Hard shoulder running systems are usually employed in order to mitigate traffic congestion in freeways . This research presents an exploratory analysis base d on data collected from seven radars across a twolane freeway equipped with hard shoulder that conne cts Geneva with Lausanne in Switzerland. The variation of the lane flow distribution ratio, duri ng the days of a week that the policy was operating , shows that, when the hard shoulder is active, it se rves approximately 20% of the total users' demand. The comparison of the empirical fundamental diagrams between a normal operating period of the system and another that the system was suspended, indicates a capacity increase and a marginal speed level increa se. The cluster analysis, that identified the predomina nt traffic conditions, led to statistically strong shortterm lane flow distribution prediction models of th e left lane. These models were estimated for three and nine minutes forecasting horizon, paving the prospe ctive work on optimization of the system in questio n.


The behavior of grafted chromium- and titanium-chloride groups at the silica surface formed from gaseous CrO 2 Cl 2 and TiCl 4 , respectively, is studied. Chromium-titanium silica can be produced by successive reactions of surface hydroxyl groups with vapors of chromyl chloride and titanium tetrachloride. The stability of the grafted titanium-chloride groups ?SiOTiCl 3 is shown to exceed that of chlorochromyl groups ?SiOCrO 2 Cl. In order to provide the control of the composition of the samples, it is recommended first to chemisorb titanium tetrachloride, then chromyl chloride.


North American tortoises (Gopherus spp.) are long-lived species that occur in a variety of habitats. I described growth of tortoises using Richards' growth model based on measures of scute annuli. Gopherus flavomarginatus is the largest species and grows the fastest, and Gopherus berlandieri is the smallest species with the slowest growth rates. Gopherus polyphemus and Gopherus agassizii are intermediate in size, with intermediate growth rates. All species grow relatively fast for 18–22 years, after which time growth rates decrease greatly. Estimates of mean age at maturity are 13.3 years for G. berlandieri, 13.9 years for G. flavomarginatus, 14.4 years for G. polyphemus, 13.8 years for Sinaloan G. agassizii, 14.4 years for western Mojave G. agassizii, 15.4 years for eastern Mojave G. agassizii, and 15.7 years for Sonoran G. agassizii. Several measures of growth did not correlate with precipitation among species of Gopherus, although mean yearly growth was negatively correlated with mean annual precipitat...


Taking the current situation of international shipping market as background,the paper analyzes the marketplace environment of the shipping enterprises,and points out that the shipping companies should take appropriate competitive strategies in order to promote its development,then the paper divides the competitive strategies into a basic strategy and a step strategy and analyzes these two strategies.


A method for optimizing the resources of a data transmission, based on a set of pairs of modulation and first correcting code, includes: determining, for each pair, maximum rate of a second correcting code applied to data transmitted before application of the first correcting code and of modulation wherein the error rate in data received is maximum a target error rate; the second correcting code applied at the medium access layer, to generate packets of redundancy bits based on packets of data bits received supplemented with padding sections, all having the same size; evaluating an item of information representative of the ratio between bits at input of the medium access layer and bits actually transmitted or of transmission bitrate required for solutions associating modulation, first and second correcting codes; selecting, from among solutions associating modulation, first and second correcting codes, to maximize the ratio or to minimize the transmission bitrate. [Reference numerals] (402) Initialization


The image reconstruction method computes based on the distance between reconstructing the image using an iterative reconstruction method and the neighboring planes P0, P1, P2,... Parallel to the detector plane 42. Calculating a projection to be used in the reconstruction by summing the ray increments between the neighboring parallel planes with a steady increment blur associated with each ray increment to be performed. The non-stationary blur kernel can also be convolved in a plane closest to the detector plane to produce a projection that incorporates shift variant blur.


The paper introduces the concepts of image interpretation by form feature and interpretation strategy as a fall out of observing human interpreters at work. It discusses the need for flexible control in an automatic interpreter, outlining an automatic interpretation process and the required meta (or reflective) mechanisms.<<ETX>>


Objective To investigate the correlation between heteroploid of chromosome 8 and FAK expression in gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GIST) and to predict the prognosis about GIST.Methods Paraffin imbedding biopsy tissues of 39 GIST patients were examined for copy numbers of chromosome 8 by fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH) and the expression of FAK protein in GIST by immunohistochemistry.Correlation between heteroploid of chromosome 8 and FAK expression in GIST was analyzed based on NIH-recognized risk-grading for GIST.Results Polyploid of chromosome 8 was found in 17 GIST and monoploid in 4.Heteroploid of chromosome 8 was different in recurrence and metastasis of GIST(P0.05).Prevalence of chromosome 8 heteroploid was different between high-and lowrisk GIST(P0.05).FAK was expressed in 49% of GIST,showing a significant difference between recurrence and metastasis(P0.05).FAK was expressed more in high-risk than in low-risk GIST(P0.05).There was a correlation between polyploid of chromosome 8 numbers and positive expression of FAK protein in GIST(r=0.385,P=0.016).Conclusion In GIST there was heteroploid of chromosome 8 with more polyploidy than monoploid correlated with recurrence and metastasis.The site of target gene FAK gene may be present in polyploid of chromosome 8.The heteroploid of chromosome 8 and FAK expression may be the useful markers for predicting recurrence and metastasis of GIST.


We analyse the general structure of the three-point functions involving conserved higher-spin currents $J_{s} := J_{\alpha(i) \dot{\alpha}(j)}$ belonging to any Lorentz representation in four-dimensional conformal field theory. Using the constraints of conformal symmetry and conservation equations, we computationally analyse the general structure of three-point functions $\langle J^{}_{s_{1}} J'_{s_{2}} J''_{s_{3}} \rangle$ for arbitrary spins and propose a classification of the results. For bosonic vector-like currents with $i=j$, it is known that the number of independent conserved structures is $2 \min (s_{i}) + 1$. For the three-point functions of conserved currents with arbitrarily many dotted and undotted indices, we show that in many cases the number of structures deviates from $2 \min (s_{i}) + 1$.


Land use/land cover information is obtained from satellite imagery by the use of different digital classification algorithms. The common methods of satellite image classification are supervised and unsupervised classification algorithms. These classification methods are faster than traditional image interpretation method. Object based classification algorithms are more powerful than the conventional classification algorithms because they involve classification of the entire object rather than pixel-by-pixel basis. The former has a distinct analogy to the visual interpretation techniques where the shape and texture of the different objects form very important determinants to the ultimate classification output. The study area is the PNG University of Technology campus (UNITECH) in the Lae city under Morobe province of Papua New Guinea. In view of the fact that the common pixel based classification algorithms are found wanting to cope with the prevalent data noise emanating from the high spatial resolution satellite data, three different classification approaches viz. pixel based, object based and vector based are attempted in the present study. Quickbird satellite image of DigitalGlobe (2.4 m multispectral and 0.6 m panchromatic) is used for this purpose. Erdas Imagine 9.2, eCognition Developer 8.64 and ArcGIS 10 software are used to extract land use/land cover information from the high resolution data. Results are compared based on raster and vector output for roads, residential zones, agriculture, vegetation cover and grass cover land. Better result is achieved in the object based approach compared to supervised classification for land cover mapping while the vector based approach is found to be superior for micro level land use mapping to the object based and pixelby-pixel approach.


The demands placed on the fuel of modern high-performance aircraft are growing. In addition to serving as the source of energy for the combustion process, the fuel must also act as the primary coolant for on-board heat sources. As a result, the fuel can reach temperatures in excess of the critical temperature (∼340° C for JP-8), where oxidation, pyrolysis, and supercritical-fluid properties are of concern (1-8). Future demands will include much higher operating temperatures, stricter environmental controls on emissions, and a more versatile multi-use fuel (in support of the single-battlefield-fuel concept). As a result, the same fuel that must be formulated to withstand operating temperatures in excess of 340°C may be also required to function without difficulty at temperatures as low as -50°C, representing the needs of two very different aircraft with drastically different mission criteria.


This paper explores the optimization of parallel multipliers for Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata. To reduce the complexity, multipliers are designed with quasi-modularity to accommodate large word sizes. The regular quasi-modular product method is used to make n × n multipliers using 4 (n/2 × n/2) modules. This may be continued with further decomposition to 16 (n/4×n/4) modules, etc. The last two rows in Wallace or Dadda reduction trees are summed by an adder that is 3n/2 – 1 bits long to produce the final product. This design is constructed using coplanar layouts and compared with other QCA multipliers (bit-serial and array multipliers). The delay, area and complexity are compared for several different operand sizes using the QCADesigner simulator.


Objective: The purpose of this study was to understand the attitudes, feelings, and perspective of patients currently involved in randomized trials. Method: Principal Investigators (PI's) involved in various clinical trials at MCO were identified. A survey tool was distributed to forty subjects participating in cancer, cardiovascular and surgical trials by the respective PI's or their research coordinators. Results: No statistically significant difference was noted in subject's attitudes and perspective based on age, gender, annual income, and education level. Wanting to help future patients was a very important reason for trial participation, for 70.0% of the subjects. Positive experience about their current trial participation was reported by 67.7% of the participating subjects. Conclusion: It is critical to learn about the various experiences and concerns of subjects participating in randomized trials. Such studies would not only improve the level of satisfaction but also promote current and future trial participation.


That the Boston collector of custom in the year 1843 was a proverbial "Jack of all trades" is revealed in a letter-book of the Boston Custom-House in the files of the Baker Library. Detector of criminals and smugglers, benefactor of sailors in distress, counsel for importing merchants, and adviser for foreign consuls — these were all tasks within the range of duties of this custom-house.


Zawadzki and Adamczyk (2021) explore the consequences for authenticity of erasing and reinstating memories using optogenetics. Relying on empirically informed models of memory and nuanced models of identity, they consider the potentially dangerous threat to authenticity that modification of self-defining memories poses. They adopt a model of personality which is multifaceted, involving dispositional traits, characteristic adaptations such as motives and values, and narrative identity (McAdams 2013; McAdams and McLean 2013). Given the empirical evidence that semantic and episodic memory are functionally distinct, and that therefore each can persist despite damage to the other, the authors suggest that the survival of one's values in semantic memory might allow one to construct an identity coherent with these values, enabling a person to recreate an authentic self despite memory modification. Thus, they argue, despite the ability of optogenetic modification to remove and reinstate self-defining memories, such intervention does not pose a definitive threat to authenticity. We disagree.


In order to deal with continuous time series gene expression data,this paper presents an algorithm to construct time-lagged gene regulation network based on recurrent fuzzy neural network.The algorithm can be directly used to analyze continuous time series gene expression data,thus to avoid information loss caused by data discretization.In addition to using time series mutual information to estimate transcription delay between genes,the algorithm also limits potential regulation genes of each gene,thus effectively improves the efficiency and accuracy of constructed network.Experimental results on yeast cell cycle expression data show that the algorithm can correctly select potential regulation genes,and more accurately construct gene regulation network.


Hexavalent Chromium has been considered to be toxic and hazardous due to its carcinogenic properties. Yet various methods used for removal of Cr(VI) from industrial wastewater include filtration, chemical precipitation, electrode position, membrane systems or even ion exchange process, and adsorption. Nanotechnology is the most effective in treating environmental wastes because of the reduced amount of material needed for removal, and it is considered to be environmentally friendly. Its application in the future is enhancing as it is less toxic and gives better performance. The present work was conducted for the synthesis of Nano size zinc oxide for the removal of hexavalent chromium Cr (VI). Batch experiments were performed to investigate the effects of Cr (VI) concentration, pH of solution, adsorbent dose, solution temperature, and contact time variations on the removal efficiency of Cr (VI). Zinc oxide nano material was synthesized by simple heating process using polyethylene glycol (PEG). FTIR analysis and TEM microscopy were applied for determination of particle size and characterization of produced nanoparticles. The results showed that the removal efficiency decreased with increasing Cr (VI) concentration, and increasing pH of solution and increased with increasing adsorbent dosage and increasing contact time. The optimum solution temperature that gave the maximum percentage removal of Cr (VI) was 60 oC.


ABSTRACT This paper presents a generalised optimal linear quadratic analog tracker (LQAT) with universal applications for the continuous-time (CT) systems. This includes: (1) a generalised optimal LQAT design for the system with the pre-specified trajectories of the output and the control input and additionally with both the input-to-output direct-feedthrough term and known/estimated system disturbances or extra input/output signals; (2) a new optimal filter-shaped proportional plus integral state-feedback LQAT design for non-square non-minimum phase CT systems to achieve a minimum phase-like tracking performance; (3) a new approach for computing the control zeros of the given non-square CT system; and (4) a one-learning-epoch input-constrained iterative learning LQAT design for the repetitive CT system.


We analyze the mechanisms through which bank and sovereign distress feed into each other, using a large sample of emerging market economies over three decades. After defining "twin crises" as events where bank crises and sovereign defaults combine, and further distinguishing between those bank crises that end up in sovereign defaults and vice versa, we study what differentiates "single" and "twin" events. Using an event analysis methodology, we document systematic differences between "single" and "twin" crises across various dimensions including the balance sheet interconnection between banks and the sovereign, banking sector characteristics, the state of public finances, the macroeconomic environment and financial openness. The importance of these characteristics in shaping the transmission of stress between banks and sovereigns is confirmed by two alternative discrete-variable multivariate approaches. We also show that "twin" crises themselves are heterogeneous events: taking into account the actual time sequence of crises that compose "twin" episodes is important for understanding their channels of transmission and economic consequences. These findings inform the flourishing theoretical literature on the mechanisms surrounding feedback loops of sovereign and bank stress.


Effective visual presentation of information has become an increasing challenge in information systems research and practice. In this study, we examined the effects of information presentation on a system's communicating to its users the respective degree of relevance of different systemsuggested items. Based on the (visual) attributes discussed by the referenced theories, different presentation displays, imagery and serial-order, were designed and evaluated in a computerbased experiment that included more than four hundred undergraduate subjects. Our overall results suggest that the imagery presentation format appears to be more effective than the serialorder presentation format in supporting the target concept communication. Imagery displays that simultaneously combine the use of size, distance and color are evidently more effective than designs based on exclusive (i.e., single) use of any of these visual attributes. Imagery displays based on size or distance appear to be more effective than color-based designs. Several implications for information presentation research and practice can be obtained from our findings and are also discussed.


PURPOSE
To perform dose profile and output factor measurements for the Exradin W1 plastic scintillation detector (PSD) for the Gamma Knife Perfexion (GKP) collimators in a Lucy phantom and to compare these values to an Exradin A16 ion chamber, EBT3 radiochromic film and treatment planning system (TPS) data.

METHODS
We used the Exradin W1 PSD which has a small volume, near-water equivalent sensitive element. It has also been shown to be energy independent. This new detector is manufactured and distributed by Standard Imaging, Inc. Measurements were performed for all three collimators (4 mm, 8 mm and 16 mm) for the GKP. The Lucy phantom with the PSD inserted was moved in small steps to acquire profiles in all three directions. EBT3 film was inserted in the Lucy phantom and exposed to a single shot for each collimator. Relative output factors were measured using the three detectors while profiles acquired with the PSD were compared to the ones measured with EBT3 radiochromic film.

RESULTS
Measured output factors relative to the largest collimator are as followsCollimator PS EBT3 A1616mm 1.000 1.000 1.0008mm 0.892 0.881 0.8834mm 0.795 0.793 0.727 The nominal (vendor) OFs for GKP are 1.000, 0.900, and 0.814, for collimators 16 mm, 8 mm and 4 mm, respectively. There is excellent agreement between all profiles measured with the PSD and EBT3 as well as with the TPS data provided by the vendor.

CONCLUSION
Output factors measured with the W1 were consistent with the ones measured with EBT3 and A16 ion chamber. Measured profiles are in excellent agreement. The W1 detector seems well suited for beam QA for Gamma Knife due to its dosimetric characteristics. Sam Beddar would like to disclose a NIH/NCI SBIR Phase II grant (2R44CA153824-02A1) with Standard Imaging, Title: "Water-Equivalent Plastic Scintillation Detectors for Small Field Radiotherapy".


Understanding the potential effect of competition with native and non-native fishes is essential for reintroduction efforts of extirpated fishes. We investigated the physiological effects of competition for food in the California endangered tidewater goby. Greater competition existed with the native species and the goby stress response varied with food level.


The study observed the influence of funding and technical proficiency on use of the library management system in public universities in South-West, Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study consisted of 337 library personnel in public universitiesin SouthWest, Nigeria. A self-designed and validated questionnaire was used for data collection with an overall reliability index of 0.853. The major findings of the study revealed that funding and technical proficiency influences the use of library management systems in public universities in South-West, Nigeria. It is thus recommended amongst others, a pungent reordering of the funding such that the public university in South-West, Nigeria would look inward for more enterprising, creative and innovative library services for use of Library Management Systems rather than the present overdependence on government.


This study presents the development of high strength concrete (HSC) that has been made more sustainable by using both local materials from central Texas and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), which has also been obtained locally. The developed mixtures were proportioned with local constituents to increase the sustainable impact of the material by reducing emissions due to shipping as well as to make HSC more affordable to a wider variety of applications. The specific constituents were: limestone, dolomite, manufactured sand (limestone), locally available Type I/II cement, silica fume, and recycled concrete aggregate, which was obtained from a local recycler which obtains their product from local demolition. Multiple variables were investigated, such as the aggregate type and size, concrete age (7, 14, and 28-days), the curing regimen, and the water-to-cement ratio (w/c) to optimize a HSC mixture that used local materials. This systematic development revealed that heat curing the specimens in a water bath at 50℃ (122oF) after demolding and then dry curing at 200℃ (392oF) two days before testing with a w/c of 0.28 at 28-days produced the highest compressive strengths. Once an optimum HSC mixture was identified a partial replacement of the coarse aggregate with RCA was completed at 10%, 20%, and 30%. The results showed a loss in compressive strength with an increase in RCA replacement percentages, with the highest strength being approximately 93.0 MPa (13,484 psi) at 28-days for the 10% RCA replacement. The lowest strength obtained from an RCA-HSC mixture was approximately 72.9 (MPa) (10,576 psi) at 7-days. The compressive strengths obtained from the HSC mixtures containing RCA developed in this study are comparable to HSC strengths presented in the literature. Developing this innovative material with local materials and RCA ultimately produces a novel sustainable construction material, reduces the costs, and produces mechanical performance similar to prepackaged, commercially, available construction building materials.


Waste is one of the problems in Palembang, Indonesia. The amount of waste in Palembang increases proportionally to the population yearly and can adversely affect the community. Therefore, we determine the optimal temporary waste disposal site (TWDS) to optimize the problems. The set covering model is the proper model for solving the location and allocation problem. In this study, data on the distance between each TWDS is needed in the set covering modeling. The novelty in this research is developing the p-median problem model, which is formed from the optimal solution of the set covering location problem (SCLP) model. Palembang consists of 18 sub-districts, of which the Sukarami sub-district has the highest population density. This study discussed the determination of strategic TWDS in the Sukarami sub-district using the SCLP model, the p-median problem, and a heuristic approach, namely the greedy reduction algorithm in solving the model. Based on the solution of the p-median problem model with LINGO 18.0 and the p-median problem solved by the greedy reduction algorithm, only three strategic TWDS were found for the Sukarami sub-district. The study results recommend a review of the existing TWDS and particularly the addition of a TWDS in Sukodadi and Talang Betutu villages, respectively.


In 2008, a review was made to analyze the effect of the certification of ISO 9001 quality management system in the almost same methods used for a similar review in 2001. Based on the two reviews, this research is to compare and contrast the changes made in between. The results show that the overall satisfaction for the certification has increased over 7 years, along with other beneficial changes, such as decreased cost and increased productivity. However, there has been no significant change in the establishment of the quality management system and in the level of customer satisfaction. ISO 9001 quality management system construction appears which effects variously on the all enterprises management, therefore this is very important strategy for preparing the keen enterprises competition.


Excerpt The subject of this paper which I am presenting this afternoon, "The Problem of the Internist in the Navy," may seem a bit commonplace among such a distinguished group of internists as are ...


Based on the characteristics of piezoelectric of bone,adopted a physical model of the electromagnetic field that was generated from the round loop crossing impulse signal,in the theoretical level,this study explored the stimulating effects of impulse changes of the electromagnetic field on the bones.The proper stimulating electric current,stimulating frequency and the direction of stimulating electric current that can enhance the recovery of injured thighbone were proposed.


The 1989 Galileo mission to Jupiter is based on a VEEGA (Venus Earth Earth-Gravity Assist) trajectory which uses two flybys of Earth and one of Venus to achieve the necessary energy and shaping to reach Jupiter. These encounters are needed because the Centaur upper stage is not now being used on this mission. Since the Galileo spacecraft uses radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for electrical power, the question arises as to whether there is any chance of an inadvertent atmospheric entry of the spacecraft during either of the two Earth flybys. A study was performed which determined the necessary actions, in both spacecraft and trajectory design as well as in operations, to insure that the probability of such reentry is made very small, and to provide a quantitative assessment of the probability of reentry.


A simple, rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of gl ycolic acid, lactic acid, glicolide, lactide and ethyacetate in monomers for obtaining biopolymers. The separation was effected o n the reversed-phase C18 column 250mm×4.6mm with particle size 5μ u sing a mobile phase mixture buffer and acetonitrile in a ratio 88:12 v/v and elution was isocratic at a flow-rate of 1.0 mL/min. The determinations were performed with a UV-Vis d etector at 200 nm. The volume of the injected sample was 20 μL. Detection limits for acids and its dimers (glycolic acid, lactic acid, glicolide, lactide) and ethylacetate range between 82 and 182 ng/mL. The analytes are separated in 13 min. Recovery studies showed good results for all solutes (99–102%). The method is linear for all compounds over the concentration range tes ted, and shows good precision and accuracy, making it suitable for quantitation of acids and its dimers (glycolic acid, lactic acid , glicolide, lactide) and ethyl acetate in monomers.


(57) Abstract: improved method for cleaning and sterilizing a contact lens with a single solution is described. The method, physical agitation of the water solvent effects and the lens (i.e., by rubbing with) by utilizing the effect of the cleaning agent in combination with, better or comparable to a method of using a conventional surfactant detergent to achieve the degree of cleaning. The detergents polycarboxylate is selected from polysulfonic acid and polyphosphates. Particularly preferred washing agent is citrate. The method also compared to many conventional systems for sterilization and cleaning of contact lenses, the need is eliminated to use additional products for washing the lens, providing greater convenience.


2 Abstract: Aqueous extracts prepared from seven plant species, Cyclamen mirabile Hildebr., 1906 (Pirumilaceae), Fritillaria bithynica Baker, 1874 (Liliaceae), Juglans regia L., 1753 (Juglandaceae), Muscari neglectum Guss., 1842 (Liliaceae), Nicotiana tabacum L., 1753 (Solaneceae), Sternbergia candida Mathew and Baytop, 1979 (Amaryllidaceae), Urginea maritima L., 1872 (Liliaceae) were tested for their insecticidal activity against Trichoferus griseus F. (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) on Pinus brutia L. in the laboratory in 2007. Insecticidal effects of aqueous plant extracts were compared to the application of an insecticide (Bensultap, Bancol 50 WP) and synthetic chemical preservation (chromated copper arsenate, CCA, Tanalith C), which is widely used as a positive control. The effects of those materials on larvae were also analyzed. The bolts have been impregnated with seven aqueous plant extracts and Bensultap and CCA by using a vacuum desicator. Then, larvae of T. griseus were placed on the treated and non-treated bolts. Bensultap was the most effective and more significant in reducing the number of larvae in all the trials when compared to the other treatments. The effects of six plant extracts on the larvae were statistically similar to each other except for U. maritima. The effects of Tanalith C and U.maritima were statistically similar to control. Bensultap would be a welcome addition for the control of wood pests. Aqueous extracts of the six plant species exhibited insecticidal activity are potential candidates as new organic insecticides.


Gunshot detection, sniper localization, and bullet trajectory prediction are of significant importance in military and homeland security applications. While the majority of existing work is based on acoustic and electro-optical sensors, this paper develops a framework of networked radar systems that uses distributed radar sensor networks to achieve the aforementioned objectives. The use of radio frequency radar systems allows the achievement of subtime- of-flight tracking response, enabling to response before the bullet reaches its target and, as such, effectively leading to the reduction of injuries and casualties in military and homeland security operations. The focus of this paper is to examine the MIMO radar concept with concurrent transmission of low-correlation waveforms from multiple radar sets to ensure wide surveillance coverage and maintain a high waveform repetition frequency for long coherent time interval required to achieve return signal concentration.


Phenylethyl isovalerate was synthesized from iso-valeric acid and phenethyl alcohol using the solid superacid SO2-4/ZrO2-Al2O3 as catalyst.The factors influencing the synthesis were discussed and best conditions were found out.The optimum conditions are: molar ratio of phenethyl alcohol to iso-valeric acid was 1.5∶1,the amount of catalyst was 1.0g/0.05mol iso-valeric acid,the amount of dimethylbenzene was 12mL,the reaction time was 3.0h.The solid superacid SO2-4/ZrO2-Al2O3 was a good catalyst for synthesizing phenylethyl isovalerate and its yield can reach up to 93.79%.


This Policy Brief compares macroeconomic developments in France and Germany since the beginning of monetary union. Although the French economy has been growing slower than the German economy since the financial crisis, the two economies have grown at roughly the same rate since the beginning of monetary union. A comparison of the two labour markets also provides a more complex picture than commonly assumed: France has a much higher unemployment rate than Germany, but the volume of work (total hours worked) has increased more since the beginning of monetary union than in Germany. Finally, it is noticeable that domestic demand in Germany has slowed growth for a long time while it played a significant role in France. This changed only in the recent upswing after the financial crisis. This upswing in Germany has also been much more balanced than before. From a pan-European perspective, it is important that the labour market reforms of the Macron government maintain the balance of power in the French labour market. In Germany, on the other hand, the path taken by more expansionary fiscal and wage policy should be systematically continued in order to bring the inflation path back to the ECB's target.


We theoretically studied the validity of Hund's first and second rules in the three-dimensionally spherically parabolic quantum dot (3D-SPQD). We extended the unrestricted Hartree–Fock (exUHF) approach in order to determine the ground state while conserving the expectation values of the total orbital angular momentum <\hatL2> and its z component <\hatLz> during the scf procedure. We applied this exUHF method to a GaAs 3D-SPQD and obtained the ground-state energy spectra. Our calculation reveals that, among those states having the largest spin multiplicities, the state giving the largest value of <\hatL2> is energetically more stable than the others having a smaller value of <\hatL2>; that is the spin filling in the 3D-SPQD obeys Hund's first and second rules.


Modern hectic lifestyles have created challenges for parents of allergic children, as treatment adherence and optimal disease control are closely tied to adequate caregiver supervision. Environmental allergens exposure in schools and outdoor environments are also difficult to control but impacts disease outcomes.1 Improvements in disease symptoms are often reported during school vacations,2 when children have more time at home under a caregiver's supervision. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week (April to June 2020) COVID-19-induced nation-wide lockdown in Singapore on allergic disease control in children. Universal masking and movement restrictions (closure of schools, workplaces, retail and entertainment facilities) were implemented. This presented a unique opportunity to evaluate the impact of increased caregiver supervision, school closures, reduction of outdoor exposures and increased indoor time on allergic diseases control.


Polymer nanofibers are cheap and flexible building blocks for nanophotonic components. For high density nanophotonic integration, both passive and active polymer nanofibers are desirable. In contrast to passive polymer nanofibers, active polymer nanofibers are more desirable because they can act as a light source and waveguide simultaneously. In this talk, light emission in quantum dots and dyes doped polymer nanofibers will be introduced.


Many ocean acoustic propagation models assume an idealized pressure-release boundary at the ocean surface. This is easily accomplished numerically using finite element, finite difference, and split-step Fourier techniques. For models based on the split-step Fourier algorithm, rough surfaces can also be treated, but require additional complexity in the definitions of the field and propagator functions through a field transformation technique. For this reason, it may be advantageous to model a rough water/air interface in a manner analogous to the bottom treatment by extending the calculation into the air medium, thereby simplifying the definitions of the propagator functions. However, standard approaches to treat density discontinuities in split-step Fourier algorithms invoke smoothing functions, which have been shown to introduce phase errors in range. In this work, the hybrid split-step/finite-difference approach introduced by Yevick and Thomson (1996) is implemented in the Monterey-Miami Parabolic Equat...


The purpose of this study was to examine the dynamical variables of sprint start in two different starting blocks setups. The ReacTime Personal Systems was used to record the Reaction Time (RT) and the Power of 20 teenaged sprinters (15 males and 5 females) in the sprint start. In addition, the Newtest Powertimer photocells were used to collect subjects' 0 to 10 metre (T10) performance after the sprint start. The variables were tested by the repeated measures one-way ANOVA by SPSS 19.0 statistical software at a .05 significant level. The results showed that there were better effects on the short starting block (SB) in power generation performance than the long starting block (LB). The athletes can apply short starting block and make adjustments and modifications based on their training conditions.


Abstract Background Infections are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children with cancer. Although data are limited, the impact of infection in this population appears to be amplified in low- and middle-income countries. Defining the epidemiology of infection in a specific region is paramount to developing effective interventions. This study aims to define the epidemiology of and outcomes from infection in children with leukemia in the Dominican Republic. Methods A retrospective cohort was assembled of children newly diagnosed with leukemia between July 1, 2015 and June 30, 2017 at Hospital Infantil Dr. Robert Reid Cabral in Santo Domingo. Patients were identified from the Pediatric Oncology Network Database and hospital admissions from the Oncology admissions logbook. Medical records and microbiology results were reviewed to identify all inpatient invasive infections. Distance from a child's home to the hospital was determined using ArcGIS 10.5.1. Infection rates were described in discrete time periods after diagnosis and risk factors for invasive infection were explored using Poisson regression. Results The cohort included 68 patients; 54 (79.4%) with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 14 (20.6%) with acute myeloblastic leukemia. The cohort was 48.5% female, had a median age at diagnosis of 7.3 years (range 1.1–16.6), and a median weight-for-age of 45.5 percentile (range 0–99.9). There were 1.2 invasive infections per 100 days at risk in the first 60 days after diagnosis, 0.8 from > 60–100 days, and 0.4 from > 100–180 days. Gastroenteritis, skin/soft-tissue infection, and pneumonia were most frequent, with bacteremia most common in the first 60 days. In a multivariate Poisson regression model, age ≥10 years (IRR 0.49, 95% CI 0.28–0.85) and distance from the hospital >100 km (IRR 0.34, 95% CI 0.14 – 0.81) were each protective against infection in the first 180 days after diagnosis. During the 2-year period, 8 of 22 (36%) patient deaths were related to infection. Conclusion Invasive infections were common and a prominent source of death in this cohort. Interventions aimed at reducing infection should target the first 60 days after diagnosis. Decreased infection incidence among children of older age and farther distance from the hospital were unexpected and warrant further investigation. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.


Significance Wavefront shaping with spatial light modulators has recently motivated many studies in the field of light manipulation in diffusive media. Here, we extend this concept to acoustic waves by designing and building a binary phase-modulating spatial sound modulator (SSM). The SSM is an acoustic metasurface consisting of unit cells with two states, switchable through programmed electronics. We demonstrate in audible frequencies, and in a reverberating environment, the capability of controlling and reshaping any complex sound field. Our work will not only open avenues to study wave propagation in complex and chaotic media but also inspire applications in acoustic engineering. A reverberating environment is a common complex medium for airborne sound, with familiar examples such as music halls and lecture theaters. The complexity of reverberating sound fields has hindered their meaningful control. Here, by combining acoustic metasurface and adaptive wavefield shaping, we demonstrate the versatile control of reverberating sound fields in a room. This is achieved through the design and the realization of a binary phase-modulating spatial sound modulator that is based on an actively reconfigurable acoustic metasurface. We demonstrate useful functionalities including the creation of quiet zones and hotspots in a typical reverberating environment.


The analysis of literature data on the impact of thyroid diseases on the course of pregnancy and the development of fetus and neonate is being carried out. It is suggested that iodine deficiency and associated thyroid pathology can affect the female reproductive function essentially, complicate the course of pregnancy and labour, result in malformations, increase miscarriage rate and perinatal and children mortality.


Objective: Acute appendicitis is one of the reasons of acute abdomen that is very common in the childhood period and creates difficulty in diagnosis. In this study, the diagnostic accuracy and correlation between the histopathological diagnosis and the results of ultrasonography in childhood period acute appendicitis diagnosis and the WBC elevation rate were evaluated. Material and Methods: Between January 2013 and June 2014, preoperative ultrasonography and WBC (White Blood Cell) levels of 37 cases with a pre-diagnosis of acute appendicitis consisting of 20 males and 17 females with a mean age of 13 years and undergoing appendectomy were evaluated restrospectively. The histopathological diagnosis was the basis of the correlation. results: The results of pre-operative USG and WBC of the selected patients were compared taking the histopathological result as the gold standard. In this respect, the rates for USG were as follows: diagnostic sensitivity 78%, selectivity 43%, and accuracy 70%. WBC was high in the patients with a possibility of acute appendicitis. In these patients the rates were sensitivity 83%, selectivity 30%, accuracy 70%. 1Bucak Devlet Hastanesi, Radyoloji Bölümü, Burdur, Türkiye 2Bucak Devlet Hastanesi, Patoloji Bölümü, Burdur, Türkiye 3Bucak Devlet Hastanesi, Anesteziyoloji ve Reanimasyon Bölümü, Burdur, Türkiye 4Bucak Devlet Hastanesi, Genel Cerrahi Bölümü, Burdur, Türkiye Murathan KÖKSAL1, Aslı DEMİR ŞAM2, Ferda KÖKSAL3, Halil İbrahim Altan ÖZDEMİR4, Bilal ÇELİKBAŞ4, Bayram Gökhan ÖZCAN4 Akut Apandisit Ön Tanısı ile Opere Edilen Çocuk Olgularda Preoperatif Ultrasonografi Bulguları ve Beyaz Küre Sayısının Histopatolojik Tanı ile Karşılaştırılması The Comparison of Histopathological Diagnosis and Preoperative Ultrasonography and WBC Results of Cases Operated on with a Prediagnosis of Childhood Acute Appendicitis


Introduction: Filgrastim, which plays a key role in peripheral-blood progenitor cell (PBPC) harvesting, has been available for nearly 25 years, and several filgrastim biosimilars are available. Objective: We assessed whether a biosimilar filgrastim (Filgrastine®) was associated with effective mobilization in patients undergoing PBPC harvest for autologous transplantation. Method: We reviewed the charts of patients with multiple myeloma and lymphomas treated at three institutions in Brazil. The primary outcome (mobilization success rate, MSR) was the proportion of patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT ) population in whom at least 2 x 106 CD34+cells/Kg were harvested by leukapheresis on days 5 and/or 6. The per-protocol (PP) population comprised patients who received at least 4 days of Filgrastine and had at least one CD34+ count on Days 5 or 6. Results: The daily dose of Filgrastine (on D1, with few changes thereafter) ranged from 8.5 to 28.9 mcg/Kg in the 52 patients in the ITT population, with a median of 13.8 mcg/Kg; 51 patients received at least four doses. A mean of 2.84±1.97 x 106 CD34+cells/Kg were harvested. The MSR was 53.9% (95% CI, 39.5% to 67.8%) in the ITT population and 62.2% (95% CI, 46.5% to 76.2%) in the 45 patients in the PP population. The mobilization was considered effective by investigators in 80.8% of patients in the ITT population and 88.9% of those in the PP population. Conclusion: Despite its observational nature, this study suggests that Filgrastine® is associated with the expected success rates in PBPC harvest for autologous transplantation.


Abstract Aim of the study is to implement Geomatics learning innovations by applying the scaffolding Problem-Based Learning integrated model to improve the student's Vocational HOTS. The method applied was qualitative with the participation of 2 groups of students practicing consisting of 4 people each. The level of cognitive mastery was measured with the Bloom taxonomy (C1-C6). The results of the investigation showed that the integrated model effectively formed students' Vocational HOT Skill as a group in 3 stages. The first stage of learning focused on mastering the operation of equipment needed in practice (C2-C3 and partly C4). In the second stage, the students have mastered most of the cognitive analysis and accuracy of practical data (C4-C5) and in the third stage, they made practiced steps more effectively and successfully correlated to the Indonesian National Standards (SNI) level (C6) at the moderately accurate. The application of the Scaffolding Problem-Based Learning model has a positive impact that students get21st-century learning with the main characteristics (4C), consisting: Communication, Collaboration, (Critical thinking, and problem-solving), and Creative thinking. Learning outcomes enriched with higher-order thinking skills can be seen when students take advanced Geomatics material, They already work with groups to map the area more independently


The paper deals with large slow-speed marine engines with a section on crankshaft stresses, including dynamic torque calculation; static bending moments owing to firing pressure, inertia, and misalignment; combined torque and bending stress; and experimental determination of stress concentration factors in the fillet radii. Other sections deal with top end bearing loading including cyclic variation, piston head stresses, deflection of bearing housings, prestressing of main bolts, frame stiffness, and stress in combustion chamber studs as a result of pressure and thermal loading.


Global municipal solid waste production and electricity demand gradually increased as a result of urbanization, population increase, and economic growth. The appropriate selection of Waste to energy (WTE) technologies needs consideration of energy efficiency, financial, and environmental aspects. This article discusses the technical, financial, and environmental side of existing WTE technologies. Waste-to-energy (WTE) technologies include thermal, physical, biochemical, and bio-electrochemical technology. Pyrolysis, gasification, and incineration are thermal technology used to generate energy from waste in the form of heat and syn-gas. Anaerobic digestion and landfill are biochemical technology to to generate energy from waste in the form of biogas. Physical technology is used to to generate energy from waste in the form of refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Microbial fuel cells (MFC) and microbial electrolysis cells (MEC) are the most recent WTE technology that produces electricity and hydrogen fuel. The results of the assessment of existing technology show that anaerobic digestion and landfill are low-cost WTE technology but have a low potential for energy generation. Plasma gasification is WTE technology with a high potential for energy generation, cold gas efficiency (CGE), carbon conversion efficiency (CCE), and H2/CO ratio, low CO2 emissions, and high operating costs. MEC has a high H2-potential for energy generation, low CO2 emissions, and the highest capital cost. Incineration is a common conversion technology with a low potential for energy generation, high CO2 emissions, and high capital costs. The selection of WTE technologies is influenced by technical, economic, and environmental factors.


Recent technological improvements such as spiral CT, CPMR, PET-CT, US and MRI specific contrast agents have increased the accuracy of non-invasive exams performed by radiologists. US is often the first step of the examination. MRI and PET-CT are considered supplementary. At present, CT is the method of choice for the diagnosis, staging and therapeutic planning of pancreatic tumors for which a multidisciplinary approach is however mandatory.


Abstract A hybrid evolutionary algorithm by combining real-valued genetic algorithm (RGA) with differential evolution (DE) has been proposed by the first author. This is termed the 'GA—DE hybrid algorithm'. The only difference between the GA—DE hybrid algorithm and the RGA is in the content of the crossover. The crossover operation in the RGA is replaced by differential vector perturbation, with the best individual or some excellent individuals as the base vectors. In this work, the GA—DE hybrid evolutionary algorithm and the RGA with arithmetic crossover are employed to solve the optimization problem of the dimensional synthesis of the five-point double-toggle mould clamping mechanism with the performance of thrust saving for the prescribed input and output strokes. The optimization design task is relatively unique, because the number of constraints is considerable and the constraints are uneven. A technique for proper handling of design constraints is presented. The synthesized results are estimated using the solutions obtained by the parametric study based on an exhaustive search. Findings show that the GA—DE hybrid algorithm can successfully find a better objective function value more efficiently than the RGA with arithmetic crossover.


OBJECTIVE Realisation of four Ademe/AICVF handbooks on high energy efficiency in non-residential buildings, written by professionals and covering the following sectors : ° sports facilities ° industrial premises ° retail stores ° agricultural buildings. The purpose of these handbooks is to increase awareness of energy use in buildings and provide information to all those involved in the building industry (architects, owners, operating staff, etc.), in order to facilitate all aspects of programming, designing and managing these properties which continue to be major energy consumers despite existing thermal regulations. The handbooks deal with all aspects of energy (heating, air-conditioning, hot water, mechanical power, refrigeration, etc.). They will be the starting point for dialogue on future thermal regulations, beginning with the evaluation of the current situation in these sectors in order to formulate well-structured proposals for submission to French and European authorities.


Independent component analysis (ICA) is a signal processing technique that aims to recover a set of unknown mutually independent source signals from their observed mixtures without knowledge of the mixing coefficients. Making use of the independence of the user's information in code division multiple access (CDMA) communication system, ICA based technique reduces multiple access interference (MAI). For traditional ICA algorithms ignore noise, in this paper Noise-ICA algorithm is proposed for multi-user detection of direct sequence code division multiple access (DS-CDMA) signal and compared with Infomax-ICA algorithm and Fast-ICA algorithm. The proposed algorithm takes advantage of negentropy estimation. In this paper bit error rate simulations of these algorithms has been given for different number of users, SNR and compared. The results show that the proposed algorithm is more effective compared with traditional algorithms and performs better at separating the source signals from the mixed CDMA signals with noise.


A sensitive and selective method was developed for the determination of amitrole in environmental water samples using by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Trace amount of amitrole was collected on Sep-Pak Plus AC-2 cartridge (AC-2 cartridge) and eluted with 10 ml of 25 % ammonia water/chloroform/acetonitrile (10/9/81). The elute was separated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and determined by tandem mass spectrometry. The collection efficiency of amitrole on AC-2 cartridge was from 97 % to 100 %. The detection limit of amitrole was 0.001 ƒÊg/l, and relative standard deviations of repeated analysis in 0.0025 ƒÊg/l•`0.01ƒÊg/l of sample were in the range of 6.9•`8.0 %. Amitrole was detected at 0.004 ƒÊg/l level in the river water and 0.6 ƒÊg/l level in leachate from waste landfills.


Abstract : Shallow Water 2006 experiment was conducted in a region off the New Jersey coast where nonlinear internal wave activity is known to occur and this resulting in range-dependent sound speed profiles in the water column. In continuation of the work on estimation of range-dependent sediment compressional wave speed profiles, the ability to use data similar to that collected during the shallow water experiment to determine the range-dependent sound speed profiles in the water column due to the presence of internal waves is explored. It is shown that range-dependent sound speed profiles in the water column can be obtained assuming that the sediment characteristics are known. During 2011 a series of experiments were conducted off the coast of New Jersey. The primary objective of this experiment was to evaluate the possibility of determining the sediment acoustic properties by the use of air launched sonobuoys such as those used ASW operations. It is shown that such a system can be used to extract the sediment acoustic properties. The methods can be adopted to characterize the range dependent environment namely the water column and the sediment.


The theory of the firm subscribes to mainstream economic theories that emphasize on profit maximization and cost minimization. Despite its usefulness, the scope of the theory is inadequate to address the contemporary dynamism. A unified theory of the firm bears strong influence of the industrial cost minimization. This study argues a unified theory of the firm from Tawhidic paradigm for a comprehensive theory to describe the nature of the firm, the scope and boundaries of assessment on organizational environments, and the assessment of internal organizations to formulate, implement and evaluate organizational strategies. The conventional approach to the theory of the firm seems inadequate to respond to external and internal environments of the firm, and human dynamism and spiritual identity. The market-based theory of the firm emphasizes primarily on the industrial organizational perspective of the firm. The evolutionary approach of resource-based and knowledge-based theory of the firm is also unable to provide a unified theory of the firm due to lack of spirituality foundation to sustain intellectual contribution from knowledge workers. As an alternative, this study proposes a unified theory of the firm Tawhidic worldview as a mean to achieve organizational sustainable innovation and competitive advantage. The study uses focus group discussion with scholars in management, economics, and Shari'ah studies to provide input on the development of the model of Islamic theory of the firm. The feedback from the experts is used as input to enhance the understanding of Tawhidic worldview in the development of a unified theory of the firm. The results of the study should be considered tentative, or work-in-progress. Future research should incorporate more informants to further debate the dynamics of key components in the subject matter of the study.


Differentiation of island lineages from mainland relatives and radiation after initial colonization are two important processes generating island diversity. Both of these processes are influenced by colonization dynamics and contemporary connections between island species and their source populations. The classic island progression rule model, that is dispersal from mainland to older islands and subsequently to younger islands, can be considered a null hypothesis, particularly for islands that are geographically aligned perpendicular to the mainland coast with ages inversely proportional to distance from the mainland. Alterations to this pattern have been reported, particularly in archipelagos that are geographically closely adjacent to mainland source populations. Here we aim to integrate genomic and environmental niche data to infer the colonization history of a Canary endemic species and to understand its current diversity patterns.


Accepted 10 September, 2007. *For correspondence. E-mail firstname.lastname@example.com; Tel. (+44) 1224 555761; Fax (+44) 1224 555844. Present addresses: School of Pharmacy and Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; Department of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158-2324, USA; College of Biological Sciences, Section of Microbiology, University of California, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA. Molecular Microbiology (2007) 66(2), 552 doi:10.1111/j.1365-2958.2007.05960.x


SUMMARY The ages of 1426 female, and 135 male Long Rough Dabs have been determined from otolith readings. The females were found to live into their seventh year and reach 30.5 cm, compared with males that live to their fifth year and reach 19.0 cm in length. However, the mean increase in length per year for a given length, has been found to be the same. The growth of the females has been shown to fit the equation lt=26.437 (I—0.574t) and of the males lt=17.754 (I —0.585t). In the case of the females the observed and calculated values agree quite closely, but with the males there is a greater difference, and it is believed that the discrepancy is due to net selection. The suggestion is made that the calculated mean lengths for each age group are better estimates of those of the population than are the observed sample means. The two standard deviations limits can be estimated about the population means and the sample values are found to be within these limits. Comparison with previous studies shows that the Clyde fish are smaller and shorter-lived than more northern specimens, though broadly speaking the rate of growth for comparable ages is not so dissimilar.


One way to reduce the fossil fuel consumption and mitigate environmental impact is to utilize low-grade heat sources for power production. In this paper, a transcritical carbon dioxide power cycle ...


I admire Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams for taking the initiative to submit a Safe Nurse Staffing Levels (Wales) Bill to the Health And Social Care Committee of the Welsh Assembly (News March 25). But it is a travesty that Welsh health minister Mark Drakeford, who opposes the bill in its current form, believes enforcing the use of an acuity tool that is being developed in Wales will achieve the same aims as the bill. Workforce tools such as The Safer Nursing Care Tool Kit should be used to determine safe staffing levels, but they are not a panacea and their use should not be mandated. Evidence shows that one nurse caring for more than eight patients is unsafe, so it was equally disappointing when health minister Dan Poulter disagreed to a safer staffing level of one nurse to seven patients when questioned on this recently in the House of Commons. The advice the ministers are being given by senior management and nurse leaders must be fundamentally flawed – they need to read the research from nursing academic Linda Aiken on flexibility with the use of ratios. Or is their reluctance to implement legislated staffing levels simply down to cost? If so, they are failing to recognise the national and international evidence that shows safe nurse staffing levels result in more cost-effective care and a stable, well-motivated workforce. We have a serious shortage of registered nurses in the UK. Unless we have safe staffing levels to ensure safe practice across the whole of the NHS, nurses will continue to leave the profession and students will not apply for nursing courses because they won't want to flout the Nursing and Midwifery Council Code of Conduct and compromise their registration.


The work demonstrated the importance of the particle size of the raw precursor, as well as its influence on the workability of the mixture. It has been proven that by starting from a rather coarse powder, it is possible to produce specimens, with an acceptable pot life. Further development of the material will require a more indepth analysis of the rheology, thermal behavior, and microstructure. References [1] A. S. Wagh, Chemically Bonded phosphate ceramics Twenty-First Century Materials with Diverse Applications. 2004. [2] S. Onisei, K. Lesage, B. Blanpain, and Y. Pontikes, "Early Age Micrstructural Transformations of an Inorganic Polymer Made of Fayalite Slag," J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 9 (35661) 1–9, (2015). [3] M. Marangoni, L. Arnout, L. Machiels, L. Pandelaers, E. Bernardo, P. Colombo, and Y. Pontikes, "Porous, Sintered Glass-Ceramics from Inorganic Polymers Based on Fayalite Slag," J. Am. Ceram. Soc., 99 (6) 1985-91 (2016). ACTIVATION OF FAYALITE SLAG TOWARDS INORGANIC POLYMERS


This paper analyzes related concepts of public service, including the meaning and extension meaning of these concepts, and the difference and relation between these concepts and public service. The main concepts are: public goods, public sector, public policy, social cause, public utilities, public good, public enterprises, social services, social welfare, public resources, public finance, public investment, utilities, public works, public facilities, public demand, public supply.


The present work looks for ways to research in the field of pedagogical practices, focusing on the observation of educational interventions focused on human rights education in the regular system of education and the interventions adopted in the daily school life in the face of disrespect issues at different levels. To this end, we seek to analyze the pedagogical practices developed in the teaching process of the child in the initial years of elementary school. The research was endorsed in studies of norms on human rights education, supported by theoreticians who directly or indirectly contribute to the reflection of the theme, as well as a more egalitarian education aimed at the formation of autonomous and critical citizens able to stand before of situations where there are violations of rights, of which we highlight: Freire (2008, 2011, 2014), Brandao (1981), Harper et al. (1987), Neto and Siqueira (2017), Candau (2008), and Deslandes and Lourenco (2012). Through qualitative research of an ethnographic approach carried out in a school of the State Teaching Network, located in the central region of Minas Gerais, we observed and recorded in field diary the practices performed by a teacher, as well as the interactions of the students, both in as well as in other spaces of the school, in order to identify teachers' conceptions of human rights education; analyze the pedagogical actions of teachers in the process of teaching children's learning, focusing on humanized social relations; identify in the school environment situations that hurt Human Rights; investigate in which situations the professional neglects and/or intervenes in situations that hurt human dignity. It is concluded that the school mediation, in the school studied, against situations of disrespect is still deficient or almost nonexistent. The school is still not very open to the promotion of humanized practices, being based on very rigid, fragmented educational practices, marked by a traditional culture of teaching, with a central focus on mediations based on the transmission of contents that are not very meaningful to children.


Abstract For the modern smart lighting systems one of the most attractive LED advantages is the dimming possibility. Many researchers and engineers from the field of lighting engineering are trying to find compromise between the efficiency of LED dimming process and the ease of its implementation. This paper also presents an attempt to improve LED dimmer parameters. Comparative investigation of the operation of buck LED drivers in continuous conduction mode and discontinuous conduction mode are discussed here. The first section of paper briefly describes the controllability parameters of the converter in both of these modes. The positive impact of discontinuous conduction mode on the controllability parameters as well as the results of the analytical estimation and the results of associated experiments are summarized at the end of the first section. The second section describes the impact of discontinuous conduction mode on the losses of LED dimmer. The analytical estimation of power losses in the main converter components for both operation modes as well as the summary of the experiments to identify distribution of power losses between these components are presented in this section. Finally, the conclusions about using discontinuous conduction mode for dimmable LED lamps as well as guidelines for the choosing of the components with the most appropriate parameters are drawn


The analysis on the nutritional components from the wild vegetable plant in the Taihang mountain area in the south of Hebei province. Showed that the nutritional components of wild vegetable plant are rich. The content of V_(B2) and V_C and carotene are relatively high, more. The foreground of development and utilization was vast.


The ongoing coronavirus infection (COVID19) pandemic is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality Russia, as a transport hub between Europe and Asia, has been hit hard by COVID19 The aim of this publication is to present the materials of a teleconference held between experts from Anhui province in China and experts from the federal districts of Russia Material and methods Discussion of methods of prevention and treatment of the new coronavirus infection COVID19, as well as issues affecting the immune aspects of the disease, complications and possible longterm followup for patients after a new coronavirus infection Results and discussion The situation was especially difficult for the federal district along the Volga River, so we shared and discussed questions on the prevention and treatment of the COVID19 epidemic, which were asked by the experts of the region Conclusion The presented article is the result of an online meeting of the doctors from the Volga region of Russia with experts from Anhui province in China


Department of Physics, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China(Dated: 4th October 2009)The equation of state and the state functions for the gravitational source are necessaryconditions for solving cosmological model and stellar structure. The usual treatments are di-rectly based on the laws of thermodynamics, and the physical meanings of some concepts areobscure. This letter show that, we can actually derive all explicit fundamental state functionsfor the ideal gas in the context of cosmology via rigorous dynamical and statistical calcu-lation. These relations have clear physical meanings, and are valid in both non-relativisticand ultra-relativistic cases. Some features of the equation of state are important for a stablestructure of a star with huge mass.Keywords: equation of state, thermodynamics, cosmology, entropy, stellar structure


In lieu of an abstract, here is the article's first paragraph: Western philosophers have enthusiastically praised friendship. A few intellectuals have raised doubts about it, such as Thomas Hobbes and Søren Kierkegaard, but friendship has inspired many others, including Aristotle, Francis Bacon, C.S. Lewis, and Mary E. Hunt, who have esteemed its benefits, especially the reciprocal commitment to nurture each friend's 'best self'.


This paper addresses stochastic hybrid systems, particularly switched and impulsive systems. The systems under consideration are linear and non-linear continuous with/without time delay, and with/without external force. The importance of using such systems and the discrepancies between hybrid and non-hybrid systems are presented. The objective of this paper is to survey recent developments on some of the important qualitative properties such as stability, stabilisation, input-to-state stability and state estimation along with the challenges that might arise when taking hybridness into account. These properties are mainly developed by using the direct method of Lyapunov or Lyapunov–Razumikhin if time delay is taken into account. Several examples with simulations are presented to further clarify the results introduced in this paper.


A. used in his work the original Zonnenschein bacteriophage (F. B. So), which, according to the latter, has a pronounced specificity in relation to V. Shotmller's paratyphoid bacteria.


Complex problems of government organizations and private companies are more frequently being addressed by project teams rather than by individuals. A communication specialist who is a member of a project team has the opportunity to create an expanded and satisfying role. The challenge is to recognize and demonstrate the skills that are needed by a team which has a particular style and approach to the group process.


This qualitative study aimed to identify the perceptions of dental students on home visits to families of patients treated by them. The visits were accompanied by Community Health Workers belonging to the Family Health Program.Data were obtained on the basis of individual written reports of students and interpreted through thematic content analysis. It was concluded that for this group of students surveyed home visits proved to be an effective tool for learning based on reality and also an opportunity to expand their vision of the health-disease process, enabling the recognition of the importance of bonding and host in health care and encouraging participation of students as active subjects on knowledge construction.


Endogenesis fungus J060918 was separated and purified from fresh material of Huperzia crispata.Fermentation results showed that it could produce potassium trihydrogen dioxalate dihydrate in potato liquid culture medium.By studying on each single factor including the spore inoculation quantity,carbon sources,culture time,PH values,culture temperature,relatively optimization results were obtained.Based on single factor,the orthogonal experiment was carried out and results showed that in 1 litre potato liquid culture medium,15g saccharose,1×106 spore inoculation quantity,naturalness PH value(5.81),120 r/min shaking speed,40℃constant temperature,after 60-hour fermentation culture,the optimization culture procedure could be achieved.


In this paper the authors examine the effect of skilled labor shortages on productivity in the UK. They develop a simple model that explains how skill shortages might reduce productivity and its rate of growth. Shortages may lead firms to substitute unskilled for skilled workers thereby reducing productivi ty. They may also leave the firm less able to bargain higher levels of effort from their workers. Using a panel data set of 81 industries, 1980-86, the authors find that the increase in skill shortages over the mid-1980s reduced UK productivity growth by around 0.7 percent p er annum. Had shortages risen by the EC average, productivity growth wo uld have been about 0.4 percent per annum higher. Copyright 1993 by Royal Economic Society.


The invention discloses an information safety attack and defense teaching system based on a cloud platform. The information safety attack and defense teaching system disclosed by the invention can make teaching interesting and interactive by utilizing the advantages of the cloud platform, simulating a real situation and carrying out actual operation in the real environment, so that an information safety basic theory is deeply understood, and an information safety attack and defense skill is thoroughly mastered; in addition, the information safety attack and defense teaching system disclosed by the invention can be used by different levels of persons who include undergraduate students, graduate students, information safety professionals, information safety correlated enterprises and the like, can meet the requirement for study of individual users and can be used for providing a competition platform, propelling an information safety competition and enhancing the information safety teaching quality.


Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are two major public health problems in the country. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in voluntary non-remunerated and replacement donors in Baqai Medical University Hospital and PNS Shifa Karachi from April, 2005 to June, 2007. A total of 11459 donors were bled. Anti-HCV was found positive in 237 (2.068%) HBs Ag was positive in 196 (1.71%) and both were positive in 11 (0.095%) individuals. This study shows a higher prevalence of HCV than HBV infection in blood donors. The prevalence of HCV and HBV can be minimized by the screening of all donors for anti-HCV and HBs Ag and discouraging the use of unsterilized syringes.


which it makes contact. By reaching inside the box, the folded strips of masking tape which join the top and sides of the box at a 900 angle can be firmly pressed into place. Additionally, all discontinuous edges of the box are taped together to provide additional support. Finally, the two paper flaps that make up the access port are stapled together at four equidistant locations around the port. The final product (Fig. 2) has been used extensively for laboratory rearing of A. mnarmoratus and exclusively for field release and evaluation studies involving this indigenous parasitoid of Heliothis zea (Boddie) and Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) without difficulty. Particular convenience is provided by the discarding of these containers after field use. This cage, at a current cost of $0.55-0.65/unit (excluding labor), will likely accommodate most parasitoids and predators that have been successfully housed in cages of comparable size.


Preface Acknowledgments About the Editors Contributors SECTION ONE: Baselines For Human Mammalian Development Chapter 1. Children's Development in Light of Evolution and Culture Darcia Narvaez, Peter Gray, James J. McKenna, Agustin Fuentes, and Kristin Valentino Chapter 2. The Epigenetics of Mammalian Parenting Frances A. Champagne Commentary: As Time Goes By, A Touch is More Than Just a Touch Eric E. Nelson Chapter 3. Nonhuman primate models of mental health: Early life experiences affect developmental trajectories Amanda M. Dettmer, Stephen J. Suomi, and Katherine Hinde Commentary: Look how far we have come: A bit of consilience in elucidating the role of caregivers in relationship to their developing primate infants and children James J. McKenna SECTION TWO: Evolution's Baseline: Hunter Gatherer Contexts Chapter 4. Relationships and Resource Uncertainty: Cooperative Development of Efe Hunter-Gatherer Infants and Toddlers Gilda Morelli, Paula Ivey Henry, and Steffen Foerster Commentary: Social Connectedness vs. Mothers on Their Own: Research on Hunter-Gather Tribes Highlights the Lack of Support Mothers and Babies Receive in the U.S. Kathy Kendall-Tackett Chapter 5. Batek childrearing and morality Karen L. Endicott and Kirk M. Endicott Commentary: Parenting in the Modern Jungle Michael Jindra Chapter 6. Cosleeping Beyond Infancy: Culture, Ecology, and Evolutionary Biology of Bedsharing among Aka Foragers and Ngandu Farmers of Central Africa Barry Hewlett and Jennifer W. Roulette Commentary: Intertwining the Influences of Culture and Ecology Broadens a Definition of the Importance of Closeness in Care Wendy Middlemiss Chapter 7. The Environment of Evolutionary Adaptedness, rough-and-tumble play, and the selection of restraint in human aggression Douglas Fry Commentary: Evolutionary Adaptation and Violent Aggression: From Myths to Realities Riane Eisler Chapter 8. The Play Theory of Hunter-Gatherer Egalitarianism Peter Gray Commentary: Comparative Studies of Social Play, Fairness, and Fitness: What We Know and Where We Should be Heading Marc Bekoff SECTION THREE: Contexts for the Evolution of Families and Children Chapter 9. Incentives in the family I: The family firm, an evolutionary/economic theory for parent-offspring relations Joan Roughgarden and Zhiyuan Song Chapter 10. Preliminary steps towards addressing the role of non-adult individuals in human evolution Agustin Fuentes Commentary: Conflict and evolution Melvin Konner SECTION FOUR: Contexts Gone Awry Chapter 11. Child Maltreatment and Early Mother-Child Interactions Kristin Valentino, Michelle Comas, and Amy K. Nuttall Commentary: Ancestral attachment: How the evolutionary foundation of attachment informs our understanding of child maltreatment interventions Alyssa Crittenden Chapter 12. The Importance of the Developmental Perspective in Evolutionary Discussions of PTSD Robyn Bluhm and Ruth A. Lanius Commentary: The modeling of complex PTSD can benefit from the careful integration of evolutionary and developmental accounts Pierre Lienard Chapter 13. From the Emergent Drama of Interpretation to Enscreenment Eugene Halton Commentary: Darwinism and Children Jonathan Marks SECTION FIVE: Child Flourishing Chapter 14. Children's Environments and Flourishing Tracy Gleason and Darcia Narvaez Chapter 15: Postscript: Back to the Future James McKenna Index


1. High frequency preganglionic nerve stimulation increases the acetylcholine (ACh) stores of the cat superior cervical ganglion. The increase reaches a maximum 20 min following 60 min conditioning stimulation at 20/s. The effect of this conditioning on ACh release in ganglia perfused with plasma and test stimulated at 4 or 5/s has been studied, and the relationship of ACh stores to ACh release in conditioned ganglia determined.


Abstract : Chiral single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) are known to possess unique electronic and optical properties. Common synthesis methods yield mixtures of SWCNTs thus making structure-property diversity a major hurdle in their use in applications. The aim of this project was to develop fundamental understanding of catalyst selectivity to achieve improved and tunable chirality control in SWCNT synthesis. A model catalyst based on CoSO4/SiO2 was developed that showed good selectivity to (9,8) nanotubes. Remote plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition was used to manipulate carbon radical generation in carbon precursors during synthesis. Water s influence on SWCNT diameter and yield was revealed for water-assisted ethanol pyrolysis,. Introducing sulfur-containing compounds into carbon precursors efficiently altered chiral selectivity toward different chiral SWCNTs. Selectivity could be tuned by varying calcination conditions, which affected the structure of sulfur near metal catalyst particles. Selective extraction of chiral SWCNT mixtures using fluorine-based polymers or aqueous two-phase separation was found to enrich the concentration of semiconducting (9,8) nanotubes. A scalable continuous method to produce carbon microfibres with hierarchical structures comprising nitrogen-doped reduced GO (rGO) and acidoxidized SWCNTs was produced using a linear hydrothermal microreactor. Fiber micro-supercapacitors based on these hybrid fibers show great potential for wearable electronics applications.


This paper using the research technique of systematic philosophy,summarizes the new situation of engineering project management,analyzes the principal problems of existing in China's engineering project management in terms of being in line with international engineering projects,technical and economic coordination as well as thinking models and management modes,etc,and proposes effective proposals for improving engineering project management and project team construction in terms of improvement in thinking model for engineering management,mode innovation,tactic optimization and promotion of cultural soft power.


The invention provides a bean sprout type skiing floor. The bean sprout type skiing floor comprises a bottom plate capable of telescopically changing according to the rugged terrain and bean sprout units arranged on the bottom plate, the bean sprout units are arranged on the bottom plate, and bean sprout battens capable of pressing the bean sprout units are fixedly arranged on the bottom plate and arranged at the two sides of the bean sprout units in an attached mode to fix the bean sprout units. As the bean sprout battens capable of fixing the bean sprout bodies are arranged on the bean sprout type skiing floor, the bean sprout units are fixed more firmly, and the bearing capacity of the skiing floor is improved.


South Africa and Australia have a long horticultural relationship extending back over 200 years. Southern Australia has a comparable climate and range of soils to those of the Western Cape and southern parts of the Eastern Cape, and all major components of the Cape flora are grown extensively in southern Australian gardens. As many Australian plants have become disastrous weeds in South Africa, so too have a wide range of South African plants grown out of control in Australia. Some are attractive and relatively harmless garden escapes, but others compete with our native flora, or contaminate pastures and crops.


Precise contoured beam is very important in designing antenna system for satellite broadcasting application. Through accurate contoured beam design, constant signal and optimum beam performance can be achieved throughout the region. For the case of Malaysia, two separate contoured beams for the peninsular and Borneo regions must be obtained. In this paper, a lightweight non-symmetrical array feed structure is designed to illuminate a single parabolic reflector. For this structure, calculation of the exact positions of radiating element on a widely distributed feed area is the most critical aspect in achieving an optimum contoured beam. Therefore, an accurate two-dimensional caustic locus graph is used to determine the position of the array elements on the radiating patch. Optimization of amplitude excitations of each element is performed to ensure less than -3dB variation along the edge of coverage (EOC). The performance of the multi-element asymmetrical patch feed integrated with parabolic reflector system are analyzed and verified through MOM-based FEKO solver.


Rate constants for long-chain branch formation during ethylene polymerization with metallocene catalysts were estimated and compared to polymerization rate constants for long α-olefins. Unexpectedly, these branching constants were found to be comparable to the reactivity ratios of much shorter α-olefins. Micromixing effects or a parallel mechanism for long-chain branch generation are proposed as possible explanations for this finding.


This paper aim at assessing the impact of R&D spillovers on firms' economic performance as measured by productivity growth. The construction of R&D spillovers is based on Jaffe's methodology (1988, 1996) which associates econometrics and data analysis. The main objective of the paper is to extend Jaffe's methodology by examining alternative methods for measuring R&D spillovers and to test their impacts in terms of the robustness of results. In particular, the method used to classify firms into technological clusters as well as the metrics implemented to appreciate firms' technological proximities which enter the construction of spillovers are further investigated. In addition to R&D spillovers, firms' own R&D capital, labour and physical capital are estimated by means of a Cobb–Douglas production function. The data set consists of a representative sample of 625 worldwide R&D intensive firms over the period 1987–1994.


POLYBIUS AND CICERO, in well-known passages, assert the importance of religion in Roman public life;1 and the ways in which the nobility controlled and used religion for political ends have been amply demonstrated for the period where our evidence is fullest, the first century B.C.2 It is very hard to suppose that their predecessors were not attempting to do the same thing in the late second century, an age of vital political struggles. But though the social and political aspects of the Senate's objection to the influx of oriental religions, and also to the growth of scepticism, have been noted, and the importance of the leges Aelia et Fufia, by which obnuntiatio was extended for use against tribunes, has not been overlooked, the part which religion played in the political debate from about 135, and its place in the programme of optimate or popularis propagandists, have not been studied in detail.3 I want to collect the evidence bearing on these matters, to show the optimates, whether sincerely or less sincerely we naturally cannot say, making use of the official religion, and some of the populares (of course often aristocrats themselves) attempting to counter this, or to make use of less official religious cults; and in particular to suggest that in the last fifteen years of the century


are the response patterns similar in lethal and sublethal exposure conditions; and (iii) how does preexposure to cadmium influence these responses. No differences between the two species in mean acute tolerance (LCs0) could be detected, but a significant difference was found between the slopes of the concentration-response curves. The steeper slope for P. antipodarum indicated a more uniform response for the asexual species than for H. ventrosa. In the sublethal experiment there was a significant difference an mean growth rate where, in general, P. antipodarum grew faster than H. ventlvsa. P. antipodarum was more affected by cadmium at the low cadmium exposure, whereas growth rates were reduced equally for the two species at the high cadmium concentration. Pre-exposure to cadmium did not increase the tolerance to chronic exposure in either of the species, but P. antipodarum exhibited a tendency toward increased tolerance to acute cadmium stress after pre-exposure. The results show that there are differences between these closely related sexual and asexual species in response to cadmium, and that these differences are more pronounced under chronic sublethal exposure conditions.


The ductile earthquake performance of one-column bridge piers,which are used frequently at the railway bridge,is studied by pseudo-static test for 24 large-scale pier models.According to the test data,the force-displacement relation and hysteresis hoop are studied.Furthermore,consumption energy characteristics and envelope curves of the models are analysed,and the influence of the test parameters,such as longitudinal reinforcement ratio,hoop reinforcement ratio and shear-span ratio,are compared.After that,the causes for the failure phenomenon of the models are explored.Finally,Related conclusions and advice are provided for the ductility anti-earthquake design of railway bridges in China.


This thesis focuses on the study of Complex Sentences Acquisition of Five Years Old Kindergarten Students at Raudhatul Athfal Tarbiyah Al-Islamiyah Medan. The aim of this study are to describe the types of complex sentence that produced by five years old kindergarten students, to explain the production of complex sentence that produced by five years old kindergarten students, and to reason why five years old kindergarten students produce complex sentence. This study was conducted by using case study as one kind of qualitative research design. The population of this study was six of five years old kindergarten students. The data analyzed by using the theory of Miles and Huberman (1984) which consists of three steps namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verifying the result. The result of this study were: (1) Five years old kindergarten students had constructed and produced a types of complex sentences, they are: a) Noun Clause, b) Relative Clause, and c) Adverbial Clause. Complex sentences with adverbial clauses were dominant produced by five years old kindergarten students. The percentage of type of complex sentences that produced by five years old kindergarten students was : complex sentences with noun clause 16.10 %, complex sentences with relative clause 27.11 %, and complex sentences with adverbial clause 56.79 %; (2) Five years old kindergarten students used coordinating conjunctions and subordinating conjunctions to produced complex sentences, they used coordinating conjunction and subordinating conjunction to join the dependent clause to the independent clause and after joining these two clauses the sentences become complex sentence, or they just used an intonation to replaced the coordinating conjunctions and the subordinating conjunctions in joining the dependent clause to the independent clause.; (3) Five years old kindergarten students produced complex sentences to express: a) the time, b) the causes, c) the condition, and d) the purpose.


A prescription for the inverse bremsstrahlung (IB) absorption coefficient is presented. The coefficient is derived in terms of a collision frequency that is found from a memory function kinetic formalism. The formalism admits limits that allow a rigorous definition of the coefficient when the plasma is weakly coupled and approximations that provide a reliable calculation when the plasma is strongly coupled. In the latter case, use is made of spatial distribution functions computed from the solution to the set of integral equations describing plasma correlations via the hypernetted chain approximation (HNC). A simple analytic result is compared with the HNC calculations. Results show that, as expected, the classical form for the IB absorption coefficient is of little utility when the plasma is strongly coupled. The theory presented here should provide reasonable predictions of the coefficient.


The article presents the results of a study of the influence of the type and concentration of nitrile butadiene rubber on the main physical and mechanical properties of polymer compositions based on compatibilized ethylene/1-hexene copolymer (EHC*). SKN-18, SKN-26, and SKN-40 were used as nitrile butadiene rubber. The compatibilizer – polyethylene-graft-methacrylic acid was used to improve the compatibility of the mixed components of the mixture. At the first stage, the task of the study was to investigate the effect of the concentration of the considered nitrile rubbers on such properties of the compositions as yield strength, tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, melt flow rate and heat resistance. It was found that, regardless of the type of used nitrile butadiene rubber, with an increase in its content in the composition of the ethylene/1-hexene copolymer, a regular decrease in strength parameters, heat resistance, and melt fluidity is observed. It is shown that with the loading of 30 wt% SKN-18 or 40 wt% SKN-26 and SKN-40 into the composition of the ethylene/1-hexene copolymer phase inversion occurs in the composite materials, according to which the dispersed phase becomes a dispersed medium. The thermomechanical properties of the considered samples were studied. It was found that in those samples in which phase inversion occurred, a region of a highly elastic plateau is formed, which increases with an increase in the content of the rubber component. This area indicates the formation of elastomer with rubber properties. The regularities of crystallization of the compositions depending on the content of the amorphous component were studied by the method of stepwise dilatometry. The mechanism of crystal formation was studied depending on the content of the amorphous component. The influence of the crosslinking agent concentration – dicumyl peroxide on the main properties of dynamically vulcanized elastomers has been studied.


Developing a 'sustainably safe' road network involves the completion of various design phases. A tool has been developed to better understand how 'sustainably safe' a road network in an area is. This 'sustainable safety meter' can be used in the various design and implementation phases to determine the level of 'sustainable safety'. This report is an account of the phased development of the 'sustainable safety meter'. The first phase concerned a desk study that attempted to assign measurable indicators and criteria to the 'sustainable safety' requirements. In this way, a prototype for the 'sustainable safety meter' was created. At the same time, the kind of information necessary for obtaining a measurement became clear. The second phase consisted of an experimental test of this prototype under practical conditions, in this case, in West-Zeeuwsch-Vlaanderen, Netherlands. The test run showed that not all design phases could be clearly classified. The study also showed that the 'sustainable safety' requirements concerning the homogeneity of traffic flows could best be covered by the indicators. In general, it would also be feasible to express the requirements related to the predictability of both traffic situations and the behaviour of road users in indicators. For the requirements related to the functionality of infrastructure, this would be more difficult.


We construct an heterogeneous agent-based model of the corporate bond market and calibrate it against US data. The model includes the interactions between a market maker, three types of fund, and cash investors. In general, the sensitivity of the market maker to demand and the degree to which momentum traders are active strongly influence the over- and under-shooting of yields in response to shocks, while investor behaviour plays a comparatively smaller role. Using the model, we simulate experiments of relevance to two topical issues in this market. Firstly, we show that measures to reduce the speed with which investors can redeem investments can reduce the extent of yield dislocation. Secondly, we find the unexpected result that a larger fraction of funds using passive investment strategies increases the tail risk of large yield dislocations after shocks.


The fused deposited material (FDM) 3D printing technique has advanced to the point that it can now be utilised with a variety of materials. However, it still confronts challenges in quality control as flaws in the printed model frequently go undetected throughout the printing process. Consequently, time and materials easily go to waste. By employing an intelligent system that can detect faults throughout the printing process and pauses or halts the printing activity to apply corrective actions can prevent such issues. Hence, this paper presents a study on failure object detection of under extrusion in 3D printing by using YOLOv5 models of size n, s, m, l and xl with three different sets of data consisting of 600, 1200 and 2400 images. Simulation results showed that the YOLOv5 models were able to effectively detect under extrusion failures in 3D printing with varying accuracy based on the model size and data set. Based on the results, the YOLOv5xl model with a dataset of 2400 images achieved the highest detection accuracy among all models and datasets. These findings have potential implications for improving the reliability and efficiency of 3D printing process.


A novel signal processing approach is developed in the present study for accurate evaluation of the output frequency responses of nonlinear systems to sinusoidal inputs. Simulation study is conducted, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed approach. The approach is also applied to analyze the experimental data from dynamic testing of rheological properties of a polymer material. The result shows that the approach has a considerable potential to be used in a wide range of engineering applications.


Covert communications between underwater and aerial platforms would increase the flexibility of surface and air vehicles engaged in undersea warfare by providing a new netcentric warfare communication capability and could have a variety of commercial and oceanographic applications. Research into an acousto-optic sensor shows promise as a means for detecting acoustic data projected towards the water surface from a submerged platform. The laser-based sensor probes the water surface to detect interface vibrations caused by an impinging acoustic pressure field. A number of experimental and simulation studies were conducted to demonstrate acousto-optic sensor feasibility for obtaining robust recordings of acoustic communication signals across the air-water interface. The recorded surface velocity signals were transferred to an acoustic communication receiver that employs conventional acoustic telemetry algorithms such as adaptive equalization and Viterbi convolutional decoding to decode the signal. The detected, equalized, and decoded bit error rate performance is presented for hydrostatic, more realistic hydrodynamic water surface conditions, and hydrodynamic surface conditions while employing a surface normal tracking unit that is designed to mitigate degradation in communication performance as a result of optical signal dropout.


With the progress of urban intelligent construction, urban rail transit trains have become one of the most important ways for urban traffic. Optimization operation is a key to further improve the performance of urban rail transit. In this work, an energy saving velocity planning algorithm for rail transit train with running and computation delays is proposed. First, an optimization model with considering both running and computation delays is established for velocity planning. Then, the velocity planning algorithm frame is proposed based on Gauss pseudospectral distribution, where the running delay and computation delay are tackled separately. Meanwhile, the gradient information of transform nonlinear programming (NLP) problem is derived in detail so that NLP solver can be employed to obtain accuracy results. Furthermore, the implementation steps of the proposed algorithm are given. Finally, simulation tests are carried out on a two‐station running rail transit train model with three different delay situations and two different slopes railway. Numerical results and comparison show the effectiveness and correctness of the proposed method for rail transit train velocity planning with delays.