The present invention relates to a non-invasive pressure measuring apparatus which measures a current value used in compensating for a gap according to the pressure inside a tube which is included in the inner side in order to convert pressure. A non-invasive pressure measuring apparatus prepared thereby has a cross section bent in a "C" shape in order to accommodate a tube for passing a fluid inside, and comprises an elastic plate which has a slit formed on one side thereof and has magnetism; a coil which is wound in a longitudinal direction of the elastic plate; a width detecting sensor which detects the gap of the slit; a control unit which is connected to the width detecting sensor and outputs current to the coil in order to be restored to the original position when the gap of the slit is widened; and a calculation unit which measures the outputted current value from the control unit and converts the pressure of the fluid inside the tube. [Reference numerals] (100) Elastic plate;(200) Coil;(300) Width detection sensor;(400) Control unit;(410) Power supply means;(500) Calculation unit


A key problem in many data integration tasks is that data is often in the wrong format and needs to be converted into a different format. This can be a very time consuming and tedious task. In this paper we propose an approach that can learn data transformations automatically from examples. Our approach not only identifies the transformations that are consistent with all examples, but also recommends the transformations that most likely transform the rest of unseen data correctly. The experimental results show that in six transformation scenarios our approach produces good results.


Very long instruction word (VLIW) processors are generally implemented as clustered architectures in order to reduce delay, area and power when function units increase. However, a side effect of clustered architectures is processor performance degradation, due to additional latency and copy operations from data transfers between these clusters. Therefore, appropriate scheduling algorithms must be applied to overcome this. This paper presents a new register-file-connectivity clustered VLIW (RFCC-VLIW) architecture, in which a global register file is used to transfer data between clusters. Using the global register file, latency and copy operations can be eliminated. Additionally, the paper presents a scheduling algorithm for the RFCC-VLIW architecture. The two-dimension force-directed algorithm can assign instructions evenly to all clusters and reduce usage of ports and global registers. Experimental results show our algorithm outperforms other scheduling algorithms for clustered VLIW when targeted toward RFCC-VLIW architectures.


Polarization is an inherent property of light. By deconstructing the relation between the incident and transmitting polarization states, the crucial information about the composition and structure of the interacting materials can be obtained, and thus polarization information shows high research value and application potential. In recent years, research areas, such as polarization imaging and polarization information, are flourishing and attracting wide attention of scholars all over the world. A key of these research fields is the acquisition of polarization information with high efficiency. However, conventional methods for acquisition of polarization information have various shortcomings, restricting the development of polarization information. Metasurface technology provides people with an opportunity to artificially change the phase, amplitude and polarization of light wave, with characteristics of miniaturization and integration. Firstly the polarization-information acquisition and the circular-polarization detector based on Archimedes spiral structure were introduced. Then the progress of polarization-information acquisition based on metasurface in recent years, including metal metasurface polarization detector, all-dielectric metasurface polarization detector, and polarization imagings was summarized. At last, the research status and development trend of the polarization-information acquisition technology based on metasurface were discussed.


Fund Organisational Audit team (KFOA),to take a multidisciplinary view of quality improvement in primary care. Despite the title of the day all the speakers were general practitioners and managers, and input from other professional groups was limited to questions and comments from the audience of nearly 200. KFOAstarted as a project within the Quality Improvement Programme of the King's Fund in 1989, to "determine whether a national approach


The zonal structures of porphyritic plagioclases in the dacitic rocks from Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, can be divided according to the ranges in size into the three types as follows: (1) 0.5-4.0mm in size; they are made of anorthite core and mantle of intermediate composition, the later forming even oscillatory zoning, (2) 0.5mm± in size; they have an even oscillatory type of zoning as a whole, ranging from An65 to An42 in composition, (3) microphenocryst; they have the simplest zoning, for example, An48_??_44, An42-54, An55_??_44, etc. The first type is most interesting from genetic point of view. From its volumetric relation and the charcter of zoning, the crystallizing stage of the mantle of this type is inferred to correspond to that of the second type. The author believes that the anorthite core should have crystallized out from the basaltic magma, which changed its composition to dacitic as a result of contamination of granitic materials in the country rocks, and that this process have resulted in abrupt change of composition in the mantle of the larger phenocrysts. The zonal structures of second and third types can be simply explained as the result of the fractional crystallization in the contaminated dacitic magmas. Some geological and petrological significance of these zoned plagioclases is dicussed in detail.


Multiple-access interference (MAI) limits the bit error rate (BER) performance of CDMA uplink transmission. In this paper, we propose a generalized chip-interleaved CDMA with 2-dimensional (2D) spreading using orthogonal variable spreading factor (OVSF) codes to minimize the MAI effects and achieve the maximum available timeand frequency-domain diversity gains. We present the code assignment for 2D spreading to provide users with flexible multi-rate data transmission. A computer simulation shows that by the joint use of 2D OVSF spreading and chip-interleaving, MAI-free transmission is possible for the quasi-synchronous DSor MC-CDMA uplink, and hence the single-user frequency-domain equalization based on the MMSE criterion can be applied for signal detection. The BER performance in a timeand frequencyselective fading multiuser channel is theoretically analyzed and evaluated by both numerical computation and computer simulation. key words: CDMA, multi-rate, uplink transmission, chip interleaving, 2dimensional OVSF spreading


Abstract: 1‐[2‐(4‐Aminophenyl)ethyl]‐4‐(3‐trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine (PAPP) inhibits [3H]5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) binding to 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT1B sites in rat brain with apparent equilibrium dissociation constants (KD) of 2.9 and 328 nM, respectively. [3H]PAPP was synthesized, its binding to central serotonin receptors was examined, and its potential usefulness as a 5‐HT1A receptor radioligand was evaluated. With either 10 μM 5‐HT or 1 μM 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin to define nonspecific binding, [3H]PAPP bound to a single class of sites in rat cortical membranes with a KD of 1.6 nM and a maximal binding density (Bmax) of 162 fmol/mg of protein. d‐Lysergic acid diethylamide and 5‐HT, two nonselective inhibitors of [3H]5‐HT binding, displaced 1 nM [3H]PAPP with a potency that matched their affinity for 5‐HT1 receptors. Spiperone and 8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propylamino)tetralin, two compounds that discriminate [3H]5‐HT binding to 5‐HT1A and 5‐HT1B sites, inhibited [3H]PAPP binding in accordance with their much higher affinities for the 5‐HT1A receptor subtype. Furthermore, the ability of N‐(m‐trifluoromethylphenyl)piperazine and ketanserin to inhibit [3H]PAPP binding reflected their low affinities for the 5‐HT1A receptor. Several nonserotonergic compounds were also found to be relatively poor displacers of [3H]PAPP binding. The regional distribution of serotonin‐sensitive [3H]PAPP sites correlated with the densities of 5‐HT1A receptors in the cortex, hippocampus, corpus striatum, and cerebellum of the rat. These results indicate that [3H]PAPP binds selectively and with high affinity to 5‐HT1A receptor sites in rat brain.


In this thesis we study the independent sets of Knr , the weak product of n complete graphs on r vertices, which are close to be of maximum size. We review the previously known results. For constant r and arbitrary n, it was known that every such independent set is close to some independent set of maximum size. We prove that this statement holds for arbitrary r and n. The proof involves some techniques from Fourier analysis of Boolean functions on Znr . In fact we show that when most of the 2-norm weight of the Fourier expansion of a Boolean function on Znr is concentrated on the first two levels, then the function can be approximated by a Boolean function that depends only on one coordinate. A stronger analogue of this has been proven by Jean Bourgain for Zn2 . We present an expanded version of his proof in this thesis.


This paper presents a torque and flux control method for an induction motor drive. The control method uses the torque and speed estimation to control the load angle and to obtain the appropriate flux vector trajectory from which the voltage vector is directly derived based on direct torque control methods. The voltage vector is then generated by a hybrid multilevel inverter with lower power electronic components. The inverter high quality output voltage which leads to a high quality IM performances. Besides, the MLI switching losses is very low due to most of the power cell switches are operating at nearly fundamental frequency. Some selected simulation results for are presented. Index Term-Direct Torque Control, Induction Motor drive, hybrid multilevel inverter.


This paper aims to introduce the author's research on the fire risk assessment method regardless of the effect of fire fighting power. The main purpose is to ascertain the important part a city should play. The suggested method can also be used to discriminate the unit under the fire risk through comparison to the real risk to a single target. Therefore the assessment results can be used to evaluate the ability of a city's fire-withstanding power and that of the fire-fighting departments' fire-stamping strength. Based on the above study and reference ideas in the field, the fire risk index system has been constructed by the Index Method and Analytic Hierarchy Process starting with the analysis of the fire-occurring factors and fire-rescue restriction of urban single targets. The complexity of the architectural construction in the urban areas has been taken into full consideration. The human and fire load index are the main factors that reflect the fire degree in the single target system, the construction form and water source also serve as the main factors restricting the strength of fire-attacking. Surrounding environment reflects the fire risk coupling each other, and so does the fire fighting device and administration of the fire prevention control reflect the ability of rescuing actions themselves. The fire risk faced by the single targets is also used to represent the risk vectors consisting of human risk and property risk. Thus it can be said that the fire risks to a different single target are quantitatively compared with each other and the total urban fire risks to the single target can easily be worked out. Based on the single target fire risk vectors and the linear weighted models, a new and efficient evaluation model with the tree-like structure has been established for calculating the urban fire risk levels. When the model was successfully applied to some experimental regions, the results indicate that it proves to be reasonable for the urban fire risk assessments.


Using observed data, the authors have analyzed the impact of the variation of subsurface ocean temperature of the equatorial Western Pacific Warm Pool and South China Sea on the tropical cyclones. The results show that the number of tropical cyclones in the Western Pacific are more(or less)than the normai year, and their intensities also stronger(or weaker), when the subsurface ocean temperature of the equatorial Westem Pacific Warm Pool persistently shows positive(or negative)anomaly. This phenomena is especially evident in the extreme years, but effects of the phenomena on tropical cyclones in South China Sea are not obvious. At the same time, the forming of the tropical cyclones in the western and Northern Pacific and in South China Sea is often ahead of time (or postpones). Usually, when the subsurface ocean temperature in the north of South China Sea appears in the positive(or negative)anomaly, the number of tropical cyclones forming in South China Sea are more(or less).


Innovative model of cooperation should be the cooperation of school and enterprise technology service platform.on one hand,we should understand the connotation of technical service platform;on the other hand,we should analyze the necessity of the platform and the existing problems.To ensure the effective operation of science and technology service platform,we need to practice from five aspects:first,strengthening the government regulation,establishing the corresponding security system;second,taking into account the interests of both school and enterprise cooperation,stimulating the driving force;third,playing the advantages of both sides,promoting the complementary win-win;forth,paying attention to process management,perfecting the mechanism;fifth,strengthening the communication of school-enterprise,to promote cultural integration.


With the global economy pushing towards a greener and cleaner energy future for the world, renewable energy storage technologies must continue to develop and improve to allow for a seamless transition from the ways of the past to a carbon neutral future. To this end, renewable battery technology and in particular the capacity of the anode must be improved. Furthermore this improvement must be made across various battery technologies (Lithium/Sodium-ion) and be cost-effective to allow for its widespread implementation and use worldwide.
 In this work, Tin(II) Oxide (SnO)/single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) composite electrodes are analysed as a possible alternative dual anode material for both lithium (LIB) and sodium-ion batteries (NIB). The LIB is limited by the current commercial anode material of graphite with a relatively low theoretical capacity of 372 mAh g-1 whilst NIBs use hard carbon with a capacity of roughly 300 mAh g-1. Alloy/de-alloy materials are envisioned to be a suitable candidate for next generation LIBs/NIBs due to their large specific capacities (875mAh g-1/ 847 mAh g-1 for SnO respectively) although major drawbacks concern the poor cycling life associated with the volume change and the associated irreversible capacity. To overcome such issues the downsizing of materials and the fabrication of composites which incorporate both lithium active and inactive material are viewed as promising solutions. Nanostructured metal oxides, forming an inactive oxide matrix are appealing candidates.
 Through the implementation of a solvent engineered wet chemistry synthesis, various layered SnO microparticles are produced with several morphologies well-suited to energy storage applications. This synthesis method is facile, scalable and is favourable in comparison to hydrothermal synthesese normally used to synthesise nanomaterials. While SWCNTs are themselves not suited towards energy storage applications, their incorporation in the electrodes allows them to act as a conductive additive at a lower weight loading than other conventional carbon sources (carbon black/graphite), presenting a more effective strategy to form an effective electrical percolation network while also removing the need for polymer binders/copper current collector.
 The optimised morphology of SnO produces a high capacity, high rate and stable anode for LIB technology. An initial coloumbic efficiency (ICE) in excess of 80% is recorded and a stable cycling capacity of 815 mAh g-1 at 0.5C after 300 cycles is also achieved, demonstrating its long term stability. A maximum capacity of 980 mAh g-1 is recorded at 0.1C, whilst high rate capacities of 775, 671 and 364 mAh g-1 are recorded at 1,2 and 5C respectively. Furthermore a full-cell is composed with a NMC cathode to demonstrate a potential full-cell real world device. As an NIB anode, a maximum capacity of 568 mAh g-1 was recorded at 0.05C, whilst a low ICE of 50% proves an issue under further investigation. Furthermore a cycling capacity of 595 mAh g-1 is recorded after 50 cycles at 0.1C, dropping to 360 mAh g-1 at 100 cycles which is still in excess of that recorded for hard carbon in NIBs.
 A high capacity, scalable and cost effective anode has been developed that is interchangeable between LIBs/NIBs and exceeds the performance of the current commercial anodes.

 Reference
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 [1] S. Jaśkaniec, S. R. Kavanagh, S. Ryan, J. Coelho, C. Hobbs, A. Walsh, D. O. Scanlon and V. Nicolosi, npj 2D Mater. Appl., 2021, 5, 27.

 [2] J. H. Shin and J. Y. Song, Nano Converg., 2016, 3(1), 9.

 [3] F. Zhang, J. Zhu, D. Zhang, U. Schwingenschlögl and H. N. Alshareef, Nano Lett., 2017, 17, 1302–1311.


This chapter discusses changes in criminal law in the twentieth century, covering the decriminalization of sex and vice, defendants' rights, the death penalty, and crime waves and the national response. As the federal government grew in size in the twentieth century, and as the federal statute book grew along with it, a whole new array of federal crimes came into existence. Income tax evasion or fraud was one of these—it was obviously no crime at all before the federal income tax law. Every regulatory law created a new federal crime: violating the food and drug law, or stock fraud under the SEC law, or killing a black-footed ferret, under the Endangered Species Act. Under J. Edgar Hoover, the Federal Bureau of Investigation became a major crime-fighter, at least with regard to crime that crossed state lines.


Retrospective Rapid Health Impact Assessment of the Liverpool Healthy Homes Programme. Produced by Sophie Grinnell (2013). The purpose of this HIA is to examine likely health impacts - positive or negative - of the Healthy Home Programme, offering an independent, systematic and robust analysis of the likely impacts of the implementation of the Programme on the population of Liverpool as well as supporting the decision makers. This HIA was undertaken as a retrospective rapid HIA. This report also describes the scope of the HIA, including methods and process, the data collected and the evidence defined from this data.


In [15] a numerical approximation scheme is proposed for the solution of piecewise deterministic control systems (PDCS). This approximation scheme is based on a time discretization which reformulates the original PDCS into a stochastic program. In this paper we prove the convergence of the approximating vector value function to the vector value function of the original PDCS as the discretization's step tends to zero.


BACKGROUND
Thyroid hormone (TH) regulates metabolic pathways which may interfere with insulin action. There is limited knowledge on adipose tissue (AT) and skeletal muscle (SM) expression of genes associated with TH action in relation to insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to analyze AT and SM expression of the genes associated with TH action in subjects with different degree of insulin sensitivity and the regulation of these genes by insulin and free fatty acids (FFA).

METHODS
The study group comprised 72 euthyroid male subjects, 36 normal-weight and 36 overweight/obese. Two-hour hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp and tissue biopsies were performed. In the subgroup of 20 subjects, 9 normal-weight and 11 overweight/obese, clamp was prolonged to 6h and another clamp with Intralipid/heparin infusion was performed after 1 week. Tissue biopsies were performed before and after each clamp.

RESULTS
Overweight/obese subjects had higher AT DIO2, DIO3, NCOR1, lower AT THRA and PPARGC1A, higher SM NCOR1 and lower SM DIO2, DIO3, PPARGC1A and ATP2A2 expression. In AT, DIO2 and PPARGC1A increased whereas NCOR1 and FOXO1 decreased after the clamp only in normal-weight individuals. DIO3 decreased in both groups. In SM, NCOR1 decreased whereas PPARGC1A and ATP2A2 increased after the clamp only in normal-weight individuals. Tissue THRA and THRB decreased in both groups. Intralipid/heparin abolished these effects.

CONCLUSIONS
Alterations in AT and SM expression of TH-related gene indicate a decreased tissue TH action in obesity. Inability to increase TH-related gene expression in obesity and during FFA oversupply may contribute to the aggravation of lipotoxicity.


In this study, an evaluation unit was proposed to analyze the cooling capacity of ceiling radiant cooling panel (CRCP) system. The aim of this study was to develop a low-cost and simple testing device by which the cooling capacity of a single CRCP can be evaluated and the impact of air velocity on the cooling capacity can be analyzed. For this purpose, a thermoelectric element module (TEM) was adopted to produce the hot water for the cooling load as well as the chilled water for the CRCP. The configuration of TEM, cooling fans, and radiator was studied to achieve the proper temperature of hot and chilled water. In addition, a cross flow fan and fan speed controller were deployed to represent the air flow at panel surface. The test results showed that the cooling capacity of the evaluated CRCP was 103.3 W/m2, without the air flow at panel surface. It was also found that the cooling capacity can be enhanced up to 176.0 W/m2 when the air velocity increases up to 2.0 m/s. The enhanced cooling capacity led to the increased temperature difference between room air and chilled water, which implies the possible mitigation of condensation risks. 주요어 : 천장복사냉방패널, 냉방용량, 평가 유닛, 열전소자, 기류속도


A review of the current acoustic emission literature relating to fiber reinforced composite materials is presented. Summary tables which assist m the prompt delineation of the achievements in this research area are developed. Because of the qualitative character of much of the current literature, suggestions to develop quantitative AE standards are strongly recommended


In view of the surplus torque and complexity of controlled plant in passive electrical load system, a novel approach based on single neuron PID adaptive control and repetitive control for repetitive periodic load control system is proposed. Radial basis function (RBF) neural network is used to identify the system on-line for the single neuron PID controller to adjust its weights and PID parameters by self- learning and self-adapting based on the desired output. The dynamic state performance can be improved by the single neuron adaptive PID control and the steady state performance is also improved by modified repetitive control. Computer simulation results show that the force/position hybrid control system can effectively reduce the surplus torque and improve the loading precision, and also it has fine dynamic and steady state performance and good robustness. The reliability of whole system is further improved.


Introduction: Elective Orthopaedics has been targeted by the department of health in the U.K. as a maximum six-month waiting time for operations could not be met. National Orthopaedic project was initiated as a consequence and Independent Sector Treatment Centres (ISTC) and well established private hospitals were utilised to treat NHS long wait patients.Materials and Methods: We audited the primary total hip replacements performed in our hospital in 1998 and 2003 to compare the differences in the patient characteristics in particular age, length of stay and ASA grade.Results: The number of hip replacements increased to 308 in year 2003 from 194 in year 1998. Whilst, the number of ASA I patients were the same, the ASA II. III, IV increased by 40%, 260%, 266% respectively. The average length of stay decreased from 14.3 to 11.9 days which was statistically significant, in spite of increased numbers of ASA II – IV patients.Discussion: The NHS hospitals are treating increasing number of patients who have a hig...


The need for additional reliable communication services in connection with a power transmission system has prompted a study into the use of carrier superimposed upon "ground wires" which are insulated at the points of suspension. This removes the communication channels from the power-carrying conductors and provides a more economical application, with greater potential capacity. This paper presents the design details for such construction and the tests for determining the characteristics, both for carrier and 60 cycles.


Objective:To identify Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii and Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae in Jingfukang granule. Methods:Thin layer chromatography was used to identify nodakenin of Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii and gentiopicroside of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae in Jingfukang granule.Results:Thin layer chromatography results showed that the spots were fairly clear, the separation and Rf value were satisfactory.Conclusions:The method in this study that identify Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii and Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae in Jingfukang granule is simple and accurate, and has better practicality.


The mechanism of release of catecholamine was studied using bovine adrenal medullary slices or granules.1. Acetylcholine or excess potassium caused an increase in the rate of catecholamine release from the slices. Omission of calcium from the incubation medium also stimulated the release of catecholamine.2. The stimulatory effect of acetylcholine or excess potassium was lost when calcium was omitted from the medium, and markedly inhibited by the addition of cocaine.3. Addition of reserpine or tyramine stimulated the release of catecholamine from the slices. The effect of reserpine was diminished in calcium free medium, but that of tyramine was not affected in calcium free medium. Cocaine had a weak inhibitory effect on the release of catecholamine caused by reserpine but no effect on the response to tyramine.4. Calcium ion itself stimulated the released of catecholamine from the granules, but its effect was prevented by magnesium.From the above results it is suggested that calcium ion plays a cardinal role in the process of catecholamine release from the adrenal medulla and it acts as a link between the excitation of the membrane and the secretory response.


ABSTRACT The terms sweding and sweded were first used in the film Be Kind Rewind (2008), but the impulse to adapt texts in similar ways has a much longer history in the performing arts. In this article, I combine autoethnography, film theory, and theories of parody to celebrate the amateur aesthetics of "sweded" movies – short, often parodic remakes of Hollywood movies created with little time, no money, and few resources. I explain the general rules of sweding, how to adapt them for one's own creative purposes, and offer pedagogical applications and examples of courses for which the form has already been adapted.


Objective This study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, etiology, and prognosis of longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) patients in Thailand. Background LETM has various etiology and is different in each region. Proper investigations are essential to reduce misdiagnosis and delay in treatments, which affect clinical recovery and prognosis. In Thailand, there is no clinical study on the etiology of LETM. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the clinical features, etiology, and prognosis of LETM patients in Thailand. Design/Methods Patients diagnosed with LETM at University Hospital between January 2015 and October 2021 were included. Patient demographics, clinical presentations, Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), imagings, laboratory testing, cerebrospinal fluid profiles, final diagnosis, and treatments were recorded. Factors related to outcomes of LETM were analyzed. Results A total of 40 patients, there were 21 females (52.5%), the mean age of onset was 48.4 years (SD = 15.8). NMOSD was the most common etiology of LETM (n = 15), followed by infection (n = 5), SLE (n = 5), idiopathic causes (n = 4), CIS (n = 3), MS (n = 1), spinal dural AVF (n = 2), ADEM (n = 2), either 1 had spinal cord infarction, schwannoma, and vitamin B12 deficiency. Most patients in this study had severe LETM (n = 31). Complete cord had significantly poorer outcome (p-value = 0.003), while dorsolateral and anterior cord had better outcome (p-value = 0.046, 0.046). Conclusions NMOSD was the most common etiology of LETM, and a history of prior attacks led to the diagnosis of NMOSD. Complete cord lesion on axial spinal cord MRI was sensitive to NMOSD but not specifically. Factors related to the prognosis of LETM included completed cord lesions on MRI axial view trended to have a poor outcome, and dorsolateral and anterior cord lesions had a better prognosis.


Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) is a lidar system on-board the International Space Station designed to study forest ecosystems. However, GEDI footprint low accuracy geolocation is a major impediment to the optimal benefit of the data. We thus proposed a geolocation correction method, GeoGEDI, only based on high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) and GEDI derived ground elevations. For each footprint, an error map between GEDI ground estimates and reference DEM was computed, and a flow accumulation algorithm was used to retrieve the optimal footprint position. GeoGEDI was tested on 150 000 footprints in Landes and Vosges, two French forests with various stands and topographic conditions. It was applied to GEDI versions 1 (v1) and 2 (v2), by either a single or four full-power laser beam tracks. GeoGEDI output accuracy was evaluated by analyzing shift distributions and comparing GEDI ground elevations and surface heights to reference data. GeoGEDI corrections were greater for v1 than for v2 and agreed with errors published by NASA. Within forests, GeoGEDI improved the root mean square error (RMSE) of ground elevation in Landes by 26.8% (0.34 m) and by 13.3% (0.14 m) for v1 and v2, respectively. For Vosges, ground elevation RMSE improved by 59.6% (3.82 m) and 36.2% (1.41 m), for v1 and v2, respectively. Regarding surface heights, except for v2 in Landes, where insufficient variations in topography combined to GEDI ground detection issues might have penalized the adjustment, GeoGEDI improved GEDI estimates. Using GeoGEDI showed efficient to improve positioning bias and precision.


The purp)ose of this paper is to understand the determinants of utilization of pediatric care—care rendered to children by all physicians. Multivariate techniques are employed to examine four measures of pediatric care utilization in a national sample of children between the ages of 1 and S. These measures are the probability of contacting a physician within the past year, the probability of obtaining a preventive physical examination within the past year, the number of office visits to physicians in private practice by children with positive visits, and the average quality of these visits. The role of children's health in the determination of economic and social well-being is a subject of increasing concern for medicine, social science, and public policy. Numerous studies have demonstrated that adults' earnings and life expectancy depend on their schooling, health, and ability. Others suggest important causal relationships from health to cognitive development at early stages in the life cycle, from both these variables to years of formal schooling completed, and from schooling to adults' health.^ A common theme in these studies as well as in the massive literature on the effects of


This paper presents a new design method of servo control system based on resonance/antiresonance characteristics. The system frequency characteristics at resonance/antiresonance frequency are derived and used to analyze the system dynamic behavior, and the relationship between the gain characteristic at the antiresonance frequency and the disturbance rejection characteristic is also discussed. By frequency shaping design, a simple design principle is presented. It is shown that the proposed design method has advantages of clear high-frequency characteristic and better disturbance rejection over the traditional design method based on stiffness model. The validity of the proposed method is also examined by experiments on a flexible joint arm.


The aim of the paper is to analyze the roles of socio-economic characteristics in satisfying repeat umrah visitors' in Malaysia. The study distributed 2,020 survey questionnaires at various locations in Malaysia during January-May 2011 of which 62.8% are repeat visitors. The findings indicate that the respondents are mostly married males aged between 26-55 years old. Most of them are public sector employees with an income bracket ranging from USD909 to USD3,030. Majority of the respondents planned at least six months ahead of the trip and spend their money mostly on local transportations, food and beverages and shopping activities while performing umrah. In order to encourage repeat visitations, the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Department of Waqaf, Zakat and Hajj (JAWHAR) should develop long-term relationship with the visitors. Integrated promotional efforts should be organized involving the cooperation between Malaysia tourism development and travel package operators, airlines and all agencies concerned, especially with authorities in Saudi Arabia. Future research should investigate service gap and satisfaction on the quality of services from the perspective of tour operators to complement existing findings.


Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), a common diuretic known to be photosensitizing and previously associated with non‐melanoma skin cancer, was recently reported to be associated with two melanoma subtypes, nodular and lentigo, among residents of Denmark. Our goal was to examine whether Danish findings could be replicated in a US cohort, using a similar study design and analysis.


593Background: Obesity, defined as body mass index (BMI) > 30 kg/m2, has been associated with inferior outcomes in localized breast cancer (BC), including lower pathological complete response (pCR)...


We report the results of a large-scale, multi-year experimental evaluation of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an innovation that first emerged in Madagascar in the 1980s and has now diffused to more than fifty countries. Using a randomized training saturation design with a pure control group, we find that greater cross-sectional or intertemporal intensity of direct or indirect training exposure to SRI has a sizable, positive effect on Bangladeshi farmers' propensity to adopt (and not to disadopt) SRI. We find large, positive, and significant impacts of SRI training on rice yields and profits, as well as multiple household well-being indicators, for both trained and untrained farmers in training villages. We also find high rates of disadoption, and clear indications of non-random selection into technology adoption conditional on randomized exposure to training, such that adopters and non-adopters within the same treatment arm experience similar outcomes. Rice yields, profits, and household well-being outcomes do not, however, vary at the intensive margin with intensity of training exposure, a finding consistent with multi-object learning models.


In practice, security returns cannot be accurately predicted due to lack of historical data. Therefore, statistical methods and experts' experience are always integrated to estimate future security returns, which are hereinafter regarded as random fuzzy variables. Random fuzzy variable is a powerful tool to deal with the portfolio optimization problem including stochastic parameters with ambiguous expected returns. In this paper, we first define the semivariance of random fuzzy variable and prove its several properties. By considering the semivariance as a risk measure, we establish the mean-semivariance models for portfolio optimization problem with random fuzzy returns. We design a hybrid algorithm with random fuzzy simulation to solve the proposed models in general cases. Finally, we present a numerical example and compare the results to illustrate the mean-semivariance model and the effectiveness of the algorithm.


The Beishan orogen located along the northern margin of the Talimu massif belongs to the western-central portion of the Tianshan-Xing′an orogen of the Paleo-Asia tectonic domain. The crustal components in the region include: late Archean crystallization basement, middle-late Proterozoic fold series and Paleozoic cover of upper Sinian to Permian stratigraphic system. Structure is characterized by fault blocks are divided by a series of arc-form faults in a east-west stretch. In side he blocks, there are intensive folds and active magmatism. Granites can be classified to I-and S-type, and mafic and ultramafic rocks are Fe-rich and Mg-rich kinds. Volcanics possess continental rift feature. A number of ophiolite zones have been found in the area. All these indicate an excellent metallogenic setting. Seven types of ore deposit have been reposted in the area: ①intermediate-acid intrusion-related hydrothermal ore deposit; ② volcanic hydrothermal ore deposit; ③meta-sedimentary ore deposit; ④sedimentary ore deposit; ⑤ exhalative sedimentary reworked deposit; ⑥basic-and ultrabasic magma-related ore deposit; ⑦ hydrothermal reworked ore deposit. Ten target prospecting areas have been pinpointed according to detailed geological work.


Bay Labs, Inc; San Francisco, CA
 Background/Introduction: When used by experienced examiners, the utility of point-of-care (POC) ultrasound for assessing cardiac anatomy and function has been well established. However, in some clinical circumstances (Primary Care offices, Intensive Care Unit, some Emergency Rooms, or in remote settings) in which a rapid assessment of cardiac anatomy and dynamics can facilitate patient care, an examiner experienced at POC scanning may not be immediately available.

 To help novice users acquire clinically useful standard cardiac views using novel machine learning (ML) software.

 We used an investigational device that employs ML software to provide real-time adaptive guidance of transducer position and orientation to help novice users acquire tomographic views of the heart. We tested the utility of this approach when 4 nurses with no prior training in sonography performed POC studies on 16 subjects (10 healthy, 6 with cardiac abnormalities; 9 men; body mass index normal in 6, overweight in 6, and obese in 4 subjects). Each nurse underwent didactic training and 4 hours of supervised practice using the ML program. Each nurse scanned each study subject using a scanner equipped with ML software to acquire 10 digital two-dimensional image clips, including: parasternal long axis, short axis at the aortic valve, mitral valve, and mid-left ventricle (LV), apical 2-, 4-, and 5-chamber, subcostal 4-chamber, and longitudinal views of the inferior vena cava (IVC). All video clips (n = 640) were later reviewed independently by 5 level 3-trained cardiologists who were blinded to subject, scanner, and each other"s assessments. The expert readers reviewed each set of 10 clips to determine if the following variables could be assessed qualitatively: LV size and function; right ventricular (RV) size and function; aortic, mitral and tricuspid valves; pericardial effusion; left atrial size; IVC size.

 The majority of expert readers concurred, independently, that the sets of images acquired by nurses using ML guidance allowed qualitative assessment of LV size and function in 98%, pericardial effusion in 98%, RV size and function in 92%, and aortic and mitral valve anatomy and dynamics in 94-97% of cases. Qualitative assessment of LA size was feasible in 95%. Images of the IVC were judged as adequate for assessment in 58%.

 This preliminary study suggests the potential value of novel ML software by demonstrating that nurses with limited training can acquire tomographic images useful for qualitative assessment of the cardiac chambers and valves in more than 90% of the subjects examined. This approach might be useful when timely POC cardiac assessment is indicated in settings where an experienced examiner is not available. Further refinements in the guiding software are needed to improve the success rate of IVC imaging, since IVC size can be a useful indicator of volume status.


Though mining promotes global industrialization and economy, it disrupts natural ecosystem that calls for sustainable reclamation. A field study was conducted at Base titanium limited - Kwale County to investigate the potential of mined soils to support growth and yield of green grams when subjected to organic and inorganic fertilizers. A two factor experiment was laid down in RCBD with split plot arrangement and three replications. Green gram varieties (KS20 and N26) and amendments (organic and inorganic fertilizers) were tested. Obtained data that included: soil properties, plant height, leaf development, pods and grains per plant, root nodules, biomass, and grain yield was subjected to ANOVA using the Genstat statistical package and means ranked using Fisher's protected least significant difference at (P≤0.05). Results showed that combined manure and fertilizer significantly improved plant plant height by 36% and 36.4% for KS20 and N26 varieties respectively in season one and, 23% and 23% for KS20 and N26 varieties respectively in season two compared to unfertilized soils. Similarly, leaf development was increased by 54.9% and 52.2% for KS20 and N26 varieties respectively in season one and, 46.1% and 37% for KS20 and N26 varieties respectively in season two compared to unfertilized soils. Sole manure and sole fertilizer did not have significant effect on plant height and leaf development. Combined application of manure and fertilizer did not have significant influence on green gram nodulation, shoot and root dry matter accumulation, number of seeds per pod and pods per plant. It however increased N26 variety grain yield in the second season alone. Additionally, grains harvested from the post mined soils had adequate levels of phosphorus, Iron, Zinc, magnesium, potassium, and low levels of calcium and copper. Although the findings show that this post mined soils have the capacity to support green gram growth, further research to ascertain long term effects of green gram establishment on profile development, biological nitrogen fixation, enterprise return to capital and crops response after application of all limiting nutrients is recommended.


Non-invasive planar complementary split ring resonators (CSRRs) coupled to microstrip line for measuring the dielectric properties of materials and biological tissues are presented in this paper. The expectations of health professionals are increasingly turning to less invasive surgical procedures and treatments. In particular, the monitoring of vital parameters (sweat, water in the lungs, etc.) or the evolution of certain pathologies, such as cancer cells, could be observed regularly if suitable devices were developed and could especially replace traditional invasive method. Appropriate miniaturized RF or microwave devices could be an alternative for some medical diagnostic applications. These devices would make it possible to determine the dielectric characteristics of biological tissues, which represent their real pathological states. It would thus be possible, by means of dielectric contrast measurements, to follow the evolution of pathology as well as the vital parameters of a patient. The objective of this research is to produce a prototype biosensor that is suitable for measurements on biological tissues and that can be miniaturized to enhance its spatial sensitivity. This work focuses on the design, electromagnetic simulations and characterization of a new miniaturized biosensors operating between 1 and 10 GHz. The ex-vivo experimental results will be shown by measuring the S-parameters of various materials and animal biological tissues. The extraction of the dielectric parameters of these samples is obtained by the measurements of materials


We report the syntheses, crystal structures, and spectroscopic properties for two new Pt(II) heteroleptic complexes containing the chiral diphosphine ligands R-BINAP and R,R-Chiraphos along with crown trithioether [9]aneS3
(1,4,7-trithiacyclononane). The complexes have the general formula [Pt([9]aneS3)(P2)](PF6)2 (P2
= R-BINAP or R,R-Chiraphos) and form similar structures in which the Pt(II) center is surrounded by a cis arrangement of the two P donors from the diphosphine chelate and two sulfur atoms from the trithioether macrocycle. The third sulfur in each complex shows a long distance interaction with the metal, resulting in an elongated square pyramidal structure with platinum–axial sulfur distances ranging from 2.695(3) to 2.802(2)
A with the Chiraphos complex showing the shorter distance. The X-ray crystal structure of the Chiraphos complex exhibits an unusual example of co-crystallization of solid state conformational diastereoisomers within the same unit cell. The unit cell consists of two crystallographically independent complex cations which are related by a conformational change around one carbon–carbon bond in the [9]aneS3 ligand. The 195Pt NMR chemical shifts for both complexes fall in the range of −4167 to −4452 ppm, consistent with a cis-PtS2P2 coordination sphere. The effects of chirality of the diphosphine are most notably seen in the 13C NMR spectrum of the fluxional [9]aneS3 ligand, resulting in two separate resonances as opposed to the single one which has always been observed in Pt complexes containing achiral diphosphines.


The presence of melatonin and the enzymes involved in its synthesis has been proved in the gastrointestinal tract of several species but the factors affecting the level of MT in gut tissue have not yet been ascertained. To elucidate the effect of pinealectomy and exogenous melatonin administration on jejunal melatonin level and early broiler performance, 144 one-day old chicks were divided into three groups i.e. control, sham operated and pinealectomised. Half of birds from each group were supplemented with exogenous melatonin @ 5ppm while the other half received a placebo up to 20 days. Experimental birds were sacrificed at day 10 and 20 to collect jejunum. Melatonin level in jejunal tissue was estimated using reverse phase HPLC. Results indicate that while pinealectomy do not produce any significant variation exogenous administration significantly increases (P<0.05) gut melatonin level, suggesting that during photophase most of melatonin present in gut tissue is of local origin and not of pineal origin. Feed conversion ratio in Melatonin supplemented group was also better suggesting that higher gut melatonin have a favourable effect on FCR.


A multiconductor-transmission-line (MTL) model of the high-voltage dc power bus of electric vehicles (composed of two shielded cables running above a metallic ground) is proposed for the prediction of the propagation of conducted electromagnetic noise up to 100 MHz. Model parameters are computed by knowing the geometry of the system and the permittivity of dielectric materials. The proposed model is validated versus measurements. Finally, an approximate lumped-parameter circuit representation is also derived from the general MTL formulation, which is specifically useful for the implementation of the model in a SPICE circuit solver.


Abstract : Reliability limitations of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs) were explored in a joint effort project lead by Princeton University, with subcontracting efforts by the University of Southern California, the University of Texas and Universal Display Corporation. Methodologies and protocols for screening of device structures and materials were developed. Extended lifetimes of red, green and blue phosphorescent OLEDs were achieved. For example, lifetimes of over 50,000 hours were obtained for both red and green devices. Blue device lifetimes observed were still less than 1000 hours. This difference in blue lifetime was studied using through both photo- and electro-luminescence methods, and was determined to be due, in part, to the high energies needed to excite the blue lumophores, which results in charge imbalance in the emission layers of the OLEDs. Contact degradation was also studied at the microscopic scale using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM) in concert with our transparent OLED structure (TOLED). It was found that defects introduced during processing are largely responsible for the formation and growth of dark spots.


Abstract In this work, the long porous slider problem where the fluid is injected through the porous bottom is studied. The similarity transformations reduce the equation of motion to a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations which are solved using the Adomian decomposition method (ADM). The influence of the Reynolds number on the dimensionless velocity field has been discussed graphically. Finally, the validity of results is verified by comparing with the numerical method and existing numerical results. A very good agreement was found between approximate and numerical solution, which proves that ADM is very efficient and accurate.


The problem of minimizing average task response time in heterogeneous multiple computer systems with energy constraint is considered. The average task response time in an entire system of multiple computers is formulated as a function of power allocations to the computers. The average task response time is minimized subjected to the constraint that the expected energy consumption of all the computers over certain period of time does not exceed a given energy budget. The minimization problem is solved by finding an optimal power allocation to the computers. An algorithm is developed to solve our optimization problem.


The Devonian Hunsrück Slate of Altlay, Rhenish Massif, Germany, contains an exceptional spectrum of pyrite textures, recording progressive recrystallization and remobilization of sedimentary/diagenetic pyrite during very low grade metamorphism. Sedimentary/diagenetic pyrite is very fine-grained and forms distinct enrichments, including thin layers, elongate concretions, and pyritized fish coprolites. These pyrites show abundant idioblastic overgrowths, which are very coarse-grained and are always located at the interface between the sedimentary/diagenetic pyrite and the slate matrix. Progressive recrystallization resulted in the formation of porphyroblasts and an almost complete obliteration of the original internal structures. A detailed, texturally-resolved sulfur isotope study of the different pyrite types has been carried out, using an in situ laser microprobe technique. The δ34S values of sedimentary/diagenetic pyrite, idioblastic overgrowths, and porphyroblasts are very homogeneous and lie in the range of +7.9 to +12.8 permil (mean: +10.6 ‰), +8.6 to +12.4 permil (mean: +10.8 ‰), and +8.3 to +12.1 permil (mean: +10.3 ‰), respectively. The sulfur isotope data for each population and the isotopic relationships on the sample scale indicate that metamorphic recrystallization has not resulted in a significant modification of the original isotopic composition. Calculation of phase relations and modeling of fluid-rock equilibria place important constraints on the conditions and mechanisms of pyrite remobilization during metamorphism. The calculations show that pressure variations have no detectable influence on pyrite solubility, indicating that pressure solution was not important in the metamorphic mass transfer of pyrite. The effects of temperature and oxidation state are more pronounced, and infiltration of fluids originating from deeper crustal levels could have caused the remobilization of pyrite. Modeling of the isotopic fractionation shows that remobilization driven by interaction with such fluids having a higher temperature and oxidation state would have resulted in a significant negative shift of the δ34S values, which is not consistent with the observed isotopic pattern. We envisage an alternative model that involves fluid-assisted reduction of the grain surface area (and surface energy) per unit volume of pyrite as the dominant mechanism driving recrystallization and porphyroblast growth. The difference in surface energy between the fine-grained sedimentary/diagenetic and the idioblastic pyrite resulted in establishment of a small-scale chemical potential gradient, which evolved along a self-enhancing path during progressive idioblastic growth. The results of our modeling have implications for the preservation of primary sulfur isotopic signatures and emphasize the importance of constraining the history of fluid-rock interaction for a meaningful interpretation of sedimentary/diagenetic processes in pyrite-rich metasediments.


Developmental morphological changes of the granulosa cells (GC) and theca cells (TC) were evaluated in chicken prehierarchical follicles. Morphological observation showed that there was only one stratum of GC in the small white follicles, double stratum of GC in large white follicles, multiple stratum of GC in small and large yellow follicles. Statistic analysis indicated that the cell density and thickness of both folliclular layers were significantly increased with the increasing follicle size. Meanwhile, the effect of follicle -stimulating hormone (FSH) on theca and granulosa cell proliferation was investigated via follicle suspension culture in vitro. Results showed that FSH significantly stimulated the proliferation of GC, but not the TC in the yellow follicles, suggesting that FSH stimulate proliferation of the granuosa cells to promote these follicles to enter hierachical development.


To achieve a high degree of quantum noise squeezing, nonlinear optical interaction process is often employed. Here, we propose to utilize quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) and Fano resonances to enhance optical squeezing without nonlinearity. The theory of quantization for electromagnetic fields in the periodic nanostructure with dispersion and absorption has been developed by means of the Green's function technique with the plane wave expansion method. The quasi-BICs and Fano resonances of radiation modes are realized by designing the photonic crystal slab structure. Based on these quasi-BICs and Fano resonances, we demonstrate that strong squeezed states can be realized by using the balanced homodyne detection scheme. The squeezing degree can be improved by more than 14 times when a weak squeezed states passes through the structure with quasi-BICs and Fano resonances. The advantage of this method is that it is not only efficient but also easy to implement because the nonlinear optical processes are not employed, which is very beneficial for the quantum information processing and precision metrology.


Foods preserved with sorbic acid or its salts can undergo spoilage with the formation of chemicals characterized by odors of plastic, hydrocarbons, or kerosene. 1,3-pentadiene, which is formed through the decarboxylation of sorbic acid or its salts, is one such compound. Numerous species of molds and yeasts have been reported as capable of degrading sorbic acid. This work is aimed to identify the off-odor compounds in samples of strawberry-flavored water preserved with potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. In addition, the mold isolated from this drink was evaluated for the ability to form undesirable compounds, and the results revealed the presence of 1,4-pentadiene and benzaldehyde in the tested samples. The mold isolated from the samples was identified as Penicillium corylophilum. During its 5-day incubation at 25 °C in a liquid medium, potassium sorbate added at a final concentration of 200 and 400 mg/L was completely assimilated by the growing mycelium and converted into 1,4-pentadiene. The concentration of the latter was determined as 46.5 and 92.6 mg/L, respectively. The decrease in the concentration of sodium benzoate exceeded 53% in the broth spiked at 200 mg/L and 23% at 400 mg/L, resulting in the formation of benzaldehyde.


The shell not-rotation is the important technical requirement for planetary cross-mill.This paper applies two kinds of methods to get the theoritic condition of not-rotation: the equation derived from the differential formula and verified on vector analysis.


We present the development of a wearable hybrid interface based on noninvasive brain signal detection and eye-gaze tracking, and its evaluation through scenarios based on real-world application. Our system combines a low-cost Electroencephalogram (EEG) headset with a custom-built eye-gaze tracker to determine the human's intent and track eye movements. The proposed interface allows users to pinpoint an electronic item of interest by gazing at it and turn on the object by concentrating. We show how our system can be applied as a tool in real-world environments. Seven healthy subjects volunteered to examine the performance of our interface. Fitts' law was applied for the evaluation and throughput (TP) which was an ISO standard for evaluation of pointing devices was derived. The experimental results demonstrate the potential of the proposed interface to fit into daily life.


With appropriate content and structure, "good development planning" should be educational and can aid decision-making. If a national-level development planning lacks good attributes as a top-down guide for society, contradictions and deviations from planned policies would emerge. As a result, how to accomplish high quality development planning under the current development planning evaluation process is of considerable practical importance. The existing study on planning quality evaluation has some flaws, such as a lack of quantitative evaluation methodologies and a failure to consider the value of diverse parts in the review process. This article uses the "13th Five-Year Development Planning" as an example, combining the International principle of quality evaluation with Chinese features to reconstruct a set of planning quality evaluation system, which was then scientifically evaluated using the AHP method. The results suggest that the "13th Five-Year Development Planning" has a good overall quality, although certain development planning still has quality issues, such as incomplete elements and confusing element structure. Finally, we'll talk about ways to make China's development planning more scientific and in accordance with actual economic growth.


The TreeBASE portal is an important and rapidly growing repository of phylogenetic data. The R statistical environment has also become a primary tool for applied phylogenetic analyses across a range of questions, from comparative evolution to community ecology to conservation planning. We have developed treebase, an open‐source software package (freely available from http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/treebase) for the R programming environment, providing simplified, programmatic and interactive access to phylogenetic data in the TreeBASE repository. We illustrate how this package creates a bridge between the TreeBASE repository and the rapidly growing collection of R packages for phylogenetics that can reduce barriers to discovery and integration across phylogenetic research. We show how the treebase package can be used to facilitate replication of previous studies and testing of methods and hypotheses across a large sample of phylogenies, which may help make such important reproducibility practices more common.


The normative text that controls intellectual, artistic and literary property in Italy, based on the "author's right" system, is essentially included in the law no. 633 of 22 April 1941 about "protection of author's right and other rights related to its assertion", text that hasn't remained unchanged during the years, on the contrary it has been subject to many modifications and additions, destined to redefine its limits. It's necessary to cite also Civil Code, book V, title 9, chapter I, articles from 2575 to 2583. The European Directive 2001/29/CE about the harmonization of certain aspects of copyright and related rights in the Information society, called "Sixteenth directive" or "Internet Directive", governs some of these rights, and in particular their exceptions. Law 248/2000, modifying the old law 633/1941, has greatly reduced the margin of manoeuvre restricting the space of fair uses. Today we need to completely rethink the system of copyright in Europe, with the aim of an equitable balance between the rights of authors, who must find again their central role, those of cultural trade, whose economic investments must be protected, and those of the collectivity, who must be able to use the works in the framework of certain and clear rules.


Based on the environmental Kuznets Curve(EKC) theory and the 1995—2008 economic and environmental data of Yangtze River Delta(Shanghai,Zhejiang,Jiangsu Province),did an empirical analysis of the relationship between Industrial emissions,wastewater,solid waste and GDP growth is presented.The results show that the cubic curve of the GDP growth and the environmental pollution indicators fits a higher degree than the Quadratic curve.With the development of economy,the environmental pollution of this area will get worse.Therefore,it is necessary to keep a high level of input into control of environmental pollution.


Background Latex allergy is an important cause of occupational allergy and is responsible for numerous allergic reactions in sensitized individuals. Methods The study included 55 children with myelomeningocele followed at a specialized center. In addition to a standard questionnaire and skin tests for immediate cutaneous hypersensitivity to aeroallergens and total latex, the patients underwent determination of serum total and specific IgE to latex and its fraction recombinants. Results The rates observed were 45% for sensitivity and 20% for latex allergy (sensitization with clinical symptoms). Twenty-four (43.6%) patients were atopic and the average age at the first episode of reaction to latex was 44.5 months, with cutaneous reactions being the most frequently reported (72.7%). Specific IgE to fractions rHev b1, 3, 5, 6.1 and 6.2 were detected in more than 50% of patients allergic to latex. The group comprising sensitive and allergic patients was different from non-sensitized subjects regarding the following variables: atopy, rhinitis, angioedema, average number of surgeries, patients with 4 or more surgeries, use of ventricular peritoneal shunt, the presence of at least one skin tests for immediate cutaneous hypersensitivity positive for aeroallergen and serum total IgE greater than 200 KU / l. Multivariate analysis showed as significant: current asthma, atopy and the number of surgeries undergone. Conclusions Our study documented the raised prevalence of awareness and latex allergy in patients with myelomeningocele. Specific IgE to fractions rHev b1, 3, 5, 6.1 and 6.2 were detected in more than 50% of children with myelomeningocele who are allergic to latex. The number of surgeries that the patients were submitted to determined higher levels of specific IgE, especially rHev b5 and 6.01. History of current asthma, atopy, and having undergone 4 or more surgeries were independent risk factors identified for latex allergy.


My interest in sexual fantasies began at a time when I was exploring evolutionary approaches to the study of human sexuality and male-female differences (Wilson, 1978, 1979, 1981). This viewpoint attracted great hostility at the time but now seems widely accepted, with chapters appearing in most introductory psychology texts. It seemed to me that fantasies, being relatively unfettered by social constraints, were closer to basic instincts than overt behaviour or public opinions, making them a valuable window to true sexual urges and desires. Since there was no standardised instrument for the measurement of sexual fantasies and predilections at the time I sought to fill the gap with the development of the Sexual Fantasy Questionnaire (SFQ). I began by scanning the research literature and popular magazines for a wideranging set of items that covered a variety of sexual predilections. These ranged from orthodox to rather ''kinky'' and subjects were asked to choose a frequency descriptor ranging from ''never'' to ''regularly'' for each of three conditions in which they might experience these fantasies: ''daytime'', ''during intercourse or masturbation'' and ''dreams while asleep.'' It also occurred to me that we might tap their actual experience of these scenarios (''have done in reality'') and desire to experience them (''would like to do in reality'') to provide a more rounded appraisal of sexual preferences and examine the concordance (or lack of it) between fantasy and reality. The Wilson (1988) article reprinted here served as a source for the SFQ, with others invited to adopt it in their research, as well as an interim manual for users. Many researchers have taken up the invitation to use the SFQ in their studies. Some have replicated and extended our earlier findings (Wilson, 1987; Wilson & Lang, 1981) concerning gender differences in fantasy patterns. The trend has been to test evolutionary predictions concerning gender differences in fantasy more directly (Ellis & Symons, 1990; Oser, 1997; Wilson, 1997). As expected from parental investment theory, women favour intimate, loving, partner-oriented themes, while men feature on ''pornographic'' escapades with multiple, young, attractive, anonymous partners. Since my 1988 paper, more normative data has been reported. Using male college students in North Dakota, Plaud and Bigwood (1997) found scores more comparable to the British male non-clinical sample than to sexually variant men, though the students were slightly higher overall, mainly because of higher scores on the Intimate subfactor. Factor analysis of the 40 items largely confirmed the fourfactor structure initially described (Intimate, Exploratory, Impersonal and Sadomasochistic). Interestingly, much the same factor structure was found with an Sexual and Relationship Therapy Vol. 25, No. 1, February 2010, 68–72


Objective To study the effect of antisepsis and sterilization in Chaohu individual clinic. Methods Sampling and testing according to GB15982-1995 "Standard of disinfection in hospitals" and GB15981-1995"The method and standard of evaluation on disinfection and sterilization". Results The total eligible rate of antisepsis and sterilization is 47.14% in 454 cases that were sampled from 127 Chaohu individual clinics. The lowest eligible rate is the radiant intensity of UV light and sterilize goods.The total eligible rate in polyclinic is 67.39% which is obviously higher than that(41.99%) in private clinic(P0.01).The eligible rate of internal medicine in private clinic is the highest,then the dentistry and the lowest rate is Chinese traditional medicine. Conclusion It is important to reinforce the administration of antisepsis and sterilization in Chaohu individual clinic.


Silicon photomultipliers (SiPM) have found their use in various fields of industry and scientific experiments. This paper considers study of the SiPM possibility to detect low-intensity light pulses (down to single photons) under high-intensity background illumination. This may be useful for the development of laser rangefinders operating under natural light using SiPM as crucial photosensor. Moreover, the presented data describes some physical properties of LIDAR with SiPM under radiation exposure, which always affects its intrinsic noise.


(i) "Multiplying a complete multiplicand by any digit . . . becomes more difficult the further along in the total work it appears." (2) "The later a multiplication fact ap pears in a series, the more frequent the error upon it, even when its associations with nec essary carrying are made negligible factors". The above conclusions are so disturbing that they should not be permitted to go un checked. This study is a preliminary at tempt at checking. Knight and Ford secured their data by ad ministering four test forms to 200 pupils in the sixth grade of four schools. One hundred fifty-two random selections of units of work were critically examined. The product posi tions which contained the 163 most frequent errors were examined critically. I reflected upon this article. My experi ence years ago with traditional arithmetic would have led me to accept its conclusions. My experience the last few years with the co operative experiment for 100% arithmetic, led me to doubt the necessity of such results as those reported by Knight and Ford. In other words, my experiment with the 100% plan in the fundamentals of arithme tic, based upon proper motivation and under standing, and a more perfect drill service, is leading me to doubt the necessity of more or less constant error on the part of pupils due either to inadequate mastery, so-called "care lessness", or the lapse of time in a recitation period. Acceptance of such conclusions as those set forth by Knight and Ford is an ad mission of failure on one of the simplest and easiest tasks of the schools?the mastery of the fundamental tool materials of basic sub jects. Such failure should not be taken for granted; it should become a matter of concern.


Freezing of Gait (FoG) is a common symptom among patients with Parkinson's Disease (PD). In this paper, a vision-based method is proposed to automatically recognize the shuffling step symptom from the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) videos based. In this method, a feature extraction block is utilized to extract features from image sequences, then features are fused along a temporal dimension, and these features are fed into a classification layer. In this experiment, the dataset with 364 normal gait examples and 362 shuffling step examples is used. And the experiment on the collected dataset shows that the average accuracy of the best method is 91.3%. Using this method, the symptom of the shuffling step can be recognized automatically and efficiently from TUG videos, showing the possibility to remotely monitor the movement condition of PD patients.


Purpose – A flexible production rate has been discussed and analyzed in the literature for different business situations. This paper aims to consider this for a make‐to‐order (MTO) environment.Design/methodology/approach – Generally the production rate and cycle time are significant parameters among others, where other parameters might include demand, and production time cost. An improvement in the cycle time or the cycle time reduction is a prime objective in the context of an overall productivity improvement particularly in the MTO environment. In order to gain some insights, an interaction of the production rate and cycle time is described.Findings – The focus of the present paper is on the supply chain cost using these parameters among others. A framework for the conceptual understanding and analysis is provided along with the practical implementation issues.Originality/value – A relevant measure for the degree of flexibility (DOF) in the context of supply chain is also discussed in this paper.


The impact of parallel GaN HEMTs on efficiency of a non-isolated point of load (POL) converter is investigated. The test results indicate how many parallel GaN HEMTs should be used to achieve maximum efficiency based on load current. Loss calculations and simulations provided initial direction, and ten POL converters were tested-only varying the number of paralleled GaN HEMTs. Each design was tested between 2.5 and 30 A output. Depending on application load and frequency, the optimal combination of GaN HEMTs can be derived from this data. Results indicate that above 19.5 A load, two EPC2015 switches and four EPC2015 synchronous rectifiers (referred to as 2×2015/4×2015) minimizes loss. Below 19.5 A load, a 1×2015/2×2015 HEMT combination minimizes loss. Results presented here should expedite the design process for future engineers seeking greater power supply efficiency with GaN transistors, and it provides novel test data over a large load spectrum, variety of frequencies, and ten combinations of GaN HEMTs in a non-isolated POL converter.


In order to improve the accuracy of spectrum analysis,it's better to sample the vibration signals in the way of full cycle and equal phase.So an FPGA-based control method to realize the sampling was proposed.The key phase multi-frequency signal was used as the trigger signal of A/D conversion.The key phase multi-frequency circuit was realized in the FPGA chip using inner logic cells,a module for predicting the period of rotor using linear interpolation algorithm was added to the circuit,to improve the circuit's accuracy.According to the result of research: the key phase multi-frequency circuit of this design could achieve the expected function,and it has the advantages of high integration and wide multi-frequency ranges and so on,which can be widely appllied to the field of sampling control of rotor vibration signal in the way of full cycle and equal phase.


ABSTRACT This study examines the relationship between victim/offender contact and repeat domestic violence. Over 5,000 police incident reports were collected from a large, urban police department between August 2001 and August 2002. Several measures of victim/offender contact were used, including cohabitation, co-parenting, restraining order status, and victim employment. Findings suggest that certain victims are at a greater risk of repeat victimization than others, specifically those who have children in common with the offender and those who obtain a restraining order against the offender. Findings also suggest that most repeat victims are repeatedly victimized by the same offender, and the types of victimization they suffer vary over time, with an increase in aggravated assault and restraining order violations as victimizations increase in frequency. Implications of these findings are discussed, and suggestions are offered for further research on repeat domestic violence.


In this paper, the synthetic aperture radar (SAR) azimuth cutoff method is thoroughly revised and a new and general implementation is proposed. The key roles of the pixel spacing, the size of the image box, and the texture of the SAR scene are analyzed and optimized in terms of azimuth cutoff (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm{ c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) estimation. The reliability of the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm{ c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> estimation is analyzed by measuring the distance between the measured and fitted autocorrelation functions. This analysis shows that it is of paramount importance to filter unfeasible/unreliable <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm{ c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> values. To identify those values in an objective way, a criterion that is based on the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\chi _{2}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> test performed over a large data set of Sentinel-1 SAR imagery is defined and proven to be effective. The new robust implementation of the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm{ c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> estimation at about 1-km grid spacing is then used to produce averaged <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm{ c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> at about 10-km grid spacing. The performance of the new estimation procedure, analyzed using a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\lambda _{\mathrm{ c}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-to-wind-speed forward model, is shown to provide improved wind speed retrievals, with a root-mean-square error of 1.8–2 m/s when verified against independent numerical weather prediction model output and scatterometer winds.


A graph H is Ks‐saturated if it is a maximal Ks‐free graph, i.e., H contains no clique on s vertices, but the addition of any missing edge creates one. The minimum number of edges in a Ks‐saturated graph was determined over 50 years ago by Zykov and independently by Erdős, Hajnal and Moon. In this paper, we study the random analog of this problem: minimizing the number of edges in a maximal Ks‐free subgraph of the Erdős‐Rényi random graph G(n, p). We give asymptotically tight estimates on this minimum, and also provide exact bounds for the related notion of weak saturation in random graphs. Our results reveal some surprising behavior of these parameters. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 51, 169–181, 2017


Evaporative cooling for generator stator is an independent innovative technology developed by China. The development of the technology is in research stage. The mechanism of applying phase transition for evaporative cooling of the generator stator was introduced. according to the 300 MW turbo-generator design specification, and based on the two phase fluxion of cooling medium in the hollow conductor, we proposed the calculation of the medium fluxion resistance and the evaporative point of the cooling medium in the hollow conductor. We also carried out analysis of the temperature distribution along the stator winding and compared our calculation with the experiment results to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed calculation.


With the development of bidding of construction project,it is very important to make stratagem analysis for the construction enterprises which make the best result in the competitory circumstance.The key ideas of making stratagem analysis with SWOT method are introduced.And the ideas of making stratagem analysis in bidding of construction project with SWOT method are explained.


Abstract Much work has been done during the last decade on the synthesis of optically active alcohols by the enantioselective addition of an alkyl or aryl metallic species (Grignard, lithio or cuprous derivatives) to aldehydes or ketones in the presence of a chiral auxiliary able to complex the metallic species (1). Generally, the optical yields range up to 20 % using readily available chiral auxiliaries (N-methyl ephedrine, sparteine, glucofuranoses derivatives, etc…); however, better enantioselectivity (22–92 %) can be obtained by using more sophistacated ligands derived in several steps from proline or from 2. 2′-dicarboxy-1. 1′-dinaphtyl (2).


A secure two-party hamming distance computing protocol is proposed based on the secure two-party matrix product protocol; a secure four-party addition protocol, a secure three-party addition protocol and a secure two-party number protocol are proposed based on the additive homomorphic encryption and secure two-party compare protocol. A secure multi-party closest string protocol is presented based on the secure two-party hamming distance computing protocol and a secure multi-party addition protocol. These protocols are based on semi-honest model.


1. Fatema Jaffery, MD*
2. Fatima Khan, MD, MBA*
3. Jose Bustillo, MD*

1. *Department of Pediatrics, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark, NJ

A 3-week-old girl presents to the pediatric outpatient department for evaluation of a rash that has been present since age 2 weeks. The rash is found on the infant's face, arms, feet, and trunk and does not seem to bother her. No history of fever or other behavioral changes are noticed. There is no history of contact with anyone who has a similar rash.

On presentation to the outpatient clinic, the infant appears well and is not in any distress. Her current weight is 3,674 g, length is 20 in (50.8 cm), and head circumference is 13.8 in (35 cm). On physical examination, she has multiple annular discoid lesions with central hypopigmentation with no discharge on various parts of the body. The sizes of the lesions vary from 1 to 3 cm (Figs 1–3).

Figure 1.
Annular discoid lesions found on sole of the foot.

Figure 2.
Annular discoid lesions found on sole of the trunk. …


Hidden services in the Tor network are an easy way to make a service available to unascertainable users while concealing the operator's identity at the same time. Unfortunately the method for addressing an individual service is quite rudimentary and has never been revised since the functionality became available in 2004. This thesis describes the related problems and researches possible solutions with special attention on their applicability to the Tor network. The resulting insights suggest that a slight modification of Paul Crowley's word lists is currently the best bet for providing a robust and user friendly mechanism to address hidden services. The solution is then implemented with special consideration of secure coding principles and proper quality assurance.


A novel method for a two way offset calibration for an interleaved 2bit/cycle SAR based ADC is proposed. The offset mismatch between the interleaved sub-ADCs is cancelled using a background calibration circuit. Using the same circuit, the offset mismatch between the comparators used in the 2-bit per cycle SAR based sub-ADC's are cancelled at the same time. The technique is realized using a Reference comparator that sets the target offset for all comparators in all sub-ADCs. Using the proposed technique, a 1 GS/s 6-bit 2b/cycle SAR ADC is designed in 65 nm CMOS technology. The ADC consumes 3.36 mW from a 1.2 V supply voltage and achieves signal-to-noise-and-distortion ratio (SNDR) of 37.41 dB and figure of merit (FoM) of 55.49 fJ/Conv.Step at Nyquist frequency input. The FoM with mean SNDR derived from Monte-Carlo simulation is 60.42 fJ/Conv.Step. The proposed technique offers 4.5 dB improvement on average over a non-calibrated SAR ADC based on 1000 Monte-Carlo simulations.


Aiming at the problem of traditional sports video content distribution and acceleration in mobile fog computing (MFC), considering the influence of limited storage space of MFC server on traditional sports video content cache, taking the delay of mobile users' access to sports video objects as the optimization objective, and according to the difference of users' interest in different video objects, an interest‐based traditional sports video content distribution acceleration strategy is proposed. According to the storage space of the MFC server, the interest of the mobile users in different sports video objects and the file size of the objects, the strategy selectively caches the objects on the MFC server, and updates the cached video objects on the MFC server in time, so as to meet the traditional sports video content needs of the mobile users to the maximum extent. The simulation results show that the proposed strategy has good convergence performance, and its cache hit rate is relatively stable and obviously better than the existing strategy; when the system is stable, compared with the existing strategy, this strategy can reduce the delay of obtaining video object data by 15%.


Article, see p 2320

The evaluation of patients presenting with stable but suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) is by far one of the most common diagnostic evaluation strategies undertaken within cardiovascular medicine. The 2 most prominent indications for testing supported by substantive clinical evidence include diagnosis of obstructive CAD and risk stratification. The evidence supporting prognostication based on diagnostic test findings in the patient with stable ischemic heart disease is abundant, with thousands of reports noting near-term prediction of major adverse events for all noninvasive procedures including anatomic imaging, with coronary computed tomographic angiography (CTA), and stress testing (ie, stress nuclear or echocardiography or exercise electrocardiography). Observational evidence for each modality supports that, in general, risk increases in a graded manner with the extent and severity of abnormalities on functional stress testing or with anatomic CAD.

This proportional relationship between the extent and severity of abnormalities and risk is the basis for therapeutic intervention whereby hazard drives the intensity of comprehensive management.1 Conceptually, those with the most severe functional test abnormalities or those with obstructive CAD generally receive symptom-guided anti-ischemic therapy and aggressive risk factor modification. Conversely, low-risk patients have few major CAD events and less prevalent CAD, and thereby should rarely warrant angiography to identify ischemia-associated lesions. But, if present, modifiable risk factors would normally still be addressed. This is the accepted standard approach to apply risk estimates into clinical management of patients with stable ischemic heart disease. There may, however, be profound differences, as perceived by the patient or the physician, in the need for therapy targeting modifiable risk factors when either functional or anatomic tests yield normal or intermediate results.

In this issue of Circulation , Hoffmann and colleagues report on the effectiveness of risk …


There are a few studies covering solid-particles transport in multiphase pipelines. Solid-particles transport is complicated because it depends on several variables, including flow patterns, fluid properties, phase velocities, and pipe-geometry features such as roughness, diameter, and inclination angle. Each of these variables can have significant effects on the solid-particles-transport process. More attention has been paid recently to the importance of tracking solid-particles-transport management over reservoir life. There are three options available for managing solid-particles transport: applying a cleaning operation, installing solid-particles exclusion facilities, and operating above the critical solid-particles-deposition velocity. Cleaning operations, such as pigging, are only applicable for small amounts of solid particles, and they often result in the pig becoming stuck if the pigging frequency is not high enough. Installing solid-particles exclusion systems (e.g., gravel packs) can reduce production and create excessive pressure drops. The third option, operating above the critical solid-particles-deposition velocity, is preferred for solid-particles-production management as a prevention technique under favorable operating conditions because it has practical applications and can be beneficial commercially. To avoid solid-particles deposition, it is necessary to manage solid-particles transport above solid-particles-deposition velocities. On the other hand, operating under unnecessarily high flow rates is not only cost inefficient, but can also create facility damages; therefore, it is necessary to find the optimum velocity to maintain continuous particle movement. This velocity is called the critical solid-particles-deposition velocity.


In the vector balancing problem, we are given symmetric convex bodies C and K in R^n, and our goal is to determine the minimum number β ≥ 0, known as the vector balancing constant from C to K, such that for any sequence of vectors in C there always exists a signed combination of them lying inside β K. Many fundamental results in discrepancy theory, such as the Beck-Fiala theorem (Discrete Appl.~Math '81), Spencer's "six standard deviations suffice" theorem (Trans.~Amer.~Math.~Soc '85) and Banaszczyk's vector balancing theorem (Random Structures & Algorithms '98) correspond to bounds on vector balancing constants. The above theorems have inspired much research in recent years within theoretical computer science. In this work, we show that all vector balancing constants admit "good" approximate characterizations, with approximation factors depending only polylogarithmically on the dimension n. First, we show that a volumetric lower bound due to Banaszczyk is tight within a O(log n) factor. Our proof is algorithmic, and we show that Rothvoss's (FOCS '14) partial coloring algorithm can be analyzed to obtain these guarantees. Second, we present a novel convex program which encodes the "best possible way" to apply Banaszczyk's vector balancing theorem for bounding vector balancing constants from above, and show that it is tight within an O(log^2.5 n) factor. This also directly yields a corresponding polynomial time approximation algorithm both for vector balancing constants, and for the hereditary discrepancy of any sequence of vectors with respect to an arbitrary norm.


Selective presaturation and saturation transfer {sup 129}Xe NMR experiments were performed on a high volatile C bituminous coal and an anthracite. The experiments detect the movement of xenon atoms among different regions of the internal surface, and to the external surface of the coal particles. The results indicate that adsorbed xenon atoms can move to the external surface of the bituminous coal significantly faster than in the anthracite. The results are interpreted in terms of the porous structure of the coals.


1. INTRODUCTION I. Aim and Purpose II. Structure and Scope III. Background and Context IV. Conclusion 2. WHAT IS CONVENTION MEDIATION? I. Introduction II. Definitional Difficulties III. Place in the Procedure IV. Conclusion 3. HOW CAN A MEDIATION PROCESS FIT WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS OF THE CONVENTION? I. Introduction II. Convention Mediation as a Specialism III. Responding to Specific Challenges IV. Conclusion 4. WHY MEDIATE IN CONVENTION CASES? I. Introduction II. Responding to Concerns Surrounding the Operation of the Convention III. Additional Added Value IV. Conclusion 5. THE VOICE OF THE CHILD I. Introduction II. The Voice of the Child in Mediation III. The Voice of the Child in Convention Court Proceedings IV. The Voice of the Child in Convention Mediation V. Conclusion 6. CONCLUSIONS I. From Enthusiasm ... II... To Action


The dual structural system consisting of special moment resisting frame (SMRF) and concrete shear wall has better seismic performance due to improved lateral stiffness and lateral strength. A well designed system of shear walls in a building frame improves its seismic performance significantly. The configurations of RC moment resisting framed building structure with different arrangements of shear walls are considered for evaluation of seismic performance, so as to arrive at the suitable arrangement of shear wall in the structural framing system for better seismic resistance. A comparison of structural behaviour in terms of strength, stiffness and damping characteristics is done by arranging shear walls at different locations/configurations in the structural framing system. The elastic (response spectrum analysis) as well as in-elastic (nonlinear static pushover analysis) analyses are carried out for the evaluation of seismic performance. The results of the study indicate that the provision of shear walls symmetrically in the outermost moment resisting frames of the building and preferably interconnected in mutually perpendicular directions forming a core will lead to better seismic performance. Index Terms Seismic performance , Shear walls , Base shear , Lateral displacements , Lateral stiffness. ——————————  ——————————


In this paper, we first introduce superhumps in SU UMa type stars of cataclymic and some light modulations recently discovered in the eruption of three X-ray novae. Then we investigate the relation between these light variation and superhumps and propose that super-humps appear not only in optical light but also in UV and X-ray light. Finally, we develope a method to determine whether the primary is a black hole by using the superhump theory.


The European Space Agency GEOS 2 spacecraft happened to cross the magnetopause several times, at various local times. Intense electric and magnetic fluctuations, in the ultralow-frequency (ULF) range (0-10 Hz) have been detected during each such crossing, with a peak at the magnetopause and still large amplitudes in the adjacent magnetosheath and magnetopause boundary layer. By applying spectral analysis and correlations to the electric and magnetic fluctuations, and a minimum variance analysis to the magnetic fluctuations, we investigate the nature of these fluctuations which appear as short-lasting bursts in the spacecraft frame. Having reviewed possible interpretations, we show that the observed electric and magnetic signatures are consistent with small-scale (L ≈ ion Larmor radius) Alfvenic field-aligned structures passing by the spacecraft at high speed. It is suggested that these structures correspond to nonlinear Alfvenic structures.


As demand for flight operations in Antarctica grows, accurate weather forecasting of cloud properties such as extent, cloud base, and cloud-top altitudebecomes essential.The primary aims of this work are to ascertain relationships between numerical weather prediction (NWP) model output variables and surface-observed cloud properties and to develop low-cloud-base (,2000m) height prediction algorithms for use across Antarctica to assist in low-cloud forecasting for aircraft operations. NWP output and radiosonde data are assessed against surface observations, and the relationship between the relative humidity RH profile and the height of the observed low-cloud base is investigated. The ability of NWP-derived RH and ice‐water cloud optical depth profiles to represent the observed low-cloud conditions around each of the three Australian stations in East Antarctica is assessed. NWP-derived RH is drier than that reported by radiosonde from ground level up to ;2000m. This trend reverses in the higher troposphere, and the largest positive difference is observed at ;10000m. A consequence is very low RH thresholds are needed for low-cloud-base height prediction using NWP RH profiles. RH and optical depth‐based threshold techniques all show skill in reproducingthe observedcloud-base heightat allAustralianAntarcticstations,but the radiosonde-derivedRH technique is superior in all cases. This comparison of three low-cloud-base height retrieval techniques provides the first documented assessment of the relative efficacy of each technique in Antarctica.


The increasing rate of attack in the North-Eastern parts of Nigeria has caused the deaths of thousands and thereby forcing many of the residents, including children to abandon their comforts zones. This study assessed the material and health challenges of young IDPs and the impacts of sexual and reproductive health programs in improving the conditions of these young ones. The study was conducted in sixteen local governments of three states (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe) in the North-East of Nigeria using mixed methods. The quantitative data were obtained by the administration of a structured questionnaire to the young IDPs in the three states. The quantitative data were analyzed and were complemented by the qualitative data {Focus Group Discussions (FGDs)} that were obtained from the young IDPs. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. The majority (78.5%) of the young internally displace persons (IDPs) were within the age group of 10-14 years with 51.8% males and 59.1% have attained primary. The major material challenges facing the young IDPs include lack of food (31.6%), clothing (28.7%), Soap/cream (19.8%) and medicine (13.1%). The most common health problems include Malaria (28.9%), cough 23.1%, diarrhea (18.3%) and cholera (13.1%). The IDPs confirmed that they were fully protected in the camp with no experience of rape. They affirmed that their needs were met by the intervention programs provided for them; 71.7% affirmed that their situation was "Good" since they came to the camps and more than half (55.2%) confirmed a better situation. The training in the IPD camps was mostly artisan related while only 31.7% were schooling. This study found that young IDPs are being faced with material and health-related challenges as well as the lack of proper training and education. However, the outcome of the SRH project is a manifestation of the efficient utilization of the resources of the project. More intervention programs to alleviate the challenges of IDPs are advocated.


In the absence of effective formal means for controlling crime in the Western world, community crime prevention has emerged as a major alternative and supplement to the criminal justice system. This article attempts to review what is known currently about the nature, extent, and effectiveness of community-based efforts to prevent residential crime. Included in this assessment are citizen actions to protect themselves, their property, and their neighborhood, as well as efforts to prevent crime through changes in the physical environmental and through innovations in community policing. The historical, theoretical, and empirical rationale for community crime prevention strategies are discussed, but primary attention is given to the results of evaluation research in the field. Although community-based efforts are supported widely by theory, studies of natural covariation, and by numerous poorly designed evaluations, there is a paucity of strong demonstrations and evaluations showing that such interventions ca...