The reform of the basic English has provided many reference materials for the development of college English education. On the basis of this, the paper expounds the enlightenment of the reform of the basic English education to the college English in the aspects of the education idea, the education mode, the ability training, the comprehensive development, the cultivation of the students' quality, the improvement of the students' understanding of the English, and the necessity of the reform. This paper has realized the analysis and inquiry of the current college English education.


Corruptions and other financial economic crimes are the bane of Malaysian development efforts. Most of this crime and wrong doing harms Malaysian economy in no small measure. The integrity of government agencies are being questioning. Transparency measures became doubtful and meaningless. Need of professional expertise to undertake proper procedures are supposed to minimise the percentage of corruption and fraud. There are two main objectives of this paper, i.e to investigate the awareness of the government agencies administrator on their understanding the role of forensic accountants, and secondly, to determine the relevance of the implementation of forensic accounting in public sector. Structured interviews and 50 questionnaire were distributed and collected from three selected government agencies in the Klang Valley, i.e. Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, Ministry of Education and Shah Alam Court Council. The results shows that majority of the government administrator understands the role of forensic accountants and believe that the existence of forensic accounting is a financial strategy to curb and resolve the financial fraud and crime in Malaysian economy.


Accreditation exists in Great Britain, Canada and United States for decades. In France, accreditation has become mandatory for all health care institution before year 2001, since 1996, april 24th. We compared official accreditation manuals from Great Britain (1994 version), Canada (1992 and 1995 versions) and United States (1992 and 1997 versions) with currently available french precursors from the Caisse nationale d'assurance maladie et des travailleurs salaries (CNAMTS), the Centre national d'equipement hospitalier (CNEH) and the Federation nationale des centres de lutte contre le cancer (FNCLCC). We compared the following items : general structure, distribution and quotation of pharmacy departments specific standards and criteria. In earlier versions, british, canadian and american accreditation manuals gave precise definition of the missions, procedures and organization of pharmacy departments. Although their scoring process differed, they all assessed training of pharmacy staff, job description and existence or absence of quality assurance. In the latest versions of the american and canadian manuals, pharmacy department is no longer individualized, although its specific activity is still quoted through transverse evaluation. Among the three french documents studied, only the manual from the FNCLCC can be readily compared with the british, canadian and american manuals, although not being part of an official accreditation procedure. Our results illustrate the general structure evolution of canadian and american accreditation manuals over time and show fundamental differences with precursors of the french accreditation manual.


There has been at the scarcity of laboratory-type methods in research on the psychology of religion. Many, if not most, empirical studies in the field have been cross-sectional investigations of how certain religious and other attitudinal or behavioural variables interrelate. The value of approaches utilizing experimental controls can be seen in the way in which the impact of independent variables on actual behaviours can be assessed. Often this type of research provides analogues or simulations of the way religion functions in everyday life. Several illustrations of these types of studies are reviewed. These include the Darley and Batson's (1973) "Good Samaritan" study, Spradlin's (1981) research on religious experience attributions, the study of the effect of mental set on self-denial by Raney (1984), and Forrnan and Malony's (1987) investigation of the effects of visualizing sinful acts on physiological responses. These studies illustrate the value of the experimental approach in the types of conclusio...


they are thus part of a municipal policy that actively fostered residential segregation, a form of discrimination. For 36 of the 76 evicted families no alternative accommodation was offered and they were left homeless. Some moved in with relatives, which resulted in severe overcrowding, others built houses next to the existing units. With only verbal permission from the municipality to build on that land, families live in inadequate housing and fear further forcible eviction and losing their homes ( Human Rights HERE ! Roma Rights NOW ! A Wake-up Call to the European Union 2013). Have the officials responsible suffered any consequences, as would any other citizen who does not enforce the law? Why has our Association decided to approach you with this letter and ask you to enforce the law against Romanian citizens of Roma descent? This is because the Polish Roma already had enough of continuous racist, hateful, xenophobic commentary by some of the media and by many Internet users. Why should the failure of state and local government authorities to fulfil their duties always affect the Polish Roma, constantly lumped together with foreigners breaking the law? Mr President, please visit the websites that have previously published articles on the eviction of the Romanian citizens in Gdańsk. You will read several dozen (sev-eral hundred) hateful entries aimed at our community, and how are we to blame? For an average Pole, the Romanian and Polish Roma are one and the same thing! In the light of the above, we kindly ask you to instruct your subordinate services to enforce the law ( Letter to the President of Gdańsk in connection with the eviction of the Roma 2014). Abstract A study towards change (with mobile technologies in the background). Integration and resistance of Roma families against displacement and expulsion Poland is not mentally prepared to receive migrants. Under the legislation in force, the Romanian Roma do not constitute a Polish ethnic minority, nor do they qualify for refugee status. Polish law segregates the Romanian Roma, marginalising them and pushing them into extreme poverty. The current legislation favours economically desirable migrants and throws the undesirables out of the system. Such policies lead to poverty, pathologies and exclusion. Exclusion, in turn, raises social resistance and creates resistance tactics. The events described in this paper attempt to connect action research with the fight against exclusion.


Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) is one of important plant cultivations in Indonesia. Paddy seedling is one of important factors in order to obtain vigorous paddy for field's plantation. Nostoc is a filamentous cyanobacteria known to be capable for nitrogen fixation. Nitrogen addition on germination of seedling is expected to enhance the growth of healthy-strong seedling which in turn supports a better growth of paddy. The aim of the present study is to analyze the effectivity of inoculum of Nostoc strains CPG24 and GIA13a on germination of paddy seedling in various medium: garden soil (sterilized and unsterilized) and organic fertilizer (sterilized and unsterilized). Nostoc inocula (0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 g) were given on 1st and 10th days of germination while in parallel experiment total inoculum of 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6 g were given at once on the 1st day of germination. Each treatment was performed twice. After 14 days cultivation, the plants were harvested and weighed for their fresh and dry weight. The data of plant ...


This study reports the development and validation process for an instrument to measure university students' anxiety in physics courses. The development of the Physics Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS) included the following steps: Generation of scale items, content validation, construct validation, and reliability calculation. The results of construct validity analysis with 495 university education students showed that the scale consisted of four components: Physics course/test anxiety, anxiety about lack of physics knowledge, mathematics anxiety, and physics laboratory anxiety. The Cronbach's alpha reliability coefficient was found as .95 for the whole scale and for the components it ranged from .83 to .92. Confirmatory factor analysis, using another sample of 864 university education students with similar characteristics as the previous sample suggested that the four factor model for the PARS is valid. Hence, each component displayed satisfactory internal consistency reliability. According to findings, the PARS may be a useful tool in identifying the anxiety of undergraduate students taking physics courses. It can be used to determine students' physics anxiety in a particular course for instructional purposes or it can be used as a pre-and post-test to determine the change in students' physics anxiety.


This paper proposes a diamond-shaped high step-up switched-capacitor based basic multilevel inverter topology. The basic switched-capacitor (SC) stage consists of 2 active switches, 2 diodes, and 2 capacitors. Using a single DC source with the unfolding circuit (10 switches, 5 capacitors, and 5 diodes) results in the production of 17 voltage-steps at the output with the gain of up to 8 times of the input voltage. By extending the diamond-shaped switched-capacitor stages, higher voltage levels and voltage gains can be possible. The suggested topology employs two half-bridges (instead of a full-bridge) to produce positive, zero, and negative steps, which reduces the Voltage Stress (VS) on two output switches and consequently reduces Total Voltage Stress (TVS). In addition, the natural voltage balancing of capacitors eliminates the need to an additional control circuitry and consequently reduces the total converter size, complexity, and cost. In addition, modularity, scalability, low voltage ripple on capacitors, low total voltage stress, high power quality, and capability of


SMPTM technology is described that intelligently uses the spatial nature of light to form fiber-optic components and modules that provide fault-tolerance and improved optical signal setting speeds.


In Canada melanoma causes 400 deaths a year, often in young adult patients. Excessive ultraviolet radiation to unproected sin is an important cause. Certain moles should be removed as a precautionary measure; an experienced dinian can recognze many melanomas. Both microstaging by the pathologist and dinical staging must be arried out before definitive teatment is planned. The only 'curative' treatment is surgical. Any patient so treated requires ten yeas of careful follow up. The results of chemotherapy for disseminated disease are poor. (Can Fam Physican 1985; 31:1248-1251)


It was numerically and experimentally shown that square-profile microsteps with width of 0.4 μm, 0.5 μm, 0.6 μm, 0.8 μm and height of 500 nm illuminated by linearly polarized laser light with wavelength λ = 633 nm formed near its' surface photonic nanojets with intensity that is 6 times higher than the intensity of incident light. Experimentally measured diameters of photonic nanojets were equal to 0.44λ, 0.43λ, 0.39λ and 0.47λ (less than the diffraction limit 0.51λ).


The automobile Industry of our country underwent the course of birth,introducing technology from abroad,developing entirely.With the advance of the technology,the automobile industry architecture was changed hugely.By designing of the project of the SGM Shenyang Department,we summarize the thrifty and humanity of the industry architecture,according to the technological requirement in the same time.It is the reference for the following project that brought about the concordant space by conjoining the function space and the construction esthetics.


This is an expository account of Balaban's approach to the renormalization group. The method is illustrated with a treatment of the ultraviolet problem for the scalar ϕ4 model on toroidal lattice in dimension d = 3. This yields another proof of the stability bound. In this first paper we analyze the small field contribution to the partition function.


The present invention relates to a method related to at least one content is transmitted via a telecommunication network, to identify the complementary data associated with at least one address portion of the content. Said method comprising the following steps: a step of at least one address of the content 9 complementary data 11, 11 and associated with the address, 'is received, to identify at least one common address portion, receiving a step of address 9 is compared with content address 10 recorded, at least one recursive complementary data, complementary data 11, 11 associated with the recorded address 10 with the received address 9 and a common address portion ' a step identified by the common address portion and the identified relevant steps recursive complementary data is recorded. The present invention also relates to a method for transmitting the complementary data, and a data processing device and an application server for implementing the method.


This paper analyses the board composition and ownership structures of a sample of companies that have been acquired by friendly take-over and those of a matching control sample that have not. We find significant governance differences between the friendly take-over targets and the control sample. Firms with the following characteristics were more likely to be acquired in a friendly take-over: they had the same person acting as CEO and chair, a higher proportion of non-executive directors, (as well as more independent, and recently appointed, non-executive directors), larger institutional shareholdings, higher executive director shareholdings and, more specifically, higher CEO shareholdings. These results are consistent with two agency-derived hypotheses, financial incentives and effective monitoring. We also find that targets exhibit lower growth potential but do not have worse accounting performance.


Outstanding in educational movements of the past decade and a half has been the extension of the scope of secondary education downward to include the junior high school grades and upward to include the junior college grades. This extension of scope is an expression of the faith of the American public in the importance of the role that high-school instruction should play in the expanding education of our American youth. With the additional assignment of duties to secondary education, has come enlarged responsibilities to the principal of the high school; and the degree to which he boldly accepts these responsibilities and aggressively plays his part in the development of a type of education first through the cirriculum which his school offers, second through the type of school and pupil management which he fosters and third, through the type of classroom instruction which he encourages and rewards as most effective, will decide whether this faith of the American people in the high school as such an important instrument in the development of their boys and girls is to abide and have opportunity to develop into the full grown power envisaged as its possibilities.


Objective To evaluate the hemodynamic changes of the liver caused by hepatic micrometastasies in rats with multislice computed tomography (CT). Methods Liver micrometastases were produced in 22 SD rats by transspleenic injecting 2×10~7 Walker-256 cells. Ten experimental control rats were injected with saline solution. The time-attenuation curves of the aorta, portal vein, and the liver were used to calculate liver perfusion by gradient method designed for the dual blood supply. Results The micrometastases (diameter, between 0.5 mm and 6.6 mm) were seen in 19 rats. Hepatic arterial perfusion was 2.25 times in the rats with micrometastases than that in the control rats. Portal hepatic perfusion was 76.6% lower in the rats with micrometastases than that in the control rats. Total hepatic blood flow had no significant change. Conclusion Liver micrometastases in rats generate changes in liver perfusion that can be detected with CT. Small liver metastases in rats can be found decreasedlower the portal perfusion and higher increased the arterial perfusion. Perfusion CT techniques can be used to evaluate the hemodynamic changes of the liver.


Abstract : This is a report of tests conducted for the purpose of investigating the comparative ranging performance of 3in./70 A.A. Projectiles Types EX 24 Mod 7, EX 24 Mod 9, EX 24 Mod 12 and Mk 34 Mod 1, in Guns Type G Mod 7 Serial No. 26741 and Type G Mod 11 Serial No. 24930, and to substantiate the previous firings in the Type G Mod 7 Barrel Serial No. 24579.


The bonding technology is important and it's the key of MEMS equipment production.Based on the wafer bonding technology,an equipment for uniform force wafer bonding is designed which can be used to room temperature and low clean environment.The paper introduces the equipment and bonding quality evaluation.Experiments of different wafer bonding are carried out with the equipments.The results of the experiments indicate that the samples have good capability of combination and have no defect.It's proved that the equipments have practical value.


In this paper we give a computable criterion for a piecewise-expanding interval map T to be mixing, which at the same time not only establishes explicit bounds on the spectral gap of the associated Perron–Frobenius operator acting on the space of functions of bounded variation, but also establishes strict contraction rates for this operator. Of course such a result cannot be completely general, but our procedure covers a number of examples with inf|T′|>2 and the bounds derived for them compare favorably with other estimates found in the literature.


Digital perfusion should be monitored after all upper limb surgery. The authors report an unusual case of digital tattooing and discuss options for monitoring perfusion when capillary refill cannot be accurately assessed. The management of other commonly encountered problems and their solutions are also discussed. CASE REPORT A 75 year old Indian woman with rheumatoid arthritis attended for elective wrist fusion and Darrach's procedure. All digits demonstrated fixed dark brown pigmentation to mid middle phalanx level (Figures 1 and 2). The pigmentation is caused by topical application of henna dye and is a common means of cosmetic decoration of the fingers in Indian women. Comparisons may be drawn to the use of coloured nail polish by Western women. The appearance of the digits caused concern as to how digital perfusion could be monitored in the immediate postoperative period because capillary perfusion could not be accurately assessed. Saturation monitoring probes were found to give consistent readings for hands and feet bilaterally. This method was therefore utilised in the postoperative period. Figure 1 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 2 DISCUSSION Monitoring of digital perfusion is important following any limb surgery. Previous reports have documented the problems in the presence of nail polish and this should routinely be removed prior to any limb surgery.1 False nails which are very difficult to remove also give inaccurate readings with saturation probes. An alternative method for monitoring digital perfusion is local skin temperature and special probes are available for continuous recording of the re-implanted digit although they will not be available in all centres. Following Dupuytren's contracture release the digit may be slow to pink up due to vascular spasm and skin pulp turgor is a reliable way of monitoring reperfusion. In this case saturation monitoring proved adequate despite the inability to record capillary perfusion and the authors would recommend this method to others faced with similar Assessment Of Digital Perfusion Following Hand Surgery 2 of 3 digital tattooing. CORRESPONDENCE TO Dominic Power 84 Royal Worcester Crescent Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 2TA, UK Email: firstname.lastname@example.com Telephone: 00 44 1527 870 206 References 1. Cote CJ, Goldstein EA, Fuchsman WH, Hoaglin DC. The effect of nail polish on pulse oximetry. Anesth Analg. 1988 Jul;67(7):683-6. Assessment Of Digital Perfusion Following Hand Surgery 3 of 3 Author Information A. Durran, M.B.B.S. Department of Hand Surgery, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital D.M. Power, F.R.C.S. Department of Hand Surgery, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital S. Deshmukh, F.R.C.S. Orth Department of Hand Surgery, The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital


Edited by Lyle Bachman and Andrew Cohen, this book presents a collection of seven papers on current issues emerging from research in Second Language Acquisition (SLA) and Language Testing (LT). Each chapter discusses issues raised by Lyle Bachman's 1989 paper, 'Language testing – SLA research interfaces', which appeared in the Annual Review of Applied Linguistics and is included in the Appendix. Chapter 1, 'Language testing – SLA interfaces: an update', by Lyle Bachman and Andrew Cohen, revisits the issues raised by Bachman's 1989 work and serves to underline the need for more dialogue between those working in SLA and LT by highlighting the circular relationship between these fields. SLA considers how competence in a second language evolves, while LT considers the degree or state of competence at any given point in time. Both involve assessment procedures and both have to grapple with performance data from which inferences about competence can be made. Similarly, although researchers in both fields recognize that language proficiency is a dynamic construct, greater understanding needs to be reached on precisely what constitutes language proficiency, within each field as well as across the two fields. Arguably, chapter 2, 'Construct definition and validity inquiry in SLA research', is one of the less penetrable articles in the book. Although fundamentally interesting and relevant to the general theme of the book, the degree of detail may well appeal to researchers, but is likely to deter the broader readership that this book is intended to attract. Carol Chapelle explores interlanguage vocabulary as a vehicle for a technical discussion of construct definition and validity. She begins by offering three perspectives toward construct definition: trait, behaviourist and interactionalist


There are obvious polymorphism in every population and polytypism among populations on morphology of Lilium sargentiae Wilson,and all morphologica characters are different from one another in the variation patterns.Nutrient parts have higher variation,which are expected the genetic componnt of variation to be largely environmental.As opposed to these characters,fertile parts have lower variation,which are more stable in heritance characters.The investigations indicate that morphological difference is related with plant growth period,and the environmental heterogeneity,heterzygous advantage and chromosomal structural aberrations are important factors which cause variation of polymorphism.


High battery lifetime is important to the usabil-ity and acceptance of portable computers. In order to develop strategies to minimize power consumption , designers need a good picture of the total power consumption of a system. For this purpose , we indicate the power consumptions of a set of portable computers and how they are broken down among the components of those computers. Then, we use user prooles to show how the use of power-saving features currently implemented serves to reduce these power consumptions by 35{56%. We also show how these power-saving features aaect the breakdown of overall power consumption, so that we can evaluate how successful certain new software techniques and hardware changes would be at reducing power consumption. The results of this paper point out the most promising avenues for further work in the reduction of power consumption, and indicate some strategies that can provide an immediate power beneet to the class of machines studied.


Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but highly aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer associated with a high mortality rate in advanced stages [1,2]. For patients with nonresectable advanced/metastatic MCC, chemotherapy has been the systemic treatment of choice with high response rates albeit seldom durable and linked with significant toxicities [3,4]. Increased insight into the biology and immunological interplay has identified MCC as an immunogenic disease [5,6], and results from two phase 2 trials targeting the PD-1/L1 pathway have been promising [7,8]. A recent report by Nghiem et al. confirmed previous findings with longer follow up after administering the PD-1 antagonist pembrolizumab as first line therapy for 50 patients with advanced-stage MCC [9]. The objective response rate (ORR) remained at 56%, the 24-month progression free survival (PFS) rate was 48.3%, the median overall survival (OS) was not reached and the OS rate at 24months was 68%. Meanwhile, there is a concern that the published results do not apply to real-world patients with MCC since the treated patients were much younger and without significant co-morbidities known to be risk factors for MCC patients. We have treated seven patients with advanced MCC with pembrolizumab as first line therapy at our institution and with this report wish to investigate the efficacy and tolerability in a real-world setting.


Ugandan health workers are becoming worried about the future of their patients as the world's largest donor for HIV and AIDS, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, announces cuts in grants.

Doctors and healthcare volunteers are working out strategies to handle the future crisis, as they already see interruptions in the delivery of much needed antiretrovirals.

"Our patients are already dying because sometimes they cannot get the drugs in time, and they cannot afford the required nutritious food because they are very poor. If donors cut the grants, we shall end up burying people every day," Paulo Kigongo, who works for a group called Hospice Africa, told the BMJ .

The Global Fund announced recently that although it had disbursed $8.5bn (£5.4bn; …


Nuclear power plants are equipped with post accident monitor (PAM) system to acquire the important parameters for safety operating. In the event of the design basis accident (DBA), PAM provides important details (e.g. Containment pressure, temperature and pressure of reactor cooling system and core exit temperature) to determine action of main control room (MCR). Operator should be immediately activated for the accident mitigation with the information. Especially, core exit temperature is a critical parameter because the operating mode converts from normal mode to emergency mode when the temperature of core exit reaches 649℃. In this study, uncertainties which were caused by exterior environment, characteristic of thermocouple/connector and accuracy of calibrator/indicator were evaluated in accordance with ANSI-ISA 67.04. The square root of the sum of square (SRSS) method was used in the synthesis. Every uncertainty that may exist in the hardware which is used to measure the core exit temperature was conservatively applied and the associative relation between the elements of uncertainty was considered simultaneously. As a result of uncertainty evaluation, the channel statistical allowance (CSA) of single channel of core exit temperature was +1.042%Span. The range of uncertainty, ?0.35%Span (?4.05℃)~ +2.08%Span(24.25℃), was obtained as the operating criteria of core exit temperature.


Planar magnetic technology is widely used in a variety of applications from telecommunications to power electronics. In particular, the use of planar inductors and transformers in power electronics have burgeoned as a result of increasing switching frequencies. However, the design and construction of these magnetic structures becomes more difficult as switching frequencies increase. At high frequencies, the skin and proximity effects contribute significantly to a component's total loss. Thus, methods for analyzing the various losses inherent to planar magnetic components were discussed in detail. The air gap necessary for planar inductor design was characterized and discussed in depth. The core geometry, core material, number of turns and gap width affect the inductance of a planar inductor. All of these factors must be carefully considered when designing and building an inductor. A multitude of planar inductors were designed for use in a 12-1 V synchronous buck converter configuration. A simple testing method was proposed that allowed quick and accurate comparison of the various inductors. The inductors were fully characterized through the efficiency of the overall buck converter. Limitations for the developed inductors were found to be core saturation and discontinuous mode operation. Finite element analysis (FEA) was performed to investigate the current distribution throughout the windings. It was quickly concluded that 2D analysis was not sufficiently accurate; consequently, all FEA modeling was performed with the 3D solver. From this analysis, the gap location with respect to the windings was determined to be critical to the level of current imbalance. As such, a conclusion was reached that the windings should be located as far from the gap as possible. A more ideal solution, if available, is the utilization of cores having the air gap located at the top of the middle leg.


The purpose of this article is to demonstrate how economic globalization is a factor that has encouraged and has accelerated international migratory movement...


Abstract : A Fourier transform based iterative technique is presented for solution of Toeplitz and general matrix equations resulting in an algorithm for the determination of an adaptive beam steering vector from the radar covariance matrix. An associated optoelectronic architecture is offered that computer simulation shows will be more than forty times faster that plausible all-digital alternatives. A quantitative comparison is made between 1860 based architectures and the patented ImSyn(TM) optoelectronic processor for the formation of SAR images. It is shown that the ImSyn(TM) processor meets or exceeds all requirements for current and next generation SAR in a package that is smaller, lighter and that consumes less power than the all-digital devices. Complex valued spatial filters are developed for SAR ATR using simulated SAR images. When implemented on the ImSyn(TM) processor, a high degree of discrimination is demonstrated even between quite similar targets. Optoelectronic implementation of the maximum energy recovery algorithm (MERA) is studied for the tracking of sub-pixel moving targets. System parameters are given and it is found that most components are or will be commercially available.


My interest in the connection between technology and masculinity arose from studies of women's inferior status at work. My question is whether technology in general, or specific technologies, are important to male gender identity. If so, this adds to the understanding of why it is so difficult to make changes in the sexual division of labour, because meddling with the distribution of tools and tasks then means meddling with gender identity. Gender appears in social life in different forms on different societal


Citation: Young GR, Smith DL, Embleton ND, Berrington JE, Schwalbe EC, Cummings SP, van der Gast CJ and Lanyon C (2018) Response: Commentary: Reducing Viability Bias in Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Preterm Infants at Risk of NEC and Sepsis. Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol. 8:374. doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2018.00374 Response: Commentary: Reducing Viability Bias in Analysis of Gut Microbiota in Preterm Infants at Risk of NEC and Sepsis


Caste has been a persisting form of stratification that continues to evade equality and social justice in Indian society. Among the routes to tackle the menace of caste has been the education system. In this regard, the National Curriculum Framework 2005 came with a resolute to engage the students with different issues, including that of caste with a critical and empathic eye. This paper locates the challenges to this curriculum by focusing on the pedagogy and reception of the curriculum. In doing so, it argues that the challenges emanate from the social identities and lived realities of the students and the teachers.


"Kinesio taping" is a newly developed technique frequently used for the treatment of soft tissue lesions. The Kinesio Tex tape has the skin like elastic property and can be applied with tension at the soft tissue lesion site. This study was designed to assess the effectiveness of "Kinesio taping" on the attention in normal subjects. In several ways that can be used to assess attention, the well-known Posner paradigm was chosen. This paradigm can assess visual spatial attention by presenting the target participants with cues that direct attention to regions of the visual space within which an imperative stimulus may subsequently appear. The cue can be valid or invalid. After cuing, subjects press the left or right of computer mouse for response to the target participants appearing. Twenty one healthy volunteers (17 males and 4 females) with aged from 21 to 27 years were recruited for this study. All subjects received Posner's attention test with and without taping. The accuracy and the reaction time were analyzed. It was found that under the valid-cue condition, the reaction time was significantly delayed after "Kinesio taping" (p<0.05). It was concluded that the tactile effects of "Kinesio taping" might delay the reaction time under valid-cue condition.


This investigation examined the effects of plantar flexion (PF) stretching on flutter kicking time in competitive swimmers. A single blind randomized control study was performed with 19 male and female Wichita Swim Club members (13- 17 years old), who were divided into two groups: control or stretching. The stretching group performed PF stretches five times a week for 15 minutes a day. Pre-test measures for PF and 50 yard flutter kicking times were recorded initially then retested after four weeks. Results showed a small significant difference between PF stretching versus no stretching on flutter kicking speed in competitive age group swimmers.


) Abstract In this review, we discuss the various facets of ion-exchange phenomena as well as approaches thereto mainly on the basis of our research work. The approaches stated here include ion-exchange chromatography, capillary electrophore-sis, X-ray absorption ˆne structure ( XAFS ) , ion transfer voltammetry at a liquid / liquid interface, a coupled acoustic-gravity ˆled etc. Ion exchange chromatography has been principally used as a practical tool but is also an e‹cient tool for evaluating ion-exchange selectivity. However, results have been analyzed in an improper way, which practically gives convenient information but possibly incorrect physical views. This has been partly overcome by introducing electrostatic models into the interpretation of ion-exchange chromatographic retention data. Similar models have proven eŠective in the discussion of the ionic partition into molecular aggregates such as micelles and surface monolayers. Fi-nally, an acoustic method is discussed as a tool for a dynamic study of ion-exchange. Although an acoustic force is usually a function of the sizes of particles, size eŠects can be eliminated when a gravity force is incorporated. In this coupled acoustic-gravity ˆeld, we can visually resolve the acoustic properties of an ion-exchange resin particle, which are varied by the progress of


The effect of nanometric particle size on structural and transport properties of single phase, nanocrystalline, granular La0.67Ca0.33MnO3 (LCMO) is investigated. The materials were synthesized using the modified citrate route by sintering at five different temperatures starting from 600 to 1000 °C, with an interval of 100 °C. XRD analysis showed that the particle size increases with the increase in sintering temperature. A systematic study of electrical resistivity of all five samples was undertaken as a function of temperature (80-300 K). The metal-insulator transition temperature (TP) was determined, which increases (from 114 to 193 K) with increase in sintering temperature. Most interestingly, transport measurements show that with the increase in annealing temperature, the effect gets more pronounced with the increase in particle size. These transport measurements were counterchecked by magnetic (AC susceptibility) and thermal (Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)) measurements and found in good agreement with each other. The core-shell model has been applied to the data for theoretical explanation.


In response to a reader's inquiry, this column traces the origins of the K, L, M labels for the shells of the Bohr atom.


Codium repens Vickers is reported herewith for the first time from Pakistan. It is very rare in occurrence and prostrate in habit.


The Rainbow Table Algorithm, a rapid Windows password restoring method, is introduced. The principle of Time-Memory Trade-Off Algorithm used by Rainbow Table, the LM-HASH encryption and the NTHASH encryption of Windows are presented. The application of Rainbow Table in Windows password restoring is offered, and the method of generating Rainbow Table is addressed.


Nowadays, many medicinal plants have proved effective in combating the phenomenon of bacterial multi-resistance against conventional antibiotics. However, the use of these plants, traditionally is done without precise doses. And this inaccuracy of dose is a real problem of traditional medicine. Thus prospecting for empirically administered plant extract requires dosage monitoring to avoid the risk of a fatal therapeutic accident. It is in this context that the study of the toxicity of Terminalia macroptera which presents itself as an anti-infectious agent, capable of overcoming certain strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has been initiated. The objective of this study is to evaluate the toxicity of 70% ethanol extract of T.macroptera in rats and to deduce its safety. With regard to the evaluation of the toxicity, rats were used whose mass varies between 100 and 170 grams. Then, using OECD Guideline 425, (2006), acute toxicity was achieved. Then the 100, 300 and 500 mg / kg bm doses were used in sub-acute toxicity to evaluate biochemical and hematological parameters. The results show an LD50> 5000 mg / kg bm. Therefore, according to the OECD classification, the hydroethanolic extract belongs to category 5, non-toxic substances. Also, the biochemical and hematological results revealed that the extract did not change at any time at P <0.05, biochemical marker levels (UREE, ASAT, ALAT, CK and LDH), reflecting vital organs of the body. So the extract would have no effect on the heart, liver and kidneys. 70% ethanol extract of T. macroptera would be safe for use as a drug and therefore could contribute to the production of Traditionally Enhanced Medicines (MTAs).


Abstract We consider the time fractional wave equation with coefficient which contains the Dirac delta distribution. The existence of generalized solutions of this initial-boundary value problem is proved. An implicit finite difference scheme approximating the problem is developed and its stability is proved. Estimates for the rate of convergence in special discrete energetic Sobolev norms are obtained. A numerical example confirms the theoretical results.


Schrodinger's cat is one of the most striking paradoxes of quantum mechanics that reveals the counterintuitive aspects of the microscopic world. Here, I discuss the paradox in the framework of quantum information. Using a quantum networks formalism, I analyse the information flow between the atom and the cat. This reveals that the atom and the cat are connected only through a classical information channel: the detector clicks → the poison is released → the cat is killed. No amount of local operations and classical communication can entangle the atom and the cat, which are initially in a separable state. This casts a new light on the paradox. Quanta 2017; 6: 57–60.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to address the need to rethink the classification of mental illness and to draw attention to the current use of quantum biology and its likely future use in understanding the nature of mental illness.

CONCLUSION
It is desirable to separate out neuroscience and clinical research and to become better acquainted with the concepts of quantum mechanical/quantum biological theory and its contribution to medicine.


A multiple stage magnetic railgun accelerator (10) for accelerating a projectile (15) by movement of a plasma arc (13) along the rails (11,12). The railgun (10) is divided into a plurality of successive rail stages (10a-n) which are sequentially energized by separate energy sources (14a-n) as the projectile (15) moves through the bore (17) of the railgun (10). Propagation of energy from an energized rail stage back towards the breech end (29) of the railgun (10) can be prevented by connection of the energy sources (14a-n) to the rails (11,12) through isolation diodes (34a-n). Propagation of energy from an energized rail stage back towards the breech end of the railgun can also be prevented by dividing the rails (11,12) into electrically isolated rail sections (11a-n, 12a-n). In such case means (55a-n) are used to extinguish the arc at the end of each energized stage and a fuse (31) or laser device (61) is used to initiate a new plasma arc in the next energized rail stage.


The unexpected, and extensive emergency situation between 2020-2022 created a test environment that incorporates valuable data for the digitalization of education. Using the data obtained from architecture and interior architecture students, this research focuses on one of the fundamental elements of architectural education, the design studio. Aiming online design studio (ODS) students from three different schools of architecture, this research tries to identify the technical resources utilized, students' social interactions and mental status, and how these factors and demographic variables effected their ODS evaluations. The findings acquired by both qualitative and quantitative methods, show significant relations between the technical availabilities of the students with their overall satisfaction from the ODS experience, as well as the level of their social interactions, physical, and emotional status. While ease of reaching resources, watching recorded lectures and critics, presenting student projects digitally both for critics and juries, are appearing on the strong side of ODS, technical challenges for digital sketching and social requirement differences marked by student's year of study (YofS) are observed on the week side. Although the research has substantial limitations, the findings are proposed to be valuable for the future research on developing a digital design studio environment in the future.


Abstract : The goal of the research was to develop rapid reponse instrumentation suitable for the measurement of the turbulent fluxes of momentum, heat, and water vapor in the boundary layer. The instrumentation selected and developed for the measurement of mass transport and temperature was a gated continuous-wave two-head sonic anemometer. An infrared technique was developed to measure specific humidity over a one-meter open path. In order to establish the specifications for these two instruments so that they would be compatible with the flux calculations to be undertaken, a careful study and error analysis was made of the flux calculations. The analysis was directed both toward the determination of tolerance limits on the instruments and the development of efficient programs of calculation. The development of a film reader which can be used in the analog processing of fluctuation data to extract statistical properties is also discussed.


This paper presents a 2V, full CMOS transmitter circuit to be included in a DCS-1800 wireless system. The paper discusses the design plan of the transmitter including the optimized interface with the differential oscillator, the poly-phase filter, the mixers and the preamplifying output driver. Traditional inter-building block buffers have been questioned, resulting in a transistor level optimization of the total transmit path as one building block. The measurements show that the DCS-1800 linearity and noise specifications are met. The 0.25µm, 2-metal layer chip has been realized in a standard CMOS technology.


Abstract : Experimental measurements and a computer model of the transient behavior of standard low and intermediate power SCR's are described. The forward current through the device is monitored as the gate is triggered, with an initially applied forward voltage. The anode current as a function of time has been measured for fixed gate pulse duration, with gate pulse amplitude as a parameter. A computer model, using exponential functions to describe the anode current as a function of time, has been developed and is compared with the experimental results.


Objective To analyze the clinical effect of Wenjing Tang,point application and ultrashort wave in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN). Methods Seventy-two patients with DPN were selected and randomly divided into control group(n=34) and observation group(38 cases).Mecobalamine was given to control group,while Wenjing Tang,point application and ultrashort wave were given to the observation group.The therapeutic effect of the two groups was compared. Results The total effective rate in the observation group was 89.5%,higher than 64.7% in the control group,the difference was significant(P0.05).There was no obvious adverse reaction in both groups during treatment.The motions of nervus peroneus communis,nervus medianus and sensory nerve conduction velocity after treatment were all greatly improved in the two groups(P0.05),and the improvement in the observation group was superior to that in the control group(P0.05). Conclusion Wenjing Tang,point application,and ultrashort wave for the treatment of DPN can obtain a remarkable effect,which is worthy of expansion.


As a marketing analyst, Eric is faced with several ethical dilemmas. When asked to engage in unethical and illegal behavior, Eric must decide whether to obey his boss and fudge the numbers (the counts of product purchased in order to get reimbursed more from the manufacturer during special sales) or take the ethical route. The case consists of two parts, with the second part revealing how Eric's dilemma took an unexpected turn for the worst when one manufacturer discovers the discrepancies. The case is based on a real situation in the real world and the teaching note (available online) provides details on what happened in the end.


The time-dependent Schrödinger equation is integrated on a numerical lattice for up to three-dimensional problems. The wave packet propagation technique has been applied to ion – atom collisions in a strong laser field, the vibrational nuclear motion in small homonuclear diatomic molecular ions, and for the scattering of an ion in front of a metallic surface. For laser-assisted proton – hydrogen collisions it is shown, that strong circularly polarized radiation significantly alters the capture and ionization probabilities and results in a dichroism with respect to the helicity. In a pump – control – probe scheme, "stroboscopic" exposure of a nuclear wave packet of the deuterium molecular ion by a single or a series of short and intense laser control pulses may be used to produce an almost stationary distribution of a single vibrational level, where the nodal structure can be tested using the Coulomb explosion imaging technique. Using a pump – probe setup with variable probe delays it is proposed to use Fourier analysis of the time dependence of the Coulomb explosion kinetic energy release spectrum to reveal insight into the initial vibrational state distribution for small diatomic molecules. A last application demonstrates, that resonant charge transfer for scattering of a negative hydrogen anion on a metal surface depends crucially on the position of surface and image states relative to the conduction and valence band, thereby implying different reaction mechanisms for different surface cuts of a metal. QUANTUM DYNAMICS IN LASER–ASSISTED COLLISIONS, LASER–MOLECULE INTERACTIONS, AND PARTICLE–SURFACE SCATTERING by Thomas Niederhausen Vordiplom, Justus–Liebig–Universität Gießen, Germany, 2000 Diplom, Universität Kassel, Germany, 2004 A DISSERTATION submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY Department of Physics College of Arts and Sciences KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY Manhattan, Kansas 2007


Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effects of education, using a relocation information guidebook, on the family caregivers of patients who were scheduled to be transferred from a neurosurgical intensive care unit to a general ward. Methods: They were divided into two groups: an experimental ...


The Agriculture Special Issue "Biopesticides: The Naturally Originating Plant Protection Products and Biocides", edited in 2022 by the Special Guest Editor Dra [...]


In a report of the British Association for Advancement of Science, Hume says: "Acquisition of the mechanics of reading depends upon the ability to perceive and synthesize the contributions received from the eye, the ear, and the muscles. Ability to comprehend what is read involves the apprehension of the right relations between the various elements of the sentence" (9). If this statement be accepted as a definition of what happens when reading occurs, the educator's responsibility is to know something of how and when perception, synthesis, and apprehending take place. From the confusion of things surrounding a child in a "first" reading group, certain sights, sounds, and movements gradually emerge, take form, and become perceptual experiences. In order that those perceptions which are useful in reading may be induced, the child's attention must be arrested by such specific symbols as are said to stand for the words which he speaks and hears and to which he generally responds. These symbols are as unfamiliar and confusing to a child as are Greek quotations to the average adult. Like the adult, a child often looks at the printed word with an unseeing eye, while attending to things he can really understand. If his attention is to be attracted and held long enough to make these strange symbols familiar and meaningful, the symbols must be presented with some knowledge of how perception takes place.


CNC machine tools and programming is a professional core curriculum of the vocational colleges in machinery manufacturing and automation, and CNC machining technology. This course involves teaching and professional practice, which requires us to improve teaching methods, improve the quality of teaching to promote students 'understanding of CNC machine tools and programming course and mastery, in order to develop students' practical capacity. In this paper, we use the conception, design, implementation, and operation of the CDIO model implementation of teaching reform, providing engineering teaching model with a new teaching ideas, and this also plays an active role in the training to cultivate innovative talents.


Aiming at the difficulty of modeling exception in service-oriented software,a formal modeling approach is proposed to solve the problem based on colored Petri nets(CPN).With the proposed approach,exception handling constructs in service-oriented software are modeled to cover exception throwing,capturing,handling,return and propagation.Then,the formal semantics are specified for the hierarchical models of exception handling constructs to describe the exception handling process clearly.A case study is given to verify the effectiveness and soundness of the proposed modeling approach.The results show that the approach can fully take advantage of modeling capabilities of colored Petri net for hierarchy and data type to effectively model data flow and control flow in a service-oriented software,to establish a hierarchical model of exception handling in large-scale service-oriented software,and to provide support for the analysis and verification of properties relating to exception handling.


Polymer composite structures are usually subjected to large flexural loadings during their life-span of the structures, so the flexural behavior of these structures and their constituents in different environmental conditions are critical to their use. A novel analytical approach for epoxy resin semi-brittle materials with strain softening model in tension and compression has been developed to investigate the flexural behavior of these materials. The value of the flexural over-strength factor which is the ratio of the flexural strength to the strength obtained from tension and compression stress strain models depends on stress gradient, size and loading system and it has already been evaluated at the laboratory condition. The mechanical properties of epoxy resin materials are sensitive to environmental effects at which they are loaded. The influence of temperature 60°C and humidity 90% Rh on tension, compression and flexural behavior of epoxy resin polymeric materials PRI and PR 520 have been investigated. Digital image correlation system was used for material characterization. The effects of heat and humidity on softening localization in flexural response were considered. The influence of heat and humidity on the flexural over-strength factor was evaluated.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


In this paper are given the main idea of using Successive interference cancellation method in tree algorithms of random multiple access. Nowadays this method is one of the most promising methods of multistation access.


The aim of this study was to investigate the interface ultrastructure at dentin and hybrid layer formed by novel adhesives with TiO2 nano-fillers. Nano-fillers have shown outstanding mechanical properties and they are widely used as reinforcing materials associated with polymeric matrices for high performance applications. Twenty extracted non carious human teeth were utilized for evaluation of the bonded interface using scanning electron microscopy. The experiments used four novel adhesives (noted A1, A2, A3, A4). Phosphoric acid (5s, 37%) and a commercial resin composite Herculite XRV (Kerr) filling were used for the surface treatment. The interface was studies using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) using a microscope Inspect F-FEI Company. The experimental results indicated the main benefits and disadvantages of the investigated adhesives systems. SEM of the adhesive dentin interface revealed a HAp (hydroxyapatite) – rich and homogenous hybrid layer. This layer produced a favourable sealing of damaged dentin.


In order to help determine the required visual frame rate for the design of remote/virtual airport towers, thirteen active air traffic controllers viewed high dynamic-fidelity simulations of landing aircraft and decided whether the aircraft would stop before the end of the runway, as if to be able to make a runway turnoff. The viewing conditions and simulation dynamics replicated visual rates and environments of transport aircraft landing at small commercial airports. Three frame rates were used: 6, 12, and 24 fps. The frame rate that would be needed to produce asymptotic performance was estimated from a model fit to perceptual discriminability (d') of the condition in which the aircraft would stop. The required frame rate appears to range from 30-60 fps, but definitive recommendations require further testing at a higher rate in the range of 45-60 fps. Errors and reports of judgment certainty show performance was roughly steady state. Anecdotal reports of increased apparent speed due to low frame rates are objectively confirmed. Some implications for the perceptual design of a remote tower are briefly discussed.


The interleukin (IL)‐3 family of cytokines mediates its numerous effects on myeloid growth and maturation by binding a family of related receptors. It has been shown recently that IL‐3 induces the activation of two distinct cytoplasmic signal transducing factors (STFs) that are likely to mediate the induction of immediate early genes. In immature myeloid cells, IL‐3 activates STF‐IL‐3a, which comprises two tyrosine‐phosphorylated DNA binding proteins of 77 and 80 kDa. In mature myeloid cells, IL‐3 and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor activate STF‐IL‐3b, which consists of a 94 and 96 kDa tyrosine‐phosphorylated DNA binding protein. Peptide sequence data obtained from the purified 77 and 80 kDa proteins (p77 and p80) indicate that they are closely related but are encoded by distinct genes. Both peptide and nucleotide sequence data demonstrate that these two proteins are the murine homologs of ovine mammary gland factor (MGF)/Stat5. The peptide data also indicate that p77 and p80 are phosphorylated on tyrosine 699, a position analogous to the tyrosine that is phosphorylated in Stat1 and Stat2 in response to interferon. Additionally, antiserum raised against bacterially expressed p77/p80 recognizes the 94 and 96 kDa protein components of STF‐IL‐3b, suggesting that these may be additional isoforms of Stat5. These studies indicate that the IL‐3 family of ligands is able to activate multiple isoforms of the signal transducing protein Stat5.


The structural design of flexible pavements deals with the determination of the thicknesses at which layers in the pavement structure have to be used having regard to the materials selected for each layer and the loads to be carried. Following a description of the functions of each layer in a flexible pavement, the main features of empirical and analytical design procedures are reviewed. Factors that influence pavement design including traffic loading, environmental effects, materials properties and criteria of design and performance are then discussed. The selection of models to represent flexible pavement structures and their analysis to give the distribution of stress and strain are considered. This is an area in which enormous developments have taken place in the past 25 years. Reference is made to different ways in which solutions to the equations for multi-layer structures can be obtained. The action of such structures is demonstrated by analyses of 2- and 3-layer structures. Considerable attention is given to the design criteria used in structural design procedures. The chapter concludes by describing current design systems and the various forms in which they are presented. /Author/TRRL/


The article discusses issues of state support for the formation of the quality of human capital in the agrarian sector of the economy in leading foreign countries, relying on the example of Germany, the USA, France, and Finland. Particular attention is focused on the possibility of applying the accumulated experience in the educational sphere of the above countries in the educational system of agricultural universities of Russia.


The invention provides an ink composition, a preparation method thereof and a photovoltaic component frame. The ink composition comprises the following ingredients: 20wt%-25wt% of fluoro olefin-vinyl ether copolymer, 3wt%-8wt% of cross-linking agent, 10wt%-18wt% of pigment, 12wt%-20wt% of filler, 18wt%-22wt% of assistant and the balance of organic solvent, wherein the cross-linking agent is a mixture of blocked isocyanate and amino resin. The ink composition provided by the invention can be used for directly printing and coloring the photovoltaic component frame, and a formed paint film has better ultraviolet resistance, good weather resistance, corrosion resistance and insulating property.


Proposed an on-line steel bar splitting system based on machine vision online counting system.In this paper,the visual feedback control and decision methods are introduced.Bars movement simulation,steel bars tracing algorithms are presented.A rule mining algorithm based on Rough sets is applied to extract control rules of steel bar splitting.


Here we report for the first time the non linear characterization and modeling of MOS varactor with a LSNA in bulk and SOI process. The comparison between large signal measurements and Harmonic Balance simulation using an electrical equivalent scheme based on small signal measurements validates the accuracy of the proposed model in this large signal conditions. Nevertheless, the capacitance behaviour versus biasing voltage is depending on signal power. From this, we develop a method for capacitance extraction. We highlight the difference of LSNA and small signal capacitance versus voltage revealing the deepth depletion with large signal conditions. Lastly, the parallel study between bulk and SOI process shows a difference on the capacitance induced by non linearities of the substrate capacitance with large signal analysis.


In an HSDI Diesel engine, fuel can be injected into the combustion chamber earlier as a strategy to reduce NOx and soot emissions. However, in the case of early injection wall impingement may occur if the conventional spray angle and piston bowl shape are adapted. In this study, a 3-D CFD simulation was used to optimize the spray angle and the piston bowl shape to minimize the wall impingement and soot emissions. The wall impingement model was used to simulate the behavior of impinged droplets. In order to predict the performance and emissions of the engine, a flamelet combustion model with the kinetic chemical mechanism for NOx and soot was used. A reduction in soot emissions was achieved with the modification of the spray angle and piston bowl shape.


We present initial results from an evaluation of a multimodal interface for a mobile route guidance application providing public transport information in Finland. The application includes a range of input and output modalities, such as speech input and output, a fisheye GUI, and contextual predictive text input. The application has been in public pilot use for almost a year. In this paper we present results from a formal user evaluation, focusing on predictive text input and speech input and output. Speech input outperformed other input methods, even with high error rates and slow response times. However, the domain specific predictive text input was the preferred method, surpassing users' expectations.


Flawless jxecuuom rse the Techniques and Syst ems of Ameri ca's Fighter Pilots '0 Perform at Your Peak and Win the Battles of th e Rusin ess World . ~005 . James O. \Iurphy. :>ewlork Regan Books. IISp'!:es. \\hile the U.S. Air Force has not been louted as the paragon of enlightened management tech niques, Flauiess Execution does offer some interesting insights into the world of fighter pilots as a metaphor for success in the business world -thai is, ifone is ....illing to endure a never-ending stream of military jargon and macho pilot talk. Most ofthe time, the book presents itse lf as all entertaining infomercial fo r Afte rburne r, Inc. hosted by its author, James D. \Iurphy,whoL~ its founder and CEO. The Flawless Execution model isa stylized eye and pyramid that is common visual shorthand for power, secrecy conspiracy, or control , The intent of the creators of the Afterburner model can only be a matter ofconjecture. It is probable that the author's power and control fixation and the usual arts are simplyfeeding off each other. There are seven levels beneath the stylized eye that is embedded in the top Future Vision layer, which "focuses the commanders on the future." This. by the \\'3y, is also the first rule of the level (p. 33). The second role is to use 12 keydescriptors that provide "a well-written. clear. high-resolution, and easily communicated big picture of ....nat you want the future to be" (p. 36). 111e third rule says: "To achieve the Future Picture you must attach to each key descriptor a succinct Measures of \ lerit (MO.\ll .. .. .'ttml are absolutes, not comparative, and are written to focus on strategic progress versus any sort of tactical success" (p.37). The second layer oo...n isstratt.'&:': which in the author's mind is synon~moos with the alignment ofthe common questions that include where, what, how, and one that mandates an end point, in military parlance, an exit strategy. The third layer is the "Leaders Intent," which personifies open planning. TI"IC ldea is really :U1 expanded versionofconcurrent engineeri ng recast in "Afterhurner speak" that suggests campaign rooms be established similar to the Desert Storm Checkmate conceptor the idea ofa rented semitrailer located smack in the middle ofthe llA.\l\ Company (sells pastries to fast-food restaurants such as IklJonalds) parking lot Ip.60). The core element dominating the mid -layer is the plan-briefexectne-debnet-win cycle. Each step in the Afterburner cycle isexplained in excruciating detail in chapters 7 through 15 of the book. Frankly, it is a restatement of the Deming plan-do-check-act cycle or the Sbewhart plan-do-study-act cycle recast in pilot speak. The lessons learned at the conclusion of this level are used to refine the next future picture, strategy, and leader's intent plus strengthen the three lower supporting leels. standards, training. and people. Murphy's concept of these supportingconceptuallevels is modified to conlorm to his military metaphor. For example, his perspective is codifi ed in Afterburner's man uals that "spellout what €\"Cl'}'OIlC wears when they're traveling and when they're training. doY.n to the color of their T-shirt under their night suit (it is blackl" Ip. 16l). The rational for this regimertl3tiol1 is lustifl<d by the ronfd..-nce thai €\~une, dressed in this fashion, exudes tocomplete his or her mission. This is logical inhis mind because of the tboroogh training process described in the fourth level of the Flawless Execution model. which includes the following processes:desired learning objectives. demo/do, discipline, and continued training (p. 1110). The base of the pyramid is said to be populated wit h a unique group of people recruited with the exacting character traits. the cul tural background. and the physical and psychological traits required to excel. Once they are in place. ~turph)" cites a study that says it costs an average of 14 times a person's salary for a miss-hire in the 5100,000 range and 28 times the salary in the $100,000-$250,000 range. The study goes on to say that 50percent of these placement situations are fa ilures (p. 191).


The automatic localization of facial landmarks, also referred to as facial landmarking or facial alignment, is a key pre-processing step that is of vital importance to the carrying out of tasks such as facial recognition, the generation of 3D facial models, expression analysis, gender and ethnicity classification, age estimation, segmentation of facial features, accurate head pose estimation, and a variety of other facial analytic tasks. Progress in all these areas of research has heightened the need for developing accurate facial alignment algorithms that can generalize well to handle simultaneous variations in pose, illumination, expression, and high levels of facial occlusion in real-world images. This thesis proposes a facial alignment algorithm that is not only tolerant to the joint presence of facial occlusions, pose variation, and varying expressions, but also provides feedback (misalignment/occlusion labels for the detected landmarks) that could be of use to subsequent stages in a facial analysis pipeline. Our approach proceeds from sparse to dense landmarking steps using a set of pose and expression specific models trained to best account for the variations in facial shape and texture manifested in real-world images. We also propose the use of a novel shape regularization approach that sets up this task as an `1-regularized least squares problem. This avoids the generation of implausible facial shapes and results in higher landmark localization accuracies than those obtained using prior shape models. Our approach is thoroughly evaluated on many challenging real-world datasets and demonstrates higher landmark localization accuracies and more graceful degradation than several state-of-the-art methods. We proceed to put the task of facial alignment into better context by examining its role in two applications that require alignment results as input: (1) a large-scale facial recognition scenario and (2) a project aimed at improving driver safety by assessing facial cues. Finally, we also carry out a rigorous set of experiments to analyze the performance of our approach when dealing with low-resolution images and provide some insights gained from this study.


The combination of sports and education(CSE) training model is the development trend of talented reserve cultivation mechanism.It is in favorable of upgrading athletes' educational level,improves child and youth overall fitness,promotes sport talents cultivation mechanism reform,and sustainable development of competitive sports in China.However,problems of mismatch,inconsistence and incompleteness with respect to CSE regulations and regulatory documents,the power of sport talents cultivation of CSE has not been exploited.Therefore,institutional arrangement and innovation needs to be done to remove obstacles of CSE talent athlete training mode and clarify responsibilities and rights of governments at all levels,set up and amplify a system frame and management system to guarantee a sustained,rapid and sound development of competitive sports.


A theoretical post-dryout heat transfer model is developed based on one-dimensional two-phase dispersed flow and is applied to calculate the wall temperatures in the post-CHF regime. The model is also applied to reason the existence of a lower bound for average droplet diameter in two-phase dispersed flow. Results obtained using data by Bennett, et al. show lower droplet sizes than the experimentally measured values.


The roles of L‐arginine uptake mechanisms in responses of intrarenal perfusion to angiotensin II were examined in anaesthetized male Sprague‐Dawley rats. A transonic flow probe was used to measure total renal perfusion (RBF) and laser Doppler probes were used to measure renal cortical perfusion (CBF) and medullary perfusion (MBF). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was maintained at a constant level. In the first group of rats (n = 7), responses of MAP, RBF, CBF and MBF to angiotensin II (10 and 100 ng/kg/min; iv; 10 min each) were recorded under control conditions, after L‐lysine (5 mg/kg/min, 20 min, iv) and subsequently after L‐arginine (10 mg/kg/min, 20 min, iv). We have previously shown that L‐lysine blocks cellular L‐arginine uptake in the kidney. A control group of rats received saline (1 ml/kg/min) instead of L‐lysine and L‐arginine (n = 6). Under control conditions, angiotensin II reduced RBF (−14 ± 6% and–42 ± 8% at 10 and 100 ng/kg/min, respectively) and CBF (−12 ± 3% and −21 ± 7%) but had little effect on MBF (7 ± 9% and 7 ± 11%). Saline vehicle had little effect on baseline levels of RBF, CBF or MBF, or on renal responses to angiotensin II. Neither L‐lysine nor Lsarginine affected baseline levels of RBF, CBF or MBF. L‐lysine enhanced RBF (−28 ± 3% and −56 ± 4%; P = 0.02) and CBF (−19 ± 3% and −36 ± 4%; P = 0.02) but not MBF responses to angiotensin II. L‐arginine blunted the RBF response (−15 ± 6% and −39 ± 9 %; P = 0.04), and tended to blunt the CBF response (−10 ± 3% and −14 ± 7%; P = 0.06) to angiotensin II. L‐arginine uptake mechanisms seem to be vital in blunting angiotensin II induced reductions in CBF but not MBF. This phenomenon could play a key role in long‐term blood pressure regulation.


The capability of adsorption of heavy metals such as Cu (II) and Cr (VI) ions from an aqueous solution using amine-functionalized MCM-41 mesoporous silica was investigated in this study. In the present work, 20% of secondary and tertiary amine functional groups namely, N-(2-aminoethyl)-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (AAPTMS) and 3-[2-(2-aminoethylamino)ethylamino]propyltrimethoxysilane (AEPTMS) were loaded into MCM-41, respectively, via co-condensation synthesis method. The structure and properties of the amine-functionalized MCM-41 absorbents were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometry and scanning electron microscope (SEM).


) and challenged with HeV, developed antibody levels considered to be protective prior to the challenge (titers of 320). However, activation of the cell-mediated immune response was not detected, and the animals were only partially protected against challenge with 5 (cid:1) 10 5 PFU of HeV per animal. In the second group, cross-neutralizing antibody levels against NiV in the sG HEV vaccinated animals did not reach protective levels, and with no activation of cellular immune memory, these animals were not protected against NiV. Only pigs orally infected with 5 (cid:1) 10 4 PFU of NiV per animal were protected against nasal challenge with 5 (cid:1) 10 5 PFU of NiV per animal. This group of pigs developed protec- tive antibody levels, as well as cell-mediated immune memory. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells restimulated with UV-inactivated NiV upregulated IFN-gamma, IL-10 and the CD25 activation marker on CD4 + CD8 + T memory helper cells and to lesser extent on CD4 (cid:3) CD8 + T cells. In conclusion, both humoral and cellular immune responses were required for protection of swine against henipaviruses. (cid:1) 2016 Published by Elsevier Ltd.


The Government of India set up the 'Health Survey and Development Committee', popularly known as the 'Bhore Committee' in 1943 to draw up the scheme of health services for the newly emerging independent India. The recommendations made by the committee remain a landmark in the development of health services in the country and continue to inspire the health workers in the country in their struggle for developing pro-people health system. This article makes an attempt to analyse the positives and the negatives in the recommendations of the committee by tracing their roots in the social and political conditions, nationally and internationally, at the time of the deliberations of the committee. An attempt has also been made to trace the consequences of these recommendations and draw appropriate lessons for health policy formulation in the country. The article identifies the continuance of the colonial governance paradigm even after 1947 as the biggest threat to evolving and implementing a health policy framework favourable to the interests of the poor masses of the country.


In the present work, microwave measurements have b een carried out on natural rubber and with different concentration of expanded graphite in rub ber matrix prepared using conventional melt mixing process. The transmission and resonance based techniques are employed to measure the dielectric parameters of composites using a Vector Network Analyzer (VNA). T he detailed analysis of reflection loss/ absorption has been carried out with variation of frequency and th e t ickness of the samples. The transmission based technique in X-band frequency range has been used to extract the shielding parameters of the composite samples. The details of characterization techniques using VNA an d the procedures for extracting dielectric and EMI shielding parameters are discussed.


In the article, the author examines the characteristic features of epic fairy-tale of the two largest ethnic groups of Ukrainian Carpathians, i.e. Ukrainians and Hungarians. The folklore of the region has its own peculiarities. The natural and geographical features of the region, trades and crafts, in particular shepherd culture, historical events, entrance to different states are represented in the folklore. At the same time, the fairy-tale tradition of the region has its own ethnolocal specification, includes various linguistic and folklore dialects, the emergence of which was also influenced by other ethnic (Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Slovakian, Gypsy, etc.) borrowings which were adapted to withstand local forms.


Introduction Most adult sleep laboratories do not measure carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) routinely during polygraphy (PG). In children, CO 2 measurements are "recommended" but few studies have analyzed systematic CO 2 monitoring during PG. Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence and predictors of nocturnal hypercapnia in children with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Methods Systematic transcutaneous CO 2 (PtcCO 2 ) monitoring was performed during overnight PG. Three definitions of nocturnal hypercapnia were used: a maximal PtcCO 2 >50 mmHg, percentage of sleep time with PtcCO 2 >50 mmHg >2%, and a PtcCO 2 >10 mmHg above waking baseline level. PtcCO 2 indices were correlated to the apnoea-hypopnoea index (AHI) and oxygenation indices (desaturation index, minimal SpO 2 and percentage of time with SpO 2 Results 221 PGs from patients with suspicion of obstructive sleep apnoea (72%), neuromuscular (21%) and lung diseases (7%) were analyzed. The percentage of hypercapnic patients ranged between 20 and 60%, and was not different between groups whatever the definition of hypercapnia. Significant but weak correlations were observed between hypercapnia according to the 3 definitions and the AHI (r=0.137, p=0.047 for maximal PtcCO 2 ) and oxygenation indices. The Receiver operating characteristic curves showed a poor sensitivity and specificity of the AHI and SpO 2 to predict nocturnal hypercapnia. Conclusion This study shows that 20 to 60% of children undergoing an overnight PG for SDB have nocturnal hypercapnia which is poorly correlated to the AHI and oxygenation indices. A systematic nocturnal CO 2 recording is useful in all children presenting with SDB, whatever the underlying disease.


Serverless platforms are increasingly gaining importance in the cloud computing landscape due to their benefit of shortening the time to market of solutions and capability of automatic, fast, fine-grained scaling of resources. In this context, function chaining represents an appealing feature, allowing the composition of two or more functions to create a complex computation from simpler units while incentivizing modularity and reusability of functions. In this paper, we propose a portable and transparent, container-based serverless architecture that introduces an innovative infrastructural support, enabling an efficient composition of functions co-located on the same host. The proposal relies on a shared-memory approach and a message-oriented middleware serving as a communication medium among components. The experimental assessment shows the approach comes with the benefit of optimized resource usage and performance benefits measured in terms of request completion rate and a decrease in response latency.


Profiling Vulnerability and Resilience: A Manual for Small States provides a tool for assessing both how prone a country is to external economic shocks – its vulnerability – as well as its ability to bounce back from those shocks – its resilience.
The book explains how to conduct assessments that will allow each country to understand its relative vulnerability and resilience, and to identify priority areas for economic policy-making, so as to better cope with vulnerability and boost resilience. Detailed examples are provided for St Lucia, Seychelles and Vanuatu.
For economic planners, as well as students of the economies of small states.


A series of experiments on extracting aniseed,cassia and clove are carried out by using different methods: steam distillation,super critical extraction and soxhlet extraction respectively,and the experiment also studies on the antibacterial effect of essential oil to spoilage bacteria which is in the low-temperature intestinal.The result shows that super critical extraction is best for clove,the minimum concentration to A1,A2,B,C are 20,20,25,20 μL/mL;soxhlet extraction is best for aniseed and cassia,among them,the minimum concentration of aniseed to A1,A2,B,C are 20,25,200,100 μL/mL,and the minimum concentration of cassia to A1,A2,B,C are all 75 μL/mL.


Abstract The composition of the leaf oils of Juniperus drupacea from Greece were analyzed and compared to literature reports on oils from the Crimea and Turkey. Both the Greek and the literature reports were in agreement that the major component is limonene (46–56 %). Two other monoterpene hydrocarbons, α-pinene and δ-3-carene showed east-west geographic variation ranging from 5.1–22.1% and 7.0–22.3%, respectively. A total of 71 compounds were identified in the Greek oil.


The utility model relates to the electronic engineering field, and provides a hysteresis loop over current foldback circuit based on a GJB181 surge inhibitor. The circuit is simple in structure, can turn off the output of the GJB181 surge inhibitor to protect a post-stage circuit effectively when an over-current is generated according to needs, can recover normal output after the over-current fault is removed, and also can control the over-current time and the over-current detection cycle conveniently. The hysteresis loop over current foldback circuit based on a GJB181 surge inhibitor comprises a hysteresis loop over current time control/over current detection action cycle setting circuit and a GJB181 surge inhibitor output control circuit.


This more theoretical chapter focuses on the normative role of the government, in democratic countries with a market economy, and how that role has been tied to the prevalent view of the assumed relationship between individual citizens and their government. That view has been different in different countries. The chapter stresses the difference between choices made in and by the free market and those made through the political market. In the former, income distribution and individual liberty are important. In the political market, with one person one vote, the income of the voters should be less important. However, it often is important. Some societies place a lot of importance on individual liberty. Others give more weight to community goals. These attitudes influence government policies.


Photovoltaic technology is presently an evergreen field for research with multitude of concepts and opportunities for improvement. The major focus is kept on control of power, conversion to AC voltage and Maximum power point tracking. (MPPT). In this study, single ended primary inductor converter (SEPIC) is being experimented to work in congestion with Solar MPPT system to get a perfectly running Solar photovoltaic system for any application. Here, the connected load is easily supplied power by controlling SEPIC through the incremental conductance maximum power point tracking (INC-MPPT) algorithm. The dynamic and steady state performances of the system are evaluated and its suitability is verified through simulated results using MATLAB/ Simulink environment.


Although the region of the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor (TFTR) vacuum vessel wall which is susceptible to damage by neutral beam strike is armored with a mosaic of TiC‐clad POCO graphite tiles, at power deposition levels above 2.5 kW/cm2 the armor surface temperature exceeds 1200 °C within 250 ms, and itself becomes susceptible to damage. In order to protect the wall armor, a neutral beam interlock system based on infrared pyrometry measurement of the armor surface temperature was installed on TFTR. For each beamline, a three‐fiber‐optic telescope views three areas of ∼30 cm diameter centered on the armor hot spots for the three ion sources. Each signal is fiber‐optic coupled to a remote 900‐nm pyrometer which feeds analog signals to the neutral beam interrupt circuits. The pyrometer interlock system is designed to interrupt each of the 12 ion sources independently within 10 ms of the temperature exceeding a threshold which can be set in the range of 500–2300 °C. A description of the pyrometer interlock sy...


In this research a universal, flexible, and compact processing unit with a time precision of about 30 ps is being designed and satisfactorily tested using the FPGA technology as a first step to implement the processing unit in a more compact fashion utilizing an ASIC technology. The work is being designed to replace the traditional expensive sampling method, which is used in most of the pulses radar application as core of the processing unit. The unit has been designed, implemented and tested on a LIDAR, which was accommodating a sampling oscilloscope to perform the signal processing. This processing unit could be considered as a low cost time-to-digital converter module.


A static 16:1 frequency-divider IC operating at up to 15 GHz has been realised with 1 mu m lithography. This is the highest operating frequency ever reported for static silicon dividers. >


Juvenile ringtail possums in two populations were aged by comparison with growth curves based on head length and body weight, and adults were aged by comparing the degree of tooth wear with that of ringtails of known age. Survival to the end of pouch life, 3 months old, appeared high but dropped markedly thereafter. During years of 'average' rainfall, 26-80% of all offspring lived to the age of weaning (6 months), but as few as 6% survived to weaning in a year of drought. Approximately 30% survived to sexual maturity (1 year) during years of 'average' rainfall, compared with 2% during a drought. Survival of adult females was higher than that of adult males, and ringtails at Sandy Point (Leptospermum thicket) appeared to survive longer than ringtails at Lysterfield (Eucalyptus woodland). The lower survival of adult ringtails at Lysterfield was associated with higher rates of tooth wear, possibly due to their more abrasive diet, but may have also been influenced by the hotter climate at Lysterfield. The lower survival of ringtails at Lysterfield resulted in a population with a greater proportion of 1-year-old animals than in the Sandy Point population.


Agile frequency synthesizers have been proposed for accomplishing the frequency-hopping and dehopping in FH-FSK communications. Since the design of such synthesizers generally involve divide-down phase-lock loops, transients exist that limit the ability of the loop to hop rapidly over the hopping band. These transients lead to effective energy loss that degrades the resulting decoding performance. In this paper, hopping transients are studied in terms of their dynamical equations, their relation to key loop parameters, and their effect on decoding operations. The importance of pre-tuning is shown. Suggested techniques to combat the transient loss, as delaying the decoder integration start-time, or ping-ponging two synthesizers, are evaluated.


Abstract : Studies cotinued on the construction of a tunable filter employing nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on earlier experimentation, an induction head was designed and built to stringent speci fications. Tests continued, using this head and an earlier model. A nuclear polarization experiment, using electron spin resonance at microwave frequencies, was set up, and enhancement of the nuclear resonance signal was observed. (Author)


Shenyang agriculture has entered into a new period of Strucbe adjustment in the 90' s. Under the condition of reduced land resources, the inereasing need for food and the lack of region superority for cash crops,this paper analyzed the potential for planting structure adjustment and concluded tha the adjustment potential lies in the crop itself The paper also put forward the guiding thought and principles for adjustment and the optitheking Strategies as enhancing invesment in science and technology, activating make and condoding agricultural industralization production, etc.


This study aims to address the multi-beam transmission problem of optical wireless coherent communication systems under the influence of non-Kolmogorov turbulence. This paper establishes the mathematical model for mixing efficiency and BER of non-Kolmogorov turbulence wavefront distortion and multi-beam transmission coherent detection systems. The influence of factors such as spectral power-law index, zenith angle, and transmission distance on the communication performance of the system is analyzed, and an experimental system is built using adaptive optics equipment to test the proposed theory. Numerical analyses show that in a non-Kolmogorov turbulence environment, as the spectral power-law index, zenith angle, transmission distance, Fresnel zone, and pointing error attenuation increase, the mixing efficiency of the coherent detection system decreases and the BER increases; under the same conditions, the mixing efficiency and BER of the system are improved after increasing the number of transmission beams at the transmitting end. Experimental research shows that, for the coherent detection system after wavefront correction using adaptive optics, the wavefront PV and RMS variances are 1.68 μm2 and 0.05 μm2 when a single beam of light is transmitted at the transmitting end, and the wavefront PV and RMS variances are 0.23 μm2 and 0.01 μm2 when two beams are transmitted. It is verified that using multi-beam transmission wavefront superposition to suppress wavefront distortion and wavefront jitter can effectively improve the mixing efficiency and BER of the coherent detection system at the receiving end.


Abstract Tumour-like formations on cultured Schottera nicaeensis. – Tumour-like growth were occasionally observed on adventitious creeping axes of cultured segments of the frond. They clearly derived from cortical cells; the cause of their formation is still obscure.


NASA’s Operation IceBridge (OIB) was a multi-year, multi-platform, airborne mission which took place between 2009-2019. OIB was designed and implemented to continue monitoring the changing sea ice and ice sheets in both the Arctic and Antarctic by ‘bridging the gap’ between NASA’s ICESat (2003–2009) and ICESat-2 (launched September 2018) satellite missions. OIB’s instrument suite most often consisted of laser altimeters, radar sounders, gravimeters and multi-spectral imagers. These instruments were selected to study polar sea ice thickness, ice sheet elevation, snow and ice thickness, surface temperature and bathymetry. With the launch of ICESat-2, the final year of OIB consisted of three campaigns designed to under fly the satellite: 1) the end of the Arctic growth season (spring), 2) during the Arctic summer to capture many different types of melting surfaces, and 3) the Antarctic spring to cover an entirely new area of East Antarctica. Over this ten-year period a coherent picture of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice and snow thickness and other properties have been produced and monitored. Specifically, OIB has changed the community’s perspective of snow on sea ice in the Arctic. Over the decade, OIB has also been used to validate other satellite altimeter missions like ESA’s CryoSat-2. Since the launch of ICESat-2, coincident OIB under flights with the satellite were crucial for measuring sea ice properties. With sea ice constantly in motion, and the differences in OIB aircraft and ICESat-2 ground speed, there can substantial drift in the sea ice pack over the same ground track distance being measured.Therefore, we had to design and implement sea ice drift trajectories based on low level winds measured from the aircraft in flight, adjusting our plane’s path accordingly so we could measure the same sea ice as ICESat-2. This was implemented in both the Antarctic 2018 and Arctic 2019 campaigns successfully. Specifically, the Spring Arctic 2019 campaign allowed for validation of ICESat-2 freeboards with OIB ATM freeboards proving invaluable to the success of ICESat-2 and the future of sea ice research to come from these missions.


A formalism for symbolic representation of a three-dimensional model is presented to aid local and global shape analysis of casting design. A three-dimensional model based on this formalism has been developed to provide meaningful geometric and topological properties for castability evaluation while providing a wide geometric coverage. Local shape analysis is carried out based on symbolic representation and global shape analysis is performed by analyzing the extracted skeleton from a discretized object. The purpose of local shape analysis is to reason about local shape characteristics so as to alter the design to meet casting requirements. The modulus approach is used to evaluate global casting soundness so as to avoid shrinkage porosity or to decide feeding path for a riser. The modulus calculation is based on the subdivision of a complex part into simple basic components and then the ratio modulus is calculated for each component and compared with the sectional modulus of direct neighbor components. The subdivision is carried out by classifying and identifying the junction types of each element of the extracted skeleton. A 3D parallel thinning algorithm has been developed in order to extract global topology of the object. This framework enables the system to reason about geometric shape based on pattern primitives and skeletons without prior knowledge about object shape. The main aim in developing the expert system is to provide the casting designer with a tool for on-line manufacturability evaluation of a part design while the functional design is being performed. With this proposed system, a smooth transition from the design to the evaluation can be expected which will lead to automated castability evaluation at the design stage so as to minimize the repeated trial and error in the casting process. An implementation of the algorithms, and examples, are provided.


This paper centers on the elements that constitute critical thinking starting from the humanization of the human being in search of emancipation. The concepts of humanization and emancipation are elaborated from the starting point of a world conceived ever more as secular and at our disposal, where humanizing is freeing the human being of its bonds, and freedom is freedom from the bonds, therefore, critical thinking has to say what those bonds are. The paper proposes the development of a categorial frame for critical thinking or critical theory, centered on three elements: the ethic of emancipation, justice as guide of the emancipation process, and the relation between the subject and common good.


Municipal wireless networks (MWN) strive to provide broader access to the internet with some form of governmental support, usually from a city. They have generated considerable interest this decade with hundreds being launched, and recently have garnered notoriety with the withdrawal of providers like EarthLink, MetroFi, and Kite from the MWN market leaving a number of large cities like Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Portland, OR, scrambling with half completed systems, and many other cities scuttling ambitious plans to "carpet" their jurisdictions. This paper discusses the rationale for providing a public service in general; the specific arguments used for and against municipalities developing MWNs; and the various most common business models. We then briefly review the Philadelphia case and contrast it with the case of Riverside, CA, which employs a different business model. We conclude by reviewing the generalizations that can be made about the policies surrounding MWNs at this point in their evolution.


Data on mexidol effectiveness in complex treatment of patients with facial abscessed furuncle are presented in the work. Inclusion on this drug into basic therapy of these patients was established to promote a favorable course of inflammatoryinfectious process and to shorten the duration of patient stay in hospital.


Litter decomposition is a vital link between material circulation and energy flow in forest ecosystems and is intensely affected by global change factors, such as increased nitrogen (N) deposition and altered precipitation regimes. As essential nutrients, calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn) play crucial roles in plant energy metabolism, photosynthesis, and membrane transport of plants, and the major source of these nutrients is litter decomposition. However, the dynamics of Ca, Mg, and Mn during decomposition have been largely ignored. Thus, to better understand Ca, Mg, and Mn dynamics during leaf litter decomposition in the scenario of increasing N deposition and decreasing precipitation, we carried out a two-year field litterbag experiment in a natural evergreen broad-leaved forest in the central area of the rainy area of Western China. Two levels of N deposition (ambient N deposition and 150 kg·N·ha−1·y−1) and precipitation reduction (no throughfall reduction and 10% throughfall reduction) were set, i.e., control (Ctr: without nitrogen deposition or throughfall reduction), N deposition (N, 150 kg·N·ha−1·y−1), throughfall reduction (T, 10% throughfall reduction), and N deposition and throughfall reduction (NT, 150 kg·N·ha−1·y−1 and 10% throughfall reduction). We found that leaf litter Ca concentration increased in the early decomposition stage and then decreased, while Mg and Mn concentrations generally decreased during the whole period of decomposition. The amount of Ca showed an accumulation pattern, while Mg and Mn generally showed a release pattern. N deposition and throughfall reduction affected the Ca, Mg, and Mn dynamics, varying with different decomposition stages; i.e., N deposition significantly affected the concentration and amount of Ca, regardless of the decomposition stages, while throughfall reduction significantly affected the Ca concentration in the whole and early decomposition stages. N deposition significantly affected the concentration and amount of Mg in the whole and early decomposition stages, while throughfall reduction had no significant effects. Throughfall reduction significantly affected the concentration and amount of Mn in the whole and late decomposition stages, while N deposition had no significant effects. Ca concentration generally showed a significant positive linear relationship with mass loss in the early decomposition stage; Mg concentration showed a significant positive linear relationship with mass loss in the Ctr and N treatments in the early and late decomposition stages; Mn generally showed a significant negative linear relationship with mass loss, regardless of the decomposition stage. Overall, the results suggest that Ca accumulation is more likely affected by N deposition, while Mg and Mn releases are more likely affected by N deposition combined with throughfall reduction, particularly in the early decomposition stage.


Our recent drug interaction trial with clopidogrel shows that morphine decreases the concentrations and pharmacodynamic effects of clopidogrel, which could lead to treatment failure in susceptible individuals.