Lifestyle modification is the cornerstone in the prevention or delay of the development of type 2 diabetes. However, active commitment to change among people with prediabetes is often hampered due to the insidious nature of prediabetes, where those afflicted are presented with minimal to no health warning signs. Digital health technologies such as the flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS) sensors may instill timely lifestyle changes through real-time feedback among people with prediabetes. We conducted a single-arm, prospective study in two federally qualified health center sites to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of wearing FGMS sensors among people with prediabetes (University of California, Irvine, Institutional Review Board HS Number 2021-6701). Eligible candidates were invited to wear FGMS sensors for 28 days (equivalent to two sensors) through provider referral. Feasibility was measured through subject recruitment, predetermined as 30 subjects over a 3-month recruitment period (1); subject adherence rates of $70% and $60% for the first and second sensors, respectively; and subject retention rate of $85% at the end of the 28-day sensor wear (2,3). Acceptability was measured through a semistructured, one-onone interview, which consisted of an 11-item FGMS satisfaction scale and four openended questions on sensor-related preferences/recommendations (4,5). Among 136 eligible subjects referred between February and July 2021, 46 (33.8%) were uncontactable, 24 (17.6%) were undecided, and 34 (25.0%) declined due to disinterest or lack of time, leaving 32 (23.5%) subjects (18 male, 14 female) to enter the study. Among the 32 participants, the majority were Hispanic (10; 31.3%) or Asian (10; 31.3%), followed by Black (6; 18.8%), White (5; 15.5%), and others (1; 3.1%). The mean age and duration of prediabetes were 52 years and 1.5 years, respectively. More than half (27; 84.4%) of the participants reported to have a high school or college education. In addition, the majority of participants described their general health and understanding of diabetes as good (29; 90.6%) or fair (31; 96.9%). When asked to rate the importance to reverse prediabetes from 0 (not important at all) to 10 (very important), the average score was 9.7. Over the 3-month recruitment period, approximately one in every three contactable subjects agreed to wear FGMS sensors for 28 days. All subjects were adherent to wearing the first followed by the second sensor. Sixteen sensors fell off accidentally, requiring replacement. The overall average days of sensor wear was 25 days. Findings for satisfaction toward wearing FGMS sensors were largely positive (Fig. 1). Of note, 22 (68.8%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that they would pay a copay if their insurance covered the FGMS sensors for people with prediabetes, but some felt neutral (6; 18.8%) or strongly disagreed (3; 9.4%) due to financial instability from retirement or unemployment. With respect to the response to the first open-ended interview question ("What was the best thing about wearing a sensor?), two themes were established, namely, "positive behavior change" and "improved understanding from real-time feedback." Some participants reported that they had started going to the gym as a result, and others stated that they had stopped snacking. For the second question ("What was the worst thing about wearing a sensor?"), only one theme on "mechanics of the sensor" was established. Numerous patients disliked the fact that the sensor fell off easily and that it was bulky. For the third question ("In your opinion, what is an appropriate duration for wearing a FGMS sensor for someone with prediabetes?"), 29 (90.6%) answered that the appropriate duration was at least 1 month and periodically throughout the care as a form of reinforcement or at a 3-month interval, so that they could have their HbA1c levels checked by their care team for any improvement. For the last question ("Is there anything you would like to comment


An alpha-Wiener bridge is a one-parameter generalization of the usual Wiener bridge, where the parameter alpha>0 represents a mean reversion force to zero. We generalize the notion of alpha-Wiener bridges to continuous functions $\alpha:[0,T)\to R$. We show that if the limit $\lim_{t\uparrow T}\alpha(t)$ exists and is positive, then a general alpha-Wiener bridge is in fact a bridge in the sense that it converges to 0 at time T with probability one. Further, under the condition $\lim_{t\uparrow T}\alpha(t)\ne 1$ we show that the law of the general alpha-Wiener bridge can not coincide with the law of any non time-homogeneous Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type bridge. In case $\lim_{t\uparrow T}\alpha(t)=1$ we determine all the Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type processes from which one can derive the general alpha-Wiener bridge by conditioning the original Ornstein-Uhlenbeck type process to be in zero at time T.


Practical implementation of higher educational institutions of the Russian interior Ministry task roadmap for vocational training of citizens of the Russian Federation, newly hired to serve in the police among Higher education institutions raises a number of issues of teaching character. One of them is the introduction to the nomenclature of the training sessions conducted by the Higher education institution such innovations as «theoretical exercise». By the purpose of this article, the authors see the coverage of some methodological features of preparation of theoretical classes by the teacher with students that pass the initial training in Higher education.


Objective To study effect of low dose Mitomycin C(MMC) on chromosome aberration of bone marrow cells of mice treated by 2.0Gy X ray.Methods The mice were treated by low dose MMC before or after treated by high dose X-ray.And chromosome aberration of bone marrow cells of mice was observed.Results The chromosome aberration in all the group of treated by low dose MMC was lower than that in the 2Gy X-ray group.Conclusion Low dose MMC has a better radiation prevention effect.


As the twenty-first century unfolds amid growing concerns of climate change and related ecological disaster it becomes increasingly urgent that we uncover the deep logic (or illogic) of the ways that we inhabit and exploit the places in which we live. In 'The More I Study Nature: Georgiana Molloy and the Code of Modernity', I ask the reader (or audience) to consider the codes of knowledge and behaviour that we have inherited and that continue to propel our lives. These codes map, shape, calibrate and compute. They are often hidden, sometimes secret, but always present. There are wet codes and dry codes; they are algorithmic and linguistic, mathematical, biological, moral, legal, social and economic. These codes not only describe and control, they can also provide a key to the internal logic of how things work in the world. My aim is to engender a greater awareness of both the existence of and mutability of these abstract imperatives in the hope that this will, in the face of present 'global crises such as warming and species decline', enable us to 'challenge the logics which determine the course of events.' This challenge requires us to decipher the codes by which we live so that we might consider our choices. In this paper I contemplate a way of being in the world that gives value both to an embodied experience of the environment we find ourselves in, and a conceptual understanding of the effect our presence has on that environment. This process of contemplation could also be described as a poetics of place. And a poetics of place, I suggest, can be explored via the code of performance.


Background and purpose:In recent years,mutation of mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) has been associated with the occurrence and progression of tumor.The mitochondrial D-loop is a hotspot for gene mutation research.In this study,we aimed to investigate the mutation in D-loop region of mitochondrial DNA in cervical cancer and its influence on the changes of reactive oxygen species(ROS) and cell cycle.Methods:The D-loop region was amplified by PCR and sequenced.Reactive oxygen species and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry in 60 specimens from cervical cancer and adjacent normal tissues.According to the sequence results,cancer tissues were divided into mutation group and control group.Reactive oxygen species,apoptosis and proliferation in the 2 groups were compared.Results:Among the 60 cervical cancer specimens,21 mutations were identified in 18 patients,the mutation rate being 30%.There were 4 microsatellite instabilities in the mutations.No mutation was found in the adjacent tissues.Reactive oxygen species,apoptosis and proliferation in mutation group were all significantly higher than those in control group.Conclusion:The mutation rate of the D-loop region is relatively high in patients with cervical cancer and the mutation in D-loop region plays a role in the genesis and development of cervical cancer through its influence on intracellular reactive oxygen species and cell cycle.


CO2 flux from the soil to the atmosphere represents a major flux in the global carbon cycle.But there remains some limitations on predicting this flux because of multiple control mechanisms that interact at temporal and spatial scales.Soil can be described in successive layers and the processes and soil properties were described separately for each layers.The CO2 flux between the layers was driven by diffusion,which depended on CO2 concentration,porosity,soil temperature and moisture content.Soil CO2 flux and its major driving factors,especially in vertical profile,may change with great temporal and spatial variability.Compared to deep soil,soil surface have great difference in temperature and moisture content.Therefore,investigation of the differences and influencing factors of soil CO2 flux changed with soil depth could be essential for accurate evaluation of soil carbon emission.At present,the soil CO2 vertical gradient measurement method is rapidly gaining popularity because it allows to continuously and automatically measure soil CO2 flux at different temporal scales with minimal disturbance to the natural soil structure.It is also comparable with other methods.The soil CO2 gradient method uses Fick′s first law to calculate soil CO2 efflux,relying on both measurements of soil CO2 profile and on the CO2 diffusion coefficient in the soil(Ds).Determining the latter with confidence is a challenge.Modelling as an approach can potentially be used to determine Ds.It is possible if the detailed information on some important soil properties(i.e.total soil porosity and air-filled porosity) are available. In this study,Fick′s diffusion method and five kinds of diffusion coefficient models,including Penman,Marshall,Quirk,and Moldrup,were used to estimate soil CO2 flux at different depth of the Chinese fir Plantation(Cunninghamia lanceolata) in a Base of Forest Management and Technology in Sanming(26°191,117°361),Fujian Province,China.The modeling soil CO2 flux were also compared with the results measured by Li-8100 automated soil CO2 flux system.The results were as follows:(1) Calculation of surface(at 5cm) CO2 flux estimated by 5 kinds of diffusion models had significant correlation with Li-8100 measurement result(P0.01).Among the models obtaining diffusion coefficient,soil CO2 efflux measured by Moldrup model were the closest to the results of the soil chamber;(2) CO2 flux in soil different depths had obvious daily variation patterns,and the mean flux were(2.17±0.06),(2.18±0.13)、0.54±0.04、(1.65±0.20) and(1.74±0.04) μmol m-2 s-1 at 5,10,20,40,and 60cm depth respectively(mean±SD);And(3) by plotting CO2 efflux vs.soil temperature,we found that CO2 efflux correlated exponentially with soil temperature at the depth of 5cm,10cm,60cm,with Q10 of 1.35,2.01,4.95,respectively.But soil water content was not significant correlation with soil CO2 efflux.Using CO2 solid concentration detector can automatically and continuously monitor CO2 concentration in soil of different depth soil.The estimated CO2 efflux using this method was close to chamber measurements,suggesting that this method can be use for long-term continuous measurements of soil CO2 efflux.


Liveness is a basic property that in many discrete event dynamic systems is considered essential for their correct behavior. It expresses that no action (transition in P/T models) will ever become unattainable. A polynomial time necessary condition for the existence of a live and bounded marking of a P/T net is given. This condition is shown to be also sufficient for some subclasses. The applicability of these results is extended by the use of transformation techniques that allow for their exploitation in the analysis of more general nets. Some results for the structural analysis of actual liveness are also overviewed, in particular, sufficient conditions for deadlock-freeness and absence of dead transitions.


Massive MIMO is a promising technology and a strong candidate for future-generation wireless systems. This paper describes some aspects of realistic algorithm design of a 128-antenna prototype, including low-complexity algorithms and feasible designs such as equivalent channel acquisition at the BS by SRS, SINR estimation at the BS, CQI estimation at the UE, DMRS design and IRC receiver implementation, etc. Finally, the link-level simulation shows the effectiveness and benefits of the proposed algorithms and designs.


Industrially produced sodium water glasses were dried in climates with controlled temperature and humidity to transparent amorphous water containing sodium silicate materials. The water glasses had molar SiO2:Na2O ratios of 2.2, 3.3 and 3.9 and were dried up to 84 days at temperatures between 40&degC and 95&degC and water vapour pressures between 5 and 40 kPa. The materials approached final water concentrations which are equilibrium values and are controlled by the water vapour pressure of the atmosphere and the microstructure of the solids. The microstructure of the dried water glasses was characterized by atomic force microscopy. It has a nanosized substructure built up by the silicate colloids of the educts but deformed by capillary forces. In the final drying equilibrium, the water vapour pressure of the atmosphere in the drying cabinet is equal to the reduced vapour pressure of the capillary system built up by the silicate colloids. Their size scale can be explained by the deformation of colloidal aggregates due to capillary forces.


We discuss an active control of the slow light properties in a parallel plate metallic terahertz (THz) plasmonic waveguide using dielectric material. The dispersion characteristics and group velocities are investigated using dielectric material of varying refractive index.


The largest anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) is the {approx_equal}3 mK dipole assumed to be due to our velocity with respect to the CMB. Using the 4 year data set from all six channels of the {ital COBE} Differential Microwave Radiometers (DMR), we obtain a best-fit dipole amplitude 3.358{plus_minus}0.001{plus_minus}0.023 mK in the direction ({ital l},{ital b})=(264.31{degrees}{plus_minus}0.04{degree}{plus_minus}0.16{degree} +48.05{degrees}{plus_minus}0.02{degree}{plus_minus}0.09{degree}), where the first uncertainties are statistical and the second include calibration and combined systematic uncertainties. This measurement is consistent with previous DMR and FIRAS results. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Astronomical Society.}


Perspectives of individuals who are involved in cross-cultural and cross-societal communications can be very insightful in facilitating authentic intercultural interactions. The Cross-cultural Readiness Exposure Scale (CRES) was developed to capture the level of readiness of individuals prior to intercultural interactions. The initial items were generated from focus groups involving undergraduate and graduate students in the United States. The items were pilot tested on a convenience sample of participants from various countries of the world. The CRES had sufficient validity and reliability, and can be used as a formative evaluation instrument to assess the level of readiness of individuals or groups who will be involved in intercultural interactions through study abroad, international service learning, internship abroad, or assignments in a foreign country.


Grain structure and its relation to the magnetic properties in SiO2 added CoNiPt granular films have been studied, with the SiO2 content varied from 0 to 8 mol %. With SiO2 more than 4 mol %, significant grain boundaries with a width of a few nm are formed by the segregated SiO2. The average grain size in the film plane decreases from 16 to 9 nm with the SiO2 increased up to 8 mol %. The media noise significantly decreases with increasing SiO2 and remanent magnetized domains observed by magnetic force microscopy (MFM) also become finer. With 8 mol % SiO2, MFM shows that weak magnetic clustering spreads over the grains, with a diameter of about 100 nm. This clustering indicates the collaborative behavior of the magnetization between grains is responsible both for the steep magnetization reversal as well as the slight increase in the media noise as the recording density is increased.


Gratitude can be a powerful mediating variable within relational exchanges, with the potential to drive important relational outcomes. The cultural characteristics of countries within the ASEAN region, suggest that relational exchanges which focus on reciprocity and thus gratitude may have a particularly important role to play. This study seeks to examine evidence of gratitude within students' and academics' experiences within four HEIs within Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. It examines the impact of gratitude on an important relational outcome, word-of-mouth communication. An understanding of the nature and evidence of gratitude amongst students has the potential to inform the development of strategies aimed to enhance word-of-mouth from students about their experiences of university within the ASEAN region.


Slurry bubble columns (SBC) are widely used in the chemical industry as a multiphase reactor. Applications include oxidation and hydrogenation reactions, fermentation, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, and waste water treatment. The advantages of a SBC over other multiphase reactors are the simple construction, good mass and heat transfer, the absence of moving parts, and low operation costs. The design of an SBC reactor requires a reliable prediction of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient. This coefficient is a function of the SBC hydrodynamic characteristics: the overall gas hold-up, the regime transition velocity, the centerline liquid velocity, the small and large gas bubble diameters. These are influenced by the physical properties of the gas, the liquid, and the solid phases, the operating parameters (pressure, temperature), and the reactor design parameters (column diameter, distributor, internals). For the past 30 years, for specific gas-liquid-solid systems, empirical correlations have been proposed for these SBC hydrodynamic characteristics. These empirical correlations most often appear inadequate for the design of a SBC with a different gas-liquidsolid system. In industrial SBC applications, (catalyst) particles and process chemicals are present, such as surfactants, electrolytes, or salts. How the properties of the (catalyst) particles and the process chemicals influence SBC hydrodynamics has not been studied in detail. Also, the influence of SBC diameter and height on the hydrodynamic characteristics is still not unambiguously known. This thesis discusses the influence of SBC diameter, height, operating pressure, particle properties, and liquid properties on SBC hydrodynamics and mass transfer. Experiments were performed in four cylindrical SBCs with inner diameters of 11, 15, 19 and 29 cm, and in a pseudo-2D SBC of 1.5x30 cm2 cross-section. Hydrophobic carbon particles and hydrophilic silica particles were studied. Slurries with particle concentrations up to 3 vol% were made with either of these particles and demineralised water (aqueous) or Isopar- M oil (organic). Sodium gluconate was used as an electrolyte for aqueous slurries. Experiments with elevated operating pressures from 0.1 to 1.3 MPa were carried out in the 15 cm SBC. The gas hold-up was measured using static pressure difference measurements. The mass transfer coefficient was determined from oxygen saturation experiments. The centerline liquid velocity was measured with a Pitot tube. The regime transition velocity and the average large bubble size were determined with two newly developed techniques based on the statistical analysis of measured pressure time series. The pressure fluctuations in the SBC are divided into the global pressure fluctuations (coherent pressure fluctuations) and the local pressure fluctuations (incoherent pressure fluctuations) based on the propagation velocity of these fluctuations. The local (incoherent) pressure fluctuations are the pressure waves generated by rising large bubbles. The average large gas bubble size from video-imaging in the pseudo-2D SBC is correlated to the incoherent standard deviation of the measured pressure time series. With this correlation the average large gas-bubble size in the cylindrical SBCs is estimated from the incoherent standard deviation of the measured pressure time series. The global (coherent) pressure fluctuations were used to calculate the coherent standard deviation. The gas velocity where the coherent standard deviation increases sharply indicates the transition from the homogeneous regime to the heterogeneous regime. A theoretical model has been developed from first principles to estimate the gas hold-ups of large and small gas bubbles and the centerline liquid velocity. The model is based on a two-bubble-class model and a virtual riser-downer geometry. The model uses as input the physico-chemical properties of the gas-liquid system, the SBC diameter and height, and the regime transition velocity, and predicts the small gas bubble hold-up, the large bubble hold-up, and the centerline liquid velocity. The mass transfer coefficient model is based on Danckwert's surface renewal theory. The mass transfer coefficient is equal for the large and the small gas bubbles and is determined by the large-scale and the small-scale eddies in the churn-turbulent flow regime. The average energy dissipation rate of all eddy sizes is used to predict the liquid side mass transfer coefficient. The experimental work and the model show that above a SBC diameter of 15 cm, the SBC diameter has negligible influence on the gas hold-up and mass transfer. An increase in SBC diameter decreases slightly the flow regime transition velocity. The gas hold-up profiles in the homogeneous regime and the churn-turbulent regime in the 15 cm SBC coincide with the profiles in the larger SBCs. The carbon particles increase the regime transition velocity in aqueous slurries, where carbon particles are lyophobic, and decrease the regime transition velocity in organic slurries where they are lyophilic. The silica particles are lyophilic in aqueous and organic slurries and decrease the regime transition velocity in both situations. The model shows that an increased regime transition velocity increases the gas hold-up and a decreased regime transition velocity decreases the gas hold-up. This is confirmed by the experiments. Primarily, the effect of particles on the SBC hydrodynamic characteristics is thus on the regime transition velocity only. The gas hold-up increases with increasing pressure. The higher gas density increases the regime transition velocity which increases the small gas bubble hold-up, as shown by the model. Carbon and silica particles have the same effect at elevated pressures compared to atmospheric pressure. The ratio of the volumetric mass transfer coefficient and the gas hold-up is constant for aqueous and for organic slurries. This ratio is independent of the operating pressure of the system and of the slurry concentration. The mass transfer coefficient is correlated to large gas bubble hold-up, small gas bubble hold-up, and gas velocity.


s. Each article should have an abstract, of not more than 400 words, for translation into French or English as the case may be. Details about the author, for the section 'Notes on Contributors' should also be included. Proofs. Authors receive page proofs only, for checking, but no material can be added or removed at this stage. Offprints. An author receives 25 free offprints and may order more at cost. The editors reserve the right to make editorial revisions, but will not make major changes without the author's approval.


An 800MHz low noise amplifier has been designed and implemented in 0.25μm CMOS process. The amplifier employs cascode structure, and spiral inductors on chip. The amplifier provides a forward gain of 16.4dB and a noise figure below 1.3dB, while consuming 35 mW from a 2.5V supply. The test results reach the design specifications and show good consistence.


With the widening of China's opening,more and more foreign capital comes into China and foreign direct investment(FDI) has become one way for China to develop its economy.On the other hand,FDI is a challenge for China's industries.After defining the meaning of industry security and its mechanism,the paper works out an index system to evaluate industry security in the environment of FDI and comes up with some measures for China's industry security.


Aims: To reduce the microbial load on cut-carrot surface using 390 nm Light Emitting Diode ( LED) illumination Place and Duration of Study: Agro-Produce Processing Division, ICAR Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering, India between August, 2017 to November, 2019 Methodology: Samples were collected from local market from India and LED treatment was given to samples and microbial analysis was conducted using spread plate method. Results: The effect of 390 nm LEDs on cut-carrot surface has been evaluated in this study. The effect of dosage was found significant (p<0.05) for reducing bacterial and fungal load. Significant bacterial and fungal reduction was observed from 20 min of treatment till 3 h. Maximum inactivation of 28.4 % of bacteria and 24.1 % of fungus were detected at 3 h of exposure. These results demonstrated the potential of 390 nm LEDs as surface decontamination technology for cut-fruits and vegetables. Conclusion: 390 nm LED illumination can be a suitable and eco-friendly novel technology for surface decontamination of cut fruits and vegetables in the food industry. Original Research Article Mishra et al.; CJAST, 39(44): 52-57, 2020; Article no.CJAST.63682 53


space," (Juris 2012, p. 269) and constitute "terrains of resistance" acting both as a physical space and physical expression (Routledge 1996, p. 517). Reclaiming public space in order to prevent its commercialization goes hand in hand with its reterritorialization around alternative, non-commercial and communitarian forms of relationality based on the affections of joy and solidarity and a culture of share, solidarity and gift economy. Vatikiotis and Yörük (2016), in their analysis of the Gezi Movement, underline this characteristic of the global Occupy movements and state that "another obvious similarity of the recent protest movements has been the physical occupation of public spaces and the development of discursive practices in protest camps, generating alternative visions of democracy. These spaces provided dynamic sites of interaction, along with informal gatherings, group meetings, and general assemblies of people from diverse backgrounds and orientations. Social actors engaged in processes of collective decision making and participatory democratic practice in general and experimented creatively with self-organized projects" (p. 2) (see Annex 1 for the chronological deployment of the protest). Gezi movement which can aptly be analyzed as part of this new cycle of contention (Tuğal 2013, Vatikiotis and Yörük 2016, Castells 2015) started as an encampment in Gezi Park to prevent the unlawful construction of artillery barracks and a shopping


Based on SEM, FT-IR and XRD characterization, the catalyst Pd-Fe-Co-Ce/FSC (ratio 1:1:1:3) was calcined at a temperature of 550°C and a calcination time of 3 h. The catalyst is applied to the catalytic wet oxidation treatment of difficult-to-biodegradable organic waste-water. By the characterization of the catalyst before and after the reuse, it is verified that the SEM morphologis of the catalyst changed little, and the groups contained in the catalyst characterized by FT-IR hardly changed, and the XRD characteristic peaks did not change. From the SEM photos of the catalyst before and after use, the morphology of the catalyst does not change much, and the agglomerated support on the catalyst surface is slightly reduced; the absorption peaks of the FI-IR spectrum of the catalyst before and after use are not significantly different, indicating that the functional groups contained in the catalyst have not changed significantly; After using the catalyst, compared with before use, the characteristic peak shape of each characteristic diffraction did not change significantly. The results show that the catalyst Pd-Fe-Co-Ce/FSC (ratio 1:1:1:3) revealed a stable catalyst performance in the process of CWAO for the treatment of difficult-to-biodegradable organic waste-water.


2721 Recruitment of neutrophils to sites of infection is the first line of defense against microbial infections. Neutrophils possess an impressive range of mechanisms that contribute to capture and eradication of invading bacteria, but are also capable of inflicting tissue damage (1). In patients with sepsis, the initial appropriate host response to infection becomes exaggerated and then dysregulated (2). For instance, large scale neutrophil segregation and migration into the lungs occur in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, and the intensity of neutrophil infiltrates correlates with impaired lung function (3). On the other hand, neutrophils often fail to migrate into the site of infection, contributing to an immune-suppressive phase that follows the early hyperinflammatory phase. The mechanisms governing neutrophil chemotactic function in sepsis is complex. Since blood neutrophils encounter many chemoattractants, they need to prioritize and integrate chemotactic cues allowing preferential migration toward the infected site (4). Neutrophils adhere to the endothelium in response to chemokines, including chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8 or interleukin-8). CXCL8 binds to the high affinity receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2 and evokes neutrophil chemotaxis via activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase–phosphatase and tensin homologue pathway (5). Neutrophils from patients with sepsis have a reduced expression of CXCR2, but not CXCR1, and often exhibit reduced chemotaxis to CXCL8 (6). Bacterial formyl peptides activate the p38 mitogenactivated protein kinase pathway, which dominates over the phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway (4, 5) and directs neutrophil to arrive at the infected site. However, when in blood, these mediators may distract neutrophils from being recruited to the site of infection. Lipopolysaccharide via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) blocks neutrophil migration towards CXCL8 possibly by setting up a phos phoinositide 3-kinase–phosphatase and tensin homologue barrier via activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (4). In this issue of Critical Care Medicine, the study by Trevelin and colleagues (7) reports that TLR9 deficiency enhances neutrophil migration toward the focus of infection in mouse models of nonsevere (NS-CLP) and severe cecal ligation and puncture (S-CLP)-induced sepsis and provides some insights how TLR9 activation in neutrophils may impair their migration. TLR9 is localized intracellularly and recognizes unmethylated CpG motifs present in bacterial, viral, and mitochondrial DNA (8). Trevelin and colleagues (7) show that TLR9 deficiency was beneficial only in the severe CLP model. Under conditions of NS-CLP, both wild-type and TLR9deficient mice, exhibited high neutrophil recruitment to the peritoneal cavity, efficient bacterial clearance, and have had 100% survival. By contrast, under conditions of severe CLP, TLR9-deficient mice recruited higher numbers of neutrophils into the peritoneal cavity and exhibited more efficient bacterial clearance than wild-type animals, and these were not due to increased generation of chemokines in the abdominal cavity. However, blood neutrophil count and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and CXCL2 (also known as macrophage inflammatory protein-2α or Gro-oncogene-2, which is chemotactic for neutrophils) were considerably lower in TLR9-/mice with S-CLP than in wild-type mice with S-CLP, indicating a dampened systemic inflammatory response. Importantly, these changes were associated with higher survival rate in TLR9-/mice. Trevelin and colleagues (7) also show that TLR9 activation in S-CLP results in downregulation of CXCR2 via induction of G-protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK-2). GRK-2, a common downstream regulator of G-protein-coupled receptors, regulates receptor internalization and intracellular sorting, resulting in degradation of CXCR2. This mechanism is also utilized by other inflammatory mediators, including TLR2 and 4 agonists (9, 10). Intriguingly, TLR9 signaling has little, if any effect in mice with NS-CLP. Why are these findings newsworthy? They are for three main reasons. First, they provide proof that at least in mice, activation of neutrophil TLR9 has deleterious consequences and can worsen the outcome of severe sepsis. Although Trevelin and colleagues (7) have not identified the molecules responsible for TLR9 activation, likely candidates include bacterial and/or mitochondrial DNA. Bacterial DNA may persist in the blood for a prolonged period of time even in the absence of live bacteria, and thus could prevent neutrophils from responding to chemotactic stimuli. To get another step closer to understanding neutrophil paralysis, it would be important to know whether different "distracting" signals, such as LPS or chemokines, could act in concert to block neutrophil migration from the blood toward the site of infection. Bacterial DNA induces TLR9mediated CXCL8 secretion (11), which may, in turn, function in an autocrine/ paracrine fashion to impair the CXCL8 gradient that guides neutrophil adherence to the endothelium. Second, these findings suggest that similar to TLR4 ligation with LPS, TLR9 activation also leads to CXCR2 desensitization through GRK2-mediated internalization of CXCR2 and reinforce GRK-2 as a potential converging point of G-protein-coupled receptor and TLR signaling pathways. From a mechanistic perspective, it will be interesting to see future studies about the molecular link between TLR9 and increased GRK-2 expression. Suppression of GSK-2 by using biased G-protein-coupled receptor ligands represents an exciting therapeutic approach for mimicking endogenous antiinflammatory circuits. TLR9-mediated activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase by bacterial DNA (12) would likely generate distracting cues for neutrophils in addition to downregulation of CXCR2 and prolonging the life span of neutrophils by suppressing constitutive apoptosis Impaired neutrophil migration during sepsis: Paying the toll*


Developing and bringing up talents was an important aspect in the modernization movement for the modernization party,and on the basis of this a systematic view of talents was formed. They considered it as a prerequisite to the modernization movement, placing much stress on the developing of political talents. on the raising of talent's comprehensive qualities,advocating energetically the development of talent's collective spirit. Thus it offers us some useful experiece for the development and reformation of nor country's education by summarizing and studying its view of talents.


On 19 June 2019, Victoria's assisted dying laws came into effect. The Library has put together a number of online resources on this topic, to help you understand the law and how it may impact your practice.


This short case study by Wakalile Martin describes a small project in Mbale district, Uganda, that challenged the client's brief to build more efficiently.


Wheat O/sub 2/ evolving PS 2 membranes, having a PS 2 unit of approx.200 Chls less than 1 P700/3000 Chl and an electron acceptor pool of approx.2.5 equivs/PS 2, were analyzed and compared with wheat PS 2 membranes depleted of the 17,23 kD proteins by NaCl extraction during Triton X-100 isolation of membranes. Extraction of these proteins caused approx.50% decrease in O/sub 2/ evolution in any light regime and an increase of approx.2 equivs/PS 2 of the electron acceptor pool, but affected neither Mn abundance, photoreduction of DCIP by tetraphenylboron, or N/sub 2/ yield (from NH/sub 2/OH) from a single flash. Mass spectrometric analyses of O/sub 2/ flash yields in the presence of FeCN showed that both chloroplasts and the unextracted PS 2 membranes yielded oscillations compatable with S/sub 0/, S/sub 1/, S/sub 2/, S/sub 3/ of 25:75:0:0 and ..cap alpha.. (0.1) and ..beta.. (0.05). Depletion of 17,23 kDa proteins resulted in a two-fold increase in ..cap alpha.., approx.25 to 40% disconnection of the S-state complex from the PS 2 trap complex but with no change in ..beta... Preincubation of control or extracted PS 2 mambranes with FeCN permitted a significant double-hit on the first flash. 49 refs., 9 figs.,more » 2 tabs.« less


The indispensability and principle of the automatic classification humping yard system is introduced in this paper. Practical results show that this system has obvious economical and social benefits, and that the idea and the design of every link are practical and feasible. It is convenient for application.


Nineteen paradigms purporting to explain the origin and evolution of the universe are compared to observation. It is concluded that not one has presented unequivocal evidence relating cosmological distance to redshift or time from the so-called formation of the universe. There are fully formed galaxies at a distance of 10 billion light years indicating an age of at least 20 billion years for the universe and it is probably old enough so that its age is irrelevant. The Big Bang theory, notwithstanding numerous fixes and arbitrarily chosen constants, has failed to predict the primordial abundance of elements and the large scale structure of the universe. It uses physics that have never been tested in any laboratory. The hypotheses of Dark Matter and Dark Energy appear to be artifacts of attempting to fit inappropriate models to the data. The supernovae data indicating acceleration of the expansion can be fit as well by a static model. Thus there is, as yet, no way to make a choice between an expanding universe and a static one. Space is 3-dimensional. It is senseless to appeal to multiverses and branes which can never, in principle, be observed. Quasars exhibit intrinsic redshift and many (perhaps all) of them are local which accounts for their luminosity. It is unlikely that the field of cosmology will advance in the foreseeable future given the sociological forces arrayed against the resources required to develop alternative theories.


Abstract The behavior of a series of palladium and palladium–copper catalysts supported on ceria/alumina for the CO+NO+O 2 reaction has been analyzed by a combination of electron transmission microscopy, infrared, and electron paramagnetic spectroscopies and catalytic test studies. In both systems, the catalytic behavior is dominated by the properties of the metal–ceria interface. The addition of copper to a palladium system leads to beneficial effects related to alloy formation in which both CO and NO elimination are enhanced. The chemical consequences and catalytic implications of Pd-Cu alloying are discussed.


BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
Researchers have demonstrated an association between experiencing childhood abuse and multiple chronic health conditions in adulthood, yet this evidence has not been routinely translated to practice. The purpose of this research study was to examine nurse practitioner (NP) practices, skills, attitudes, and perceived barriers associated with screening adult patients for childhood abuse to determine the extent to which evidence of the association between childhood abuse and negative health outcomes has been translated to NP practice.

METHODS
A mixed-method approach with web-based questionnaires and online focus groups was used to examine NP screening for histories of childhood abuse.

CONCLUSIONS
A total of 188 complete NP surveys were analyzed along with data from focus groups with 12 NPs. One third of the NPs regularly screened for childhood abuse and believed screening was their responsibility. Six barriers, including insufficient time and lack of confidence when inquiring about abuse, were significantly associated with NP screening practices. The focus group participants discussed how and when one should ask about childhood abuse, and the need for education about screening.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Time constraints and NPs' lack of confidence in their ability to screen for histories of childhood abuse must be addressed to encourage routine screening in primary care practice.


This study investigated the contribution of soil organic layers to bacterial diversity evaluations. We used a forest in the eastern Amazon and an adjacent pasture as model systems. Distinct organic and organo-mineral layers were identified in the forest and pasture floors, including the litter, partially and wholly decomposed organic material, and the mineral and rhizospheric soils. DNA was extracted, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR were performed to assess bacterial community structure and the abundance of critical groups of the N cycle. We observed a clear vertical gradient in bacterial community composition. Species followed a log-normal distribution, with the highest richness and diversity observed in transitional organic layers of both land uses. Generally, critical groups of the N cycle were more abundant in these transitional layers, especially in the pasture's fragmented litter and in the forest's partially decomposed organic material. Considering the organic layers increased diversity estimates significantly, with the highest alpha and gamma bacterial diversity observed on the pasture floor and the highest beta diversity on the forest floor. The results show that organic layers harbor significant bacterial diversity in natural and anthropized systems and suggest that they can be crucial for maintaining the N cycle in these ecosystems, highlighting the need to consider them when studying soil bacterial diversity.


As k 1 factors [Eq. (2.8)] fall below 0.8, a number of effects become observable that are not seen when k 1 is larger. Processes with small values of k 1 began to appear in the mid-1990s, and are quite common today, as seen from Table 8.1. Some of the effects seen in patterns generated with low-k 1 processes are discussed in this chapter. Several techniques also described—such as off-axis illumination and phase-shifting masks—have been developed to address the shortcomings of optical imaging as feature sizes become smaller than the wavelength of light. Methods to improve image contrast that involve modification of the mask or illumination are referred to collectively as resolution enhancement techniques (RETs) and are discussed in this chapter.

8.1 Off-axis illumination

As discussed earlier, light (coherent) that illuminates a grating is diffracted in very specific directions [Eq. (2.1)]. For normally incident light, sufficiently small dimensions result in situations where all beams except the zero-order are diffracted outside the entrance pupil of the imaging optics (Fig. 8.1). In this case, no pattern is formed, because a single beam is a plane wave, containing no spatial information, as explained in Chapter 2. For normally incident ("on-axis") illumination, the grating is not imaged when the pitch is too small, because only a single beam, the zero-order beam, is transmitted through the lens. This illustrates the limitation to resolution imposed by diffraction.


The scope of this research is to control a balancing robot in real time mode. This problem is solved with the help of a neural network, which is trained online and used as a controller. A method to develop such controller is proposed. Particularly, the neural network structure is chosen, restrictions is developed to determine situations when to train the network online, an algorithm is proposed to define the sign of change in the network weights. The obtained controller is compared to a linearly quadratic regulator (LQR) using a real balancing robot on LEGO EV3 platform. Experiments are conducted in two modes. The first of them is to keep the robot at an unstable equilibrium mode. The second one is both to make the robot follow the user's setpoint for the state coordinates and stabilize the plant. The obtained results show that the control quality is improved comparing to the LQR controller, since the system with the neural network is able to adapt to real conditions of the experiments. As far as the first type of experiments is concerned, the robot controlled by the network has covered the distance, which is by 1630 radians shorter comparing to the LQR controller.


New approach of complex uncertainties analysis at the exploration stage of the field is considered not only for geological properties but also for reservoir engineering, including the uncertainty of type of hydrocarbons saturation. The method shown in the work is based on the probabilistic method of HIIP estimation which is followed by probabilistic reservoir engineering uncertainties assessment in production profiles calculation.


Since the effect of phase interrelation was not considered in hydrodynamic calculations of multiphase flows, such phenomena as mass transfer and migration of the particles of dispersed phases along the cross-section of the flow are related to the hydrodynamic paradox and the calculations did not meet the requirements of engineering practice. The paper reviews the issues of the formation of structural regimes in the vertical upward multiphase flow considering the effect of phase interaction (Bernoulli principle). The speed of transfer of the particles of dispersed phase into the flow core and the factors affecting them were estimated as well.


3 groups of 16 rats were trained to discriminate between two distinctive end boxes. Two groups discriminated between goal boxes while the third group discriminated between start boxes. These stimuli were then tested as secondary reinforcers in a T-maze. The groups trained to discriminate between goal boxes showed a statistically significant preference for the goal box previously associated with reinforcement. The third group showed no preference. It was concluded that discrimination training is not sufficient to establish an Sr without contiguity of stimulus and reward.


Abstract In this paper the authors present results of diagnostic analysis of observations and complementary experiments with a simple numerical model that enable them to synthesize the morphology and dynamics of "breaks" in the Indian summer monsoon (ISM). Almost one week ahead of the onset of a break spell over India, a monotonically decreasing trend in convective activity is found to occur over the Bay of Bengal in response to a steady eastward spreading of dry convectively stable anomalies from the equatorial Indian Ocean. A major intensification of the convectively stable anomalies over the Bay of Bengal is seen about 2–3 days prior to commencement of a monsoon break. Both observations and modeling experiments reveal that rapid northwest propagating Rossby waves are triggered in response to such a large strengthening of the convectively stable anomalies. It is shown that an abrupt movement of anomalous Rossby waves from the Bay of Bengal into northwest and central India marks the initiation of a break...


In the present study, optically active cis and trans α-hydroxy-β-lactams were prepared by Baker's yeast reduction of a racemic α-keto-β-lactam and by the hydrolysis of a racemic α-acetoxy β-lactam with the resting cells of Bacillus Subtilis.


Under the background of multi-screen fusion, Omni Media has become an important trend with the development of information services. This paper focuses on the design and implementation of Open Platform for the Multi-screen Applications. By building the open platform based on the UICreator, we support for third-party developers to access and provide the SDK development. Using the interfaces we provided, they can develop business presentation quickly for the new equipment and the platform, including Smart Phone, Pad, Broadband Interactive TV, IPTV and OTT TV. The API documentation of Open Platform will be synchronized regularly and automatically, and it is convenient to maintain.


To meet the high real-time and frequency response requirements of the diamond turning system,the system is designed to a multi-processor architecture numerical control system including a host computer and sub-MCU.The control system can implement real-time control of the servo motor by using Galil motion controller.The system adopted multi-level,modularized thought to develop this software structure in Windows 2000 platform.The software structure manages to meet the requirements of the aspheric turning system which has function of compensation to ensure the shape accuracy after turning.And it also has features of powerful function,user-friendly,convenient and flexible.


A new adaptive cerebral interface has just been designed by Carmen Vidaurre Arbizu, an engineer from Pamplona, Spain. The design is completely adaptive and so reduces the time required to become a skilled operator and enhances the control of the user. The aim of a cerebral interface or brain–computer interface (BCI) is to control technology by thought. The technology supports individuals with communication problems, allowing them to relate to their surroundings more effectively via electrophysiological signals from the brain. Vidaurre's design utilizes electroencephalograms of the individual, however, there are other recording systems that can be used. Previously the user and the interface acted in an inter-dependent manner. However, Vidaurre's system provides feedback to the user. The system consists of two in-line adaptive classifications within a completely adaptive interface and is capable of supplying feedback to inexpert individuals in the first stages of its use. With this system, the interface and the individual adjust to each other, one learning from the other in a reciprocal manner. In this way it has been possible to eliminate the initial trial sessions that previously took place without feedback, thus diminishing the total skill acquisition time and enabling individuals to adapt to an operating strategy directly with the use of feedback. Trials carried out on individuals without prior experience demonstrate that the majority of the population is capable of learning to control an adaptive BCI. In fact, in the trials undertaken with 30 people in Austria and Pamplona, it was found that 20 had been able to control the interface 'very well' within 4 h.


The highly anticipated finalized rule changes to the Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Development Program will have a prominent impact on 8(a) certified Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs). This Article evaluates the weaknesses in the previous regulations and analyzes how the revisions will effect ANC participation. The Article argues that the revisions address a number of ambiguities in the original regulations without limiting ANC participation in the 8(a) Business Development Program, but other factors may prove critical to future ANC contract procurement.


Europium-doped yttrium oxide (Y_2O_3:Eu) thermographic phosphor films were deposited on Ni-alloy substrates using a novel and cost-effective electrostatic-assisted chemical vapor deposition (EACVD) technique. The thermoluminescence properties were studied under irradiation by an ultraviolet laser. It was found that crystallized Y_2O_3: Eu films could be deposited at a temperature as low as 550 °C. Annealing of the as-deposited films at higher temperatures (>1000 °C) improved the luminescence properties due to further crystallization processes. The correlation of the lifetime decay and temperature change of the films showed that the EACVD-deposited films are suitable for use in phosphor thermometry for high-temperature applications.


The change in frequency of cocaine self‐administration as a function of unit dose is widely assumed to represent a graded pharmacodynamic response. An alternative pharmacokinetic (PK)/pharmacodynamic (PD) theory (Norman and Tsibulsky, Brain Res. 1116:143, 2006) states that the increasing intervals at higher unit doses is due to the increasing time required for the higher cocaine concentrations to decline to the same minimum concentration (satiety threshold) at which a quantal PD response occurs. Competitive antagonists should increase the cocaine satiety threshold but the effect magnitude should be independent of the agonist unit dose. Rats self‐administered cocaine at unit doses between 0.75 and 6 μmol/kg, the D1 dopamine receptor antagonist SCH23390 (15 nmol/kg i.v.) was administered and the session continued. Despite the apparent SCH23390‐induced rightward shift with the graded response model the maximal response and EC50 were not measurable. However, the magnitude and time‐course of the SCH23390‐induced increase in satiety threshold was independent of the cocaine unit dose, consistent with the PK/PD model assuming a quantal response. It is concluded that the rate of cocaine self‐administration as a function of unit dose represents a dose‐duration of response not a dose‐magnitude of response curve and when assessing the effects of antagonists the use of more than one unit dose of cocaine is redundant.


Microplastics are small plastic particles under 5 mm in size that have contaminated a lot of ecosystems, both aquatic and on land. The existence of heaps of garbage and the existence of fishing activities around residential areas are some examples of anthropogenic activities that are on the edge and water bodies of the Selorejo Reservoir. This study aims to observe the contamination of various types of microplastics and their abundance in water and sediment samples taken from the Selorejo Reservoir. Sampling was carried out using the selected method (purposive sampling) at five different stations, including the Konto River inlet, Kwayangan River inlet, settlements (blendrang), tourism areas, and reservoir outlets. Each station has 3 transects (as replicates) and about 100 liters of water and 1000 grams of sediment are taken. Destruction of water and sediments uses 30% H2O2 and 30% H2SO4 acid to remove organic components that are still attached and to facilitate observation under a stereo microscope with 400X magnification. Based on the results of an analysis of the abundance of microplastics in the waters of each station, the highest abundance of microplastics was successively found in the Konto river inlet with a total abundance value of 39.27x101 particles/liter, then in the residential part (blendrang) a number of 35.34x101 particles/liter, tourist areas 33.67x101 particles/liter, outlet 30.36x101 particles/liter and Kwayangan river inlet 29.67x101 particles/liter. Meanwhile, the highest total abundance of microplastics found in sediments in the Selorejo Reservoir was found successively in the Konto river inlet with a total abundance value of 3.68 particles/gram, then in the tourist area 2.08 particles/gram, in the Kwayangan river inlet 1.56 particles/gram, in the residential part (blendrang) a number of 1.2 particles/gram and outlets 1.12 particles/gram. Each type of microplastic is then counted based on the amount found. The results of the identification of microplastic contamination in waters and sediments in the Selorejo Reservoir found several types of microplastics, namely fibers, fragments, filaments, and films. The dominating type and color of microplastic is black fiber.


The paper reviews influential literature concerning the effect of the contextual environment of decisions and the cognitive characteristics on accounting information processing and decision-making. The contextual environment of a decision might have the following effects on an accounting decision: information, salience, motivation, and memorycoding effects. These effects influence the judgment of individual accountants and auditors in their decision-making. On the other hand, the cognitive characteristics of individual accountants also affect their decision-making process, by affecting their knowledge and information processing activities. Cognitive characteristics can be divided into three main categories: cognitive styles, cognitive abilities, and cognitive strategies (the interaction between cognitive styles and cognitive abilities). Some interaction may be seen between contextual effects and cognitive characteristics that amplify the total effect on the accounting decision maker. Behavioral accounting studies that show the effects of these contextual factors and cognitive characteristics on accounting decision makers are mentioned. The effects of contexts and cognitive characteristics on accounting information processing: A review of behavioral accounting and cognitive psychology research


Concrete is a complex material and many factors can change its characteristics. Volumes of information have been devoted to concrete ingredients, while the effects of mixture temperature and mixing duration of concrete have received less attention. The aim of this paper is to facilitate a better understanding of the combined effects of mixture temperature and mixing duration on the compressive strength of concrete. Data associated with over 1000 sets of concrete cylinders were collected in the central Kentucky area to formulate a model that would shed some light on this topic. Results indicate that the combined effects of fresh concrete temperature and mixing time may be quantified in terms of the strength index parameter. This index may be used to predict adverse effects of less than optimum temperature and time combinations.


Strong dependence of the amplification of shear waves of 1∼2 GHz on the azimuthal angle of the transverse magnetic field has been found in n-InSb at 77K. A simple model based on the assumption of the existence of highly conductive layers in n-InSb is proposed. This model explains qualitatively the observed anisotropy under low electric field.


Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a non-invasive, non-ionizing imaging technology with high optical contrast between blood and tissue, and with high sensitivity of hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation due to different optical absorption spectra resulting from different oxygenation of hemoglobin. Most PA imaging systems implement a nanosecond pulsed laser source as excitation source to induce PA signal, and rely on broadband amplifiers to record time-domain PA signals [1-6]. Some groups, however, have reported using modulated continuous-wave lasers as an excitation source for frequency-domain imaging [7-9]. Frequency-domain imaging offers the potential of lock-in amplification which has sensitivities as low as nV even in noise orders of magnitude higher than the signal. However, although modulated CW sources works for low cost and compact PA imaging, it does not satisfy thermal and stress confinement conditions required for optimal PA signal strength. Here, we investigate a PA methodology using pulsed fiber lasers as excitation laser source combined with lock-in amplification technology. For comparison, we also studied time-domain PA methodology. Phantom studies show that signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) obtained with frequency domain PA imaging is significantly more sensitive than that obtained using time-domain PA imaging when the laser pulse repetition rate (PRR) matches the bandwidth of ultrasound transducer. Therefore, high sensitive PA imaging technology using pulsed fiber laser sources with lock-in amplification may potentially greatly extend the depth of PA imaging.


Based on sources from the East German regime's internal archives, this article considers how the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 affected both the regime's political authority as well as wider processes of social change. After first considering the domestic problems that the East German communist leadership sought to solve by sealing the border, it proceeds to examine the immediate popular response to the building of the Wall and the longer-term consequences for the regime's ability to realize some of its central socio-political aims at the grass-roots level. It argues that although the Wall was in many respects a turning-point in state-society relations, there were nonetheless many important threads of continuity that spanned the events of 12-13 August 1961. The period of enhanced political stability apparently ushered in by the Wall was arguably the product of a shift not only in popular political attitudes, but equally in the increasingly pragmatic expectations of the party leadership.


In India, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) contribute to 28% of all deaths and 14% of overall health loss measured by disability-adjusted life years. 1 Compared to high-income countries, premature (<70 years) deaths due to CVDs are more common in India, which hampers India's economy. 2 The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes, CVD and Stroke has been developed to address the growing burden of CVDs. Piloted in 2006, the programme was scaled up nationally in 2014. 3 In 2018, the Government of India launched Ayushman Bharat Yojana, or 'Healthy India Programme'. The Ayushman Bharat Yojana adopts the continuum of care approach and comprises Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) and Health and Wellness Centres (HWC). 4 The former—a major expansion of health insurance—received far more media and academic interest compared to the latter, 5,6 yet the latter represents a critical opportunity and challenge to deliver on the government's promise. Under the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, 150 000 existing subcentres and primary health centres will be transformed to HWCs to bring health closer to people by providing comprehensive primary healthcare, which includes scope for the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and control of CVDs. 7


Information Policy I t is an honor and a pleasure to introduce this special section of the Bulletin, sponsored by the ASIS&T Special Interest Group on Information Policy (SIG/IFP). One article, from Caidi, Stevenson and Richmond, deals with access to government information in Canada, but most of the contributors from the SIG elected to submit articles focused on data privacy, personal privacy and other privacy issues. Grace Begany writes on mobile privacy; Norman Gervais on U.S. government use of cookies; Shelly Warwick on the privacy environment post-9/11; Christopher Kotfila on self-destructing data in digital communication; and Shannon Oltmann discusses current legal findings regarding Fifth Amendment protections and surrendering the keys/passwords to encrypted data. These topics are by no means the extent of information policy, but the topics are of great importance to all of us. Every information professional should not only be familiar with information policy, but should also make a concerted effort to explore the field, staying abreast of changes brought about by legislative and judicial decisions. Every day there are more such changes, more suggestions for change and implementations of policy with real consequences. Indeed, we continually see numerous articles and stories in the media revealing not only governmental abuse under poorly written information policies, but abuse by school administrations, insurance companies, publishing firms, patent trolls and more. Academics and information professionals seem to be left out of the discussion as the media show us legislators and corporations making and influencing these decisions. Are they really representing our best interests or their own agendas? Do we, as information professionals, have a place in this conversation? We should, but we won't until more of the professionals doing the research and spending time analyzing the fallout from these decisions stand up and become a part of the democratic process that is supposed to exist in the United States. Until then, there may well be no change for the better. It EDITOR'S SUMMARY The ASIS&T Special Interest Group on Information Policy (SIG/IFP) provides a forum for members to express their views and concerns about a key element of the association's purpose, " to promote informed policy on national and international information issues. " Supporting that purpose, contributors explore Fifth Amendment protections, mobile data privacy, governmental use of cookies, self-destructing data, access to government information in Canada and how privacy has fared since the events of September 11, 2001. There are daily …


DTA (Drilling Training Alliance) in Houston, USA owned by Chevron and BP started to hold Deepwater Completions Workshop in July 2003. The Workshop includes lectures and discussions in all aspects regarding deepwater completion technologies and operations. In this report, some topics from the Workshop are reported and discussed.


One hundred and forty-five acute back-pain patients were tested for the presence of personality traits connected with psychologic vulnerability, traits often found among chronic back-pain patients. All patients in the experimental group and the healthy individuals in the control group were tested with the Patient Pain Drawing test (PPD) and with the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) on the scales hypochondriasis (Hs), depression (D), and hysteria (Hy). The patient group differed significantly from the control group on average Hs, D, and Hy scores and on the quantified PPD (measuring somatization pro-neness). The patients with the highest PPD scores had the highest values on MMPI (Hs, D, Hy), and the patients with low scores on the PPD-indicating low tendency to somatize -had MMPI values that did not differ significantly from those of the healthy controls. The study indicates that personality may influence the individual's tendency to somatize and express psychic and psychosocial problems ...


Abstract This paper presents the impact of optical coupler parameters like length of coupling region, spacing between the coupling region and materials profile on the performance of optical directional coupler (ODC) based on Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs). On photonic chips a directional coupler is an essential photonic device used to design the various mixers, balanced power amplifiers, modulators, measurements system, circularly polarized antennas and beam-forming networks. It is observed that the least excess loss (0.2 dB) is achieved at 1550 nm input transmission wavelength using titanium dioxide (TiO2) profile material with value of coupling length (8.58 µm), spacing between the two coupling slits (1.55 µm) and input transmission power (0.1 W/m). The received optical power at both output port of ODC is varied due to the variations in spacing between the two couplings slits and length of coupling region.


Skin and hair are the direct target organs of sun radiation, of electromagnetic waves with wavelengths between 1000nm and 280 nm. The wavelength determines the penetration depth into the target object and the energy of the photon which determines the effect on the molecular structure of the object. The superoxide anion is the primary free radical generated by UV from molecular oxygen. It sets off a chain reaction resulting in further free radical compounds like hydroxyl radicals and further on to free radicals with intermediate activity which are the most likely species to lead to direct biological damages and numerous pathological changes of the skin. The reduction of the sun incidence is the only way to prevent these damages of skin. A sunscreen is the first defence line to prevent the generation of dangerous free radicals. An endogenous protection is realized by the topical application of antioxidants which forms a second defence line. Modern sunscreen products should provide broad spectrum UV protection. The UV filter should be heat- and photostable, water resistant, nontoxic, and easy to formulate. But the quality characteristic of all these properties is determined last not least by the UV protection of the final product. An ex vivo test method applied on skin which can give in a short time exact, reliable and reproducible results is necessary during the development and production phase of a sunscreen product. The RSF and RHF method should be such a method. The AP method allows in an early stage to choose the right antioxidant ingredients concerning the second defence line of a sunscreen. All these methods belong to a set of quality assessment during development and production of a modern universal cosmetic product.


For environmental in situ diagnostic, as well as for medical point of care diagnostic, quick andaffordable sensing devices are of importance. Label-free biosensors based on electrical orelectrochemical detection methods can provide such features. In previous studies, we havedemonstrated for the first time the feasibility of using semiconductive SnO2 2D dense films fornon-faradic electrochemical impedance DNA detection. The aim of the present study is (i) toimprove the sensing performances by using SnO2 nanostructures in order to benefit from highspecific surface, and (ii) to study the influence of the morphology and microstructure on theimpedimetric DNA detection signal.We performed the cathodic electrodeposition of SnO2 nanostructures. By changing relevantprocessing parameters, two kinds of nanostructures were deposited: 3D nanoporous films and 1Dnanowires. Both nanostructures have been characterized in terms of morphology, microstructureand electrochemical properties.Our results emphasize the importance of both the microstructural and morphological organizationson the impedimetric signal upon DNA hybridization. Opposite tendencies are found. DNAhybridization induces a decrease of the impedance in the case of 3D-nanoporous films, whereasan increase of impedance is obtained in the case of 1D NWs. Indeed, following the dimensionalityof the nanostructures, either external cause - ion transport - or internal cause - field effectphenomenon - can contribute to the impedance variation.The performances of the sensors have also been analyzed, namely: sensitivity, selectivity andreusability. Compared to the 2D dense and 3D nanoporous films, the 1D SnO2 nanowires are morefavorable in term of sensitivity, showing a detection limit of 2 nM.


The paper presents a case study of experimentally supported fatigue performance evaluation of over 22-year old composite (steel-concrete) arch bridge. The bridge is a landmark road structure crossing the Narew River in Ostrołęka in Poland. It's main span is composed of through arch static system. The structure was designed to carry out the local town traffic. The bridge due to the emergency condition of the neighboring bridge located along national roadway was temporarily subjected to increased live loads. Thereby it became to play an important role in the transportation system of the whole region being intensively exploited by heavy vehicles in many cases neglecting compliance with restrictions for total weight of heavy trucks. Thus, taking into account limited load capacity and intensity of the traffic crossing the bridge, some doubts about the fatigue performance of bridge critical members were formulated. Fatigue performance evaluation of the steel superstructure was executed according to general assumptions of the Eurocodes and the European Recommendations for Estimation of Remaining Fatigue Life of Existing Steel Structures. Essential input data used for estimation of fatigue damage accumulation in critical bridge components as well as for prediction of residual lifetime of the whole structure was based on experimental vibration tests performed under operating loads.


Many have described Ali Shariati as the "ideologue" or the "architect" of the Iranian Revolution of 1979 '. He has been represented as both an intellectual, who from a radical Islamic viewpoint, offered a vigorous critique of Marxism and other "Western fallacies" , and as a reformationist Islamic writer who was simultaneously "influenced by Marxist social ideas"-*. There is l i t t le disagreement on Shariati 's role in transforming and refining the ideological perspective of millions of the literate Iranian youth. Shariati provided his audience with a firm and rigorous ideological means, by re-interpreting Islam through "scientific" concepts employed by the modern social sciences, an interpretation which the traditional Islamic clergy were incapable of formulating. Back in the late 1970s, when the University students in Tehran were involved in Islamic versus left debates, I observed how the rival "Islamic students" would rely almost totally on the teachings of the muallim (Jbc« (or the teacher) to support their fierce discussions. At that time each ideological camp had its own organization, meetings, study groups, library, mountaineering trips, dress code and most importantly, a distinctive discourse. Both groups would compete avidly in their activities. However, at times they had to make an ad hoc tactical alliance, for instance during strike-planning, leafleteering and similar sensitive activities. Both groups had heroes too. We had our own heroes , and they had theirs. The men we praised were internationally known: Marx, Lenin, Stalin, Castro, Fanon, Che Guevara, Mao, and similar people. Their heroes were as diverse as ours, if not


A computer-aided circuit design tool can be described as a set of algorithms applied to an internal representation of a circuit design or specification in order to answer specific questions or perform certain operations. The representation directly limits the operations that can be performed as well as the accuracy of the resulting answers. This dissertation concerns the development and exploration of one such design representation and shows how it is appropriate for a wide range of circuit design tasks. Along the way, we discover some new techniques for specification, modeling, simulation, and verification of circuits. We especially consider real-time aspects of circuit behavior, and we present some significant enhancements to existing real-time verification algorithms.
We present a rich and expressive formalism, called orbital nets, that precisely describes control, timing, and data flow aspects of circuit behavior. We develop the concepts of synchronization, composition, and receptiveness for this formalism, and illustrate how it can be used to specify, model, simulate, and verify digital circuits.
We present a textual description language that provides convenient access to orbital nets through parameterization, partial evaluation, and structural and functional decomposition.
We present efficient hierarchical real-time simulation and verification algorithms. We prove the equivalence of continuous time and discrete time semantics for orbital nets, and develop some new geometric timing algorithms that exploit concurrency to efficiently verify real-time safety properties.


The high efficiency TANDEM pulsed MAG welding machine is a efficient machine which used widely in the welding filed. TANDEM pulsed MAG welding machine 's heat input the adjusting range is wide and have high efficiency electric energy, It's a high quaLity and high efficient machine. Our TANDEM pulsed MAG welding machine used the 16-bit single chip dsPIC30F6011 to be the main control chip, two 8-bit single PIC18F4580, one is control the man-machine interaction system, the other one is control the wire feeder. Between the dsPIC30F6011 and the two 8-bit single chip PIC18F4580 is use the can bus to communication with each other.


Residual soil is a material formed in situ by weathering of rock and remained at the place where it was formed. In Malaysia, residual soil covers more than 80% of the country land area. This type of soil has high possibility to collapse when raining or wetted. The objectives of this study are to determine the collapsibility rate of soil at Gambang and to determine the factors that cause collapsibility and the effect of wet soil on the collapsibility. Gambang has been choose as the case study because of the topography of the land is hilly and this place has a history of land slide, there is also a slop that is not covered by plan and it seems that the slope crack during the sunny day and if the rain comes, the soil will wetted and collapse. One-Dimensional consolidation test or oedometer test is carried out to test the soil sample. From the result obtained, the soil is found with collapse possibility because of the quantity of the void ratio is high and the soil has low shear strength. The soil collapsibility rate is found high after the test has been conducted.


The temporal interdependence between health expenditure and economic growth has been the focus in a num- ber of recent empirical studies. While some insights have been gained from these studies, the focus has been on national economies, either in developed or developing countries. This paper explores this relationship at the U.S. state-level. The paper contributes to the literature by investigating possible dynamic relations between health care expenditure and eco- nomic growth, measured by gross state product, in the southeast United States. By employing time series approach, the empirical results confirm the presence of a weak, but positive relationship. After detecting unit roots in the data, co- integration in general, was not detected, as a long-run relationship seemed to exist only for Georgia. The results of the VAR analysis are correspondingly limited. However the shapes of the impulse functions do confirm the proper positive relationship between positive personal health care expenditure changes and economic growth.


Teachers are a very noble profession, because one of the teachers task is to help in the intellectual life of the nation. As teachers in their daily life to educate the nation, requires the support of equipment that can be used in the teaching and learning process in the field that he has. Supporting equipment required can be hardware and software that can be utilized to compile teaching materials that are interesting for the students, one of them is multimedia-based teaching materials. As a lecturer in the field of informatics, we are motivated to assist teachers especially teachers in SD IT Salsabila Al Muthi'in, Yogyakarta by doing the process of mentoring in the making of multimedia-based teaching materials using Macromedia Flash.


The Manpower Services Commission, as part of its programme in support of biotechnology in schools, funded the Division of Education at the University of Sheffield to explore and develop appropriate teaching strategies. The Sheffield team has worked on problem solving in biotechnology and on the handling of controversial issues in biotechnology.


In order to evaluate the durability of reinforced concrete structures under chloride attack from sea water and frost damage, it is important to analyze both the microstructural characteristics of concrete and its diffusion resistance of concrete against chloride ingress. In this study, a relation between micro-pore structures of concrete obtained by the Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry and accelerated chloride diffusivity as well as long term chloride diffusivity were studied for ground granulated blast furnace slag(GGBS) concrete. Different water-cement ratio of 40, 45, 50% and different unit cement concrete of 300, 350, 400 or 450 kg/m3 of the GGBS concrete along with OPC concrete were used and freeze and thawing, and the change in diffusivity and microstructure were observed for both GGBS concrete and damaged GGBS concrete due to rapid freezing and thawing.


To analyse, that it is important to build trunk telecommunicotion network, and proposes some opinion, on building own trank network.


"It seems to me," she argued, "that this story could have several advantages. So far you have not presented on the screen a story in the old style, so this would be a novelty. Besides, this is no common, stupid nursery-tale. The husband and wife, who have been set the difficult task of taking care of the changeling, should be a fine study for outstanding actors. Furthermore, I imagine that in this film there should be an interplay between the world of the trolls and that of men. Nothing at all is mentioned in my story of how the human child gets along among the trolls, but a little ought to be said about that, and I think this would make a lot of amusing scenes."1


The good publication practice for pharmaceutical companies (GPP) guidelines were first published in 2003, then revised in 2009 (GPP2) and most recently in 2015 (GPP3). The latest version reflects the changes that have occurred in legislation concerning dissemination of data from clinical trials, mainly focussed on the pharmaceutical industry. These guidelines are intended to serve as a basis for publication professionals to establish transparent and ethical working practices within the pharmaceutical industry. The need for such guidance and the main differences in the latest version are introduced. writers have continued to become more specialised over the past two decades, as reflected in the specific training certificates offered by the EMWA Professional Development Prog ramme. Most facets of medical writing have always been regulated by legislation, and training can be focussed on meeting those needs. However, one area where it has been assumed that training is not needed is that of medical communications, namely, manuscripts for peer-reviewed journals, abstracts, posters, and slide presentations for conferences. The prevailing belief is medical writers learn how to write these documents during their university education through expertise passed on by their PhD or Master's supervisor, who in turn had learned from their peers. This belief persists in academia, where despite the need to publish the results of scientific projects to add to one's curriculum vitae or support grant proposals, little or no consideration is given to how such publications should be written. The same situation existed in the pharma - ceutical industry in the 20th century, with publication being the final un controlled, unregulated stage of a process that gen - erated clinical results through a strictly con - trolled process, from protocol to regulatory submission. The simple view was that scientists would run their experiments and publish the data, driven by the need of academics to have papers to secure tenure and further grants, and by the need for industry to promote their products. The interface between the two was a grey area that few understood and most never questioned. However, as negative headlines about the pharmaceutical industry became increasingly frequent, public trust rapidly dissipated, leading to increasing demands from many stakeholders to increase and enforce data dissemination and trans par ency for industry-sponsored clinical trials. Regulation of publications The result of demands for increased data dissemination and transparency was a sequential increase in legislated requirements for public reporting of clinical trials. This


Systemic sclerosis is a systemic autoimmune disease which still has a negative impact on overall survival. This especially holds true for the presence of pulmonary manifestations and/or pulmonary arterial hypertension. Cyclophosphamide is effective for pulmonary fibrosis, data also hint at an efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil. ACE inhibitors prevent renal crisis and endothelin antagonists and sildenafil improve pulmonary hypertension. Prostacyclin analogues are effective for the treatment of Raynaud`s phenomenon and digital ulcerations, which also can be prevented with bosentan. Otherwise, the data are sparse, there are few randomised studies with very small patient numbers. The present article summarises the studies on disease-modifying treatments and briefly reviews the symptomatic treatment options for Raynaud's phenomenon, ulcerations, calcifications, arthritis and gastrointestinal manifestations. Additionally, the recommended diagnostic measures and controls are reviewed.


In this paper, the optimal process condition for microwave-assisted acid pretreatment of the corn stalk was investigated by Central-Composite design using Response Surface Method. Effects of microwave power, reaction time and acid concentration on reducing sugar yield were inspected. Also, analysis of corn stalk before and after the treatment was conducted with ultra depth microscope. The test result shows that, the sequence of factors is: acid concentration>reaction time>microwave power, and the interaction of microwave power and reaction time is significant; The optimal process condition is: microwave power 900W, reaction time 20min, acid concentration 2%, reducing sugar yield 230.9 mg/g. Through the microwave-assisted acid pretreatment, the fiber structures of the corn stalk were destroyed effectively, the treatment increases the degree of surface roughness, improves porosity, thus the rate of enzymolysis was enhanced. The p-value of regression model is 0.0002, and the p-value of Lack of fit is 0.1298, which indicates the regression equation is significant and the model fits well.


Oreochromis niloticus and Litopeneaus vannamei from Guangdong province were selected to study the distribution and enrichment of heavy metals such as Pb,Cd,Hg,and As.The content differences of heavy metals in Oreochromis niloticus and Litopeneaus vannamei of different sizes were compared and their distributions were analyzed.The results showed that Pb,Cd,Hg,and As were all detected in Oreochromis niloticus and Litopeneaus vannamei,but their contents were below the level of national fisheries heavy metal sanitation limits(NY5125-2002). The content of Pb was the highest both in Oreochromis niloticus and in Litopeneaus vannamei,reaching 37% and 42.18% of the national sanitation limits respectively.The contents of heavy metals varied with the size and part of the two creatures.A positive correlation existed between body weight and heavy metal content.The contents of heavy metals were significantly higher in the viscera than in the muscle of Oreochromis niloticus,while heavy metals enriched mainly in the head of Litopeneaus vannamei.


Vocal learning in songbirds is mediated by cortico‐basal ganglia circuits that govern diverse functions during different stages of development. We investigated developmental changes in axonal projections to and from motor cortical regions that underlie learned vocal behavior in juvenile zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Neurons in LMAN‐core project to RA, a motor cortical region that drives vocal output; these RA‐projecting neurons send a transient collateral projection to AId, a region adjacent to RA, during early vocal development. Both RA and AId project to a region of dorsal thalamus (DLM), which forms a feedback pathway to cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry. These projections provide pathways conveying efference copy and a means by which information about vocal motor output could be reintegrated into cortico‐basal ganglia circuitry, potentially aiding in the refinement of juvenile vocalizations during learning. We used tract‐tracing techniques to label the projections of LMAN‐core to AId and of RA to DLM in juvenile songbirds. The volume and density of terminal label in the LMAN‐core→AId projection declined substantially during early stages of sensorimotor learning. In contrast, the RA→DLM projection showed no developmental change. The retraction of LMAN‐core→AId axon collaterals indicates a loss of efference copy to AId and suggests that projections that are present only during early stages of sensorimotor learning mediate unique, temporally restricted processes of goal‐directed learning. Conversely, the persistence of the RA→DLM projection may serve to convey motor information forward to the thalamus to facilitate song production during both learning and maintenance of vocalizations.


The 1981 Education (Scotland) Act gave parents the statutory right to request places in schools outside their designated attendance areas and imposed greater restrictions on the powers of local education authorities. Proponents of school choice argue that the introduction of free-market approaches to education increases competition among schools and requires school staff to become more accountable to parents. Critics of the reform are concerned that school choice may increase the segregation of students with differing backgrounds, and will not necessarily improve the performance of schools. This Briefing reviews four studies that examined the effects of the reform on the provision of secondary schooling in Scotland.


The virtual prototype model of intermittent chain drive system was constructed in the computer environment based on multi-body dynamics theory.Compared with the available experimental measurements,the simulation results are in reasonable agreement with the test results which validates that the model can reflect the complex influencing factors roundly and reveal the kinematical and dynamic characteristics of the system accurately.On this basis,the dynamic influencing factors on intermittent chain drive were analyzed by the simulation based on the virtual prototype model.It is found that the tension spring on the driven sprocket and the slack side of the chain are the important factors that influence the dynamic characteristics of the system,and thus should not be neglected in the investigation on the intermittent chain drives.Additionally,it is observed that the unsymmetrical curves,designed as the motion laws,can restrain the inertial impact effectively in deceleration period,reduce the vibration amplitude,and improve the position accuracy.


References Al-Karaghouli, A., & Kazmerski, L. L. (2013). Energy consumption and water production cost of conventional and renewable-energy-powered desalination processes. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 24, 343–356. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032113000208 Lavin, M. F., & Sánchez, S. (1999). On how the colorado river affected the hydrography of the upper gulf of california. Continental shelf research, 19(12), 1545-1560. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0278434399000308 Wikimedia Foundation. (2008, November 22). Mexicali en baja california. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mexicali_en_Baja_California.svg Fig. 2: Location of the Mexicali Municipality How to Water a Desert Dean Kiourtsis (CS), Andrew Mahn (PWR), Robert McGuire (CM), Forrest Welty (PH) Advisors: Robert Traver, Kristin Wobbe


: The small-scale low-pressure biodigester is emerging to meet the energy needs of small households. It is important to standardize the biodigesters primarily to protect consumers and provide good quality biogas. The purpose of this research was to determine the quality requirements for the small-scale low-pressure biodigester. The research was conducted using interviews with respondents who are biogas practitioners. Questions from the questionnaire related to the quality parameters of biodigesters. The result generally showed that more than 80% of respondents accepted the quality requirements proposed. Furthermore, the quality requirements from this research will be proposed as the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) .


. We consider the Cauchy problem for the semilinear wave equation with time-dependent damping When b(t) = (t + 1 ) − β with 0 ≤ β < 1, the damping is effective and the solution u to ( ∗ ) behaves as that to the corresponding parabolic problem. When f(u) = O( | u | ρ ) as u → 0 with 1 < ρ < exponent), our main aim is to show the time-global existence of solutions for small data in the supercritical exponent ρ > ρ F (N) := 1 + 2 /N . We also obtain some blow-up results on the solution within a finite time, so that the smallness of the data is essential to get global existence in the supercritical exponent case.


A means for building a joint fitting, the box-shaped member provides a support structure for the plurality of columns and a respective end of the beam, thereby enhancing the connection or engagement between the columns and beams, and simple installation costs involved low. Wherein means for building the metal fitting includes a plurality of cell blocks, and each block is connected by a rectangular tubular string together to form and rectangular tubular beam. The joint fitting by a box-shaped metal frame member composed of the member comprises an end fitting can be connected to the column column binding portion, and the beam with the corresponding end of the beam can be connected with the binding parts.


Abstract The radiative heat flux to the fuel surface in heptane pool fires on circular pans of 0.3-1.0 m diameter was measured experimentally by use of combinations of Garden-type fluxmeters with receiving surfaces of different emissivity as functions of rad ial position and of pan size. In the initial transient stage of the fire evolution, the internal radiat ive flux showed an overshoot followed by a considerable fall in larger pool fires. In the steady burning stage,the ratio of the internal flux to the external flux showed a trend to become smaller with the increase Of pan size. The two above mentioned features imply the importance of a certain kind of radiation blockage in larger fires. Simple two-layer models were employed in order to explain the observed features qualitatively.


Applications running on the same Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) stage as a rule have distinctive Quality of Service (QoS) necessities. Two key necessities are low deferment and high data respectability. Regardless, a great part of the time, these two requirements can't be satisfied at the same time. In this paper, in light of the possibility of potential in material science, we propose upgraded IDDR, a multi-way dynamic directing estimation alongside SHA1 procedure which proficiently checks the honesty of information in WSN. By building a virtual crossbreed potential field, IDDR secludes packages of usages with different QoS necessities according to the weight designated to each package, and courses them towards the sink through different approaches to upgrade the data dedication for reliability fragile applications and decrease the end-to-end concede for deferral delicate ones.


The paper examines the changes in the distribution and connotations of Russian prepositional phrases na Ukraine vs. v Ukraine triggered by the acquisition of independence by Ukraine. Background information about the distribution of constructions in 19–20th century Russian and Ukrainian is provided. The importance of the prepositional construction in the context of the language policy of Ukrainian state is stressed, and the changing norms of contemporary Russian exemplified. It is argued that while retaining its dominance in oral speech, the constructions na Ukraine (Russ.) and na Ukraїni (Ukr.) ceased to be stylistically unmarked, and both na Ukraine and v Ukraine became indexical of socio-cultural identities and value-conferring.


Ejere. VC. 2000. Developments in avian cytotaxonomy: implications for Afro-avian Species. Ostrich 71 (1 & 2): 40. Karyological studies of the extant species of birds have progressed slower than those of other animal groups. To date, a paltry proportion of less than 20% of about an estimated 9 000 avian species have been karyotyped, such that for most orders, karyological information remains largely scanty. Data accumulated so far, has revealed a lot of interesting features of the typical avian karyotype. Essentially, the karyotype is dichotomous, containing several pairs of fairly big chromosomes (= macrochomosomes) and very small to minute chromosome elements (= microchromosmes). The diploid chromosome number is also variable, ranging from 2n = 40 to 2n = 92 with a mode of 2n = 80 chromosomes observed in a majority of species. Studies have further revealed that chromosomal evolution in birds is highly conservative especially with reference to the first 3 pairs of macrochromosomes. (Group A), while considerable variability in number and morphology occurs in the remaining groups of chromosome elements. These variabilities, as well as the homologies revealed by chromosome banding techniques, have aided the cytotaxonomy of various individual avian groups. In this review, the karyological as well as the phylogenetic relationships of the various avian species so far karyotyped, vis-a-vis the cytotaxonomic implications for the abundant Afro-avian fauna are highlighted. Similarly, the significance of the observed peculiarities in the avian karyotype is briefly discussed. Suggestions are proffered in respect of the application of karyotype analysis technique to bird conservation in Africa. This will focus mainly on the identification of the gender of birds for the singular purpose of breeding rare and endangered species for zoological gardens and related institutions.