It is proposed an improved SAW filter which can be switched by different in wiring between two different transfer functions. The filter is characterized by an input transducer and an output transducer, the input transducer comprises two acoustic partial tracks which result from corresponding parallel or anti-parallel connection of the two transfer functions of the filter. Preferably, the various transfer functions are achieved by common mode or push-pull driving, wherein the input signals are supplied by a differential amplifier of a tuner.


CholeskyQR2 and shifted CholeskyQR3 are two state-of-the-art algorithms for computing tall-and-skinny QR factorizations since they attain high performance on current computer architectures. However, to guarantee stability, for some applications, CholeskyQR2 faces a prohibitive restriction on the condition number of the underlying matrix to factorize. Shifted CholeskyQR3 is stable but has $50\%$ more computational and communication costs than CholeskyQR2. In this paper, a randomized QR algorithm called Randomized Householder-Cholesky (\texttt{rand\_cholQR}) is proposed and analyzed. Using one or two random sketch matrices, it is proved that with high probability, its orthogonality error is bounded by a constant of the order of unit roundoff for any numerically full-rank matrix, and hence it is as stable as shifted CholeskyQR3. An evaluation of the performance of \texttt{rand\_cholQR} on a NVIDIA A100 GPU demonstrates that for tall-and-skinny matrices, \texttt{rand\_cholQR} with multiple sketch matrices is nearly as fast as, or in some cases faster than, CholeskyQR2. Hence, compared to CholeskyQR2, \texttt{rand\_cholQR} is more stable with almost no extra computational or memory cost, and therefore a superior algorithm both in theory and practice.


The goal of this research is to develop a sustainable rating system for roadway projects in Iraq (SRSI) by taking into consideration the local environmental conditions, economy, and materials processing actions available.


In this paper the nonlinear alternative of Leray-Schauder type is
used to investigate the
existence of solutions for second order impulsive hyperbolic differential
inclusions with variable times.


A general forecasting concept for power systems is developed based on a detailed requirement analysis concerning a forecasting system for supply-dependent feed-in units within the present and future electrical grid. The fundamental idea is an agent-based system in which each single supply entity determines and communicates its own feed-in forecast. The contribution describes the proposed architecture and defines a corresponding data structure which includes information about the uncertainty of the individual forecast. To demonstrate the feasibility, the design of the forecast agent at entity level is presented in more detail and discussed in relation to a solar energy system.


This study aimed to predict life satisfaction based on psychological tenacity and dimensions of perfectionism in patients with coronary heart disease. To achieve the purpose of this study and testing its hypotheses, 200 people with coronary heart disease refered to Golsar hospital of Rasht, during the summer and fall of 2015 were selected.The metohd used in this study for sampling was available Sampling and then data were collected and analyzed. The methodology was designed and set based on the principles of corrolation. For collecting the data, the Positive and Negative Perfectionism questionnare, life satisfaction and Ahvaz psychological tenacity questionnares were used. In inferential analysis part, Pearson parametric statistics and multivariate regression were used. The findings showed that, there was a significant relationship between tenacity and life satisfaction in patients with coronary heart disease.There was a relationship between positive and negative perfectionism and life satisfaction in patients with coronary heart disease. On the other hand, the share of dimensions of perfectionism in predicting life satisfaction in patients with coronary heart disease is 0.122 for positive perfectionism is and -0.109 for negative perfectionism respectively.


Electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry was used to investigate the cation–π interaction of Tl+ with [7]helicene. Further, applying quantum mechanical calculations in the frame of the density functional theory, applying B3LYP functional with Def2TZVP basis set, the most probable structure of the [7]helicene–Tl+ complex was derived. In the resulting complex, the 'central' cation Tl+ is bounded between two terminal benzene rings of the parent [7]helicene ligand via cation–π interaction. In such conformation, the [7]helicene creates a tweezer for Tl+ ion. The interaction energy, E(int), of this cation–π complex was calculated to be –160 kJ/mol, which is consistent with the formation of the considered cationic complex species. Other structures were also found and generally lie energetically about 19–24 kJ/mol above the tweezer complex. HIGHLIGHTS Cation Tl+–[7]helicene complex has been observed using the ESI-MS method The structure of the resulting complex has been determined by applying quantum chemical DFT calculations Helicene functions as a chiral molecular tweezer for Tl+. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT


Proving is the action of presenting legally valid evidences by the Rajang Lebong customary judge to inspect cases of adultery (overspel), to achieve the truth according to the forensic science. This research uses a sosiological method with a descriptive-analysis approach regarding the forensics' expert information and the position of visum et repertum in customary trials in the case of adultery. The aim of this research is to understand the real position of forensic experts and visum et repertum in the Rejang Lebong traditional trials. This research shows that the position of the forensics' expert information of evidences and visum et repertum are accepted as proof in overspel cases.


The exhibition of famous convolutional brain organizations (CNNs) for distinguishing objects progressively video takes care of is inspected in this exploration. AlexNet, GoogLeNet, and ResNet50 are the most well-known convolutional neural networks for object discovery and item classification arrangement from pictures. To survey the exhibition of various kinds, a variety of photo informative indexes are provided by CNNs. Standard benchmark datasets for estimating a convolutional neural organization's exhibition include ImageNet, CIFAR10, CIFAR100, and MNIST picture informational indexes. The performance of the three well-known channels, Alexandra cash flow, search engine net, and recurrent neural networks, is investigated in this research. Because analyzing a cable network efficiency on a single dataset does not demonstrate all of its possibilities and limits, we mentioned two of the most prominent large datasets for research: significantly improve performance, FARCICAL, and CIFAR110. Clips are exploited as testing statistics rather than teaching statistics; it should have been mentioned. GoogLeNet and ResNet50, in comparison to AlexNet, are better at recognizing objects with greater precision. Furthermore, the performance of trained CNNs varies significantly across different object categories, and we will analyze the possible causes for this. The characterization rate is the goal work assessed by PSO in the main methodology; in the subsequent methodology, the fireworks produce various boundaries per layer, and the goal work is made out of the recognition rate related to the Akaike data model, which assists with finding the best organization per layer. As per the discoveries, the proposed strategy delivered positive results with a recognition pace of more prominent than close to 100%, exhibiting serious outcomes when contrasted with other cutting edge draws near.


lows. Young prefaces each major section of the book with an introduction to the religious tradition she explores. While this works well for sections like Hinduism and Islam, it fails to situate the reader for her overextended groupings such as "Shamanism and Tribal Religions" (from China to the Amazon to Hawaii) and "Alternative Religious Movements" (from the Quakers to Theosophy to Voodoo). Obviously one cannot use this text alone in an undergraduate classroom. Individual selections have short, well-written introductions. Here is where the book is especially good. Young provides dates (where known) and sufficient cultural context for each selection so that the student can make some judgments about what the texts do reveal about women and religion. Selections are long enough to give students the flavor of larger works—no snippets here. Each reading is well documented allowing the curious student to keep exploring. All anthologies have their problems—that is the genre of the beast. But I will not fault selection in this case. Young does her best given the length of the book and the format—introductory material printed across the page and texts in smaller double-columned print below. The format is not visually exciting but it does allow for a good number of texts. However, arrangement of texts and categorization sometimes obscure the relationship between traditions. Santeria and Voodoo, for example, are placed neither with Christianity nor with African tribal religions but under the rubric of neo-paganism with Robert Graves and Starhawk. The placement of Genesis 1-3 in the section on Judaism is indeed appropriate, but failure to reference the text in the section on Christianity deprives the reader of information vital to a consideration of the genesis of Christian misogyny. Perhaps the best way to consider this book is as an inspiration for a creative teacher. Young provides not only introductory materials and a broad choice of texts but also excellent up-to-date bibliographies. For anyone teaching women's studies across time or space this book is indispensable. It should be on the jeference shelf of every undergraduate and community library.


The requirement for an estimation of a large number of parameters is a major limitation in using the Volterra series to model nonlinear RF power amplifiers. In this paper, we propose a new behavioral model for power amplifiers by projecting the classical Volterra series onto a set of orthonormal basis functions (Laguerre functions). This approach enables a substantial reduction in the number of parameters involved, and allows the reproduction of both transient and steady-state behavior of power amplifiers with excellent accuracy.


Power flows within distribution networks are expected to become increasingly congested with the proliferation of distributed generation (DG) from renewable energy resources. Consequently, the size, energy penetration and ultimately the revenue stream of DG schemes may be limited in the future. This research seeks to facilitate increased renewable energy penetrations by utilising power system component thermal properties together with DG power output control techniques. The real-time thermal rating of existing power system components has the potential to unlock latent power transfer capacities. When integrated with a DG power output control system, greater installed capacities of DG may be accommodated within the distribution network. Moreover, the secure operation of the network is maintained through the constraint of DG power outputs to manage network power flows. The research presented in this thesis forms part of a UK government funded project which aims to develop and deploy an on-line power output control system for wind-based DG schemes. This is based on the concept that high power flows resulting from wind generation at high wind speeds could be accommodated since the same wind speed has a positive effect on component cooling mechanisms. The control system compares component real-time thermal ratings with network power flows and produces set points that are fed back to the DG for implementation. The control algorithm comprises: (i) An inference engine (using rule-based artificial intelligence) that decides when DG control actions are required; (ii) a DG set point calculator (utilising predetermined power flow sensitivity factors) that computes updated DG power outputs to manage distribution network power flows; and (iii) an on-line simulation tool that validates the control actions before dispatch. A section of the UK power system has been selected by ScottishPower EnergyNetworks to form the basis of field trials. Electrical and thermal datasets from the field are used in open loop to validate the algorithms developed. The loop is then closed through simulation to automate DG output control for increased renewable energy penetrations.


The aim of the research is to test the impact of the leadership styles in the not for-profit organizations and its relevance to the employees' job satisfaction and their intention to quit. This study is to investigate two different leadership styles; transformational and transactional leadership style, whether or not a correlation between them exists and the employees' job satisfaction and consequently if this lead them to have the intention to quit from their organization. A comparative survey was done between two Notfor-profit organizations. The population for this survey is 48 questionnaires distributed to the two organizations (36) in the first organization and (12) for the second organization. Employees of different hierarchal levels, different age and level of responsibility were asked to fill in the survey. The data were examined by SPSS, a statistical analysis package. The findings of the study show that there was insignificance relationship between the intention to quit and transformational and transactional leadership styles. In addition, the study also found an insignificant relationship between the intention to quit and the employees' job satisfactions. One of the key recommendations of the study is that the head of an organization should take care of the employees' awareness to the types of leadership in order to increase their health of their employment in the organization. They have to look to the other factors that retain employees in their organizations in Egypt rather than the leadership styles of leaders managing them. This can reduce the employees in their organizations that have the intention to quit.


Diodes are popularly used in rectifiers, which convert an ac signal into a unidirectional signal. They produce a fixed output voltage only. However, controlled switches such as thyristors are used to vary the output voltage of a converter by adjusting the delay or firing angle α of the thyristors. Phase-controlled converters are simple, efficient and less expensive. There are both single-phase and three-phase converters depending on the input supply. We also have half-wave and full-wave converters. The half-wave converter has only one polarity of output voltage and current, while for the full converter, the polarity of the output voltage can be either positive or negative. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the operation of the Single-phase full-wave rectifier. Load current for the controlled full-wave rectifier with R-L load can be either discontinuous or continuous. The paper shows how the rectifier transits from discontinuous current operation to continuous current operation.


The objective of this study was to examine the neuroprotective effect of resveratrol on cognitive impairment induced by scopolamine, a muscarinic antagonist, in rats. Memory impairment was induced by administration of sco- polamine (1 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. Cognitive functions were assessed using radial arm maze, an active avoidance paradigm. Oxidative stress parameters like malondialdehyde, catalase and superoxide dismutase were assessed and acetylcholinesterase activity was estimated. More working and reference memory errors in the radial arm maze test and fewer avoidances in the active avoidance test were observed with scopolamine in the 1 mg/kg i.p.-treated animals. This phenomenon is a clear indication of memory impairment. Oral administration of resveratrol (20 mg/kg) inhibited the occurrence of higher working, reference memory errors and prevented the incidence of less avoidances. Resveratrol appeared to have exerted memory-enhancing effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase activity and prevented the rise in malondialdehyde levels and loss of antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase, showing antioxidant po- tential. Based on the above results of behavioral and biochemical studies, it can be concluded that resveratrol protected against scopolamine-induced loss of cognition. The results also indicate that resveratrol is an antioxidant and an acetyl- cholinesterase inhibitor, and it is likely that resveratrol's protective effect is related to its antioxidant and cholinesterase inhibitory effects.


Novel Homocubane based HED materials with high densities, HOF and density specific impulse are superior to conventional fuels RP1 and HTPB.


We wish to thank [Poirier et al. (2014)][1] for their recently published manuscript, "The need for human breast cancer resistance protein substrate and inhibition evaluation in drug discovery and development: why, when, and how?" which attempted to contemporize many of the key concepts of breast


The aim of this work is to present a navigation system for GPS denied environments. The system fuses measurements provided by an arrangement of ultrasonic range sensors with inertial measurements and a magnetometer. The core of the navigation computer are two microprocessors, an ARM Cortex M3 processor for low-level tasks, such as sensor acquisition and control, and an ARM Cortex A8 for computationally demanding tasks, as the fusion filter to compute navigation solutions. A brief description of the navigation computer is given, also the navigation algorithm is presented and validated through experimental results.


Miniaturization is a widespread trend in animal evolution and one of the principal directions of evolution in insects. Body size, especially extremely small, largely determines the morphology, physiology, and biology of animals. Miniaturization leads to considerable reorganizations of structure in insects, affecting almost all organs and tissues. In the smallest insects, comparable in size to unicellular organisms, modifications arise not only at the level of organs, but also at the cellular level. Miniaturization is accompanied by allometric changes in many organ systems. The consequences of miniaturization displayed by different insect taxa include both common and unique changes.


The infra‐red absorption of gaseous C4H6 has been measured from 2 to 24μ, and the Raman spectrum of the liquid studied. Analysis of the data permits the determination of all the fundamental frequencies of the molecule. The frequencies are fitted closely with a modified valence‐force potential function in which the methyl‐group force constants are those previously determined for ethane.


Competing discourses in legal education shape practices in law schools and these discourses affect the teaching of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This area of study has become increasingly important for law students to understand, both at undergraduate or Juris Doctor level, due to the widespread adoption of ADR in our legal and justice system. Attitudes to ADR can be explored through the framework of the various discourses presently competing for dominance in Australian law schools. There are arguably six main discourses in legal education, doctrinalism, vocationalism, corporatism, liberalism, pedagogicalism and radicalism. This paper will apply these discourses in legal education to the subject area of ADR. The possibilities for legal education to more fully explore ADR to assist future lawyers to engage in the full range of dispute resolution options will be explored.


A New H∞ control theory which uses a plant description of the normalized left coprime factorization (NLCF) is applied to a pitch attitude control of the short period mode of airplanes. In this theory, the selection of pre and/or post compensators called shaping functions is of practical importance to determine the closed-loop characteristics. This paper presents that the closed-loop poles determined by the theory are given as the eigenvalues of two matrices, one for the augmented plant poles and the other for the controller poles. It is shown as well that the closed-loop poles of the augmented plant are the same as those of the linear quadratic regulator (LQR) theory. These properties enable us to design a compensator that takes not only frequency domain properties (e. g. robustness) but also time domain ones (e. g. output step response) into consideration. Some trade-off is necessary between robustness and fast, less overshooted output responses.


Abstract This paper deals with estimation of the optimal dimensions of arrays of plate fins cooled by forced convection. The optimization is achieved by minimizing the entropy generation rate using genetic algorithm-based evolutionary computing techniques. Results are presented for staggered plate fins configuration and continuous plate fins configuration. The effects of heat transfer and fluid friction on entropy generation rate are also reported.


Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Chapter 1: The Idea Chapter 3 Sidebar: Green Education in Las Vegas Chapter 4 Chapter 2: The Metrics Chapter 5 Sidebar: The Getty Center & LEED-EB Chapter 6 Sidebar: Greening Mass Audubon Chapter 7 Chapter 3: The Options Chapter 8 Sidebar: Go Green Foodservice Chapter 9 Sidebar: Merging Green & Historic Chapter 10 Chapter 4: The Money Chapter 11 Conclusion Chapter 12 Resources Chapter 13 Abbreviations Chapter 14 Glossary


: Adaptive learning systems aim to personalize and adapt resources and learning strategies according to learners' knowledge acquisition and behavior. In this paper, knowledge acquisition is estimated by using traces learners left during their learning activities. Learner's traces considered are activity duration and number of attempts to solve a given problem, upon which we developed a trace-based evaluation model. The latter is integrated into a trace-based adaptation model made of ontological rules and reasoning mechanism to deliver adapted resources and personalized learning strategy, represented as learning paths, which are sequences of situations containing resources. The reasoning mechanism is implemented as a state-transition process governed by an adaptation algorithm we proposed.


In this paper, we introduce the notion of fuzzy congruence triple on a completely simple semigroup, and use it to characterize fuzzy congruence on a completely simple semigroup. We also find a minimal element and a maximal element of K−class on the lattices of fuzzy congruences.


For the analysis of physical configuration of facial soft tissue, an automatic system for taking standardized photographs of a face at five different angles has been developed.This system consists of;1) the head-holding unit with ear rods, 2) the chair with height adjustment and rotation mechanisms, 3) the electronic control system, 4) the single-lens reflex camera, and5) the background screen.The head of a patient will be fixed by ear rods inserted to the ear holes at the position that the Frankfort horizontal plane parallels the floor level.The focal distance for photographing is 1. 5 meter from the center of the line connecting the ear rods which is equal to the distance from the anode to the midsagittal plane of roentgenographic cephalometry.Photographs are automatically taken in sequence at angles of 0 (full face), 90° & 45° to the left, and 45° & 90° to the right.At the front angle, when the exposure button is pressed and the photograph is taken, the chair automatically turns to the next angle. Thus, five standardized photographs in sequence at different angles can be taken.The comparison of pre- and post-operative facial configurations can be done by examining these photos, and quantative comparison of the face at five different angles is also available.


We present an automated method of spatially detailed 3D asymmetry quantification of face surfaces obtained in a stereophotogrammetric system, and the method was applied to a population of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who have involvement of one temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Non-rigid registration of a patient face surface to a mirrored version of the same face surface provided a spatially dense map of left-right point correspondences that were used in the asymmetry calculation. For inter-patient comparison and modeling, detailed point correspondence was obtained by non-rigid registration of a symmetric atlas surface to a symmetric version of the patient surface. The method was validated by comparison to a landmark based method of asymmetry quantification, and the two methods were seen to provide similar results. The method was seen to be able to quantify typical patterns of asymmetry in JIA subjects with affected TMJ and compare them to a control population.


A method of directly measuring the absolute helium photoionization rate coefficient independent of detailed solar EUV spectra and photoionization cross sections has been demonstrated. Three such measurements were obtained using windowless rare-gas ionization cells operated in an optically thin mode. The cells were launched on Nike/Terrier boosted Black Brant sounding rockets from the White Sands Missile Range in 1983, 1989, and 1990. The rate coefficients were determined for altitudes from 150 to 330 km and were extrapolated to give values of 11.1 × 10−8 s−1 ± 11%, 21.3 × 10−8 s−1 16%, and 13.2 × 10−8 s−1 ± 11% at the "top" of the Earth's atmosphere. The solar activity levels were characterized by absolute F10.7 values of 119, 172, and 142 (10−22 W m−2 Hz−1), respectively. The top of the atmosphere solar EUV flux values inferred from the measured ionization rates were found to be consistent with absolute flux measurements obtained simultaneously with a neon ionization cell operated in the optically thick mode.


Metal-organic frameworks have attracted a great dea l of interest due to their applications in gas storage/separation and catalysis. However, c atalytic investigations using MOFs as catalysts are still in their infancy and the cataly tic reaction mechanisms in MOFs are still poorly understood.[1] Recently, we have demonstrate d[2] the remarkable catalytic performance of the coordinatively saturated V-based MIL-47 in cyclohexene epoxidation using TBHP/decane as the oxidant. In order to verif y the effect of functionalization on the catalytic properties of parent MIL-47, we have now introduced four different functionalities (X = -CH3, -Cl, -Br and -OH) into the terephthalate linker. The compounds have been synthesized in a rapid (30 min) microwave irradiation route under hydrothermal conditions (150-170 °C). Thermog ravimetric analyses show high thermal stability (250-300 °C). The as-synthesized solids were calcined under dynamic vacuum for overnight to remove the free linkers fro m the pores and achieve significant microporosity (type-I isotherms, Fig. 1a; SBET: 305-657 m 2 g). The catalysts have been further characterized by DRIFT, elemental analysis and X-ray powder diffractometry. Employing TBHP/decane as the oxidant, catalytic tes ts xhibit moderate yields (35-39%, Fig. 1b) of the cyclohexene epoxide for all the cat alysts with good regenerability.


We present a novel time-optimized framework to support joint scheduled and contention access hybrid medium access control (MAC) for Smart Body Area Networks (SmartBANs). For the first time, optimal lengths of inter-beacon interval and access periods are critically analyzed. This is achieved by first building closed-form analytical models for both periodic and Poisson emergency traffic. Then, the inter-beacon interval and individual access periods are optimized based on minimizing both delay and energy consumption. The delay and energy characteristics of our time-optimized MAC for SmartBAN are demonstrated by numerical analysis.


A stroke sensor 10 which measures the disposed hydraulic cylinder stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder, a rotary encoder 20 and the magnetic sensor 20a for measuring a reset reference point for resetting the measurement value of the stroke length by the stroke sensor 10, the hydraulic cylinder a stroke end detecting unit 30a for detecting the stroke end position of, when detecting said reset reference point and / or the stroke end position, the calibration processing unit 30b of calibrating a measured value of the stroke length, the device power supply start time, so as to prohibit the reset until the stroke length passes through the reset reference point.


The musician of the spheres something rather better than a comet a very badly behaved planet an astronomcical mystery the young detective the master mathematician the noblest triumph of theory possession of a new world an elegant resolution in Neptune's sway shots in the dark world unseen.


The mass loss rate (MLR) of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) exposed to known radiant fluxes is simulated with two recently developed numerical codes, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ThermaKin. The influence of various material properties (thickness, thermal conductivity, specific heat, absorption of infrared radiation, heat of reaction) on mass loss history is assessed, via their effect on the ignition time, average MLR, peak MLR, and time to peak. The two codes predict the influence of material parameters on the MLR in the order of decreasing importance: heat of reaction, thickness, specific heat, absorption coefficient, thermal conductivity, and activation energy of the polymer decomposition. Changes in the material properties also influence the MLR curves by switching the sample from thermally thick to thermally thin. The two numerical codes are generally in very good agreement for their predictions of the MLR vs time curves, except when in‐depth absorption of radiation was important. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In the present work four samples each of unrefined coconut oil (URCO), refined coconut oil (RCO) and virgin coconut oil (VCO) samples collected from different places were evaluated in terms of physicochemical and lubrication parameters. The physicochemical properties of URCO, RCO and VCO were analyzed in terms of kinematic viscosity, Fatty acid profile, Iodine number, Saponification number, free fatty acid, Peroxide value and flash point. The lubrication properties of the oil samples were compared with the aid of four ball tester. The study revealed that fatty acid profile of VCO samples was slightly different from that of URCO and RCO samples. The saponification and Iodine value of VCO samples was also slightly lower than that of URCO and RCO samples. The four ball test results showed that the average coefficient of friction under tested condition was slightly less for URCO and VCO samples when compared to RCO samples. This difference in frictional property was due to the presence of free acid in the URCO and VCO which acted as boundary lubricant. The increased wear observed with VCO and URCO samples was linked to the presence of peroxides.


Microstructure formation in surface layers of pure titanium and ferritic-martensitic steel subjected to electron beam treatment is studied. It is shown that low energy high-current pulsed electron beam irradiation leads to the martensite structure within the surface layer of pure titanium. Contrary, the columnar ferrite grains grow during solidification of ferritic-martensitic steel. The effect of electron beam energy density on the surface morphology and microstructure of the irradiated metals is demonstrated.


This paper presents balance control of humanoid robot using its upper body motion. The upper body is modeled as an inverted pendulum to derive an on-line compensation algorithm. By swing the upper body it compensates ZMP (Zero Moment Point) error, obtained by FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor) sensors attached on the sole. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, experimental results of balance control of HSR-V, a small sized humanoid robot designed and developed in the RIT laboratory at KAIST, are also described.


The integration of technology is gaining recognition as an effective teaching method in health and physical education (HPE). While technological infrastructure and equipment limitations have been a huge obstacle to the integration of technology, the "bring your own device" initiatives help with that challenge. Infrastructure and opportunities for technology adoption are progressing, so that educators have a better chance to utilize technology in their own teaching practices. Given that the integration of technology into the HPE field is still in its infancy, it is recommended to provide educators with more information about instructional technologies. The purpose of this article is to introduce a web assessment tool called Kahoot, and to describe its pedagogical applications in HPE settings to facilitate the adequate integration of technology.


AIM: To determine the influence of topical anaesthetic drops, age and central corneal thickness (CCT) in the determination of intraocular pressure (IOP) by non contact tonometry (NCT). METHODS: Ninety-three eyes from 47 patients were examined for CCT and IOP by NCT before and after the instillation of topical anaesthetic drops. RESULTS: Average age was 66.4 (SD 16, range 34 to 88 years-of-age). Thirty one patients were female and 16 were male. Average basal IOP was 16.0mmHg (SD 4.0, range 8.5 to 26.1). IOP pressure one minute after topical anesthesia instillation was 15.0mmHg (SD 3.8, range 7.7 to 26.7), and 14.9 mm Hg (SD 3.9, range 7.6 to 26.3) five minutes after the instillation. The differences were statistically significant for the 0 to 1 minute lapse (P =0.0007) and for the 0 to 5 minute lapse (P =0.0003), but not for the 1 to 5 minute lapse (P =0.27) (Student's t test for paired data). Average CCT before topical anaesthetic drops was 565.4 microns. Simple linear regression analysis demonstrated absence of significant variation between age and IOP changes and between CCT and IOP changes. CONCLUSION: Our study confirms that the instillation of topical anaesthetics causes a reduction in IOP, which is progressive during the first 5 minutes after instillation. This IOP reduction does not seem to be associated with basal CCT or age. ·


A strategic plan for the deployment of intelligent transportation systems (ITS) in the Omaha metropolitan area was completed in December 1995. The ITS strategic deployment plan identifies 79 projects for implementation over the next 20 years. These projects are expected to provide approximately $900 million in road user cost savings at an estimated total cost of $157 million. The projects include the implementation of traffic control, surveillance, and traveler information systems and an area-wide traffic management and information center. A system architecture and communications master plan to support the deployment of the ITS technologies are presented in the plan. The plan also identifies project priorities, funding sources, and public/private partnership opportunities. An overview of the plan is presented in this paper.


A significant proportion of Australian female inmates are drug addicts and women who have experienced violence as children and/or as adults. Ironically, the three rules ("Don't talk," "Don't trust," and "Don't feel") that many therefore grew up with are present within the prison institutional culture and structure. The female prison population is relatively small. As a result, many women are placed inappropriately in maximum-security facilities and have limited programs for employment, education, and drug/violence issues. Comparison of results from empirical research conducted in the early 1990s with recent data reveals that although there have been some positive steps implemented, they have not greatly affected the dysfunctional women's prison culture. For the most part these continue to ignore the specific needs of women (and victims of violence). Thus the tragic generational cycle of violence-crime-prison-violence-crime-prison persists.


In order to investigate the effects of atmospheric turbulence on laser communication, an experiment is carried out to research intensity scintillation which caused by atmospheric turbulence. 15,000-frame gray images which grabbed by high-speed camera every ten minutes are processed and analyzed. Diurnal variation trend of scintillation index in different seasons are provided in the experiment, and the probability density distribution of intensity scintillation are analyzed in detail. The results indicate that diurnal variation of scintillation index are different in seasons in the weak turbulence conditions. It's also indicate that probability density is lognormal when scintillation index is large, and probability density is normal when scintillation index is small.


We show that the n-center problem in \mathbb{R}3 has positive topological entropy for n\ge 3. The proof is based on global regularization of singularities and the results of Gromov and Paternain on the topological entropy of geodesic flows. The n-center problem in S3 is also studied.


In this day and age we are seeing an ever increasing number of devices being connected into the internet, that were traditionally standalone industrial systems s. As part of the new wave of the internet of things we have developed a technology stack of interconnected solutions to control the brewing process. The OpenTheBrew stack consists of an Android user interface, PID regulator and an HTTP server, both running on the open source Arduino Uno platform, that is connected to the internet via the Arduino Ethernet Shield expansion board. All mentioned elements of the stack work in conjunction with a temperature sensor and a SSR relay, with the intention to give the users a simple way to set up and control PID regulation. For maximum user comfort we can set up regulation recipes, that regulate the water temperature during the brewing process, according to the user's needs.


A Bayesian probability-basedvanishing point d etection algorithm is presentedwhich introd uces the use of multiple features andtraining with groundtruth data to determine vanishing point locations. The vanishing points of 352 images were manually id enti-edto create groundtruth d ata. Each intersection is assigneda probability of being coincid ent with a groundtruth vanishing point, basedupon cond itional probabilities of a number of features. The results of this algorithm are demonstrated to be superior to the results of a similar algorithm where each intersection is considered to be of equal importance. The advantage of this algorithm is that multiple features derived from ground truth training are usedto d etermine vanishing point location. ? 2002 Pattern Recognition Society. Publishedby Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.


The most important HDS catalysts are Co-Mo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, Ni-Mo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Ni-W/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. These catalysts are usually prepared as alumina-supported oxides and are sulfided in situ. This process of sulfiding is not completely understood up to now. To understand the sulfiding processes on commercial catalysts it is crucial to investigate the sulfiding process of MoO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and WO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. The TPS technique was chosen because it mimics the practical sulfiding process, and sulfiding of all species is observed quantitatively. The first TPS experiments were performed by Nag et al. Recently, TPS has been successfully applied to MoO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, CoO/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, CoO-MoO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}, NiO-WO{sub 3}/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and Re{sub 2}O{sub 7}/Al{sub 2}{sub 3}.


Using ab initio multireference methods and large correlation consistent basis sets, we have investigated the ground electronic structure of the carbides BC and AlC, the ground and the first two excited states of the corresponding anions, BC- and AlC-, and the ground (linear) structures of the hydrides H−BC and H−AlC. By employing a series of increasing size basis sets for the BC molecule, i.e., cc-pVnZ, aug-cc-pVnZ, cc-pCVnZ, and aug-cc-pCVnZ, n = 2, 3, 4, and 5, we have examined the convergence of its properties as a function of n. For both the neutral diatomic species and their anions we have obtained full potential energy curves, bond distances (re), dissociation energies (De), and the usual spectroscopic constants. For the BC molecule, our best re and De values are re = 1.4911 A and De = 102.2 kcal/mol in excellent agreement with experimental results. In the AlC case the calculated De = 77.13 kcal/mol is at least 12 kcal/mol higher than the experimental number. No experimental or theoretical data exis...


Fully appreciating the fact that for an agent to be termed a remedy it must be applied with benefit in a considerable num ber of cases of a certain malady, I present to you two in stances in which there has been a marked change for the better following promptly upon the application of the Roentgen rays to laryngeal papillomata after other measures had failed. I leave for the future to decide whether or not we have in this a remedy for this distressing condition. With the knowledge that the Roentgen rays properly applied manifest a destructive effect upon atypical cells, preventing their proliferation and producing a retrograde metamorphosis, I determined to apply them with the hope that some such effect might be wrought on these vegetations within the larynx. CASE 1.—(Reported by Dr. Dunn.) On July 6 , 1906, Sarah C , white, age 3 years, 2τ/2 months, residing in a distant state, was referred to me by Dr. John Dunn, of this city. Family and personal history, excellent. Three months after birth hoarseness began. This persisted in spite of all efforts to relieve her "bad cold," until the first week in July, 1905 , when her respiration became so obstructed that she was brought to this city on July 11th, and a tracheotomy was performed by Dr. Dunn one hour after her arrival. The following winter after a "cold" she again presented evidences of obstruction to her respiration, with the tracheotomy tube in situ. This con-


Thomas Hendriks' compelling book is an intricate tale of felled trees and their capitalist value, of the inhabitants of logging camps such as Congolese labourers and expat managers, but also of jobseekers, traders, prostitutes, farmers, and smugglers. Rainforest Capitalism: Power and Masculinity in a Congolese Timber Concession is eloquent and captivating; it takes the reader into the dense forest of Congo where enormous trees, gigantic tractors, and intricate encounters and their affects make up the landscape of a logging concession. Rainforest Capitalism exposes an erudite mind. The usual approach to the topic of what is commonly framed as racial extractive capitalism is clear; not only the forests are exploited but also the communities and a larger chain of dependents. While many studies analyze the inherent violence underlying the logic of current extractive capitalism, Hendriks eruditely and carefully challenges such representations of corporate strength. He takes up the multifaceted character of capitalism, not only by examining the everyday lives of loggers and their families, but also by concentrating on the lives of the expat workers. He draws out the commonality between these differently located groups rather than presenting them as being in opposition. His particular method of focusing on their commonality of feelings and affects is perceptive, and daring. Life is murky, for all of the groups albeit in different ways, and life connects, albeit in unequal ways. Such an approach is not intended to relativize the exploitations, but rather it is an invitation to look at exploitation from within. In other words, the book is an evocative argument against seeing capitalism as the strong and phallic monster that we "love to hate," in Hendriks' words. He invites us to do so by a sophisticated argument. First, we need to be less suspicious. This sounds truly odd in this contemporary moment of post-truth claims, rampant aggression between groups and nations, and general malaise about the well-being of the climate and the earth. Yet, being less suspicious helps us to move beyond self-evident truths,


Nuclear power research in Czechoslovakia is described. The types of reaetors are limited but the problems are extensive. Problems in reactor physics and technology are discussed, and equipment used to study this field is described briefly. (N.W.R.)


MIURA Ryuji ARA Kuniaki Abstract We compared the sodium-water reaction in vapor sodium phase at 1273 K with that in the sodium/metal multiphase domain by applying the accelerated quantum chemical molecular dynamics method. Considering the gas/liquid mixture condition on the sodium-water interface as well as the solid reaction products such as sodium oxides, the sodium-water reaction itself is regarded as multiphase reaction. In case of the water adsorption over the vapor sodium phase, sodium atoms lost electrons, and desorbed as hydrogen molecule. In case of the sodium vapor over the transition metal titanium surface, a pair of


Creative thinking is an essential skill in learning for students. Students can think creatively by showing new ways of thinking, daring to compile questions and likely answers, and giving new ideas. In addition, this study aims to analyses creative thinking skills using a series of image media. This research uses descriptive qualitative research with a case study model. The subjects of this study were grade III students numbering 50 students. This research method uses interviews to follow up on these findings. Interviews were conducted to find out the problems that occurred. The interview used is structured. Data analyses in this study used the theory of Miles and Huberman. The results of the overall research and creative thinking skills in writing essays with series image media still have to be re-evaluated. The students seemed to have trouble getting ideas into narrative-based writing. This will result in learning to write narratives that are hampered.  In general, it is proven that more than half of the sample numbers of students still do not meet the four aspects of creative thinking indicators, so it will undoubtedly hinder the learning process in the classroom, especially related to writing skills. This research implies that it is hoped that all stakeholders will be able to realize the importance of creative thinking skills early by training students using series image media or others.


Various known parameters of the atom–atom potential for the bromine atoms interaction have been used to model the experimental structure and the cohesive energy of the ordered phase II of CBr4. The set of parameters corresponding to krypton has turned out to give the best agreement with the experimental observations. The frequencies of the lattice vibrations at the zone center and the elastic constants have then been calculated and shown to be in a good quantitative agreement with the existing experimental data. The validity of the rigid molecule approach has been briefly discussed.


Objective To investigate the prevalence of primary angle closure suspects (PACS) in a population that underwent routine physical examinations; to survey the changes in peripheral anterior chamber depth and angle after YAG laser peripheral iridectomy (YAG-LPI).Methods Prospective clinical study.Peripheral anterior chamber depth was investigated prospectively in 28 516 people (57 032 eyes) who had received routine physical examinations from January 1,2011 to December 31,2012 in the Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine.Subjects with a peripheral anterior chamber depth ≤ 1/2 corneal thickness agreed to further testing for glaucoma,including axial length,central anterior chamber depth,lens thickness,central corneal thickness,intraocular pressure,refraction,and gonioscopic examination.PACS patients voluntarily agreed to undergo a YAG-LPI procedure.The changes in peripheral anterior chamber depth and angle were surveyed before and after surgery.Results A peripheral chamber depth ≤ 1/2 corneal thickness was found in 5 116 eyes (8.97%).Among them,2 548 eyes were examined further,and 187 eyes (7.34%) were diagnosed as PACS.In view of the non-response bias,the prevalence rate of PACS was estimated to be 0.66%.YAG-LPI was performed on 40 of the 187 PACS eyes and patients were examined at 1 week and 6 months postoperatively.There were no significant differences for axial length,central anterior chamber depth,lens thickness,central corneal thickness,intraocular pressure or refraction before and after surgery.However,peripheral anterior chamber depth and angle significantly increased after surgery (Z--5.657,P<0.01).In these 40 eyes,35 eyes (88%) were no longer classified as PACS.Conclusion YAG-LPI is a safe and effective method to relieve PACS state and prevent the development of primary angle closure glaucoma.

Key words:
Glaucoma;  Laser;  Angle;  Intervention studies


Managing and processing large-scale point clouds are much needed for the exploration and contextual understanding of the data. Hence, we explore the use of a widely used big data analytics framework, Apache Spark, in distributed systems for large-scale point cloud processing. To effectively use Spark, we propose to use its integration with Cassandra for persistent storage, and to appropriately partition the point cloud across the nodes in the distributed system. We use this integrated framework for multiscale feature extraction and semantic classification using random forest classifier. We have shown the efficacy of our proposed application through our results in the DALES aerial LiDAR point cloud.


DMT2 is the most common type of diabetes in the world. In developed countries, dia¬betes affects people over 65 years old. However, in Asia, the younger generation is also affected and the age onset of diabetes has declined. Several factors that may lead to early diabetes is changes in consumption and activity patterns. However, that should be noted that pestisides expusure by food and environmental pollutants can even be the reason behind the increasing incidence of type-2 diabetes mellitus. This study aims to provide a systematic review of the impact of pesticide exposure on the incidence of type-2 diabetes, especially at a young age. We performed articles search using Science Direct, Spinger Link, ProQuest, Pubmed and Scopus databases published since 2010 until 2020. In total, 10 scientific articles included in this study. Pesticide exposure is determined by the nature of the sources. Most studies showed a strong association between organochlorine pesticides and also the incidence of diabetes. The average age of the entire study was 43 years this has proven that there is a decrease in the onset of age of people with DMT2 in Asia. The results show that organochlorine pesticides had an impact on the incidence of DMT2 at a younger age. Someone with high levels of organochlorines serum will had a high blood glucose levels. Race may also effect the incidence of diabetes, it need to be assessed experimentally.


Quasi-mono (mono-like) is a well-known process for ingot growth that has potential to significantly increase cell performance over traditional multi-crystalline based silicon solar cells. In general, ingot is divided into A, B, C area. In this presentation, cells made from A and B areas average efficiency are comparable to traditional multi-crystalline cell made from DSS method by acid-texturing process. Cells from C area reached 19.08% conversion efficiency in average and over 19.40% in champion cell by using alkaline-texturing process with conventional screen printing technology. Quasi-mono wafers by alkaline-texturing process can be able to reach 260-265W 60 cells-module at lower cost per Wp due to much lower wafer cost in comparison with mono-crystalline wafer.


It DESCRIBED an improved method of producing a superabsorbent polymer. Said method comprises adding to A superabsorbent polymer RETAINED BY WATER, comprising 10 to 100 parts by weight of water per 100 parts by weight polymer (A) a polyfunctional compound having two or more reactive groups, AND SELECTED BETWEEN a hydrophilic polymer or metal compound in an amount of 0''005 to 5 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of superabsorbent polymer, and (B) a crosslinking agent having two or more capable functional groups reacting with polyfunctional, with a weight ratio of the polyfunctional compound, AS AGENT crosslinker 0''1 A 0''30; Subsequently, it PROMOTES mixture and reacting the mixture by heating.


The literature relating to small-scale ionospheric irregularities in electron density observed by in-situ and scintillation methods is examined for possible causes of the high level scintillation activity observed in the equatorial regions in the shf band. A global scintillation model is extrapolated from the vhf to shf regions by incorporating the power law irregularity spectrum into existing scintillation theory. Other studies reported include a theoretical explanation of an interference pattern observed as a ringing on radio beacon records of signals from ATS-6. (GRA)


In this paper, we simulate the effect of shock and Coulomb wave centers on the binding energy of metal targets with ultra-deep penetration of microparticles up to 500 microns in size. To calculate the chemical bond, a quantum-mechanical model of the influence of external factors on a separately selected chemical bond is developed. The calculations were carried out using the solution of the Schrodinger equation in ellipsoidal coordinates, which made it possible to reduce its solution to the Whittaker equation. As a result of the calculations, it was found that the influence of external factors leads to a decrease in the binding energy, and this in turn leads to a decrease in the viscosity of the target material during microsecond time intervals. This fact well explains the ultra-deep penetration of microparticles.


Barbara Comber, who is a senior area advisory teacher for special educational needs in Staffordshire, suggests ways of helping children to become independent learners of spelling so that, for pupils with special educational needs, spelling becomes a tool for writing rather than an obstacle.


Development of ischemia in healing tendons was assessed in 18 rabbits. One superficial digital flexor tendon in each rabbit was incised and anastomosed using a Bunnell pattern. The repair site was enclosed in a porous, woven Dacron tube before skin closure. The limb was immobilized with a cast. Rabbits were euthanized 1, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery, and tendons were harvested and examined microscopically. Regions of the tendon included in the suture pattern were ischemic and acellular at 1 week, while adjacent areas still containing patent vessels remained viable. Within 4 weeks, a well vascularized neotendon with collagen bundles organized parallel to the long axis of the tendon developed along the periphery and between the opposed tendon ends. After 8 weeks, the ischemic regions of the tendon had not revascularized or become integrated with the neotendon. Adjacent collagen bundles not originally included in the Bunnell pattern were integrated with neotendon collagen fibers.


A $p$-page embedding of a graph $G$ is a vertex-ordering $\pi$ of $V(G)$ (along the "spine" of a book) and an assignment of edges to $p$ half-planes (called "pages") such that no page contains crossing edges (alternating endpoints) relative to $\pi$. The pagenumber of $G$ is the least $p$ such that $G$ has a $p$-page embedding. We disprove a conjecture of Ganley and Heath by showing that when $k\geq3$, there are $k$-trees that do not embed in $k$ pages. We also present an algorithm that produces $k$-page embeddings for $k$-trees in a special class.


The linear asymptotic boundary condition, i.e. assuming that the second derivative of the value of the derivative security vanishes as the asset price becomes large, is commonly used in practice. To our knowledge, there have been no rigorous studies of the stability of these methods, despite the fact that the discrete matrix equations obtained using this boundary condition loses diagonal dominance for large timesteps. In this paper, we demonstrate that the discrete equations obtained using this boundary condition satisfy necessary conditions for stability for a finite difference discretization. Computational experiments also show that this boundary condition satisfies sufficient conditions for stability as well.


Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). The main pathological change is the apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNPc), thereby leading to dopamine reduction in nigral striatum. 6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA), a neurotoxic substance, mediates apoptosis of dopaminergic neurons and causes Parkinson‐like symptoms in mice.


The aim of this paper is to reexamine the role of historical geography in studies of local environmental problems through analysis of a littoral zone landscape, particularly a coastal lagoon around Lake Biwa. There were more than 40 coastal lagoons around Lake Biwa, called Naiko in Japanese, but most had been reclaimed by the 1940s for the purpose of agricultural development. Although numerous studies have been made of national reclamation projects in the 1940s, little attention has been directed to the causes of degration of the environment of Naiko leading to the reclamation. In this paper, the author discusses the traditional lifestyle of the local people who made use of natural resources around Naiko before they were reclaimed, and the process of aggravation of the environment of Naiko, through a case study of Irie-naiko. This study clarifies the interactions among people, other organisms, and the environment of Naiko, i.e., the entire ecosystem of the littoral zone including human beings, by historico-geographical analysis of the landscape in each era since the premodern period.In Iso village, located on the shore of Irie-naiko, people's livelihood was traditionally based on a combination of subsistence fishery and rice cultivation. Many living activities utilized the natural resources of Naiko, such as waterbird hunting, reed gathering, water weed gathering, etc. Until the Taisho era, a diversity of traditional culture could be observed in utilizing the natural resources of naiko as well as biodiversity in this littoral zone. One of the important points to note is that the diversity of local culture functioned as a system for preserving the environment of Naiko. The environment of the Naiko and the traditional system for utilizing it began to collapse in the early years of the Showa era for several reasons. First, the national policy of maintaining a low water level in Lake Biwa caused a decrease in bioresources in Naiko. Second, the traditional combination subsistence in the village shifted exclusively either to fishery in Lake Biwa or to rice cultivation around Naiko. At the same time, the multiple values existing in the space of Naiko changed into the single value that Naiko were suitable for arable land. This specialization of space can be considered as a major factor in the reclamation promoted as a national project during wartime in the 1940s.


This paper investigates trends and changes in the structural composition of women's weekly market hours worked in former West-Germany using aggregate time-series data from the German micro census from 1957 until 2002. Aggregate weekly hours worked per working-age woman are decomposed into hours worked per employee – the intensive margin of adjustment – and the employment-to-population (EP-) ratio – the extensive margin. The decomposition is performed by women's marital status, their age, and whether or not young children are present. The main results are that since the mid 1970s, the EP-ratio has steadily risen among female employees of all marital statuses whereas the weekly hours worked per female employee have declined. These changes have been the most distinct among married women with young children. The paper attributes much of the observed changes for married women to institutional modifications in the federal legislation governing parental leave which have occurred since 1986.


AbstractChubs Nocomis spp. (Cyprinidae) in freshwater streams build conspicuous gravel mounds upon which they and other nest-associative cyprinids spawn. Our understanding of such interactions is incomplete and hindered by the inability to observe all interactions directly and to identify the larvae that emerge from the mounds based on morphological traits. We used visual surveys and DNA barcoding to identify cyprinids that were associated with the nests of spawning chub in Catawba Creek, a small tributary of the James River in southwestern Virginia. All individual fish on nests were identified to species and categorized as spawning or feeding. Eggs were subsequently removed from the nests and hatched in captivity, and DNA was extracted from the larvae. The DNA sequences for region 3 of the mitochondrial cytochrome-c oxidase I gene in individual larvae were amplified, and the resulting sequences were compared to entries in GenBank by using the Basic Local Alignment Search Tool for nucleotide data. Of the ...


In this paper we construct two algorithms to approximate the minimizer of a dis- crete functional which comes from using a discontinuous Galerkin method for a variational problem related to the p(x)-Laplacian. We also make some numerical experiments in dimension two.


Abstract We have designed a new method for the quantitative determination of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based on the modulation of the fluorescence emission of a donor by a photochromic acceptor. Light induces a change in the structure and thus the absorption properties of the acceptor. Only one of the absorption spectra overlaps with the emission of the donor, thereby providing the means for switching the process of FRET on and off reversibly. A direct evaluation of the change in the donor quantum yield due to FRET is possible. A test molecule was devised consisting of a Lucifer Yellow donor bound covalently to a 6-nitroBIPS acceptor via a cysteine linker molecule. Photoisomerisation of the acceptor by near-UV irradiation from the spiropyran to the merocyanine form potentiated the FRET process, as evidenced by quenching of the donor. This effect disappeared upon thermal reversion to the initial spiropyran form. Photokinetic simulations were also carried out.


Edward Shuryak has made important seminal contributions to the theory of high energy density strongly interacting matter. This anecdotal account covers some of his accomplishments and personal history.


Abstract A new equation to predict critical volume for hydrocarbon compounds has been developed. The proposed new equation is based on molecular weight and boiling temperature, and it shows a significantly better correlation with the average absolute deviation (AAD) of 0.3% and 4.8% for two groups of hydrocarbon.


The branching copolymer of styrene and tert-butyl acrylate was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization(ATRP).Divinylbenzene(DVB),tert-butyl-2-bromoisobutyrate(t-BBiB) and the complex of CuBr/Pentamethyldiethylenetriamine(PMDETA) were used as branching agent,initiator and catalyst respectively.The formation of branched copolymer was confirmed by proton nuclear magnetic resonance(1H NMR),gel permeation chromatography(GPC) and multi angle laser light scattering(MALLS).The results show that highly branched polymers mainly form at the late stage and linear chain propagation dominates at the early stage of polymerization(70% conversion).


Disclosed is a method for producing a plastic molded part (9) with an integrated conductor track (3), which serves in particular as an intermediate for further processing to an electrically heatable mirror (1). The process steps are: a) preparing a substrate (7) of a support body (2) of an electrically insulating plastic material with a conductor track (3) of an electrically conductive material on or in a surface (8) of the carrier body (2), b) flooding the (to the conductor track 3) equipped surface (8) of the substrate (7) or the said opposite surface (11) of the substrate (7) with a liquid, electrically insulating coating material. With the flooding sink marks are compensated as a result of uneven shrinkage in the thick and the thin portions of the support body and it can be produced a smooth surface which can be subsequently coated with a reflective layer.


The use of steel fibers as shear reinforcement in reinforced concrete beams is very promising. In this paper, an optimized high strength concrete with steel fibers is used in rectangular beams, reinforced with longitudinal bars. This solution is compared with classical reinforced concrete. Five specimens are tested in four-point bending. The 28-day mean compressive strength of concrete is 90 MPa measured on cylinders. The global behavior of the beams is the same for both solutions. The load at the onset of cracking is equal for all tested beams but the crack opening is smaller with steel fibers. No problems were encountered concerning ductility.


The 2003 horror short story collection, Shadows over Baker Street partakes of the Weird tradition of revising the history of human civilisation whilst also producing a secret history of the fictional detective, Sherlock Holmes. The stories pit Conan Doyle's master of rational enquiry against Lovecraft's terrifying monsters. The contest is unsettling. Typically, detective fiction shores up faith in rational enquiry, whilst the Weird disrupts enlightenment narratives, suggesting that everything we know about the world is wrong. Shadows over Baker Street encourages the reader to surrender disbelief entirely in the face of the 'ineluctability of the Weird.' This surrender manifests a postmillennial structure of feeling towards epistemological uncertainty. Shadows over Baker Street is an example of how the Weird challenges rational, inductive reasoning and epistemological certainty, ushering in an era of belief - in the unbelievable.


Open repair of inguinal hernias is a recognised standard approach to groin hernia repairs. Furthermore, this approach is uniquely suited to repair under local anaesthesia (LA). LA repair of unilateral Inguinal hernia (IH) is widely reported in the literature as a safe, well tolerated, and effective operation.  However, there is minimal evidence in literature on simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernias under local anaesthesia.  This approach is a useful tool in patients with bilateral IH who are unfit for or choose to avoid general anaesthesia (GA). We report our experience with simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernias under local anaesthetic.
Methods: We reviewed prospectively collected data of patients with bilateral inguinal hernias for whom simultaneous repair under LA was performed between 2009 – 2019. Data was collected for patient demographics, post-operative visual analogue pain score (VAS), operating time, volume of local anaesthetic used, patient satisfaction and complication rates. All patients had a Lichtenstein's hernioplasty using a buffered local anaesthetic mixture made up of 30ml 0.5% Bupivacaine with adrenaline, 20 ml 2% Lignocaine with adrenaline, 50 ml of 0.9% Saline and 6 ml of 8.6% Sodium Bicarbonate. In each patient, both procedures were performed sequentially as a day case operations.
Results: In total, 24 patients were included in the study with male preponderance (92%) and only two were females.  Their ages ranged 35 - 81 years. Their BMI varied from 18 – 30 , with a mean of 24.The average operating time was 66.8 minutes (ranging 38 - 120 minutes, median 60 min).  The mean pain score was 24, on a VAS 0-100 scale (range 4 - 50, median 25) with patient satisfaction scores  (0-100 scale) varying from 50-100 (Median 90, Mean 88.1).
Conclusion: We conclude that successful simultaneous repair of bilateral inguinal hernia under local anaesthetic can be performed safely in a timely fashion, with minimal patient discomfort and high satisfaction rate. This approach should be considered as a viable alternative in the tailored approach to repairing IHs0 and offered to patients not deemed suitable for elective general anaesthesia with the advantage of addressing both groin hernias during the same operating session.


Subgrid-scale (SGS) models for large-eddy simulation (LES) having the formalism of an effective eddy-viscosity model, but that operates on a modified velocity field, are further evaluated and new ones are proposed. The modified field is obtained using regular filtering of the LES field carried out in physical space. This is actually done by using a discrete and compact operator (only using nearest neighbors values), eventually iterated; this ensures that the proper filtering behavior is preserved, even for near wall points. The first model investigated here is inspired by the variational multiscale approach originally proposed by T. J. Hughes [Phys. Fluids 13, 505 (2001)]. Here, the modelling is simplified, leading to a SGS viscosity effect operating on the "small-scale LES field" that is obtained by subtracting the LES field from its filtered counterpart. Such a model (here called RVMM for short) was already proposed and partially evaluated {e.g., see G. S. Winckelmans and H. Jeanmart [Direct and Large-Scale Eddy Simulation IV (Kluwer, Dordrecht, 2001)] and H. Jeanmart and G. S. Winckelmans (CTR Proceedings of the Summer Program, 2002), the "model M2" of A. W. Vreman [Phys. Fluids 15, L61 (2003)], the "high-pass filtered Smagorinsky model" of S. Stolz [Direct and Large-Eddy Simulation V (Kluwer, Dordrecht, 2004) and Phys. Fluids 17, 065103 (2005)]}. The other model investigated here is an "enhanced field model" (EFM). The SGS viscosity model then operates on a LES field that is artificially enhanced at the small scales; that obtained by adding to the LES field the small-scale field. The two model families are presented in a unified way; they have a behavior that combines viscous and hyperviscous effects, while remaining simple and practical. They however do not naturally have the proper y(3) near wall behavior for the SGS dissipation; hence, they need some near wall damping. To ensure the proper near-wall behavior, we use here the dynamic procedure (self-consistent for each model). The performance of both models is compared to that of other models (also dynamic): the Smagorinsky model, hyperviscosity models, and a hybrid model combining explicitly a Smagorinsky term and a hyperviscosity term. The cases here investigated are LES of decaying isotropic turbulence starting at Re-lambda=90 and LES of turbulent channel flow at Re-tau=395. A good behavior of the RVMM and EFM, as compared to the others, is observed in all cases. They constitute an easily implemented and better alternative than the dynamic Smagorinsky model. (C) 2007 American Institute of Physics.


This paper presents a part of a global proposal aimed to create and put forward an e–assessment strategy using tests with multiple–choice questions (MCQ) implemented in Moodle. This strategy was planned in order to allow the use of continuous summative assessment in mathematics' courses in a higher education institution, in classes with a large number of students. The main goal of this work was to analyse how this procedure can affect the teaching and learning processes. Changes in educational practices were ascertained using interviews with teachers. It was found an improvement in the way teachers create questions as well as in teamwork promotion. Furthermore, teachers reported that they pay more attention now on how they teach. Thus, the implementation of this e–assessment approach can be considered successful, namely because it allowed an adequate response to the main needs initially identified.


The Hobbesian covenants - rights the Hobbesian covenants - political agency, authorisation and representation Hobbesian absolutism Hobbesian roles the art of government Hobbes's political sensibility.


ABSTRACT The present study investigates top management commitment, workforce management and quality performance in Malaysian hospitals based on demographical information of the respondents. Aim of this study is to identify the difference or conformance on top management commitment, workforce management and quality performance of Malaysian hospitals with demographics such as gender, marital status, types of hospital and position. This study distributed 1007 self-administered survey questionnaires to hospital staff resulting in 438 useful responses with a 43.5% response rate. Research data were analysed based on reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA and discriminant analysis using SPSS version 23. Findings of this study indicate that there is a significant difference between single and married hospital staff on workforce management of the Malaysian hospitals. Married respondent perceives workforce management more favourably compared to single. The findings also indicate that hospital nurses perceive workforce management and quality performance more favourably compared to other hospital staff (i.e. doctors, pharmacists, medical laboratory technologists). Moreover, this study conducted comparison analysis between public and private hospitals on top management commitment, workforce management, and quality performance. The research findings indicate that private hospitals have better top management commitment and workforce management compared to public hospitals in Malaysia.


1. Title of the thesis : "Evaluation of pretilachlore, penoxsulam & pyrazosulfuron herbicides on persistence and yield of paddy grown on a vertisol"" 2. Student Name : Anil Nagwanshi Postal Address : S/o Shri Bistu Nagwanshi post umerth, tehsil junnardeo district Chhidwara 3. Advisor Name : Dr. A.K.Dwivedi 4 Co-advisor Name : Dr. Shobha Sondhia Address (Office) : Senior Scientist Organic Residue D.W.S.R Jabalpur 482 004 (M.P.) INDIA 5. Degree awarded : M.Sc. (Ag.) Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry 6. Year of award of degree : 2013 7. Major subject : Soil Science 8. Total number of pages in the thesis : 99 9. Number of words in the abstract : 709 Signature Signature Signature (Dr. R.S. Khampariya) (Dr. A.K. Dwivedi) (Anil Nagwanshi) Head Major Advisor Student


It is a challenge to analyze hierarchically structured data with either numerical or categorical response variables when number of groups (e.g., level 2 units) is small. Even sample size is large, a small number of groups would cause downward bias in standard errors of parameter estimates in multilevel modeling, thus the test statistics would be enlarged and the type I error would be inflated. Both parametric and nonparametric residual bootstrap approaches have been developed to deal with a small number of groups in multilevel modeling when the response variable is numeric. However, the corresponding approach is limited for multilevel modeling with categorical response variables, ex. binary outcome. To fill the gap, we have developed an approach by implementing nonparametric residual bootstrap multilevel logit model for binary data with small number of groups using SAS macro. With simulated data for modeling binary response variable with a small number of groups, our results showed explicit advantage of the nonparametric residual bootstrap approach over the approach using the default estimator -- Residual Pseudo-Likelihood (RSPL) SAS Proc Glimmix.


This article investigates retail development as a social problem, a political phenomenon, and an increasingly important form of urban development. I focus on mass retail, as exemplified by superstores. The data come from six case studies, carried out onsite, of local controversies over the siting of Wal‐Mart superstores. I analyze retail development and the conflicts that it may provoke in terms of six key categories: economic context, actors, dynamic, interests, ideology, and consumption. Throughout the analysis I critically engage the growth machine perspective and suggest how it may be modified to better account for the peculiarities of retail development. I argue that retail development does not necessarily lead to growth and that mass retail is driven by the pursuit of market share and profit, not growth. I also introduce several new concepts: the global development machine, which has taken over certain functions of the growth machine; the shoppers, a local group that appears to value shopping over broader community interests; and the ideology of shopping, which serves to promote retail development.


We examined what physicians tell mothers about their premature infants' chances of survival in the first hours after birth and how mothers interpret the physicians' remarks. Thirty-seven physicians (8 neonatologists, 29 pediatric house officers) and 21 mothers completed forms about hypothetical situations; from these forms, quantitative information was obtained about what each physician thought the chances of survival for a hypothetical infant were, what each physician would tell a parent about the child's chances of survival, and how a mother would interpret the physician's statement about her child. Mothers heard poorer prognoses for their infants than current nursery survival rates would predict; in addition, mothers heard poorer prognoses when counseled by house officers than by neonatologists. The physicians' lack of appreciation of their own nursery's survival rates was the major factor that accounted for the mothers' poorer estimation of the prognoses. House officers, inexperienced in newborn care, had a significantly worse estimation of an infant's actual prognosis than did neonatologists; this difference in knowledge of actual survival rates accounted for the worse prognosis that mothers heard when counseled by a house officer versus a neonatologist. Training programs in neonatology need to ensure that their physicians are aware of the changing experiences that are occurring in the field so that they have the information to counsel parents appropriately.


Individual data might not be thought of as that important for business purposes. However, Big Data analytics use cases are increasing, because individual data can become a valuable data aggregate from which any hidden information can be found, once it's collected into large volumes. Big Data. Known as one of conventional Big Data analytics technologies, Hadoop is a widely accepted technology to analyze structured/ unstructured Big Data to date. However, Hadoop has a high possibility for response time latency with larger data because of batch processing systems, which makes it difficult to do real time analysis for massive amounts of high speed event data under the current business environment and market conditions. In this paper, open source CEP (Complex Event Processing)-based technologies are used as an alternative for rapidly changing business, thereby developing the real time analytics system that enables us to analyze over thousands of event streams per second on a real time basis without latency, in order to be applicable to medical institution ERP systems.


The Modelica technology and the increasing availability of model libraries allow an efficient modeling of complex dynamic processes. Having a good process model at hand one might want to apply the model online to improve the operation of the real process. These online applications range from the generation of highlevel information like performance indices from process measurements over the estimation of unmeasured quantities in a so called soft sensor up to model based control and online optimization. This paper discusses the online application of Modelica models in an industrial control system. The models are developed and tested using a standard Modelica tool. Afterwards they are imported into the control system. Here the model variables can be associated with process signals. This way a model can be initialized with current process values. A numerical solver performs simulation, estimation or optimization activities. Solution results can either be used for diagnostics or they can be fed back to the process as manipulated variables. The Dynamic Optimization system extension has been developed for the Industrial IT System 800xA. Exploiting Aspect Object technology, the required functionality for model-based applications can be integrated seamlessly with the control system. Model based applications can be set up in a modularly structured way. The Dynamic Optimization system extension has been used to deploy different model-based applications. A Nonlinear Model-based Predictive Controller (NMPC) for the start-up of steam power plants is discussed as an example. The overall NMPC application consists of several model-based activities, including preprocessing of process values, estimation of model states, prediction of optimal operations, and post-processing of optimization results. A scheduler periodically triggers these activities online.


Infection due to cytomegalovirus (CMV) in the gastrointestinal tract causes significant morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals. CMV infection in the immunocompetent host outside the perinatal period is generally assumed to be asymptomatic. In immunocompetent children, CMV infection of the gastrointestinal tract has been reported to cause Menetrier disease and enterocolitis in a few cases (1,2). The infection tends to occur in the gastric fundus, body, and antrum, and may cause wall thickening, ulceration, haemorrhage, and perforation (3). We are reporting a nonimmunocompromised child with gastric ulcers in which CMV was cultured and CMV early antigen detected on immunohistochemistry from biopsies of gastric mucosa.


KUČEROVÁ Z., AULICKÝ R., STEJSKAL V. (2005): Outdoor occurrence of stored-product pests (Coleoptera) in the vicinity of a grain store. Plant Protect. Sci., 41: 86–89. The species composition, frequency and abundance of insect pests (Coleoptera) occurring outside a grain store were explored. Wheat bait traps were used for pest monitoring; they were changed every month from April to September. For the first time the outdoor occurrence of primary and secondary stored-product pests was documented in the Czech Republic. Seven species of Coleoptera were found outside the grain store. Pest abundance and frequency were in high correlation. The primary pest Sitophilus granarius was dominant.


The article touches upon the problem of financing health care in the world today, which is carried out mainly at the expense of budget funds, employers, population and enterprises in different proportions. The share of each of these sources in the total amount of funds allocated by society to health care determines the model of financing this economic sector. The budget model of financing the health care does not fully cover the needs of the population in the guaranteed volume of free medical care. In recent years, such sources as direct payment for medical services and voluntary health insurance programs have brought a certain amount of money to the Russian health care system. The conducted analysis of the financial support of the health care system in Russia proved that the cost of the program of state guarantees increases throughout the whole period. Means of compulsory medical insurance as well as budgetary allocations of the entities of the Russian Federation are used to finance the program of State guarantees. The volume of compulsory health insurance funds is increasing, the growth rate of compulsory health insurance in 2017 outpaced the rate assigned by the program. In 2016 revenue growth and spending cuts brought the Federal Fund of compulsory medical insurance to a deficit-free budget, but in 2017 the growth of spending outpaced revenue growth, which leads to a deficit. There can be seen the positive dynamics of growth rates of insurance premiums for voluntary health insurance. Currently, underfunding of territorial programs is compensated by the population independently through the use of voluntary health insurance and paid medical services. The main objective of the further transformation of compulsory medical insurance system is stated to increase the volume of financing of the system. In the process of adjusting state obligations the deficit of financial provision of territorial programs of state guarantees should be taken into account, which has already been redistributed due to its insecurity, but without legislative consolidation. The reserve of redistribution will be the increase in payments under contracts of voluntary medical insurance and funds received by medical organizations from the provision of paid medical services.


The invention provides a display method for an application interface of a terminal and the terminal. The display method relates to the field of terminal display control and is invented for solving the problem in the prior art that a display interface of only one application in a terminal is displayed in a full screen and a user frequently exits and opens the application again during switching between display interfaces of applications, so that the operation is troublesome. The display method for the application interface of the terminal comprises the steps of obtaining an operation instruction of performing operation on an application identifier of a display interface of the terminal; and according to the operation instruction, displaying a display interface of an application in the display interface of the terminal, wherein the area of the display interface of the application is smaller than that of a screen of the terminal. According to the scheme, by controlling the area of the display interface of the application to be smaller than that of the screen of the terminal, the user does not need to frequently return to a main screen of the terminal when wanting to open a plurality of applications and can obtain the content in the applications without opening the applications again.


Deep learning methodologies constitute nowadays the main approach for medical image analysis and disease prediction. Large annotated databases are necessary for developing these methodologies; such databases are difficult to obtain and to make publicly available for use by researchers and medical experts. In this paper, we focus on diagnosis of Covid-19 based on chest 3-D CT scans and develop a dual knowledge framework, including a large imaging database and a novel deep neural architecture. We introduce COV19-CT-DB, a very large database annotated for COVID-19 that consists of 7,750 3-D CT scans, 1,650 of which refer to COVID-19 cases and 6,100 to non-COVID19 cases. We use this database to train and develop the RACNet architecture. This architecture performs 3-D analysis based on a CNN-RNN network and handles input CT scans of different lengths, through the introduction of dynamic routing, feature alignment and a mask layer. We conduct a large experimental study that illustrates that the RACNet network has the best performance compared to other deep neural networks i) when trained and tested on COV19-CT-DB; ii) when tested, or when applied, through transfer learning, to other public databases.


The invention provides a management conversation initiating method. According to the method, a managed terminal receives a management conversation notification message from a management server; strategy information is carried in the notification message; an opportunity for initiating a management conversation between the managed terminal and the management server is determined according to the strategy information; and the management conversation corresponding to the management conversation notification message is initiated to the management server at the determined opportunity. In the embodiment, the managed terminal can determine the opportunity for initiating the management conversation according to the strategy information sent by the management server, so the management conversation initiating opportunity of the terminal is more flexible.


Attractive volatiles enable long-distance attraction of Blattella germanica individuals in aggregation, foraging, and courtship behaviors. The aggregation behavior of B. germanica is guided by aggregation pheromone, and is affected by environmental conditions such as temperature and moisture. Reported aggregation agents include amines, cuticular hydrocarbons,and carbonic acids. The foraging behavior of B. germanica is guided by food volatiles, mainly comprising carbonyl and hydroxyl compounds. Feces volatiles and food volatiles often contain some identical components, indicating universality in aggregation and foraging. Distant attraction of adults in courtship behavior of B. germanica is conducted by factors such as sex pheromone and nuptial gift. There is universality between nuptial gift and food attraction. All attraction factors are influenced by micro-environmental conditions.The universalities between different factorsneed to be further validated.


A mixed population of Culex tarsalis Coquillett, Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Culex peus Speiser, and Culex erythrothorax Dyer breeding in a sewage-treatment lagoon was subjected with increasing frequency to treatments with organophosphate larvicides during 1981–84. C. tarsalis , rare in 1981 (9% of total), had become the most abundant species by 1984 (84% of total), displaying high levels of larval resistance to chlorpyrifos (64-fold), methyl parathion (57-fold), temephos (42-fold), fenthion (41-fold), and malathion (36-fold).


In this system, we propose an assistive application for educational lecture. This system is composed of two main technologies; iBeacon and Multipeer Connectivity. iBeacon is a region observing technology with Bluetooth. Multipeer connectivity is a framework to form a mesh network. By using both of the technologies, the system can manage attendance of students and distribute handouts through the system in educational lecture.


The main diseases affecting the elderly are chronic degenerative, which added to the frequent comorbidity of this group, require greater concern on the part of health care institutions and greater use of high complexity services. This study aimed to describe the care of the elderly by the Mobile Emergency Service SAMU in the municipality of Catanduva-SP, Brazil, based on attendance records to individuals older than 59 years there performed. We analyzed demographic data, vital signs, according to gender service types, level of health care indicated for resolution of the occurrence of events and schedules relationship between age groups and medical and clinical traumatic occurrences; 42,629 patients were seen, most women 55%; the average age was 74.2 years. There were significant differences in vital signs when comparing genders. Most frequent occurrences were classified as the clinical disease, followed by social demands and in-hospital transfers. There was an increase of clinical acute and traumatic injuries in older age groups, and 77.9% of visits required a fixed unit of service for continuing care. It was also found predominance of patients during waking hours. We observed higher rates of events with increasing age and increased use of tertiary hospital care after-occurrences, which is characteristic, in general, of the hospital-centered model.


Considering the high intensive multitask of General Equipment Army,and the increasing of the intensity and difficulty of the spacecraft launching and TTC,this paper presents the development situation and feature of Chinese space TTC experimental task,and analyzes the facing problems.Five considerations and reforming suggestions are proposed to the organization mode of our future spacecraft launching and TTC task,and each suggestion has a detailed description.The comments of this paper have practical significance,and they could make meaningful reference to the organization and execution of the spacecraft launching and TTC task.


Academic research is promoting the free mind. The intention is to discover new findings in early phases of the innovation process. The researchers consider their creativity to be dependent on freedom and openness. Nevertheless, today's research institutions are large and many of them conduct a business projects requiring a constant flow of projects and results. The challenge is to use professional innovation processes without destroying creativity and freedom. Ideas need to have a chance to result into a research project and scientists need to be protected from too much administration. Innovation processes for academic research need to be lean, simple, efficient and effective. This paper presents processes and tools for the early phase of transferring an innovative idea into a funding project. They are based on an IT platform which allows web based access from any place at any time. Results from the application in a research group are evaluated.


With semi-free vibration and noise condition,a national standard test on noise and vibration was made to range hood(CXW-180-JXD28).Major sources of vibration and noise were find out and improvable methods were discussed.Major sources of vibration and noise are centrifugal fan and the box,which are found with this type of range hood.So the vibration and the noise can be reduced by sensible structure,wind machine structure optimization,mechanism noise control and so on.


The geostrophic adjustment of a stratified coastal current in the presence of a submarine canyon is considered with a mathematical model in which the vertical structure of the fluid is handled with a "level" technique that represents vertical gradients by finite differences. Two situations are investigated in detail: a two-level system where one level represents the shelf and one the canyon, and a three-level system with two levels over the shelf and one in the canyon. There are four important length scales in the adjustment process: the initial width of the coastal current, the width of the canyon, and the internal and external radii of deformation. For each vertical mode, the shorter of the radius of deformation for that mode and the width of the coastal current determines the distance over which the perturbing influence of the canyon decays. For typical shelf situations, the external mode decays with the width of the coastal current, while the internal modes decay with the internal radius of deformation. The width of the canyon determines the strength of the cross-canyon flow and thus, the strength of the canyon's effect on the overlying coastal current, with the interaction becoming smaller as the canyon width becomes smaller than the current width or the radius of deformation. As the cross-canyon flow becomes small, the importance of the geostrophic balance decreases and the internal density gradients become more important in balancing pressure gradients. Therefore even in the case of flow over a narrow canyon, the isopycnals at the top of the canyon are distorted and there will be some residual circulation on the shelf that is forced by the presence of the canyon.


Oxygen saturation (sO2) and blood perfusion in brain tissue have been known to be modulated with cellular activity in the brain. A single fiber system (SFS) has previously been shown to enable sO2 measurements from localized deep brain regions in freely moving animals. Reflectance spectra (RSF) obtained through the SFS can be used to understand changes in blood perfusion and fit to an empirical model to extract sO2. The sO2 extracted is dependent on the shape of RSF and thus relatively resistant to noise as compared to blood perfusion which is dependent on the magnitude of RSF at specific wavelengths. While slow changes in sO2 have been shown to be robust, sources of certain relatively rapid temporal variations observed in the sO2 signal remains unclear. Potential sources could be variations in cellular activity in the brain or noise due to motion artifacts. In this work, we have described the design of new experiments focused to investigate the effects of motion artifacts on RSF and sO2. Computer simulations and mathematical modelling have been used to explain the experimental findings. Results suggest that the motion artifacts mainly arise from the fiber/brain interface and appear to offset RSF. Using the interpretation from a mathematical model, we also propose a motion artifact correction algorithm which can potentially be used for comparison of perfusion signals.


This article contends that the relationship between the Reichswehr and the Republic was shaped by the primacy of foreign policy between 1918 and 1923. In this period the major concern of the officers was the stabilization of the German Reich, which would preserve Germany as a Machtfaktor in Europe and serve as the basis for a revisionist and militarized foreign policy. Foreign policy matters and aims shaped their attitude to domestic politics. Cooperation with the Republic enabled the officers to achieve the stabilization of the Reich by 1923. They were also able to introduce important reforms in the military structure of the Reich, which showed that cooperation with the Republic could pay dividends. In terms of the substance of foreign policy the Reichswehr followed a pragmatic, unideological approach by developing links with the Red Army. By examining the relationship between the Reichswehr and the Republic from the perspective of the primacy of foreign policy, it is possible to come to a fuller understanding of the shifting nature of civil-military affairs in the Weimar Republic.


and yield attributes of Bt cotton evaluated with the application of varying doses of Mepiquat Chloride (MC) and Cycocel (CCC) during Kharif 2010. The experiment was comprised of total nine treatments with control (water spray) and laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with replicated four times at Cotton Research Station, JAU, Junagadh. Cotton plants were sprayed with the growth regulator MC @ 50 and 70 ppm, once at 60 days after planting (DAP) or 90 DAS and CCC @ 40 and 80 ppm once at 60 DAP or 90 DAS. The results revealed that the applied Cycocel @ 40 ppm at 90 DAS had significant increased the chlorophyll content (34.44 μg/cm2) at 95 DAS, specific leaf weight -SLW mg/dm2) at 120 DAS, number of squares (108), number of bolls (58), seed cotton yield (3091 kgha-1) and one week early 50 per cent boll opening and crop mature with decreased the plant height. PGR might a component of cotton growth management to provide higher seed cotton yields.