Free vibration analysis of a sandwich beam with soft core and carbon nanotube reinforced composite face sheets, hitherto not reported in the literature, based on extended high-order sandwich panel theory is presented. Distribution of fibers through the thickness of the face sheets could be uniform or functionally graded. In this theory, the face sheets follow the first-order shear deformation theory. Besides, the two-dimensional elasticity is used for the core. The field equations are derived via the Ritz-based solution which is suitable for any essential boundary conditions. Chebyshev polynomials multiplying boundary R-functions are used as admissible functions and evidence of their good performance is given. A detailed parametric study is conducted to study the effects of nanotube volume fraction and their distribution pattern, core-to-face sheet thickness ratio, and boundary conditions on the natural frequencies and mode shapes of sandwich beams with functionally graded carbon nanotube reinforced compo...


Jeffrey Eugenides' 2002 novelMiddlesex follows the protagonist Cal Stephanides in his exploration of the origins of the genetic mutation which causes him to be born intersexed. Weaved into this mem ...


: 20Li 2 O-5MgO-20Al 2 O 3 -55SiO 2 glass doped with different concentrations of Ce 3+ ions was synthesized by using melt-quenching method. The glass density as a function of Ce 3+ ions doping concentration was tested by Ar-chimedes' method. The structural characteristics of Ce 3+ -doped 20Li 2 O-5MgO-20Al 2 O 3 -55SiO 2 were detected by using X-rays diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) techniques. The photoluminescence excitation (PLE) and emission (PL) spectra were recorded in a spectrofluorimeter by photon counting techniques. Results showed that 5d energy level of Ce 3+ ion was splitted to five components under the strong crystal filed sur-rounding Ce 3+ ions. The higher the doping concentration of Ce 3+ ions, the higher the degree of non-crystalline con-figuration of lithium magnesium aluminosilicate glass was. With the increase of the degree of non-crystalline configu-ration, the splitting width of 5d energy level increased, resulting in the redshift of excitation and emission spectra ap-parently. The PL emission intensity first increased, and then decreased with the increase of Ce 3+ ions doping concentration. The concentration quenching processes were found to be the key reason for the reduction of the PL emission efficiency.


Recent studies have shown the feasibility of full-duplex transceivers, which have the potential to double the system spectral efficiency by allowing transmission and reception at the same time on the same frequency. In this paper, we consider the radio resource allocation problem for full-duplex systems that jointly maximize the uplink and downlink sum-rate. The problem is coupled between uplink and downlink channels due to the self-interference. An iterative algorithm is proposed based on game theory by modelling the problem as a non-cooperative game between the uplink and downlink channels. The algorithm iteratively carries out optimal uplink and downlink resource allocation until a Nash equilibrium is achieved. Simulation results show that the algorithm can significantly improve the full-duplex performance comparing to the equal resource allocation approach. Furthermore, the full-duplex system performance is evaluated under different system settings, and it is shown that the superiority of the full-duplex technique over half-duplex is more prominent in cells with lower transmission power and smaller coverage area.


The diagnosis of vitamin D deficiency (rickets) was finally made in a 13-year-old Pakistani girl who had fallen victim of bullying and social isolation during lockdown and who presented with multiple osteolytic femoral lesions.


Queueing theory is a way for real-world problems modeling and analyzing. In many processes, the input is converted to the desired output after several successive steps. But usually limitations and conditions such as Lack of space, feedback, vacation, failure, repair, etc. have a great impact on process efficiency.This article deals with the modeling the steady-state behavior of a retrial queueing system with phases of service. The arriving batches join the system with dependent admission due to the server state.If the customers find the server busy, they join the orbit to repeat their request. Although, the first phase of service is essential for all customers, any customer has three options after the completion of the phase . They may take the phase of service with probability , otherwise return the orbit with probability or leave the system with probability . Also, after each phase, the probabilistic failure, delay, repair and vacation are considered.In this article, after finding the steady-state distributions, the probability generating functions of the system and orbit size have been found. Then, some important performance measures of the system have been derived. Also, the system reliability has been defined. Eventually, to demonstrate the capability of the proposed model, the sensitivity analysis of performance measures via some model parameters (arrival/retrial/vacation rate) in different reliability levels have been investigated in a specific case of this model. Additionally, for optimizing the performance of system, some technical suggestions are presented. Keyword:Bernoulli vacation, Feedback, Performance measures, Retrial queue, State-dependent admission, Repair, Delay, Reliability


Short term unemployment in the Danish labor market is closely related to temporary layoffs. This paper presents some facts about the structure of unemployment and the ways of financing unemployment benefit (UB) in Denmark and Sweden. Next, a simplified version of the "Feldstein-model" of financing UB is reviewed. The main part of the paper develops a theoretical dynamic model as a background for understanding the effects of changing the level of UB and the ways of financing UB. The dynamic model combines the "Feldstein view" of "experience rating" and the transaction costs view of hiring and firing. The concept of an endogenous firm-specific labor force is derived. The analysis suggest that for certain values of the parameters in the model, an increase in the level of unemployment benefits or a decrease in experince rating can - contrary to Feldstein's model - increase steady state employment. Further, the "incentive effect" of a public sector budget constraint is discussed.


Pancreatic cancer is the one of leading causes of cancer-related deaths, accounts for 7% of cancer related deaths, and generally is diagnosed at an advanced stage. The 5-year survival rate is about 62%. There are no current screening recommendations for pancreatic cancer, so primary diagnosis is of the utmost importance. EUS modality for FNA has revolutionized the ability for the early diagnosis and staging of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract as being safe, cost-effective, minimally invasive technology to assess the pancreas. To date, there is no study in English literature assessing the adequacy for diagnosis and ancillary studies on EUS-FNA of pancreatic mass lesions in veterans. The veteran patient population is a unique cohort with different risk factors and demographics.

 As a part of quality assurance project, a search was conducted to identify all EUS of pancreatic lesions performed at our hospital from February 2, 2011, to March 3, 2019. We evaluated adequacy on the cell blocks and diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNA among all pancreatic mass lesions.

 Out of the total 130 EUS-FNA pancreas cases, the diagnosis was established in 127 cases (97.6%). Three cases were insufficient and total 26 cases were diagnosed as atypia, suggesting repeat FNA for definitive diagnosis. A definitive diagnosis was made in 101 cases (77.7%). Four cases were suspicious for malignancy. Malignancy/severe dysplasia was diagnosed in total 45 cases, most being primary pancreatic adenocarcinoma (41) and four with other diagnoses.

 EUS-FNA is highly successful for procuring adequate material on the cytology samples for pancreatic lesions. EUS-FNAs for pancreatic lesions have high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing and directing early, appropriate clinical management in veterans. The percentage of primary pancreatic adenocarcinomas out of total tumors in this veteran population is high (91.1%).


This study has as its origin an obscure clinical case of generalized infection with a fuso-spirillary organism. In this communication I do not deem it desirable to allocate its place in the scale of organic life with finality, partly because of present classificatory readjustments that are being carried out by the Society of American Bacteriologists, and partly because of additional work that we are prosecuting with these and related organisms. The term fusospirillary I shall employ generically, although by some it has been temporarily preempted for the fusiform bacillus and the so-called spirochaetes found in Vincent's Angina. This disease and many other related ones will fall within the scope of the series of studies being at present conducted, which it is hoped will prove advantageous to a more fundamental understanding of their bacteriology.


OBJECTIVE
The study was undertaken to report our experience with vaginectomy and pelvic herniorrhaphy for vaginal prolapse.

STUDY DESIGN
This was an observational study of patients undergoing vaginectomy (n=41) or hysterovaginectomy (n=13) for stage III/IV vaginal prolapse. Morbidity was compared with cohorts who had undergone transvaginal repair of prolapse, by using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS
Morbidity did not differ significantly (estimated blood loss) between the vaginectomy and hysterovaginectomy groups. There were no recurrent hernias (6-56 months). Operative time, estimated blood loss, and day of discharge were significantly greater for the posthysterectomy prolapse group compared with the vaginectomy group. Operative time was significantly greater for the uterovaginal prolapse group versus the hysterovaginectomy group.

CONCLUSIONS
Vaginectomy with or without hysterectomy with pelvic herniorrhaphy is associated with a low rate of morbidity in a high-risk patient population. Hysterovaginectomy is not associated with a clinically significant difference in morbidity over vaginectomy alone. Vaginectomy with or without hysterectomy should be offered as a surgical option to selected patients with severe genital prolapse.


Background: Cardiovascular diseases are amongst the prime reasons of increasing morbidity as well as mortality worldwide. Dyslipidemia is an important and modifiable risk factor of CVD and statins are extremely endorsed in its treatment.
Method: Data was acquired from the online edition of "Current Index of Medical Specialties" (CIMS), 1mg, netmeds. The percentage cost variation as well as cost ratio were calculated.
Result: Percentage cost variation was recorded highest in atorvastatin 10mg (3668.50%) whereas, the least percentage cost variation was recorded for pravastatin 10mg (3.61%).
Conclusion: To reduce the burden on patients, the government should cover as many as possible drugs under the drug price control order (DPCO) and develop uniformity in the pricing of the drugs.

Keywords: Hypolipidemic drugs, cardiovascular diseases, cost variation, statins, brands


The semi-empirical methods are useful tools to understand the wave overtopping phenomena,
but uncertainty remains on their applicability. It's necessary to carry out campaign surveys or laboratory tests to support them. In this paper we apply the methods proposed in the European Overtopping Manual (2007) in order to assess the flows over a vertical breakwater, marking the
need to calibrate those methodologies to take into account the peculiar geometry of the structural system. This was done by introducing appropriate correction factors. The results show an improved accuracy, among numerical results and physical ones.


Two sulfate ettringite analogs, sulfite and carbonate ettringite, were synthesized using procedures based on the "saccharate method". Phases with the ettringite structure occur as hydration products of many cement and coal combustion by-products (CCBs) systems. Structural refinements of carbonate and sulfite ettringite were performed using Rietveld techniques. The present study was carried out to determine which starting model, sulfate ettringite or thaumasite, gave better end results in the structure refinement of several variant models of carbonate and sulfite ettringite. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), along with several auxiliary characterization techniques, namely, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fouriertransform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were used to characterize the synthetic ettringites. Rietveld results suggest sulfate ettringite is a more appropriate starting model compared to thaumasite when modeling sulfite or carbonate ettringite. In the case of sulfite ettringite, results show better pattern fitting when modeling for disorder; while carbonate ettringite variants show very little deviation between the fully ordered variant and those variants modeled for disorder.


The effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (CEI) SQ14225 on infarct size and regional myocardial blood flow were studied in 21 anesthetized dogs subjected to 6 hours of coronary occlusion. An area of myocardium at risk of necrosis was determined in vivo after 15 minutes of coronary occlusion but before CEI treatment (AR1) using an autoradiographic technique and after treatment after 6 hours of coronary occlusion (AR2) using a fluorescent dye technique. An in vitro area at risk (AR8), which measures coronary bed size, was determined by injecting Monastral dye postmortem. Infarct size was determined by planimetry of unstained myocardium after incubating heart slices in triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Regional myocardial blood flow (RMBF) was measured by injecting tracer microspheres simultaneously with measurements of AR1 and AR2. In 11 saline-treated control dogs (group A), infarct size averaged 93 ± 8% of AR1, 96 i 2% of AR2 and 75 ± 6% of AR9, respectively. In 10 dogs treated with CEI (0.25 mg/kg/hour) between 30 minutes and 6 hours after coronary occlusion (group B), infarct size was smaller and averaged 68 ± 5% of AR1 (p < 0.01), 79 ± 5% of AR2 (p < 0.005), and 57 ± 7% of AR3 (p < 0.05). RMBF in the ischemic zone remained constant in group A but increased by 62 ± 26% in group B (p < 0.025). In group B, mean arterial pressure decreased from 115 ± 6 to 103 ± 7 mm Hg (p < 0.025) between 30 minutes and 6 hours after coronary occlusion and left atrial pressure decreased from 9.0 ± 1.8 to 5.7 ± 0.8 mm Hg (p < 0.0025). These measurements did not change in group A. Thus, CEI is potent in reducing infarct size in the dog after coronary occlusion. It may act by increasing collateral flow to the ischemic zone and reducing afterload.


Twenty varieties of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) were evaluated for their general combining ability utilizing a standard variety as tester. Ten promising strains were selected on the basis of their combining ability for yield, number of fruits per plant, average fruit weight, days to maturity and total soluble solids, so as to further evaluate them by utilizing a diallel cross technique.


It is widely accepted that the lithic fill of the Anambra Basin, Southern Nigeria was sourced from the reworked pre-Santonian rocks of the Benue Trough. However, this hypothesis cannot account for the large sand volumes within the basin especially as the lithic fill of the Southern Benue Trough comprises mudstones, carbonates and subordinate sandstone units. In this study, we set out to investigate the provenance of the Mamu Formation as well as pre-Santonian Awgu and Eze-Aku groups by undertaking geochemical evaluation of cuttings from 5-wells spread across the Anambra Basin. The results of the well data, which was integrated with our previously generated data on the western margin of the Anambra basin as well as published data on the eastern margin reveal that the pre-Santonian units are characterized by a lower degree of chemical alteration and were sourced from basement complex rocks. By contrast, the more chemically altered Mamu Formation is sourced from recycled Southern Benue Trough strata, basement complex rocks as well as, anorogenic granites. In addition, the pre-Santonian units show spatio-temporal compositional variability, which is due to a large proportion of detrital contribution accruing from mafic rocks in the latest Cenomanian to early Turonian, whereas from middle Turonian to Coniacian the detrital contribution was more from felsic sources. Furthermore, the observed spatial geochemical variability of the Mamu Formation is adduced to be a consequence of detrital contribution from three source regions: the eastern, western and northern provenance regions. The eastern provenance region is characterized by a stronger mafic signature, low levels of Nb, Ta, Sn and Ti, high levels of W, Pb and Zn, strong Pb-Zn covariation as well as enrichment of Zn over Pb (Pb/Zn < 1), whereas the western and northern regions show higher levels of Nb, Ta, Sn and Ti. In addition, the western provenance is characterized by higher Pb over Zn (Pb/Zn >1) and lower W concentration, which is distinct from the northern provenance with Pb/Zn <1 and higher W concentration. Discriminant plots show clear evidence of mixing of provenance regions especially in the Idah-1 and Amansiodo-1 well whose sediments show secondary Pb, Sn and W mineral enrichment respectively.


Software Engineering is a discipline that encompasses processes associated with the development of interactive systems. The perceived quality of an interactive system is heavily influenced by the user interface design, which may result in many challenges. One such challenge is design-level requirements analysis. The success of the software system is mostly dependent on how well users' requirements have been understood and translated into appropriate functionalities. During the interactive system design process, it is common to find recurring problems in human–computer interactions, for which reusing solutions is highly feasible. Interaction design patterns seek to support designers in decision making during the design of interactive systems. Due to the design task tends to be subjective and prone to errors. This work aims at presenting and evaluating an interaction design patterns recommendation model based on design-level requirements classification, through the application of supervised machine learning algorithms. To compare the performance of four classification algorithms, a study was carried out, in which the linear support vector machine was the most suitable to this problem. The results of this work can be used for implementing frameworks that can better support designers' decision making when designing user interfaces.


The 10t/d pyrolysis demonstration plant have been developed for waste tire recycling treatment and value added commercialization. The initial plant model had been started under 2.4t/d capacity with continuous operation, and the commercial plant has been achieved to the 120t/d based on demonstration plant having the tube reactor with chain conveyer attached disk. The next generation pyrolysis plant for waste tire is reviewed and the assignment for plant development is presented briefly.


We construct a model for double parton distribution functions (dPDFs) based on the notion of self-similarity, pursued earlier for small \textit{x} physics at HERA. The most general form of dPDFs contains total thirteen parameters to be fitted from data of proton-proton collision at LHC. It is shown that the constructed dPDF does not factorize into two single PDFs in conformity with QCD expectation, and it satisfies the condition that at the kinematic boundary $x_{1}+x_{2}=1 $ (where $x_{1}$ and $x_{2}$ are the longitudinal fractional momenta of two partons), the dPDF vanishes.


To investigate therapeutic,method and effect of lens lacking malignant glaucoma.Method Use absorption of vitreous body and air injection into anterior chamber ,combined with modified ciliary body separation in the treatment of lens lacking malignant glaucoma ,a total of 9 cases were summarized . Results 9 eyes in 9 patients all reach effect of control eye pressure , after follow up half year to 2 years , eye pressure no more than 20. 55mmHg , 7 cases eye sight had improved, only 2 cases remain unchanged . Conclusion Use combined operative method in the therapy of lens lacking malignant glaucoma have acquired good result.


The soils of the floodplains of the German rivers Elbe, Mulde and Saale are often contaminated with arsenic (As). The total As concentration in soil is, however, not related to As concentration in the plant biomass and thus is unsuitable for evaluating the risk of As transfer into the food chain. The aim of the present study was to establish a method that assesses the bioavailability of As in floodplain soils and takes possible changes in the mobility of As with changing redox potential into account. Samples from the floodplain of the river Mulde were saturated with water for 34 days. A soil solution was sampled every second day and the concentrations of As species and total iron (Fe) were determined. The redox potential was measured in situ. Lepidium sativum L. (garden cress) was cultured in cylinders to assess the availability of As to the plant. In addition, extraction methods were used to define operationally different As‐binding forms. Arsenic in the soil samples was predominantly bound to poorly crystalline (hydr)oxides. These (hydr)oxides are likely to be affected by changing redox conditions. On saturation, 18 soil samples could be divided into two groups based on the temporary changes in redox potential and subsequent changes in the As concentration of the soil solution. Water‐extractable organic carbon was identified as the reason for the differences between the two groups. As the field site is periodically flooded, it is likely that the samples that exhibit decreasing redox potential in the experimental system will also pass through redox cycles more frequently in the field. The frequency of redox cycles, in turn, strongly affects the Fe (hydr)oxide phase and the binding of As. In the present study these differences between the two groups were reflected in the different relationships between NH4 oxalate‐extractable Fe (Feo) and As (Aso).


This article investigates the complex phenomenon of major gift giving to charitable institutions. Drawing on empirical evidence from interviews with 16 Australian major donors (who gave a single gift of at least AU$10,000 in 2008 or 2009), we seek to better understand donor expectations and (dis)satisfaction. Given growing need for social services, and the competition among nonprofit organisations (NPOs) to secure sustainable funding, this research is particularly timely. Currently, little is known about major donors' expectations, wants and needs. Equity theory, with the concept of reciprocity at its core, was found to provide a useful framework for understanding these phenomena. A model of equitable major gift relationships was developed from the data, which portrays balanced relationships and identifies potential areas of dissatisfaction for major donors. We conclude by offering suggestions for NPOs seeking to understand the complexities of major gift relationships, with practical implications for meeting donors' needs.


Afghan party laws have consistently discouraged ethnic parties and politics. Taking an implicit approach to party nationalization, the laws have set three qualification thresholds for parties: consisting of at least 10,000 members; having offices in at least 20 provinces; and having at least 35 founders, who represent a minimum of 20 provinces. Although these thresholds have not explicitly referred to the ethnic composition of political parties, they were indeed designed to encourage broad-based parties given the regional concentration of ethnic groups. Even so, these laws have failed to encourage cross-ethnic parties or coalitions. Afghan parties have remained fragmented, personalized, and ethnic-based. In fact, no cross-ethnic party has grown in Afghanistan. Although some cross-ethnic coalitions have emerged during elections, they have failed to institutionalize as stable and cohesive political forces. This paper shows that the failure of laws to encourage cross-ethnic parties and coalitions has been due to their command-and control nature (as compared to incentive-based) and the fact that the laws have failed to set a regulatory framework for the cross-ethnic coalitions that have emerged, particularly during the presidential elections.


The invention relates to the technical field of electronic communication, in particular to a wireless LED (Light Emitting Diode) screen control device realized by a GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) module of an embedded script. The wireless LED screen control device mainly comprises the GPRS module of the embedded script and an LED display screen, wherein the GPRS module of the embedded script mainly consists of an RF (Radio Frequency) module, a FLASH memory module, an RAM (Random Access Memory) module and a BB (Baseband); and the BB mainly consists of a RTOS (Real-Time Operating System) module, a user script program module, a script interpreter module, an AT (Attention) instruction set module, a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications)/GPRS protocol stack module and a general I/O (Input/Output) port. After the device is adopted, cost is lowered while system design complexity is lowered, space is saved, and a product integration level is improved.


The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the agricultural modernization process on changes in land use and soil erosion in Mexico and Argentina. The process of agricultural modernization emerged as a result of changes in the international food system through which a feed grain livestock complex changed patterns of production, consumption and meat trade. This has caused an increase in livestock production in the South of Mexico and its decrease in the central region of Argentina, called the Pampeana Region. For this reason, the pattern of land use changed in the first case from forest land to pasturage land, through deforestation and, in the Argentine case, from land devoted to agriculture in rotation with pasturage to restore fertility, to land devoted only to intensive agriculture. In both cases, it results in high rates of soil erosion.


A number of sustainable land management (SLM) best practices should be identified in each of the study areas (catchment, transboundary area, etc.) and their effects observed on natural resources (soil, water, vegetation and biodiversity) and impacts on livelihoods and ecosystem services determined through observations and discussions and interviews. The land users and households should be questioned on their use, effectiveness and whether there are any constraints to adoption.


Physical activity can significantly enhance mobility and independence and improve quality of life. Julie Swann dicusses disorders of movement and the interventions than can help maintain mobility and rhythmic movement.


This article explores the unification and simplification of the small-signal model for representative inductive power transfer systems. Various famous compensations are included, such as the S–S, LCC–S, and LCC–LCC. Through system decomposition, the uniform model concept is applied to the inverter, rectifier, and resonant tank. Meanwhile, the model complexity and similarity are discussed for various resonant tanks, and proper simplification is used to reduce the model order. The uniform equivalent circuit model is finally proposed for the target systems, based on which the explicit transfer function can be represented by a general polynomial equation. The model order of the S–S, LCC–S, and LCC–LCC systems are five, two, and five, respectively. The experiment shows the model is accurate up to one-fifth of the switching frequency for all the target systems.


In an attempt to find natural and cheaper methods for the control of termites (Isoptera: Termitidae), some traditionally useful Ghanaian plant materials were evaluated. A total of thirteen (13) plants traditionally used by farmers for termite control in Ghana were recorded after a survey. After field and laboratory assessments, Ocimum canun, Ocimum gratissimum, Zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides, Sporobolus pyramidalis and Allium sativum were found to be biologically active, especially against adult workers of Macrotermes sp. On the whole, O. canum and O. gratissimum were found to have repellent effects with 77.78 and 69.24 % repulsion rates respectively. Additionally A. sativum, O. canum, O. gratissimum, S. pyramidalis and Z. xanthoxyloides roots were also observed to possess antifeedant effects on termites recording 100 % mortality after 5 to 9 days of exposure. The tolerance, walking trail, choice and non-choice tests using O. canum, O. gratissimum, S. pyramidalis and Z. xanthoxyloides showed significant differences between the control (corn stalk) and the candidate plant materials (p< 0.001), with strong indication that these plant materials could be used for effective and safe management of termites in agricultural crop systems.


The progress of a nation can not be separated from transportation. One of the transportation problems that often occur in developing countries is the bottleneck phenomenon. Bottleneck phenomenon is a problem that often occurs in traffic management, seeing from the capacity of the vehicle and operating activities. Apart from the mushrooming shopping malls, Depok City also known as Education City which is marked with many middle and high schools built which make the increasing of transportation service. The number of students who always commute from one point to another may result to the increasing of the operating vehicles. In this research, the author will investigate about the Analysis of Bottleneck Pehenomenon in Jalan Margonda, where the vehicles circulation in Detos/Margo City to Gramedia has ran inorderly.


The molecular weight-viscosity relationships for polystyrene are reviewed and it is recommended that the Staudinger relationship be discarded in favor of the conventional modification of it, [η] = KMa. An emulsion-prepared polystyrene was fractionated and the viscosities and osmotic molecular weight determined. The corresponding relationship between the viscosities in butanone and toluene is observed to follow the above equation. A table containing the molecular weight-viscosity relationships for polymers is appended.


Scintillators with Potential to Supersede Lanthanum Bromide N.J. Cherepy,* S.A. Payne, S.J. Asztalos, G. Hull, J.D. Kuntz, T. Niedermayr, S. Pimputkar, J.J. Roberts, R.D. Sanner, T.M. Tillotson, E. van Loef, C.M. Wilson , K.S. Shah, U.N. Roy, R. Hawrami, A. Burger, L.A. Boatner, W.-S. Choong and W.W. Moses Abstract—New scintillators for high-resolution gamma ray spectroscopy have been identified, grown and characterized. Our development efforts have focused on two classes of high light yield materials: Europium-doped alkaline earth halides and Cerium-doped garnets. Of the halide single crystals we have grown by the Bridgman method— SrI 2 , CaI 2 , SrBr 2 , BaI 2 and BaBr 2 — SrI 2 is the most promising. SrI 2 (Eu) emits into the Eu 2+ band, centered at 435 nm, with a decay time of 1.2 µs and a light yield of up to 115,000 photons/MeV. It offers energy resolution better than 3% FWHM at 662 keV, and exhibits excellent light yield proportionality. Transparent ceramics fabrication allows production of Gadolinium- and Terbium-based garnets which are not growable by melt techniques due to phase instabilities. While scintillation light yields of Cerium-doped ceramic garnets are high, light yield non-proportionality and slow decay components appear to limit their prospects for high energy resolution. We are developing an understanding of the mechanisms underlying energy dependent scintillation light yield non-proportionality and how it affects energy resolution. We have also identified aspects of optical design that can be optimized to enhance energy resolution. Index Terms— Scintillators, scintillators, gamma ray detectors strontium iodide, ceramic I. I NTRODUCTION Use of gamma ray spectroscopy for radioisotope identification requires pushing the limits of energy resolution, and is also enhanced by a high effective atomic number of the detector material. The commercial inorganic scintillator currently providing the highest energy resolution is LaBr 3 (Ce), of ~2.6% at 662 keV [1-3], but it is highly hygroscopic, Manuscript received June 31, 2008. This work was supported by the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office in the Department of Homeland Security (Alan Janos) and by the National Nuclear Security Administration, Office of Nonproliferation Research and Development (NA-22, Robert Mayo) of the U.S.DOE under Contract No. DE-AC02-05CH11231, and this work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. DOE by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed for the U.S DOE by UT-Battelle under contract DE-AC05-00OR22725. N.J. Cherepy S.A. Payne, S.J. Asztalos, G. Hull, J.D. Kuntz, T. Niedermayr, S. Pimputkar, J.J. Roberts, R.D. Sanner, T.M. Tillotson are with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, CA 94550 (phone: +1- 925-424-3492; fax: +1-925-423-6394; e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com). E. van Loef, C.M. Wilson and K.S. Shah are with Radiation Monitoring Devices, Watertown, MA (e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com). U.N. Roy, R. Hawrami and A. Burger are with Fisk University, Nashville, TN (e-mail: email@example.com). L.A. Boatner is with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN (e- mail: email@example.com). W.W. Moses and W.-S. Choong are with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA (e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com). possesses intrinsic radioactivity due to the presence of primordial 138 La, and its crystal growth is still challenging. Energy resolution of ~2% at 662 keV is desired for assignments of gamma ray lines in a typical spectrum, while intrinsic radioactivity interferes with low count rate measurements, especially for large detector volumes. Finally, the ease of crystal growth is directly correlated with cost of manufacture of large crystals useful for detection of weak sources. To identify new scintillator materials with potential to supersede the performance and cost metrics of LaBr 3 (Ce), we use a "directed search methodology," which is distinguished from the "combinatorial approach" by aggressively downselecting candidates based on criteria and available information. For first round qualification, criteria are: (1) effective atomic number (Z eff ) equivalent to or higher than LaBr 3 (Ce), for efficient photoelectric effect, (2) no/low intrinsic radioactivity for low background, and (3) expected radioluminescence light yield adequate to achieve energy resolution of 2%. Once high-Z, high light yield materials are identified, we evaluate their prospects for good light yield proportionality, ease of crystal growth, lack of confounding phase transitions, low deliquescence, favorable optical properties, dominant decay time of <3 µs (to avoid signal pile- up with standard shaping electronics) and photodetector spectral match. Figure 1 shows how the periodic table can be analyzed such that only compounds containing at least one of the encircled species are considered, yielding a reasonably short candidate list of materials for growth and evaluation. Fig. 1. Selection of candidate scintillators for gamma ray spectroscopy is straightforward, as only a few high-Z elements (shown encircled) are non- radioactive, not optically absorptive and produce growable compounds.


In recent years, studies have shown that glycemic index(GI)can effectively guide the diet planning for diabetic patients to achieve the purpose of blood sugar control. This article summarizes the development of concept of food glycemic index, its data measurement, establishment of prediction model and progress of clinical application.


In this paper,a single ball load-bearing experiment model of the swing joint of thrust vector control system in a solid propellant rocket motor was used as computation model.By using the Lagrangian multiplier method for friction contact question,and elasto-plastic coupling's finite element method,the contact stress,deformation and destruct principle under different thickness of strengthening layer of the test swing joint convex sphere were computed and analyzed.To reduce system swing moment,and consider manufacturing techniques of large size intensify sphere,1~1.4 mm thickness of strengthening layer satisfied for contact performance was presented.Rationality of FEM modeling and algorithm was validated by single ball load-bearing experiment.The elasto-plastic friction contact stress of the swing joint was limited to 5 384.9 MPa in small deformation condition.


An efficient hardware implementation of a 1024-point sequential FFT processor is described. The processor has been configured in a distributed processing system with an INTEL 8086 microprocessor. In case of real signals, it performs a 1024-point transform of two real signals, simultaneously within the same period and subsequently does spectral separation 2.6 msec. Its general purpose capability and the case of interfacing it with standard mini/micro computers are highlighted with a specific illustrations using the INTEL 8086 microprocessor.


The need for large structures in high orbit is discussed in terms of the many mission opportunities which require such structures. Mission and transportation options for large structures are presented, and it is shown that low-thrust propulsion is an enabling requirement for some missions and greatly enhancing to many others. A general comparison of electric and low-thrust chemical propulsion is made and the need for and requirements of low-thrust chemical propulsion are discussed in terms of the interactions that are perceived to exist between the propulsion system and the large structure.


Primary Examiner-Richard K. Seidel (22 Filed: Nov. 15, 1989 Assistant Examiner-Rex E. Pelto Att , Agent, or Firm-Kenneth E. Wald 51 Int, C.'....................... B22D 19/14; B22D 23/00 orney, Agent, or firm e 52 U.S.C. ......................................... 164/97; 164/91 (57) ABSTRACT (58 Field of Search ................. 164/97, 100, 101, 102, Tubes or other symmetrical shapes are formed of com 164/94, 95, 900 posite materials, such as silicon carbide and aluminum, 8. by spin casting. The reinforcing material can be precast (56) References Cited into a billet or bar of the matrix metal, remelted and


This paper examines the impact of limiting the cashback mechanism on e-commerce pricing strategies and consumer purchase behavior. By refunding a part of the transactional amount, the websites are using the wallet cash as a promotional vehicle for future purchases. This cashback limit phenomenon is interesting to study because any firm cannot promise a cashback for every transaction. This leads to the idea of having a cap on cashback and uses it in multiple purchases. The technique involves the redemption of cashback in two proposed methods. One of the ways improves the repurchase of utilitarian goods, and the other one increases the purchase of hedonic goods. Through a series of three laboratory experiments, it is shown that a consumer is likely to spend more if there is an association between the amount of cashback and the cost of the product being purchased.


The paper provides an overview on the key features of the first-of-its-kind, metal-seal repair connector for metallurgically clad and mechanically lined pipelines designed and built to ensure continuity of internal cladding without reduction of internal diameter. A discussion on the advantages of such a connector for sour service and/or clad pipelines, and an update on the DnV qualification program is provided together with application cases focusing on how to effectively deploy the connector in an emergency scenario.
 Having identified the need for a Corrosion Resistant Alloy (CRA) compliant repair solution which doesn't reduce the internal diameter of the pipeline, a bespoke design has been developed and prototyped. The following major phases of development have been undertaken: 1) A review of the issues and limitations associated with using current connector technology, especially in relation to CRA clad or lined pipelines in sour service, 2) A solution for the issue of pipeline fluids being in contact with the Carbon Steel (CS) pipe was identified together with related functional requirements, and 3) A comprehensive DnV technology qualification testing program was carried out on a full-scale 26″ prototype connector. At the time of writing, a type-approval certificate to cover the various pipeline sizes will be granted within 2023.
 Subsea pipeline connectors are a consolidated solution for emergency/planned pipeline repairs and for tie-ins to existing pipelines (field reconfiguration and extension). Currently these solutions are largely used in the industry for CS pipelines, with an extensive track record of successful installations. Nowadays, however, the need to develop more complex reservoirs, particularly sour gas, in an effective manner, requires offshore operators to adopt internally clad or lined CRA pipelines, which consequently opens the dilemma of how to repair them in case of need, exclusively maintaining the uninterrupted and contiguous CRA pressure containment envelope, so that the pipeline fluid does not come into contact with the CS carrier pipe. Key features of the presented metal-seal connector include: l) DnV Technology Qualification (TQ) for small to large pipelines (from 6″ to 38″), unique in the industry and tailored to the Middle East region, 2) Metal-to-metal sealing technology granting permanent repair, 3) Capability to support the same design loads and conditions of the original pipeline, 4) No reduction of the internal diameter (ID) of the pipe, 5) Capability to compensate misalignments of the pipe cut-end, and 6) A versatile diver-assisted or diverless setup for deep water applications. Furthermore, the subject solution can also manage pipelines with multiple wall thicknesses and it's ideal for integration into an EPRS club or other situation where there may be multiple pipelines of the same diameter but differing wall thicknesses.
 Internally clad or lined CRA pipelines are widely used, and their planned utilization is forecasted to increase, thus unlocking the exploitation of challenging reservoirs. A repair connector purposely conceived for such pipelines will offer to offshore operators an innovative and robust solution to face emergencies or, on existing pipelines, for tie-ins to allow fields reconfiguration.


Measurements of natality rates, survival rates, movements, and densities were integrated to describe the mechanics of population balance for snowshoe hares (Lepus americanus) in Colorado (1969-71) and Utah (1972-73), near the southern extreme of this species' range. Adult home-range size averaged eight hectares in spruce (Picea spp.)-fir (Abies spp.) forest, the preferred habitat. Juveniles used unforested habitat more frequently than adults. Population density remained stable throughout the duration of both studies; historical accounts also indicate population densities have remained fairly stable in the Rocky Mountain region. Hares commenced breeding from mid-April to mid-May. Females surviving an entire reproductive season produced an average of 2.1-2.3 litters annually. Later-litter sizes, averaging 4.8 in Colorado and 5.9 in Utah, were larger than most litter sizes reported from higher latitudes. The annual natality rate was 8.2 and 11.5 young per female surviving an entire reproductive season in Colorado and Utah, respectively. Annual survival rate for adults in Colorado was 0.45. About 16 percent of juveniles born each summer needed to survive until the following breeding season to balance the population density. Second-litter juveniles had a lower survival rate than did first-litter juveniles. We surmise the long-term stability of the hare population in the Rocky Mountains to be related to dispersal of juveniles into poor (open) habitats where survival is low. The discontinuity of preferred spruce-fir habitat allows dispersal into open habitat to occur readily, and this may be the main mechanism averting the potential population increase. J. WILDL. MANAGE. 39(3):535-549 The snowshoe hare is indigenous to boreal forests throughout North America. This species has long interested population ecologists because of its "cyclic" population fluctuations (Keith 1963); however, mechanisms of population regulation are still poorly understood. In particular, little is known about population characteristics of hares in the southernmost extension of its range in the Rocky and Appalachian Mountains in the United States. This paper helps fill this void by presenting information on the population ecology of snowshoe hares in the Rocky Mountains of central Colorado (1969-71) and northern Utah (197273). The study had three objectives: (1) to estimate local densities of snowshoe hares, (2) to examine natality rates, survival rates, and movements, and to describe the immediate mechanics of population balance and fluctuation, and (3) to compare these populat on parameters with those published from snowshoe hare studies conducted at higher latitudes in an effort to clarify mechanisms causing cyclic fluctuations. We gratefully acknowledge J. E. Gross and M. L. Wolfe for their guidance and interest. D. A. Hein, F. H. Wagner, F. A. Glover, H. S. Donoho, S. Dolbeer, and M. Laderach also provided timely assistance.


Due to the development of information technology and the enlarging field of using archives, to edit data is obviously important. Using computer to search data is convenient without the limitation of time and place. Archivists must offer Valuable information to users.


The embodiment of the invention discloses a method, device and system for transmitting synchronous data. Non-interference of synchronous transmission of the data is achieved, and the data transmission efficiency is improved. The method comprises the steps of adding a destination address of a receiving node in a lead code, and sending the lead code added with the destination address of the receiving node so as to enable the receiving node to judge whether a data frame which the lead code belongs to is required to be received or not according to the destination address in the lead code when the receiving node receives the lead code.


Leprosy stigma is still prevalent in both endemic and non-endemic countries, and is a major factor leading to delay in patients seeking treatment. This paper reviews studies on factors influencing stigma in leprosy and the effectiveness of programmes targeting it. Most research showed that high level of knowledge of the curability and non-infectiousness of leprosy was not correlated with more positive attitudes and acceptance of leprosy patients. The mixed effects of interventions ranging from worsening stigma, to no change or slight change in positive attitudes suggest that stigmatising attitudes are difficult to change. There is a need for more integrated psychosocial, cultural and behavioral studies to identify important independent predictors of stigma. More rigorous study designs are needed to evaluate intervention programmes targeting stigma to provide evidence on what approaches work and what do not work.


Lazuras Lambros, Pyżalski Jacek, Barkoukis Vassilis, Tsorbatzoudis Haralambos, Empathy and Moral Disengagement in Adolescent Cyberbullying: Implications for Educational Intervention and Pedagogical Practice [Empatia i rozhamowanie moralne jako predykatory cyberbullyingu: implikacje dla interwencyjnych i profi laktycznych działań edukacyjnych]. Studia Edukacyjne nr 23, 2012, Poznań 2012, pp. 57-69. Adam Mickiewicz University Press. ISBN 97883-232-2520-1. ISSN 1233-6688 Cyberbullying represents an emerging form of adolescent aggression that is channelled contemporary through information and communications technologies (ICTs). Research on the psychosocial correlates is still growing but the available evidence highlights the importance of moral disengagement and empathy in predicting cyberbullying behavior. Educators can benefi t from this research and accordingly develop curricula and employ practices that tap moral and empathic beliefs in young people, in order to curb the onset and prevalence of cyberbullying among students. The present article discusses the nature of cyberbullying, reviews the studies assessing the relationships between empathy, moral disengagement and cyberbullying in adolescents, and presents the implications for educational interventions and pedagogical practice.


Objectives. – For several years, the concept of ''physiological senile gait'' has been strongly contested and seems to be associated with abnormal gait. Indeed, some changes characteristic of senile gait appear early on in subjects with neurodegenerative pathologies. The aim of this article was to determine how recent contributions can improve the study of gait in old populations. This paper is a thematic review of recent contributions from medical imaging techniques as well as instrumental gait analysis techniques in older adults. This article did not focus on Parkinson's disease or other specific diseases bearing certain gait disturbances, since they belong to literature focusing on these particular disorders. Material and methods. – This work was not intended as a systematic review but only as a thematic one conducted by geriatricians in order review the recent literature in order to better apprehend how new technics could be implemented within their clinical practice. Articles were selected in online Medline and Cochrane Library databases, and some were previously identified by the authors. Results. – This paper highlights the most recent contributions in magnetic resonance imaging, functional magnetic resonance imagery, positron emission tomography and instrumental gait analyzing devices better understanding the underlying gait mechanisms in elderly populations. Conclusions. – This thematic review suggests that gait could be considered as a marker of ''successful aging''. Its evaluation associated to longitudinal follow-up could be useful to predict cognitive and functional changes in frail older adults. # 2013 Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.


To supply speed-variable motor drives in subsea stations, a cable transmission system fed by a standard type of current source inverter (CSI) is proposed. Detailed theoretical investigations concentrated on the effects of current resonance phenomena show that an advantageous characteristic of the CSI is to reduce significantly the emitted current harmonics close to the resonance frequency. This 'self-regulating' effect of a CSI-fed cable transmission results in sufficient operating performance, even in the case that power converter current harmonics are exiting the resonance frequency. Comparing theoretical results with field test measurements confirm the validity of the investigations as well as the practical feasibility of the proposed application of a six-pulse CSI up to a cable length of about 20 km.


This article has the purpose of analyzing the sentence pronounced by the Supreme Court of Justice of Colombia, Criminal Division, with respect to the case of the citizen Rodolfo Sebastian Sanchez Rincon aircraft pilot , from Habermas dissertations on the administration of justice and criminal legal budgets on the eventual deceit.


Fibrosis in the ventricular cavities characterizes endomyocardial fibrosis which is an endemic and common form of heart disease in several tropical countries. It is hypothesized that this disorder is similar to rheumatic heart disease because there is 1) a tribal/geographical relationship between the 2 diseases 2) a significant concurrence of the diseases 3) a pronounced similarity in age and sex distribution 4) a clinical similarity and familial occurrence in both and 5) a supposition that both are disorders of cardiac connective tissue based on hypersensitivity mechanism. The presence of the tropical immunological syndrome may determine whether an individual develops endomyocardial fibrosis instead of rheumatic heart disease. Thus the underlying immunological status of an individual is of utmost importance and a study of immunoglobulin and tissue autoantibody patterns in cases of endomyocardial fibrosis occurring in nontropical nonendemic conditions would be most interesting.


Abstract The sulfide corrosion cracking behavior of Type 4140 bolts was studied in H2S-H2O systems at temperatures of 20 to 120 C and at pressures of 1 to 17 atmospheres. The susceptibility to crac...


We study the stability of second-order switched homogeneous systems. Using the concept of generalized first integrals we explicitly characterize the "most destabilizing" switching-law and construct a Lyapunov function that yields an easily verifiable, necessary and sufficient condition for asymptotic stability. Using the duality between stability analysis and control synthesis, this also leads to a novel algorithm for designing a stabilizing switching controller.


Introduction: Thalidomide has been shown to induce responses in pts with MF but prolonged administration in these pts may be associated with neurotoxicity and other adverse events. Lenalidomide is the lead clinical compound in a new group of drugs called IMiDs®, which have immunomodulatory properties. It affects cytokine expression 200–5000 times more potently than thalidomide but lacks the teratogenecity, sedation and neurotoxicity. Methods: We thus designed a phase II study for pts with myelofibrosis (primary or associated with myeloproliferative disorders) with a platelet (plt) count of at least 30 x109/L. Pts may have received prior therapies, but were excluded if they had known hypersensitivity to thalidomide. Pts received lenalidomide 10 mg/day orally (5 mg daily for patients with platelet count less than 100,000 at study entry). Results: We have treated 41 pts. Their median age was 65 (range, 42 to 83). Thirty-six pts (88%) had received prior therapy for MF, including thalidomide 13 (32%), hydroxyurea 12 (29%), interferon 11 (27%) (pegylated 7), anagrelide 10 (24%), and erythropoietin 6 (15%). Baseline hemoglobin was Conclusion: We conclude that lenalidomide has clinical activity in a subset of patients with myelofibrosis with an acceptable toxicity profile. Studies using lenalidomide in combination with other agents are justified.


In recent years, with the increase of the number of pure electric vehicles, the phenomenon of battery spontaneous combustion during charging is also emerging in an endless stream. For early fault early warning, we use a machine learning-based model to predict the probability of battery failure. We also use intelligent algorithm to optimize the hyperparameters of the model so that it can accurately predict the probability of battery failure after different time periods. Through our model, the driver or vehicle safety system can perceive the danger in advance and solve or avoid it in time.


Nurses represent the largest single component of hospital staffing, typically as a ratio to hospitalized patients. Observational studies have correlated higher nurse-patient ratios with better pati...


Normative and arthroplasty knee joint kinematics have been studied extensively using a wide range of instrumentation and methodologies. Many of the methods used to assess knee mechanics after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) have failed to create realistic testing conditions in terms of joint load and range of motion. In contrast, motion capture studies facilitate knee assessments during functional, weight-bearing activities. Using motion capture techniques, this study aimed to examine differences in sagittal tendon kinematics between TKA and normative individuals. The relative positions of the patellar tendon and quadriceps tendon, as a function of knee flexion-extension, were estimated during step down and bilateral deep knee bend tasks. To assess the validity of this technique, motion capture data were compared to radiographic data for each TKA patient. Sagittal knee tendon angles were measured directly from the radiographs and compared to corresponding points in the dynamic data. Results of the patellar and quadriceps tendon angles showed good agreement between the two methods, with absolute errors ranging from 2.9o to 5.6o, suggesting that noninvasive motion capture is a suitable method for evaluating knee mechanics.


In order to generate Plcd1 transgenic mice for the functional study of Plcd1gene,the 2.2kb total length of Plcd1 gene was RT-PCR amplified and cloned into T vector to construct pMD19-T-Plcd1vector at first.The target Plcd1 fragment with proper restriction endonuclease sites was obtained by PCR amplification using specially designed primers and pMD19-T-Plcd1 template.This target Plcd1 fragment and pEF6/V5-His vector were digested respectively by SpeI and BstBI in the same time,and then were connected together to construct pEF6/V5-His-Plcd1 vector.After it was verified to express in L929 cells,4.5Kb length of transgenic construction including hEF-1α promoter,Plcd1,V5,His-tag and BGH was isolated and microinjected into 681 zygotes to produce 82 offspring.Finally,13 hereditable lines were established from 15 positive transgenic founder mice.Western Blotting experiment revealed that PLCD1-HIS fusion protein was expressed in testicular tissue but not in the skin.The Plcd1 transgenic mice provide potential material for the functional study of Plcd1.


Summary The effects of varying salt contents and cream-cooling treatments on thermograms of the resultant butters were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). A procedure is described for loading the calorimeter without erasing the thermal history of the sample. Unsalted butter had only one melting transition associated with the aqueous phase, at −0·5 °C. Salted butters had two such transitions. One occurred at a constant −22 °C and corresponded to melting of a NaCl–water eutectic mixture. The other varied with the salt content and probably corresponds to melting of the ice in a NaCl solution. Slow-cooling treatment of cream resulted in butter thermograms similar at 10 and 25 °C to those from the Alnarp treatment, but differed between 22 and 25 °C. Shock-cooling resulted in higher amounts of crystallization than the other 2 treatments. The DSC was shown to be useful in following the effects of cream treatment upon the melting characteristics of the resulting butter.


The dc-link voltage fluctuation problem is more serious for an inverter system which utilizes a single phase ac source. As an effort to reduce the dc-link capacitance, there is a tendency to make torque oscillate in synchronism with the input power. Then, the fluctuating motor power matches the converter power. The key idea is to enforce current oscillation along a constant torque line which only affects the reactive power of the motor. In other words, the proposed method uses the motor as inductive energy storage by controlling the motor flux by the reactive current component. Analytic method for obtaining the current bounds was derived. Also, a practical recursive algorithm was proposed. Simulation and experimental results support the effectiveness of the proposed method.


Polymers from Functionally-Substituted Cyclic Ethers and Cyclic Acetals (September 1982) Donald Albert Bansleben B.A., University of Connecticut, M.S., University of Connecticut, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Directed by: Professor Otto Vogl Poly (alkylene oxides) containing pendant carboxylate groups separated from the main chain by a spacergroup of eight methylene units were synthesized from functionally-substituted epoxide and 1 , 3-dioxolane monomers . Ester-substituted oxyethylene polymers of methyl 10 , 11-epoxyundecanoate and copolymers with various cyclic ethers were prepared in the presence of an aluminumalkylwater coordination initiator system modified with acetylacetone . Poly (alkylene oxide) ionomers, polyelectrolytes and carboxylic acids were obtained by reactions on the pendant functional groups. The high molecular weight substituted poly (ethylene oxides) were characterized by spectral, thermal and dilute solution measurements.


Let I be an ideal in a regular local ring (R;n), we will nd bounds on the rst and the last Betti numbers of ( A;m) = (R=I;n=I). if A is an Artinian ring of the embedding codimension h, I has the initial degree t and (m t ) = 1, we call A a t extended stretched local ring. This class of local rings is a natural general- ization of the class of stretched local rings studied by Sally, Elias and Valla. For a t extended stretched local ring, we show that ( h+t 2 t 1 ) h + 1 (A) ( h+t2 t 1 ) and ( h+t1 t ) 1 (I) ( h+t 1 t ) . Moreover (A) reaches the upper bound if and only if (I) is the maximum value. Using these results, we show when i(A) = i(grm(A)) for each i 0. Beside, we will investigate the rigid behavior of the Betti numbers of A in the case that I has ini- tial degree t and (m t ) = 2. This class is a natural generalization of almost stretched local rings again studied by Elias and Valla. Our research extends several results of two papers by Rossi, Elias and Valla.


Fieldwork activities are commonly carried out in biodiversity learning. The outcomes of fieldwork survey on flora and fauna distribution can be presented into a map to demonstrate the biodiversity of the surveyed area. In this study, students' perception on biodiversity mapping was investigated for the fieldwork learning. During students' fieldwork, they identified plant and bird species at the Curtin University Malaysia campus via citizen-science platforms. Locations of these identified plant and bird species were mapped into a Google Earth. The students involved in the biodiversity learning were undergraduate students who enrolled for the unit related to conservation in 2023 Semester One. Students gave positive feedbacks on their mapping process that the data collected from the fieldwork. They expressed that the learning was engaging, convenient and interesting. They also commented that the learning activities increased their interaction with lecturer and peers, motivated them to learn more during fieldwork, and increased their interest in the unit. With the biodiversity mapping, students are able to increase their understandings on species habitat, and relation of flora and fauna in a habitat. The learning process is useful for students when they implement conservation activities in their future career.


This paper proposes incorporating the concept of the 'observing eye/I', from cognitive analytic therapy (CAT), to Hawkins and Shohet's seven modes of supervision, comprising their transtheoretical model of supervision. Each mode is described alongside explicit examples relating to CAT. This modification using a key idea from CAT (in the form of the addition of a Mode 8 'observing us') enhances the model's utility in supervisory practice. With this adaptation, the model could also be used, with greater breadth and depth, in therapies where the primary focus is not relational. The collaboratively reflexive 'observing us' ensures that the very process of supervision is effectively monitored and attended to. The inclusion of this eighth level leads to more formal emphasis on the meta communication and meta commentary levels in supervision.


Social design is the use of the design process to bring about social change. In this session, staff and students share their experiences of participating in a pioneering interdisciplinary approach to social design at Sheffield Hallam University. Key learning will be highlighted including: how can learning and teaching practices be socially situated, what makes a holistic learning and teaching experience and what happens when learning and teaching moves beyond the classroom to bring transformation to real world issues.


Longitudinally bracketed diaphysis (LBD) is a term coined to designate an intriguing ossification anomaly of tubular bones (THEANDER & CARSTAM 1974). The anomaly had been reported previously under various names, such as delta phalanx, triangular-shaped or wedge-shaped bone, and brachybasophalangism. However, these names were considered less adequate because, in some cases, bones other than phalanges' are similarly affected and also because the shape of the abnormal bone may differ considerably from one case to another. The term LBD, which seems applicable to all varieties, reflects the assumption that an abnormal bracket of tissue found to extend between both ends of the bone outside the diaphysis is a prerequisite for the development of the accompanying deformity. This assumption has been corroborated by recent observations (WOOD & FLATT 1977, OGDEN et colI. 1981). LBD may be combined with other local anomalies, such as polydactyly (WATSON & BOYES 1967), and has also been found as an occasional or frequent component of an increasing number of congenital malformation syndromes (THEANDER & CARSTAM 1974, OGDEN et colI.). Since in these conditions it may have become modified by the associated abnormalities, the specific features of LBD are preferably studied in cases with no further major anomaly. Isolated LBD has been found most often in the fingers and toes, though only rarely in the end phalanges in man; the most common sites are in the middle phalanx of triphalangeal fingers and in the base phalanx of the thumb or big toe. A special variety of triphalangeal thumb is characterised by LBD in the middle phalanx (THEANDER & CARSTAM 1979). Radiologic features. The radiographic appearances of LBD may differ markedly from one case to another but, in the digits, skewness of the affected phalanx is a salient feature. Even in early stages of ossification this skewness is evident from the resulting clinodactyly. The variation in appearance is exemplified by the films obtained of 5 children ranging in age from 4 days to 13 years (Fig. 1). For convenience these examples are in the following text referred to as types A to E. In type A the osseous component of the affected phalanx seems to consist merely of a small primary ossification center, which is more or less lop-sided. Its surface on the shorter side of the phalanx is approximately hemispherical, whereas the opposite surface is usually flatter. In type B the phalanx contains a small osseous portion resembling that in type A in site and shape, except that it is elongated, and a larger osseous portion forming a bracket along the short side of the phalanx. This bracket includes the proximal epiphyseal ossification center and extends to the distal end


Introduction: Cerebrovascular disease represents a major reason for mortality and morbidity worldwide. Imaging plays a pivotal role in the management of stroke patients. Haemorrhagic stroke diagnosis is straightforward using a Computed Tomography (CT) scan whereas early ischaemic strokes are sometimes difficult to diagnose by imaging. The use of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may diagnose ischaemic stroke more convincingly; however MRI remains less available, time consuming and complicated. Unenhanced CT can be performed quickly; can help to identify early signs of stroke. Aim: To determine the validity of CT in the evaluation of acute ischaemic stroke compared to MRI for early diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional study conducted in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, Agartala Government Medical College and GB Pant Hospital, Agartala, Tripura, India. The study period was from December 2018 to December 2020 and included 70 patients. The instruments used were SIEMENS 128 slice CT-SOMATOM model definition AS and SIEMENS 3.0 Tesla MRI-SKYRA model. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 25.0 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, USA) was used for data analysis. Results: Out of all patients (n=70) 63 patients were ultimately found to have infarction. Out of these 63 cases of infarction 69.84%(n=44) were male and 30.16% (n=19) were female. Sensitivity of CT scan was 87.3%, specificity was 71.4%, positive predictive value was 96.4%, negative predictive value was 38.4% and accuracy was 85.7%. The p-value was 0.002. In all patients who presented before six hours (n=15) showed decreased creatinine value during Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) in the lesion area compared to the normal side of brain. None of the patients showed variation in the lactate value. Those presenting after 6 hours (n=48), creatinine was reduced in all the cases (100%), Choline was increased in 89.6%. Conclusion: Sensitivity and specificity of CT scan is lower than MRI. Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DWI) has 100% sensitivity in diagnosing acute infarction.


This study investigates the relationships between shear force and relative displacement of L-shape shear connector by means of beam type test method. Based on experimental results, an equation to predict the ultimate shear capacity of L-shape shear connector at split failure occurrence was developed. Moreover, an equation for the enveloped curve of shear force-relative displacement relationship of the shear connector was proposed. The ultimate relative displacement was found to be approximately 0.02 times the height of the shear connector regardless of strut angle and concrete strength.


This paper presents a data-driven thermal rendering framework for highly realistic re-creation of the thermal dynamics of real objects in a virtual environment. We begin with a physics-based model for thermal rendering and then extend it to compute the desired temperature of a thermal display without identification of the thermal parameters of real objects. Our approach is data-driven: we collect the thermal responses between hand and object for many different combinations of the initial temperatures of hand and object and then interpolate several real thermal responses to render virtual thermal stimuli with the target initial temperatures. We also present perceptual evaluation results obtained in a discrimination experiment and a (preliminary) identification experiment, which both advocated the adequacy of our data-driven thermal rendering framework.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify variables important to acceptance and use of advanced technologies by apparel retail employees and to recommend management strategies for effective technology integration in retail stores. Design/methodology/approach – Current or past retail employees (N=71) were introduced to and given time to use three technologies – a 3D body scanner, product configurator, and social networking – in a laboratory setting using a within subjects design. A questionnaire measured participants' perceptions of each technology in terms of usefulness, enjoyment, ease of use, task importance, technology self-efficacy – overall participant confidence in using new technology – and usage intent. Findings – Results showed that employee's perceived usefulness of technology was a mediating influence on usage intent for all three technology types. Enjoyment also emerged as a significant mediator for 3D body scanning technology usage intent. Employees' high self-efficacy scores corresp...


advancement in wireless communication has enabled the deployment of wireless sensor networks for environment monitoring. The use of wireless sensor networks in this type of monitoring, it is very much difficult to replace the battery of the sensor node or replace whole sensor node once they deployed. So that development the different methodology to extend the lifetime of the sensor node is must.Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) is cluster based routing protocol which provides life expectancy. In this paper proposed new routing protocol Energy Efficient Hybrid LEACH (EH-LEACH) in which the threshold criteria for selection of cluster head is changed and also consider residual energy of the sensor node. The simulation results clearly indicate that proposed approach is very much energy efficient as compared to LEACH. Also EH-LEACH is sustaining his properties while varying node density. Optimization of cluster based hierarchical routing protocols is required for Better Operations.


If we accept that the improvement and subsequent maintenance of the quality of the urban residential environment can be used as indexes of high or low level of quality of the resident's life, an evaluation of the quality of the urban environment is then rendered necessary and constitutes an object of study of outstanding significance for Environmental Psychology. This paper aims to study the answers of residents (N=162) of the Medieval City of Rhodes, Greece, which constitutes a monumental space recognised by UNSECO as a World Heritage Site, nowadays consisting of the remnants of the Hippodamian urban tissue of the Hellenistic Era, the Roman, Early Christian and Early Byzantine Eras and the Medieval City. For the obtainment of the data, the certified and valid tool ―Perceived Residential Environmental Quality (PREQ & NA)‖ was used. It comprises a list of 44 questions separated into 14 indexes. Each question was evaluated by the participants according to the subjective extent of disturbance on a 7-point Likert scale (from 1 for strongly disagree to 7 for strongly agree). The statistical criteria Mann-Whitney U and Kruskall-Wallis were used for the study of the answers inputs according to gender and age group respectively, which demonstrated that a significant number of the indexes under examination can potentially be experienced as, up to a compelling extent, disturbing residential environmental features. The averages of the answer inputs demonstrate that the dimensions of buildings (p=.004), constitute a disturbing feature for women, whereas men are disturbed more by the lack of public sports services (p=.020) and green spaces. At the same time, all participants agree that environmental health, the established way of living, the public transport network, the existence of commercial and financial services and the existence of maintenance services can potentially be experienced as stressful environmental features. The examination of averages reveals that the age group 50-59 feel, in comparison to other age groups and on the grounds of the current situation, less safe (p=.001), are disturbed more by the pollution and noise levels (p=.001), the lack of green spaces and social care (p=.001), the insufficiency of the public transport network and the lack of accessibility (p=.026), thus raising the aforementioned indexes to rather stressful factors. The age group 40-49 rather express their disturbance in the tendency of isolation of residents (p=.005), the increased difficulty in forming interpersonal relationships with other residents (p=.006), and the possibility of coming across dangerous people at night (p=.003) in comparison to younger age groups. It is our firm belief that the current paper offers the opportunity and the stimulus for further comparative studies (both on a national and an international level), at the same time providing the research field of the quality of residential environments with valuable information, which could, consequently, significantly benefit the fields of health, sustainability and Environmental Education as well. Proceedings of ADVED 20195th International Conference on Advances in Education and Social Sciences 21-23 October 2019Istanbul, Turkey ISBN: 978-605-82433-7-8 607


This study presents the results of group-representations of police officers who participated in the 18 September 2006 attack against the Hungarian State Television headquarters. The results of this research highlight the common sense of the police officers involved in the incident. These common senses were created by social construction. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the purpose of comparing the social representation of police officers who took an active role in the protection of the HQ with reserve officers who had not been involved in the situation. The texts were analysed using the sequential-transformative-model. There were both similarities and differences between the social representation components of the two groups concerning the incident.


As a planet eclipses its parent star, a dark starspot may be occulted, causing a detectable variation in the light curve. This work describes how features on the surface of a solar-like star can be studied by using planetary transits. Images of the Sun were used in order to simulate such transits, with the planet being modeled as a dark disk at various positions along its orbit. From modeling of these transits, it might be possible to infer the physical properties of the spots, such as size, intensity, position, and temperature. Recent transit observations for HD 209458 were used as tests to the model.


Introduction.We report on a pilot study of students' use of sources in authoring Wikipedia articles. The procedure is demonstrated by investigating how students processed texts from sources to compose their own texts. Method. Four groups of upper secondary school students (aged 17-18 years) participated in an eight-week geography course and seven groups in a corresponding biology course. Each group wrote an article for Wikipedia as part of the course programme. The students' work was observed and they were interviewed. Published Wikipedia articles, cited sources and sources identified in a plagiarism test were also included in the dataset. Analysis. Article sentences and sources were compared and text transformations were classified using an ordered five-category typology ranging from 'copy-paste' to 'synthesizing across sources'. Descriptive statistics were used. Observation memos and interview transcripts were analysed qualitatively. Results. Students used almost solely Web-based sources. The researchers estimated that about 30 percent of sources used were not cited. The analysis of cited and other identified sources showed that about one third of Wikipedia article sentences were verbatim or slightly edited copies of source sentences. Conclusions. A more analytical approach is needed in the study of the core processes of source-based writing: making meaning from sources and making meaning for texts written.


Introduction The familiality of intelligence quotient (IQ), understood as its similarity among family members, might be related to different manifestations in first episode of psychosis (FEP) patients. Objectives To estimate the IQ familiality through the intra-family resemblance score (IRS) in FEP patients and their unaffected first-degree relatives; and to analyze if the deviation from the family-IQ is related to the patients' premorbid, clinical and cognitive characteristics. Methods Individuals from 129 families participated in this study (129 patients, 143 parents, 97 siblings). For each family, two values were estimated: the family-IQ, obtained by the mean IQ of the patient and his/her relatives (using the WAIS vocabulary subtest); and the IRS, an index previously reported that indicate intra-family heterogeneity (IRS<0) or homogeneity (IRS>0) for a given trait. According to the IRS and the family-IQ, patients were assigned to 6 groups (Figure 1). Results FEP patients in families with heterogeneous IQ (IRS<0) had a significantly lower IQ than their relatives (p<0.001). Also, those with low IQ and from heterogeneous families had poorer childhood adjustment (p=0.001). The patients with high IQ belonging to homogenous families showed less positive symptoms at baseline (p=0.009). FEP patients in homogenous families due to low IQ evidenced the lowest neuropsychological performance (Figure 2). Conclusions The analysis of the IQ familiality and the concordance/discordance of the patients' and relatives' IQ, offers a new approach for the characterization of different premorbid, clinical and cognitive profiles in FEP patients. The relationship between deviation from the family-IQ and poor premorbid childhood adjustment supports the neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia. Disclosure No significant relationships.


In this study we present the results of electroless deposition of silver (Ag) and silver tungsten [Ag(W)] layers on Si, intended for application in microelectronics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology. Silver has excellent resistivity but its thin-film properties and its vulnerability to corrosion may cause a problem. In this work we present a novel Ag(W) type of layer that has improved thin-film properties, such as resistivity and surface roughness, and can serve as both barrier layer and capping layer for corrosion protection of the Ag thin films. The thin-film composition was studied as a function of the deposition parameters. We found the presence of tungsten, up to 3.1 atom %, and oxygen, up to 8 atom %, in addition to the silver atoms. We also studied the thin-film morphology using atomic force microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy imaging of the surface after each process step. Finally, we discuss the possible mechanisms for the deposition of Ag(W ).


The new series of bis(imino)pyridine ligands [2-F-6-MePhN═C(Me)PyC(Me)═NPh-2-F-6-Me] (14), [2-F-6-MePhN═C(Me)PyC(Me)═NPh-2-Me] (19), and [2-F-6-MePhN═C(Me)PyC(Me)═N-Ph-2,4-Me2] (20) and their corresponding Fe(II) complexes [{2-F-6-Me-PhN═C(Me)PyC(Me)═NPh-2-F-6-Me}FeCl2] (4), [{2-F-6-MePhN═C(Me)PyC(Me)═NPh-2-Me}FeCl2] (5), and {[2-F-6-MePhN═C(Me)PyC(Me)═NPh-2,4-Me2]FeCl2} (6) and Co(II) complex [{2-F-6-MePhN═C(Me)PyC(Me)═NPh-2-Me}CoI2] (7) with a double pattern of substitution, o-methyl plus o-fluorine in the same imino arm, were synthesized and fully characterized. According to X-ray analysis 4, 5, and 7 exist mostly in the unexpected "up-up" conformers in the solid state. The Co−N bonds in 7 are shorter than the corresponding Fe−N bonds in the analogous complex 5 by 0.003−0.025 A. This shortening of metal−N bonds going from iron(II) to cobalt(II) complexes can be explained by the smaller van der Waals radius of Co vs. that of Fe. The Fe complexes 4–6 afforded very productive catalysts for the production ...


Processes of motor control and learning in sports as well as in motor rehabilitation are based on perceptual functions and emergent motor representations. Here a new method of movement sonification is described which is designed to tune in more comprehensively the auditory system into motor perception to enhance motor learning. Usually silent features of the cyclic movement pattern "indoor rowing" are sonified in real time to make them additionally available to the auditory system when executing the movement. Via real time sonification movement perception can be enhanced in terms of temporal precision and multi-channel integration. But beside the contribution of a single perceptual channel to motor perception and motor representation also mechanisms of multisensory integration can be addressed, if movement sonification is configured adequately: Multimodal motor representations consisting of at least visual, auditory and proprioceptive components - can be shaped subtly resulting in more precise motor control and enhanced motor learning.


Feed efficiency is an important indicator in the sheep production process, which plays an important role in improving economic benefits and strengthening energy conservation and emission reduction. Compared with the rumen, the fermentation of the hindgut microorganisms can also provide part of the energy for the host, and the composition of the hindgut microorganisms will affect the feed efficiency. Therefore, we hope to find new ways to regulate sheep feed efficiency by studying the sheep gut microbes. In this study, male Hu sheep with the same birth date were raised under the same conditions until 180 days old. The sheep were divided into high and low groups according to the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 80-180 days old, and the differences in rectal microorganisms between the two groups were compared. The PERMANOVA test showed that there were differences in microorganisms between the two groups (P < 0.05). Combined with linear fitting analysis, a total of 6 biomarkers were identified, including Ruminobacter, Eubacterium_xylanophilum_group, Romboutsia, etc. Functional enrichment analysis showed that microorganisms may affect FCR through volatile fatty acids (VFAs) synthesis and inflammatory response. At the same time, we conducted a longitudinal analysis of the hindgut microbes, sampling 9 time points throughout the sheep birth to market stages. The microbiota is clearly divided into two parts: before weaning and after weaning, and after weaning microbes are less affected by before weaning microbial composition.


The purpose of this report is to illustrate potentials and problems with withdrawal of quality timber of birch. The purpose is also to describe possible ways to increase available quantities of quality timber. Former research is reviewed as introduction. The study begins with a prognosis of future volumes of birch timber based on consequence analyze by Swedish Forestry Agency. To illustrate the importance of active maintenance, two stands are estimated and simulated in the Heureka module StandWise. At the end of the report the results of the simulations and different ways to increase production of quality timber of birch are discussed. Finally topics for further research are suggested.


Objective: To evaluate antiplasmodial activity of Caesalpinia crista seed extracts
Methods:  Antiplasmodial activity of the seed extracts of Caesalpinia crista against rodent malaria infections in chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium falcipuram strain was investigated, and oral acute toxicity of seed extracts of Caesalpinia crista was also evaluated.
Results: The findings of this study revealed significant (P < 0.05) and dose dependent decrease in parasitaemia in the parasitized groups treated with varying doses of the extract (50-200 mg/kg p.o.) in both suppressive and curative tests. There was also significant decrease in parasitaemia density in the chloroquine treated group. The alcoholic extract was found no toxicity in wistar rats and the oral LD50 was determined to be greater than 5000 mg/kg.
Conclusion: Seed extracts of Caesalpinia crista extract possesses potent antiplasmodial activity and may therefore, serve as potential sources of new antimalarial agents
Keywords: Plasmodium falcipuram, Caesalpinia crista, Plant extracts, Phytochemicals, Toxicity tests, malaria.


Timbers of 14 by 14 cm, 2.4 m long, were dried in a vacuum kiln to investigate vacuum drying characteristics using three types of heating methods, conduction heating with hot plate, the radio frequency (RF) heating and the combination of both (hybrid heating). Average drying rate is the highest for the hybrid heating and the lowest for the RF heating. Average specific energy is the highest for the RF heating and the lowest for conduction heating. Transverse moisture content distribution of dried timber revealed the convex profile for both conduction and the hybrid heating and moisture content increased from one face to the opposite face for the RF heating. Moisture content distribution along the length of timber increased from the end to the middle of timber length for conduction and the hybrid heating and decreased from the end to the middle of timber length for the RF heating. End- and surface checks for conduction heating were severer than the other heating methods. No internal check occurred in any heating methods. Drying characteristics of conduction heating showed in-between trend of the RF and the hybrid heating.


Purpose – Although considerable attention in the extant literature has been devoted to knowledge acquisition and transfer within firms, there is a dearth of research on the effectiveness of outside sources of knowledge for technology‐based small to medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the majority of empirical studies in this area focus on large firms while research on smaller firms is underdeveloped. The aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of the sources of knowledge on the performance of technology manufacturing firms and the implications for higher education institutions (HEIs) providing advice to this sector.Design/methodology/approach – Following interviews with managing directors of manufacturing firms, a number of sources of technical advice were identified. A survey of small and medium‐sized UK electronic and engineering firms was then carried out to investigate the relationship between sources of knowledge and performance and also to establish whether there is a relationship b...


Objective To investigate the effects of some compounds,bestatin,tripdiolide,etc,on leukotriene A4hydrolase activity.Methods LTB4,product of leukotriene A4hydrolase,was determined by reverse phase high performance liquid chromatography(PR-HPLC).Bestatin,an inhibitor of LTA4hydrolase was used as a positive control.Results Tripdiolide could inhibit LTA4hydrolase activity in a dose-depen-dent pattern.The50%inhibitory concentration values(IC 50 )was2.58×10 -5 μg/mL.The other compounds,an-thralin,cyclosporin A,tretinoin,calcipotriene,clobetasol propionate,methotrexate,and erythromycin,had no effects.Conclusions Tripdiolide possibly has anti-inflammatory effect through down-regulation of leukotriene A4hydrolase in psoriasis.


In this paper, we describe the global approach that has been developed at INRETS-LTE for hybrid powertrain sizing, consumption gain evaluation, and optimal control. The procedure is described in the particular case of a two clutch parallel hybrid architecture, but could apply to any other configuration. Firstly the context and the common issues related to this subject are described. Then our global approach is detailed: sizing procedure, offline global optimization process, method for obtaining suboptimal online energy management laws, and the use of these laws on the test bench. Simulation or optimization results are presented at each step of the procedure.


This study examines the severe disasters' examples occurred frequently at construction site, which can be classified as laborers' failing, and structures' collapse, etc. Based on the examples and former studies, some guidelines to prevent these kinds of disasters are suggested.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss whether existing organisations that seek to integrate a range of stakeholders (i.e. senior citizens, industry, academics, public authorities, civil society organisations and the media) in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) and ageing are adequately meeting the needs of each of these stakeholder groups, and to determine whether a new, or re-organised, mechanism is needed to better meet the needs of stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach – The authors identify, describe, assess and compare the adequacy of various candidate multi-stakeholder mechanisms in order to improve stakeholder co-operation. Findings – The authors' principal finding is that the stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms discussed in this paper are not adequate to foster e-inclusion co-operation, co-ordination and collaboration among all different types of stakeholders. Practical implications – This analysis offers direction in how a new organisation, or the expansion of an existing mechanism, could ensure that currently un-met needs are addressed. The strengths and weaknesses of the stakeholder co-ordination mechanisms discussed here demonstrate that some organisational types are better for performing certain tasks and for integrating particular types of stakeholder. Thus, a federated, multi-dimensional organisation offers one possibility for addressing the needs of all different types of stakeholders. Originality/value – This paper provides an avenue of response to various calls for closer stakeholder collaboration by the European Commission and other stakeholders, in order to improve the quality of life for older persons and to meet European social objectives.


THE PRIMARY AIM OF THIS study was to investigate whether a gross motor proficiency norm developed in one country could be applied to young children in another country. The secondary aim of the study was to assess the gross motor proficiency of Hong Kong preschoolers aged five years. The Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOTMP) (subtests 1 to 5) was used to test the gross motor proficiency of 242 children aged approximately five years (four years, six months–five years, five months). The gross motor proficiency of the young children was measured in terms of their performance on running speed and agility, balance, bilateral coordination, strength and upper-limb coordination (subtests 1 to 5 of BOTMP). The results indicated that Hong Kong children at five years were significantly better than the BOTMP norms in all test items except running speed and agility performance. Hence, norms developed in one country might not be applicable to children of other countries.


An experiment was conducted to study the effect of incorporation of mahua cake in the broiler chicks ration at 5, 10 and 15 per cent levels replacing whole concentrate diets. The experimental chicks were fed caloric and isoproteinic diets. The feed intake, dry matter digestibility, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, performance index and protein efficiency ratio were significantly (P<0.05) higher in control group as compared to 5, 10 and 15 per cent mahua cake fed groups and no difference of these parameters were observed between 5 and 10 per cent mahua cake fed groups.


A guide to GIS-related resources at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and beyond. Use reference sources to learn more about your topic!


INTRODUCTION: Adrenocortical carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm affecting only 1 or 2 person per million population1.Nonfunctional malignant tumors particularly present at advanced stage and are associated with poor prognosis.2 They are difficult to differentiate from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) especially if they are very large and nonfunctional compressing its native kidney. However, with good preoperative planning in such cases innocuous kidney can be saved.


This paper analyzes the physical reasons of that a pilot can not control flight path angle only by controlling aircraft attitude in backside carrier landing situation of low dynamic pressure.Next,backside control strategy is investigated which is a pilot controlling flight path angle by thrust and controlling angle of attack by aircraft attitude.Backside control strategy and frontside control strategy are designed and numerical simulation is made for an A-7E carrier aircraft.Last,backside control strategy and frontside control strategy are compared in backside carrier landing situation of low dynamic pressure with analyzing the reason of navy aircraft using backside control strategy in carrier landing.


Based on reviewing the development of economics of education,the article analysizes research characteristics and theorectical contributions of economics of education in China.


Conceptions of Geist (mind/spirit) associated with German Romanticism shaped ideologies of national folk, not only in Europe but elsewhere in the world. In Meiji Japan (1868–1912) psychologists drew upon Volkerpsychologie (folk psychology) and Geist to create a narrative of Japanese folk mind/spirit. Here, spirit functioned as a "hidden essence" which substantiated the integrity of the folk, positioned the folk hierarchically in opposition to other societies, and explained (and presented correctives to) the fragmentation of Japanese society. Japanese psychologists, I argue, appropriated the narrative form of Geist discourse, retaining its ideological power even as they altered its substance by divesting German psychology of its orientalist and Christian content. Attention to Japan's engagement with nineteenth-century German psychology will contribute to a more thorough account of the production of "spirit" in Meiji Japan and to a critique of present-day exclusionary ideologies of Japanese spirit and identity.


Susan Montgomery, University of Michigan Susan Montgomery is a lecturer and program advisor in the Chemical Engineering Dept. at the University of Michigan. She earned a BSEChE from the University of Michigan, and PhD ChE from Princeton University. She is the ASEE Campus representative and faculty advisor to the ASEE graduate student group. She leads a team of students developing educational software for chemical engineering.


The temperature fields in hot-stamping process for BR1500HS steel sheet was simulated under the ABAQUS environment. Python scripting language was used for post-processing module of ABAQUS for secondary development, to obtain the volume fraction of martensite based on the formulas proposed by Koistinen and Marburger. The comparison results between simulation and metallograph show that the simulation can predict the volume fraction of martensitic effectively and thus can provide the guidance for the optimizing process parameters.