Learning disabilities (LD) are problem that influence the brain capacity to receive, process, analyse and store information. These processing issues can interfere with learning fundamental abilities, for example, reading (Dyslexia), writing (Dysgraphia) and math (Dyscalculia). Fortunately, in today's world technology, we have numerous option techniques for educating and supporting fundamental skills in reading, writing and math such as mobile learning by using mobile app. However, the research in mobile app design model for Dyscalculia children is still scarce: very few studies have focus on how to design and develop appropriate mobile app for Dyscalculia children from the perspective of mobile app designers and developers. The purpose of this paper is to identify the appropriate components that should be included in the mobile app model. Interview sessions were conducted with Dyscalculia practitioners that involved a teacher, paediatric and an educational psychology. This has resulted in identifying 16 components that can be included in the mobile app design model.


This paper aims to raise a reflexive approach on the dance theater, especially created by the german choreographer Pina Bausch, from the perspective of memetic. During the writing, there is a discussion on the emergence and development of german dance-theater in the twentieth century, as well as about life, career artistic of Bausch and developments memetics present in the creative processes and choreographies of their dance-theater.


The systematic measurements of the asymmetry in π‐p elastic scattering in the backward hemisphere have been performed at the ITEP accelerator at momenta between 1.4 and 2.1 GeV/c. Here we present these new data combined with our earlier results in the central angular region. (AIP)


Engineering industrial microbial strains with inulinase production for developing a consolidated bioprocessing (CBP) strategy is a desirable solution to biofuel production from Jerusalem artichoke tubers. In this study, the integrative vector pFA6a‐rDNA‐PGK‐INU was generated by fusing the 3.3‐kb ribosomal DNA fragment with the phosphoglycerate kinase promoter to regulate the expression of the inulinase gene isolated from Kluyveromyces marxianus, which was then integrated into the chromosome of an industrial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain for ethanol production from Jerusalem artichoke tubers. Compared to the host strain, no significant difference was observed in the growth of the recombinant yeast, but its inulinase production was enhanced: 22.9 versus 10.6 U/mL for aerobic seed cultures and 14.5 versus 10.0 U/mL for ethanol fermentation, which consequently facilitated the CBP process for ethanol production: 72.5 g/L ethanol produced in a fermentation time of 48 h, while only 67.0 g/L ethanol was produced by the host strain in a fermentation time of 60 h. Thus, the ethanol productivity was increased from 1.12 to 1.51 g/L/h, presenting an increase of 34.8%.


Multi-Band Area Monitors are currently employed by national authorities and agencies to implement monitoring networks able to evaluate the exposure generated by RF-EMF sources in a given geographical area. In most of the cases the focus is the evaluation of the exposure generated by sources operating in High Frequency Bands (f > 30 MHz), but in some particular case the sources operate in Low Frequency Bands (10 kHz–30 MHz), e.g. high power transmitters for long distance communications. Depending from the different applicative scenarios present in the different nodes of the network, an Area Monitor can be equipped or not with a cabling for the connection to an external power source. Since it is well known that low frequency electric fields are very sensitive to environmental boundary conditions, represented e.g. by interconnecting conductive cablings, some experimental activities have been performed to evaluate this kind of adverse phenomena and the effectiveness of possible countermeasures. The results of this experimental activity are described in the paper.


Abstract Nowadays we use many types of bicycle in the world for daily commute. Like we have normal bicycle which needs paddling for moving it, we also have motorized bicycle option which uses fuel for its prime power and next is the electric bicycle which we can use only for an hour. Because we find some weaknesses in the existing systems, the idea of making the solar powered electric bicycle came in to mind. The main concept is to make the bicycle cover longer distance in terms of electric power and it can be automatically recharge by solar power or energy when the bicycle is parked or not in use. In this concept we are putting the high torque motor on the bicycle which will be run by battery and that battery can be charged by solar energy. For generation of power using solar cells the absorption of solar energy is done by portable solar panels. If the power absorbed by solar panel can match the power requirement of battery or the motor then that power is directly used for charging the battery or driving the motor. If direct use is not possible then, the motor will use the power from battery. When the bicycle is not in use during day time, solar panels will charge the battery. Because of this system the bicycle will work more efficiently. Keywords: Bicycle, DC motor, solar panels, conversion of energy, battery Cite this Article Aniket J. Borawane, Vivek P. Chaudhari, Pratik P. Devne et al . Design and Manufacturing of Solar Powered Electric Bicycle. Journal of Instrumentation Technology & Innovations . 2018; 8(2):    36–41p.


Discussion among many people is important and essential for SDGs and democary. Providing good support is critical for establishing and maintaining coherent discussions. Large-scale online discussion platforms are receiving great attention as potential next-generation methods for smart democratic citizen platforms. Such platforms require support functions that can efficiently achieve a consensus, reasonably integrate ideas, and discourage flaming. We are developing several crowd-scale discussion platforms and conducting social experiments. In the initial version for such system, we employed human facilitators in order to achieve good disucssion. However, we clarified the critical problems faced by human facilitators caused by the difficulty of facilitating crowd-scale online discussions. In this work, we propose an automated facilitation agent[Ito and Shiramatsu, 2018] to manage online discussions. An automated facilitator agent extracts the discussion structure from the texts posted in discussions by people. In this paper, we present our current implementation of a crowd-scale discussion support system based on an automated facilitation agent, which extracts discussion structures from text discussions, analyzes them, and posts facilitation messages. We conducted a large-scale social experiment with Nagoya City 's local government in which our automated facilitation agent worked well.


Abstract. The following new lichen species are described from the Atlantic rain forest remnant Pedra Talhada (Alagoas, Brazil): Hafellia nortetrapla, with four ascospores per asci, ascospores grey to brown, 1-septate, 30–38 × 13–16 µm, and norstictic acid as secondary chemistry, and Pterygiopsis densisidiata, with an appressed thallus, densely covered with branched isidia, and clearly clustering with species inside the core group of the order Lichinomycetes, as shown by analysis of mtSSU region sequences. A further 19 species are reported as new to Brazil, and 307 new to the state of Alagoas. In total, 442 species have been identified thus far in our collections from Pedra Talhada, and a list of the species is provided.


An increase in mortality rates is primarily caused by physical inactivity. In emerging nations, there is more physical inactivity among college or university students. The risk of getting non-communicable diseases rises with the drop-in physical activity at this age. The goal of the study was to understand the level of physical activity among university students and determine whether there is any relationship between the level of physical activity and body mass index. This is because a gradual increase in sedentary lifestyle coupled with an increase in consumption of a modern hypercaloric diet has led to a substantial increase in the number of overweight or obese youth. Methods: A descriptive-correlative study was conducted among 292 undergraduate students in a selected health science university, Mangalore. The samples were selected by using disproportionate stratified sampling techniques. A standardized international physical activity questionnaire was used to determine the level of physical activity, and a BMI screening tool was used to measure the body mass index of students.


BACKGROUND: We investigated the effects of the &agr;-2 adrenoceptor agonists clonidine and dexmedetomidine on the neuromuscular blocking effect of rocuronium in vitro. METHODS: Isometric twitch tensions of rat nerve–hemidiaphragm preparations elicited by indirect (phrenic nerve) supramaximal stimulation at 0.1 Hz were evaluated. RESULTS: Clonidine and dexmedetomidine 50 &mgr;M (n = 6 each), but not 0.05 &mgr;M, shifted the rocuronium concentration–twitch tension curves to the left and decreased the rocuronium concentration for 50% twitch depression (IC50) compared with control (n = 9, P < 0.01). The leftward shift induced by clonidine 50 &mgr;M or dexmedetomidine 50 &mgr;M was not antagonized by yohimbine 50 &mgr;M, an &agr;-2 adrenoceptor antagonist. Twitch tensions partially depressed by 7 &mgr;M rocuronium, to about 65% of the control, were further suppressed in a concentration-dependent manner by clonidine (n = 6) and dexmedetomidine (n = 9) at concentrations of 30 &mgr;M or more (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that very high, but not therapeutic, concentrations of clonidine and dexmedetomidine enhance the neuromuscular blocking action of rocuronium, but this is not mediated by an agonist action on &agr;-2 adrenoceptors.


Gasification has great potential to make use of the biomass and wastes as a source for energy among various thermochemical conversion processes. The aim of this work is to study the suitability of yard waste for energy conversion using gasification process by Thermo gravimetric analysis. Yard waste (consisting of leaves, twigs and grass clippings) is collected from the National Institute of Technology Warangal. It is then dried and ground to a particle size of less than 250μm for thermo gravimetric study. Before going to thermo gravimetric analysis; the sample is analyzed to measure the main properties that affect thermal conversion. Moisture content present in the sample is determined by the oven drying method. Proximate is done according to standard ASTM test methods and ultimate analysis is conducted using elemental analyzer. Finally thermo gravimetric analyses is performed at various heating rates of 10, 30, and 50°Cmin−1 in nitrogen (inert) and air (oxidizing) atmospheres. The weight losses of yard waste in inert atmosphere occur in three stages and in air it occurs in four stages.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


The Kokarkuyu Formation (Early Triassic) from the Çürük Dağ section, Western Taurus, Antalya Nappes, Turkey was carefully sampled for a taxonomic study of the ostracods. A total of 57 species belonging to 15 genera are recognized. Three species are newly described: Monoceratina hussonae sp. nov., Reviya sylvieae sp. nov. and Eukloedenella adcapitisdolorella sp. nov. The present data are the first Neo-Tethyan illustration of ostracod survival in the aftermath of the end-Permian extinction in a refuge of microbial origin. Ostracods are abundant within the microbialites at the base of the formation and allow the reconstruction of ontogenetic series for nine species. Shape variations through ontogeny are described for seven species: Bairdia? kemerensis, Praezabythocypris? ottomanensis, Liuzhinia antalyaensis, Paracypris gaetanii, Reviya curukensis, R. sylvieae and Eukloedenella adcapitisdolorella. Paedomorphosis through deceleration and peramorphosis through acceleration are identified as secondary survival strategies following the end-Permian extinction. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:6849AB0D-B085-47BE-950A-BC98CC50C4E3


A two-parameter, human behavior Covid-19 infection growth model predicts total infections between -4.2% (overprediction) and 4.5% (underprediction) of actual infections from July 27, 2020 to September 30, 2020 for 10 US States (NY, WA, GA, IL, MN, FL, OH, MI, CA, NC). During that time, total Covid-19 infections for 9 of the 10 modeled US States grew by 60% (MI) to 95% (MN). Only NY limited Covid-19 infection growth with an 11% increase from July 27 to September 30, 2020. September is a month with contraposing effects of increased social interaction (eg, physical school openings) and outdoor temperatures decreasing to the 50F (10C) to 70F (21C) range in which outdoor activities and building ventilation are beneficially increased. All State infection predictions except GA, FL and CA predictions through September 30 are bounded by four prediction scenarios (no school with outdoor temperature effect, no school with no outdoor temperature effect, school with temperature effect, school with no temperature effect). GA, FL and CA continued along a path slightly below the linear infection growth boundary separating infection growth and decay, resulting in overprediction of infection growth over the two month simulation period(-3.1% for GA, -1.9% for FL, and -4.5% for CA). Three eastern States (NY, NC, and GA) are most accurately represented by models that assume no significant change in social interactions coupled with minor outdoor temperature effects. Four midwestern States (IL, MI, MN, OH) are most accurately modeled with minor outdoor temperature effects due to a delayed decrease in average outdoor temperatures in the Midwest. The remaining three States (WA, FL, and CA) are also in good agreement with the model but with differing weather condition and social interaction impacts. Overall, model predictions continue to support the basic premise that human behavior in the US oscillates across a linear infection growth boundary that divides accelerated infection growth and decaying infection transmission.


The thesis Categorització semàntica de les parts del cos en català i amazic: un estudi comparatiu, which has as its theoretical framework the cognitive semantics, is based on the observation that languages show different ways to interpret and classify entities and world events into categories. Moreover, they give different values, literal or metaphorical, to each one of the words that label these categories. This thesis focuses on the categorization and labeling study of body parts in Catalan and Berber (Riffian). By describing the categorization's similarities and differences of the internal and external body parts in both languages, we analyze the literal and metaphorical or metonymic value assigned to words labeling parts of the body from a lexical typology point of view. The objective of this thesis is to understand the cognitive processes that govern the categorization, and to set a series of generalizations applicable to different semantic fields. Besides, in analyzing the Riffian spoken in Catalonia, it has also been taken into account how the L2 can influence the L1 categorization, depending on the time of residence in the host country.


The method of quasilinearization is an effective tool to solve nonlinear equations when some conditions on the nonlinear term of the problem are satisfied. When the conditions hold, applying this technique gives two sequences of coupled linear equations and the solutions of these linear equations are quadratically convergent to the solution of the nonlinear problem. In this article, using some transformations, the well-known Blasius equation which is a nonlinear third order boundary value problem, is converted to a nonlinear Volterra integral equation satisfying the conditions of the quasilinearization scheme. By applying the quasilinearization, the solutions of the obtained linear integral equations are approximated by the collocation method. Employing the inverse of the transformation gives the approximation solution of the Blasius equation. Error analysis is performed and comparison of results with the other methods shows the priority of the proposed method.


This application discloses compositions and methods for the synthesis and use of Preferably In other embodiments, In a more preferred embodiment, the chelating moiety or targetable construct may have been conjugate to a targeting molecule such as an antibody or antibody fragment. .BACKGROUND


A monolithic micromachined device is presented which allows on-chip adjustments of the content of organic modifier in the run buffer for fast, efficient MEKC separations. Isocratic and gradient conditions are controlled by proper setting of voltages applied to the buffer reservoirs of the microchip. The precision of this control is tested for gradients of various shapes (linear, concave, convex) by mixing pure buffer and buffer doped with a fluorescent dye. The effect of isocratic and gradient solvent changes on the MEKC separation of a mixture of coumarin dyes is demonstrated using methanol and acetonitrile as modifiers. Separations were carried out using a column length of 25 mm and a field strength of 660 V/cm with high resolution. Analysis times were as short as 33 s for methanol and under 22 s for acetonitrile. Gradients with both modifiers were executed within 10 s. Of the two modifiers, acetonitrile proved to have a more pronounced impact on the elution pattern of the test mixture. Only slight band...


This study used a pre- and postevaluation with a control group to compare the effectiveness of two divorce education programs: skill-based Children in the Middle (CIM) and informationbased Children First in Divorce (CFD). Each treatment group consisted of approximately 125 divorcing parents mandated to attend divorce education in Florida. The control group consisted of 64 divorcing parents not mandated to attend divorce education in Alabama for lack of a program. Treatment and control parents lived in comparable cities with comparable demographics. Results indicate that CIM, not CFD, improved parental communication. Both CIM and CFD reduced child exposure to parental conflict. Neither program had effects on domestic violence, actual parental conflict, or child behavior problems. Across all groups, parents with greater divorce knowledge and communication skills experienced more reciprocal discussions with the other parent, less parental conflict, less domestic violence, and they exposed children to less conflict. Language: en


Abstract Two pressure swing adsorption (PSA) cycles are used to produce a high-purity H2 from an H2-lean mixture containing strongly adsorbable gases. Zeolite 5A is used as the sorbent. The use of an evacuation step in the cycle is found necessary for this difficult separation. In addition, a new vacuum purge step is found efficient and a promising step for commercial application. A bidisperse pore diffusion model along with a simple algorithm is developed for the cycle performance. The model is simpler than all previous bidisperse pore models due to two justified simplifying assumptions: parabolic concentration profiles in crystal and pellet, and a double volume-average technique. The effects of both micropore and macropore diffusion resistances on the cyclic separation are found to be small but significant. A basic understanding of the transient adsorber dynamics is obtained through the bidisperse pore diffusion model.


A circle forming problem for a group of mobile agents governed by first-order system is investigated, where each agent can only sense the relative angular positions of its neighboring two agents with time delay and move on the one-dimensional space of a given circle. To solve this problem, a novel decentralized sampled-data control law is proposed. By combining algebraic graph theory with control theory, some necessary and sufficient conditions are established to guarantee that all the mobile agents form a pregiven circle formation asymptotically. Moreover, the ranges of the sampling period and the coupling delay are determined, respectively. Finally, the theoretical results are demonstrated by numerical simulations.


PART I: DEVELOPING A FOUNDATION. 1. Understanding Classroom Management. 2. Understanding Adolescence. PART II: BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL CLASSROOM OF LEARNERS. 3. Developing Trust. 4. Facilitating Positive Self-Concepts. 5. Improving Motivation. 6. Promoting Self-Determination. 7. Building Resiliency. 8. Developing Social Skills. PART III: WORKING WITH INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS. 9. Responding to Quiet and Obvious Behavioral and Emotional Problems. 10. Managing Adolescents with Mental Illness. Conclusion. References. Index.


1. Observations have been made on the behaviour of S. ornatum in relation to its role as a vector of O. gutturosa, a common parasite of cattle in Britain. 2. Most of the S. ornatum biting cattle alight on the ventral surface of the animal and it has been shown that this behaviour is affected by the degree of illumination. 3. The umbilicus is the preferred site for a blood meal by S. ornatum and it is this region where the microfilarial density is the highest. 4. The biting behaviour of S. ornatum is affected by the arrangement of the hair in relation to the skin surface. The umbilicus is preferred because here the hairs are so arranged that the flies readily gain access to the skin. The teats are bitten usually when fly activity is very heavy and then the umbilicus is covered with feeding S. ornatum. 5. The mean number of O. gutturosa microfilariae ingested by S. ornatum, but not the quantity of blood, increases with increased time spent feeding on an infected animal. 6. There is no causal relationship between the loss of blood per anum during and after feeding and the number of microfilariae ingested by S. ornatum. 7. Few microfilariae of O. gutturosa are lost per anum by S. ornatum during feeding despite the loss of blood by this route from the majority of flies. 8. The infective larvae of O. gutturosa are deposited by S. ornatum in the skin of the umbilicus of the cow from where they migrate to the neck or gastro-splenic region. This suggests that the worms possess an inherent directional mechanism determining their final site of development and that the point of inoculation of the infective larvae may have less importance in determining the sites of final maturation of Onchocerca species than has hitherto been believed.


A b s t r a c t This study determined whether immunoassays of factors VII (FVII) and VIII (FVIII) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) in EDTA-anticoagulated plasma samples are comparable to bioassays and immunoassays of these factors in citrate-anticoagulated plasma. Blood from 40 healthy volunteers was collected in EDTA-and citrate-anticoagulant tubes and assayed using immunoassays (EDTA and citrate) and clotting assays (citrate). Linear regression analyses were performed and Pearson correlation coefficients recorded. The correlation coefficients (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) between levels in EDTA-and citrate-anticoagulated plasma samples were 0.893 (0.806-0.943) for FVII antigen (ag), 0.930 (0.870-0.962) for FVIIIag, 0.990 (0.981-0.995) for vWFag, and 0.949 (0.906-0.973) for vWF activity. Coefficients (CIs) were 0.811(0.668-0.896) for FVII coagulant activity (c) in citrate and FVIIag in EDTA and 0.608 (0.366-0.774) for FVIIIc in citrate and FVIIIag in EDTA. Measurements of FVII, FVIII, and vWF antigens in EDTA-anticoagulated plasma samples give values comparable to similar measurements in citrate-anticoagulated samples. Clotting activity, especially of FVIII, is less well correlated. Although antigen assays using EDTA are not recommended for patients with coagulopathies, they may be suitable for population-based studies. Hemostatic factors are usually measured in citrated plasma by bioassays. However, most other clinical laboratory tests are performed using blood collected in EDTA. Situations occasionally arise where a clinician requires clotting tests on a patient who has had only EDTA-anticoagulated blood drawn, or the blood collected in a citrate tube has clotted. If the patient is still available and agrees, another blood sample may be collected and placed in a citrate-containing tube, but if a fresh sample cannot be obtained, the tests are usually omitted. To avoid this outcome, we examined whether immunoassays of 3 hemostatic factors (factors VII [FVII] and VIII [FVIII] and von Willebrand factor [vWF]) using blood collected in EDTA would provide results comparable to bioassays and immunoassays for these factors using citrate blood. Blood samples were obtained from 40 healthy volunteers , comprising an equal number of men and women aged 23 to 53 years. Excluded were persons with self-reported anemia; people taking medications for high blood pressure, heart disease, or diabetes; and women with self-reported pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives or estrogens. The study was approved by the Northwestern University Institutional Review Board (Chicago, IL), and all volunteers provided written informed consent. For the study, 30 mL of blood was collected from each volunteer and divided into aliquots for 2 EDTA tubes and …


Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intralesional 5-fluorouracil alone, intralesional triamcinolone acetonide alone and combination of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and 5-fluorouracil in treatment of keloids. Methods Ninety patients who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into three groups of 30 each. In group A; Intralesional 5-fluorouracil (5 FU) 50 mg/ml alone was used. In group B; Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide (TAC) 40mg/dl alone was used. In group c; combination of intralesional triamcinolone acetonide 40mg/dl (0.1ml) and 5-fluorouracil 50mg/ml (0.9ml) was used, on monthly basis for 6 months. Patients were assessed for efficacy, after 6 months of the treatment. Results  Efficacy was achieved in 70 cases in which 22 were from 5 FU group, 21 were from TAC group, and 27 were from 5 FU + TAC group. Statistically significant difference was found between TAC Vs 5 FU+TAC group i.e. p-value=0.02 and between 5 FU Vs 5 FU+TAC group i.e. p-value=0.04. Conclusion The combination of 5-FU+TAC has better efficacy as compared to 5-FU alone group & TAC alone group in the management of keloids.


abstract Nowhere cool', a short story by Ama Ata Aidoo, is divided into two sections. In the first, a child sits in a classroom in what is presumably Ghana, feeling alienated by the "familiar things that were begin chased away by the demands of the culture of our conquerors" in the literature discussed by the teacher (2002, p. 136). In the second, a Ghanaian woman travels in a plane across the United States of America (USA). She notices a plastic address tag on the baby of the woman next to her, and starts thinking of plastic as material, of oil and of how slavery makes humans into cargo. This short story therefore consists of philosophical rumination on the nature of humans' relationship to material and literary objects. I read 'Nowhere cool' as part of a black feminist epistemological tradition aimed at exposing the situatedness of supposedly neutral western thought, and at emphasising the embodiment and social embeddedness of all knowledge. I argue that the story's specific focus on the nonhuman and on extractive economies allows for it to be read as a corrective to the same universalising gestures in posthumanist considerations of the nonhuman. I bring the story into dialogue with Graham Harman's (2018) Object-oriented Ontology (OOO) to contend that while OOO is aimed at criticising anthropocentrism, a specific human perspective (that of the western white male) is "overrepresented" (Wynter 2003) in it. This has consequences for OOO and posthumanism more generally, since it means that the new relationship to the nonhuman Harman proposes is divorced from the reality of many humans' relationship with the nonhuman. Posthuman ontologies need to build on the insights of black feminism in order to not replicate the skewed nature and resultant inaccuracies of hegemonic theories of the past.


In diesel combustion, spray evaporation and mixture formation during ignition delay period play an important role in ignition, combustion and emission production. Spray evaporation begins immediately after start of fuel injection under the condition of high ambient temperature, in particular, at the middle of the spray. Spray atomization is fast promoted at this region, leading to ignition. The ambient temperature and injection pressures affect the droplets size and the number of droplets. In this project, the fuel will be injected at various injection parameters inside spray chamber in order to study the affect of that parameter towards spray characteristics. An analysis study was performed to investigate the macroscopic spray structure and the spray characteristics of high-pressure injector for the diesel engine. The spray structure and microscopic characteristics of high-pressure diesel injector were investigated when fuel was injected at various injection pressures and different nozzle diameter. Spray developing process, spray cone angle and spray tip penetration were obtained by using the software simulation of ANSYS-FLUENT, and the quantitative result of spray characteristics will be analyzes.


In a review there is provided information on modern approaches to the diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. The use of various markers and screening methods and their role in pregnancy outcomes for the mother and fetus according to gestation of diagnosis are examined. The data obtained demonstrate that gestational diabetes, detected in early pregnancy, represents a special group of high risk of adverse outcomes and requires focused approaches in management.


The need to stimulate generation investment is a growing challenge in deregulated electricity markets worldwide. Capacity payments and capacity markets have been investigated for this purpose. Latin American mar- kets are exploring energy supply auctions, an avenue that is assessed in this paper. Auction mechanisms are studied through auction theory by using Bayesian equilibrium concepts. Two sealed bid auction formats are reviewed: a single object first-price auction and single object second- price auction. These formats are analyzed under a pseudo common value and symmetric equilibrium framework. In order to solve the first order conditions of the program- ming models and to compute the price market, numerical and sampling methods are used as Monte Carlo heuristics. The developed models are applied to assess future auctions in the Chilean electricity market.


bis-Abstract Uterine fibroids have been treated mainly with resection via hys-teroscopy, laparoscopy or laparotomy, or with hysterectomy. Transcatheter embolization of the uterine arteries (UAE) has been used to treat obstetric bleeding complications, bleeding from pelvic tumors, and, recently, uterine fibroids. The potential advantages are preservation of the uterus with a minimally invasive technique, avoidance of surgery and surgical complications, and reduced costs. Published reports indicate improvement of bleeding problems in 85–95% of patients within 3–9 months of the procedure and reduction of uterine or fibroid volume by 60– 80%. Overall 60–80% of patients are satisfied with the results of UAE and would recommend the procedure. A number of un-eventful pregnancies subsequent to UAE have been reported. Diffuse abdominal pain of varying intensity and duration, slight fever, leucocytosis and signs of peritoneal irritation are common after embolization. Endometritis, myometrial necrosis (2%), and two deaths (sepsis, pulmonary embolism) have been reported among the 7000 published procedures. The effects of UAE on ovarian function are unclear. A registration of long-term results, recurrence rates, side effects and complications would help physicians counsel patients about the role of UAE in the treat-ment of uterine fibroids.


The quick analysis system for underground pipeline coating detection has been set up.Defect orientation of the system is made by using the dyadic wavelet transform of ON,instant OFF close interval potential survey(CIPS) potential and the difference of them.It is indicated that the extreme values of detail-coefficients of dyadic wavelet transform will increase with the scale at the damaged points otherwise it will decrease with the scale at the other places.With the product of the third layer detail-coefficients and the product of the third layer smoothed-coefficients of those three curves obtained,the damaged points of the coating could be easily found.To diagnose the coating state of the system the wavelet Kohonen neural network is set up.The front layers of the network are corresponding to multiresolution decompositions,which has the ability of picking up the information.The last layer of the model is corresponding to Kohonen neural network,which has the ability of self-training.The coating state can be quickly diagnosed after the galvanostatic transient response is input to the model.The CIPS is used in pilot detection.Then the damaged points of the coating can be made certain by the defect orientation part of the system.The galvanostatic transient response method is used to detect the coating state of buried pipelines at the damaged point.Then the coating state can be judged by the coating state diagnosis part of the system.The detection result of real pipeline between Dagang and Cangzhou of Tianjin Dagang oil field was satisfactorily.


Objective: To observe the effect of ketosteril in the treatment of chronic renal failure.Method: 54 patients with chronic renal failure were randomly divided into 2 groups.The patients in control group were underwent conventional therapy,while patients in the experiment group were underwent ketosteril added by vein.Treatment courses lasted 8 weeks in both groups.Biochemical indicators were detected before and after therapy.Result: After the therapy,the values of BUN,Scr,TC,TG,phosphorus and PTH were reduced,while the ALB and hypocalceamia were promoted significantly in the experiment groups(P0.05).And there were significant difference between the values in experiment group and those in control group(P0.05).Conclusion: The ketosteril treatment for the chronic renal failure can protect the renal function and delay the process of renal failure.


In response to actual or anticipated stressors, the central nervous system elicits neural, neuroendocrine, and behavioral stress responses that facilitate survival and restoration of homeostatic balance. Caloric deficit attenuates many of these responses, including neural drive to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, anxiety-like behavior, and stress-induced hypophagia. These alterations may represent an adaptive shift in stress responses during periods of negative energy balance, however, the neural mechanisms by which they occur remain unclear. Hindbrain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) neurons and prolactin-releasing peptide-positive noradrenergic A2 (PrRP+ A2) neurons are stress-sensitive and receive robust ingestive/metabolic information. Moreover, signaling from these populations contributes to each of the stress responses altered during fasting. Considering this, we hypothesized that the ability of caloric deficit to decrease anxiety-like behavior, stress hypophagia, and central drive to the HPA axis depends on reduced signaling from hindbrain GLP-1 and PrRP+ A2 neurons.
In Chapter 2, we demonstrate that overnight fasting markedly reduces visceral stress-induced cFos activation of GLP-1 neurons, A2 neurons, and forebrain neurons implicated in HPA axis drive. Furthermore, the results of Chapter 3 reveal that overnight fasting nearly eliminates cognitive stress-induced activation of GLP-1 and PrRP+ A2 neurons. Fasting also decreased anxiety-like behavior, in conjunction with attenuations in cognitive stress-induced cFos expression within a limbic forebrain nucleus implicated in anxiogenesis and HPA axis activation. Finally, using central administration of a GLP-1 receptor antagonist, we demonstrated that central GLP-1 signaling is critical for cognitive stress-induced hypophagia. Together, these findings document the metabolic tuning of stress-induced GLP-1 and PrRP+ A2 neural activation and implicate fasting-mediated reductions in activation of these neurons in the attenuation of behavioral stress responses. Considering this, we investigated the mechanisms by which fasting alters activation of GLP-1 and PrRP+ A2 neurons. Our results revealed that systemic ghrelin receptor antagonist administration partially rescued stress-induced activation of GLP-1 and PrRP+ A2 neurons in fasted rats. In sum, the results of this dissertation work support the hypothesis that metabolic tuning of hindbrain GLP-1 and PrRP+ A2 neurons is a mechanism through which caloric deficit decreases central drive to the HPA axis, promotes anxiolysis, and attenuates hypophagic responses to acute stress.


The main contribution of this paper is to present a straightforward yet effective historical input selection method for real-time traffic forecasting. Historical inputs are crucial elements in traffic forecasting because they help models recognize historical traffic patterns. However, selecting appropriate historical inputs becomes challenging, especially on irregular holidays with abnormal traffic patterns.As a solution, we suggest a method with three clear strengths. First, it is simple enough to employ in real-time computation. Second, our method provides more sophisticated features than existing studies which roughly categorize and match similar days. Finally, our method outperforms existing methods remarkably, given the unusual traffic patterns on special holidays.Our experiments verified the outperformance through an industrial prediction model and traffic dataset from a leading mobility service provider in South Korea.


This article focusses on the intersection of distributed machine learning and organizational design in the context of multi-agent systems. A computational approach to distributed reinforcement learning from experience and interaction is described and analyzed. According to this approach, multiple agents coordinate their actions by collectively learning appropriate instantiations of one of the most fundamental organizational structures, namely, hierarchically arranged groups of compatible agents. Distributed learning encompasses two interrelated processes: credit assignment (i.e., the process of approximating the goal relevance of the agents' and the groups' activities) and group development (i.e., the process of creating new and dissolving old groups). The approach is formalized in an algorithm called DFG. Theoretical and experimental results are presented which demonstrate the learning abilities of this approach. The approach is discussed and research directions are suggested.


A new 3D supramolecular compound [Zn(H2O)6](ada)(bipy) was obtained through the hydrothermal reaction of zinc(Ⅱ) acetate with mixed ligands——sodium anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate(Na2ada) and 4,4-bipyridine(bipy), and the product was characterized by elemental analysis and X-ray diffractometry.The test results revealed that the compound belonged to a triclinic system with a P-1 space group,and the cell parameters were a=0.764 8(2) nm,b=1.172 3(3) nm,c=1.583 7(5) nm,α=103.150(6)°,β=90.450(5)°,and γ=92.815(5)°.The structural analysis of the compounds indicates that there are multiple hydrogen bonding and π…π stacking interactions between the aromatic molecules,and the 3D supramolecular network of the title compound is formed through hydrogen and π…π stacking interactions.


A hand tool has a handle (1) and a tool part. In this case the handle is in its solid material (2) provided with embedded therein fragrances (3). Advantageously, the handle (1) from an injection material and fragrances, in particular essential oils are volatile stored in the injection molding material.


This article researches the Chinese Language Education in most European countries, summarizes the current level of Chinese Language Education among European overseas Chinese community, and tries to get a blueprint of the development trend of Chinese Language Education in the future Europe.


Using recent determinations of the mass and orbit of Sagittarius, I calculate its orbital angular momentum. From the latest observational data, I also calculate the angular momentum of the Milky Way's warp. I find that both angular momenta are directed toward l ≈ 270◦, b = 0◦, and have magnitude 2–8× 10 M kpc km s−1, where the range in both cases reflects uncertainty in the mass. The coincidence of the angular momenta is suggestive of a coupling between these systems. Direct gravitational torque of Sgr on the disk is ruled out as the coupling mechanism. Gravitational torque due to a wake in the halo and the impulsive deposition of momentum by a passage of Sgr through the disk are still both viable mechanisms pending better simulations to test their predictions on the observed Sgr-MW system. Subject headings: Galaxy: disk — Galaxy: kinematics and dynamics — galaxies: individual: Sagittarius dSph — galaxies: interactions — Galaxy: halo


Latinos and the New Immigrant Church. By David A. Badillo. (Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 2006. Pp. xxiii, 275. Notes, index. Cloth, $60.00; Paper, $22.95). Recognizing that the religious dimension of Latino immigration has been grievously neglected, David A. Badillo here undertakes to provide broad scale coverage of that topic. He takes passing notice of Protestantism, but is principally concerned with Catholicism since that is the religious tradition to which the overwhelming majority of Latinos are historically attached. Besides exploring how Latino immigrants have fared in the Catholic Church in this country, he asserts that their coming is reshaping American Catholicism into a "new immigrant church" comparable to, but different from, the one created by the great migrations of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The book is organized as a series of discrete studies of the experience of three groups (with incidental attention to others) in four urban settings. The groups are Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans. The cities are San Antonio, New York City, Chicago, and Miami. Though not a conventionally structured history, the individual studies are set forth in roughly chronological order, as follows: 1) a description of Iberian Catholicism and its transmission to the new world; 2) the impact of the Mexican Revolution on the religious situation in San Antonio from the 1910s through the 1930s; 3) Puerto Ricans in New York up to World War II; 4) how bishops in San Antonio, New York, and Chicago dealt with Latino immigration in the 1940s and 50s; 5) Cubans in Miami from Castro's revolution to the present; 6) Latinos in Chicago and its suburbs from the 1960s through the 1990s; 7) developments among Mexicans in San Antonio from the 1960s on, and among Puerto Ricans and Dominicans in New York during the same period; 8) how new social and theological developments since the Second Vatican Council (1962-65) have affected the religious situation of Latinos over the past quarter century. Badillo clearly demonstrates that it is misleading to speak of the religious experience of Latinos as though it were the same for all groups. That is hardly surprising given the very different urban settings he covers, as well as various distinctive features of the different groups, the most notable, perhaps, being the highly politicized circumstances of Cuban migration. At the same time, he notes that while the groups involved identify themselves primarily in national terms (i.e., as Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Cubans), there are some indications that a "pan-Latino" ethnic consciousness may be developing, especially among second-generation immigrants attending churches that serve more than one Latino group. …


What is Mahdism and Where Does it Come From? Mahdist Movements Throughout History Counter-Mahdist Rationales and Policies The Virtual Mahdi Today Modern Muslim Anti-Mahdists Conclusion


This paper choses a typical hi-tech incubator in Shenzhen and surveyed 150 firms it serves.At the same time,examines the participants' need for new services.Preliminary analysis shows that tangible,infrastructure-related services,finance related services,networking to government and advice to receive preferred policies are among the most popular services


Clinical review of data is a critically important element of the data management process in the pharmaceutical industry. T rad'rtional methods involve review of data after a data management team finalizes the clinical database. Innovative uses of computer technology allow for the ongoing review of data during the data entry and query process, thereby increasing the overall efficiency of the data management


Executive Summary Numerous studies have shown that composite or summary measures of intergenerational mobility, such as the intergenerational elasticity, can mask important differences in life chances for children whose parents fall along various points of the status distribution. For example, the same intergenerational elasticity can characterize both a society with high levels of mobility in the middle of the parental distribution and less mobility in the tails, as well as a society with moderate levels of mobility throughout the distribution.


The author briefly discusses the importance of risk analysis and risk management. The simplest way to protect against risks is to transfer the risk. The alternative to risk transfer, insurance, is also discussed.


In the past, the application of technology in forms of artistic creations places emphasis on subjective (i.e. art) and objective realities (i.e. technology) in the mainstream art world. However, the boundary between art and technology has become blurry and complex since the art world is now rapidly influenced by digital technology. This research examines "the convergence of art and technology" and "interdisciplinary creations in Digital Art" in terms of interdisciplinary collaborations, aesthetic characteristics, and possible future trends. The literature review addresses two key issues: 1) impacts of technology on the development of art in historical context; 2) crossing disciplines facilitates an emerging dialog and an interdisciplinary collaboration between digital technology and artistic practices. This study applied a modified Delphi method investigation by combining both qualitative and quantitative methods for statistical analysis and forecast through experts' views and perspectives. Moreover, findings indicate that the importance of the subject of art and the application of technology relies on a symbiotic relationship between embodiment and existence. The possible future trends for interdisciplinary creations and practices in Digital Art bring the integration of the collective wisdom to manifest multiple art form and languages in contemporary arts field, including the perspectives of biological body, game-like structures, and audience interactive participation.


This paper analyzes on the present situation of and the problems existing in the development and management of the human resource in university library,and advances some paths for solving these problems.


Augmented reality in e-commerce has become the latest trend in the world of online shopping. The purpose of this study is to empirically prove the influence of perceived of usefulness and the perceived ease of use towards behavioral intentions through attitudes. The urgency of this research is the new phenomenon of online shopping experience in Indonesia using augmented reality technology in e-commerce. This study used primary data by distributing questionnaires to 200 users of AR application in e-commerce with random sampling techniques. This study used Path analysis with SPSS. The results of the study prove that the perceived of usefulness and the perceived ease of use have a significant effect on online purchase intentions through attitudes. The perceived ease of use has more influence than the perceived of usefulness.


Choreic movements are rapid, purposeless, flowing motor jerks. They result from dysfunction or damage of deep brain structures, usually the caudate nucleus, putamen, subthalamic nucleus, thalamus, or their interconnecting pathways. The prototypical neurodegenerative chorea is Huntington's disease. Chorea may occur in neurodegenerative diseases, may follow structural damage to the brain, or may be seen as a feature of medical illness, metabolic derangement, or a side effect of drugs. Drugs that increase dopamine or block acetylcholine may cause chorea, and drugs that block or deplete brain dopamine are most often used to control these involuntary movements.


Intracarotid infusion of short-acting vasodilators, such as adenosine and nitroprusside, in doses that lack significant systemic side effects, may permit controlled manipulation of cerebrovascular resistance. In this experiment we assessed changes in cerebral blood flow (CBF) after intracarotid infusion of nitroprusside and adenosine. The study was conducted on six adult baboons under isoflurane anesthesia and controlled ventilation. Intracarotid drug infusion protocol avoided hypotension during nitroprusside infusion and tested for autoregulatory vasoconstriction. CBF (intraarterial 133Xe technique) was measured four times during infusions of 1) intracarotid saline, 2) IV phenylephrine (0.2 &mgr;g · kg−1 · min−1) aimed to increase mean arterial pressure by 10–15 mm Hg, 3) IV phenylephrine and intracarotid nitroprusside (0.5 &mgr;g · kg−1 · min−1), and 4) intracarotid adenosine (1 mg/min). IV phenylephrine increased mean arterial pressure (69 ± 8 to 91 ± 9 mm Hg, P < 0.0001, n = 6), and concurrent infusion of intracarotid nitroprusside reversed this effect. However, compared with baseline, CBF did not change with IV phenylephrine or with concurrent infusion of IV phenylephrine and intracarotid nitroprusside. Intracarotid adenosine profoundly increased CBF (from 29 ± 8 to 75 ± 32 mL · 100 g−1 · min−1;P < 0.0001). In nonhuman primates, intracarotid adenosine increases CBF in doses that lack significant systemic side effects, whereas intracarotid nitroprusside has no effect. Intracarotid adenosine may be useful for manipulating cerebrovascular resistance and augmenting CBF during cerebral ischemia.


It is the most common to the return of goods in reverse logistics. The return of reverse logistics is the course that is formed by the flow of return from customer to supplier for returning goods. The reason of the return of reverse logistics is analysed, and its strategy of management is researched in this paper.


Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a polyphenol that is present in coffee beans, many vegetables, and fruits. Since CGA has been reported to exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, it is expected to protect against periodontitis. In the present study, we used a ligature-induced experimental periodontitis model and investigated the beneficial effects of CGA against alveolar bone resorption caused by experimental periodontitis. To examine the inhibitory effects of CGA on bone loss, a ligature was wrapped around the maxillary right second molar, and CGA was intraperitoneally injected once a day for 2 weeks. In another experiment to investigate the restorative effects of CGA on bone loss, a ligature was wrapped around the maxillary right second molar for 2 weeks, it was then removed, and CGA was intraperitoneally injected once a day for 2 weeks. At the end of the experiments, the maxillae were removed, and CT images were taken. Alveolar bone loss was measured as the distance from the cement–enamel junction to the alveolar crest. The statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism6 (Dunn's multiple comparison test). The results revealed that the ratio of the buccal alveolar bone loss (vs. the bone loss on the nonligated side) induced by ligation was significantly decreased by the administration of CGA (5 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. Moreover, the bone loss ratio on the buccal and palatal sides after 2 weeks of ligation was significantly decreased by the 2-week administration of CGA (5 mg/kg). The present results revealed that CGA exerted preventive effects against alveolar bone loss caused by experimental periodontitis.


Hologram foil and the machine-readable indicia printed security document. A kind of (6) is applied to the substrate (1) of the security document on which the foil element. The foil element (6) comprises a security feature, such as a diffraction structure (12), for example a hologram. For ease of use of the conventional detection means detects the removal of the foil element (6) intersecting the foil element (6) marking (4,14,15), a top surface of the printed foil element (6) (7) , foil element (6) on the bottom surface (8), or on the substrate (1), so that they are removed together with the foil element (6).


Efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs is a crucial factor for high-performance photocatalysts. Effective electron-hole separation and immigration could be achieved by heterojunctions with suitable band structures. Herein, a porous SrTiO 3 /SrSO 4 heterojunction is prepared by a sol-gel method at room temperature followed by an annealing process. XRD characterization suggests high crystallinity of the heterostructure. A well-defined interface between the two phases is confirmed by HRTEM. The photocatalytic H 2 evolution productivity of SrTiO 3 /SrSO 4 heterojunction with Pt as co-catalyst reaches 396.82μmolg -1 h -1 , which is 16 times higher than that of SrTiO 3 /Pt. The boosted photocatalytic activity of SrTiO 3 /SrSO 4 /Pt can be ascribed to the presence of SrSO 4 , which promotes the transfer and immigration of photogenerated carriers by forming heterojunction and the porous structure, which provides a large amounts of active sites. This novel porous heterostructure brings new ideas for the development of high-efficiency photocatalysts for H 2 release.


An organization should focus on implementing customer relationship management (CRM) strategies to enhance profitability, customer satisfaction, and loyalty. This is to seek, gather and store the right information, validate and share it throughout the organization. The purpose of this study is to determine the dimensions that have the significant effect on customer relationship management (CRM) practices on tourist satisfaction. The contribution on how CRM build tourist satisfaction to earn their loyalty and the level of the CRM dimension in the hotel was also explored. The study was conducted at the Hallmark Regency Hotel, Johor Bahru. The quantitative
methodology was used to determining and analyzing the relationship between the customer relationship management and tourist satisfaction. The sample was based on a sampling where the target respondents are the tourists who have the experience of staying in the hotel. From the correlation analysis that has been done, the results
revealed that there was a significant relationship between customer orientations with the customer satisfaction. Besides, the researcher found that customer orientation and knowledge management dimension is the highest dimension practices by the Hallmark Regency Hotel. These findings imply that to enhance CRM dimension practices, Hallmark Regency Hotel need to focus more on customer orientation dimension.


quantity represents approximately sixty per cent of all vegetable oils annually consumed in this country. Despite the predominant position of domestic vegetable oils in the fats and oils economy of the United States, little has been written in geographical literature concerning them. Greater attention has been given to imported oils and geographical aspects of their production. The purpose of this article, therefore, is to direct attention to the outstanding American vegetable oilcottonseed oil, and to summarize briefly some of the points of geographic significance in its production.


This study aims to determine the intrinsic value of PT. Fast Food Indonesia, TBK using the residual profit valuation model which can determine the value of equity at that time as the sum of the current book value and the present value of the estimated residual income in the future. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach in presenting the results of the analysis. The data source in this study is the annual financial report of PT. Fast food Indonesia, Tbk in 2021 and 2022. Data collection techniques in this study used observation and documentation techniques. This research shows that the result of the projection is the intrinsic value of PT. Fast Food Indonesia Tbk in 2022 is Rp. 1.70 which was found based on the calculation of the prospective analysis in the residual profit valuation model (Residual Income Model). It was recorded that until the end of December 2022 the share price of PT. Fast Food Indonesia, Tbk is Rp. 820. So it can be concluded that the value of PT. Fast Food Indonesia, Tbk is overvalued or the stock market price is higher than the intrinsic value of the stock.
Keywords: Stock instruction value, Financial statement, prospective analysis, financial ratio


For the first time in Canada, genetic testing done at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Toronto is being made available to family physicians. This leading-edge research started just over a year ago at the Thornhill Medical Centre in Thornhill, Ontario. The aim of the research is to use genetic testing to better select psychiatric drugs and dosages to improve efficacy and reduce side effects in patients suffering from mental illness. Dr. Nicholas Voudouris, a family physician at the Thornhill Medical Centre who is heavily involved in this project, describes it as leading-edge science that has the possibility of having profound impact on personalized medicine at the primary care level. I spoke with Dr. Voudouris to learn more about him, this project, and the future implications genetic testing could have on personalized medicine and reducing health care spending.


The present investigation was carried out in the Division of Ornamental Crops, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessarghatta, Bangalore during 2010–11. Petunia is one of the important summer and spring bedding plant because of their diversity of brilliant colours and growth habits. The present study revealed that all the inbred lines varied in their flower colour, anther and pollen colour, number of anthers, receptivity of stigma in relation to anthesis, anther dehiscence, pollen viability and seed setting ability. Number of anthers varied between five and seven. Percentage of pollen viability in twenty five inbred lines varied from 40.66 to 97.77 percent.


Background: Addictive drugs lead to reinforcing properties by increasing dopamine in the nucleus accumbens, which is composed of a core and shell regions. Neurons in the nucleus accumbens are divided into 2 subtypes based on the differential gene expression of the dopamine D1 receptors and D2 receptors. Methods: In the present study, we investigated the role of D2 receptors in the nucleus accumbens core in behaviors and signal transduction induced by psychostimulant methamphetamine in mice that were microinjected with adeno-associated virus vectors containing a microRNA (miRNA) sequence for D2 receptor (adeno-associated virus-miD2r vectors) in the nucleus accumbens core. The adeno-associated virus vectors containing a miRNA sequence for D2 receptor-treated mice (miD2r mice) were assessed at a reduction in D2 receptor, but at no change in dopamine D1 receptor, in the nucleus accumbens core compared with the adeno-associated virus-Mock vectors-treated mice (Mock mice). Results: miD2r mice exhibited a reduction in hyperlocomotion that was induced by a single treatment with methamphetamine. The development of locomotor sensitization induced by repeated treatment with methamphetamine exhibited less extension in miD2r mice. In a place conditioning paradigm, the preferred effects of methamphetamine were significantly weaker in miD2r mice than in Mock mice. Furthermore, the single treatment with methamphetamine-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase and cyclic adenosine monophosphate response element-binding protein in the nucleus accumbens core of miD2r mice was decreased compared with that in Mock mice. Repeated treatment with methamphetamine-induced delta FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B accumulation in the nucleus accumbens core of miD2r mice was also attenuated. Conclusions: These findings suggest that a D2 receptor-mediated neuronal pathway from the nucleus accumbens core plays an inhibitory role in the development of reinforcing properties.


This paper illustrates a symbolic computational approach to construct a 3D torus via curvature. The idea is generate the parameter- ization of the surface from a planar curve with varying curvature. The approach is applied to parameterize a torus through dierent planar curves other than circles, such as planar lemniscates.


The present invention relates to a charging/discharging control device and a battery device. The present invention provides a battery device which blows out a fuse element as a protective element only when overcharging and overcurrent of a secondary battery are detected, and prevents false blowing. The absolute value of a threshold voltage to turn ON a control switch connected to a heating resistor for blowing out the fuse element is set to be equal to or greater than a minimum operating voltage of an overcharge detection circuit and less than an overcharge detection voltage thereof.


Our research studies the Polynomial Phase Modulation in MIMO systems for wireless communication applications. The research consists of three topics.
In the first topic we design a new structure of space time for non-stationary constant-amplitude polynomial phase signals, called Space Time Code Module Structure (STC-MS). Our STC-MS consists of several modules of space time codes which are designed based on the coefficients of the polynomial phase signals (PPS), which has phase modulated by the polynomials of time. Each coefficient of polynomials contains the information and has its own alphabet. The Space Time Code Module Structure allows applying independent criterion of design for the different coefficients of the polynomials. Changing the alphabet of each coefficient or varying the polynomial's order do not affect to the design of other coefficients, making system's transmission rate variable and flexible and also allowing the system's design easily adjustable to the effects of channel condition on each coefficient.
In the second topic we study the error propagation effect in communications systems using Polynomial Transform algorithm to decode the coefficients of the polynomial phase modulation signals. We have built a model to describe the error propagation effect based on Markov chain model. The model helps to analyze the error propagation effect more precisely and to evaluate the system's performance easier. Our model is used for the Space Time Code Module Structure.
The last topic of our research deals with the computational complexity in decoding the polynomial phase modulation signals in STC-MS systems. We have proposed an algorithm called "Phase Decomposition" that can significantly reduce the amount of computations in decoding. The Phase Decomposition algorithm can be used for both MIMO STC-MS systems and SISO systems.


In the article by Zhou et al. on pages 248±259 of Molecular Microbiology, Volume 39, Number 2, an important citation (Hong and Miller, 1998) was inadvertently omitted that describes the identification of sigD (analogous gene to sopB) in Salmonella typhimurium independently from Galyov et al. (1997). In this paper, the authors showed that introduction of a loss-of function mutation in sigD (sopB) resulted in a ,10-fold decrease in bacterial entry into host cells. The authors regret this oversight.


Some rare pion and kaon decays, which provide clues to the generation puzzle, are discussed. The π → e ν/π → μν branching ratio test of universality and the status of searches for K+ → π+νν are reviewed.


Abstract : This report investigates conventional decoding algorithms for BCH codes. The algorithm of Sugiyama, Kasahara, Hirasawa and Namekawa, Mills' continued fraction algorithm, and the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm are all viewed as slightly differing variants of Euclid's algorithm. An improved version of Euclid's algorithm for polynomials is developed. The Berlekamp-Massey algorithm is extended within the Euclidean framework to avoid computation of vector inner products. Inversionless forms of the algorithms are considered and the results are extended to provide for decoding of erasures as well as errors. Keywords: Bose Chaudhuri Hocquenghem code; Very large scale integration; Two dimensional systolic arrays; Communications; Coding; Error correction codes.


The manufacturing processing of wine made of vaccinium bracteatum thunb fruit was researched.The results shown that juice yield could be elevated to 21.5 % by treating with 0.04 % pectinase.The optimal juice extracting processing were as follows:the juice was fermented by 0.08 % yeast with 22 % sugar at 26 ℃ under neutral condition(pH3.7).


Myocyte enhancer factor 2A (MEF2A) is involved in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, migration, and senescence. MicroRNA‐143/145 (miR‐143/145), which may be regulated by MEF2A, is known to promote cellular senescence. We hypothesized that MEF2A may promote VSMC senescence via miR‐143/145. VSMC senescence was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), followed by detection using a senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining kit. The MEF2A protein, mRNA, and miR‐143/145 levels in VSMCs were detected using Western blot analysis and SYBR green real‐time quantitative PCR, respectively. We further manipulated the expression levels of MEF2A and miR‐143 through viral or transient transfection. VSMC proliferation and migration were determined by methylthiazolyldiphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide and Millicell chamber, respectively. Both MEF2A and miR‐143, but not miRNA‐145, were up‐regulated in senescent VSMCs. Overexpression of either MEF2A or miR‐143 significantly enhanced VSMC senescence, but reduced proliferation and migration. MEF2A knockdown or miR‐143 inhibitor suppressed cellular senescence and increased proliferation and migration. We further revealed AKT signaling as a potential miR‐143 target, and an induction of miR‐143 expression by MEF2A via KLF2. Additionally, overexpression of MEF2A and miR‐143 resulted in synergistic effects on promotion of senescence, and MEF2A knockdown and miR‐143 reduction by inhibitor had synergistic inhibitory effects. Finally, MEF2A barely promoted VSMC senescence when miR‐143 was inhibited, and miR‐143 overexpression antagonized the inhibitory effect of MEF2A knockdown on VSMC senescence. Our results revealed a link and interaction between MEF2A and miR‐143 and suggested a potential mechanism for MEF2A to regulate H2O2‐induced VSMC senescence. J. Cell. Physiol. 230: 2202–2211, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


We present two arts-based research studies that implemented photovoice method with diverse individuals working in the sex industry. Although these photovoice projects took place in two different cities and at various points in time, their purpose was similar: to highlight the needs, aspirations, health concerns, and issues related to sex workers' personal lives and their communities to create awareness and social change. In this article, we locate ourselves in our research and describe our methodological process, specifically focusing on how each project manifested in our cities and within our communities. Our aim is to provide insight on the implementation of photovoice method, our personal struggles and challenges within our respective projects at various stages, and how to challenge institutional and social obstacles in conducting photovoice research with sex workers.


Piperidine, possessing acetylcholine- and nicotine-like properties not only in the peripheral nervous system (1-3) but also in the central nervous system (4), has been described to be one of normal constituents in urine (5-7) and the mammalian brain (8-10). Recently, it has also been demonstrated in vitro that piperidine can be produced from pipecolic acid by decarboxylation in the presence of the brain tissue (11). It seems to be of great interest to study the distribution and physiological role of piperidine in living body. Therefore, it has been tried in our laboratory to develop a method applicable for the determination of micro amounts of piperidine in living materials. The present authors have already reported a quantitative determination method for piperidine by making use of color reaction due to the production of copper piperidino-dithiocarbamate (12) ; this method is sensitive but not specific for piperidine, and separation of the amine from other aliphatic amines is difficult. Recently, Asatoor (13, 14) has reported a method which is applicable for separation and detection of aliphatic and alicyclic amines in urine, however, this is available just for qualitative analysis. The present paper deals with a new method which has been developed by further improvement of Asatoor's procedure in order to make the procedure fit the quantitative analysis of micro amounts of piperidine. Using this method, furthermore, the average amounts of piperidine in biological materials such as the pig brain and the urine of normal healthy students and schizophrenic patients, as a representative of psychoses, are also described.


The theory of superlubricity brings a new idea and direction to solve the problem of wear and tear of high-speed cutting tools. According to the superlubricity theory, a new type of cutting fluid based on hexadecyl dimethyl-ammonium bromide was developed by combining superlubricity agent and cutting fluid. Furthermore, taking the cutting of titanium alloy as the object, high speed cutting tests of the new type of cutting fluid were carried out. Finally, a large number of comparative analyses were carried out based on the experimental results. The research shows that the new type of cutting fluid has better cooling and lubrication effect, and can play a good role in reducing friction of cutting tool and improving surface quality of workpiece. The optimum concentration range of hexadecyl dimethyl-ammonium bromide is 2%-4%.


Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a CD4+ T lymphocyte–mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by mononuclear cell infiltration, demyelination, and paralysis. We previously demonstrated a role for chemokines in acute and relapsing EAE pathogenesis. Presently, we investigated the role of CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in acute EAE. CCR2−/− mice did not develop clinical EAE or CNS histopathology, and showed a significant reduction in T cell– and CNS-infiltrating CD45highF4/80+ monocyte subpopulations. Peripheral lymphocytes from CCR2−/− mice produced comparable levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-2 in response to antigen-specific restimulation when compared with control mice. Adoptively transferred myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55–specific T cells lacking expression of CCR2 were able to induce EAE, whereas CCR2−/− recipients of wild-type T cells failed to develop disease. These results suggest that CCR2 expression on host-derived mononuclear cells is critical for disease induction.


In this thesis, a differential-geometric approach to the kinematics of multibody mechanisms is introduced that enables analysis of singularities of both serial and parallel manipulators in a flexible and complete way. Existing approaches such as those of Gosselin and Angeles [1], Zlatanov et al. [2] and Park and Kim [3] make use of a combination of joint freedoms and constraints and so build in assumptions. In contrast, this new approach is solely constraint-based, avoiding some of the shortcomings of these earlier theories.  The proposed representation has two core ingredients. First, it avoids direct reference to the choice of inputs and their associated joint freedoms and instead focuses on a kinematic constraint map (KCM), defined by the constraints imposed by all joints and not requiring consideration of closure conditions arising from closed loops in the design. The KCM is expressed in terms of pose (i.e. position and orientation) variables, which are the coordinates of all the manipulator's links with respect to a reference frame. The kinematics of a given manipulator can be described by means of this representation, locally and globally. Also, for a family of manipulators defined by a specific architecture, the KCM will tell us how the choice of design parameters (e.g. link lengths) affects these kinematic properties within the family.  At a global level, the KCM determines a subset in the space of all pose variables, known as the configuration space (C-space) of the manipulator, whose topology may vary across the set of design parameters. The Jacobian (matrix of first-order partial derivatives) of the KCM may become singular at some specific choices of pose variables. These conditions express a subset called the singular set of the C-space. It is shown that if a family of manipulators, parametrised by a manifold Rd of design parameters, is "well-behaved" then the pose variables can be eliminated from the KCM equations together with the conditions for singularities, to give conditions in terms of design parameters, that define a hypersurface in Rd of manipulators in the class that exhibit C-space singularities. These are referred to as Grashof-type conditions, as they generalise classically known inequalities classifying planar 4-bar mechanisms due to Grashof [4].  Secondly, we develop the theory to incorporate actuator space (A-space) and workspace (W-space), based on a choice of actuated joints or inputs and on the manipulator's end-effector workspace or outputs. This will facilitate us with a framework for analysing singularities for forward and inverse kinematics via input and output mappings defined on the manipulator's C-space. This provides new insight into the structure of the forward and inverse kinematics, especially for parallel manipulators.  The theory is illustrated by a number of applications, some of which recapitulate classical or known results and some of which are new.


The mixture of the natural aliphatic carboxylic acids and polypropene ether in combination with the alcohol solvent systems are an effective oil collecting agent for the containing diesel fuel or crude oil slicks on water surface. The contracted distances of the slicks by using QS 1 type oil collection agent in the different test condition are from 44.0 to 50.8 cm in the volume of 55cm×5cm×5cm glass water trough. The remaining time is more than 6 h. The surface area of the crude oil slicks are reduced by means of the oil collection anent of QS-2 type in the range of 74.3%~76.5%. The remaining time of lowest area of oil film is larger than 16h. The oil collection agents exhibit relatively lower toxicity to the marine alga. Influence over culture of the alga in the concentration range of 0 to 4 000 mg/dm 3 was not found.


We use a sample of 86 counties to examine the cross-sectional determinants of sovereign credit ratings. We find that the quality of a country's legal and political institutions plays a vital role in determining these ratings. A one-standard-deviation increase in our legal environment index results in an average credit rating increase of 0.466 standard deviations, even when we control for obvious factors such as GDP per capita, inflation, foreign debt per GDP, previous defaults, and general development. Although part of this effect is due to the legal environment's endogeneity, its relative importance is robust to endogeneity concerns.


The notion of partial geodesic was introduced by Jamshidpey et al. in "Sets of medians in the non-geodesic pseudometric space of unsigned genomes with breakpoints", 2014. In this paper, we study the density of points on non-trivial partial geodesics between two permutations $\xi_1^{(n)}$ and $\xi_2^{(n)}$ chosen uniformly and independently at random from the symmetric group $S_n$, where $S_n$ is endowed with the breakpoint distance. For a permutation $\pi := \pi_1 \ ... \ \pi_n$, any unordered pair $\{\pi_i , \pi_{i+1}\}$, for $i=1, ..., n-1$, is called an adjacency of $\pi$. The set of all adjacencies of $\pi$ is denoted by $\mathcal{A}_\pi$. Denote by $id^{(n)}$ the identity permutation, and let $I_n$ be an arbitrary subset of $\mathcal A_{id^{(n)}}$. We classify the set of all adjacencies of a permutation $\pi \in S_n$ into four types, with respect to $I_n$. Then for a permutation $\xi^{(n)}$ chosen uniformly at random from $S_n$, we derive a convergence theorem for the normalized number (after dividing by $n$) of adjacencies of each type in $\xi^{(n)}$ with respect to $I_n$ (for some random or deterministic choices of $I_n$), as $n\rightarrow \infty$. We also see an application of this convergence theorem to find the appropriate choices of $I_n$. A geodesic point of $u$ and $v$ in a pseudometric space $(S,\rho)$ is a point $w$ of the space that $\rho(u,w)+\rho(w,v)=\rho(u,v)$. We find an upper bound for the number of permutations $x\in S_n$ for which there exists at least one non-trivial geodesic point between $id^{(n)}$ and $x$, far from both. This partially verifies the conjecture of Haghighi and Sankoff stated in "Medians seek the corners, and other conjectures", 2012, namely we prove that, with high probability, there is no breakpoint median of two permutations $\xi_1^{(n)}$ and $\xi_2^{(n)}$ chosen uniformly and independently at random from $S_n$, far from both of them.


The paper is devoted to comparative analysis of the structure and mechanical properties of leaded-tin bronze with lead inclusions of various morphologies. In order to obtain lead inclusions of certain morphology, casts are cooled at certain velocities. Low cooling velocities cause spheroidizing of lead inclusions, whereas high ones give prolate inclusions with torn uneven surface.


The article analyses the basic elements of the process in modern moral education by drawing on and learning from the theoretical achievements,research methods and practical experience of"5W"mode theory in mass communication.Based on the re-depiction of the image of moral educators,re-examination of the moral educational symbols,re-analysis of the moral educational medium,re-consideration of the moral educational objects,and re-study of the moral educational effects,we may conclude that we should respect the subjectivity and individual differences of objects,present the dominant and demonstrational role of communicators,emphasize the reality and interactivity between contents and methods,master the epochality and regularity of new media in discovering the ideal construction and practical orientation of modern moral education,so as to aggrandize the creativity and effectivity of modern moral education.


Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is a widely used technique in the treatment of colorectal tumors. When resecting laterally spreading tumors (LSTs) with conventional EMR, the distal edge is difficult to dissect and tends to be piecemealed. However, the nongranular pseudodepressed type (LST-NGPD) has a high risk of malignancy, requiring en bloc resection [1]. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) can ensure high en bloc resection rates, but it also has drawbacks such as high perforation rates, high cost, and long procedure times. Binmoeller et al. introduced underwater EMR (UEMR) as a useful alternative to ESD for LSTs [2]; however, treating the distal end remains a challenge and could cause segmental resection. In addition, the use of water in UEMR may impair clarity of view if bleeding occurs. Partial submucosal injection improves visualization of the distal edge [3], and gel immersion improves the endoscopic visual field [4, 5]. Here, we report that under-gel EMR with partial submucosal injection is an effective means of achieving en bloc resection of LST-NG-PD (▶Video 1). A 43-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for treatment of a colonic tumor. The lesion was observed in the rectosigmoid (▶Fig. 1). Because of poor scope maneuverability and difficulty visualizing the distal edge, a partial submucosal injection was performed along the distal edge of the lesion (▶Fig. 2). Initially, UEMR was considered, but the rapid mixing of fresh blood with water compromised visibility; therefore, we used Viscoclear gel (Otsuka Pharmaceuticals Factory, Inc., Japan). The lesion was successfully captured by an electrocautery snare (▶Fig. 3) and resected without remnant (▶Fig. 4). The histopathological diagnosis was well-differentiated tubular adenocarcinoma, and the histopathology was negative for vertical and horizontal margins (▶Fig. 5). In this case, under-gel EMR with partial submucosal injection was effective for LST.


This article had its origin in the comments on the book The Controversy Of Indigenism, Jose Carlos Mariategui - Luis Alberto Sanchez (Lima, Mosca Azul Editores, 1975); the references of the author comes from that.


In this paper,the existence of blow-up solutions for p(x)-Laplacian equations is considered,and the asymptotic property of blow-up solutions is given.


This paper presents a prediction model for motorcycle accidents at junctions on urban roads in Malaysia. The models were developed using the Generalized Linear Modeling approach. The final model reveals that motorcycle accidents are proportional to the rate of traffic flow. The estimates indicate that an increase in non-motorcycles and motorcycles entering a highway interchang is associated with an increase in motorcycle accidents. Non-motorcycle flow on major roads had the highest effect on the probability of accidents involving motorcycles. Approach speed, lane width, number of lanes, junction control, shoulder width, and land use were also found to be significant in explaining motorcycle accidents. The final model should allow traffic engineers to establish appropriate highway junction treatment that is specifically designed for motorcycle lane facilities.


A lattice model has been utilized to calculate the free energy change upon oligomeric radical (derived from persulfate initiators) adsorption onto a latex particle dispersed in an aqueous phase. Variations in this free energy change with oligomer chain length allow one to predict the so-called Z-mer length at which adsorption is spontaneous. Z-mer lengths for commonly used homopolymers range from 1 to 8 (for 2-ethylhexyl acrylate and methyl acrylate, respectively). The lengths predicted for styrene and methyl methacrylate are 2 and 4 and are the same as those reported from experiments. The model is straightforwardly extended to copolymers. Here the overall composition of the oligomeric copolymer radical has a significant effect upon the Z-mer length, while the sequence distribution of the monomer units in the chain has a limited effect. Model predictions for the acrylic acid-styrene system are in reasonable agreement with reported experimental results over a range of comonomer compositions.


The invention discloses a preparation method of a banana extract; the method consists of the following procedures successively: cleaning the bananas, peeling, cutting the bananas into segments, soaking by acid solution, heating for a plurality of minutes by hot water of 100 DEG C, cooling and pulping. Then, carrying on double enzymes hydrolysis and enzyme inactivation, separating the clear liquid, carrying on absorptive separation purification to the DEAE chromatography column on the clear liquid, collecting the target compound, ultrafiltrating by a filter membrane, collecting the filtrate and then obtaining the concentrated solution of the banana extract. The extracting method is not only simple, rapid, safe and pollution free but also high in yield and low in cost. The concentrated solution mainly contains polysaccharide, also contains polypeptide and reserves other elements as much as possible. The concentrated solution is rich in nutrition and suitable for large-scale industrialized production.


The ab-plane reflectivity of La 1.89 Ca 1.11 Cu 2 O 6±δ single crystalsr whose properties change from semiconductor to superconductor under high-oxygen-pressure annealing, is measured between 250 and 20 000 cm -1 at room temperature. Although the annealing increases the oxygen content very slightly, the spectra change in the same way as seen in other cuprates with carrier doping: a charge-transfer peak disappears and low-energy excitation increases. We suggest the possibility that holes in the apex oxygen redistribute to the CuO 2 planes. Mid-infrared absorption is observed in all samples. Relation between the mid-infrared absorption and the influence of La and Ca disorder on the CuO 2 planes is also discussed


The objective of this research was to process digital image to investigate the possibility of ducks weight estimation based on the software LabVIEW with the vision builder. In this study the images were record by the top-view camera. An ellipse fitting algorithm was applied to localize ducks within the stall. Estimating duck weight consists of these steps. First, image acquisition. Second, counts pixel of the samples. Third calculate duck weight by using samples pixel as the output. Results from this study showed that, the estimated ducks weight by using digital photos had 3.27% of the error when compare to the measured weight. The correlation coefficient of the body weight prediction equation from a comparison between measured (absolute) and estimated by camera for all duck is clearly high (R2=0.91). It was found that the system able to estimate duck weight with an acceptable error. So we can develop this research processing or build up the automatic sorting duck in the future. This method operated pretty well in prophecy live weight.


The TESS-India programme is a multi-million pound project offering professional development for teacher educators in teaching and learning practice (www.tess-india.edu.in). Winner of The Guardian newspaper's Higher Education award for Best International Project, the programme has developed over 120 Open Educational Resource (OER) guides designed to support teachers and teacher educators in building their understanding of learning activities and approaches. In addition, over 50 videos of classroom practice have been professionally produced. The focus of the programme has been developing an effective methodology for raising awareness and helping embed new practice at scale. To-date, well over 100,000 educators have participated in programme activities or have accessed project resources. In this poster we will present a summary of the project accomplishments and how these were achieved. The poster will focus in particular on two MOOCs that were run in English and then in Hindi. The programme aimed to use the affordances of the MOOC digital platform to extend the reach and impact of the TESS-India programme for teacher professional development in seven states in India. The MOOC was used to support capacity building of teacher trainers and trainee teachers and to contribute to the programme goal of pedagogic transformation in learning and teaching in elementary and lower secondary schools. All learning content, communication, and online forum discussion was in English for the first run of the MOOC and in Hindi for the second run. Over 30,000 learners registered for the course and 51% completed – a rate many times better than the average for MOOCs. The poster will draw on multiple sources of data to explain key features which stimulated interest in the MOOC and give examples of success in challenging and varied contexts.


Genus Lyngbya constitutes a highly polyphyletic group composed of many phylogenetically unrelated taxa that were clustered together based on morphological similarities. In this study we analyzed seven strains belonging to Lyngbya genus, isolated from the Baltic Sea, the North Sea and one lake in northern England. The phenotypic analysis comprise cell and filament morphology and the profile of metabolites, mainly peptides (LC-MS/MS). The molecular phylogenetic analyses were based on sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and the adjacent intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS), phycocyanin intergenic spacer region (PC-IGS) and gene from cyanobactin-encoding cluster (lynA). Additionally, crude extracts and fractions from selected strains were tested for their biological activity. Four strains of Baltic Lyngbya and the one isolated from English lake exhibited 100% similarity in case of 16S rRNA partial sequence. Those isolates were also similar based on their morphological features. Genetic variability was much higher when other investigated sequences were considered and it correlated well with the determined peptide profiles. Baltic strains from Lyngbya genus exhibited antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity. Further studies are essential to recognize their ecological significance and biotechnological potential.


In the light of the theory of company value chain,this paper examines the inner value chain model of the intensive management of "intensified management of three components and integrated systems of five processes" as advocated by SGCC,which reflects the goal of power grid enterprises under SGCC to realize intensive management in human resources,finance and materials,and establish the integrated systems of planning,construction,operation,maintenance and marketing.The paper presents an in-depth analysis on the features of each activity of the two categories and the relationships between both based on the theory of company value chain,and presents its contents and meanings.By the end,the paper concludes some suggestions of reliable means on operational implantation,business integration,emphasis selection and informatization construction.


The methane emission flux was determined in paddy field of early and late rice under translating and direct sowing patterns, respectively, using the static box sampling technique in 2005 and 2006. The results analyzed on difference between the direct sowing rice (DSR) and the translating rice (TR) patterns were shown that, the methane emission under DSR and TR presented the same daily variation and seasonal law. The methane flux under DSR was significantly lower but the amount of methane emission under DSR was significantly greater than that under TR based on rice growth stage in paddy field (except of seedling field). The main reasons were as follows: ⅰ) days of rice growing under DSR in paddy field was longer than that under TR; ⅱ) seedlings per area under DSR were greater than that under of TR; ⅲ) root activity under DSR was higher than that under TR, especially at the rice middle and late stages. Further analysis on the correlation showed that methane emission was positive with activity and absorbing ability of rice root. The root activity affected methane emission over the whole rice growth season and there was significant correlation (P0.05) beween the root activity and methane emission under TR, but not significant correlation under DSR. There was positive correlation between the methane emission flux and root absorbing ability under DSR, while root absorbing ability affected methane emission only at the rice middle and late growth stages under TR. Therefore, rice root activity is one of the key factors which affect methane emission from paddy soil, and it is necessary to reduce the methane emission of DSR by controlling root activity with the area of direct sowing rice increasing in southern China.


A large class of monads used to model computational effects have natural presentations by operations and equations, for example, the list monad can be presented by a constant and a binary operation subject to unitality and associativity. Graded monads are a generalization of monads that enable us to track quantitative information about the effects being modelled. Correspondingly, a large class of graded monads can be presented using an existing notion of graded presentation. However, the existing notion has some deficiencies, in particular many effects do not have natural graded presentations. We introduce a notion of flexibly graded presentation that does not suffer from these issues, and develop the associated theory. We show that every flexibly graded presentation induces a graded monad equipped with interpretations of the operations of the presentation, and that all graded monads satisfying a particular condition on colimits have a flexibly graded presentation. As part of this, we show that the usual algebra-preserving correspondence between presentations and a class of monads transfers to an algebra-preserving correspondence between flexibly graded presentations and a class of flexibly graded monads.


In 2011, more than 13,000 Ohioans were homeless, an increase of 4.8 percent from 2010, according to the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. Among them were more than 5,000 families with children, an 8.4 percent increase from the previous year's count.


In practice, a control chart for process monitoring (Phase II) is based on parameters estimated from data collected on the process characteristic under study (Phase I). The Phase I data could contain unacceptable data, which in turn could affect the monitoring. In this study, we consider various estimation methods that are potentially relevant within the parameter estimation process. The quality of the Phase I study is evaluated in terms of the precision of the resulting estimates as well as the effectiveness of the exploratory data analysis, where 'effectiveness' is measured by the proportion of observations that are correctly identified as unacceptable. Moreover, we study the impact of the Phase I estimation method on the performance of the EWMA control chart in Phase II.


As widely experimented in research and in real world application, the biomedical field is experimenting different innovations, which are associated with the contamination with the knowledge of other research branches, such as material science, engineering, biological systems, and informatics. Different technical journals proposed special issues in recent years on applications of special technologies for biomedical applications and the number of these special issues increased especially in the last ten years. For this reason, we proposed a special issue, more generally on biomedical applications, with the purpose of seeing how the land lies in these territories of the research. The result of this activity is not surely sufficient to trace the state of the art of biomedical applications but can probably help to identify some field of activity.


ABSTRACT The control of animal feeding was fundamental during the first stages of domestication and husbandry. Studies on the diets of domestic mammals from the Neolithic period onwards are essential to understand early livestock practices and animal productive and reproductive strategies. Among the existing methods, microwear has been the one least applied to Neolithic studies. This present paper assesses the potential and limitations of this method for the study of domestic animal feeding practices by analysing the dental microwear of three species of ruminants (Ovis aries, Capra hircus and Bos taurus). The samples of these species were obtained at Neolithic sites in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. This method allows us to know the diet of the animals during the last weeks of their life. The results have shown the usefulness of microwear in the study of the diets of domestic mammals, as they have demonstrated the existence of different diets among species, herds, and animals in the same herd. It has also been possible to document differences in the diet of the animals by age and sex. Finally, it has shown that the impact of livestock grazing on the environment was still low in the Neolithic.


This paper presents a novel broadband microstrip to waveguide transition using substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) at W band suitable for MMIC packaging. The microstrip line is first transformed to SIW and then SIW is transformed to air filled reduced height rectangular waveguide with height being equal to the substrate thickness. The reduced height waveguide is brought to full height through a λ/4 chebyshev stepped impedance transformer. Design is robust and suitable for manufacturing with little variation in performance due to assembly. One back to back transition is developed. Experimental result shows that return loss of better than 10 dB is achieved over a bandwidth of 26 % with insertion loss of 0.52 dB at centre frequency for single transition.


The processing complexity of optimal receivers in frequency selective channels grows exponentially with the channel memory length. Linear receivers, alternatively, offer significantly less complexity with the cost of performance degradation. Such degradation can be due to not fully capturing the inherent frequency diversity or degraded coding gain. In this paper we investigate how effectively the receivers with linear equalization can capture the frequency diversity gain. The analyses reveal that minimum mean-square error (MMSE) linear equalizers incur no diversity loss compared to maximum-likelihood sequence detection (MLSD). Specifically, we show that for a channel with memory length ν, MMSE linear equalizers achieve full diversity gain of (ν +1). On the other hand, zero-forcing (ZF) linear equalizers always achieve the diversity gain 1, irrespective of channel memory length.