Anti-vaccination reduces the rate of vaccination, which is one of the most important means of protection from communicable diseases, and increases deaths from communicable diseases. The underlying causes of anti-vaccination are fear of the side effects of the vaccine, prejudices about the vaccine, and lack of health education. Mandatory vaccination campaigns are public health practices that are effectively implemented to achieve the well-being and health of the general population. Vaccination provides both individual and community immunity. Thus, the transmission of the disease is also reduced. Anti-vaccination adversely affects the health of the general population as it inhibits herd immunity through vaccination. When viewed from a bioethical perspective, anti-vaccination contradicts the concept of utility by inhibiting both individual and social immunity. Anti-vaccination has been observed since the beginning of the 20th century, and anti-vaccines have used the discourse that it is their own body to decide. In the bioethical perspective, the concept of autonomy is the individual's ability to make their own decisions with their free will, without external pressure. However, in cases of epidemics and disasters, the benefit of the general society overtakes the individual's autonomous attitude. The emergence of individual autonomy in the form of opposition to vaccination threatens both public health and the health of the individual.


Objective: To develop a HPLC method for the estimation of andrographolide in biological fluids. Methods: Andrographolide was extracted from serum using methanol. A Shimadzu HPLC (Model LC 10 A) with UV- Vis spectrophotometric detector (model SPD 10 AV) and a data processor (model 10 R4 A) were used for andrographolide estimation. A Neuclosil C 18 octadecyl silane (ODS) column (5μ, 250x4.6 mm Hypersil) was used. The mobile phase used was methanol: Water in the ratio of 65:35 v/v at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. The elutes were monitored at 223 nm. The precision and accuracy of the method were determined by measuring inter-day and intra-day variations. Results: The absolute recovery of andrographolide ranged between 97.24% to 99.4%. The inter-day co-efficient of variation was 0.4% to 1.4% and intra-day co-efficient of variation was 1.05% to 2.8%. Conclusion: The developed HPLC method for estimation of andrographolide in serum is sensitive, reliable and accurate.


Abstract 5037 Thrombotic Microangiopathy (TMA) has been reported in several clinical settings including viral infection, following drug exposure, and in patients with cancer including three with MM treated with bortezomib. TMA can present with the pentad of microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (MAHA), thrombocytopenia, acute renal insufficiency, neurologic abnormalities and fever. Cardiac involvement, when present, is associated with poor prognosis. We herein present the first case of TMA occurring in association with Carfilzomib. The patient was a 62 year old African American female with progressive IgG lambda MM by serum markers (lambda light chains 41. 8 mg/dl and IgG 2230 mg/dL), imaging studies with extramedullary disease involving the muscular tissue and 20% bone marrow plasmacytosis with complex cytogenetics. Her last therapy consisted of melphalan-based autologous transplant 8 months earlier. Chronic thrombocytopenia was present likely due to therapy related myelodysplastic syndrome (T-MDS). Peripheral smear at relapse showed no evidence of circulating blasts, plasmacytosis or schistocytosis. The patient received a 20 mg/m2 IV push single dose of carfilzomib (CFZ), a novel proteasome inhibitor, on 12/03/2011. Within 24 hours of the CFZ dose, she developed clinical and laboratory evidence of TMA including increasing lethargy, fever to 101 F, renal dysfunction (creatinine 0. 8 to 2. 7 mg/dL), worsening thrombocytopenia (29, 000 to 16,000/μL), and MAHA with hemoglobin dropping (9. 3 to 7. 9 g/dL), progressive bilirubinemia, undetectable serum haptoglobin level and a 5-fold increase in serum LDH (from 256 to 1200 IU/L). Peripheral smear confirmed the presence of schistocytes. No other causes for TMA could be identified; ADAMTS 13 levels were 52%, with negative results for heparin antibodies, anti-phospholipid antibodies, direct coombs and PCR for Adenovirus, Parvovirus, CMV and Human herpes virus 6. Coagulation studies were normal. Renal ultrasound showed no obstruction. The left ventricular ejection fraction by echocardiogram on 12/19/11 was 25% compared to 60% on prior MUGA scan and echocardiogram two and nine months before CFZ. She failed to respond to various agents including corticosteroids and therapeutic plasmapheresis and died 44 days after the single CFZ dose. Repeat serum myeloma markers showed response to CFZ. Autopsy examination revealed TMA with presence of red blood cell fragments and multiple fibrin thrombi in the kidneys without evidence of amyloidosis or plasma cell infiltration. Aggregates of CD 138 positive plasma cells were present in the visceral pleura of the stomach, bladder, pancreas and intestines but without organ infiltration. The bone marrow was hypercellular with 5% involvement with lambda predominant plasma cells. At death, the serum levels of lambda light chains and IgG were 54. 8 and 1000 mg/dL, respectively. This case describes the abrupt onset of ultimately fatal TMA within 24 hours of a single dose of 20 mg/m2 of CFZ. No other cause for TMA could be identified despite an extensive work-up. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


Nowadays, an enormous volume of heterogeneous healthcare and medical data are generated routinely. These heterogeneous data have to be integrated and stored in a standard manner and format to perform appropriate big data analysis and visualization and improve decision-making. These data are generated from different sources such as mobile devices, sensors, national public health institutions, laboratory tests, clinical notes, social media, and various omics data that can be structured,
semi-structured or unstructured. These data structure varieties necessitate these big data to be stored not only in the relational databases but also in NoSQL databases.
To provide effective data analysis, besides the application of appropriate data mining techniques, excellent design and implementation of healthcare information systems are needed. These software solutions have to solve patient data security and privacy issues by employing proper big data governance policies. The design
and implementation of healthcare information knowledge-based systems should provide to the patients more well-organized and economical healthcare services, and on the other hand, a boosted knowledge-based basis for decision-making to the managers in healthcare institutions and insurance companies and benefits for the all involved stakeholders. In this paper, we overview and suggest suitable development framework that will cover patient-, clinical- and population oriented approaches to decision-making and to reveal valuable knowledge and insights from these healthcare and medical big data. Moreover, on specific occasions, this knowledge should enable a rapid and reliable response to the healthcare hazards and help to decision-makers worldwide as well on the national level


Background Bisphenol A (BPA), a high production chemical commonly found in plastics, has drawn great attention from researchers due to the substance's potential toxicity. Using data from three National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cycles, we explored the consistency and robustness of BPA's reported effects on coronary heart disease and diabetes. Methods And Findings We report the use of three different statistical models in the analysis of BPA: (1) logistic regression, (2) log-linear regression, and (3) dose-response logistic regression. In each variation, confounders were added in six blocks to account for demographics, urinary creatinine, source of BPA exposure, healthy behaviours, and phthalate exposure. Results were sensitive to the variations in functional form of our statistical models, but no single model yielded consistent results across NHANES cycles. Reported ORs were also found to be sensitive to inclusion/exclusion criteria. Further, observed effects, which were most pronounced in NHANES 2003-04, could not be explained away by confounding. Conclusions Limitations in the NHANES data and a poor understanding of the mode of action of BPA have made it difficult to develop informative statistical models. Given the sensitivity of effect estimates to functional form, researchers should report results using multiple specifications with different assumptions about BPA measurement, thus allowing for the identification of potential discrepancies in the data.


In Northern Uganda, a rebel group called the Lord's Resistance Army led by Joseph Kony has been fighting the government since the mid-1980s in what has become Africa's longest civil war. It is estimated that more than 100,000 people have died in the civil war while others have had their lips, ears or limbs cut off and thousands of children have been abducted as fighters, laborers, and concubines. This violence, in turn, produced more than 1.8 million Internally Displaced Peoples Camps, throughout Northern Uganda. Many Northerners blame the Ugandan government for forcing them into inhumane camps and for failing to protect them from the marauding LRA.Militaristic attempts by the Government to defeat the rebels has proved futile, as a result, the Government has resorted to peace talks as an alternative solution to the civil war. The Northerners see the peace talks as the only hope and lasting solution to peace in Northern Uganda. The question that remains is; what will be done to the perpetuators of these crimes when the peace talks finally bear fruits? Legal means such as trying the perpetuators in the courts of law has been considered with the Government recently setting up a special division in the high court to try the rebels. Non legal means such as forgiveness has also been considered as a way of dealing with the rebels. The Acholi and other Northern tribes of Uganda do have a longstanding tradition of resolving intra-tribal disputes through apology, negotiation, compensation, and forgiveness. The Acholi people have used mato put - "blood atonement" - for centuries. They believe that killing a person makes you unstable. By ceremonially cleansing his soul, the former soldier would exorcise the evil spirits.This paper seeks to analyze what is considered to be the cause of the civil war in northern Uganda. It argues that a solution to the civil war cannot be found unless the cause of the civil war is first taken into account.The paper will define and discuss the nature of forgiveness and evaluate the significance of forgiveness as the solution to the long standing civil war in Northern Uganda. The paper argues that the tribal ways of resolving disputes through forgiveness are alive and well, and can serve as a firm foundation for peace. The Acholi tribal chiefs will be able to devise an effective system for mass reconciliation through traditional methods.\The paper also argues that a rule of traditional justice such as the Acholi mato oput, has its weaknesses in that once the case has been addressed through the traditional process, the matter is put to rest and it is forbidden to speak of it again. This is argued that it would significantly hamper any other approach to justice and reconciliation and may inculcate the spirit of revenge in the victims of the civil war against their perpetuators.The paper also discusses the challenges to the option of forgiveness as a means of healing the wounds of the civil war and concludes by making recommendations that can be put in place while applying forgiveness to solve the long standing civil war.


This paper introduces a new method to design a 1024 channel analyzer system via personal computer's parallel port, which is normally used to connect printers. The new system consists of a single chip computer system (AT89C51+PSD311) and alow power consumed analyzer by applying a new ADC chip ADS774, and a dead time correcting circuit is designed to correct the collecting time.


5.1 Overview of the regional Odonata with reference to the freshwater ecoregions .......................................................................................... 90 5.1.1 Upland rivers ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 92 5.1.2 Floodplain rivers and wetland complexes ..................................................................................................................................................... 92 5.1.3 Coastal rivers ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 94 5.1.4 Large river deltas ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 95 5.2 Conservation status ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 95 5.3 Patterns of species richness and endemism ............................................................................................................................................................. 97 5.3.1 Threatened species .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 97 5.3.2 Data Deficient species ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 97 5.4 Major threats to dragonflies ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 99 5.5 Conservation recommendations .............................................................................................................................................................................100 5.5.1 Conservation measures ....................................................................................................................................................................................100 5.5.2 Research action required .................................................................................................................................................................................100 5.6 References ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 101


The blind road is an important part of no obstacle facilities developments,and modern social advance and civilization are reflected.According to Changchun blind road development and the present condition of the usage,a content of the blind road and developing the process are analysed,the blind road a programming in developments and design the suggestion are put forward,which push no obstacle facilities developments in Changchun City.


The Sondex pumps for industrial and marine applications cover inline pumps in sizes from DN40-DN250. The pumps are delivered with housing in either cast iron for industrial applications or bronze for harsh medias and for the marine industry. All Sondex pumps are designed according to the specifications and regulations within the industry securing high quality and a long lifetime. Freshwater Distiller Sondex freshwater distiller is the obvious choice, when fresh water is demanded on a ship or an oil rig/FPSO, even if it is a land-based facility connected with a decentralized power plant (one of the future solutions to meet the demands for fresh water on marine, offshore as well as land based markets).


Book From the 8th Annual International Conference on Small and Medium Enterprises: Management – Marketing – Economic Aspects, 1-4 August 2011, Athens, Greece. Edited by Gregory T. Papanikos THE ATHENS INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION AND RESEARCH 2011 Abstract Book from the 8th Annual International Conference on Small and Medium Sized Enterprises:Book from the 8th Annual International Conference on Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: Management – Marketing – Economic Aspects, 1-4 August 2011, Athens, Greece. First Published in Athens, Greece by the Athens Institute for Education and


A new procedure is presented for introducing arbitrary orbital‐orthogonality constraints in the variational optimization of otherwise nonorthogonal multiconfiguration electronic wave functions. It is based on suitable analytical changes to the expressions for the first and second derivatives of the electronic energy with respect to the independent variational parameters, and can be applied in the presence of symmetry constraints. It is tested using a second‐derivative optimization procedure, the Optimized Basis Set—Generalized Multiconfiguration Spin‐Coupled (OBS‐GMCSC) approach, that can treat basis‐function exponential parameters as variational parameters, to be optimized simultaneously with configuration, spin‐coupling, and orbital coefficients. This enables rigorous optimization of basis‐set exponential parameters even for fully orthogonal multiconfiguration wave functions. Test calculations are carried out, with optimized even‐tempered basis sets, on Li2 and on the CH radical. For the latter, special attention is paid to the electronic spin density at the nuclei. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 27: 762–772, 2006


Abstract Few methods exist to directly install silyl functionality onto olefins. This Synpacts article highlights the state of the art of the silyl-Heck reaction and our recently developed conditions for preparing allyl and vinyl silanes from terminal alkenes using this method.


Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) ; National Natural Science Foundation of China ; State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China [P2009-ZZ01, P2008-ZZ18]; Germplasm Bank of Wild Species ; CAS Innovation Program of Kunming Institute of Botany [540806321211, 07067722K1, 07067712K1]


Arranging of curriculum schedule is called timetable problem, which is a typical combination optimization problem and uncertain management problem, resolving the conflict of resource. It is a tough problem for university, which has been studied for several years. Courses Timetabling Problem has been proved a NP-completion problem in 1970's. It's easy to make mistake to arrange curriculum schedule by hands, so it should be done by computer. In recent year, there are some intelligence optimization algorithm have been applied to resolve problem. In this study, the advantages and disadvantages of various algorithms has been compared, in order to choose the properly effective algorithm to arrange the courses schedule, according to conditions. But, the study of arranging curriculum schedule for Phased teaching seldom is limited. Curriculum schedule of the special major, which contains Phased teaching course is been arranged by hand. An intelligence optimization algorithm has been applied to arrange the timetable of these special major.


We develop a functional approach to the stochastic inflationary universe dynamics. It is based on a path integral representation of the solution to the differential equation for the scalar field probability distribution. In the saddle-point approximation scalar field probability distributions of various types are rederived and the statistics of the inflationary-history-dependent functionals is obtained.


The use of lines of thrust to asses the stability of masonry arches, has became very popular on last years. Nevertheless, this form of analysis can be not sure in some cases. The real requirement for the stability of arches is that excentricity of normal forces lies into the depth of the arch. It has been proposed that the same is true for lines of thrust. This paper shows that in many instances the latter is not the necessary condition. 1. The general principles of the stability of masonry As it is well known, a cracked masonry structure can support a bending moment M if an axial force N acts simultaneously. As it can be shown in figure 1. compressions due to normal force form a pair with this force. A' • d. that counteracs bending moment. Transactions on the Built Environment vol 26, © 1997 WIT Press, www.witpress.com, ISSN 1743-3509 170 Structural Studies, Repairs and Maintenance of Historical Buildings h o we can express the equilibrium as:


A case is presented of normal growth and mentality with multiple developmental abnormalities, including simian creases on the palms, multiple lentigines, dysostosis, multiple abnormalities of one eye, undescended testes and partial wasting of the dorsal interossei of both hands. There was also abnormal hair and patchy cicatricial alopecia of the scalp, with fine premature wrinkling of the face, which could have been related to a severe infantile eczema.


Effective use of metal-carbon nanocomposite (NC) dispersions in composite materials is a complex task. The results of experimental work on the functionalization of nickel-carbon nanocomposites (Ni/C NC) with sodium polymethyl naphthalene sulfonate (plasticizer C-3) for the modification of the cement matrix are presented. The article presents a comparative analysis of dispersions with different duration of ultrasonic treatment at different temperature conditions. It is revealed that solubilization and stability of the system is achieved at a time of ultrasonic treatment of 15 minutes and a heating temperature of 25 ° C. The infrared spectral analysis of compounds formed under the selected mode of obtaining dispersion was carried out. The obtained spectra indicate the substitution of sodium (Na) and the addition of the carbon structure of Ni/C NC to sulfur oxide (VI) SO 3- in a molecule of sodium polymethylsulfonate.


The modified residue calculus technique (MRCT) is applied to the analysis of the microstrip discontinuity problem based on the waveguide model. The method is numerically efficient and the accuracy checked against published data.


The purposes of this study were (I) to determine, on the basis of practice and the judgments of experts, the most desirable subject combinations for teachers giving instruction in more than one subject in departmentalized intermediate grades in cities with populations of not more than 1o,ooo and (2) to determine, on the same basis, the correct order of the subjects in the daily program. More than ioo schedules, containing the daily programs of 566 teachers in 93 departmentalized elementary schools in 32 states, were studied. The elementary schools studied were either six-year or eight-year schools. The opinions of 68 experts in elementary education were used. The personnel of the body of experts included authors of textbooks on elementary education, outstanding teachers of elementary education in colleges and universities, directors and supervisors of elementary education, specialists in elementary education, elementary-school principals, high-school principals, superintendents, state and county officials, and psychologists. These experts indicated what they considered the most desirable combinations of school subjects in departmentalized intermediate grades. They also gave, in terms of class periods, the order in which the school subjects should be taught during the school day.


Diabetes mellitus is one of the commonest chronic diseases, resulting in a lot of complications including a diabetic foot ulcer. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) including the risk to progress to amputation, also deteriorate the quality of life of the patients and their care givers. Diabetic foot ulcers not only affect the physical health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of patients but the social, psychological and economic aspects of the patient's life are also affected. Research studies have shown that factors such as female gender, obesity, presence of Peripheral Vascular Disease and stressful life events further decrease the quality of life in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. This editorial advocates that diabetic foot ulcers being a huge burden on the healthcare system also deteriorate the quality of life of patients.


Objective
To investigate the expression of Ghrelin [Acyl Ghrelin (AG) and Desacyl Ghrelin (DG)] in the plasma of 30 patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) before and after surgery, and to analyze the influencing factors.

Methods
The expression levels of AG and DG in the plasma of 30 patients were detected by enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay (ELISA). Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the expression of Ghrelin and hepatic-related enzyme.

Results
The expression of AG was significantly higher before LT than 3 days after LT and 1 month after LT [AG: (64.0±20.1), (47.1±11.5), (33.66±8.3) pg/ml, respectively, P 0.05]. Subgroup analysis showed that the expression of AG was significantly higher before LT than 3 days after LT and 1 month after LT in liver failure group and severe cirrhosis group. The expression of AG was lower in control group than in mild cirrhosis group, severe cirrhosis group and liver failure group [AG: control group versus mild cirrhosis group versus severe cirrhosis group versus liver failure group: (35.6±3.3) versus (49.2±3.7) versus (70.2±5.1) versus (81.0±7.2) pg/ml]. The expression of AG was negatively correlated with concentration of cholinesterase (mild cirrhosis group: r=-0.226, P>0.05; severe cirrhosis group: r=-0.432, P<0.01; liver failure group r=-0.602, P<0.05).

Conclusion
The expression of Ghrelin in plasma was significantly higher before LT than after LT. The expression of AG was negatively correlated with concentration of cholinesterase.

Key words:
Liver transplantation; Perioperative period; Ghrelin


Abstract. Agustina S, Wiryawan KG, Suharti S, Meryandini A. 2021. The enrichment process and morphological identification of anaerobic fungi isolated from buffalo rumen. Biodiversitas 23: 469-477. Anaerobic fungi are one of the microbes that have an important role in rumen fiber degradation because they can produce cellulase enzymes and penetrate feed particles. Nevertheless, few studies were performed to test the potential of anaerobic fungi in Indonesia. Therefore, the present study was carried out to evaluate the impact of the enrichment process on pH value, the zoospores population, NH3 (ammonia) concentration, and VFA (Volatile Fatty Acid) proportion. In addition, this research was also performed to isolate anaerobic fungi from buffalo rumen and identify their morphological characteristics. The enrichment stage of anaerobic fungi was carried out using the Hungate method. Results showed that the population of fungi zoospores, pH value, ammonia concentration, the proportion of acetate, and total VFA were significantly affected by the incubation time (P<0.01). In addition, Caecomyces, Neocallimastix, and Piromyces were rumen anaerobic fungi isolated from buffalo rumen with different morphological characteristics. It can be concluded that the incubation time increased the zoospore population, the concentration of NH3, acetate proportion, and total VFA but decreased media's pH value.


We have more and more rapid technological developments nowdays, especially in the field of medicine. This was proven by the availability of medical equipment which is sophisticated and automated to detect many kinds of disease, especially inner diseases. The use of medical equipment that will produce x-ray image will be used further to determine and diagnose disease. However, it is often acquired x-ray image which is not clear, shaded, overlapping, and so on, that make it difficult to analyze and diagnose manually that it requires a help of computers to obtain an accurate diagnosis. In addition, Indonesia current breast cancer is one of the most troubling diseases society especially for women. This is caused that a breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women beside cancer of the uterus that can cause death if it is not treated early. By this research, the author will analyze and identify the forms of human breast tumors from an x-ray image, rather than determine the malignancy level / stage of the tumor, but only determine the type of tumor whether it is malignant or benign based on its shape. This research was conducted on 20 fruits x-ray image of breast tumors which would then be analyzed to determine the type of tumor. The determination of tumor type is based on the (roundness value) and (compactness value) which is obtained from the calculation. From the research which is conducted on 20 fruit object, it is obtained the value range for the roundness and compactness value in determining whether the cancer is malignant or benigh, that is the value of 0.0-0.55 for a malignant tumor types and values of 0.55-1.0 for benign tumors. While the tools to make this analysis is Matlab 7.0 4.


This study investigates changes in an accounting system due to external, investor-related, and internal, governmentally driven, pressures. An empirical study is undertaken to measure the extent of compliance and give explanations for any variations. The empirical part focuses on the mandatory disclosure of Jordanian manufacturing companies before and after the extension of disclosure requirements in 1998. The study compares the level of mandatory financial disclosure in 1997 and 2008, and investigates the relationship between the level of mandatory disclosure and company characteristics (size, industry type, age, performance and ownership structure).
Levels of disclosure are computed by means of a disclosure index. Different indices have been determined for the years 1997 and 2008 to reflect the different mandatory disclosure requirements of the two years. Levels of disclosure have been calculated for a sample of 51 Jordanian manufacturing companies listed on the ASE in both years. Both in 1997 and 2008 companies were not fully complying with all requirements implied by the regulations. The less than full compliance is evidence that 'IAS lite' may be an issue in Jordan.


IT'S A PLACE OF SUPERLATIVES. Reporters have called it the most polluted place in the Western Hemisphere. It's also the location of one of the largest construction projects in the world. · At the Hanford Site in south-central Washington state, 177 giant tanks sit below the sandy soil, brimming with the radioactive remnants of 44 years of nuclear-materials production. From World War II through the Cold War, Hanford churned out plutonium for more than 60,000 nuclear weapons, including the atomic bomb that razed Nagasaki, Japan, in August 1945. The sprawling enterprise eventually contaminated the soil and groundwater and left behind 212 million liters of toxic waste-enough to fill 85 Olympic-size swimming pools. Decades after the site stopped producing plutonium, the U.S. government is still grappling with how to clean it all up. · Today the 1,500-square-kilometer site, roughly half the size of Rhode Island, is a quiet expanse of sagebrush and wispy grasses outside Richland, Wash. The underground steel-and-reinforced-concrete tanks are grouped in "farms" beneath a central plateau, while shuttered nuclear reactors stand like sentinels on the periphery. Scientists have identified some 1,800 contaminants inside the tanks, including plutonium, uranium, cesium, aluminum, iodine, and mercury. Watery liquids rest atop goop as thick as peanut butter and salt cakes resembling wet beach sand.


– Features like human footprints can be identified in two-dimensional radar profiles. – Amplitude variations associated with footprints have been demonstrated with slices. – Horizon detection methods are another avenue for detecting subsurface footprints.


The new-style heat treatment process for automobile stabilizer bar was investigated, and the effect of heat treatment process on the mechanical properties and microstructure of stabilizer bar was analyzed. The experimental results show that the new-style heat treatment can effectively improve the overall mechanical properties of stabilizer bar, ensures the high strength of contact side and the good plasticity of central side.


An intelligent control system for the all -- position and multi -- layer welding robot of spherical tanks was developed. In this system a 2 -- point vision servo system was sued to guide the welding robot following a line parallel to the groove repeatedly. An industrial controller PLC was used as the CPU. In addition several auxiliar processing and driving circuits had been used to control the robot's freedom Parts such as the flexible magnatic wheel, the tracking mechanism and the swing mechanism to work coordinately. The welding robot under the control of this intelligent system can realize all -- position and multi -- layer welding of a ball tank or a cylinder tank. There are two patented innovation points in the all -- position welding robot controlled by this system. The first is the flexible magnetic wheel used to make it possible for the robot to attach to and roll free on the tank surface without any rail. The second is the two -- stage vision servo system, the mainfunctionn Of which is to guide the welding robot and the torch to go along the welding line. The welding tests show that the welding robot can make the all -- position and multi -- layer Welds with high tracking accuracy, excellent quality and reliable behavior.


Abstract. In this paper we solve the problem of finding the symmetry axis of the object in a digital binary image. A new axial symmetry criterion is formulated for a connected discrete object. The problem of determining the symmetry measure and finding the symmetry axes arises in a variety of applications. In discrete images, exact symmetry is possible only in special cases. The disadvantage of the existing methods solving this problem is the high computational complexity. To improve computational efficiency, it is proposed to use the so-called Fourier descriptor. A new method for estimating the asymmetry of a discrete silhouette is proposed. The described algorithm for calculating the measure of asymmetry and determining the axis of symmetry is quadratic by the number of contour points. Methods for reducing the volume of calculations using a convex hull and taking into account the values of the modules of Fourier coefficients are proposed. Computational experiments are conducted with silhouettes of aircraft extracted from earth remote sensing images. The reliability of the described solution is established.


Five heavy metals of Cd,Pb,Cr,Hg and As from 78 agricultural soil samples of Jinhua town,Wudang district were determined to evaluate its soil environment quality by the fuzzy comprehensive assessment method.The results showed that the first,second and third soil environment quality were 41.02%,35.90% and 23.08% in total agricultural land respectively.The land with first and second soil environment quality can be directly used for agricultural production and the land with third soil environment quality should be improved by using the relevant control management measures and adjusting the structure of agricultural industry,which ensures the sustainable development of agricultural land and human's health.


A non-catalytic process for reducing the concentration of NO x in the gas stream exhaust regenerator of a catalytic cracking unit fluid, comprising: a) forming a mixture of a reducing agent selected from ammonia, urea and mixtures thereof, and a readily oxidizable gas in effective amounts that will result in the reduction of NOx concentration of said exhaust gas stream from the regenerator by a predetermined amount; b) injecting said mixture into said exhaust gas stream at a point wherein said exhaust gas stream from the regenerator is at a temperature below about 871 ° C.


According to the problems of high computational cost and over-fitting in traditional forecasting methods, a short-term power load forcasting method is put forward based on combining clustering with xgboost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting)algorithm. The method mainly does research on correlation between influence factors and load forecasting results. Firstly, Features extracted from original datum and missing values are filled during preprocessing stage. Secondly, the changing trend of load is divided into four classifications by K-means algorithm. Meanwhile, classification rules are set up between temperature and category. Finally, xgboost regression model is established for different classifications separately. Furthermore, forecasting load is calculated according to scheduled date. Experimental results indicate the method can to some extent predict the daily load accurately.


Background Cannabis use and cannabis regulatory policies recently re-surfaced as noteworthy global research and social media topics, including claims that Mexicans have been sending cannabis and other drug supplies through a porous border into the United States. These circumstances prompted us to conduct an epidemiological test of whether the states bordering Mexico had exceptionally large cannabis incidence rates for 2002–2011. The resulting range of cannabis incidence rates disclosed here can serve as 2002–2011 benchmark values against which estimates from later years can be compared. Methods The population under study is 12-to-24-year-old non-institutionalized civilian community residents of the US, sampled and assessed with confidential audio computer-assisted self-interviews (ACASI) during National Surveys on Drug Use and Health, 2002–2011 (aggregate n ∼ 420,000) for which public use datasets were available. We estimated state-specific cannabis incidence rates based on independent replication sample surveys across these years, and derived meta-analysis estimates for 10 pre-specified regions, including the Mexico border region. Results From meta-analysis, the estimated annual incidence rate for cannabis use in the Mexico Border Region is 5% (95% CI [4%–7%]), which is not an exceptional value relative to the overall US estimate of 6% (95% CI [5%–6%]). Geographically quite distant from Mexico and from states of the western US with liberalized cannabis policies, the North Atlantic Region population has the numerically largest incidence estimate at 7% (95% CI [6%–8%]), while the Gulf of Mexico Border Region population has the lowest incidence rate at 5% (95% CI [4%–6%]). Within the set of state-specific estimates, Vermont's and Utah's populations have the largest and smallest incidence rates, respectively (VT: 9%; 95% CI [8%–10%]; UT: 3%; 95% CI [3%–4%]). Discussion Based on this study's estimates, among 12-to-24-year-old US community residents, an estimated 6% start to use cannabis each year (roughly one in 16). Relatively minor variation in region-wise and state-level estimates is seen, although Vermont and Utah might be exceptional. As of 2011, proximity to Mexico, to Canada, and to the western states with liberalized policies apparently has induced little variation in cannabis incidence rates. Our primary intent was to create a set of benchmark estimates for state-specific and region-specific population incidence rates for cannabis use, using meta-analysis based on independent US survey replications. Public health officials and policy analysts now can use these benchmark estimates from 2002–2011 for planning, and in comparisons with newer estimates.


Transition metal carbides (TMCs) have attracted great interest due to their mechanical and catalytic properties but their syntheses generally require energy-consuming processes with temperatures above 800 °C. We report here...


My doctorial thesis, entitled 'Landscape Practices and Representations in Dongchuan, Southwest Eighteenth-Century China', focuses on the interdisciplinary study of landscape, space and architecture in Southwest eighteenth-century China. Through intensive archival research and contemporary ethnographic fieldwork I demonstrate that despite the Qing Empire's remaking of the indigenous landscape in the eighteenth century, indigenous concepts of landscape and space have survived to the present in people's stories and myths.


Dental Photography is mainly used for documentation and patient education. With development of technology digital photography eliminates the delay between image-capture and review compared to the film based photography in the past. This review article is based on an exploratory study conducted on the medical literature to provide clinicians an overview of the function and basic components of a professional digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera system, the criteria for evaluating and selecting a digital camera system, clinical applications for dental photography along with the guidelines for obtaining a quality dental images.


The path and termination point for the rapid proton-capture (rp) process above Ni-56 is uncertain due to a lack of knowledge of nuclear properties, especially masses, near the proton drip line. To address this need we have begun a program to measure masses along the rp-process path in the A similar to 60-80 region using beta-gamma coincidence spectroscopy, Q(EC) values derived from beta (+) spectrum end points were used to calculate mass excess values for Se-70, Se-71, Br-72, Br-73. The results are compared to predictions of mass models and to estimates based on systematic trends in this region.


The aims of the research were: (1) To know that Think-Talk-Write Strategy can improve the students' writing Spoof  ability and (2) To describe the process of Think-Talk-Write-Strategy in improving students' writing Spoof ability. This research was conducted at English Department FKIP USI at the fifth Semester in the Academic Year of 2018/2019. The population were 21 students. The qauntitative data were taken from the scores of the pre-test and post-test. The total score is 1111, the mean 52, 9 thus, in the post test found the total score is 1701, the mean 81.Think-Talk-Write Strategy inspired both the students and the researcher in improving the ability of English especially on writing. The students could practice their skill of English in the different situation and treatment. They could express their idea or opinion freely as the researcher only became mediator during the activities of Think-Talk-Write Strategy as it was student-centred. In fact, the students' cooperation increased. They helped each other, communicated using English, and built the idea, imagination and opinion that they wanted to compose in their writing during applying Think-Talk-Write Strategy.


We study the process e + e − → J/ψπ + π − with initial-state-radiation events produced at the PEP-II asymmetric-energy collider. The data were recorded with the B A B AR detector at center-of-mass energies 10.58 and 10.54 GeV, and correspond to an integrated luminosity of 454 fb − 1 . We investigate the J/ψπ + π − mass distribution in the region from 3.5 to 5.5 GeV /c 2 . Below 3.7 GeV /c 2 the ψ (2 S ) signal dominates, and above 4 GeV /c 2 there is a significant peak due to the Y(4260). A fit to the data in the range 3.74 – 5.50 GeV /c 2 yields a mass value 4245 ± 5 (stat) ± 4 (syst) MeV /c 2 and a width value 114 +16 − 15 (stat) ± 7(syst) MeV for this state. We do not confirm the report from the Belle collaboration of a broad structure at 4.01 GeV /c 2 . In addition, we investigate the π + π − system which results from Y(4260) decay.


With the federal funds rate near zero, policymakers are evaluating options for providing additional monetary policy accommodation, including a tool known as yield curve control. We find that despite low nominal Treasury yields, some scope for additional accommodation remains should policymakers deem it appropriate. However, we argue that forward guidance about future interest rates could deliver much, though not all, of the accommodation of yield curve control.


This study compared the use of a three-level growth-curve model with that of a crossclassified growth curve model and a cross-classified multiple membership growth-curve model for handling cross-classified multiple membership data structures. Results indicate that growth models which ignore the complexity of cross-classified multiple membership data structures produce negatively biased estimates of teacher random effects variance components. We recommend that teacher evaluation systems use growth models that can accommodate the complexity of cross-classified multiple membership longitudinal data structures when using student growth data to estimate teacher effectiveness. Impact of Ignoring CCMM Data Structures 2 During the recent decade, policies for teacher evaluation in U. S. public K-12 education have changed dramatically. Perhaps the most significant policy changes incorporate the use of student growth data to evaluate teacher effectiveness. For example, in 2009, President Obama announced that U.S. Department of Education (USED) would provide funding for a competitive grant program called Race to the Top to generate innovations and reforms in state and local public K-12 education. To qualify for grant funding, applicants were required to develop an evaluation system that provides annual teacher effectiveness ratings based in part on student achievement growth. In addition, in 2011, the USED invited each state educational agency to request flexibility from specific requirements of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), also known as No Child Left Behind (NCLB, 2001), in exchange for state-developed plans designed to improve educational outcomes for all students (Dunlap, 2011). To request ESEA flexibility, state education agencies were required to develop teacher and principal evaluation systems that provide effectiveness ratings using student achievement growth data as a significant factor. In response to such policy initiatives, many states are either developing or assessing methodologies that can be used to analyze student achievement growth to evaluate teacher effectiveness. Measuring student growth requires the collection of student data on multiple occasions and the application of a statistical model to describe student progress over time. When using these statistical models to evaluate teacher effectiveness, it is important to examine the underlying assumptions that accompany them. For example, multilevel modeling techniques enable the measurement of student growth by considering repeated measures of student achievement (e.g., standardized test scores) as nested within students. If students are considered to be nested within teachers, then teacher effectiveness can be incorporated into the model. Impact of Ignoring CCMM Data Structures 3 Under this approach, growth is modeled as varying across students at Level-2 and teachers at Level-3, enabling teachers' effects on student growth to be estimated (Grady & Beretvas, 2010). The use of such a model assumes, however, that students remain perfectly nested within the same teachers for each of the measurement occasions. Unfortunately, longitudinal data sets with educational data in practice typically do not meet this assumption, presenting complications that require use of more complex multilevel modeling techniques. For example, when measuring student growth across grade levels, if students change teachers from one measurement occasion to another, the fundamental assumption that lower level units (students) are purely nested in higher level units (teachers) is violated. In this case the data are considered to have a cross-classified rather than a purely nested data structure. Previous research indicates that modeling cross-classified data as purely nested can result in biased estimates of the random effects variances and standard errors of interest (Luo & Kwok, 2009, 2012; Meyers and Beretvas, 2006). Moreover, there is a further complication that occurs when students encounter multiple teachers within the same school year who contribute to a single test score. If students have more than one teacher in the same subject area, or change classes within a school year, the data are considered to have a multiple membership structure. It is well documented that ignoring multiple membership data structures also can result in biased estimates of the random effects variance components and standard errors of interest (Chung & Beretvas, 2011; Grady & Beretvas, 2010; Goldstein, Burgess, & McConnell, 2007; Leckie, 2009). The body of research documenting the biased estimates that occur when multilevel growth model assumptions are violated has important implications for teacher evaluation systems that use student achievement growth data. In particular, the research suggests that Impact of Ignoring CCMM Data Structures 4 estimates of teacher effects can be biased if the models do not sufficiently account for the complexity of the data structure. If the teacher effects estimates are biased, then the likelihood that teachers will be misclassified within the evaluation system increases. There can be high stakes ramifications associated with such misclassifications; therefore, correctly modeling the complexity of the data structure is critical. Real world longitudinal data sets containing educational data not only contain crossclassified and multiple membership data structures, they often combine both structures within the same data set. To the best of our knowledge, the effects of ignoring cross-classified multiple membership data structure estimates when modeling student achievement growth has not yet been studied. The purpose of this paper therefore is to initiate such an investigation. To investigate the effects of mismodeling cross-classified multiple membership data, we introduce a cross-classified multiple membership growth curve model (CCMM-GCM) to properly account for the complexity of the data structure that extends the cross-classified growth curve model (CC-GCM) developed by Raudenbush and Bryk (2002). We then compare three methods for handling cross-classified multiple membership data structures: 1) a three-level multilevel growth curve model (GCM) that ignores the cross-classified and multiple membership data structures, 2) a CC-GCM that ignores only the multiple membership data structure, and 3) a CCMM-GCM that models the data structure appropriately. The next section of the paper describes these three methods in detail. Background CGM Bryk and Raudenbush (1988) provide a framework for modeling student growth Impact of Ignoring CCMM Data Structures 5 in educational contexts where students are nested within teachers. Under this framework, repeated measures of student outcomes (i.e., Level-1) are viewed as nested in students (Level-2), and students are viewed as nested within teachers (Level-3). Using Raudenbush and Bryk's (2002) formulation, Level-1 of a three-level GCM would be, Yttt = π0tt + π1ttattt + ettt , where Yttt is the outcome score at time t for student i with teacher j, π0tt is the score for student i with teacher j at the time point coded as zero (often the initial measurement), π1tt is the linear growth rate (per academic year in this study) for student i with teacher j, and ettt is the Level-1 residual. The Level-1 residuals are assumed to be normally distributed with a mean of zero (i.e., ettt = N(0,σ2)). At Level-2, the equations would be, � π0tt = β00t + r0tt π1tt = β10t + r1tt , where β00t is the mean score for students with teacher j at the time point coded as zero, r0tt is the random effect for student i with teacher j at time zero, β10t is the mean yearly growth rate for teacher j, and r1tt is the deviation of the yearly growth rate for student i from the mean growth rate for teacher j. The Level-2 random effects are assumed to be normally distributed with means of zero and the following covariance structure: ccc � r0tt r1tt� = � τr00 τr01 τr10 τr11�. At Level-3, the equations would be, � β00t = γ000 + u00t β10t = γ100 + u10t , where γ000 is the grand mean of the outcome across teachers at time zero, u00t is the random effect for teacher j, γ100 is the grand mean growth rate across teachers, u10t is the random effect (3) (1)


Bacteria in natural habitats only occur in consortia together with various other species. Characterization of bacterial species, however, is normally done by laboratory testing of pure isolates. Any interactions that might appear during growth in mixed‐culture are obviously missed by this approach. Existing experimental studies mainly focus on two‐species mixed cultures with species specifically chosen for their known growth characteristics, and their anticipated interactions. Various theoretical mathematical studies dealing with mixed cultures and possible interspecies effects exist, but often models cannot be validated due to a lack of experimental data. Here, we present a concept for the identification of interspecies effects in mixed cultures with arbitrary and unknown single‐species properties. Model structure and parameters were inferred from single‐species experiments for the reproduction of mixed‐culture experiments by simulation. A mixed culture consisting of the three‐species Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Burkholderia cepacia, and Staphylococcus aureus served as a model system. For species‐specific enumeration a quantitative terminal restriction length polymorphism (qT‐RFLP) assay was used. Based on models fitted to single‐species cultivations, the outcome of mixed‐culture experiments was predicted. Deviations of simulation results and experimental findings were then used to design additional single‐cell experiments, to modify the corresponding growth kinetics, and to update model parameters. Eventually, the resulting mixed‐culture dynamics was predicted and compared again to experimental results. During this iterative cycle, it became evident that the observed coexistence of P. aeruginosa and B. cepacia in mixed‐culture chemostat experiments cannot be explained on the basis of glucose as the only substrate. After extension of growth kinetics, that is, for use of amino acids as secondary substrates, mixed‐culture simulations represented the experimental findings very well. According to the model structure, as motivated by single‐species experiments, the growth of P. aeruginosa and B. cepacia on glucose and amino acids could be assumed to be independent of each other. In contrast, both substrates are taken up simultaneously by S. aureus. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011; 108:1900–1911. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


of a particular practical moral problem. It is a very well-chosen problem, one that actually arose, and that led to great controversy at the time. The arguments used on one side or the other in the case are skilfully analysed in order to show how they lead on to various different types of moral theory. These are labelled and classified, Formalistic, Teleological Hedonistic Individualistic, Teleological Perfectionist Universalistic, and so on. Then certain typical representatives of the various views, such as Kant, are summed up and discussed. This seems to me, on the whole, the weakest part of the book. Such brief summaries and discussions of important views are necessarily misleading: potted Kant is not really Kant at all. And we have rightly come to be distrustful of dividing up and labelling under headings such subtle and individual things as philosophical theories. We then get the largest section of the book under the heading of Moral Practice. Here we have interesting discussions of practical moral problems, in which the chief divergent views are adequately and impartially indicated. It is interesting here to contrast Professor Urban's rather advanced views on the right of property with his extremely conservative attitude on sex problems. Here, as elsewhere, he will seem to some a little too apt to appeal uncritically to the "ancient wisdom of the race," and "the healthy common sense of mankind," which may on occasions only be other names for prejudice against unfamiliar ideas. The last section, under the title of Moral Philosophy, deals with the more ultimate postulates of morality, such as Freedom and the existence of God. Here again, though the discussion necessarily remains rather close to the surface all the time, the main issues are well and skilfully indicated. Many of us may wonder whether a general outline of this kind is the right way of introducing students to Philosophy at all. But, granting its desirability, few would doubt that Professor Urban has done it extremely well.


The heart of a scientific data warehouse is its database system, running on a modern distributed platform, and used for both direct interaction with data gathered from experimental devices and management of the derived knowledge using workflow software. However, most (commercial) DBMS offerings cannot fulfill the demanding needs of scientific data management. They fall short in one or more of the following areas: multi-paradigm data models (including support for arrays), transparent data ingestion from, and seamless integration of, scientific file repositories, complex event processing, and provenance. These topics only scratch the surface of the problem. The state of the art in scientific data exploration can be compared with our daily use of search engines. For a large part, search engines rely on guiding the user from their ill-phrased queries through successive refinement to the information of interest. Limited a priori knowledge is required. The sample answers returned provide guidance to drill down, chasing individual links, or to adjust the query terms. The situation in scientific databases is more cumbersome than searching for text, because they often contain complex observational data, eg telescope images of the sky, satellite images of the earth, time series or seismograms, and little a priori knowledge exists. The prime challenge is to find models that capture the essence of this data at both a macro-and micro-scale. The answer is in the database , but the 'Nobel-winning query' is still unknown. Next generation database management engines should provide a much richer repertoire and ease of use experience to cope with the deluge of observational data in a resource-limited setting. Good is good enough as an answer, provided the journey can be continued as long as the user remains interested. We envision seven directions of long term research in database technology: • Data Vaults. Scientific data is usually available in self-descriptive file formats as produced by advanced scientific instruments. The need to convert these formats into relational tables and to explicitly load all data into the DBMS forms a major hurdle for database supported scientific data analysis. Instead, we propose the data vault, a database-attached external file repository. The data vault creates a true symbiosis between a DBMS and existing file-based repositories, and thus provides transparent access to all data kept in the repository through the DBMS's (array-based) query language. • Array support. Scientific data management calls for DBMSs that integrate the genuine scientific data model, multi-dimensional arrays, …


Background : The main problem in primary hypertension is that most people who have been diagnosed with primary hypertension do not know the etiology clearly.To find out the the relation between social status and oral hygiene with quality of life in primary hypertension. Methods :The type of research used was an observational in a cross-sectional study design.The study was conducted in February-May 2021. The number of sampling was 61 people. The sampling method uses purposive sampling technique. The results of data collection were tested by using the Path Analysis test. Results: Research conducted at Padongko Public Health Center in Barru Regency. Based on the results of the analysis of the path analysis of social status tests on primary hypertension, the results obtained p value 0.188> α 0.05, oral hygiene against primary hypertension results obtained p v alue 0.914> α 0.05, this Ha obtained means that there is a the relation but not significant, while social status on quality of life results are obtained p value 0.837> α 0.05, oral hygiene against quality of life results obtained p value 0.227> α 0.05, this Ha obtained means there is the relation but not significant, while the the relation of primary hypertension to quality of life has a significant the relation where the results of p value 0.012 <α 0.05. Conclusion : There is the relation between social status and oral hygiene with quality of life in patients with primary hypertension but does not appear significantly.


INSTRUMENTS. The instruments necessary for the proper performance of this operation are very simple and very few. A special receptacle for the paraffin, as described by Smith, while convenient, is not essential. The syringe is the all-important consideration; an allmetal syringe is to be preferred because of the ease with which it may be absolutely sterilized by boiling. One with the screw worm on the piston rod, and on this the thumb screw that can be attached to the barrel of the syringe, is almost invaluable. The size of the syringe is not so very important; that it be not ungainly in the handling is about the only practical limitation. Smith and many others use one with a capacity of about 90 minims, while Downie employs one that will hold 10 c.c. (2.5 3). The needle should be short and but a little larger in diameter and lumen than is the ordinary hypodermic needle.


Let G be a finite non-abelian group and denote by Z(G) its center. The non-commuting graph of G on a transversal of the center is the graph whose vertices are the non-central elements of a transversal of Z(G) in G and two vertices x and y are adjacent whenever xy=yx. In this work, we classify the finite non-abelian groups whose non-commuting graph on a transversal of the centeris double-toroidal or 1-planar.


Little academic attention is given to the issues of why firm bribery and networks are ubiquitous among SMEs in emerging economies. We propose a conceptual framework that sees bribery by SMEs being ...


The issue of "underachievers" has always been a headache for many English teachers in their teaching.How to tap the infinite learning potential of "underachievers" and how to improve English teaching geared to them? First of all,teachers should straighten out their educational ideas and pay close attention to "underachievers" so as to be aware of the status quo and difficulties of "underachievers",to help them define their learning objective,to cultivate and inspire their interest in learning English,to establish their self-confidence and to let them know the care from teachers.Secondly,teachers should be realistic and rationally arrange their teaching contents in order to enable "underachievers" to learn and willing to learn.Moreover,teachers should also teach students strategies for English learning and make "underachievers" master learning skills so that they can actually improve their academic records.


Abstract In order to investigate section capacities of thick‐wall cold formed steel with square and rectangular hollow cross‐sections, experiments were carried out on mechanical properties of the flat coupons, corner coupons, parent steel coupons and full section stub columns. Strain hardening of cold forming thick‐wall cold formed sections was investigated. The stub column test strengths were compared with the design compressive strengths specified by the Australian/New Zealand and Chinese standards for the design of the cold formed steel structural members respectively. It has been shown that the strength predicted by the Australian/New Zealand standard using material properties and that forecasted by the Chinese standard based on the average design yield stress of the full section are a little conservative. The two mean strengths predicted by Australian/New Zealand standard based on the mean design yield stress and forecasted by the Chinese standard using material properties tests are identical, which are superior to the present thick‐wall cold formed steel tubes because of their safety and economy.


The invention relates to a battery module for a battery system comprising at least two battery modules, where each battery module is provided with a module monitoring unit (13) arranged to monitor at least one performance related parameter for each secondary cell (14) in the battery module. Parameters relating to the performance for each battery module are stored in a memory on the respective module monitoring unit (13). The invention further relates to an energy storage system with a battery pack comprising such a battery monitoring unit (11) for monitoring the battery pack and a modular system of battery packs, each comprising at least two replaceable, interchangeable battery modules (12). Said energy storage system can further comprise super- or ultracapacitor modules.


The use of intraoperative ultrasonography in urology was exclusive in open stone surgery to search for residual stones. However, this procedure may applied successfully to renal cancer, if parenchyma-sparing resection or enucleation should performed. Our experience in 6 cases show the helpful use of intraoperative ultrasonography in the judgement of normal parenchyma.


This article evaluates an industry-funded nutrition education program, Exercise Your Options, provided to junior high school children in California by the Dairy Council of California (DCC). The program consists of education materials provided to teachers to assist in teaching about nutritional topics. We make use of food records from before and after the program, along with records from a control group, to estimate the effects on consumption patterns of learning about nutrition. DCC's activities are funded through a per-unit assessment on California milk, making the returns to producers an interesting topic in light of recent controversy over marketing orders. This article compares the benefits to the dairy industry to the cost of the program to the dairy industry. Under a number of reasonable assumptions, the benefits to dairy producers from increased milk consumption outweigh the costs of the program. lEcon-Lit citations: D120, I120, Q130, Q180r © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


The S block is a low-middle porosity and low-middle permeability reservoir. This paper studied the operation parameters for steam flooding with the combination of vertical and horizontal wells by numerical simulation. The result shows that the optimum operation parameters are as following: the vertical distance is 15 m between the vertical well and horizontal well, and the vertical distance is 7 m between the horizontal well and reservoir bottom; after eight cycles of vertical well and six cycles of horizontal well, formation pressure dropped down to 5 MPa; the best steam injection rate is 84 m3/d, downhole steam dryness is greater than 40%, and production-injection ratio is 1.2. These optimum operation parameters make the steam flooding effective in S block, enhance the oil recovery factor, also provide reliable theoretical basis of operation parameters for steam flooding with the combination of vertical and horizontal wells in other similar reservoirs, and have very good reference significance.


Spider mite population growth and dispersion patterns in field corn were analyzed over three growing seasons in the Texas High Plains. Infestation loci were distributed randomly during the early season, suggesting that fields were initially infested by windborne spider mites. Taylor's power law and Iwao's regression models indicated that spider mites were aggregated throughout the corn-growing season; Green's coefficient showed that the level of spider mite aggregation decreased during this same time. The potential for binomial sampling of spider mites was investigated.


The microscopic study of nine species of local woody plants used as fuel in the Piedra Parada Valley (Province of Chubut, Argentina), is presented. The purpose of the paper is to give the main anatomical characteristics of their woods, in order to aid in their identification in the archaeological contexts of the Patago-


Title: Some Get Mad, Others Get Sad: the Mediating Role of Jealousy in Female Undergraduate Students' Experiences with Romantic Relational Aggression, Author: Steven Arnocky, Location: Thode


A new type of pressure-drop-reducing structure was installed on the specific position of the discharge tube of the cyclone separator with a volute inlet,and the pressure drop of the cyclone separator could be reduced 22% and comprehensive efficiency factor could be raised 25% or above.Based on the flow field research on annular space of the cyclone separator with a volute inlet,reasons of reducing pressure drop with the separation efficiency maintaining invariable were analyzed


G. Symon, C. Cassell, R. Dickson, Expanding Our Research and Practice Through Innovative Research Methods. J. Hartley, J. Benington, Co-research: A New Methodology for New Times. G. Symon, Everyday Rhetoric: Argument and Persuasion in Everyday Life. V. Carrero, J.M. Peiro, M. Salanova, Studying Radical Organizational Innovation Through Grounded Theory. B. Smith, D. O'Flynn, The Use of Qualitative Strategies in Participant and Emancipatory Research to Evaluate Disability Service Organizations. H. Lansisalmi, J.M. Peiro, M. Kivimaki, Collective Stress and Coping in the Context of Organizational Culture. C. Cassell, P. Close, J. Duberley, P. Johnson, Surfacing Embedded Assumptions: Using Repertory Grid Methodology to Facilitate Organizational Change. H.P. Dachler, Commentary - Taking Qualitative Methods a (Radical) Step Forward? B. Kandola, Practitioner Commentary. N. King, Making Ourselves Heard - The Challenges Facing Advocates of Qualitative Research in Work and Organizational Psychology.


Subject
 The state of the Libyan Investment Authority.

 Significance
 The overseas investments of the Libyan Investment Authority (LIA) have been frozen by UN sanctions since 2011. Sanctions were imposed at first to prevent LIA funds being used by the former leader Muammar al-Qadhafi and subsequently maintained to prevent misuse of funds during conflict and political crisis since 2014. Leadership and control of the LIA has been contested within Tripoli and by the eastern-based House of Representatives (HoR).

 Impacts
 Threats or physical attacks on the LIA headquarters and its management remain possible.
 LIA efforts to secure control of its investments may provide opportunities for advisory services.
 The GNA will try to maintain positive relations with the LIA.


On 3rd November 2020, Ant Group's world record-setting initial public offering in Shanghai and Hong Kong was surprisingly suspended. In fact, there have been major shifts regarding China's policies toward privately-owned enterprises (POEs) recently. This study aims to examine the factors behind the rise and fall of Chinese POEs. Based on a Robust Least Squares model, this study finds that China's economic freedom and economic conditions are significantly associated with the growth of POEs. Finally, this study discusses recent policies and their implications for the Chinese economy.


This article recounts the collaboration between a music librarian and a music history professor, who worked together to craft a challenging historiography assignment for music majors. We shared two goals: getting the students to perform new and advanced research using sources and techniques previously unknown to them, and teaching them that the reception of a piece or composer changes over time and place. This project and its outcomes may serve as a useful model for integrating research into music history classes, making students aware of how history gets written, and forging a successful collaboration between librarian and professor.


With the advancement of information technology, the traffic and scale of airborne networks, especially the military airborne networks, are growing rapidly. How to efficiently schedule the airborne network traffic to improve the bandwidth utilization and meet the quality of service (QoS) needs of different services have become an urgent issue to be addressed. Software-defined networking (SDN) is a new network paradigm, which completely separates the network control plane and data plane, and controls the network logically. With these new features, it is possible for SDN to control network flows with higher efficiency and flexibility. However, existing airborne network equipment does not support the SDN technology, and it is difficult to upgrade the equipment in a short period. Therefore, it becomes necessary to study the traffic scheduling method considering a heterogeneous scenario with the coexistence of SDN airborne nodes and traditional IP-based airborne nodes. This paper puts forward a dynamic traffic scheduling algorithm for heterogeneous software-defined airborne network, which can improve the bandwidth utilization and network transmission efficiency of airborne networks.


Abstract
 This article provides a critical account of the ways in which the funding for, and political justifications underlying, sport policy in the United Kingdom have shifted from concerns to provide 'Sport for All' opportunities for the generality of the population, and at various times for targeted groups in particular, to a peculiarly sharp twofold focus. Namely: (i) the promotion of the 'active citizen' through social investment strategies that have children and young people as their principal target; and (ii) a 'no compromise' approach to winning (Olympic) medals and trophies on the international stage. In utilizing the theoretical perspectives of 'policy as discourse' and 'storylines', the analysis thus interrogates, and goes some way towards answering, questions raised in the literature regarding the 'demise' of Sport for All related programmes and activities. The conclusions consider some of the potential ramifications of this sharpened twofold policy focus for sport policymakers, management professionals and practitioners alike.


This paper presents a study of a phase-out direct TRU transmutation strategy consisting on several phases with an evolving deployment of reprocessing and transmutation plants. Detailed EVOLCODE reactor calculations (Monte Carlo transport + fuel depletion) combined with a scheme for the transmutation plant and reprocessing facilities deployment is presented for a case with a total amount of TRUs of 100 t of heavy metal coming from a standard LWR with an average burn-up of 40 GWd/T HM. The presented results include the required reprocessing capacity, the profile of the installed power for the proposed ADS deployment, the evolution of the fuel composition and the evaluation of the wastes going to the final repository. Several aspect discussed in this paper for the phase-out scenario also apply for other time dependent P&T scenarios like the approach to the equilibrium and the scenarios of transitions between different fuel cycles (LWR to IFR).


Introduction: Job satisfaction is an employee's positive emotional response to their job or aspects of their job.It greatly
determines the productivity and efficiency of human resources for health and is linked with the work environment, job
responsibilities and powers, and time pressure among various health professionals. Objectives: The objective of the
study is to assess the level of job satisfaction and to find out associations between levels of job satisfaction with their
selected variables. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted. Altogether, there were 70
teachers during the data collection period from 2019/09/16 to 2019/09/27. The institutional census method (total
enumerated sampling) was used to select the campus and a self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data.
Filled-up questionnaires were edited,cleaned,coded on a daily basis,entered into the computer system,and analyzed
using SPSS software. Results: Study results showed that among the 70 respondents, more than half were 30-40 years of
age group (61.4%),had master's level education (57.1%) and the majority of them were married (81.4%) and almost all
of them (98.6%) were female.It is found that 58.6% of the respondents were ambivalent,37.1% were satisfied and 4.3%
were dissatisfied with their job. The level of job satisfaction is somewhat statistically significant with affiliated
to/constituent (p=0.056). Conclusion: From the result, it is concluded that a large proportion of respondents were
ambivalent about their job. Quantitative research was carried out in this study but as job satisfaction is the intangible
perception of an individual so the mixed approach would be far better.


Introduction. (a) In 1925, Hasse [2] proved the following existence theorem: Let K be a field of algebraic numbers, and P1, _ P., prime ideals of the ring A of algebraic integers of K; for each i = 1, ..., s denote by K, = A/P1 the residue class field of A modulo Pi. Suppose given, for each i = 1, ... s, gi positive integers ei 1, . ,eig and g, (n-on necessarily distinct) algebraic extensions Kii K, of finite degree fi1 (j = 1, ...,g9) in such a way that


High amylose corn starch was hydrolysed with HCl at 40 °C for 0.5-2.0 h. Then the native and acid-modified starch samples were subjected to 2 different heat treatments (HT). In HT1, heat treated/autoclaved samples were dried after storage and in HT2, heat treated/autoclaved samples were dried without storage. Relative quantities of high- and medium-molecular weight fractions decreased and relative quantities of low-molecular weight fractions increased as a result of acid modification. Resistant starch (RS) contents of the acid-modified starches were between 15.7-16.4% and increased up to 29.4% due to HT1 and up to 17.5% due to HT2. The results indicated that RS contents of the high amylose starch can be increased by HT and storing prior to drying. Rapid ViscoAnalayser viscosity values decreased as the acid modification level increased. Water absorption and solubility values of the samples prepared with both heat treatments were higher than those of the native starch and hydrolysates. Emulsifying capacity/...


I WISH to express my deep appreciation for the opportunity of serving as the president of the Boylston Society during its sesquicentennial year. I am very mindful of the honor of delivering the presidential address on this memorable occasion. As I do so, I look toward the latter half of the Society's second century. Among the many problems facing medicine in the years ahead, I have selected one about which something may be done and which will concern us all — specialists, general physicians and research workers. The question is, "How can we maintain contact with medical knowledge?" * * . . .


Introduction: Sensitive mother-infant interactions are important predictors of long-term mother-infant relationship, which is one factor having a positive impact on infant development. Considering preterm infants' immaturity, mother-infant interactions and maternal sensitivity may not develop optimally. A systematic review showed that current evidence on the effectiveness of parent-infant interventions promoting parental sensitivity in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is of low to very low quality.

Objective: The objective of this paper is to report the development process of a novel nursing intervention, using a theory and evidence-based approach, to enhance maternal sensitivity and preterm infant neurodevelopment in the NICU.

Methods: The Medical Research Council's guidance to develop and evaluate complex health interventions, that is an evidence and theory-based approach, was used for this study. Thus, based on the MRC framework, three main steps were conducted: 1- Identifying existing empirical evidence; 2- Identifying and developing theory; 3- Modeling processes and outcomes.

Results: We developed a guided participation intervention for mothers to participate in their preterm infant's care and positioning ('GP_Posit'). 'GP_Posit' is based upon the Attachment theory, the Guided Participation theory as well as the Synactive theory of development.

Conclusion: This novel intervention is being tested in a pilot randomized controlled trial (NCT03677752).


1. A method of treating a pathological condition of nails in a patient in need of such treatment with a drug, wherein the reducing agent first composition and a second composition of an oxidizing agent and a separately applied sequentially to said patient a nail in the manner of application of the first composition followed by applying a second composition, wherein said medicament disposed in said first composition to the second composition, or, optionally, in a third composition, and wherein said nd medicament is added to said reducing and oxidizing agents. ! 2. A method according to Claim. 1 in which a simple combination of these two compositions can lead to an extreme reaction, and wherein each individual composition is pharmaceutically acceptable for application to the nails. ! 3. The method of claim. 1, wherein said reducing agent is selected from the group consisting of ammonium thioglycolate, calcium thioglycolate, sodium thioglycolate, thioglycolic acid, dithiothreitol, ascorbic acid, hydroquinone, mercaptoethanol, glutathione, L-cysteine, taurine, aminometansulfonovoy acid , cysteic acid tsisteinsulfinovoy acid, ethanedisulfonic acid, ethanesulfonic acid, gomotaurina, hypotaurine, isethionic acid, mercaptoethane sulfonic acid, N-methyltaurine and their simple derivatives. ! 4. The method of claim. 3, wherein said derivative is a simple salt. ! 5. The method of claim. 3, wherein said reducing agent is thioglycolic acid or a derivative thereof. ! 6. The method of claim. 1, wherein said oxidizing


Deforestation and forest degradation, mainly in areas with high carbon density, is one of the most important source of greenhouse gases (GHG). The impact of deforestation on carbon storage in total biomass and its CO2 emissions is analyzed in four land covers in the Santuario de Fauna y Flora Iguaque (SFFI), Boyacá, Colombia. A total of 32 temporal sampling plots (TSP) of 250m2 was established to measure trees with diameter at breast height (dbh) ³ 10 cm whereas 17 TSP of 36m2 were established to measure total and stipe height of all frailejones (Espeletia boyacensis Cuatrec, E. tunjana Cuatrec and E. cf. Incana). Above and belowground biomass was estimated with allometric models, whereas carbon was calculated using the 0.47 fraction. The sampling area was proportional to the area of each land cover: open heathlands and moorlands (OMH), dense heathlands and moorlands (DMH), broad-leaved forest with continuous canopy, not on mire (BFCC), natural grassland prevailingly without trees and shrubs (NSWT). BFCC and DMH showed higher carbon storage in biomass (55 and 27Mg C/ha, respectively). SFFI stored around 135.9Gg C, from which 25-38Gg CO2e could be emitted to the atmosphere in the 20 next years if the deforestation rates continue. BFCC and OMH are the covers with the highest potential of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Therefore, prioritizing the preservation of these ecosystems by Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) programs, is a key to counter the effects of climate change and ensure the supply of ecosystemic services that support local communities' livelihoods.


Background Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) are benign masses that require detection of macroscopic fat for accurate diagnosis. Purpose To evaluate fat material-specific images derived from dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) to diagnose renal AML. Material and Methods This retrospective case-control study evaluated 25 renal AML and 44 solid renal masses (41 renal cell carcinomas, three other tumors) imaged with rapid-kVp-switch DECT (120 kVp non-contrast-enhanced [NECT], 70-keV corticomedullary [CM], and 120-kVp nephrographic [NG]-phase CECT) during 2017–2018. A radiologist measured attenuation (Hounsfield Units [HU]) on NECT, CM-CECT, NG-CECT, and fat concentration (mg/mL) using fat-water base-pair images. Results At NECT, 100% (44/44) non-AML and 4.0% (1/25) AML measured >–15 HU. At CM-CECT and NG-CECT, 24.0% (6/25) and 20.0% (5/25) AML measured >–15 HU (size 6–20 mm). To diagnose AML, area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) using –15 HU was: 0.98 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.98–1.00) NECT, 0.88 (95% CI 0.79–0.91) CM-CECT, and 0.90 (95% CI 0.82–0.98) NG-CECT. At DECT, fat concentration was higher in AML (163.7 ± 333.9 [–553.0 to 723.5] vs. –2858.1 ± 460.3 [–2421.2 to –206.0] mg/mL, P<0.001). AUC to diagnose AML using ≥–206.0 mg/mL threshold was 0.98 (95% CI 0.95–1.0) with sensitivity/specificity of 92.0%/96.7%. Of AML, 8.0% (2/25) were incorrectly classified; one of these was fat-poor. AUC was higher for fat concentration compared to HU measurements on CM-CECT and NG-CECT (P=0.009–0.050) and similar to NECT (P=0.98). Conclusion DECT material-specific fat images can help confirm the presence of macroscopic fat in renal AML which may be useful to establish a diagnosis if unenhanced CT is unavailable.


Objective: Examine the relationship between scores achieved on the SLUMS and the Wechsler Memory Scale – III (WMS-III) 5 . Design and Participants: 100 Social Security Administration (SSA)-disability adult claimants were administered both instruments. Results: The total score on the SLUMS correlated highly with the total score of the WMS-III, r (98) = .73, p < .001. All subtests of the WMS-III also correlated significantly with the SLUMS. Conclusions: Many questions concerning neurocognitive functions can be addressed via the SLUMS when determinations of such abilities are desired, but the time allotted for a thorough evaluation such as is typical of a detailed neuropsychological evaluation, has not been authorized or is not a possibility. Low scores on the SLUMS could serve as the rationale for a more detailed neuropsychological assessment. These results supplement another recent study showing that scores on the SLUMS correlate well with scores on other neuropsychological tests.


This work presents the procedures for preparing SiO2, SnO2 and Al2O3 ceramic materials and also their catalytic properties for the reforming reactions of methane and methanol. The analyses of the carbonaceous residues suggest that the structural modification of the catalyst can minimize the deactivation effect upon them.


The recent article by Thornton and Lubowski 1 in this journal outlined a range of issues associated with obstetric injury and subsequent incontinence. The paper raised a number of issues, including the level of information provided to women about risk factors for postnatal incontinence and the safety of midwifery care, birth centres and home birth in relation to safety and quality of care. The aim of this paper is to expand the debate. We argue that the issue of 'obstetric-induced incontinence' is not as straightforward as presented in the paper by Thornton and Lubowski 1 and, in fact, midwifery care is often associated with practices that can lessen this morbidity.


A blend of herbal extracts (Weighlevel® One; a mixture of extracts from the leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris, Olea europaea, Mentha longifolia and from the seeds of Cuminum cyminum) taken once per day has previously been shown to be effective in producing weight loss in healthy volunteers. The aim of the present study was to confirm if the effects previously observed are reproducible in a second cohort of healthy volunteers. Thirty adult subjects were randomized to consume the herbal blend (n = 15) or placebo (n = 15) once per day for 8 weeks. Weight and waist circumference were assessed weekly. The primary endpoint was the change from baseline in body weight for the herbal blend group compared with placebo. Secondary assessments included waist circumference, appetite, craving, bowel health, and safety and tolerability. Treatment with the herbal blend for 8 weeks produced progressive and significant reductions in weight. Corresponding statistically significant reductions in body mass index and waist circumference were also observed. Weight loss with this herbal extract was similar to that observed in previous studies thus demonstrating a reproducible effect. Daily administration of this blend of herbal extracts supports weight loss.


Many previous studies have formulated the decision-making problems in transportation system planning and management as single-objective bilevel optimization models. However, real-world decision-making processes always have several social concerns and thus multiple objectives need to be achieved simultaneously. In most cases, these objective functions conflict with each other and are also not simple enough to be combined into a single one. Therefore it is necessary to apply multiobjective optimization to generate non-dominated or Pareto optimal alternatives. It can be foreseen that the multiobjective bilevel modeling approach can become a powerful, and possibly interactive, decision tool, allowing the decision-makers to learn more about the problem before committing to a final decision. Such multiobjective bilevel models are difficult to solve due to their intrinsic nonconvexity and multiple objectives. This paper consequently proposes a solution algorithm for the multiobjective bilevel models using genetic algorithms. The proposed algorithm is illustrated, using the numerical example taken from the previous study. It is found that the proposed algorithm is efficient to search simultaneously the Pareto optimal solutions.


UNLABELLED
We conducted several aviary experiments to investigate the influence of colours in quantity judgments of two species of birds; house crow (Corvus splendens) and common myna (Acridotheres tristis). Different quantity (in seven different food proportions) of mealworms were presented nonsequentially to all birds using artificially coloured red mealworms, for experiment 1, and using artificially coloured green mealworms, for experiment 2. Both red and green coloured mealworms have no significant effect on house crow's quantity judgments (red:

ANOVA
F6,30 = 1.748, p = 0.144; and green:

ANOVA
F6,30= 1.085, p = 0.394). Common myna, however, showed a strong influence of red colour in their quantity judgment (

ANOVA
F6,30 = 2.922, p = 0.023) as they succeeded in choosing the largest amount of food between two cups, but not when offered food using green coloured mealworms (

ANOVA
F6,30 = 1.183, p = 0.342). In the next experiment, we hypothesised that both house crow and common myna will prefer red coloured food items over green coloured food items, when factors such as the amount of food is equal. We chose to test red and green colours because both colours play an important role in most avian food selections. Results showed that there were no significant differences in the selection of red or green coloured mealworms for both house crows (

ANOVA
F6,30 = 2.310, p = 0.06) and common myna (

ANOVA
F6,30 = 0.823, p = 0.561).


In this paper, a novel interleaving control strategy for DC/DC converters is proposed and applied to a new isolated DC-DC converter configuration with two paralleled half-bridge structure at the primary side and a new rectification method at the secondary side of the transformers, aiming at to optimize the design of transformers and reduce the rectifier diodes voltage stresses. The concept of this new control scheme is to interleave the gate signals with an angle in two identical PWM controlled half-bridges. The two half-bridges work alternatively when the input voltage is high, but in series when the input voltage is low. The rectifier diode voltage stresses are reduced distinctly. The operation principle and key features of the proposed interleaving control scheme are illustrated and experimentally verified by a 50 V/10 A prototype


Rudge and Seaton's theory of impact ionization is extended to ion-atom collisions. Calculations are carried out for the angular and energy distribution of electrons ejected from hydrogen atoms by high-energy protons. Our results differ appreciably from those of the conventional Born approximation when the ejected electron has a velocity close to that of the incident proton.


Zinc coatings immersed in a silver-containing black chromating solution acquire a mixed potential characteristic of zinc dissolution and the deposition of a chromium hydroxide layer. Computer models predict the dissolution of zinc and deposition of a chromium oxide film. Internal tensile stresses develop in the chromate coating, which increase with immersion time or chromate thickness. Secondary electron and y-modulation imaging shows development of microcracks within the surface layers of the chromate film as a result of tensile stresses. Stresses in the chromate coating are higher with a concomitant increase in microcrack density if residual organic film from the plating process is not removed prior to chromating.


In article formation of culture and art life in the Kazakhstan city of Aktobe is considered. The factors promoting this development are shown, stages of construction and feature of formation of culture, art education and art in administrative the center of the Aktyubinsk area of the Republic of Kazakhstan are presented. Influence of the Russian culture on development of architecture, theatrical and exhibition activity is emphasized.


Field data were collected at 54 small stream head loss structures in northeastern Illinois to evaluate weir and spillway aeration characteristics. The British dam aeration equation, which employs the use of an aeration coefficient (b), is used as a model to calibrate each head loss structure. The head loss structures are categorized according to basic physical configurations; nine generalized classes are presented. The aeration coefficients vary widely within classes due to seemingly small or subtle differences in structural design or overall physical condition. Spillways having the same basic geometric design may exhibit widely divergent aeration coefficients depending upon conditions at the toe or apron. Hydraulic jumps built into toes produce significantly higher b‐values than those similarly constructed but without hydraulic jumps. The nine dam categories are assigned aeration coefficients which represent the median value observed within each grouping. These values are suitable for use in preliminary ...


It has been reported that sperm cells of different bulls may differ in their ability to fertilize oocytes and/or to develop until blastocyst stage. Likewise, different conception rates (CR) can be obtained according to the semen utilized, evidencing the "bull effect". However, few studies have utilized the same semen batches for in vitro embryo production (IVP) and Timed-AI (TAI). Hence, this study aimed to compare the reproductive performance of seminal batches used in these both reproductive programs. Frozen semen doses of nine Angus bulls and a heterospermic Angus bull semen were utilized. One batch of each bull was evaluated. To assess field fertility, the 10 batches were randomly assigned to insemination of 1024 multiparous Nelore cows, which were submitted to the same TAI protocol. The CR was assessed by ultrasonography 45 days after AI. To assess in vitro fertility, the same semen batches used in the field (TAI) were used for IVP. In order to perform the IVPs, only grade I oocytes obtained from slaughterhouse ovaries were matured and fertilized with Percoll-selected semen with a final concentration adjusted to 1 x 106 sperm/mL. Sixty oocytes were fertilized for each semen dose. The presumptive zygotes were cultured until day 7, when blastocyst rates were evaluated. Three replicates of IVP were performed for each semen batch. Statistical differences for CR at TAI between bulls were analyzed by logistic regression (GLIMMIX). The IVP data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey test. Significance level was 5 %. Overall CR at TAI was 48.1% (n = 1024) and IVP outcome was 36.6% (n = 30). Regarding to field fertility (TAI) results, semen from bull 2 (40.0%; n = 120) presented lower (P 0.05) compared to the bulls mentioned above. On the other hand, at IVP, bulls 1 (23.7 ± 0.06%) and 2 (23.9 ± 0.03%) demonstrated lower (P 0.05) were observed for in vitro fertility compared to the animals mentioned above. It was concluded that only the heterospermic semen presented higher reproductive performance for both in vivo and in vitro fertility outcomes. Additionally, it was observed that bulls which demonstrated better blastocyst rates at IVP not necessarily presented better CR at TAI. Therefore, our efforts remain focused on understanding the underlying physiology involved in the "bull effect" as well as in sperm characteristics most closely correlated with sire fertility.


The technology of Geographic Information System (GIS) and visual simulation applied in large irrigation district informatization was explored. The paper expatiated on how to combine GIS and visual simulation, visualize and simulate the spatial and temporal data of distributed interactive simulation system. A spatial information organization approach of two-dimensional maps and three-dimensional scenes was researched and implemented. Based on this approach, a large irrigation district management system was introduced.


Rural development advocates are increasingly favouring policies that recognise community land rights in Indonesia, suggesting that recognition will protect forests and support livelihoods. In this article, we examine the effects of recognition by asking who benefits, and to what extent recognition impacts on livelihoods. Our case study focuses on an iconic site, the Kajang community of South Sulawesi, because advocates often point to that community as a model case. Based on over three years of field research on tenure and conflict among the Kajang, we highlight the discrepancy between the effects of recognition and existing livelihood realities. We show that communal territory in Kajang is a site of contestation, entangled in conflict over who can claim cultivation rights. We thus argue that representation of Kajang as harmonious forest communities governed by communal tenure is misleading. As advocates continue to promote similar policies elsewhere, we show that this kind of misrepresentation serves to further obscure the lingering land insecurity of rural Indonesians.


A pictorial retrospective of NASA's first 25 years is presented. The Space Shuttle, manned space flight, space sciences, aeronautical research, and Earth orbit applications are discussed.