the ISIS spallation target and the {LSR muon production target, with the neutrino fluxes evaluated at the center of the KARMEN detector. The calculated intensity of the (real) v1t-beam from 7r+ decay is low, about 1.5 % of the decay-at-rest flux, so even though cross sections ( e.g., neutral current excitation of C) are larger due to higher neutrino energies, the additional rate represents an increase of only a few per cent. The calculated intensity and energy srectrum of v's from ?r decay will be needed for a search for the decay 1r --+ v v. * e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Neutrinoflüsse bei KARMEN aus Pionzerfällen im Fluge


The utility model relates to a feeding device of a thread rolling machine, in particular to a material conveying device mounted on the thread rolling machine, which comprises a charging box and a rotating plate, wherein a feeding groove is mounted at the front part of the charging box, a rotating wheel with reverse saw teeth is mounted at the upper end of a discharge hole, flat shaped push rods are mounted between the rotating wheel and the feeding groove as well as the left and right parts of the feeding groove respectively, and the left and right flat-shaped push rods can move back and forthalong the feeding groove under the pushing force of a push rod power device. A knockout bar is mounted on the side surface of the charging box, one end of the knockout bar extends above the feeding groove, the other end is hinged to one side of the charging box, and the knockout bar oscillates above the feeding groove through a knockout bar power device. The push rods can push away the workpiecespiled between the feeding groove and the rotating wheel without entering the feeding groove, thereby ensuring the smooth flowing of the workpieces in the feeding groove. The oscillation of the knockout bar prevents the jamming of the workpieces. The utility model enables the feeding of the thread rolling machine to be smoother and effectively improves the working efficiency of the thread rollingmachine.


In modern vehicles, the integrated starter-alternator (ISA) is an electrical machine that has to crank up the internal combustion engine, and to generate electric power during normal driving. Therefore, the ISA has to exhibit high torque and a wide constant-power speed range. This paper reports some design criteria, analysis and test results of an ISA that has been developed using a fractional-slot interior permanent magnet motor.


This paper presents the concept of distributed IT application in the context of knowledge society. Security requirements for data processing using very large databases are defined. Ways to optimize security for such applications are examined. Metrics for performance evaluation of security systems incorporated into distributed informatics applications are defined. The measurements are performed for the application analysis of structured text entities orthogonality.


Korean Ginseng, a medicinal herb, naturally exists in only three regions: Korea, Manchuria, and the Littoral province of Siberia. The Korean peninsula is the best place to grow ginseng, because ginseng has stringent requirements for the plant's growth, and Korea has the ideal temperature zone, plenty of rain in the summer, proper coldness in the winter, etc. The value of Korean Ginseng has been known in the world since the 4th century B. C. Books written in this era documented ginseng as emergent medicine and tonic for long-life. Ginseng was first mentioned as a tonic as early as 48-33 B. C. in Interpretation of Creatures written by You Shi of ancient China. Moreover, Shen Nung PenTs'ao-ching, the worlds oldest extant Chinese medicinal book, described the quality and production area of ginseng, medicinal effects of ginseng, and showed that high quality ginseng mainly came from the Korean kingdom of Kokuryo. Russian botanist C. A. Meyer named it panax ginseng in 1843. The genus name, panax means cure all in Greek (pan meaning all, Axos meaning heal), therefore, true ginseng means Korean ginseng. Korean Ginseng has a root system which includes the rhizome head, main root, and lateral roots from which numerous fine roots and root hairs develop.


Sensory regulation, the ability to select and process sensory information to plan and perform appropriate behaviours, provides a foundation for learning. From early in development, infants manifest differences in the strategies used for sensory regulation. Here, we discuss the nature and characteristics of sensory seeking, a key behavioural strategy for sensory regulation often described as atypical in children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders. We evaluate theoretical models proposed to clarify mechanisms underlying individual differences in sensory seeking and discuss evidence for/against each of these models. We conclude by arguing that the information prioritization hypothesis holds the greatest promise to illuminate the nature of individual differences in sensory seeking across participant cohorts. This proposal aligns to molecular genetic animal and human evidence, provides a coherent explanation for developmental findings and generates testable hypotheses for future research.


An excellent switch fabric is an important component of any high speed IP switching router, for it determines the throughput and switch capacity of the whole system. We first introduce the hardware design of the switch fabric in our core router, then describe in detail the implementation of the switch board, the high-speed serial back-plane, and the IP packet queuing and scheduling module. We present performance measurement results.


MOOC (Massive Open Online Course)has grown dramatically since "the Year of MOOC",MOOCs are likely to become part of higher education in the near future. There are a number of challenges that libraries will face as MOOCs take off. Discussions with the faculties are fundamental to the successful development of a MOOC, to ensure that those factors usually seen as the remit of the library service to lead on, such as MOOC production, copyright, licensing, digital, physical and virtual spaces, and information literacy are taken into consideration.


E-learning lecture system is a lecture system that has been the talk of the world for several years. With regard to this e-learning process, there will still be teaching materials that are made. Teaching materials in the form of material for one semester published through e-learning media. Each teaching material needs to go through the validation process. So far, teaching materials created by lecturers only to support the lecture process, not many lecturers who validate the teaching materials given to students. The importance of validation of teaching materials is necessary to see the suitability of teaching materials to business / industry needs, so that the teaching materials are appropriate and suitable for use in learning. Therefore, the research is conducted to determine the validity of this resource. The formulation of the problem in this research is how the validity of basic chemistry textbook content for e-learning lecture system in FKIP UMMY Solok? To answer the problem formulation used R & D research method using 4D development model. The content validation of Textbook is done by expert consideration method and for data analysis of expert consideration result, used CVR index developed by Lawshe. Validation of this textbook aims to see the suitability of the content or substance of teaching materials. Triangulation results of expert consideration data obtained information that the validity of Basic Chemistry Basic textbook relevant / viable in terms of content and can be used for e-learning lecture system.


A mathematical model of a steady circulating motion of fluid in a pre-screen zone of the committed well is constructed. Its screen is parted not only by horizontal partitions but also by vertical packers into a series of blowing and sucking quadrants. The proposed mathematical model allows to determine pressure and speed of fluid during circulation in any point of pre-screen well zone with constant and changed permeability. Theoretical and experimental investigations of circulating fluid motion with various permeability of pre-screen well zone are given in the paper. As a result of it, it has been ascertained that pressure on quadrant boundaries is equal to zero and an angular component of a velocity vector reaches a maximum value. A radial component of the velocity vector reaches its maximum value in the centre of a quadrant. Good convergence of the results of mathematical and physical simulation testifies about the possibility to use mathematical model for determination of design parameters of a circulating regeneration quadrant device.


Clinical Radiology 74 (2019) e1ee19 e9 Results: X-rays reduced by 24% with the new scaphoid pathway (n1⁄4121 vs 92), while CT decreased by 16.7%. MRI usage went from 0 to 45 scans in the three-month period. Mean time to MRI was 3.1 days, with an average time to diagnosis of 5.8 days. Clinic appointments decreased by 39.2% (n1⁄479 versus 48) following the pathway change. Staff and patient feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Conclusion: An early MRI pathway for XR negative scaphoid injuries is feasible in the ED. Achieving earlier, more accurate diagnoses has decreased time-in-cast for fracture negative injuries, improved patient satisfaction and reduced both inappropriate imaging and unnecessary clinic appointments. Further work is planned to expand the pathway to patients who present outside ED. A taste of our medicine: establishing a trainee-led taster week programme for junior doctors Authors: Mark Phillips, Helena Boryslawskyj, Aarushi Gangahar, David Jarosz, Matthew Sarvesvaran, David Stockell Category: Service delivery. Purpose: The RCR encourages all training programmes to establish some form of taster programme to promote clinical radiology careers, particularly to foundation doctors and medical students. The Leeds/Bradford radiology academy is a large training scheme inWest Yorkshire, withmany junior doctors requesting tasters to gain exposure to clinical radiology. Therefore trainees from the academy established a programme to provide a single point of contact and to organise such experiences. Methods and materials: Since the establishment of the programme in November 2016 feedback has been gathered from the participants. There were 53 participants in total. We also surveyed participants to determine their subsequent career path. Results: 39 participants provided feedback. This was overwhelming positive. Statements were rated on a scale of 1e5. The average ratings for the statements 'I found it easy to contact someone to set up my taster' and 'the sessions were suited to my expectations' were 4.9 and 4.85 respectively. The average score for the overall experience was 4.95. 24 participants responded to the survey into subsequent career path. 83% said the experience made themmore likely to pursue a career in radiology. 86% applied or were planning to apply for a radiology post. The supervising consultants preferred the new system and had no negative experiences. Conclusion: Setting up a trainee-led taster day programme allowed a large number of juniors to come through the department in an organised manner, with resultant positive feedback. It resulted in most participants becomingmore likely to pursue a career in radiology. Wewould encourage all other large training scheme to consider a similar programme. All hands-on deck? The BSGAR survey Authors: James Andrew Stephenson, Hamza Elgendy, Andrew Lowe, Stuart Ashely Roberts Category: Service delivery. Purpose: Departments across the country are stretched beyond capacity. The RCR workforce census shows a bleak picture, consultant posts are unfilled, with 98% of trusts unable to meet reporting demand, thus teamworking is vital. In 2017, there was heated debate in the corridors of power and on social media, with polarised opinions related to advanced radiographic practitioners (ARP) and sonographers (SG). In response, we questioned members of British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology (BSGAR) about current departmental practises in relation to ARP and SG. Methods and materials: An online survey with 39 multiple choice questions was sent to BSGAR members for completion. Results: Return rate was 43%. ARP report w 50% of X-rays in most departments, only 12% of departments have abdominal X-rays (AXR) reported by ARP. 50% of respondents felt error rate of ARP was equal to radiologists, only 14% thought it was higher. 45% of departments mandated ARP participation in learning from errors (LFE) meetings. 82% stated departments could not cope without ARP XR reporting. SG perform >50% of ultrasound (US) in 65% of departments,>75% in 21%, only 33%mandated participation in LFE meetings. 32% felt the error rate of SG was higher than radiologists. Fluoroscopy is performed by ARP in 76%, most having report checking or a radiologist reporting the study. Only 6% had ARP computed tomography colon (CTC) reporting and 2% CT reporting. 95% felt radiologists should be involved in advising on training and accreditation of ARP, with 76% thinking practise should be more stringently regulated. Conclusion: ARP and SG are vital members of radiology departments and are perceived to perform at a high level of competence. However BSGAR members feel very few attend LFE meetings and BSGAR members suggest ARP and SG practice needs more stringent regulation, which should have radiologist involvement. The use of short codes in radiological reports when diagnosing venous thromboembolism (VTE) as a safety net Authors: Maria Sukhanenko, Brook Adams, Shishir Karthik Category: Service delivery. Purpose: Patients suspected of having VTE undergo either tomputerised tomography pulmonary angiogram (CTPA) and/or sonovenogram (US). A positive study for VTE receives a specific short code (SSC) for increased safety and audit purposes. The aim of this audit is to identify if all VTE positive examinations received an SCCe the target being 100% compliance to the trust's standard. The standard being assessed against is that all positive VTE examinations are allocated an SCC. The SCC is: 'New PE is confirmed', 'New DVT is confirmed'. Methods and materials: All positive CTPAs and ultrasounds (Uss) performed during a three-month period in 2017 and subsequently in 2018 were identified from the radiology informatics system. Non-diagnostic and follow-up scans were excluded. Reports were individually analysed for the use of an SSC. First and second round interventions involved continued staff education, development of IT systems enabling easier insertion of an SCC and considered proforma/boilerplate text implementation respectively. Results: In the first round, 522 CTPAs were performed and 66% of the VTE positive examinations contained SSC. The total number of US studies was 551 and SSC was used in 29% of positive examinations. On re-audit, 843 CTPAs were performed and there was no change to the use of SSC. There were 1,237 US scans done and SSC was used in 73% of positive reports. Conclusion: Despite the increase in the number of examinations, incidence rate for VTE remained the same. With educational input there was a significant improvement in the use of SCC amongst USs, while Results remained the same for CTPAs, despite interventions. Developing patient-specific carotid artery ultrasound imaging phantoms for clinical training using 3D printing Authors: Inshal Imtiaz, Nazia Malik, Wenfeng Xia, Efthymios Maneas, Adrien Desjardins Category: Ultrasound. Purpose: Ultrasound imaging is regularly used for the assessment of carotid artery stenosis, however, few avenues of practice exist outside the clinical environment and on actual patients. Our aim was to create a costeffective phantom for use by radiology trainees in order to practice imaging before beginning on patients. To improve this, we created a carotid artery ultrasound imaging phantom, using PVA as the tissue mimicking material. Methods and materials: PVA was prepared at 20 w/w% concentration with deionised water in a conical flask placed in awater bath (temperature set at 95 C) and was continuously stirred for two hours. MRA scan of a patient was used to segment the carotid artery and create a 3D printed mould. PVA mixture was poured into the mould and it underwent freeze thaw cycles. Gel wax and glass spheres were utilised to embed the PVA carotid artery. Abstract / Clinical Radiology 74 (2019) e1ee19 e10 Clinical Radiology 74 (2019) e1ee19 e10 Results: The speed of sound of 5 F-T PVA (1557 ms-1) is 1 is very close to that of tissue (1540ms-1). Wewere able to produce patient-specific model with a percentage error of 0.8% and 0.7% between the patient's MRA scan and ultrasound image of phantom. Thus, giving us a reliable and accurate imaging phantom to train on. Conclusion: This project has produced the first patient-specific phantom for the carotid artery that can be used for clinical training. The first study was conducted on how acoustic attenuation can be tuned with each F-T cycles on awide range of frequencies. Embedding the PVA carotid artery in gel wax is a novel concept, preventing PVA from dehydrating. Addition of glass spheres gave a realistic sonographic look of tissue. The cost of the phantom is approximately £10, so we have created a cost-effective clinical training tool. So I've had my renal biopsy, what happens now? Authors: Sau Lee Chang, David Kay, Olivia Mansfield, Simon Sheridan Category: Uroradiology. Purpose: Traditionally, the management of renal cancers has been largely surgical with the radiologist confined to a purely diagnostic role. Increasingly, however, a variety of treatment options are available for renal masses with the radiologist having a central therapeutic as well as diagnostic role. Percutaneous image-guided biopsy is performed to histologically characterise lesions to aid therapeutic decision-making. Benign lesions may allow discharge or follow-up, with surgical and non-surgical options for malignant lesions. In this study, we reviewed all renal biopsies performed in our institution in a year and correlated pathology obtained with final treatment. Methods and materials: Retrospective study of all diagnostic computed tomography (CT)-guided biopsy in a general hospital over one-year period and subsequent management. Results: Of 74 diagnostic renal biopsies, 61 lesions (82%)were malignant, most commonly clear cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC). 13 samples were benign. Based on accurate histological results, up to eight different management plans were offered taking into consideration disease stage, patient f


Significance Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) immunity relies on adaptive acquisition of spacers from foreign DNA into prokaryotes genomes. Efficient "primed" acquisition leads to selective intake of extra spacers from DNA molecules recognized by Cas proteins complexed with CRISPR RNAs partially matching foreign DNA. In contrast, fully matching targets are destroyed without new spacer acquisition. We show that when the rate of degradation of DNA with fully and partially matching targets is made equal, fully matching protospacers stimulate primed adaptation much more efficiently than partially matching ones. Thus, different outcomes of CRISPR-Cas response to two kinds of targets are caused by much more rapid destruction of fully matching targets rather than by structural differences in complexes formed on fully and partially matching targets. Prokaryotic clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-CRISPR associated (Cas) immunity relies on adaptive acquisition of spacers—short fragments of foreign DNA. For the type I-E CRISPR-Cas system from Escherichia coli, efficient "primed" adaptation requires Cas effector proteins and a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) whose spacer partially matches a segment (protospacer) in target DNA. Primed adaptation leads to selective acquisition of additional spacers from DNA molecules recognized by the effector–crRNA complex. When the crRNA spacer fully matches a protospacer, CRISPR interference—that is, target destruction without acquisition of additional spacers—is observed. We show here that when the rate of degradation of DNA with fully and partially matching crRNA targets is made equal, fully matching protospacers stimulate primed adaptation much more efficiently than partially matching ones. The result indicates that different functional outcomes of CRISPR-Cas response to two kinds of protospacers are not caused by different structures formed by the effector–crRNA complex but are due to the more rapid destruction of targets with fully matching protospacers.


Baculovirus transfection strategies have proven successful at transferring foreign DNA into hepatoma cells and primary hepatocytes. When testing the utility of these methodologies in cultured hepatocytes, we discovered that the presence of baculovirus disrupts the phenobarbital (PB) gene induction process, a potent transcriptional activation event characteristic of highly differentiated hepatocytes, and repressed expression of the albumin gene. In concert with previous reports from our laboratory demonstrating that increased cAMP levels can completely repress the induction of specific cytochrome P450 (CYP) genes, cAMP concentrations and PKA activities were measured in the primary hepatocytes subsequent to baculovirus exposure. However, neither parameter was affected by the presence of the virus. To evaluate whether immune response modulation was triggered by baculovirus exposure, RNase protection assays were performed and demonstrated that baculovirus infection activates TNFa, IL-1a and IL-1b expression in the primary hepatocyte cul


OBJECTIVE
Sesamoid displacement (SD) and rotation are important components in the preoperative assessment of hallux valgus (HV). To date, Inter reader reliability (IRR) of SD on X-rays and MRI, correlations with hallux valgus angle (HVA), and qualitative changes of the hallux-sesamoid complex (HSC) on MRI have not been studied. The aim of this study was to correlate sesamoid malalignment with HV severity and findings of internal joint derangement.

METHODS
Two readers analyzed a series of 56 consecutive patients who had X-rays and MRI performed on the same foot within 3 months of each other. Multiple measures of SD on X-rays and MRI and the sesamoid rotation angle (SRA) on MRI were assessed and correlated with HVA and various qualitative features at the HSC including cartilage, plantar plate, and collateral ligament abnormalities.

RESULTS
We found excellent IRR (ICC = 0.79 - 0.99) for SRA on MR, but poor IRR for lateral sesamoid displacement (LDS) and tibial sesamoid position (TSP) scales on both modalities. Good IRR was also seen for morphologic abnormalities of HSC. The absolute value of the SRA on MR positively correlated with HVA ( p < 0.0001). LDS and TSP on both modalities lacked a significant correlation with HVA ( p > 0.05). No correlation was found between any measure of SD or rotation with HSC morphologic changes ( p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION
Among different measures of sesamoid malalignment, sesamoid rotation angle measured on MRI can be used to judge the severity of HV; however, it does not correlate with qualitative morphologic abnormalities of the HSC.

ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE
The MRI measurement of SRA is a better indicator of sesamoid displacement relative to the HSC than standard AP radiographic measures of non-rotational sesamoid displacement; however, it should not be used to predict qualitative morphologic abnormalities of the HSC.


The aim of this study is to evaluate South African stakeholder views of the content of the recently developed postgraduate course in Facilities Management at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. The study was done using a questionnaire survey of a cross-section of professionals registered with the South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA). It covers technical, personal, interpersonal and professional skills as well as the ability to conceive, design, implement and operate business systems. It also highlights the degree of importance of these skills. The findings of this research will enable those designing FM programmes of study to ensure that their curricula are current and relevant to the needs of the relevant stakeholders within their contexts. The paper goes beyond previous research in the built environment in specifying the requisite proficiency levels in terms of the relevant skills and competencies.


1. A method for providing trusted e-mail communication, the method comprising: receiving a message from the organization source of the message to the recipient organization; the organization identify the source message; determining whether the recipient organization supports the extension of attribution of data; and transmitting the message to the recipient organization with an element of attribution associated with the organization of the source message in response to determining that the recipient organization supports the expansion atributsii.2 data. A method according to claim 1, further comprising: establishing a secure communication channel between the source message and the recipient organization, the organization source of the message is a self-organization, and the recipient organization is a multiplayer electronic service provider pochty.3 . The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting data messages attribution associated with the organization of the source messages to the recipient organization transmitted command simple message transfer protocol (SMTP), comprising attribution element organization poluchatelyu.4. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting data messages attribution associated with the organization of the source messages to the recipient organization attribution element added to the message to transmit the message organization poluchatelyu.5. The method of claim 1, wherein determining whether the recipient organization supports the expansion attribution data, it is determined whether the recipient organization announces support extension attribution data in response to an EHLO command transmitted by the simple straight


Aim To study the difference between endothelial-monocyte and endothelial-neutrophil adhesion. Methods Cell adhesion was measured by testing leukocyte myeloperoxidase activity, the cell adhesion was blocked by monoclonal antibodies to ICAM-1, E-selectin and VCAM-1, the expression of adhesion molecules was measured by ELISA. Results TNF-α (100~1 000 ku/L)increased the adhesion of EC to neutrophils or monocytes concentration-dependently. The increased expression of ICAM-1, E-selectin and VCAM-1 was contributed to TNF-α induced upregulation of leukocyte-endothelial adhesion. The neutrophil-endothelial adhesion was peaked at 6 h after TNF-α stimulation of endothelial, while monocyte-endothelial adhesion was peaked at 24 h. The monoclonal antibodies to ICAM-1 and E-selectin significantly inhibited TNF-α induced endothelial-neutrophil adhesion, nevertheless, the antibody to VCAM-1 had no effect on endothelial-neutrophil adhesion. On the other hand, the antibodies to ICAM-1 or VCAM-1 but not the antibody to E-selectin inhibited TNF-α induced endothelial-monocyte adhesion. Conclusion Neutrophil and monocyte showed different characteristics in adhesion to TNF-α induced endothelial cells.


The quantum-cascade lasers (QCL), first demonstrated in 1994, has since been developed into a mature laser emitting within nearly the entire spectrum from 2.6 to 250 μm, particular within the mid-infrared part of the spectrum from 3 to 12 μm for applications in gas sensing for security, environmental and medical uses, as well as for defense-related IR countermeasures. The QCL heterostructure is generally based on the InGaAs/InAlAs system lattice-matched to InP or on its strain-compensated extension to maximize the conduction band discontinuity between well and barrier material. A refinement is the use of mixed-height barriers to engineer the interface scattering of the different levels involved in the lasing process. This design strategy appears to be universally applicable, across the entire range of QCL emission wavelengths. By using low barriers where the upper laser state has its maximum probability and high barriers where the lower laser state has its maximal probability in strain-compensated designs for short wavelength emission, the lifetime of the upper laser state can be increased, while decreasing the lifetime of the lower laser state. First realizations of this design result in Jth = 1.7kA/cm2 at 300 K, slope efficiency η = 1.4 W/A, T0 = 175 K, and T1 = 550 K. Further increases in efficiency can be achieved through designs in which parasitic states near the upper laser level are separated from it, either energetically or oscillator strength. These states may be associated with other k values, or with higher-lying subbands.


Luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) are planar waveguides containing an organic or inorganic dye and inorganic solar cells attached to the edges. Light is absorbed by the dye and reemitted into waveguide modes for collection by the solar cells. We describe LSCs based on: (i) organic dyes, (ii) cast LSCs constructed from phycobilisomes, model antenna systems from photosynthesis, (iii) linearly polarized LSCs employing polymerizable liquid crystals, and (iv) hybrid organic/inorganic LSCs based on neodymium glass.


Background: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastrointestinal disorders that psychological factors play an important role in its development and exacerbation. This study aimed to investigate the role of attachment styles, the quality of object relations and ego strength in predicting IBS. Materials and Methods: This analytical case-control study was performed on all patients with IBS referred to Kashan Shahid Beheshti Hospital from January to December 2013. In this study, 150 patients with IBS and 150 matched healthy people (the relatives of patients) were selected using convenience sampling. To collect data, different questionnaires including demographic, object relations, adult attachment and ego strength questionnaires were used. Results: The results of the study showed that there was a significant positive correlation between the ambivalent insecure attachment style and IBS as well as a negative correlation between the ego strength and IBS. Also, there was no significant correlation between the secure attachment styles, avoidant insecure attachment style and object relations with IBS. Logistic regression analysis showed that the ego strength and ambivalent insecure attachment style were the predictors of IBS. Conclusion: Besides the biological and genetic factors involved in IBS, ambivalent insecure attachment style and ego strength can be psycho-social predictors of this syndrome.


On the second half of the 19th century, Portuguese emigration to Brazil was a major historical and sociological phenomenon. After an arduous path, the Portuguese returned and became part of the political, economical, social and artistic lives of their hometowns, causing a change on the architectural landscape in the north of the country. These emigrants built houses that became hugely important as social buildings; they represented the way in which each one of them inserted himself in the community that saw him leave. The taste printed by each one of the emigrants in their houses made them a landmark for the application of several artistic movements of that time in the country as well as in Europe, such as Art Noveau (wrought iron) or Romanticism (gardens). The exterior and the interior of these houses portray a constant connection to Brazil and Portugal, proved by the national flags that hang on the façades or by the landscapes represented in paintings or tile panels. However, many of those houses were already destroyed and along them the memory of a Brazilian that stated himself as the paradigm of the self-made man. This type of houses was an important example of the emigration architecture, main feature of the Iberian Peninsula, which needs a fast cultural and touristic valuation, once it was part of a people's material memory. To protect this kind of patrimony and avoid a loss of a vast estate about emigration, it is considered that these houses may be grouped into a set of touristic routes that will lead us to the finding and knowledge of the material and immaterial inheritance of these men and women. Setting up these routes might constitute an important step towards the museualization of the migrations, recovering the cultural routes of the migrant people.


Aim: To compare post-operative in-hospital outcome of on pump CABG in patients with shorter CPB duration vs. patients with longer CPB duration. Methodology: In this cross sectional study conducted at Department of Cardiac Surgery, PIC, Jail Road, Lahore 182 subjects were selected using non probability Judgmental/ Purposive sampling Technique and randomly divided into two equal groups of 91 each. Group A: patients undergoing surgery for short duration of CPB < 90 minutes and half treated with Group B: patients undergoing surgery for long duration of CPB ≥ 90 minutes. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 25. Results: There were 133(73.08%) males and 49(26.92%) females in this study. The mean age of cases was 50.68±9.26 years with minimum and maximum age being 35 and 70 years. Mean Baseline Creatinine recorded for Group A was 0.92±0.19 and for Group B was 0.91±0.21. Mean urine output level recorded for Group A after 6 hours of CABG was 1.05±0.25 and for Group B after 6 hours of CABG was 0.85±0.24. There was a significant association in the occurrence of acute renal Injury in both groups whereas there was no significant association in the mortality of both groups. Conclusion: There was a significant difference between post-operative in-hospital renal outcomes of on pump CABG in patients with shorter CPB duration vs. patients with longer CPB duration. The results of both groups are nearly same as far as in-hospital mortality is concerned. Keywords: Cardiopulmonary Bypass, On Pump CABG, Off Pump CABG


At the end of the Cold War, the advent of globalization catapulted domestic crime across national boundaries into the transnational domain. Transnational crime has since mutated into a complex matrix of criminal activities.1 Narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and illegal migration are integral components of extensive criminal networks that undermine the democratic stability, economic development and social well being of nations.2 National and international response to non-traditional threats are further complicated by a myriad of security issues territorial disputes, economic decline, and natural and man made disasters that limit available resources.


William Baer has found it a "daunting task to attempt to translate the lyrics of a legend like Camões." He is not the fi rst to make the attempt. Yet it is surprising to think that this handy volume of seventy sonnets by the great Renaissance poet Luis Vaz de Camões, with originals and William Baer's English translations appearing on facing pages, is not only the fi rst substantial collection of Camões's lyric poetry to be published in English translation in well over a century but actually the fi rst such collection ever to originate in the United States. In fact, of Camões's works only one edition has had its origin in the United States— Leonard Bacon's translation of Os Lusíadas in 1950. What makes these facts all the more remarkable is that Camões and his work have always been, demonstrably, a part of U. S. cultural literacy from the rise of the fi rst literary and historical journals in the eighteen century right on through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. A ProQuest check of newspapers and journals has turned up well over seven hundred references, including the surprisingly frequent reprinting of Camões's sonnets in the translations of the English Viscount Strangford and Richard Burton, and those of the American Richard Henry Wilde, as well as, occasionally, excerpts from Camões's epic poem. Indeed, the several editions of Strangford's collection of poetry issued in the United States ensured that it was his versions that were widely disseminated there. No one in the United States was willing, apparently, to rival Strangford's accomplishment in 1803, although the case was far different in the United Kingdom, which saw the publication of Seventy Sonnets of Camoens by J. J. Aubertin (1881), The Lyricks by Richard F. Burton (1884), and Dante, Petrarch, Camoens by Richard Garnett (1896). Baer's translations are clearly expressed. They are also stylistically fl uent. But that fl uency has come at a cost. He has chosen to turn Camões's characteristically taut line into the looser line of iambic pentameter verse. Loosening Camões's line in this way makes Camões more "English." The English common reader might fi nd it familiar and comforting, but Baer's more relaxed and necessarily wordier lines fail to capture the bite of the more intensely dramatic originals.


PURPOSE
To analyze the marginal adaptation of computer-aided design/computer-assisted manufactured (CAD/CAM) porcelain laminate veneers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
A total of 25 three-dimensional (3D) machine-milled laminate veneers were divided into five groups of five each according to fabrication material (E-max; Empress; Lava Ultimate; Suprinity; and Vita Mark II) and cemented in 25 prepared acrylic central incisors. Digital microscopy images (×7.5 magnification) were analyzed for gaps in the mesial/distal surfaces of the prepared tooth and in the cervical, medial, and incisal thirds.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION
All CAD/CAM laminate veneers except for Empress and Suprinity in the middle and incisal thirds showed good results (ie, gaps < 120 μm in the cervical, middle, and incisal thirds).


-The purpose of this paper is to give a proof of the results announced by the author [7] in 1982 on the algebraic independence over a field k of any non-degenerate system of mn distinct basis invariants in the ring k[x 11 , ... ,x 1,,; ••• ;x,,, 1, ••• ,x.u,l with respect to the symmetric group G = S,,. The result of this paper can be extended to the case of an arbitrary finite group.


Microstructure Evolution in 304L Stainless Steel Subjected to Hot Torsion at Elevated Temperature Jian Lu Department of Mechanical Engineering, BYU Master of Science The current study focus on investigating a relationship between processing variables and microstructure evolution mechanism in 304L stainless steel subjected to hot torsion. The Gleeble 3800 with Mobile Torsion Unit (MTU) is utilized in the current study to conduct hot torsion test of 304L stainless steel. Samples are rotated at 1100°C in the shear strain rate range of 0.02s to 4.70s and the shear strain range of 0.5 to 4. Orientation imaging microscopy (OIM) technique is used to collect and analyze the microstructure. At low strains (≤1) and strain rate (0.02s), average grain size remains relatively constant, but the lengths of DSs and LABs increase within grains. These are characteristics of the dynamic recovery (DRV). With increasing strain and strain rate, the lengths of DSs, LABs and HABs increase, accompanied by the decrease of average grain size. Subgrains with HAB segments are observed. These are characteristics of continuous dynamic recrystallization (CDRX). At strain rates greater than or equal to 0.94s, the fraction of deformation texture is about 3 times higher than that of rotated cube texture. The average grain size increases relative to that at a strain rate of 0.20s, accompanied by the increase of twin length per area. This indicates that grain growth take place after CDRX. Sigma phase is not observed in the current study due to the lack of static recrystallization (SRX) and the higher cooling rate.


Objective:To explore the expressive levels of interleukin-2 (IL-2),soluble interleukin-2 receptor (sIL-2R),membrane interleukin-2 receptor (mIL-2R),interleukin-6 (IL-6) and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAN-1) in peripheral blood of parturient and cord blood of newborn.Methods:The levels of IL-2,sIL-2R,IL-6 and sICAN-1 in serum of peripheral blood of partrient and cord blood of newborn were all detected by ELISA.The peripheral blood clear cells (PBMC) of parturient and cord bloodmononuclear cells (CBMC) were isolated by routine Fioll-Hypaque,and the levels of mIL-2R on surface of PBMC and CBMC were detected by biotin-strptavidin (BSA).Results:The levels of IL-2,sIL-2R,mIL-2R,IL-6 and sICAM-1 in serum of peripheral blood of parturiet were (9.67±4.26)pg/ml,(246.50±97.30)pg/ml,(3.73±1.03)%,(6.67±1.42)pg/ml and (560.70±136.50)ng/ml.The levels of IL-2,sIL-2R,mIL-2R,IL-6 and sICAM-1 in serum of umbilical artery of newborn were (13.47±3.40)pg/ml,(155.00±83.50)pg/ml,(1.30±0.45)%,(12.87±3.15)pg/ml and(321.20±102.20)/ng/ml.The levels of IL-2,sIL-2R,IL-6 and sICAM-1 in serum of umbilical blood and mIL-2R on CBMC were all lower than those of parturient ( P 0.01).Conclusions:The almost active immunocytes in cord blood are infantile and undifferentiared,which surface sign and cytokines are infantile,and can be regar ded as one of effective,economical and safe origin of hematopoietic stem cells.The low powitive rate and light extent of graft versus host disease (GVHD) may be caused by these infantile and undifferentiated immunocytes.


The two-dimensional electron gas concentration and capacitance in AlGaAs/GaAs/AlGaAs double-heterojunction high-electron-mobility transistors (DH-HEMTs) are calculated as a function of gate voltage using simple iterative solutions of analytical equations. The results show very good agreement with experimental data, as well as with characteristics predicted by complex numerical methods. The calculations are extended to predict the capacitance-voltage characteristics in the presence of parasitic conduction when the gate does not fully control the two-dimensional gas. The developed charge control and capacitance models are easy and inexpensive to run. They are therefore very useful for microwave circuit designs. Furthermore, they can be used for performance prediction and design optimization of DH-HEMTs. The influence of technological parameters, such as layer thickness and aluminum composition, on device performance are presented. >


Drought is both a hazard and a disaster; a hazard b ecause it is an accident of unpredictable occurrenc e, part of the naturally variable climate system; disaster because it corresponds to the failure of the precipitation regime, causing the disruption of the water supply to the natural a nd agricultural ecosystems as well as to other huma n activities. Drought definitions are many and often are equated with specific drought impacts on economic activitie s, ecosystems, and society and water management issues . The objective of this study is to provide a compa rative spatial analysis by using IDW methods as one of imp ortant geospatial methods and temporal variability of drought index in Taleghan with the view to identifying tren ds and onset of drought. It will quantify the relat ive effectiveness of SPI, DI and CZI and precipitation data as drough t indices in the Taleghan region as a unique and hi ghly productive basin. Taleghan is also a semi-arid regi on with a 41-year rainfall average of around 520 mm . Most rainfalls are in winter and spring. Geographic info rmation system (GIS), GS+, Excel and DIP are good t ools for analyzing spatial location, interaction, structure and processes. In this research the SPI, DI and CZI has been used as reference indices for the identification of drou ght events. Data-set is collected from 8 climatolog y station within the watershed from 1967 to 2008. After testing and if needed normalizing the data, it was entered in E xcel and after being saved as a text, it was transformed to the DI P software to calculate the SPI, DI and CZI. In the second stage, we used data in GS+ to assess the spatial variabili ty of SPI, DI and CZI as Geostatic calculations. We analyzed the spatial relationship of SPI, DI and CZI with IDW by using GS+ only for yearly data. To increase the in surance, we used cross validation to make better decision in ch oosing the best method for mapping. To determine th e degree of accuracy of maps, the cross validation between the three ways was analyzed. The R 2 factor was used as an important indicator to assess their accuracy. In th e meanwhile, t-student test in 1% level was calcula ted to distinguish the significances.


The increased acceptance of topical anesthesia, phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs), have advanced the techniques of microincision clear corneal cataract surgery.1 Operating through these small (less than 3.0 mm), corneal incisions have placed new demands on surgeons to effectively and safely remove the cataract and implant the IOL without increasing the risk of corneal, iris or capsular damage. The causes of small pupil include atrophy or iris sphincter sclerosis as a result of aging, synechiae, previous trauma, surgery, diabetes, iridoschisis, uveitis, chronic miotic therapy, or pseudoexfoliation. The small pupil (less than 3.0 mm) can impede visualization and makes maneuverability of the instrumentation into the eye more difficult (Fig. 40.1). Capsulorrhexis may be difficult to perform in a small pupil. Hydrodissection and phacoemulsification of the lens nucleus can lead to an increased risk of iris sphincter tear, bleeding, iris emulsification, ruptured posterior capsule and loss of the nucleus. Small pupil is associated with increased operative time, risk of complications, discomfort for the patient and surgeon apprehension. Postoperatively, these may lead to an irregular or atonic pupil, photophobia and an unacceptable cosmetic and functional result.


Chalcogenide glasses have received lots of attention because of their
 superior optical properties. To optimize these properties and expand areas of
 applications, more studies are required to establish the extent to which the
 parameters can be tuned over a wide range of annealing temperatures and
 heating rates. To do this, bulk and thin ∼150 nm As30Te67Ga3 films were
 prepared by melt-quenching and thermal evaporation techniques, respectively.
 The phase transition was investigated using differential scanning calorimeter
 (DSC) while the crystal structures were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD).
 Characteristic temperatures such as the glass transition, crystallization and
 melting temperature of the bulk glass were found to depend on the heating
 rate. The activation energy of glass transition was 167.29 kJ/mol while the
 energy of crystallization was 103.98 kJ/mol. XRD results indicated that the
 annealed films showed more crystallinity, larger average crystallite size,
 lower dislocation density and lower strain as annealing temperature
 increased. According to the Avrami exponent, a combination of two and
 three-dimensional crystal growth with heterogeneous nucleation are possible
 mechanisms for the crystallization process. Moreover, optical constants such
 as the optical band gap, refractive index, extinction coefficient,
 high-frequency dielectric constants, real and imaginary parts of dielectric
 constants were found to strongly depend on the annealing temperature. The
 optical energy gap decreased from 1.1 to 0.89 eV as the annealing temperature
 increased from 373 to 433K. These results indicate that thermal annealing is
 a major factor that can be used to tune the crystal structure, and hence the
 optical properties of As30Te67Ga3 system.


ABSTRACT A new indigenous soil bacterium Pantoea strain NII-153 utilizing phenol as a sole carbon source was isolated and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis suggested its classification to the Enterobacteriaceae family, with 95.0% gene sequence similarity to Pantoea ananatis ATCC 33244. Biodegradation rates of phenol by NII-153 were found to be more effective at 64 h with initial concentration of 600 mg L− 1 of phenol and this is the first report of such activity in Pantoea species. Strain NII-153 has showed high tolerance to phenol concentration (900 mg L− 1). Therefore, strain NII-153 could be used for biotreatment of high-strength phenol-containing industrial effluents and for bioremediation of phenol-contaminated soils.


Abstract In this article I make two claims with respect to the ethics, truth and politics of qualitative research. The first is that confronting ethics, truth and politics in research is in effect a confrontation with the self. Although this may appear to be self‐evident, in qualitative research in particular, such an assertion needs to be consciously made and recognised. The second related claim is that there is no single set of rules or practices that govern the ethics, truth and politics of a research project. In effect, the ethics, truth and politics of a research project are contextually driven and simultaneously contextually bound. This does not imply that a laissez‐faire 'anything goes' approach is defensible. On the contrary, the qualitative researcher is constantly and consistently called upon to consciously and deliberately engage with the ethical, truth and political implications of his research and writing. For the researcher ethical epiphanies are rare. Confronting and making an ethical decision is a demanding process, not an event in the life of a researcher. To extend this second point beyond the boundaries of South Africa, I draw on the works of local and international philosophers of education who offer similar arguments.


Current literature suggests that ACE SNP rs4343, ACE 2350A>G in exon 17, T202T, may be the best proxy for the ACE Alu I/D whereas rs4363 and rs4362 may be slightly stronger predictors of ACE levels. Considering reported difficulties in genotyping ACE I/D and stronger associations of rs4343 than ACE I/D with plasma ACE levels in Africans, and suitability of rs4343 for allelic mRNA (cDNA) studies, we developed and validated a liquid phase assay for rs4343, which has advantage on both functional and technical grounds. We confirmed that rs4343, is in near perfect linkage disequilibrium (D'=1, r2 =0.88, n=64) with ACE I/D in Europeans (A and G alleles of rs4343 marking insertion and deletion alleles of ACE I/D respectively). We then studied its association with metabolic and cardiovascular traits in 3253 British women (60–79 years old). Apart from a nominal trend of association with diastolic blood pressure (p anova=0.08; p trend=0.05), no other associations were observed. A post-hoc vascular and general phenome scan revealed no further associations. We conclude that ACE I/D is not a major determinant of metabolic and cardiovascular traits in this population. Liquid phase genotyping of SNP rs4343 may be preferable to gel based ACE I/D genotyping both for technical and functional reasons.


The main goal of the present work is to analyze the activity of the French companies from Romania related to the increasing use of the information and communication technology in the productive field. The convergent assembly of information and communication technologies and the process of economic globalization have led to a profound transformation of the economic activity. The present paper is part of a series of studies made on the French firms from Romania between 2007 and 2008.


We study the density of Casimir energy in dielectric and magnetic media. To do so we derive Born series for the Green's function of the electromagnetic field in a medium with arbitrary ∊ and μ. Within this framework the case of uniform velocity of light (∊μ = const) is studied. As an application we consider the Casimir energy of a thick dielectric-diamagnetic shell, as a function of the radii and the permeabilities. We show that there is a range of parameters in which the stress on the outer shell is inward, and a range where the stress on the outer shell is outward.


The relevance of the research of this article stems from the analysis of psychological and methodological prerequisites for future English language teachers to develop professionally speaking skills; specifying the content of the formation of vocational competence in speaking with future English teachers in the unity of subject and procedural aspects. The article describes a theoretically grounded methodology for the formation of future English teachers' proficiency in speaking, which is realized in three stages (introductory, preparatory (receptive-analytical and receptive-synthetic) basic), which involves the use of web, application of modern information and communication technologies. The realization of the linguo-didactic model of formation in future English language teachers of vocationally oriented competence in speaking, whose components are the target, methodological, semantic, organizational-procedural and evaluation-effective components, is considered; clarified the essence and struc-


Purpose: to identify the relationship of sorption of a complex sorbent with a temperature factor and its mathematical substantiation. Material and methods. As a material for the study, a complex sorbent obtained from a mixture of perlite and agroionite in a ratio of 27:73 was used. The experiment was carried out in laboratory conditions at different temperatures. At certain intervals, when measuring the total salinity of the solutions, the temperature parameter was also measured. During the study, the air temperature was measured. For the experiment, a model water of three salinity levels: 3.1; 5; 7 g/l was used. The weighed portions of a mixture of sorbents weighing 27.5 g with model solutions, 300 ml each, were placed in a reservoir. Measurements were carried out after 5; 10; 20; 30 min; 1; 2; 24; 48 h using a HI 8733 conductometer from Hanna. Results. As a result of the study, the dynamics of the salinity of the model water under the action of a complex sorbent was obtained, a scatter diagram was constructed. It is a statistical analysis tool, with the help of which the dependence and the nature of the relationship between the two process parameters are revealed. According to the results obtained, it can be concluded that there is a positive relationship in the experiments performed. The efficiency of the process depends on temperature readings with a slight deviation. Thus, at an average temperature of 26.3 °C, the total mineralization index is lower than at an average temperature of 19.8 °C. Conclusions. By constructing a scatter diagram and a matrix scatter diagram, a nonlinear relationship between sorption by a complex sorbent and the temperature factor was revealed.


Waiting lists have been a cause of concern since the inception of the NHS. Many theories have been put forward to explain their existence and there have been many proposals to reduce their length. With the current changes in the NHS and the introduction of the Patient′s Charter has come a renewed emphasis on reducing waiting lists and waiting times. However, analysis of incentives within the new system suggests that waiting lists may be reduced by limiting access rather than by increasing treatment rate. Further, not only GP Fundholding, but also the contractual relationships between District Health Authorities and hospitals may lead to two‐tier systems, with admission priorities based on source of funding rather than clinical urgency. Overall, it is concluded that the NHS Review may result in fewer people obtaining treatment, but with shorter waits for those who do receive treatment.


In order to resolve file resource competition and accelerate rate in multiprocess applications of image collection and transmitting embedded system based on uClinux operating system, the image resource was described through loop queue in embedded uClinux application. The data structures of embedded file queue resource and embedded file node were described in the paper. The key arithmetics of collection and transmitting process were completed and the multi-process was set up. Access signs were used to solve competition and share of resource. The application based on the experimental platform of MCF527 processor is successful by using queue data structures and multi-process. The results indicates that the multiprocess parallel arithmetic of using queue data structures in embedded system can save image capture time and improve rate of information collection.


The use of project financing techniques as a means of financing large-scale infrastructure projects continue to enjoy popularity in Russia. The article considers project financing as an effective vehicle for the implementation of priority investment projects in order to develop the country's infrastructure. The advantages of project financing over traditional lending are determined, and the main forms of state support of infrastructure projects are investigated. The mechanism of functioning of the Project Finance Factory was studied, and an assessment of the conditions for its practical implementation was presented. Keywords—investment project; project financing; infrastructure; project financing factory; state support of infrastructure projects


Universe should be opaque to photons with energy ≥ TeV due scattering on the extragalactic background light during their propagation. However, a surprisingly high degree of transparency of the universe has been observed. In order to explain this fact, the conversion between photons and hypothetical axion-like particles in the turbulent extragalactic magnetic field has been invoked. We have derived new equations to calculate the mean survival probability of the photons. We have also found that the photon transfer functions on different lines of sight could have relevant deviations with respect to the mean value, producing both an enhancement or a suppression in the observable photon flux.


Ultrashort pulse characterization is sufficiently mature that temporal amplitude and phase profiles are now routinely acquired. However, most implementations either ignore or average over spatial variations. Nontrivial spatiotemporal couplings play a significant role in many ultrafast sources, such as chirped-pulse and optical parametric amplifiers, and can strongly affect many applications, such as high-harmonic generation and materials processing. This motivates the development of methods for full spatio-temporal characterisation [1, 2]. Most current designs involve augmenting an existing temporal characterisation method with additional components such as a spatially resolved interferometer [3]. Such implementations usually complicate usage and it is therefore important to devise a simple setup with a minimum number of components and straightforward usage.


Efficient and reliable screening criteria are a prerequisite for an effective breeding program to incorporate tolerance to abiotic stress in crop plants. In this study we presented preliminary results demonstrating the effective use of one physiological trait (relative water content, RWC) to incorporate salinity tolerance in rice. Sixteen rice genotypes were used in this case study and subjected to salinity stress of 6 dS m -1 for 2 weeks. RWC was determined on fully expanded youngest leaves, and shoot tissues were sampled for the measurements of sodium and potassium concentration and hence calculation of the Na + /K + ratio. Rice plants with low salt injury scoring were found to have high RWC and maintain a low Na + /K + ratio, and thus considered as a salt tolerant group. Cultivars with medium RWC also have medium salt injury scores and a moderate Na + /K + ratio and considered as moderately tolerant, while the susceptible group has high salt injury scores and a high Na + /K + ratio. The correlation between salt injury scoring and the Na + /K + ratio was strongly positive, while the relationship between RWC and the Na + /K + ratio was strongly negative. The data of RWC in the tolerant group was clearly distinguishable from the moderately tolerant group and the susceptible group. We therefore conclude that RWC determination could be used as an effective screening technique for salt tolerance in rice. The method is simple and cheap, and allows evaluation of a large number of breeding lines in relatively shorter period of time. The method is also more quantitative compared to visual scoring, and eliminates the need of equipments and expense needed when the Na + /K + ratio is used as


Sound Environment Reproduction (SER) using Sound Field Reproduction (SFR) is aimed at the spatial reconstruction of a target sound field captured using a microphone array. SFR has recently gained attention for SER in industrial or engineering contexts for sound comfort or sound quality studies. The challenge is to create a reproduced sound field that first satisfies an assessment based on physical evaluation, for example to satisfy any regulation based on physical quantities. However, the reproduced sound environment should also success in perceptual evaluation. In this work, SER was applied to spatial sound field simulation in a vehicle mock-up. Both physical and perceptual evaluations were completed. Physical metrics such as frequency-dependent averaged reproduction error (both phase and magnitude) and averaged magnitude error (ignoring phase) were measured. Perceptual evaluations were based on similarity listening tests while comparing SER with an original reference (the target sound field). Perceptual...


In our study, about 71% of study subjects were aware about less than 4 symptoms considered as having low level of awareness of stroke warning symptoms. In all, 41% were aware about less than 6 risk factors and considered having low level of awareness about stroke risk factors. The awareness of stroke warning symptoms was significantly lower in low socioeconomic group (P < 0.001) and among study subjects educated up to secondary level (P < 0.001). Similarly the awareness of risk factors was significantly lower in low socioeconomic group (P < 0.01) and among study subjects educated up to secondary level (P < 0.001). There is no difference in level of awareness in other socio-demographic variables like age, gender, occupation, type of family, etc.


Response of the serum lipids to various dietary fats depends upon whether the lipemia is induced by fat or carbohydrates. The two types may be mutually exclusive.


PURPOSE: To reduce a shrinkage of a Portland cement-containing building material by adding a specific alkanediol to the Portland cement. CONSTITUTION: An additive for reducing the shrinkage of the Portland cement- containing building material is composed of the alkanediol expressed by the general formula: C n H 2n (OH) 2 (wherein, 5 ≤n≤10) and having a terminal OH group, and the additive is used in an amount of 0.1-20 wt.% per Portland cement component. 2,2-Dimethyl-1,3-propanediol is preferable as the alkanediol. The additive is dissolved in a mixing water before adding or mixed to a dry building material or added to the building material together with other additives, for example, a plastic dispersion, dispersed powder, cement fluidizing agent, anti- foaming agent, forming agent, water-retaining agent, accelerating agent, retarding agent, thickener or their mixture. COPYRIGHT: (C)1989,JPO


Reliable environmental audits and impact assessments are essential to achieve effective pasture utilization and ensure the production of high-quality livestock products. This study aims to develop an environmental audit and impact assessment method for pasture agrolandscapes to promote sustainable livestock practices, using Central Kazakhstan as a case study. To provide a strong foundation for this research, the study utilized representations of pasture agrolandscapes, landscape-ecological and landscape-indicative approaches, and interactions between environmental audits and impact assessments in Kazakhstan. The authors acknowledge that their understanding of the environmental audit and impact assessment for pasture agrolandscapes is a complex method that requires specific knowledge and information about the landscape environment from users. They note that solving the challenges of national food security and environmentally safe territorial development can be achieved through the development of a private method that uses landscape environment status indicators. Methods similar to this enable the study of geocomplexes and their crucial characteristics, leading to a unique system of reliable indicators for environmental issues. This approach facilitates the creation of a scientifically based plan for optimal regional land use and land management systems regarding pasture agrolandscapes.


The use of Pure Plant Oil (PPO) as a fuel blend in a power plant is mandatory as stipulated in the Ministerial Decree of Energy and Mineral Resource of the Republic of Indonesia. However, the implementation of PPO used in power generation has many obstacles due to a lack of information concerning the impacts of PPO used in the operating performance of the power generation engine. In this study, the effect of PPO as a blended fuel with High-Speed Diesel (HSD) was studied by using the gas turbine with a capacity of 18 MW. The PPO was blended based on volume with a ratio of 0%, 5%, 10% and 20%. As the results, it is shown that the use of PPO with a blend ratio of 20% is the maximum fuel blend ratio according to the threshold value of a flue gas temperature and a vibration velocity in the gas turbine.


Intentions are fundamental in software engineering, but they are typically only implicitly considered through different abstractions, such as requirements, use cases, features, or issues. Specifically, software engineers develop and evolve (i.e., change) a software system based on such abstractions of a stakeholder's intention—something a stakeholder wants the system to be able to do. Unfortunately, existing abstractions are (inherently) limited when it comes to representing stakeholder intentions and are mostly used for documenting only. So, whether a change in a system fulfills its underlying intention (and only this one) is an essential problem in practice that motivates many research areas (e.g., testing to ensure intended behavior, untangling intentions in commits). We argue that none of the existing abstractions is ideal for capturing intentions and controlling software evolution, which is why intentions are often vague and must be recovered, untangled, or understood in retrospect. In this paper, we reflect on the role of intentions (represented by changes) in software engineering and sketch how improving their management may support developers. Particularly, we argue that continuously managing and controlling intentions as well as their fulfillment has the potential to improve the reasoning about which stakeholder requests have been addressed, avoid misunderstandings, and prevent expensive retrospective analyses. To guide future research for achieving such benefits for researchers and practitioners, we discuss the relationships between different abstractions and intentions, and propose steps towards managing intentions.


Few studies have been done on the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and on factors influencing the use of ICT in South African agriculture. The objective of this study is to identify the factors influencing the use of ICT by farmers and farm employees in South African commercial agriculture. A framework on the use of ICT in commercial agriculture is proposed based on the identified factors. A list of variables that are predicted to have influence on ICT use in agriculture by farmers and farm employees, were put together under 5 categories namely, demographics, farm characteristics, managerial factors, dummy variables, and perception and attitudes. The scope of the current study reported in this paper is limited to determining the factors influencing ICT use and proposing a framework for ICT use in agriculture. An exact expression of the model will be ascertained in a later study after data collection and statistical analysis.


The aim of the joint research project COCKPIT1 is to develop an integrated instrument for designing and implementing productive innovative care services that balances the different productivity expectations of care providers concerning increased efficiency; and careworkers for the better quality of interactive work; and people in need of care (clients) for their capacity to act and their quality of life, according to a triple-win situation in the socalled "Productivity Triangle". This instrument considers the entire supply chain of care services, and comprises parameters such as careworkers' interaction competencies; motivation and job satisfaction; and extended clients' needs (for example; including their private social networks) within the assessment tool.


Differential evolution (DE) is an evolutionary optimization technique that is exceptionally simple, fast, and robust at numerical optimization. However, the convergence rate of DE in optimizing a computationally expensive objective function still does not meet our requirements, and an attempt to speed up DE is considered necessary. This article introduces a modified differential evolution (MDE) that enhances the convergence rate without compromising the robustness. MDE algorithm utilizes only one set of population array as against two sets in original DE at any given generation. This modification improves the convergence rate of DE and at the same time maintains the robustness. The performance of MDE is evaluated on two benchmark test functions followed by nonlinear chemical processes. The simulation results show empirical evidences on the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed MDE.


Objectives our aim is to present an alternative applicable surgical technique to save the uterus in cases with morbidly adherent placenta by application of Step wise devascularization and resection of the placenta with adherent uterine wall. Design It is a retrospective study. Materials and methods 75 patients with morbidly adherent placenta, who delivered by cesarean section, were selected. Bilateral uterine artery ligation was done after downward dissection of the bladder, followed by upper uterine segment incision, downward step wise clamping and resection of the whole lower uterine segment with adherent placenta till the cervix by vertical and transverse clamps. Finally reconstruction of the uterus was done. The amount of blood loss, operative time, postoperative hospital stay and operative complications were analyzed. Results In all cases the placenta was adherent to the lower uterine segment and involving the posterior wall of the bladder in four cases. In all cases the mean estimated blood loss was 1156.3 403.2 ml, the mean operative time was 76.3 24.5 min, and the mean postoperative hospital stay was 3.8 1.6 days. The four cases, in which the placenta was invading the bladder wall, underwent bladder repair due to bladder injury during dissection. In all cases, the uterus had been preserved. No other intra operative complications were reported. Conclusion Step wise devascularization and resection of the placenta with adherent uterine wall is an effective and applicable technique to preserve the uterus in patients with morbidly adherent placenta with excellent operative results, blood transfusion was needed in limited cases.


Objective Discuss CT application for nasal endoscopic surgery. Methods Through a retrospetive research of CT diagnosis and operation situations of 80 cases with chronic nasal sinusitis. Results We learn that coronal CT with assistant horizontal CT scan can make a very clear display about subtie structure of Paranasal sinus, lesion area and extent. Conclusion CT can make a clear display about pathoiogical changes;CT scan could be the buidance of nasal endoscopic surgery.


The common casting defects in compound steel backup roll are analyzed,and some practical methods to prevent the defects are presented.


One of the more important books that I have read talks about the different segments of one's life.1 The concept of life stage has been useful for treating a variety of people at different times of their lives. When puberty or the calendar ushers in adolescence, a new life stage begins. When schooling ends, when someone is hired to work, when the employed man or woman retires, or when a marriage takes place, a new life stage may begin. When a married couple has a child, a new stage of life often starts, and when the last child leaves home, a married couple may begin a new life stage.

Similarly, when serious illness (eg, cancer) brings restrictions, a new life stage can be said to follow. Once defined, I have found it useful to ask the patient to describe how he or she wants to spend this stage. A Veterans Administration colleague recently gave me an article2 to read that calls attention to the "homelessness" that typically results when an older person is admitted to a nursing home. It seems to me that one approach to the institutionalized elderly man or woman at the end of life is to define the problem as the onset of a new life stage and encourage the individual to plan for this time.

I have been working on a palliative care team at a local Veterans Affairs hospital now for nearly 2 years. As part of that work, I treat patients who have been admitted to our nursing home unit. Although every case is different, and the problems presented may vary, I utilize the concept of a new life stage with practically every veteran that I treat. The loss of a home is one of many events that challenge the older person's need to have some control over his or her life. The event forces the individual at the end of life to make a plan for this period.

In a manner similar to those individuals who are admitted to hospice, some patients who learn to call our nursing home unit their home outlive their commitment. When they leave the place where they expected their life to end, a new life stage can also be said to begin.


The {beta} decay of the N = 51 nucleus {sup 81}Zn was studied by means of {beta}-{gamma} spectroscopy and from isotopically pure beams produced at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF). We observe several competing {beta} transitions populating {sup 81}Ga that are interpreted as allowed Gamow-Teller decays to positive parity, core excited states, and first-forbidden decays to negative parity states. The measured {beta}-decay pattern suggests an assignment of I{sup {pi}} = 5/2{sup +} for the {sup 81}Zn ground state. The systematics of core excited states in N = 50 isotones indicate a strengthening of the N = 40 subshell gap near {sup 78}Ni.


The Internet plays an irreplaceable role in social development, promoting industry innovation and changing the development model of the industry. In terms of financial business, Internet finance occupies a large proportion of the industry. Its high efficiency, fairness and wide participation have made the public's acceptance of Internet finance continue to increase. Moreover, the private lending market supported by the Internet is developing rapidly, providing funds for small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals, and alleviating the financial pressure on enterprises and individuals. However, due to the imperfect legal system of private lending in our country, there are great disadvantages in the development of the market, and it even has a bad influence on the development of individuals and enterprises. Therefore, this article studies the strategies of legal supervision of private lending, hoping to regulate the private lending market.


Some effective ways exploded for development of coal processing and comprehensive utilization at Liangzhuang Mine: Good performance attained from employing HM process in place of jigging for coal cleaning; obvious economic and environmental benefit obtained from producing coal water slurry from flotation concentrate, combusting coal water fuel in coal designed boilers, generating electricity by combustion of press filtered tailing slime, and manufacturing of brick from coal refuse.


1 The inclusion of 0·1 per cent, of activated charcoal or 0·03 per cent. of ferric chloride in subculture media had no consistent influence on the extinction times of Bact. coli exposed to 1 per cent, phenol, but the overall responses in experiments made with several batches of media were positive. 2 On the whole, individual batches of medium consistently gave the same kind of response, positive or null. 3 Activated charcoal (0·1 per cent.) adsorbed about 80 per cent, of the phenol from solution in water at a concentration of 0·005 per cent. In the presence of broth much less was adsorbed; Norit adsorbed only about 9 per cent, and Darco G 60 about 25 per cent. 4 The ferric chloride‐nutrient broth precipitate did not adsorb phenol from either water or broth. 5 In the concentration range 0·001 to 0·020 per cent., phenol in the subculture medium did not appear to influence the extinction times of bacterial populations exposed to that substance.


In order to improve the quality of the learning process and improve high order thinking skills (HOTS), education is required to continue to develop. One of the tools for the learning process and a solution for education is by using the media. Adobe After Effects-based motion graphics media can be used by teachers in the learning process. This study aims to develop and produce Motion Graphic media based on Adobe After Effects in an effort to improve High order thinking skills (HOTS) during the pandemic. The research consists of 3 stages, namely analysis, design and development. Methode of research is Research and Development (R&D), using the ADDIE Model. The analysis phase is carried out by observation and interviews using a google form questionnaire and the design and development phase is carried out by utilizing various software. The data instrument used a validation sheet and a questionnaire. The results of the validation were revised by researchers who then conducted a limited trial phase I on 10 students and a limited trial phase II limited to 20 high school students. The results of the analysis phase of the study showed that 64.3% of students thought that the material for the coordination system was difficult to understand. The design stage begins with making a storyboard in accordance with the curriculum of 2013 and indicators of student achievement in the coordination system material, followed by making Motion Graphic Video using Adobe Effects software in accordance with the storyboard that has been made. The validation results show a very good category. The media generated from this research can be developed and tested further.


The collapse of Chile's nitrate industry during the 1930s is examined relative to the nitrate extraction technology used and the available labor force. Results suggest that the nature of the extraction technology used (the Shanks system), the distribution and quality of the nitrate ore (caliche), and the makeup of the labor force limited producers' ability to increase profits and/or lower production costs. Specifically, the Shanks system of nitrate production required intensive use of labor, such that increases in technological capacity (e.g. production machinery) necessarily had to be accompanied by proportional increases in labor. Under such a system the ability to remain competitive by lowering production costs was severely constrained. Producers opted to lower wages while maintaining the size of the labor force. Ultimately this led to worker rebellion, hastening the demise of the industry.