Robust header compression (ROHC) [1] is recently developed to be used in wireless last hop links of global Internet. It is built around an extensible core framework that can be tailored to compress new protocol stacks by adding additional ROHC profiles. The role of formal notation is to provide a simple method for ROHC profile specification. It is to be used in the phase of profile refinement to achieve maximal compression ratio possible, as well as in the phase of software implementation to provide unambiguous profile specification. In this paper, requirements expected to be achieved with profile formal notation system for ROHC are elaborated.


Modified Gelatin was prepared by using cross-linking agent of oxazolidine. Results had shown the rate and capacity of water absorption of modified gelatin were fully depended upon their preparing conditions, such as consistency of the cross-linking agent ,the temperature and the pH value of cross-linking reaction.


The process of the construction of socialist harmonious society is the process of adjusting interest relations in essence.As the main way for benefit,political resource gives key role in the construction of harmonious society.Socialist harmonious society is well constructed by such the ways as perfect political resource allocation system composed by market,government and society and the realization of optimal allocation and integration of political resource.


Albanian migration in Greece, initiated by the fall of the communist regime in Albania, could be qualified as unique not only for its intensity and for the large numbers of persons it involves, but also for some particularities of the Albanian immigrants in Greece: they adopt some practices and attitudes rather surprising or, at least, somewhat "unusual". Those practices concern, on one hand, a concealment of their Albanian identity, via the name and/or religion changing; on the other hand, they imply Albanians' spatial "invisibility" as a group, mainly expressed by their households' broad diffusion into the urban territory of Thessaloniki (the second largest metropolis after the Greek capital, and also our field of study), and the absence of an ethnicised district within the same city. The purpose of this thesis is the exploration of those phenomena, the conditions under which they were generated, as well as their consequences. As far as we are concerned, we propose that those phenomena are the various components of the same coping strategy of Albanian immigrants in Greece. To what extent is this strategy related to the Albanians' cultural orientations? What is the role played by the socio-political structure of the immigration country in the generation of such strategies? Such a dilemma, does it really exist? In this work, we strive to demonstrate that the strategies in question are the result of a multiplicity of factors related both to the new immigrants' culture, their pre-migration history and their relations with their compatriots in the country of immigration, and also to the general social climate and the migration policies in Greece.


Human activity recognition aims to infer a person's actions from a set of observations captured by several sensors. Data acquisition, processing and inference on edge devices add a complexity factor to the task, as they involve a trade-off between hardware efficiency and performance. We present a prototype of a wearable device that identifies a person's activity: walking, running or staying still. The system consists of a Texas Instruments MSP-EXP430G2ET launchpad, connected to a BOOSTXL-SENSORS boosterpack with a BMI160 accelerometer. The designed prototype can take acceleration measurements, process them and either transmit them to a computer or classify the activity in the microcontroller. Additionally, our system has LEDs to display coloured signals according to the inferred activity in real-time. The classification algorithm is based on the calculation of statistical features (mean, standard deviation, maximum and minimum) for each accelerometer axis, the application of a dimensionality reduction algorithm (LDA, Linear Discriminant Analysis) and an SVM (Support Vector Machines) classification model.


Posterior slope of the tibial component is an important factor in overall alignment of Total Knee Arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of tibial bone cuts utilizing traditional extramedullary 0 degree and angled 5 degree cutting blocks, and computer aided navigation, in primary total knee arthroplasty. We identified 3 groups of patients. Group one were primary total knees performed using an extramedullary 0 degree cutting block for posterior slope, group 2 were performed using an extramedullary 5 degree cutting block and the third group were performed with computer navigation. Patients in all 3 groups were age and sex matched. All operations were performed by residents or clinical fellows, under the supervision of the senior authors. Lateral digital radiographs were reviewed and posterior slope was determined in a standardized fashion. Two independent blinded researchers assessed the posterior slope using Siemens Magicweb software version VA42C_0206. The average difference from the ideal posterior slope in navigated knees was lower than with non-navigated knees, however this was not significant (p=0.086). The average difference from the ideal posterior slope in computer navigated knees was 1.77 degrees (95% CI=1.28 to 2.26) compared to 2.37 degrees (95% CI=1.56 to 3.17) with the 5 degree cutting block and 2.70 degrees (95% CI=1.73 to 3.66) with the 0 degree block. No absolute significant difference was highlighted between the 3 groups using ANOVA testing (p=0.22). All three techniques used to obtain ideal tibial slope were accurate. Accuracy was not increased by the use of computer navigation; however navigation resulted in less variation in outcome. The two jig based methods produced similar outcomes and either technique can be used successfully.


In this paper we present a brief overview of techniques for digital watermarking of audio signals, including basic requirements and typical applications. We propose a novel technique, based on replica modulation with correlation extraction, including several variations. The proposed method is characterized by excellent audio quality vs. robustness tradeoff, high bit rate, low processing load, and particularly good security.


The Plug and Perf technique is the most common application used in completions or horizontal wells that require multistage hydraulic fracturing.
 Once the horizontal well is drilled, cased, cemented and isolated - two runs of coiled tubing will be required. The first coil tubing run will be to clean up residual cement and the second run to convey the first set of perforating guns to the end of the well or toe. Once the perforating guns are initiated and perforated holes through the casing and cement into the formation, fluids can now be pumped into the formation. This injected fluid is required to push the WireLine bottom hole assembly (BHA), containing a frac plug to the target depth.
 The use of pressure-activated toe valves or Toe Injection Valve (TIV) in a completion string is yet another innovative approach to completing a horizontal well. This technology eliminates the need for perforating guns prior to a multi-stage hydraulic fracturing (frac) operation. Subsequently, the operator can greatly reduce costs when the need for coiled tubing (CT), wireline (WL), or workover rig (WOR) is no longer needed on location to convey perforating guns.
 However, if the completion is not equipped with Toe Injection Valve TIV or when injection rate through it is not adequate for wireline pump-down operations, or the toe valve (TIV) fails to open, in this cases the operator must rely on the conventional methods of perforating in order to achieve injection into the well and begin the frac operation.
 The conventional method will negate any cost savings that the TIV was designed to provide.
 In this paper will review cost effective solution using a motor BHA and abrasive perforator in tandem to clean-out, perforate make another clean out, test the infectivity and Pump acid if needed all in one run using by-pass abrasive tool.


The present invention relates to methods for correction of psychological conditions in individuals, as well as to pas Senger ships for carrying out Such methods and may be used in psychological practice and in the fields of medicine and shipbuilding. The technical effect attained by the floating centre according to the present invention is restoration of mental equilibrium, Self-reliance, improvement of Social adaptation and reaching feelings of Self-affirmation.


In presence of non-response, we assess the suggested estimator under super population model in two-occasion successive sampling. Expression of expected variance of the suggested estimator has been derived and related optimum replacement strategy is also discussed. Empirical study is
carried out to demonstrate the performance of the estimator. Suitable recommendations have been made.


Low-temperature Pb-free solders are in demand in the electronic industry for reducing processing emissions and enhancing product reliability. Sn–Bi-based alloys have drawn great interests. We performed high-throughput CALculation of PHAse Diagram modelling and systematically screened 35,343 alloy compositions among the Sn–Bi–Ag–In and Sn–Bi–Ag–Zn quaternary systems. An optimal alloy of each system was proposed, experimentally characterised based on microstructural, thermal, and mechanical analyses, and their phase equilibria and solidification reactions are elaborated. The designed Sn–Bi–Ag–In alloy with solidus and liquidus temperatures of 137.6 and 157.1°C, respectively, shows superior mechanical properties, e.g. the ultimate tensile strength of 57 MPa, elongation of 50%, and toughness of 20.6 × 106 J m−3, which is a promising material for low-temperature interconnection.


Our objective was to examine the quantity and profile of subjective cognitive complaints in young patients as compared with elderly patients referred to a memory clinic.


The present invention relates to a system and apparatus for the same thread of the threaded damage to replace the object (12) using a thread damage, i.e., expanding the original threaded hole and inserting a threaded insert (10) a threaded hole in the new object, the insert member having a threaded hole the same as the original inner thread. Threaded insert threaded to be held in place is fixed in the enlarged hole in the fastening. When the threaded insert screwed into the enlarged threaded hole, a concave portion is formed below the drive head of the threaded insert causes metal flow into the concave portion so as to create a seal between the threaded insert and the object.


We present a method to simultaneously determine bulk and surface recombination properties using time-resolved photoluminescence (PL) decay. The lifetime separation algorithm makes use of the analytical expression of the asymptotic separation of two time-resolved PL decays corresponding to different excitation wavelengths as well as that of the ratio of two steady-state PL intensities excited by the two different wavelengths. Detailed experimental methods of measuring these two terms are presented and the effect of signal-to-noise ratio is discussed to determine the applicability of this algorithm.


The Tian's River Bridge belongs to central channel of Yin-Wu highway from Pingliang to Dingxi.The highway is planning to be constructed at present.This paper established a finite element model of Tian's River Bridge,then analyzed the modes and response spectrums to educe the fundamental characteristics of the framework under seismic waves,which can play an important role in directing project.


Home to the largest communist party in a democratic society, Italy has been a unique place politically, one where Christian democrats, liberals, fascists, socialists and communists and others have co-existed in sizeable numbers. This book follows each of the major ideologies, explaining how they developed, describing the key actors and considering the legacies they left to political culture. "Ideological Profile" was written in 1968 to explain from a personal perspective the history behind that decade's tumultuous politics. Beginning in the late 19th century with positivism and Marxism, Bobbio next presents the ideological currents that developed before the outbreak of World War One: Catholic, socialist, irrational and anti-democratic thought, the reaction against positivism and the thinking of Benedetto Croce. After discussing the impact of the war, the author turns to the revolutionary-reactionary polarization of the postwar period and the ideology of fascism. The final chapters consider Croce's opposition to fascism and the ideals of the resistance and conclude with the post-World War Two "Years of Involvement".


The effect of foliar fertilizing on the yield and the chemical composition of kernels from texas almond cultivar in Valandovo region in the period from 2012 to 2013 was determined. The experiment was set in four variants and three repetitions. The variants wer Me (55% w/w B); 0.10% Cu, 4% Fe, 1.50% Mn, 0.10% Mo, 2% Zn). The distance of fruit planting was 4.5 m row by row and 3.5 m in the rows. In each variant and repetition were included 20 plants, and total in all experiment were involved 240. Thr concentration of 0.4%. In the end of the November, soil fertilizing with the fertilizer 11-44agrochemical analyses were made, and was concluded good fertility with nitrogen, medium fertility with phosphorus and potassium. The foliar fertilizing has a positive influence on the yield and the chemical composition of almond kernels. The highest ave ha) and the highest average almond kernels yield (1333.50 kg ha treated with fertilizer NPK+ 2%w/w and the lowest almond kernels yield (857.25 kg ha highest average content of nitrogen (3.80%), phosphorus (1.15%), potassium (1.17%) and oils (59,30%) was determined in the kernels from variant NPK+ 2% w/w Mg, 2% average content of calcium (0.93%) and magnesium (0.40%) were determined in the variant NPK+Oligomix (1.20% B, 0.10% Cu, 4% Fe, 1.50% Mn, 0.10% Mo, 2% Zn).


Studies of employee turnover are reviewed using meta-analytic techniques. The findings indicate that almost all of the 26 variables studied relate to turnover. The findings also indicate that study variables including population, nationality, and industry moderate relationships between many of the variables and turnover. It is suggested that future research on employee turnover: (1) report study variables, (2) continue model testing rather than simply correlating variables with turnover, and (3) incorporate study variables into future models.


With the development and utilization of water resources of the Yangtze River,its sediment characteristics have changed to some extent.To assess daminduced alterations in the sediment load of the Yangtze River quantitatively, the Danjiangkou Reservoir,the Gezhouba Reservoir and the Three Gorges Reservoir were selected as case study sites,and the whole study periods were divided into four sub-periods according to the years when these three reservoirs initially started to store water.On the basis of the time series of daily sediment discharge from six key hydrological stations(Wanxian,Yichang,Hankou,Datong,Baihe and Xiantao)in nearly 50 years,the changes in annual,seasonal and monthly sediment load in different sub-periods were comparatively analyzed.The results revealed that the sediment load of river reaches downstream the reservoirs decreased significantly due to sediment trapping in the reservoirs.This paper could provide reference for the assessment of impacts of human activities on the health and stability of the Yangtze River ecosystem.


We consider a class of abstract nonlinear wave equations with memory and linear dissipation. We give sufficient conditions in terms of the nitial data to prove the nonexistence of global solutions. We improve recent results that have studied this problem for viscoelastic wave, Kirchhoff and Petrovsky equations with positive initial energy values.


Text compression techniques are essential techniques to use for data transmission from one location to another location and also used to keep the more data. LZW is an lossless text compression technique to using by most of people. This paper proposes to decrease the length of the LZW algorithm output, thus we can compress more data at a time.


A vertex coloring f of a graph G is nonrepetitive if there are no integer r≥1 and a simple path v1,…,v2r in G such that f(vi)=f(vr


Police education and training, in common with education at all levels, was seriously affected by the onset of lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Police organisations in England and Wales sought to cope by moving training and education programmes online, almost overnight. This paper presents findings from interviews conducted with Learning and Development leaders in 17 police forces in England and Wales to gauge the capacity of organizations to provide blended learning (BL) in the pre COVID period and plans for the future. Findings indicated that although there are challenges, the appetite and capacity to adopt BL methods in forces range on a spectrum. The paper and makes recommendations to support the rollout and use of BL in police education generally and proposes a theory of change to assist the introduction of BL in police organisations. [ FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Police Practice & Research is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full . (Copyright applies to all s.)


This paper examines the Australian trade union movement's campaign to convince the Australian Labor Party (ALP) to support the inclusion of core labour standards in international trade agreements. Despite historical affiliations, the Australian union movement has been unsuccessful in its attempts to influence the ALP. In contrast, the US union movement has convinced both the Republican Party and the Democratic Party to accept that core labour standards should be a part of the trade negotiating agenda. The reasons for the US unions' success on this issue are examined within the context of the changing relationship between the respective union movements and their traditional parliamentary allies. The need for Australian unions to examine and reassess their strategies by drawing lessons from the US experience, including the possibility of a changed relationship with the ALP, is discussed.


IntroductionBrands have made their presence felt in the day-to-day dealings of our life in every possible way. This is so because their presence has been there for much longer than believed otherwise. They have shaped the way of living for us and have become a part of our personalities in a big way. Authors like Danesi (2006) proclaim that brands have been a part of our life since the 'dawn of history'. To prove his point, he cites the examples of trademarks, symbols and slogans which have very much been the identity of the goods traded since ancient times. Persian dates, Indian spices, Afghan dry fruits, are some examples of branding applied to goods since ages thereby giving them an identity of their own. He adds that branding and trading have existed side-by-side, and that the modern brands have resulted from the various trademarks and business terms which have come to be associated with the conduct of business.Branding has come to characterize our conduct in innumerable ways, sometimes in obvious ways and on other occasions in hidden terms. The definition as given by AMA (1960) with regard to what makes a brand has scope for almost everything which one comes across. It goes like this - 'A name, term, sign, symbol, or design, or a combination of them which is intended to identify the goods or services of one seller or a group of sellers and to differentiate them from those of competitors'. What is striking about this definition is the comprehensiveness which characterizes it despite being more than half-acentury old. By the virtue of the same, it may very well include the phenomenon of politics, political parties, leaders and their views.Similarly, Williams (2000) and Clifton (2009), over different points of time, have expressed their views with regard to what makes a brand. As per them, it could be any blend of names, logos, slogans, colours, shapes, symbols, advertising, signature, design, packaging, and marketing that, in a combined form, give a unique perspective of a physical form which is recognizable as well.The above definitions help us understand that in today's fast-paced world, consumer orientation has come to be associated with every brand. It is this perspective of viewing a brand which helps to develop a 'branded' approach towards politics thereby leading political branding.Further, what needs to be recognized is the aspect that brands are made up of many components, some of which are easily recognized such as their brand name, logo, tagline, symbols whereas there are the intangible aspects of the same which are not as easily recognizable but at the same time are equally crucial such as feelings, emotions, trust, values which they represent. It is the latter which plays an instrumental role with regard to the consumers getting emotionally attached to the product and political branding finds its prominence in this context.Danesi (2006) propounds that the culture of giving nomenclature to the products has led to providing assistance to the consumers with regard to recalling the traits, features and performance-related elements of a product. This is the virtue which differentiates one brand from the other and helps it in standing apart from the competing products.Then there is Adamson (2006), who has given the concept of brand promise, which provides the conviction on the part of a brand to the users. The consumers are convinced about the ability of the brand to live up to the hype surrounding on the virtue of its performance. Now, this is something which is abstract in nature, intangible in its characteristic and at the same time quite important for the brand to make an impression in the mindscape of the consumer.Any product which has got the ability to satisfy the wants and demands of the consumer could be labeled as a brand as long as it fulfills on the brand promise. It is not as if only a physical product qualifies as a brand. A service, a person, a place, an organization, an idea, a cause, an event, anything and everything can be branded as long as consumers identify with them. …


As consumer action and conscious buying behavior has become increasingly widespread during the last few decades, companies have reacted to the consistent threat of customer action and changed their monitoring of public opinion and business strategies accordingly. This study therefore aims at answering the question which factors lead to a successful consumer boycott as a response to exploitative corporate behavior. In order to find an answer, a theoretical framework is developed, methodology and hypotheses derived and 100 successful and unsuccessful boycotts between 1955 and 2012 are examined. The findings are translated into a model showcasing the factors determining boycott success and are further used to propose a public government mechanism to address perceived exploitative corporate behavior before it comes to boycotts. Furthermore, concluding remarks and suggestions for future research are given.


ABSTRACT Steven Hales and Jennifer Johnson—building off their (2014) work as well as Hales (2015, 2016)—have recently conducted two studies in Philosophical Psychology (2018) that show that there is a relationship between optimism and folk assessments of luck. Hales and Johnson use these results to argue that there is no such thing as luck. Instead, they claim that the concept is highly subjective and a cognitive illusion and that what we are in need of is an error theory. After reviewing Hales' and Johnson's position, I levy four objections against their view. First, they ignore the fact that luck involves a chanciness condition. Second, their standards for what it means to be a useful philosophical theory are too high. Third, their view ignores the fact that there are various accounts of value in the literature and assumes a kind of relativism that few people would be willing to accept. Lastly, their error theory is not supported by the empirical evidence. Because of these problems, Hales and Johnson's argument is not a serious threat to extant accounts of luck.


It is generally accepted that the theory of fusion systems began with Alperin's Fusion Theorem [1]. Alperin's result was improved by Goldschmidt [14] and by Puig [23]. The final result, known as the Alperin-Goldschmidt Fusion Theorem, states that the fusion of certain non-trivial subgroups, namely essential p-subgroups, controls the fusion of a finite group. The axiomatic foundations of fusion systems were developed by Puig [24] during the 1990s. His work underpins the construction of fusion systems of blocks of finite groups. An and Dietrich classified the essential p-subgroups of some classical groups [4], sporadic simple groups [5] and finite symmetric groups [6]. In this thesis, we investigate a correspondence between the essential p-subgroups of a finite symmetric group and those of the corresponding alternating group. Of particular interest is the case p = 2: a finite symmetric group and its associated alternating group have different Sylow 2-subgroups. The odd case is relatively clear. Similarly, we establish a correspondence between the essential p-subgroups of a finite group and the essential p-subgroups of a 2-covering group, for an odd prime p. However, in the case p = 2 there is no such correspondence. In many cases the fusion system of a block of a finite group is equivalent to the fusion system of some finite group (possibly different). It is not known whether this is the case for the fusion system of a block of a finite alternating group. We investigate a correspondence between the essential p-subgroups of a fusion system of a block of an alternating group, and the essential p-subgroups of a fusion system of an alternating group (possibly different). Once again, if p is odd, then this correspondence is clear. If p = 2, then a special case arises.


How to use hovering depth charge to intercept torpedo is one of the main problems in surface ship torpedo defense.Fuzzy mathematics knowledge is used in this paper for dividing a torpedo warning distance into near,middle,and far fields to establish torpedo warning distance functions and estimate torpedo course and speed.Hence,an opera-tional model for surface ship to intercept uncertain type of torpedo with hovering depth charge is constructed.Simulation via the Monte-Carlo method is performed,and the result shows that intercepting uncertain type of torpedo with hovering depth charge is the most available measure,which can achieve the purpose of completely damaging the torpedo and ensuring the safety of surface ship.


I n 1935, Columbia University economics graduate Roy Stryker was put in charge of the Farm Security Administration's Historical Section, the New Deal agency formed to increase public support for federal aid programs by documenting the plight of the poor. During his eightyear tenure in this position, Stryker hired more than 20 documentary photographers-"a bunch of sociologists with cameras," Ansel Adams complaineda group that included such notables as Walker Evans, Dorthea Lange, and Gordon Parks. Providing them with background reading and project descriptions, Stryker instructed them to show how the poor faced economic hardships with dignity. And photograph they did. Stryker's photographers produced a quarter million images including, as it turns out, a good number that featured religious culture. These images of American religion during the Great Depression are the subject of the latest book by University of Utah religion historian Colleen McDannell. Spurning large religious institutions and powerful authorities, Stryker's photographers took pictures ofthe religion practiced by individuals: a husband and wife singing hymns, a man darning socks on a cot surrounded by religious prints, a home shrine to Our Lady of Guadalupe, an itinerant preacher's gospel truck, a decorated grave. And they took one picture after another of church buildings. Although Stryker promoted photography as a tool of education rather than art, most of his photographers were artists who could not resist taking pictures of visually interesting churches. Despite his fear that form would overtake content in his photographers' pictures, Stryker accepted the church photos because, as McDannell explains, "churches were not merely buildings; they were carefully built and lovingly maintained physical expressions of commitment" (p.89). McDannell highlights the antireligious institution message in Historical Division photographs by contrasting two sets of pictures, one of the City Mission of Dubuque in 1940 and another of Salvation Army workers taken in San Francisco the year before. The first City Mission photograph shows unemployed men lined up along an alley wall waiting for dinner at the mission. Only 25 will be let in for supper, prayer, fumigation, shower, and bed with lights out at 9:00. The humiliation of the men photographed in a prayer service and during grace over tin bowls and cups is palpable. The Salvation Army pictures, by contrast, show uniformed officers street preaching on a city sidewalk, kneeling in prayer, gathered in a meeting, and singing hymns. None of them shows the


In this paper the sound absorption coefficient of the wheat straws polyurethande composite is reasarched in different sound wave frequency by changing the proportion of wheat straw to polyurethane, the density of the composite and foaming temperature. The result is shown in 3 aspects: the foaming temperature has different influence on the sound absorption coefficient of the composite in different sound wave frequency; there is close relationship between the density of the composite and its sound absorption coefficient; the proportion of wheat straw to polyurethane in the composite has bigger influence on the sound absorption coefficient in the sound wave frequency of 250- 4 000Hz.


Three domical inselbergs or bornhardts, Disappointment, McDermid and Bank Rocks, located near the Hyden-Norseman road in the south-eastern corner of the Yilgarn Craton, are described and analysed. All are basically similar in origin, being due to differential fracture-controlled subsurface weathering followed by the stripping of the weathered mantle. Disappointment Rock is older and topographically more subdued than either McDermid or Bank Rocks; it is located further from the Lake Johnston valley and has not been as greatly exposed. McDermid and Bank Rocks display spectacular flared slopes, whereas those developed at Disappointment Rock probably remain hidden by the lateritic regolith. All three Rocks display a similar range of minor forms, some due to subsurface weathering, others to weathering after exposure of the rock surface, yet others to contrasted rates of weathering on wet and dry surfaces. Some are due to protection against water attack, others reflect bedrock characteristics, and yet others the effects of gravity. Recent earth movements, as evidenced in neotectonic landforms, have affected all three residuals.


The GC-MS of a horse urine extract obtained 40 h after doping
with quinine is analysed. An unresolved cluster of peaks is studied.
Several problems occur specifically with GC-MS data, which are solved using
chemometrics methods. The use of windows to select masses, with the
diagnostic masses changing according to window size and position, is
discussed and used in calculations of derivatives to determine the
composition of the chromatogram. PCA loadings and scores plots are
obtained. The use of deconvolution to obtain clean spectra of the
metabolites together with pseudo-simulations for determination of
underlying peak-shapes is described.


We investigate the tunable bistable behavior of a hybrid nano-electro-optomechanical system (NEOMS) composed of S-shaped in the presence of two-level atoms, trapped inside a Fabry–Pérot cavity, and driven by a strong driving field and a weak probe field. The bistable behavior of the steady-state photon number and the mechanical steady-state positions are discussed. Further, we tune bistability by tuning all the coupling frequencies involved in the system and amplitude of the driving field. The present study provides the possibility of realization of a controllable optical switch depending on atom-field coupling, optomechanical coupling, electrostatic Coulomb coupling, and threshold power. In addition, we discuss that the non-linear effect of the hybrid NEOMS generates the four-wave mixing (FWM) process. Moreover, we show that the FWM process can be suppressed by the atom-field detuning and cavity-field detuning, which exhibits low photon transmission.


Game based learning aims to take advantage of the motivating qualities that make millions of users of videogames voluntarily spend time, effort and money in these environments. Evidence suggests that game based learning can have both the ability to motivate students and to enhance the learning process. Despite this, there are reports saying that the use of game based learning in classrooms does not match the popularity of videogames.One stated condition for success when implementing this kind of learning is the possibility of a comprehensive evaluation of both the game and the student. This field of research is often described as incomplete in literature.The purpose of this literature study is to investigate existing methods for log-based analysis and measurement of student motivation and engagement in digital game based learning. The results show that log based methods exist, but have a limited approach compared to subjective measurement (i.e. surveys). Based on the results from one study in particular, an idea for future development could be using more social interaction in games to better model motivation through user interaction.


The authors introduced the construction of recombinant Baculovirus expression system and another novel stable transformation based expression system. Properties of proteins mainly engineering antibodies expressed with insect system were also discussed in this review.


Context:Collaboration and digitization in work and production process have been of scientific interest in the research field of vocational education and training for decades. So far, there is a lack of empirical evidence on the extent to which the performance of collaborative problem-solving can outperform individual problem-solving. An appropriate instrument for measuring collaborative performance appropriately has been lacking to this point: It is challenging to (1) collect data on interaction in collaboration in a standardized way and (2) to assign the individual performances to the group performance. In a web-based office simulation, this study examined the two-dimensional construct of collaborative problem-solving ability, which consists of cognitive and social components, and explored the effectiveness of collaboration.
Methods:The test settings are systematically varied between individual and collaborative problem-solving in a domain-typical problem scenario in the economic domain. A theory-driven two-dimensional authentic instrument with a complex commercial problem in a web-based office simulation was applied to measure the performance in these two test settings. Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis was conducted to test for measurement invariance across test settings, the two-dimensional RASCH-Model incorporating between-item multidimensionality with correlated dimensions was used for ability estimation. ANOVA test was conducted to determine if there is a statistically significant difference with respect to the ability between the individual and collaborative test settings.
Findings:The two-dimensional construct of collaborative problem-solving ability with correlated dimensions showed better fit than the unidimensional construct. The scalar measurement invariance was established after excluding three items. ANOVA tests confirmed that the collaborative setting enhances the problem-solving ability of learners significantly in both the cognitive component and social component, and the ability in cognitive component was more fostered.
Conclusion:The findings suggested the validation of this multidimensional authentic instrument to measure the performance in a collaborative work environment in economic domains. The results showed the effectiveness of collaboration with a computer-based agent. In the practice of vocational training and education, teachers can use this instrument for the evaluation of the effectiveness of collaboration.


"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Wise words to live by. But these tough financial times it seems as if several are contemplating the cost of the ounce of prevention. Today's economic climate has most everyone in survival mode, giving careful consideration as to where to allocate their budgets. Companies are more careful these days to maximize the return on their investments than perhaps they have been in the past. For example, sometimes it just makes sense that new purchases are put on hold while the maintenance of existing equipment has taken a higher priority. At the same time, quality of the work done is dependent on the one tasked with maintaining existing equipment and is expected to exceed, or at least meet existing expectations.In the world of the laser engineer, these concepts are not at all foreign. The laser measurement community is aware of these challenges and continues to develop valuable and simple, yet cost-effective and time-saving tools to help laser engineers and laser users easily diagnose, maintain and prolong the life of their cutting, welding, ablating and marking lasers. For this paper, we will discuss the tools and some techniques used to maintain two different laser systems common to manufacturing environments: Nd:YAG laser seam and spot welding lasers and CO2 cutting lasers, providing examples of how these tools can increase the efficiency and improve the performance of these lasers."An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Wise words to live by. But these tough financial times it seems as if several are contemplating the cost of the ounce of prevention. Today's economic climate has most everyone in survival mode, giving careful consideration as to where to allocate their budgets. Companies are more careful these days to maximize the return on their investments than perhaps they have been in the past. For example, sometimes it just makes sense that new purchases are put on hold while the maintenance of existing equipment has taken a higher priority. At the same time, quality of the work done is dependent on the one tasked with maintaining existing equipment and is expected to exceed, or at least meet existing expectations.In the world of the laser engineer, these concepts are not at all foreign. The laser measurement community is aware of these challenges and continues to develop valuable and simple, yet cost-effective and time-saving tools to help laser engineers and laser ...


In most Engineering curricula, the courses are somewhat disjointed with very few projects or concepts tying classes together. In the Engineering Mechanics Department at the US Air Force Academy, we have the opportunity to create a common thread through at least a few of the cadets' senior level classes. At the same time, it is possible to involve the students in some research at the undergraduate level. Example projects that are used in courses involving experimental mechanics, finite element analysis, independent research, and competition teams will be presented, and benefits of this integrated approach discussed.


Cochlear implants are electronic devices that have enabled individuals with severe to profound hearing losses to regain some hearing. There is, however, substantial variability in speech perception performance among users of cochlear implants. One factor that may contribute to the individual differences is the way in which the device converts acoustic sound waves into electrical stimulation: the speech processing strategy. With the goal of improving these speech processing strategies, researchers have traditionally implemented them on specialized digital signal processors (DSPs). This approach requires specialized programming knowledge and is often expensive and time consuming. We have taken a new approach to simplify the implementation of real-time speech processing strategies by using a PC. This paper describes the functionality and construction of a cochlear implant (CI) speech processor based on a personal computer: a PC processor. This represents a new paradigm in the development of the next generation cochlear implants. Both the continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) and the n-of-m speech processing strategies, two clinically available strategies, were implemented. The n-of-m processing scheme was tested by several adult CI users. Results confirmed that the PC processor we designed and built functions within its specifications. New speech processing strategies developed using the PC processor may help specify and develop the next generation of neural auditory prostheses. Key Words—Cochlear Implants, Speech Processing, Stimulation Strategies


The mechanism of three-dimensional shock control bumps (SCBs) to reduce wave drag is widely understood. Further, it has been claimed potential for passive flow control of transonic buffet. Although the underlying mechanisms of how SCBs favourably influence buffet onset are thought to be understood in broad terms, no experiments of SCBs in an unsteady flow field exist that verify this (Bruce and Colliss (2015)). Two different SCB geometries which have already been investigated in a steady flow field, experimentally and numerically, were investigated in buffet conditions. Image post processing was used to detect the oscillating shock wave position from schlieren images and velocity vector fields. It thus became possible to divide the velocity field into the time-average, the cyclic component and the turbulent component, known as triple decomposition. The time-averaged and the phase-averaged flow field were analysed in respect to the shock position and boundary layer separation.


Low-temperature plasmas exert such little pressures on their solid boundaries that no much attention has been paid to this effect so far. However, recent force measurements, where small test surfaces were brought in contact with a plasma, have shown that the "plasma pressure" is in the order of magnitude of the electron pressure (order of magnitude of 1 mPa, or $\mu \mathrm{N}$ cm−2) [1], [2], where measured forces range from significantly smaller forces up to a few times the electron pressure force. Until now, only qualitative descriptions of the underlying mechanisms for this behavior could be presented. A one-dimensional fluid model (including spherically symmetric geometry) was applied in a general treatment of the problem, and it was concluded that the pressure at the wall should equal the electron pressure in the center of the discharge [3]. However, the found systematic deviations remained unexplained. In this study, we provide a short summary of the experiments performed in Kiel so far with force measurements in capacitively-coupled radio-frequency discharges and microwave-generated plasmas, and we report on our latest attempts to understand the observed features of the force.


Within the framework of Constructive Alignment in Outcomes-based Teaching and Learning (OBTL), we examined the connections between teaching practice and student outcomes in the implementation of authentic performance assessment in pre-service teacher education. Using the case study design, we described the interactions of teaching-learning and assessment in the implementation of an authentic assessment task based on a Five-Dimensional Framework. From the lens of critical reflections on teaching practice, we found that authentic assessment provided a holistic approach to classroom assessment where formative assessments are embedded within a summative performance task. Students found the activity a meaningful learning experience as they produced quality products and performances that relate to their future role as professional teachers. We conclude on the importance of authentic assessments in aligning teaching and assessment with student learning outcomes and recommend the use of organizing frameworks in both planning and reflection of teaching and assessment practices.


Objective To study the clinical characteristics of postmenopausal patients with essential hypertension(EH).Methods Seven hundred and twenty-seven female EH patients were divided in premenopausal group(n=240)and postmenopausal group(n=487).Their medical history was recorded.The patients underwent physical examination and laboratory testing.The clinical characteristics of postmenopausal group were retrospectively analyzed.Results The age was older,the course of hypertension was longer,the waist/hip ratio and the serum levels of TG,TC,LDL-C, fasting blood glucose,24hpostprandial blood glucose,HOMA-IR and uric acid were significantly higher while the 24hurinary sodium and potassium levels were significantly lower in postmenopausal group than in premenopausal group.The incidence of metabolic syndrome,diabetes mellitus,impaired blood glucose tolerance,impaired fasting blood glucose and impaired glucose tolerance,hypercholesterolemia,combined hyperlipidemia was significantly higher in postmenopausal group than in premenopausal group(P0.05,P0.01).The left ventricular hypertrophy(LVH),carotid plaques,chronic kidney disease were more common in postmenopausal group than in premenopausal group.High uric acid level was the independent factor for LVH in postmenopausal hypertensive patients(OR=1.005,95%CI:1.002-1.008,P=0.003).Conclusion Postmenopausal EH patients are characterized by metabolism disturbance of glucose,lipid,and uric acid, with a higher incidence of metabolic syndrome,refractory hypertension and target organ damage.


We present four cases of patients on etanercept treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) subsequently diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We hypothesise that there may be identifiable characteristics of these patients which makes them more identifiable to the physician.
 Etanercept is a recombinant dimer of human tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor proteins bound to human IgG1. It is an effective second line treatment option in JIA for those who have failed, or are intolerant to, methotrexate, and an effective first line treatment option in those who have axial disease at diagnosis. Anti-TNF treatments are effective in IBD, however etanercept in particular does not have therapeutic benefit, and in one trial there was a non-significant trend towards worsening of disease.

 Please refer to the Results section.

 Four cases, in a 15 year old male, 11 year old female, 10 year old female and 11 year old female, have been identified at our site. The time from etanercept initiation and diagnosis of IBD was between 2 weeks and 2 years 1 month. None of the cases had gastrointestinal symptoms at JIA diagnosis. All four were ANA negative, and in the two with information, both were HLA-B27 negative. Three out of four had hip arthritis involvement. There was a family history of IBD (ulcerative colitis) in only one of the cases. Aside from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, there were no other immunomodulatory medications concurrently being taken in any of the cases while on etanercept. All four were anaemic (Hb < 120g/L) at diagnosis of IBD. Only one had raised ESR (43mm/hr) while all had normal CRP. Albumin was low in two (17g/L and 29g/L). Following gastroenterology review and endoscopy, two cases were diagnosed with Crohn's disease and two with ulcerative colitis.

 It remains unclear whether etanercept plays a role in the development of IBD in these patients, whether it unmasks subclinical disease, or whether there is no association and it is simply a coincidence. However, there continue to be case reports and series suggesting an association between the two. We hope to identify further cases similar to these from sources such as the UK Biologics Registry and via surveys from teams at paediatric rheumatology centres throughout the UK. Further to the identification of cases, a retrospective review of patient characteristics will be carried out. This may allow for further determination of identifiable characteristics for these patients, and therefore suggest a subgroup of JIA patients with a higher risk of developing IBD, in which case caution when considering etanercept treatment would be advised.

 The authors declare no conflicts of interest.


Triennial update that describes the BNL Environmental Monitoring Program for all media (air, surface water, ground water, etc.) in accordance with DOE ORDER 5400.5


Presents a unique view of informality within the government of Tatarstan which challenges the notion that these forms can be dismissed as simply corruption. Focuses on interviews with investors and businessmen, showing how informality can be an important factor in the reproduction of elite classes. Limits the article to the unique dynamics of the transition from command economy to free market economy but provides resonance with the experiences of those who have worked in many third‐world societies.


High concentration heavy metals in the environment can cause serious problem on human health. Cobalt is a heavy metal that has a large application in different fields. In the present work, we aimed to investigate the adsorption of the cobalt ions from aqueous solutions on molecular sieves and zeolite AW-300. Molecular sieves and zeolites were activated at 873 K for two hours before the adsorption experiment. UV-Visible spectrometer was used to measure concentrations of cobalt ions. All adsorption experiments were performed according to statistical designs for response surface methodological approach. A response surface analysis was guided to advance understand the interactions between adsorbent dose and initial concentration of cobalt ions. The removal efficiencies of cobalt ions on sorbents were characterized. The results indicated that molecular sieves and zeolite AW-300 can be used to remove cobalt ions from aqueous solutions.


The advantage of electric loading simulation system is that it can track the load curve more quickly.Whether eliminating the superabundant torque quickly or not during operating is the key issue of determining the precision and dynamic quality of sys- tem.Classical PID control is hard to satisfy the demand of high precision and speediness,while fuzzy adaptive PID control can solve this problem.The system's loading precision and dynamic performance after adapting fuzzy PID strategy improves obviously through experiment.


This report outlines research into tourist use of the Wineglass Bay Track Car Park using data
collected during the first stage of the University of Tasmania's Tourist Tracking Project (from the
2016 sample of 472 tourists in Tasmania). Of the 472 tourists tracked across Tasmania, 157 were
identified in the Wineglass Bay Track Car Park at some stage during their trip. This assessment
examined how these tourists used the Wineglass Bay Track Car Park in the Freycinet National Park
on Tasmania's east coast with a specific focus on car park utilisation during peak hours (11am to
2pm). In addition, it also examined general park use and overnight locations selected by tourists that
used the car park.


The canalith repositioning procedure is designed to relocate free-floating otoliths from the posterior semicircular canal back into the utricle, thus relieving the patient of bothersome, often long-standing vertigo. We treated ten cases of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo using the canalith repositioning procedure. On follow-up, 7 patients were free from dizziness, 2 had improved significantly and one patient remained unchanged. This procedure is simple and cost-effective. We highly recommend this procedure for the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.


Abstract : Advanced fiber composites are often used in laminate form in strength critical applications. However the ultimate strength of laminates is very poorly understood, primarily because of a lack of valid experimental data. A biaxial test specimen for laminates based on a tubular geometry was developed and used to determine the failure mechanics of two laminates. The results showed a failure process that includes matrix cracking, but this matrix cracking does not appear to directly affect fiber failure. Fiber failure in the laminate studied determines ultimate strength, and can be predicted based on either a maximum fiber stress of fiber strain criterion applied on a ply level. Keywords: Composite materials, Laminate failure, Biaxial stress.


Despite steady injection of public funds by successive administrations, the Canadian fishery industry is characterized by resource depletion, vessel tie-ups, and overcapacity, which have led to plant closures and rising unemployment. This paper assesses the progress Canadian marine policies have been making towards rational use and conservation of fisheries and promotion of employment and economic development in fishing communities since 1977. The analysis begins with the creation of the 200-mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and its rationale in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), namely conservation. State subsidies for fleet upgrading, industry modernization, marketing, and the introduction of quota systems, such as the individual transferable quotas (ITQs) and enterprise quotas (EQs), are identified as the key policy initiatives which might realize an economically-viable fishing industry in the post-1977 period. These policies produced corporate expansion and prosperity in the mid-1980s, but there followed corporate losses because of Canadian over-dependence on American markets and sharp quota cuts. With regard to conservation, shortcomings are identified in the virtual population analysis model (VPA), and the inability of the Department of Fisheries to monitor fishing effort by domestic and foreign vessels. The need for radical change in the future direction of marine policies is emphasized and arguments made which support the following objectives: elimination of ecologically-harmful fishing technologies; use of community quotas (with a modified individual quota system); strengthening of community management systems and development of co-management approaches to fisheries management, involving government and fishing communities.


In this study, we investigated the relationship between several growth factors and inflammation development. Serum concentrations of epiregulin, amphiregulin, betacellulin, TGF- a , fibroblast growth factor 2, placental growth factor (PLGF), and tenascin C were increased in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Furthermore, local blockades of these growth factors suppressed the development of cytokine-induced arthritis in mice by inhibiting chemokine and IL-6 expressions. We found that epiregulin expression was early and followed by the induction of other growth factors at different sites of the joints. The same growth factors then regulated the expression of epiregulin at later time points of the arthritis. These growth factors were increased in patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) and also played a role in the development of an MS model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. The results suggest that the temporal expression of growth factors is involved in the inflammation development seen in several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and MS. Therefore, various growth factor pathways might be good therapeutic targets for various inflammatory diseases. The Journal of Immunology , 2015, 194:


This work considers the multiple-access multicast error-correction scenario over a packetized network with z malicious edge adversaries. The network has min-cut m and packets of length l, and each sink demands all information from the set of sources S. The capacity region is characterized for both a "side-channel" model (where sources and sinks share some random bits that are secret from the adversary) and an "omniscient" adversarial model (where no limitations on the adversary's knowledge are assumed). In the "side-channel" adversarial model, the use of a secret channel allows higher rates to be achieved compared to the "omniscient" adversarial model, and a polynomial-complexity capacity-achieving code is provided. For the "omniscient" adversarial model, two capacity-achieving constructions are given: the first is based on random subspace code design and has complexity exponential in lm, while the second uses a novel multiple-field-extension technique and has O(lm|S|) complexity, which is polynomial in the network size. Our code constructions are "end-to-end" in that all nodes except the sources and sinks are oblivious to the adversaries and may simply implement predesigned linear network codes (random or otherwise). Also, the sources act independently without knowledge of the data from other sources.


Synovial sarcoma (SS) is a soft-tissue malignancy driven by a recurrent chromosomal translocation (t(X;18)) that uniformly produces the SS18-SSX oncogenic fusion protein. SS18 is a core subunit of the mammalian SWI/SNF (BAF) complexes, which remodel nucleosomes in an ATP-dependent manner and antagonistically oppose gene-silencing activity of polycomb-repressive complexes to maintain transcriptional control throughout development and differentiation. We previously discovered that in SS, incorporation of the oncogenic SS18-SSX fusion into BAF complexes leads to eviction of the tumor-suppressor BAF47 (INI1/SMARCB1) subunit, and aberrant activation of polycomb target genes by displacement of H3K27me3-mediated repression. However, uncoupling the oncogenic consequences of two co-occurrent BAF complex perturbations, gain of 78- amino acids of SSX to SS18 and loss of BAF47, has remained a challenge for the field. To identify effective targeted therapeutics for this patient population, it is critical that we understand the contribution of the gain- versus loss-of-function properties of these molecular events in this malignancy. Here we demonstrate that the SSX 78aa tail engages mononucleosomes and targeted, quantitative mass spectrometry proteomics reveals preferential engagement to nucleosomes decorated with histone modifications associated with transcriptional repression. Using biochemical affinity assays, we find that SSX dramatically increases the affinity of SS18-SSX-containing BAF complexes for chromatin, thereby decreasing the dynamic mobility of BAF complexes. Furthermore, we show that SS18-SSX-containing BAF complexes possess a broader genomic footprint and exhibit distinct chromatin localization in that expression of SS18-SSX drives a near complete retargeting of BAF complexes genome-wide. SS18-SSX directs BAF complexes to polycomb-repressed sites to activate embryonic development and neuronal gene pathways hallmark to SS primary tumors. This targeting by SSX results in a transcriptional signature markedly distinct from sarcomas such as malignant rhabdoid tumors, which are driven solely by biallelic loss of BAF47. Moreover, using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated KO of BAF47 in SS cell lines, we show that the proliferative arrest of SS cell lines upon suppression of SS18-SSX is independent of BAF47 reassembly into BAF complexes, thereby demonstrating that SSX targeting of BAF complexes drives oncogenesis in a manner distinct from BAF47 loss. Taken together, these studies uncover a novel functionality of the SSX tail that is required for SS oncogenesis, and inform the selection of appropriate targeted therapeutic agents for this gain-of-function BAF complex-driven cancer. This abstract is also being presented as Poster B25. Citation Format: Matthew J. McBride, John L. Pulice, Robert T. Nakayama, Nazar Mashtalir, Davis R. Ingram, Jacob D. Jaffe, Jack F. Shern, Javed Khan, Jason L. Hornick, Alexander J. Lazar, Cigall Kadoch. SSX-mediated chromatin engagement and targeting of BAF complexes activates oncogenic transcription in synovial sarcoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Conference on Advances in Sarcomas: From Basic Science to Clinical Translation; May 16-19, 2017; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2018;24(2_Suppl):Abstract nr PR11.


The modular multilevel converter (MMC) with large-scale sub-modules has the advantage of simpler modulation, lower switching frequency, and lower harmonic component, thus would be very promising in voltage source converter (VSC)–high voltage direct current transmission systems. Conventional capacitor voltage balancing algorithm suffers from insufficient grouping and sorting techniques. Therefore, it might result in excessive computation and high switching frequency of power electronic devices. To address the problem, a modified capacitor voltage balancing sorting algorithm is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm could avoid sorting all the module capacitor voltages by selecting only a certain number of the largest or smallest module capacitor voltages, and thus reduces time complexity greatly without losing control precision. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm focuses on the sub-modules whose capacitor voltage exceeds the limits, while the switching states of the other sub-modules are maintained to some degrees by employing the maintaining factor. Therefore, the switching frequency of the power electronic devices is further reduced. The performance of the proposed algorithm is evaluated through a time-domain MMC–HVDC simulation in PSCAD/EMTDC. Results show that the proposed algorithm is able to balance the module voltage with lower computation and reduce the switching frequency of power devices significantly, without noticeably increasing the capacitor voltage ripples.


We develop a dynamic model of bidding where agents' values follow a joint Markov process. Agents can bid at different times in the auction. The paper considers a baseline case where an exogenous random process gives bidding times and in addition a simplified scenario with endogenous rebidding and menu costs. For the case of exogenous rebidding, we prove that equilibrium exists and is unique, providing a recursive representation and algorithm to solve for bids as a function of time and values. The equilibrium bid equals the expected final value conditional on being the bidder's final one: either there is no further rebidding opportunity or the bidder chooses not to increase this bid if given the option. This is lower than the unconditional expected value; so early bids are shaded and increase over time as the close of the auction is approached. We consider identification of the model and estimate parameters. The resulting distribution of winning bids in the model is considerably skewed towards the later part of the auction, as is also found in the data. Our results are consistent with repeated bidding and sniping, two puzzling observations in eBay auctions. We consider a series of counterfactuals.


The pathogenicity of S.aureus strains are related with features like its adherence, various toxins, enzymes, structural and extracellular factors. In our study, the relationship between biofilm formation and lipase, protease, urease activity were investigated in S. aureus strains isolated from various clinical specimens sent to our microbiology laboratory. Congo red agar was used to detect biofilm production. The lipolytic activity of all strains was evaluated on Tween 20 agar. The proteolytic activity of the strains was evaluated by Skim Milk Agar. Christensen Urea agar was used to determine the urease activities of all strains. Slime factor and biofilm formation are pathogenity factors as well. 101 (57.7%) of 175 clinical isolates were negative for biofilm formation while 74 (42.3%) samples were positive according to phenotypic assessment of colony morphology on CRA. The relationship between biofilm formation and lipase, protease and urease activity of all the isolates are researched by using Spearman's correlation coefficient. There was an evident relation between biofilm formation with lipase activity (r=0.195, p=0.10) while protease (r=0.001, p=0.99) and urease (r=0.06, p=0.4) activity were not found related.


This special issue explores the evolution of the environmental management in a permanently changing scenario, where many interested parties meet with the purpose of realising their goals and finding solutions or
compromises. Against this complex background, environmental scientists and planners have increasingly become aware of the need for decision aid science, in order to retrieve,
process and deliver relevant analysis and prompt answers. Parallel to this phenomenon, there has been a sharp increase in the demand of support tools for environmental
management and planning.


After the extreme weather events of 2015 and 2017 in the north of Chile involving heavy rain and debris flood, the Ministry of Public Works launched a Risk assessment program on road infrastructure in order to reduce the risk and provide a list of structures in the national network that could be affected by natural hazards. From 2015 to 2019, GRDR methodology was proposed considering the identification of the damage index (vulnerability) and the frequent natural and made-man hazard (debris flood, flood, fire, among other) applied on tunnels, bridges and other road structures. The GRDR was applied as complement of the current inspections and studies of probabilistic method to identify the hazards. From 2019 a collaboration between MOP and Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso updated the GRDR methodology including automatization of the acquisition data, review of the algorithm of weight and the study of specific natural hazards. Within this framework, it was determined that the Valparaíso Region of Chile would be the pilot plan in order to apply and calibrate the updated GRDR. This paper presents the results of the application and calibration of the GRDR on two critical roads of Valparaíso Region. An analysis of the inspection using UAV, Thermal camera, GRDR platform among other is carried out. The results of the methodology implemented on Las Palmas Tunnel, Pudehue Bridge (Road Bridge converted from railway structure) and structures in Quebrada Alvarado (gorges) are presented. Also, final comments to improve the GRDR are carried out.


an attempt was made to ascertain the gender of writers by a statistical study of characteristic elements found in their handwrit ing. in this work, the variation in the writing of a hundred males and a hundred females was statistically analysed. the results obtained are encouraging from the point of view of determination of the gender of the writer. By knowing the gender, the suspect list for a particular case can be shortened, which will facilitate the examination/investigation.


Ultrawideband radar imaging has been extensively investigated as a potential alternative to X-ray mammography and has shown promising results in the detection of small tumors within dielectrically homogeneous breast tissue. A range of confocal microwave imaging algorithms has been reported in the literature, showing good tumor detection capabilities, but most of these algorithms suffer significant deterioration in performance with increased amounts of fibro-glandular tissue in the breast. This letter proposes an improved beamformer based on a prefiltering approach to compensate for dispersion and phase effects in a dielectrically heterogeneous breast. The use of prefiltering is shown to improve on conventional beamformer performance and enables detection of multiple scatterers in dense breast tissue. The proposed improved beamformer is tested on 3-D anatomically and dielectrically accurate finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) breast models and the corresponding performance of the beamformer is evaluated across a range of appropriate metrics.


Aim: In this paper, we study a wireless-powered Internet of Things (IoT) network, where a hybrid access point (HAP) charges IoT devices with wireless energy transfer technology (WET) and collects their data by wireless information transfer (WIT). Methods: To improve spectral efficiency, we propose a hybrid non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-based transmission scheme. On the one hand, NOMA technology is applied for WIT. On the other hand, when some devices transmit data, the HAP can simultaneously charge the other devices, namely concurrent WET and WIT, such that the other devices can harvest more energy to achieve a better rate with some rate loss of these devices due to interference. %During the transmission of some devices, the WET is simultaneously conducted, such that other devices can harvest more energy to achieve a better rate with a rate loss of these devices due to the interference. How to divide devices into the interference and non-interference groups, namely device grouping, and how to pair devices, e.g., device pairing, becomes critical issues in terms of the achieved network throughput and fairness. Results: We first formulate the network throughput maximization problem by optimizing the pairing and grouping policies. To simplify the analysis, we then investigate two specific hybrid NOMA-based transmission schemes. In the former, all devices are firstly paired based on the max-min criterion, where the "best" device is paired with the "worst" one, and then grouped in either ascending or descending order; this is referred to as the first-pairing-then-grouping (FPTG) scheme. In the latter, devices are first grouped and then paired; this is referred to as the first-grouping-then-pairing (FGTP) scheme. By applying the order statistics theory, we theoretically analyze the achieved network throughput and derive the corresponding pairing and grouping policies. Furthermore, we study the max-min fairness of the proposed hybrid NOMA-based scheme. Conclusion: Simulation results validate the significant improvement of the proposed hybrid NOMA-based scheme in terms of network throughput and fairness.


Complexity thinking has provided new insights into economic problems. Nevertheless, in many respects it has also reminded us of older approaches to economic analysis, long side-lined by economic orthodoxy but now rediscovered. This chapter starts with some of the central tenets of orthodox economic analysis; it considers how these are put in question by complexity thinking; and it provides three examples of the 'agile policy-making' that this new perspective provides. It points to some of the profound institutional changes needed to produce an efficient economic policy, in a world of limited predictability and control.


The Institute of Evolution Wild Cereal Gene Bank (ICGB) at the University of Haifa, Israel, harbors extensive collections of wild emmer wheat (WEW), Triticum dicoccoides, and wild barley (WB), Hordeum spontaneum, the primary progenitors of wheat and barley, respectively. The ICGB also includes minor collections of 10 species of Aegilops, wild oat (Avena barbata), and Brachypodium stacei and B. hybridum (previously distachyon). Here, we describe the WEW and WB collections, explain sampling strategies, and introduce related studies. Natural populations were sampled across Israel along aridity gradients, occurring from north to south and from west to east, and in local microsites with variable (or contrasting) ecological factors. The collection sites varied greatly in terms of climatic (rainfall, temperature and humidity), edaphic (soil types), and topography (altitude, slope) variables. Thus, the ICGB collections represent wild cereals adapted to a wide range of habitats and eco-geographical conditions. We have collected and preserved these unique gene pools since mid-70th, and further used them for theoretical and applied studies in population genetics, evolution, domestication, adaptation to local and regional habitats, and coping mechanisms for a plethora of biotic and abiotic stresses. Our studies revealed that WEW and WB populations from Israel harbor high adaptive genetic diversity that can serve as a reservoir of beneficial alleles to improve important agronomic traits such as disease resistance, drought tolerance and improved grain protein content. These mostly untapped genetic resources could contribute to increasing world food production for the constantly rising human population.


Shun-ichi Chitose Development of the laryngeal mucosa and its relationship to the appearance of glandular distribution was studied by examining the changes in the laryngeal structures at the level of subglottic larynx of 55 human infants. By making a transverse section at the level of cricoid cartilage, the area and diameter of each subglottic structure were examined using an image analysis system. The results were analyzed not only by their age at birth, but also based on the Total Development Score (TDS) that was estimated by adding the age at death and the gestational period. The areas of the whole structure, cricoid ring, maximum airway, subglottic mucosa and inner cavity (available airway) increased in close correlation with the TDS. In contrast to the increased diameter of the inner cavity, the thickness of the mucosa was almost the same size. The area occupied by the glands increased according to TDS. These results indicate the stability of the subglottic airway with advancing age and, also, the local defense system by glandular tissues develops constantly after birth.


Atanas Pavlov Five years after the success of the first published Special issue on "Plant cells and algae in bioreactors" [1] it is our pleasure to present the second one, providing recent achievement and the stateof-the-art in this emerging area of bioprocess engineering. During the past five years there was increasing interest in microalgae and plant cells as production systems for pharmaceuticals, foods and food additives, biofuels and more. Despite a significant progress, low yields and the complex scale-up of bioreactor cultivation remain major limitations for industrial implementation of microalgae and plant cell culture. The articles collected in this Special issue represent results of the most recent achievements and critical research focused to find different ways for solving these limitations in yield and bioprocessing conditions. The main focus in current research represented in this Special issue is now the development of integrated approaches for process optimization and improvement of bioreactor designs. Economically effective and sustainable processes, based on microalgae and plant cell, tissue and organ cultures technology, could only be developed considering integration of optimization procedures, such as strain selection, nutrient media and environmental conditions optimization, bioreactor design and downstream processes. A valuable review on integration in microalgal bioprocess development is presented by Fresenwinkel et al. [2]. The authors suggest grouping the steps of microalgae bioprocess development into several degrees of integration with respect to classical upstream, bioreaction and downstream processes [2]. This aspect is also addressed by several authors in this issue for particular production processes based on plant in vitro systems: Jeandet et al. [3] describe resveratrol production at large scale using plant cell suspension; Callego et al. [4] present centoellosides production by plant in vitro systems with different degree of differentiation and also scale-up the processes; Berkov et al. [5] summarize 10 years of research on galanthamine production by shoot type plant in vitro cultures, describing different steps of process optimization, development of suitable bioreactor design and peculiarities in cultivation of that complex in vitro system. Production processes based on photosynthetic cells strongly depend on light as a factor influencing both biomass and product yields. A valuable contribution in this area is presented by Wang et al. [6]. The authors outline the research progress on the improvement of light utilization in microalgae cultivation. This aspect is also addressed by Gutierrez-Wing et al. [7] who review the impact of light irradiance and wavelength on the growth, productivity and composition of microbial photosynthetic cultures. Kula et al. [8] further provide evidence for the influence of far-red light on biomass production of Chlorella vulgaris. An innovative study of cultivation of cells under illumination is presented by Socher et al. [9]. The authors outline the perspectives of a RAMOS cultivation system for investigating the growth of phototrophic organisms under controlled light conditions [9]. Biofuels and alternative energy sources are further important issues addressed by the competence of photosynthetic bioprocess engineering. A valuable contribution in that area is presented by Weber et al. [10]. The authors describe detailed aspects of phototrophic hydrogen production by bacteria, cyanobacteria and algae, highlighted the resent technological and research achievements in this field [10]. Downstream processing, including the extraction of target metabolites from the biomass is the key point in algaebased productions. This aspect of technology is addressed by Michalak and Chojnaska [11], who compare advantages and disadvantages of classical and novel extraction techniques. The authors review the production of algal extracts avoiding utilization of toxic solvents or aggressive extraction conditions [11]. Employment of low cost bioreactor systems is one of the options to reduce the cost of secondary metabolites production by plant in vitro systems. Temporary immersion systems offer such an alternative. Georgiev et al. [12] describe variations in the design and the operation among the most recently developed temporary immersion systems and their potential for large-scale propagation of plantlets, shoots, hairy roots, and production of secondary metabolites. Another alternative to the conventionally used stainless steel bioreactors is application of single used or disposable vessels. Werner et al. [13] study the advantages of these cultivation systems and their application for the needs of plant biotechnology. The authors present the results of their research in mass propagation of Helianthus annuus suspension cells in orbitally shaken bioreactors and clearly demonstrate that these cultivation systems are efficient alternative of wave-mixed and stirred systems [13]. Key points in development of commercial processes, based on plant in vitro systems, is the effective scale-up. In this Special issue Nohynek et al. [14] present for the first time the results of large scale cultivation of cloudberry (Rubus chamaemorus) cells. The described industrial process results in production of cloudberry biomass with consistent quality and defined chemical composition [14]. Studies on product release and in situ extraction of target metabolites is often an underestimated part of integrated approaches for optimization of plant cell based production processes. However, this is an essential step to increase the yields and purity of desired metabolites produced in complex mixtures by the in vitro grown plant cell cultures. To highlight the importance of these technological steps, Su and Wu [15] provide an


Joob S, Joob B. Case report, author, reviewer, editor, publisher: problem in publication and retraction. Case Study Case Rep. 2019; 9(2): 10 - 11.

ABSTRACT

In this editorial, the situation of unethical publication is discussed. Similar to any kinds of publication, the unethical practice might be seen in published care report. The problem might be due to author, reviewer, editor or publisher. The proper management of the problematic publication is necessary. The retraction is the standard management of such problem.

Full text available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RTluwdU8J5MyPVGG2T1SpyTpH40SEzK1/view


Acknowledgement We wish to thank the many computer scientists and mathematicians who have found the many beautiful equations which appear in this paper and shared them so generously with others on the internet. Without them, and of course their computers, this paper could not have been written. We also wish to thank a very vigilant referee and the proof-reader who spotted several numerical errors in our first version.


Inconsistent risk estimates from non-auditory health effects research of environmental noise exposure have hampered widespread acceptance of results by regulatory agencies. Of the cardiovascular health outcomes commonly used in non-auditory health effects research, blood pressure is the one where the evidence for an effect of transportation noise exposure is weakest. While a limited number of studies have shown an increased risk for hypertension, a dose-response relationship is completely lacking. This is clearly a surprise because the patho-physiologic plausibility for a relationship between blood pressure and noise is compelling and sufficient experimental evidence is available. Several authors thoughtfully tried to explain this obvious paradox. A first line of reasoning blamed general methodological aspects in exposure assignments and problems regarding outcome measurement, definition and analysis. Others suspected differences in coping opportunities and behaviour being the main culprit of inconsistent results. A last line of reasoning blamed differences in lifestyle, working and living conditions - not sufficiently accounted for in these studies. In the framework of an EHIA in the Tyrol area (Austria), the authors had the opportunity to address at least some of the mentioned problems. The availability of a Geographical Information System (GIS) was helpful in many ways. Special care was taken of accurate exposure assessment and modifying factors such as bedroom and living room orientation as well as window opening behaviour were taken into account. Several noise indices and distance measures, including percentiles of Zwicker loudness, were applied. With a list of coping activities and questions regarding environmental, housing and occupational conditions the authors tried to address the problem of confounding as well as that of modification. Through repeated blood pressure readings within 10 days the authors tried to counteract the commonly known reliability issue in blood pressure measurements. Finally, the authors used different definitions of hypertension and did analysis on continuous blood pressure readings as well. For the covering abstract see ITRD E107776.


A generalization of the virial theorem to nonholonomic Lagrangian systems is given. We will first establish the theorem in terms of Lagrange multipliers and later on in terms of the nonholonomic bracket.


blood flow and increase the tubular production of urine by its diuretic action but the only prospective trial to assess its effect in jaundiced patients failed to demonstrate any significant benefit and showed that postoperative deterioration in renal function was actually greater in patients receiving mannitoP. The routine use of mannitol in this setting is not effective and may even be detrimental if it exacerbates pre-existing hypovolaemia and hypotension due to its osmotic potential. Clearly, further studies on the systemic and renal haemodynamics of obstructive jaundice are required. At present, we suggest caution in the routine perioperative use of mannitol in jaundiced patients as it may initially improve urine output but ultimately do harm and precipitate renal impairment.


Temperature is one of the ecological factors limiting yield and quality in the care of the region where fig will be grown, as in many fruit species. The effective temperature total demand is one of the important parameters in determining the cultivation potential of a fruit species in any region. Temperature values are needed for the establishment of new orchards in the commercially important Bursa Siyahı fig variety. This study was carried out with the aim of determining the effective temperature total demand of Bursa Siyahı fig variety in Aydın conditions between the years 2019-2021. Although the sum of the effective temperature from bud burst to main crop ripening date on years, it was between 1314 oC-days, and the average of three years from bud bloom to leaf fall was 2506.18 oC-days. According to the BBCH scale, the main crop ripening date was 207 ± 2 days and 219 ± 2 days, although it varied between years. The total effective temperature during the harvest period was 1.040,07 oC-days, on average over three years. Optimum climate values should be taken into account in the garden facilities to be established in different regions with the table Bursa Siyahı fig variety, which has a high export value and economic importance.


In the field of translation especially in Sri Lanka, almost all the translations are carried-out by general translators who have been demanded to be familiar with various types of translations. However, since general translators are not specialists in any field of translations, they are prone to produce a lesser outcome in comparison to a specialized translator, but there are no sufficient evidences on this matter. This study hence, attempted to explore the impact that specialized translators could possibly have on translation performance in comparison to general translators in the President's Media Division at the Presidential Secretariat. A case study was used to analyse how the specialized translators and general translators would perform in different fields of translation such as legal, literature, commercial and medical? It was found through the research that specialized translation does improve the content, completeness and the time spent on a translation when compared to general translation, but there was no significant difference in terms of grammar accuracy. Hence, it was crystal clear that specialized translation had a positive impact on the translation performance in comparison to general translation. The study specifically revealed that the efficiency and the accuracy of translation were hugely improved by the use of specialized translators. Thus, the study has provided sufficient evidences to conclude that the concept of specialized translation could greatly improve the standards of translation in Sri Lanka while it also helps people understand that specialized translation could be a much better option than general translation.


The degree work consists of two parts - theoretical and practical. The theoretical part contains three chapters, each of them describes one of the three crafts which are the subject of the degree work: tinker's trade, basketry and DRHANI. Each chapter consists of three subheads describing history of the crafts, current craft production and used tools and materials. The fourth subhead introduces living craftsmen and contains some interviews with them. The practical part is introduced by a fairy tale which serves as motivation for work with children. It is followed by three projects which deal with the three crafts. Each project consists of five creative activities ranged according to their difficulty. The last chapter of the practical part is `my own production' which describes my personal attitude towards the craft production.


Background : Malaria remains a threat to the health of the population of Gabon based on the high hospitalizations and deaths caused by this disease. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and associated risk factors of malaria in febrile patients visiting the Centre de Sante d'Okala (CSO). Methods : A six years study was conducted on febrile patients seeking for health services at the CSO from the year 2014 to 2019. Blood samples of 2388 patients were tested for antigens specific to Plasmodium falciparum using the Beacon® rapid diagnostic kit. Results : The overall prevalence of P. falciparum malaria was 29.857%. The year 2014 (35.553%) recorded the highest prevalence rate. Individuals from Okala (44.137%) community recorded the highest number of cases. Females (56.886%) had higher infection prevalence than their male (43.114%) counterparts. Children ≤ 10 years old (57.412%) had the highest prevalence rates than other age cohorts. Conclusions : The number of malaria cases reported in the CSO are currently increasing and community sensitisation on preventive measures against this disease is required inorder to flatten the curve of positive cases.


In this paper, intelligent fire-fighting robot as the research object, based on Mitsubishi FX2N series PLC, the establishment of intelligent fire-fighting robot control model and control system optimization, so that the fire-fighting robot among the various modules can be smooth and stable work together. Using L298 chip control two motors, the speed achieved by controlling the robot flexible steering, and using PLC produce different wave PWM stepless duty to ensure the smooth operation of the robot. Meanwhile, the detection of motor speed using encoder feedback to PLC will constitute a closed-loop control to achieve precise control and adjustment of robots routes. Intelligent fire-fighting robot each module to work together more quickly and safely find and reach the fire source and fight it.


Disclosed are embodiments for determining detection certainty in a cascade classifier (100). A first sequence (101) of detection stages (102) determines whether an image (112) is associated with a rare object. Each of the stages (102) rejects the image (112) when the image (112) is unassociated with the rare object and propagates the image (112) to a next stage (102) when the image (112) is unrejected. A second sequence (103) of detection stages (104) is configured for post-processing operation. If the image (112) is unrejected in a final stage (102d) of the first sequence (101), the second sequence (103) determines whether the image (112) is associated with the rare object. Each of the stages (104) propagates the image to a next stage (104), recording a rejection when the image (112) is unassociated with the rare object. A probability that the image (112) is associated with the rare object is determined.


This article submits the curve of residual lesion in the oral form of radiation sickness in rats, which was obtained by the method of two-fold exposure of the head to 250 kV x-rays.


Advances in therapeutical possibilities for patients with complex congenital heart defects are unquestionable. Nonethe - less, it is still probable to encounter unique challenges. The study presents a case of a symptomatic 25-year-old female patient with uncorrected Tetralogy of Fallot who has ne - ver been qualified for surgery due to an unusual constellation of cardiac congenital comorbidities: anomalous coronary artery origin and non-compaction of the left ventricle.


From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium M+(aq) + NaL+(nb) ⇔ ML+(nb) + Na+(aq) taking place in the two–phase water–nitrobenzene system (M+ = Li+, K+, Rb+, Cs+; L = benzo-18-crown-6; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Further, the stability constants of the ML+ complexes in water saturated nitrobenzene were calculated; they were found to increase in the cation order Cs+ < Rb+ < Li+ < Na+ < K+.


It seems to be a pearl of conventional wisdom that parameter learning in deep sum-product networks is surprisingly fast compared to shallow mixture models. This paper examines the effects of overparameterization in sum-product networks on the speed of parameter optimisation. Using theoretical analysis and empirical experiments, we show that deep sum-product networks exhibit an implicit acceleration compared to their shallow counterpart. In fact, gradient-based optimisation in deep tree-structured sum-product networks is equal to gradient ascend with adaptive and time-varying learning rates and additional momentum terms.


Very little is known about the first Potchefstroom. The primary function of the town was to act as seat for A.H. Potgieter's semi-independent government and to provide smallholdings for his impoverished followers. Throughout its brief existence the town was organically undeveloped and had little resemblance to a town. An indication of its appearance is its being likened to contemporary Klerksdorp. In a surviving compilation of farm registers references are made to occupants of erven of the town. The original Potchefstroom was a temporary settlement in anticipation of a move to the Eastern Transvaal. Potgieter's reconciliation with the Volksraad, however, induced him to remain in the Western Transvaal. By that time it had become impracticable and undesirable to settle the first town permanently, and a new one, the present Potchefstroom, was laid out.


This article explores the meaning of lajjA as a core Indian cultural concept and how it enters the construction of womanhood in modern India. It discusses how the concept is embedded in India's social, political and ideological history and its psychological, social and behavioural representations. Written narratives, conversations, and symbolic representations of lajjA in films, advertisements and media were the primary source of data for deconstructing the concept. Findings showed that natured or denatured lajjA is represented as a virtue, emotion or tool of manipulation, depending on how it plays out in a particular situation. The proposed theoretical model in the paper links lajjA with the Guna theory from Bhagavad Gita to increase the explanatory power of the cultural concept, so that its impact on the well-being of individuals and social cohesion can be understood better.


Mare Tranquillitatis (8.35°N, 30.83°E) is one of the most prominent basins on the Moon's near side, which was the landing site of the Apollo 11 module. The study on microwave thermal emission (MTE) features can help us better understand the internal structure and evolution history of Mare Tranquillitatis. In this letter, Chang'E-2 lunar microwave sounder (CELMS) data, slope and roughness, rock abundance (RA), and (FeO + TiO2) abundance (FTA) were combined to investigate the brightness temperature (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T_{B}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) performance, its genesis, and geological significance. The results are as follows. First, Mare Tranquillitatis has both hot anomaly and cold anomaly because of FTA and RA. Second, the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$T_{B}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> difference (<inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{d}T_{B}$ </tex-math></inline-formula>) behavior coincides well with FTA distribution, but the high RA of craters makes the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\text{d}T_{B}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> at the same lunar time much higher than that of the basin floor. Third, FTA has the most significant influence on MTE features of Mare Tranquillitatis, followed by surface topography, and RA has a minor influence. Finally, a small material component is associated with older high-Ti (but relatively lower within the Mare Tranquillitatis boundary) basalts where the unit was not covered by younger basalts and homogeneous in regolith thermophysical parameters.


Similar to the metal centers in biocatalysis and homogeneous catalysis, the metal species in single atom catalysts (SACs) are charged, atomically dispersed and stabilized by support and substrate. The reaction condition dependent catalytic performance of SACs has long been realized, but seldom investigated before. We investigated CO oxidation pathways over SACs in reaction conditions using atomically dispersed Au on h-BN (AuBN) as a model with extensive first-principles-based calculations. We demonstrated that the adsorption of reactants, namely CO, O2 and CO2, and their coadsorption with reaction species on AuBN would be condition dependent, leading to various reaction species with different reactivity and impact the CO conversion. Specifically, the revised Langmuir–Hinshelwood pathway with the CO-mediated activation of O2 and dissociation of cyclic peroxide intermediate followed by the Eley–Rideal type reduction is dominant at high temperatures, while the coadsorbed CO-mediated dissociation of peroxide intermediate becomes plausible at low temperatures and high CO partial pressures. Carbonate species would also form in existence of CO2, react with coadsorbed CO and benefit the conversion. The findings highlight the origin of the condition-dependent CO oxidation performance of SACs in detailed conditions and may help to rationalize the current understanding of the superior catalytic performance of SACs.


A periodic leaky-wave array antenna with circular polarization and low sidelobe level (SLL) for millimeter-wave application is proposed. The unit cell of the array consists of four circular split rings located on both sides of a low-loss substrate, and a planar Goubau line is used to excite the split rings to generate radiation. The antenna can realize an impedance bandwidth larger than 67%, and the 3 dB axial-ratio bandwidth is about 8.9%. The maximum gain is about 18 dBi. To reduce the SLL, the leakage loss factor α along the radiation aperture is tapered, using beamforming technique, by controlling the aperture field distribution into a cosine function. The results show that the SLL of the proposed antenna is about 6 dB lower than that of the antenna with uniform aperture field distribution. The antenna was fabricated and measured, and the experimental results are in good agreement with those of simulation.


In this paper, the equivalent interactions as one meson exchange between two quarks, three quarks and four quarks are derived from the one gluon exchange transition potential V_(q→qq(?)) by using the closere approximation. One can expect that this approach will be quite useful to add the sea-quark effect in studying the N-N interactions based on the quark potential model.