Abstract The Duhem‐Quine thesis is generally presented as the radical underdetermi‐ nation of a theory by experimental evidence. But there is a much‐neglected second aspect, i.e. the coherence or interrelatedness of the conceptual components of a theory. Although both Duhem and Quine recognised this aspect, they failed to see its consequences: it militates against the idea of radical underdetermination. Because scientific theories are coherent conceptual systems, empirical evidence penetrates, as it were, the periphery and allows the localisation of central, not just peripheral hypotheses. There is then no reason to deny the existence of crucial experiments. Both these ideas are denied in the Quine‐Duhem thesis. A discussion of the famous Stem‐Gerlach experiment and the role of fundamental physical constants shows, however, that localisation is not only possible but essential for the validity of scientific theories. Quine's famous 'latitude of choice' turns out to be severely restricted.


Sample rejection has been proposed as a means for improving the efficiency of computer simulation used for error rate estimation. Previous work has not examined quantitatively the feasibility of sample rejection for improving the efficiency of simulation of multidimensional signalling schemes. The present work aims to determine the usefulness of sample rejection for the simulation of such systems. Two methods based on sample rejection are described for the Monte Carlo simulation of small error probabilities, Pe, in digital communication systems. The first is based on the observation that when Pe is small most of the noise vectors are known in advance not to cause errors, and consequently need not be simulated. Discarding such noise vectors will result in savings in computer simulation time. The second method is based on generating noise vectors whose probability density function has a hole carved around the origin. This method replaces the original noise input density function by a biased noise input density and is a form of importance sampling. The expected savings in computer time achieved by use of these methods is investigated. Quantitative results are obtained for multidimensional signalling schemes without memory. The expected savings are compared to those achieved by the use of conventional importance sampling. The suitability of the two methods for simulation of multidimensional systems with memory is considered. Our work shows that although sample rejection is a strong biasing technique in unidimensional situations, it looses its advantage rapidly as the dimensionality of the problem increases. It offers some advantage for the simulation of systems with small dimensionality (less than nine) or by application in combination with other importance sampling schemes.


Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze medical scientific papers in the Republic of Macedonia indexed in the Scopus database. Material and Methods: A search of the Scopus database was performed on February 23, 2013 in order to identify published papers from the field of medical sciences affiliated with the country Macedonia. A total number of 967 articles were selected for analysis and h-index was calculated from these documents. Results: The papers were published in a total of 160 journals. The largest number of papers has been published in domestic journals. Two scientists are top two with 59-65 published papers, the next group of eight scientists have published 25-44 papers, and the rest of the authors have published less than 25 papers, each. The published papers have been cited 4380 times (mean citation of 4.5 per paper) with the Hirsh index (h-index) of 27. Conclusion: An important factor for increasing the quality of the Macedonian medical journals is validation of the published papers in the journals indexed in the Scopus database by the Scientific Board of the Medical Faculty, which is associated with submission and/or defence of PhD theses. Such policy would trigger Editorial Boards of the Macedonian medical journals to improve the quality of their journals and include them in the Scopus database.


To study the clinical and demographic profile of patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) at a tertiary eye care center in NCR of India. A total of 92 patients with active VKC, were included in the study. Age, gender, personal and family allergies, presenting symptoms, duration of disease, complete ocular examination and complications were recorded. The Mean age at presentation was 9 years with male to female ratio of 3.4:1. Majority of the patients had mixed pattern disease (72.8%). Chronic perennial disease was seen in 44% patients. Personal or family history of allergies was noted in 9.8% patients. Moderate to severe vision loss was seen in 8.7% of cases. The commonest complication was peripheral corneal neovascularisation in 7.6% patients. VKC is the disease of childhood,and males are more commonly affected. In this region,mixed type and with perennial diseaseis the most common form.


Traditional views of pain as either directly associated with physical pathology or psychologically based [psychogenic or motivational] have proven to be inadequate. A range of psychological variables and concepts have been shown to play important roles in pain perception, maintenance and exacerbation of pain, disability, and response to treatment. The role of operant conditioning [learning] and cognitive factors [i.e., beliefs, perceptions of control, coping strategies] on the maintenance and exacerbation of pain and disability are reviewed. Particular attention is given to the effects of psychological factors on behavioral responses and physiological activity associated with pain. It is suggested that rather than viewing the pain experience as either organically-based or psychologically-based that both of these factors need to be viewed as contributors to the perception and response to pain.


This paper reports an experimental study on the heat transfer characteristics of a nanofluid consisting of ZnO/water/ethylene glycol (EG) and TiO2/water/ /ethylene glycol. In this study, the base fluids of ethylene glycol (EG):water (W) with volume fractions of 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50 were prepared, and 0.2 to 1.0 volume fractions of ZnO and TiO2 nanofluids were used as a cold side fluid. The prime objective of this study is to identify the effects of nanofluid concentration and three different hot fluid inlet temperatures viz., 55, 65 and 75 °C on the heat transfer enhancement of cold side fluid. The results are compared with base fluids and the percentage increase of the Nusselt number because of nanoparticle addition is noted both experimentally and theoretically. The results showed that at the hot fluid inlet temperature of 75 °C, the increase in the Nusselt number is maximum with volume concentrations of 0.6 and 0.8% for ZnO and TiO2 nanofluids, respectively. The corresponding maximum Nusselt number enhancements are about 11.5 and 21.4%, respectively, for the base fluid volume fraction of 30:70 (EG:W). There is good agreement between the results calculated from experimental values and the correlation.


This paper proves the following results: Let X=lim{X σ,π σ ρ,Λ},|Λ|=λ,and every projection π σ:X→X σ be an open and onto mapping.If X is directed shrinking and every X σ is weakly suborthocompact,X is weakly suborthocompact.Moreover,the analogous result for hereditarily weakly suborthocompact property can be obtained.


Elleni Centime Zeleke's new book is a profound, cross-disciplinary meditation on the nature and reverberations of a revolution – and on what it means to be human. She shows how a certain way of doi...


A review on the progress of the study on the depression of interferences of easily ionized elements in ICP OES is given in this paper, pertaining especially to the robust condition of ICP, analytical parameters affecting the robust condition and the effect of EIE on the injection sampling system (46 references are cited).


The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) collection of evaluated data for neutron-, photon-, and charged-particle-induced reactions is maintained in a computer-oriented system. In this report we recount the history of Evaluated Nuclear Data Library, describe the methods of evaluation, and give examples of input and output representation of the data.


Our understanding of the role of plant proteins in defense against herbivores lags behind that of proteins involved in defense against pathogens. However, recent microarray and proteomic approaches have revealed that a broader array of proteins may be involved with defense against herbivores than previously appreciated (Felton, 2005). Here, we discuss defense proteins that function postingestively, some of which are directly toxic while others exert their defense by impairing nutrient utilization. Our purpose is not to provide an extensive review of the topic but to highlight recent findings and suggest new avenues for research. We refer the reader to reviews that provide more extensive coverage (for review, see Carlini and Grossi-de-Sa, 2002; Kehr, 2006; Shindo and Van Der Hoorn, 2008). Because arthropods possess a diverse range of feeding habits and styles, including chewing as well as phloemor xylem-feeding species, arthropod-inducible proteins (AIPs) may be regulated by multiple signaling hormones, including jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid, and/or ethylene.


The article is aimed at examining the role of emotional intelligence (EI) in the co-operative behaviour of a person, analysing and presenting foreign and Russian research in this area. The results of empirical research are given. The sample consisted of 243 people aged 18 to 67 years (61 men and 182 women, the average age – 36.1 years), of which 107 participants noted that they are middle and senior managers, 136 respondents are employees. The study used the EIT methodology («Emotional Intelligence Test») and the questionnaire CISS (Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations). Correlation analysis revealed the following correlations: positive – between the common EI, domains and branches of EI and problem-oriented copying, and negative – between the experienced domain and common EI with emotionally oriented coping. According to regression analysis, the cumulative effect of the four branches of EI is more pronounced when problem-oriented coping is chosen, and the ability to understand and analyse emotions makes the greatest contribution. The management team has demonstrated the ability to influence the emotions of others and to resort more often to problem-based coping, while the non-management team better recognises emotions in the surrounding space.


Fiber lasers are now attracting more and more research interest due to their advantages in efficiency, beam quality and flexible operation. Up to now, most of the high power fiber lasers have random distributed polarization state. Linearlypolarized (LP) fiber lasers, which could find wide application potential in coherent detection, coherent/spectral beam combining, nonlinear frequency conversion, have been a research focus in recent years. In this paper, we will present a general review on the achievements of various kinds of high power linear-polarized fiber laser and its application. The recent progress in our group, including power scaling by using power amplifier with different mechanism, high power linearly polarized fiber laser with diversified properties, and various applications of high power linear-polarized fiber laser, are summarized. We have achieved 100 Watt level random distributed feedback fiber laser, kilowatt level continuous-wave (CW) all-fiber polarization-maintained fiber amplifier, 600 watt level average power picosecond polarization-maintained fiber amplifier and 300 watt level average power femtosecond polarization-maintained fiber amplifier. In addition, high power linearly polarized fiber lasers have been successfully applied in 5 kilowatt level coherent beam combining, structured light field and ultrasonic generation.


The article compares the functional properties of the leading foreign and domestic services that ensure the targeted use of video files on the Internet. Historical milestones in the formation of the main standards for processing, describing and integrating digital video (MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, MPEG-7, MPEG-21, H.263, H.264, H.265) are considered in the context of technology evolution to the current state. A special section of the article is devoted to the features of downloading, storing and organizing access to network video files using non-specialized file hosting, network storage, social networking services and video hosting. Because of comparing the properties of the names and descriptions of video files, their design and systematization through meta tags, categories, channels and playlists, recommendations were formulated for standardizing the functionality of video hosting. Particular attention is paid to optimizing the set of interactive services of network video players (playback speed and step forward length selectors, tables of contents, attachments, collective targeted notes, teasers, subtitles, end screens, attention retention analytics) in accordance with the intended purpose of the content used (storage, illustration of news and blogs, advertising, collection exposition, education, science and business). It is proposed to use a universal code for embedding video players in web pages of adaptive sites. The options for import substitution of basic and optional video hosting services are listed.


The new approach to mathematical description of structures of stochastic conditionď independence from [Sfudený' |993a_c] is related to the classicď approach by means of the notion of structural semigraphoid. It is shown how to reďize the corresponding deductive mechanism to infer probabilistically vďid consequences of input information about Cl-structure, called facial implication. In the case of 4 attributes (random variables), structural semigraphoids are characterized in terms of inference rules.


The LHC effective field theory working group gathers members of the LHC experiments and the theory community to provide a framework for the interpretation of LHC data in the context of EFT. In this note we discuss experimental observables and corresponding measurements in analysis of the Higgs, top, and electroweak data at the LHC. We review the relationship between operators and measurements relevant for the interpretation of experimental data in the context of a global SMEFT analysis. One of the goals of ongoing effort is bridging the gap between theory and experimental communities working on EFT, and in particular concerning optimised analyses. This note serves as a guide to experimental measurements and observables leading to EFT fits and establishes good practice, but does not present authoritative guidelines how those measurements should be performed. 1 ar X iv :2 21 1. 08 35 3v 2 [ he pph ] 1 6 N ov 2 02 2


Representation is a central issue in evolutionary computation. The no free lunch theorem demonstrates that there is no intrinsic advantage in a particular algorithm when considered against complete spaces of problems. The corollary is that algorithms should be fitted to the problems they are solving. Choice of representation is the primary point in the design of an evolutionary algorithm where the designer can incorporate domain knowledge and, in effect, choose the adaptive landscape he is searching. This tutorial will introduces representations for level design, agents for playing mathematical games, and for the design of non-player characters. Time permitting, other examples of representation will be included.


The overall strength of our university has been improved obviously in the second phase of the "985 project" since June,2004.The article introduces some idiographic measures in exploring and innovating the management system and mechanism of science and technology platform.Moreover,prominence results on the construction of science and technology platform,excellent person with ability and innovative group,the ability of science research and subject are summarized.Finally relevant experiences in order to help the reform on the system of science and technology platform in colleges and universities have been discussed.


The problem of choice among risk-management strategies is addressed with the stochastic dominance with a risk-free asset (SDRA) criteria. The SDRA criteria consider all possible combinations of the strategies and financial leverage. This allows for strategies with less business risk, less expected return, and greater leverage to dominate strategies with greater business risk and greater expected return. Results show that the inclusion of the risk-free asset significantly improves the discriminatory power of the ordinary stochastic dominance criteria for the case of risk-management strategies. Copyright 2002, Oxford University Press.


The structures of B7, B10 and B13 boron clusters are studied using the full-potential linear-muffin-tin-orbital molecular-dynamics method. Seven stable structures for B7 and fifteen for B10 have been obtained. C2h-B10 is the most stable among the 15 structures, but C2v-B10 is not stable. For B13, three degenerate ground-state structures have been found. The potential surface near C2v-B7 (ground state) and D6h-B7 is very flat. As a fundamental unit in constructing bigger clusters, C2v-B7 will change its form easily. The most stable structures for B7, B10 and B13 clusters are two-dimensional (quasi-) planar clusters, rather than the three-dimensional ones. General speaking, these clusters obey the `Aufbau principle'.


Objective. To study structural and functional measures of left heart regions in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Material and methods. 126 pts with RA (118 female and 8 male) aged 20 to 55 years (mean 41,23±0,79 years) with disease duration from 5 to 30 years (mean 10,75±0,56 years) were included. Control group contained 60 healthy volunteers of comparable sex and age. Echocardiography (EchoKG) with assessment of common structural-geometric diastolic and systolic parameters of left heart regions was performed in all cases. Results. Formation of left cardiac cavities spherical models instead of normal ellipsoidal ones, development of eccentric type left ventricle (LV) myocardial hypertrophy and hyperkinetic type systolic dysfunction were revealed in pts with RA. All diastole phases disturbance including active relaxation processes as well as LV rigidity changes were characteristic. Conclusion. High EchoCG self-descriptiveness in detection of left heart regions structural and functional disturbances was shown what allows using this method as screening in such category of pts


The present invention provides laminates, packaging materials and containers that can sustain excellent waterproof and non-adhesive properties. The present invention relates to a non-adhesive laminate in which hydrophobic oxide fine particles having an average particle diameter of 3 to 100 nm are attached to at least a part of the outermost layer.


Cardiac arrhythmias are common; some are life-threatening, others merely a nuisance. They are caused by abnormalities in impulse formation or conduction that lead to slow or fast, regular or irregular heart rhythms. It is not difficult to treat patients with slow rhythms: currently available pacemakers are able to adapt their function to the needs of the body. The situation is different, however, for patients with rapid rhythms. Such rhythms may originate anywhere in the heart and result from a variety of mechanisms. They may be focal, meaning that the abnormal impulse formation is confined to a small area, or they . . .


Background: Digital Eye Strain is major health complains among computer users in the new era of advanced technology with predominant poor knowledge and ergonomics. Aim: Evaluate the effect of interactive digital-based educational intervention about digital eye strain on the severity of eye complaints, knowledge and preventive ergonomic practices among computer users. Design: A randomized control educational trail design was employed (pre-post-test control group). Setting: the study was fulfilled in the main administrative building of Damanhour University/Egypt. Participants: 140 randomly selected computer users' employees working in the study setting. Tools: four tools were used for data collection. Results: a statistically significant mean difference was found regarding total eye complaints score after one month and three months of the educational intervention. The total knowledge score and the total preventive ergonomic practices score showed a highly statistically significant mean difference after one month and three months of the educational intervention. Moreover, the total workstation design score revealed a statistically significant mean difference after one month and three months Conclusion the research hypothesis was accepted as the interactive digital-based educational intervention about digital eye strain and its preventive ergonomic practices was effective in reducing the studied computer users' reported eye complaints also enhancing their knowledge level about digital eye strain in additionally modifying their preventive ergonomic practices and workstation design. Hence, it is recommended to develop hotlines and web-based educational sites for digital users to help them in facing the rising epidemic of digital eye strain associated with the new era of advanced technology.


Change is all around. Healthcare professionals are constantly being urged to do more with less. Nurses are being asked to exert transformational leadership and assume responsibility for the design of caregiving processes and environmental structures [1]. Improving quality isn't just a preoccupation of nurses working in acute care, but also of those concerned with public health [2]. If you accept the challenge of trying to exert transformational leadership, the question remains: How do you go about doing this? One strategy, I would recommend, is to consider clustering excellence.


On the basis of detailed analyisis the author presents the problems of deagrarization and urbanization in the SR Macedonia with special emphasis on migration of population.


With the rapid development of information technology, computer has become the significant instrument in assist the people to solve the problems that encountered. Consistent with the rapid uses of the technology, the religion sector does not miss out in make a way together with the grouth of the technology. Web Based Guidance System in Islamic funeral Rites' is a system that developed in purpose to give the guideline to the user the steps in funeral rites base on the principle of Islam' and also the things related to. The development of these system is according to the problems that give arise to our community about the funeral rites where normally the matter of funeral rites will be given to the Imam or Bilal. The justification of the development of these system is also to change the mentality of our community about funeral rites. The development of these system use the Rational Unified Process as the methodology, PHP as the programming language and MySQL as the database. Multimedia technique also used in these system with the support of software such as Adobe Premier 6.5, Adobe Photoshop 7.0 and sound Forge 4.5. It is hoped that the development of this system soon will give a benefit to the user in a matter that related to funeral rites


Six patients suffered from cpilepsy (all hat! major attacks) . .-\11 showed varying' degrees of mcutal subnormality. The dq!;ree c.f spasticity varied considcrablv from JUSt ataxia (I case) {O marked contracture of limbs (-l cases). All pat icnts ch",,:n 1Il'1c ot lu-rwi«. healthy and represented a fair cross section of the hospital population. In epileptics the usual routine ant i-convulsants which included phcnobarbitouc. phenytoin sodium and • ~l\'soline' IIC1e coru inuvd. GISt· case


Banking sector which is the headstone of the financial sector in Turkey should profit. There are some indicators available to measure profitability of a bank and monitor the sustainability of the efficiency. These indicators are called financial ratios. In this study, 3-month dataset including ratios and income statements of deposit bank, development bank and investment bank in Turkey in 2010 was created by using dataset of Bank Association of Turkey (BAT) and Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BRSA). The main purpose of this study is to determine the structure of relation between repeated measures and explore the suitable correlation structure of the dataset via generalized estimation equation (GEE). As a result of the analysis it was revealed that entropy based correlation coefficient which is not available in statistical package program and suitable for nominal variables could be an alternative for other known correlation coefficients. According to the results of this study, it was stated that capital adequacy and profitability ratios are the most important factors for estimating the change of total assets.


One of the most important problems for imaging of buried objects by the microwave tomography method is reflection from the surface. Experiments show that the level of surface reflection is very large. Because of this large reflection from surface, it is very hard to obtain images from weakly scattered objects like mines etc. if they are buried close to surface. This paper shows that if the incident wave is arranged at the Brewster angle, surface reflection is decreased and the imaging by the microwave tomography method of buried weakly scattered objects like mines etc. is better than at non Brewster angle.


The invention provides methods of using expression levels of one or more immune cell gene signatures and/or combinations of immune cell gene signatures as selection criteria for selecting a patient having cancer for treatment with an immunotherapy. The invention further provides methods for selecting a patient having cancer who may benefit from a particular immunotherapy, such as an activating immunotherapy or a suppressing immunotherapy and administering to the patient the activating immunotherapy or suppressing immunotherapy to treat the cancer.


According to the actual resource condition of our country, by designing the reasonable chemical composition, strictly controlling various technology parameters and using the metal mold casting technology, the high quality nodullar iron roller has been made in Cr-Mo-Cu iron. It can meet the using demands of the roller, and it can replace the same import product.


The access to quiet areas in cities is of increasing importance. Recently, the equivalent sources method for a two dimensional situation of parallel urban street canyons has been developed. One canyon represents a busy road, whereas the other is one without traffic; the quiet side. With the model, the transfer function between the two canyons can be calculated, as well as the influence of diffusion, absorption, and atmospheric turbulence on the transfer function. A scale model study of two parallel canyons has now been executed. A scale of 1:40 has been chosen and the maximum length sequence technique has been applied using the MLSSA system. Results of the scale model study have been compared to calculations with the equivalent sources method. The difference between a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional quiet side, between a coherent and an incoherent line source and the influence of absorption and diffusion has been investigated. The scale model study also gives insight in the evolution of the sound field in the time domain. [Work supported by the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (MISTRA).]


The objective of this study was to examine potential dispersal trajectories of mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis) eggs and early stage larvae during spawning events at La Parguera. Larval fishes were collected during four cruises between March and May 2003 along three transects running perpendicular to the shelf-edge. The Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) velocity profile Vertical velocity structure and temperature variations during the April 17 lunar perigee-zizygy event suggest that an internal wave collided with the shelf, resulting in an influx of deeper colder water, while displacing near-surface waters out to the Caribbean Sea. The mean westward flow of 7.3 km per day favors eggs and planktonic larvae spawned at the shelf-edge being transported offshore. However, the surface flow follows the bathymetry northward potentially leading to final recruitment destinations along the west coast of the island during spring 2003.


We begin by proving that the class of problems accepted by the program schemes of NPS is exactly the class of problems defined by the sentences of transitive closure logic (program schemes of NPS are obtained by generalizing basic non-deterministic while-programs whose tests within while instructions are quantifier-free first-order formulae). We then show that our program schemes form a proper infinite hierarchy within NPS whose analogy in transitive closure logic is a proper infinite hierarchy, the union of which is full transitive closure logic but for which every level of the hierarchy has associated with it a first-order definable problem not in that level. We then proceed to add a stack to our program schemes, so obtaining the class of program schemes NPSS, and characterize the class of problems accepted by the program schemes of NPSS as the class of problems defined by the sentences of path system logic. We show that there is a proper infinite hierarchy within NPSS, with an analogous hierarchy within path system logic (again, such that every level of the hierarchy has associated with it a first-order definable problem not in that level). Like the hierarchies in transitive closure logic and NPS, the hierarchies in path system logic and NPSS are all proper even when we consider only problems involving undirected trees or problems involving out-trees. One aspect of our analysis that we believe to be particularly interesting is that we do not use Ehrenfeucht-Fraisse games for our inexpressibility results, as is usually the case in finite model theory, but we simply consider computations of program schemes on certain finite structures.


Advertising is seen as effective messaging techniques in product sales and television is still regarded as a more efficient media to persuade consumers than other media. In advertising is more effective, especially if it aired on television because television advertising is very fast notably in taking attention and influence their audience. One way is to use a celebrity endorser, the company must have a celebrity endorser matching ads to deliver the desired message to the target audience, so that the message gets to the consumer who can form an opinion, and the opinion they will continue in accordance perception respectively, with It is expected to increase awareness of the product Based on this research, the concept of celebrity endorser girl band Cherrybelle Honda Beat by 3.55 so that can be good. Consumers' purchasing decisions Beat Honda motorcycles to get a response by 3.89 so that can be good too. The magnitude of the effect is shown by the coefficient of determination is equal to 32.83% indicates that the influence of celebrity endorser (X) to the purchasing decision (Y) by 32,83% while the remaining 67,17% are influenced other variables such as price, quality of product, product image, and so is not examined.


Objective To explore whether anacardic acid combined with doxorubicin has a synergistic effect on human HepG2 cells.Methods After treatment with anacardic acid and\or doxorubicin,the proliferation of HepG2 cells was detected by MTS,and the changes of Caspase-3,-8,and-9 and PARP were examined by Western blot.Results As compared with treatment with anacardic acid or doxorubicin alone,anacardic acid plus doxorubicin significantly enhanced the inhibition of HepG2 proliferation,with a marked synergistic effect; and it activated Caspase-3,-8,and -9 and induced the cutting of PARP.Conclusions Anacardic acid combined with doxorubicin has a synergistic effect on the inhibition of HepG2 proliferation,whose mechanism may be related to the induction of activation of the Caspase system.

Key words:
Sanacardic acid;  Doxorubicin;  Liver cancer;  Synergistic effect


Several dogs died in preclinical studies of the experimental drug that killed a human volunteer in a French trial, the French medical safety agency ANSM has confirmed.

But the expert committee the agency established to review the trial's conduct concluded that these deaths were to be expected in animal testing designed to establish a safe dose for human administration. The protocol for the first in human trial recorded that this "no observed adverse effect level" was determined for mice, rats, dogs, and monkeys.

As part of these studies, ANSM said, "very high doses are administered to determine the maximum tolerated doses, which can …


The accuracy of different techniques in retrieving the integrated water vapor (IWV) is assessed. Specifically, radiosonde observation (RAOBS) data collected in two sites with different climatic conditions (Milan, Italy, and Uccle, Belgium) are used as a reference to evaluate the accuracy of IWV values extracted from the ERA5 database of the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecast, as well as retrieved from a microwave radiometer (MWR) and GNSS receivers. Results indicate that the MWR provides the most accurate estimate of the IWV, but also that all the considered IWV data sources can satisfactorily serve the purpose of supporting the derivation of the total tropospheric attenuation from the received beacon signal in electromagnetic wave propagation experiment.


The outer face of the plate-shaped covering element comprises a plate (1) with the scales (2) separated from each other by the blind grooves (3). The plate (1) has flanges (6, 7) on two contiguous sides (4, 5) and notches (10, 11) on the complementary sides (8, 9). The grooves (3) extend from the flange (6) on a part of the height (h) of the plate (1) so that the scales are connected together at their base by a web (12) projecting on the side (5) of the plate (1) with a protuberance (13) on the flange (7). The vertical joint can be not only covered largely by two adjacent covering elements, but it can also be almost completely hidden from view.


The paper presents the experimental and FE modal analysis of Hip Joint used in the case of Hip Fracture. For the experimentation FFT analyser is used to calculate the natural frequencies. The three-dimensional finiteelement model is constructed in CATIA. The model is meshed in ANSYS workbench. During analysis the three fundamental bending modes are extracted. The finite element model agrees well with the FFT results and can serve as a baseline model of the Hip Joint.


Objective: To investigate the antioxidation effects of soy isoflavones in mice during an experimental period of 8 weeks. Methods: 60 BALB/C male mice (18~22g , BW) were divided randomly into 4 groups and fed a basal diet supplemented with 25,100, 200mg/kg soy isoflavones. Results:The MDA and H2O2 levels in liver were significantly lower than those of the control group (p0.01). The GSH-Px and CAT activities of in liver and whole blood were increased obviously (p0.01). The SOD, T-AOC levels in liver were significantly increased (p0.01). Conclusion: These results suggested that soy isoflavones can improve the ability of antioxidation obviously.


This paper evaluates the potential for growth in trade between the European Union and the Western Balkans. A clear-cut picture emerges from the application of a gravity model. EU trade with the Western Balkans shows considerable room for growth in both imports and exports; on the contrary, EU trade with two Balkan countries, Bulgaria and Romania, is close to, or in some cases exceeds, the values predicted by the model. From this analysis, it follows that trade policy, alongside geographical proximity, plays an important role in shaping trade patterns.


High adaptive ability of honey bee allow them notoney to settle versions ecological niches but to in flucuce favorably on their stability and productivity as a result of mutual coadaption honey bee and flowering plants.


A shopbot is a software agent whose goal is to maximize buyer´s satisfaction through automatically gathering the price and quality information of goods as well as the services from on-line sellers. In the response to shopbots´ activities, sellers on the Internet need the agents called pricebots that can help them maximize their own profits. In this paper we adopts Q-learning, one of the model-free reinforcement learning methods as a price-setting algorithm of pricebots. A Q-learned agent increases profitability and eliminates the cyclic price wars when compared with the agents using the myoptimal (myopically optimal) pricing strategy Q-teaming needs to select a sequence of state-action fairs for the convergence of Q-teaming. When the uniform random method in selecting state-action pairs is used, the number of accesses to the Q-tables to obtain the optimal Q-values is quite large. Therefore, it is not appropriate for universal on-line learning in a real world environment. This phenomenon occurs because the uniform random selection reflects the uncertainty of exploitation for the optimal policy. In this paper, we propose a Mixed Nonstationary Policy (MNP), which consists of both the auxiliary Markov process and the original Markov process. MNP tries to keep balance of exploration and exploitation in reinforcement learning. Our experiment results show that the Q-learning agent using MNP converges to the optimal Q-values about 2.6 time faster than the uniform random selection on the average.


In recent years, investigations involving thymic ablation and replacement by thymic grafts or extracts in several species have suggested a central role for the thymus gland in the maturation, proliferation, and immunological competence of the lymphocyte.1 Two major types of observations imply that the influence of the thymus is in part endocrine. The first is the in vivo effect of thymic extracts on lymphopoiesis, lymphocytosis, and immunological competence;2-ll the second is the effect of thymus grafts, enclosed in cell-impermeable Millipore diffusion chambers, on thymectomized animals.12-'4 Previous attempts to isolate and purify "thymic hormones" have been hampered by the lack of a satisfactory, rapid assay method. In two earlier publications, Klein, Goldstein, and White10' 11 have described the preparation of thymic extracts and an in vivo method for testing their biological activity. In this communication, we wish to report the preparation and partial purification from calf thymic tissue of a product which stimulates incorporation of H3-thymidine into mesenteric lymph node cells. The lymphocytopoietic factor, which we term thymosin, is active when administered in vivo, as well as when added directly to a lymphocyte suspension incubated in vitro. This in vitro activity has permitted the development of a new assay procedure for thymosin and has facilitated purification studies.


This work aims to present in a phenomenological, analytical, historical and hermeneutical way the National Donkey Festival that is celebrated in San Antero (Colombia). The early beginning of the Festival is stated in the "ride of the donkey" that started by the first decades of the twentieth century in the municipality. Ride that ended with the trial, the reading of the testament and the burning of Judas the Saturday of Glory. Judas is a doll of straw, paper and used clothing that is strolled while being mocked and then burned on the Sabbath of Glory. Primary sources such as interviews with people from the village are used, as well as secondary sources of information and interpretation.


Ablation and plasma mirror characteristics of Borofloat, BK7, and B270 glasses processed with 34 fs pulses of 800 nm central wavelength are compared in the 1014–1015 W/cm2 intensity domain. With thresholds of 1.7-1.9 × 1014 W/cm2, higher than those of fused silica, and depths saturating above 5×1014 W/cm2, the three glasses behave similarly from the point of view of ablation. With reflectivity enhancements comparing favorably with that of fused silica, the glasses prove to be good plasma mirror hosts. With the steepest increase in time integrated transient reflectivity with intensity, Borofloat is the most promising candidate.


In conclusion, the analysis and measurement of thermal properties are crucial for a wide range of applications in science, technology, and industry. For energy efficiency optimisation, the design of sophisticated materials, and the creation of cutting-edge technologies, it is essential to comprehend how heat is transmitted and handled within materials. Researchers can precisely evaluate thermal conductivity, heat capacity, and other thermal parameters using a variety of experimental methodologies, including both conventional and cutting-edge technologies. This enables accurate material characterisation and performance evaluation. The landscape of thermal management and energy conversion has been significantly shaped by nanostructured materials. Their distinct nanoscale characteristics provide chances to modify thermal behaviour, boost effectiveness, and add new features. Researchers are able to manage heat conduction, phonon behaviour, and charge transport through the use of designed nanostructures, which has led to breakthroughs in a variety of industries, including electronics, energy storage, thermoelectric devices, and more. In addition to promoting energy efficiency and waste heat recovery, these developments pave the path for sustainable solutions to the world's rising energy needs and environmental problems. We are on the verge of ground-breaking discoveries that have the potential to restructure industries, enhance energy sustainability, and pave the way for a more effective and linked society as we continue to investigate and harness the complex behaviour of heat within materials.


Power control is a fundamental component of CDMA networks because of the interference that users cause to one another. Consequently, too many users in the system may lead to an overload whereas too few would generate an inefficient use of resources. Previous work by the authors has highlighted some fundamental properties of a CDMA system pertaining to the required power distribution when a particular terminal has reached its power limit. These properties have formed the basis for an admission control scheme which leads to an efficient use of system resources. This paper expands on this scheme and shows that optimal throughput with a fixed number of users can be achieved for a range of received power values and that this range of values is affected by the geometry of the users' location relative to the base station. In addition, there is an optimal number of users and an optimal received power ratio between them that results in maximum throughput. But when the optimal conditions can not be achieved, it is known that equal received power has good performance, and based on this, we design an admission control algorithm.


The invention relates to a process for cladding a metal part (202) of an aircraft turbojet, comprising a plurality of metal portions (203; 204), employing a nozzle (211) emitting a laser beam, characterised in that said process comprises the various following steps: positioning the metal part (202) to be clad on a turntable (201); positioning a cover (205) on the turntable (201); positioning the nozzle (211) in an aperture (206) present in the cover (205); introducing an inert gas under the cover (205); and cladding a first portion (203) of the metal part (202) by carrying out operations of: spraying metal powders; emitting the laser beam; and moving the nozzle (211) relative to said first metal part (203).


Ceramic matrix composites are leading candidate materials for a number of applications in aeronautics, space, energy, electronics, nuclear, and transportation industries. In the aeronautics and space exploration systems, these materials are being considered for applications in hot sections of jet engines such as the combustor liner, nozzle components, nose cones, leading edges of reentry vehicles and space propulsion components. Applications in the energy and environmental industries include radiant heater tubes, heat exchangers, heat recuperators, gas and diesel particulate filters (DPFs), and components for land based turbines for power generation. These materials are also being considered for use in the first wall and blanket components of fusion reactors. There are a number of critical issues and challenges related to successful implementation of composite materials. Fabrication of net and complex shape components with high density and tailorable matrix properties is quite expensive, and even then various desirable properties are not achievable. In this presentation, microstructure and thermomechanical properties of composites fabricated by two techniques (chemical vapor infiltration and melt infiltration), will be presented. In addition, critical need for robust joining and assembly technologies in successful implementation of these systems will be discussed. Other implementation issues will be discussed along with advantages and benefits of using these materials for various components in high temperature applications.


A preliminary study on the diversity of odonata was carried out for the first time to assess thediversity of odonata in the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (PWS), Sri Lanka. It is a biologicallyrich area surrounding the Adam's Peak which is located at 6° 48' 33.357" N and 80° 29'58.3182" E. Total area of the sanctuary is about 24,000 ha and the altitude ranges from 50 mto 2238 m.. The study was conducted from August 2012 to August 2013. Visual encountersurvey method was used for the sampling and it was carried out along the existing paths andstreams in the sanctuary covering many different habitats types. Sampling was done in theday time from 0800 h to 1700 h as odonates are most active during the day. 34 species ofodonates representing 11 families were recorded during the study while 30 of them wereidentified to the species level. This represents 28.1% (from 121 species) of the Sri Lankanodonate fauna. 19 of the recorded species (55.9%) belong to Suborder Zygoptera while theremaining 15 (44.1%) belongs to the Suborder Anisoptera. Seven of the identified species areendemic to the country while 13 species are considered to be threatened with extinction at thenational level. 10 of the threatened species are known to be Vulnerable while three speciesare endangered. The nationally data deficient and globally critically endangered damselflySinhalestes orientalis (Hagen in Selys, 1862) which has not been recorded for 154 years wasalso observed during this study. The high species richness of odonata and the presence ofmany threatened species and data deficient species indicate that the PWS is an important areafor the odonata thus more comprehensive studies and suitable conservation actions should bemade.


The embodiment of the invention provides a starting method of a boot program and a relevant device. The starting method of the boot program comprises firstly determining whether a currently-operated first physical block in a Nandflash is a bad block when a boot start request is detected, reading first boot data stored in the first physical block when the first physical block is not a bad block, determining whether the first boot data which are read has data errors, re-reading first boot data from a first backup block when the first boot data which are read has data errors, determining whether the first boot data which is re-read from a first backup block has data errors, continuing processing the other boot data which needs reading when the boot program is started according to the same processing mode as the first boot data after the first boot data which is re-read from the first backup block has no data errors until the starting of the boot program is completed.


The solution of inverse scattering problems where the unknown scatterer respects the Rytov approximation is addressed in this paper by means of an innovative strategy based on Interval Analysis. Firstly, the approach recast the inverse problem as an optimization one by defining a suitable cost function that measures the discrepancy between the measured and the reconstructed scattered field in the Interval Arithmetic framework. Successively, the cost function is minimized by means of a branch-and-bound algorithm based on the exploitation of the rules of Interval Analysis. Such a solution guarantees the presence of the optimal solution in the list of candidate solutions obtained when the termination conditions are satisfied.


The unbinding of three strings in a plane which interact via short-ranged attractive potentials is studied using both transfer-matrix methods and Monte Carlo techniques. In the symmetric case, for which the two outer strings have the same line tension, the critical behavior depends on the relative flexibility of the inner string in a nonuniversal fashion. In the asymmetric case, the strings unbind in two successive unbinding transitions at two different temperatures. Renormalization-group arguments predict that these results are also applicable to the adhesion and unbinding of three membranes.


In this research, the method of continuous maintenance of the agricultural water supply structure by the cooperation of the local resident is examined from result of the questionnaire. The questionnaire was executed in the Kohge district in Tottori prefecture deeply related to Andou-ide which is the historical agricultural water supply structure. The content of the questionnaire is amount of knowledge of Andou-ide, about the person and the place that knowledge of Andou-ide was offered, about the visit to relating facilities, about the maintenance of relating facilities. Result of the questionnaire was totaled dividing into the farmer and non-farmer. And, the relation between the agricultural water supply structure and the local resident was multilaterally examined in the Kohge district.


The Xinguara Granite (XingG), an Archean granitic pluton situated in the northern part of the Rio Maria Granite-Greenstone Terrain, southeast of Para state, is intrusive in TTG granitoids and gneisses and in the Rio Maria Granodiorite. The XingG exhibits a remarkable compositional homogeneity, being composed essentially by metaluminous to slightly peraluminous leucogranite with high SiO 2 and alkali contents, high K 2 O/Na 2 O ratios, low MgO and moderate CaO contents. Subordinate, it also occurs pegmatoid granites and leucosyenogranites. The leucomonzogranite facies was subdivided on basis of the geochemical data in the LMG1 and LMG2 types, whole silica contents are similar. However, the LMG2 type has lower Al 2 O 3 Cb, MgO, CaO and Na 2 O and higher K 2 O, Rb, Zr and Y contents compared to the LMG1 type. In geochemical diagrams the LMG1 and LMG2 types define contrasting evolutive trends, indicating that they crystallized from two different liquids. The behavior of lithophile elements suggests that a moderate fractionation of potassic feldspar, plagioclase and biotite controlled the small degree of differentiation of Xinguara pluton magmas. The fractionation of feldspar is confirmed by the deep Eu negative anomalies (Eu/Eu* ranging from 0.28 to 0.38 in the LMG1 type). The LMG1 type shows, in general, an acentuated depletion in the heavy rare earth elements (Lan/Ybn, ranging from 149.07 to 16.63), which is probably due to garnet and/or amphibole retention in the melt residue. The large extent of fractionation of the HREE, the depletion in Y, Ti and Nb parallel to the enrichment in P e Sr in comparison to the average composition of the upper continental crust, as well as the high values of the Rb/Y and Al 2 O 3 /TiO 2 ratios, indicate a similarity between the Xinguara leucogranites and Archean calc-alkaline leucogranite of type 2. The two types of Xinguara leucogranites were probably derived by different degrees of partial melting from a same crustal protolith, which is possibly similar to the TTG granitoids and gneisses or, alternatively, to the Rio Maria Granodiorite.


The results of a recently completed study on the potential noise-reduction benefits that could be derived from the development of an "Advanced Acoustic-Composite Nacelle" for future subsonic commercial transports are discussed. In this study, noise-reduction objectives were based on the acceptance of noise floors imposed by airframe noise during approach operation and jet noise during takeoff. The reduction of treatable source levels to these floors should result in aircraft noise levels below those of the already quiet current widebodied transports. It is predicted that the foregoing noise levels can be achieved in future widebodied transports by employing advanced acoustical duct liners, extending the (lined) fan duct, and incorporating jet mixing.Copyright © 1976 by ASME


We show that aromatic amino acids on aggregated and immobilized Ag nanocrystals degrade upon laser illumination (λ = 514.5 nm). Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) data, using tyrosine as the precursor, point to a linear one-photon induced reaction. This interpretation is supported by ab initio calculations of tyrosine−Ag+ complexes. Spectral fluctuations and bleaching-effects suggest that the observed SERS signal is due to a variety of chromophores that continuously form from aromatic precursors and eventually break down at the Ag surface. The final photoproduct is similar to amorphous carbon (AC) but the spectral details are determined by the precursor. We found that precoating the Ag particles with thiophenol inhibits photoinduced degradation of tyrosine in H2O.


The UFHPLUS high temperature overflow dyeing machine provides a better solution for the low liquor ratio overflow dyeing machines' processing problem with its optimal design for the storage chamber and fast back-water system, adoption of multi-level distribution of dye and dye dilution for secondary circulation, etc. Through the practical application and comparative analysis, it successfully verifies the machine's energy conservation effects and improves the technical performance of overflow jet dyeing machines.


With the recent growth of bibliographic data, many research fields work on defining new techniques for their analysis. In this context, data could be represented as heterogeneous networks. In order to analyse information networks in a multidimensional way, online analytical processing OLAP may be a relevant solution but it must be adapted for networked data by considering nodes and edges. A first approach that has been proposed in the literature consists in building cubes of graphs. In a different and complementary way, our proposal consists in enriching graphs with cubes. Indeed, the nodes or/and edges of the considered network are described by a cube. It allows interesting analyses for the user who can navigate within a graph enriched by cubes according to different granularity levels, with dedicated operators. We implemented our approach and performed an experimental study on a real dataset to show the interest of our proposal.


Hyperspectral (HS) imaging has been useful in the monitoring of several medical conditions, which to date have generally involved changes in skin oxygenation in isolated regions of interest such as skin flaps or small burns. Here, by contrast, we present a study in which HSI was used to assess the cutaneous manifestations of significant systemic events. HS imaging of the ventral surface of the lower jaw was used to monitor changes in skin oxygenation during hypovolemic shock induced by pulmonary contusion and hemorrhage in a porcine model, and to monitor the subsequent recovery of oxygenation following resuscitation. Changes are seen both quantitatively, in the level of skin oxygenation as determined by the fitting of reference hemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin spectra to sample spectra, and qualitatively, in the observed spatial distribution or pattern of oxygenation-related changes in the skin. Linear regression was used to correlate these changes with invasively obtained parameters to include mixed venous oxygen saturation and systemic arterial blood pressure. Historically, the assessment of skin color and mottling has been an important, albeit inexact, component of resuscitation algorithms. Now, it is possible to analyze these variables during shock and resuscitation in an objective manner. The clinical utility of these advances needs to be determined.


Managing traffic during oversaturated conditions is a challenge for practitioners due to the lack of adequate optimization tools for addressing such situations. Unlike under-saturated conditions, operation of traffic signal systems during congestion requires careful consideration and analysis of the underlying causes of the congestion before developing mitigation strategies. This paper presents an application of a new oversaturation timing strategy (OTS) in a congested arterial network. The OTS employs the principles of oversaturation timing (i.e., prevent spillback into upstream intersections and prevent starvation at downstream intersections in cycle length selection, splits allocations, and offset design along with critical routes protection. Microscopic simulation results of the arterial test case revealed that traffic control strategies developed using the proposed framework led to significant improvement of system performance when compared to signal control strategies designed for operations in under-saturated conditions. Each of the generated control plans includes series of timing plans with different control objectives. These control plans successfully manage the queues along the network links. The developed control plans apply both internal metering by allocating queues on links with extra reserve capacities, and external metering by holding traffic outside the network preventing demand loading on the network from reaching critical levels. It also revealed that applying capacity maximization on early stage would provide extra reserve capacities to the critical routes unlike delay minimization control that balances the queues formations on all network links.


A pressure-grouted helical pile (PGHP) is a stiffened helical pile installed by using the simultaneous drilling and grouting technique. The formation of the soil-cement column surrounded by the helical pile is influenced by the multiple installation parameters, including helix number, helix size, and drilling speed. A series of small-scale model tests was carried out in clay to investigate the influence of installation parameters on axial behavior of PGHP and the load transfer mechanism. The model piles were pulled out after the loading tests, and the dimensions of the soil-cement columns were measured. The ultimate compressive bearing capacities of the PGHPs were 260% to 293% higher than the un-grouted helical piles. The ultimate bearing capacities of the PGHPs were proportional to the increase of the helix number and helix size and decreased with the drilling speed. The average bond diameter of the soil-cement column was 1.26 to 1.35 times the helix size. The adhesion between the soil-cement column and the surrounding clay was in the range of 0.8 to 1.2. The overall results examine the feasibility of the simultaneous drilling and grouting technique in clay and the improvement of the axial bearing performance compared to un-grouted helical piles.


About 15 years ago, the donor community introduced participatory development programs in order to better respond to criticism that they do not sufficiently take into account the real needs of the populations of developing countries. These programs involve the targeted populations in their design and implementation. On the basis of theoretical and empirical studies already conducted on the subject, this article aims to evaluate whether participatory development approaches introduce sufficient added value for it to be worthwhile for aid agencies to include more of these programs in their portfolio of potential aid instruments.


Value premiums, which we define as value portfolio returns in excess of market portfolio returns, are on average much lower in the second half of the July 1963–June 2019 period. But the high volatility of monthly premiums prevents us from rejecting the hypothesis that expected premiums are the same in both halves of the sample. Regressions that forecast value premiums with book-to-market ratios in excess of market (BM–BMM) produce more reliable evidence of second-half declines in expected value premiums, but only if we assume the regression coefficients are constant during the sample period.
 Received: January 21, 2020; editorial decision: July 21, 2020; Editor: Jeffrey Pontiff.


Yttria stabilised zirconia (YZS) is an important solid electrolyte with applications for SOFC and oxygen separators, due to its good electrical and mechanical properties. Although well known and widely investigated, this material continues to be attractive for deeper conductivity studies, which are expected to improve the possibilities for its application. It has been firmly established (1,2) that the ionic conductivity of the material takes place by a vacancy mechanism. The high concentration of the dopant Y2O3 aids the formation of associates, which serve as vacancy trapping centers. What is less known and uncertain is the mobility and concentration of the free vacancies able to take part in the mass transport process and their temperature dependence. The existence of vacancy ordered phases (microdomains) with different temperature stability is also supposed. In addition, the conductivity of the material is strongly affected by its complicated microstructure.


In this study. we developed an electronic fuel injection system and its sub-systems to replace conventional carburetor for a three-cylinder spark ignition engine. The effect of intake pipe length on engine performance was studied experimentally using the new fuel supply system. Using cylinder pressure data. combustion characteristics were analyzed. Plenum chamber volume was set 792cc which is close to the engine's displacement volume. Based on simulation results, intake manifold's length from valve seat to plenum chamber entrance was set at four different lengths, 310mm. 330mm, 350mm. 380mm. It was shown from the experiment that both performance and flame stability were good with L=330mm in BMEP fixed condition and WOT condition, showed excellent results.


Functional movement disorders (FMD) are a commonly under‐recognized diagnosis in patients with underlying neurodegenerative diseases. FMD have been observed in patients undergoing deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD) and other movement disorders. The prevalence of coexisting FMD among movement disorder‐related DBS patients is unknown, and it may occur more often than previously recognized.


We detected and analyzed a spin-dependent intensity asymmetry for spin-degenerate surface states at the $\overline{\mathrm{M}}$ point in the unoccupied electronic structure of Tl/Ge(111). Approximating the initial state by a plane wave, we calculated the inverse-photoemission process and obtained good agreement with the experimental data. Our model reveals that this spin asymmetry at a point of time-reversal invariant momentum (TRIM) is of different origin than other effects discussed in the literature, which are based on the light detection geometry, photon energy, and experimental probing depth of the electrons. Instead, the spin asymmetry in this nonmagnetic material with spin-orbit interaction is caused by breaking the initial-state time-reversal symmetry in the experiment. The effect is of general nature and can occur in spin- and angle-resolved inverse photoemission as well as photoemission at TRIM points.


This paper studies the surface modes at the interface of flnite size Electromagnetic Band Gap (EBG) woodpile structures. The impact of difierent types of woodpile terminations on the properties of these surface modes is analyzed. For all the studied terminations there exist surface modes which must be taken into account when designing components based on this EBG structure.


A novel technology for fabricating multimode thin‐film optical components is described. Light is guided within a nonplanar transparent rubber film, following geodesics of the film surface. Controlled deformation of the surface through mechanical or pneumatic forces makes possible mode‐ and wavelength‐independent focusing, deflecton, and switching.


Abstract: Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) are widely used in houses and offices and are gradually substituting the traditional incandescent bulbs. Although CFLs can reduce approximately 75% of energy usage and increase the lifetime by several times as compared to the traditional light bulbs, they contain elemental mercury (Hg) which is toxic to human beings, especially children. Once the CFLs are disposed in the environment and broken, the Hg will release and become a potential threat to human health and the environment. The objective of this study was to determine the releases of Hg from different CFLs under various environmental conditions when CFLs are broken. The U.S. EPA standard method Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) was used to examine the amounts of Hg that can leach out from CFLs under landfill conditions. The U.S. EPA Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) was employed to evaluate the leaching of Hg from CFLs when subjected to rainwater. A specially designed emission chamber was used to measure the Hg emission from broken CFLs in gaseous form; a sorbent tube was used to trap the vapor Hg in the emission for the determination of the amounts of Hg released. In addition, the total Hg contained in the CFLs was measured according to U.S. EPA standard SW-846 Method 7471B. The results show that CFLs contain an average of 2-10 mg Hg, of which about 5 % can leach out in the TCLP test and 1% the SPLP test. Some CFLs resulted in TCLP extracts with Hg concentrations higher than the regulatory level of 0.2 mg/L and thus fall into the hazardous waste category. The emission test showed that about 15%of the total Hg in the CFLs can release into the air when broken. It is recommended that used CFLs be collected and handled properly and recycled wherever possible in order to avoid negative environmental impacts and health risk to human beings.


Critical thinking skills should be owned by everyone. Observations indicate that the students' thinking skills of class IX SMP N 8 Bandar Lampung had been developed. Therefore, it is necessary to act as a solution to improve the students' thinking skills. One way to use multimedia animation through cooperative learning model STAD type. This research aimed to find out the effect of the use of multimedia animation with cooperative learning model STAD type to the students' thinking skills on the subject matter of the Human Reproductive System. The research design was pretest-posttest design are not equivalent. The research sample is class IX A and IX B are selected from the population at random cluster sampling. Quantitative data obtained from the average value of the pretest, posttest, and N-gain satistik analyzed. Qualitative data in the form of student activity data taken using the rubric student activity data and student responses to learning using multimedia animation with type STAD cooperative learning model that analyzed descriptively. The results showed that the use of multimedia animation with cooperative learning model STAD type significantly affect toward students' thinking skills. In addition, an increase of students critical thinking in the experimental class with an average N-gain 63.95%  is medium criteria, on average N-gain of all the indicators of students in the experimental class students' thinking skills also increased the amount of 65.88% with criteria being. The average percentage of student learning activities in all aspects of that observed in the experimental class has medium criteria 71.75%. In addition, most students responded positively to the use of multimedia animation through cooperative learning model STAD type. Keywords : Multimedia Animation, STAD, critical thinking skills, The Human Reproductive System


Primary anorectal lymphoma is a rare presentation of gastrointestinal lymphomas. Its clinical presentation is indistinguishable from that of anorectal carcinoma. Here, we report a case of primary anorectal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (anaplastic large cell lymphoma) that was treated completely by standard chemotherapy. In addition, cytomegalovirus colitis was diagnosed and treated successfully during the immunosuppression phase.


The peer-reviewed monograph of the famous Bulgarian lawyer Yanaki Stoilov "Principles of law: concept and application" is an interdisciplinary study in which the topic of principles is covered extremely widely, it reflects not only the phenomena of law and politics, but also ethics, history, logic and even folklore. The book is distinguished by its fundamental, analytical nature and, to a certain extent, innovative approach to the assessments and phenomena of modernity: the problems of the correlation of national and International Law, legality and legitimacy, the legal and social state, the possibilities and limits of democracy, etc.


This paper introduced the treatment of tin middling by fuming process of DC electric arc furnace. The nfluence of mixture ratio of reducing agent and volatilization temperature were studied. The tin content is 53.01% in fume, 0.25% in slag, and the volatilization rate reaches 97.48% under the following conditions: the ratio of tin middling: lime: coke powder: pyrite is 47.5:8.5:20:5.6, reaction temperature is 1200 ± 30℃ , and reaction time is 5 hours.


The editorial by Perlmuter et al. (1) in the October 2008 issue of Diabetes Care commented on the long-term effects of severe hypoglycemia and raised concerns about our study (2), which reported that within the cohort of subjects who entered the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) during adolescence, there was no relationship between subsequent episodes of severe hypoglycemia and cognitive performance measured ∼20 years after study entry. Below, we outline their five major concerns and provide supporting information.

One concern of Perlmuter et al. was the exclusion of potential participants from the DCCT if they had a history of severe hypoglycemia, thus limiting generalizability. However, a history of severe hypoglycemia was not an absolute exclusion criterion for participation in the DCCT. Indeed, 24% of the 175 participants had previously experienced 1–5 episodes of severe hypoglycemia with loss of consciousness before entry …


The effects of the little of Stipa bungeana,Lespedeza davurica and Artemisia capillaries on the growth characteristics of wheat,including of the rate of seeding emergence,seedling height,and the dry matter(DM) weight in shoot sand roots in native grassland of farming-pastoral ecotone were studied in this paper.The results showed that,the little of S.bungeana had no significant effect on the rate of seeding emergence,root weight and the weight ratio of aboveground to underground of wheat(P0.05),whereas it had a significant effect on seeding height in the 2rd,8 th,12 th and 16 th after the little deposition(P0.05).Similarly,L.davurica and A.capillaries little had no significant effects on the rate of seeding emergence,seeding height and root weight of wheat(P0.05),whereas they had significant effect on the root growth of wheat(P0.05),which would increase the root weight of wheat and decrease its weight ratio of aboveground to underground.Thus,the seeding growth of wheat was different among the different species little,and was more sensitive to the response of the little of L.davurica and A.capillaries than S.bungeana.


Fish diseases caused by bacterial pathogens have been increasing around the world, limiting the development of aquaculture due to the economic losses associated. The conventional approach to avoid bacterial diseases is the massive use of antibiotics, exacerbating the potential for antimicrobial resistance development among fish pathogens. Nowadays, new disease-preventive measures are emerging, such as the modulation of the gut microbiota through dietary changes or by using probiotics. Knowing the benefits of the gut microbiota on host health (e.g. exclusion of potential pathogens), one aim of this work was to evaluate if dietary regimes are enough to modulate the gut microbiota composition of two species with distinct feeding habits. To do so, the omnivorous white sea bream and the carnivorous gilthead sea bream were fed with the same commercial diet for five weeks and the corresponding gut microbiota dynamics were evaluated by Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE). An increase of the similarity between replicates in the two species was observed from the beginning to the end of the experiment, with gilthead sea bream showing significant results. This suggests that the carnivorous fish gut microbiota might be more susceptible to diet manipulation when using a carnivorous diet, than the omnivorous fish gut microbiota. Nevertheless, and according to previous studies, the microbiota of the omnivorous species (white sea bream) tends to be richer and more diverse, even when fed with a carnivorous diet, thus indicating that fish feeding habits and fish genetics may play a role with greater importance than feed itself, on defining fish gut microbiota. An efficient way of modulating the gut microbiota is by using probiotics, in particular Bacillus species that are known to produce Natural Antimicrobial Compounds (NACs) able to antagonize different pathogens. Taking advantage of the Bacillus ubiquitous nature, we also aimed with this work to isolate, identify and characterize from the gut of aquaculture fish species, several Bacillus strains able to antagonize important fish pathogens. 176 isolates representing different colony morphologies and samples were obtained, and an identification based on the 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed a clear abundance of B. subtilis. Screening the entire collection of sporeformers for NACs production allowed the selection of three most promising isolates that were capable to produce and release to the extra-cellular environment active NACs capable of suppressing pathogens bacterial growth and biofilm formation. These three fish-gut isolates, identified as B. subtilis, also shown to be sensitive to the antibiotic classes required by the European Union, and therefore are considered putatively safe to be used as future probiotics or as source of bioactive molecules in aquaculture.


Semiconducting tin oxide prepared from chloride salts has been evaluated as an electrocatalyst support. The support had an electrical conductivity comparable to that of conventional active carbon supports. Platinum catalysts prepared on tin oxide were found to have low activity for methanol electro-oxidation. Characterisation by X-ray diffraction, temperature-programmed reduction and cyclic voltammetry revealed that the platinum for the greater part was not present as platinum metal. It is proposed that the calcination of the platinum catalyst in air resulted in a strong interaction or compound formation between the platinum species and the tin oxide, rendering the platinum difficult to reduce.


FCPD is a unique form of diabetes secondary to tropical calcific pancreatitis. FCPD usually affects the poorer strata of society and patients are lean and often frankly malnourished. The hall-marks of the disease are the occurrence of pain in abdomen in childhood and pancreatic calculi associated with dilatation of the pancreatic duct and fibrosis of the gland in adolescence. Diabetes sets in by early adulthood, is severe and usually insulin requiring although ketosis is rare. Specific diabetic complications do occur on long term follow-up. The aetiology of FCPD still remains unclear.


The variations in the equatorial penetration boundary of solar protons with E sub p = 0.9 to 8.0 MeV during a strong magnetic storm of April 3 to 5, were analyzed. The dynamics of this boundary is compared with the dynamics of the outer trapping boundary of electrons with E sub e = - 0.3 to 0.6 MeV. The solar-proton penetration and the structure of the real magnetic field are studied. The unique data on the thin structure of development of a magnetospheric substorm were obtained for the first time.


There is an easily accessible and low cost approach to generating nitrogen-doped graphene (NG). This method is shown through the combination of high exfoliation speed and covalent metamorphose from the melamine (MA)–graphene oxide (GO) mixture. NGs processed during the temperature of 300, 600, and 900 °C featured X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) in a systematic way. As for XPS, graphitic-N, pyridinic-N, as well as pyrrolic-N and are regarded to be three major nitrogen-doped frameworks with different proportions. NG modified GCE exerted a strengthening influence on the electrochemical oxidation process. After optimization, the anodic ultimate current of maltol react was in accordance with its concentration ranging from 0.05 μM to 70 μM, along with the detection limit of 0.02 μM, has been obtained.


Without a doubt family counseling is badly needed. Family planning is faced realistically today. Teenage problems are real. Without a doubt the obstetrician-gynecologist is in the best position to advise on these matters.


Research goal: Based on the information found in the literature, it has been verified that the use of biofertilizing algae can definitely improve plant quality, growth, and blooms. In this work, studies were conducted to evaluate whether the use of algae in the cultivation of ornamental cacti in pots can improve the growth, ornamental qualities and resistance to salt stress of plants that normally grow in environmental conditions different from our latitudes. Materials and Methods: The experiments, started in September 2020, were conducted in the greenhouses of CREA-OF in Pescia (PT), Tuscany, Italy (43°54′N 10°41′E) on Lobivia arachnacantha, Lobivia aurea shaferi, Lobivia jojoiana and Lobivia grandiflora herzogli. The experimental groups were: i) group control, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; ii) group control1, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized + 50 mM of NaCl once every 7 days; iii) group with algae, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized; iv) group with algae, irrigated with water and substrate previously fertilized + 50 mM of NaCl once every 7 days. On July 28, 2021, plant height and circumference, suckers' number, number and length of thorns, vegetative and roots weight, flowers number, flowers life, plants dead from salinity stress, substrate microbial count, pH were analysed. Results and Discussion: The test showed a significant increase in agronomic and quality parameters analyzed in plants treated with algae extracts on Lobivia arachnacantha, Lobivia aurea shaferi, Lobivia jojoiana and Lobivia grandiflora herzogli. In fact, the trial showed in agronomic terms an increase in plant height and circumference, number of new suckers, vegetative and roots growth, number and length of thorns and flowers number. In qualitative terms, theses treated with algae extracts have shown a significant increase in the flower's life and greater resistance to salt stress. The trial also showed an increase in the microorganism's number in the theses treated with algae and a lowering of the pH in the substrate. The results therefore suggest the presence of additional sources of carbon and energy in particular nitrogen and phosphorus that ensure the increase of microbial populations and influence their behavior. Conclusions: This research paper highlights the potential of biofertilizer technology in terms of cost, environmental sustainability, and saline soil improvement. As in other experiments in the literature, the application of algae not only resulted in significant effects on plant growth but also influenced the development of microbial communities in the soil.


Behavioural differences between intranidal and extranidal major workers from a laboratory colony of an African carpenter ant species Camponotus maculatus reared from a foundress captured in Cameroon were investigated by means of dyadic nestmate reunion tests. Prior to the test, the ants were subjected to social isolation (48 h) in test tubes containing water reservoirs and carbohydrate food. Each test (20 min) involved a confrontation between a dyad of nestmates (two intranidal workers or two extranidal ones) placed in a set of two connected test tubes in which they had been isolated. Intranidal major workers showed higher propensity for resting behaviour and lower propensity for behavioural responses to elements of physical environment than extranidal ones. Similar behavioural differences between intranidal and extranidal minor workers (nurses and foragers) from the same colony were reported earlier in a companion study by our group. However, in contrast to minor nurses and foragers, intranidal and extranidal major workers of C. maculatus did not differ with respect to propensity for locomotion, self-grooming and social behaviour. Our findings provide a new clear-cut example of behavioural differences between nestmates related to differences in both worker morphology and worker specialisation in intranidal versus extranidal tasks.


Spatial ecology and movement strategies of aquatic organisms may limit their response to human-caused drying of wetland habitats. We characterized the movement strategies of the most abundant species of fish in the wetlands of the Everglades (USA) to better understand how they cope with annual fluctuations in aquatic habitat size. Over a six-year period, we used a sampling method designed to measure the density, activity levels, and movement direction of small fishes. We estimated changes in displacement speed and directional bias to identify patterns of movement that different fishes use to disperse over the gradient of disturbance in this environment. Movement of fishes ranged from highly active and directed to passive and random, and varied with hydrological condition (water rising, stable, or dropping). Six of the eight species studied displayed "directed" movement (possibly displaying taxis along environmental gradients) that varied in both speed and directional bias in response to hydrological cues. The remaining two species did not adjust the direction that they moved in response to hydrological cues, but their activity levels increased. Moving with directional bias may improve a fish's chance of early arrival in a newly available habitat or of escaping the risk of desiccation in drying wetlands. Fishes that change activity levels may improve their likelihood of reaching favorable environments by increasing diffusion rates and greater sampling of the environment. Interspecific variation in movement strategies is predicted to play a large role in community structure and may be a primary driver of the dynamics of the Everglades fish metacommunity.


Aluminum sheets used for beverage cans show a significant anisotropic plastic material behavior in sheet metal forming operations. In a deep drawing process of cups this anisotropy leads to a non-uniform height, i.e., an earing profile. The prediction of this earing profiles is important for the optimization of the forming process. In most cases the earing behavior cannot be predicted precisely based on phenomenological material models. In the presented work a micromechanical, texture-based model is used to simulate the first two steps (cupping and redrawing) of a can forming process. The predictions of the earing profile after each step are compared to experimental data. The mechanical modeling is done with a large strain elastic visco-plastic crystal plasticity material model with Norton type flow rule for each crystal. The response of the polycrystal is approximated by a Taylor type homogenization scheme. The simulations are carried out in the framework of the finite element method. The shape of the earing profile from the finite element simulation is compared to experimental profiles.


An unwanted side effect of pumping stations is that fish suffer from injury and mortality when passing through the pumps and that fish migration is hampered. In recent years, the development of so-called "fish-friendly pumping stations" is becoming a hot topic among European governmental institutions and pump manufacturers. In the Netherlands, many field studies have been conducted over the last decade, to assess the chances of survival for fish passing through pumps. However, a clear correlation between observed injury or mortality and (for example) flow rate, shaft speed or pump type could not be established. This paper presents a new analysis of the above mentioned field studies. It makes use of American studies on the biological criteria for fish injury, the most important of which are pressure changes, shear forces, and mechanical injury. A blade strike model was adapted to fish passing through centrifugal pumps of radial, mixed-flow, and axial type. It reveals the relation between fish injury and the type of pump, its size, shaft speed, and pressure head. The results correlate well with experiments. The flow through a typical mixed-flow pump is calculated using CFD. The results show that pressure fluctuations and shear forces are not likely to add to fish mortality. The paper concludes with guidelines for the design and selection of "fish-friendly pumps" in pumping stations.Copyright © 2011 by ASME


Using Costanza's ecosystem services value computing formula and Chinese land ecosystem services value per unit area of coefficients,according to the local market price,based on the existing literatures of coastal wetland ecosystem service value to determine the value of coefficient of ecosystem services,and combined with field survey results and two-period land cover dynamic data from remote sensing image of Yancheng coastal wetland,this paper analyzed change in land use and cover and subsequent loss of ecosystem services value.The results showed that: from 1992 to 2008,this wetland's land cover has experienced significant changes.A large number of natural wetlands transform into productive land,aquaculture ponds and farmland area change is most obvious,Phragmites communis and Suaeda salsa area reduced 75.27% and 72.83% respectively in the natural wetlands,while Spartina alterniflora area increased 369.09%.Total ecosystem service values of study area increased 2.534 9×109 Yuan in period 1992-2008,aquaculture pond's expansion is the primary reasons for the ecosystem services value increased.Atmospheric composition regulation,water regulation,pollutant degradation,recreation,cultural and biodiversity conservation values were significantly reduced.Among the various land cover types,aquaculture ponds and Spartina alterniflora were increased in the value of ecosystem services,while the Phragmites communis and Suaeda salsa were substantially reduced.Numerous natural wetland transformed into productive land and large-scale Spartina alterniflora invasion were the mainly reasons which led different land cover type's ecosystem service value to change.


In this work, we present the low-pressure metalorganic chemical vapor deposition and characterization of the lateral epitaxial overgrowth (LEO) of GaN films on both sapphire and silicon substrates. The structural, optical and electrical properties are discussed. Scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and x-ray diffraction were used to demonstrate the high quality of the LEO material. Deep level transient spectroscopy was also used to study the electrical properties of these materials. For LEO on sapphire, deep levels at 0.19, 0.30 and 0.45 eV below the conduction band were found, while for LEO on silicon, deep levels at 0.45 and 0.60 eV below the conduction were also found. The capture cross sections for these levels were 4.88e-18, 7.83e-17 and 1.5e-15 cm -2 for sapphire and 2.59e-14 and 1.35e-15 cm -2 for silicon, respectively.


The impact of inductance has rarely been considered in semiconductor Packaging. This is the reason for using the capacitor in the first place: it is a small, local energy reservoir for those current transients which cannot go back to the power supply without causing unacceptahly large voltage drops (V = L di/dt). Since 1978 a new chip carrier with integrated deeoupling capacitor (IDCCC) has been studied. T]he capacitor is located inside the bottom layer in a threelayer or a single-layer chip-carrier. The ceramic package previous!y used had a nonactive bonding pad layer: with our IDCCC, this layer (standard thickness is 25 mils) is made out of several layers from 3 to 5 mils with the electrodes. The technology is about the same as the one used in multilayer ceramic capacitors. This capacitor is located just under the device, but not under the conductor I/O to avoid a parasitic capacitive coupling. With the coming of leadless and leaded full array chip carriers such as pin grid array, we applied the same concept with a Capacitor inside the cap. The results with different current-pulse signals show the effects of the capacitor's inductance, resistance, and capacitance. The main specifications of this new chip carrier will be presented. In addition to improving speed and electrical Performances, the IDCCC allows an increase in density and in reliability level.


Objective:To study of the treatment of intra-abdominal hypertension syndrome secondary to fulminant acute pancreatitis.Method: We retrospectively analysed therapeutic results of LAHS to FAP during the 1994.03 to 2004.07.Result: There were 16 LAHS cases secondary to FAP during the period with motality rate of 71.4%(5/7).Three out of the nine cases treated by early surgery died.The motality rate was 33.3%(3/9),which was significantly different from that conserratively.Conclusion: Moderate to severe LAHS case secondany to fulminant acute pancreatitis shoud under exploration in the early phase of disease to improve the prognosis of FAP.


 In order to survive and develop in sharp market competition the enterprises must meet the requirements of the age and have competitive advantages by way of various innovations. The innovation mechanism of enterprises is the fountain of endless creative ideas. This article studies the information mechanism the decision making mechanism the R&D mechanism the organizational mechanism and incentive mechanism and how they come together to function and how to form complete enterprise innovation mechanism to make enterprises competitive.


During operation of the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) ion cyclotron radio frequency (ICRF) system, Tungsten (W)‐coated poloidal limiters and structures connected along magnetic field lines to the antenna can be sources of W, which is attributed to sputtering by ions accelerated in radio frequency (RF) sheaths. In order to analyze and optimize the ICRF antenna performance, accurate and efficient simulation tools are necessary. TOPICA code was developed for analysis of ICRF antenna systems with plasma loading conditions modeled with ID FELICE code. This paper presents an initial comparative analysis of two AUG ICRF antennas for a set of model plasma density profiles (with varying density gradient and antenna cut‐off distance). The antennas are presently installed in AUG and differ in that one was partially optimized using HFSS code to reduce E∥ near fields. Power transferred to plasma and sheath driving RF potentials are computed.


Retrofitting of structural members has been a common practice for long time now. In this regard, retrofitting and strengthening of columns has been done since a long time. Keeping aside the conventional methods such as steel jacketing, this paper focuses on the use of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sheets for increasing the strength and life of long columns. Long columns have a tendency to fail due to bending. Our work emphasizes on the significance of CFRP sheets if it can delay or avoid bending failure. In this work it was found that the strength of long columns specimens was enhanced up by 124.5%, if doubly wrapped by CFRP using epoxy adhesive and resin. The columns were wrapped in different percentage of their surface area such as 0%, 65%, 100% and 200% (or doubly wrapped). CFRP used negligible space in comparison to other conventional methods which adds up to the pro of carbon fibers sheets. Also the failure pattern suggests that the failure occurred at the supports indicating avoidance of failure due to bending.


In this study,PAEs in various vegetable species from vegetable fields of Pearl River Delta were systematically determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrum(GC-MS).The results indicated that the total contents of six PAEs comounds(∑PAEs) ranged from 0.46~12.02mg/kg for vegetables.The distribution patterns of PAEs in vegetables were different which were related to vegetable species,different position and sampling field.DnBP and DEHP predominated.


We use a cost of carry model with nonzero transaction costs to motivate estimation of a nonlinear dynamic relationship between the S&P 500 futures and cash indexes. Discontinuous arbitrage suggests that a threshold error correction mechanism may characterize many aspects of the relationship between the futures and cash indexes. We use minute-by-minute data on the S&P 500 futures and cash indexes. The results indicate that nonlinear dynamics are important and related to arbitrage, and suggest that arbitrage is associated with more rapid convergence of the basis to the cost of carry than would be indicated by a linear model. Article published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society for Financial Studies in its journal, The Review of Financial Studies.


Traditionally, cognition and psycho-dynamic approaches are opposed to each other. They have to be integrated with a view to complementarity. The concept of


When assessing latent mean differences, researchers frequently do not explore possible heterogeneity within their data sets. Sources of differences may be functions of a nested data structure or heterogeneity in the form of unobserved classes of observations defined by a difference in factor means. In this study, the use of multilevel structural equation models in combination with factor mixture models (FMMs) for assessing latent mean differences is discussed. Interpretation of single- and multilevel model parameter estimates when comparing latent means for observed and unobserved groups is demonstrated using a large-scale data set in which students are clustered within schools. Methodological dilemmas are discussed, and directions for future research with respect to multilevel FMMs are suggested.


The Austrian regional climate projections are based on an ensemble of bias adjusted regional climate model simulations. Bias adjustment (BA) improves the usability of climate projections for impact studies, but cannot mitigate fundamental model errors. This argument holds in particular for biases in the temporal dependence, which is strongly influenced by the large‐scale circulation. Global climate models (GCMs), underlying regional climate projections, suffer from substantial circulation errors. We therefore, conduct a process‐based evaluation of the Austrian climate projections focusing on large‐scale circulation errors, their regional imprints and the potential for BA. First, we define nine synoptic weather types and assess how well the considered climate models represent their occurrence and persistence. Second, we assess biases in the overall dry and hot day probabilities, as well as conditional on synoptic weather type occurrence; and biases in the duration of dry and hot spells. Third, we investigate how these biases depend on biases in the occurrence and persistence of relevant synoptic weather types. And fourth, we study how much an overall BA improves these biases. Many GCMs misrepresent the occurrence and persistence of relevant synoptic weather types. These biases have a clear imprint on biases in dry and hot day occurrence and spell durations. BA in many cases helps to greatly reduce biases even in the presence of circulation biases, but may in some cases amplify conditional biases. Persistence biases are especially relevant for the representation of meteorological drought. Biases in the duration of dry spells cannot fully be mitigated by BA.


Abstract : Applications of optical theory to the study of surface, thin films and coatings have been reviewed. Recent advances in personal computing has made the application of optical theory to an observed spectrum a nearly routine practice. With diversification of infrared techniques which rely on reflection techniques, band shape distortion and frequency shift are common occurrence and the ability to correct for the optical effects has become extremely useful. This article discusses selected topics to demonstrate the usefulness of the application of optical theory. Special emphasis is placed on the quantitative nature of the discussion as well as techniques related to molecular depth profiling.


Abstract Objectives To assess the magnitude of, and changes in, absolute and relative oral health inequality in Canada and the United States, from the 1970s till the first decade of the new millennium. Methods Data were obtained from four national surveys; two Canadian (NCNS 1970–1972 and CHMS 2007–2009) and two American (HANES 1971–1974 and NHANES 2007–2008). The slope and relative index of inequality were used to measure absolute and relative inequality, respectively. Percentage change in inequality was also calculated. Results Relative inequality for untreated decay increased by 91% in Canada and 189% in the United States, while for filled teeth it declined by 63% in Canada and 16% in the United States. Relative inequality in edentulism rose by 200% and 78% in Canada and United States, respectively. Absolute inequality declined in both countries. Conclusions There was persistent absolute and relative inequality in Canada and the United States. An increase in relative inequality for adverse outcomes suggests that improvements in oral health were occurring primarily among the rich, while reductions in relative inequality for filled teeth indicate higher utilization of restorative services among the poor. These results point to the necessity of tackling the sociopolitical determinants of health to mitigate oral health inequality in Canada and the United States.