Patellar tendinitis is a common athletic injury to the knee. It is clinically defined as an overuse condition that is due to repetitive trauma affecting the patellar tendon and the inferior pole of the patella. Manual clinical evaluation of patellar tendinitis assesses the patient's presence of pain and loss of function in the extremity and includes the utilization of the Bassett sign as a clinical evaluation tool. Symptoms usually subside with rest; however, they may reappear with activity. Plain radiographs are always obtained for the initial evaluation and can be helpful in the planning of operative management, if necessary. When a patient is diagnosed with patellar tendinitis, conservative management is usually sufficient to improve symptoms and allow most athletes as well as other patients to return to normal activities. Conservative treatment usually consists of rest and cryotherapy initially followed by a physical therapy regimen consisting of isokinetic eccentric training along with appropriate warm-up exercises before beginning athletic participation. However, the patient may still have symptoms when engaging in athletic activities, especially those that involve jumping. If these approaches for management are ineffective or the patient does not have the luxury of delaying his or her return to activity, then operative treatment may be considered to restore normal function. Surgery should only be contemplated if an abnormality is present in the patellar tendon upon magnetic resonance imaging. When surgery is deemed necessary, our suggested operative management consists of an arthroscopic approach as compared with the analogous open technique with debridement of the damaged tendon, adjacent patellar bone, and adjacent fat pad. The successful clinical resolution is also highly dependent upon debridement of the "cherry" lesion described by Dr. John Feagin. Postoperative rehabilitation is essential and is identical to the algorithms outlined for conservative management. When utilizing this arthroscopic, surgical technique and postoperative rehabilitation regimen, the time course for return to normal activity usually comprises a return to full sporting activity by 3 postoperative months.


The current state of AE technology for BOP testing in China was intreduced.Using the advantages of acoustic emission testing technology,success in building balance sheet for a lot of BOP in used,and count the rule based on analysis of a lot of different types BOP in use.According to the results of AE test,a focal point for BOP problems can be defined and the basis for the BOP to continue use and maintenance can be provided.This explains that acoustic emission technology is very successful in the BOP test.Some challenging problems and developing tendency are also described finally.


Branching bisimilarity on normed Basic Process Algebra (BPA) was claimed to be EXPTIME-hard in previous papers without any explicit proof. Recently it is reminded by Jancar that the claim is not so dependable. In this paper, we develop a new complete proof for EXPTIME-hardness of branching bisimilarity on normed BPA. We also prove the associate regularity problem on normed BPA is PSPACE-hard and in EXPTIME. This improves previous P-hard and NEXPTIME result.


Facilities with limited flexibility to schedule their power consumption, such as office buildings or commercial establishments, can be modeled as time-varying nondeferrable loads. In this paper, we propose a demand response strategy for a nondeferrable load facility with renewable energy harvesting and storage capabilities. We assume time-varying electricity prices, and devise a strategy to minimize the expected energy cost incurred by the facility over a finite planning horizon. Unlike existing works, we derive our results by using a generalized model for the energy storage device, which takes into account the nonlinear relationship between the discharging rate and the remaining charge. Moreover, we use continuous-time optimization to obtain explicit results, which are meant to reduce the computational complexity of existing strategies. Finally, we use simulations to show that the proposed strategy outperforms the state of the art, especially when the battery discharging model is strictly nonlinear.


Mass spectrometry (MS) is becoming an indispensable analytical tool for glycoproteomics, that is, for the analysis of glycan and protein structures of glycoproteins. While a simple and rapid MS method which can minimize troublesome procedures for sample preparation is desired, a single mass spectrometer to meet this demand has not been realized to date. We report here a procedure for the structure analysis of Ribonuclease B (RNase B) using the MS and MSn analyses of protonated ions ([M+H]+) and sodium-adducted ions ([M+Na]+) by a single MALDI-QIT-TOFMS. Five peaks were identified as a glycopeptide in mass spectra with 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) as a matrix for RNase B digests by Lysyl endopeptidase (Lys C) without desalting. All of the five [M+H]+ peaks were accompanied by [M+Na]+ peaks. The same fragment peaks were observed in low mass area of all MS/MS spectrum for each [M+H]+ or [M+Na]+ species. MSn analyses using [M+H]+ as a precursor ion provided the information of peptide sequence and glycosylation site, while fragments from [M+Na]+ showed oligosaccharide sequence. Finally, this technique using [M+H]+ and [M+Na]+ with MALDI-QIT-TOFMS realized an easy and high-throughput implementation of glycoprotein structure analyses.


An improved sufficient condition developed for the asymptotic stability of a sampled-data system having a single monotonic nonlinearity, with a slope in the sector<tex>(0, k_{2})</tex>and a pulse transfer function<tex>G^{\ast}(z)</tex>, is<tex>Re [(1+X^{\ast}(z)+Y^{\ast}(z))(G^{\ast}(z)+I/k_{2})]\geq0</tex>for<tex>z</tex>on the unit circle, where<tex>x(i) \leq 0</tex>for<tex>i<0</tex>and<tex>x(i)=0</tex>for<tex>i>0, y(i) \leq 0</tex>for<tex>i\geq0</tex>and<tex>y(i)=0</tex>for<tex>i<0</tex>, and<tex>\Sigma\min{i=-\infty}\max{+\infty} \|x(i) + y(i)\| < 1</tex>. An improved frequency domain condition is also presented for the case of the nonlinearity being odd as well as monotonic.


The lack of knowledge on this and other professionalism dilemmas faced by students led to the Professionalism Opinions of Medical Students (PoMS) study.1 We obtained ethics approval from the University of Western Australia (Ref. RA/4/1/9278) to conduct the PoMs study using a mixed methods approach with a validated online survey1 to triangulate how the Australian public (n = 503), qualified doctors (n = 809), and medical students (n = 2602) viewed a range of professionalism dilemmas that medical students may encounter. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Medical students were informed about the study through their medical school. Doctors and the public were informed about the study using media and social media resources. The surveys were closed when recruitment had plateaued.


Pure Hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) and Zn-HA nanoparticles were successfully deposited on steel substrates, and laser ablation was performed by the pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique using an Nd: YAG laser (λ = 532 nm, τ = 12 ns). The bioactivity of the thin film was investigated by its immersing in a simulated body fluid solution of pH 7.4 at 37 °C for incubation of 14 days. The growth of the apatite layer after immersion was studied. The analysis showed the formation of needle-like crystals after immersion in solution. Wettability angles decreased for the HA coating after post-deposition compared to pure HA coatings at room temperature and ion substitutions in bioceramics lead to wettability modification. The findings confirm that Zn doping with different concentrations improved antibacterial activity. The results demonstrate that coating the surface with bioactive materials modified with metal ions, yields good biological responses, and varied compositions differentially affect the water contact angles as well as HA layer growth.


Recently, the brand Korea in the world is representative of the entertainment-based Hallyu, which is represented by K-pop. However, since the image of the Republic of Korea cannot be expanded continuously in one area, this research has developed its own unique new hallyu content business by combining it with the existing media contents related to hallyu. The purpose of this study is to draw on the convergence of manual work and industrial infrastructure boasting our country's precision crafting capabilities and the concentration of education and technology to implement it, thus suggesting sustainable comprehensive content realization. To this end, the research direction was set up as cultural and tourism contents, which included the production of diorama representing the traditional Kraft industry, the technology of ICT, and the aggregation of entertainment. Through the concept of Diorama and case studies of advanced countries in the field, Germany, the Netherlands, the United States, Japan and South Korea, the research method presents the current status of the Korean Diorama industry and ways to create national contents through ICT convergence and its contents. Through this analysis and conclusion of this study, based on ICT platform and 4th industry, it presents methods and directions for achieving 4 goals that lead to tourism promotion, promotion, education link and employment creation, and, based on this, it is meaningful to draw a culture and tourism frame that is currently being created by the media in connection with traditional exhibition and cutting-edge technology, which is strong in Korea, thus becoming a unique leader in hallyu business, a global market.


Introduction A study on the prevalence of stroke survivors in rural South Africa by the SASPI Project Team1 revealed that the prevalence of stroke was 300 out of 100 000 in 2004. There is no accurate incidence or prevalence data available on stroke in South Africa as a whole; however Steyn et al.2 established that stroke is the highest cause of death due to chronic diseases of lifestyle in South Africa. Green et al.3 established that patients admitted to hospital due to stroke in South African private rehabilitation units are discharged from hospital with a low functional status. The functional independence measure (FIM) was used to determine functional independence of stroke patients in Green et al's3 study but they did not look at the treatment these patients were receiving. The amount of time spent in hospital is one of the determinants of functional status post stroke. Green et al.3 established that South African stroke patients in private hospitals had a hospital stay of 30-34 days. The length of hospital stay following stroke at the Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital, which is a government hospital in South Africa, was found to be an average of 12 days4. These two studies indicate that patients from both private and government hospitals are discharged relatively early inferring that maybe they are discharged before they are functionally independent. Though functional independence of patients at discharge from South African government hospitals is implied from the short hospital stay, the functional independence has not been established in any South African study. Functional independence cannot always be attributed to the duration of hospital stay. However it was established that immediate availability of intensive rehabilitation during the acute care of patients post stroke can reduce the hospital length of stay while yielding better functional outcomes at discharge5, 6, 7,8. Functional recovery from stroke is determined by the stroke survivor's ability to carry out activities of daily living and continue tasks at home9. Studies reviewed by Trombly9 demonstrated that stroke survivors can have improved function in activities of daily living after three months post acute stroke with rehabilitation. Duncan and Min Lai10 reviewed several studies of stroke recovery and concluded that improvement may occur as far as 6-12 months after stroke with the most marked recovery occurring in the first 30 days. Residual neurological deficits following stroke often predispose patients to poor functional capacity and a consequent sedentary lifestyle11. This sedentary lifestyle coupled with residual primary neurological deficits such as spasticity, poor balance, increased A study to determine post discharge functional improvements in patients with stroke


In the recent years, the researcher tried to find tools that could help in improving the quality, reliability, and performance of the software systems. Automated software testing tools are the solution in performing a complete system test without an error that would have led to the loss of money. Most of the tools of automated software testing reduce the time, increase the reliability and performance, and allow the tester to repeat and reuse the final product. This paper presents a description of automated software testing tools and specifies which tools are the best and more efficient.


Abstract : Comparison of performance requirements are presented for a Raytheon (Amber) Sentinal Uncooled Micro-Bolometer Focal Plane Array (UMFPA) camera and a Raytheon (formerly Texas Instruments Defense Systems and Electronics Group) Technology Reinvestment Project (TRP) Ferroelectric Uncooled Focal Plane Array (UFFPA) camera. The two cameras were tested for numerous performance-related issues involving time, temperature, FPA region and image translation related dependencies. The performance parameters of interest were 1) nonuniformity versus environmental temperature 2) Changes in non-uniformity with time since power up and as a function of time since non-uniformity collection update, 3) Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference (NETD), 4) V-curves, 5) Minimum Resolvable Temperature Difference (MRTD), 6) response linearity, 7) power consumption and readiness time as a function of system soak temperature, and 8) image smear distortion characteristics.


In order to research and develop the food rich in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3PUFA), we should identify n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. Linoleic acid (LA) is the major n-6 fatty acid, and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) is the major n-3 fatty acid. LA and ALA are the precur- sor of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. The n-6 and n-3 fatty acids are not intertransf- ormable in the human body. A balanced n-6/n-3 ratio in the ration can decrease cardiovascu- lar disease, treat hypertriglyceridemia, and decrease the risk of cholesteremia etc.This review is based on above problems.


Research sponsored by Lincoln University, the Sustainable Farming Fund (SFF), Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Specialty Seeds, and PGG Wrightson Seeds


Myocarditis, inflammation of the myocardium, globally affects >3 million people annually. Heterogeneous histological findings and clinical presentation ranging from flu‐like illness to acute cardiogenic shock make diagnosis exceedingly difficult. The current gold standard for diagnosis requires histological examination of invasive endomyocardial biopsies, which provides a sensitivity of <30% in independently published studies. Although etiologies are diverse, viruses are the most prominent causes of myocarditis. Our studies demonstrated that the coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3), a common pathogen associated with viral myocarditis, manipulates the expression of Neuregulin 1 (Nrg1) and its ligand, receptor tyrosine‐protein kinase, ErbB4. Moreover, previous studies in other viruses have demonstrated preferential expression of the higher affinity Nrg1β versus the less potent Nrg1α isoform. The goal of this research is to determine the specificity of Nrg1 and ErbB4 induction to viral myocarditis as compared to other forms of acute myocardial injury, particularly myocardial infarction (m.i.). Additionally, we aim to analyze expression, tissue and isoform specificity of Nrg1 and ErbB4 in blood and heart tissue during the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis towards developing a non‐invasive blood‐based diagnostic assay via novel biomarkers.


Australia is a multi-cultural society with a population of nearly 24 million. The Aboriginal heritage traces back some 40,000 years and continues to influence Australian culture as a whole. A large proportion of Australian citizens were of British descent or birth at the outset of the last century, but post-World War II there was significant immigration from other European nations, particularly from Greece and Italy. In the last decades, there has been a significant intake of migrants from Asia.


Goat is one of the important industries in the agro-food subsector in Malaysia. In 2017, the value of this industry is about RM175.55 million (US$42.81 million). Goat provides nutrition for Malaysian people through the supply of meats and milk. However, the goat industry in Malaysia is relatively small. Currently, the population of goats and sheep in Malaysia is around 572,000 animals that could supply around 4,600 MT of mutton a year. On the other hand, the consumption of mutton in Malaysia is around 40,388 MT a year. As a result, Malaysia imports around 51,150 live goats and sheep, and 34,984 MT of mutton mainly from Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India. The Malaysian government aims to increase the production of mutton so as to reduce the dependency of meats from foreign countries. Many plans and initiatives have been spelled out in the Malaysian Development Plan and the National Agricultural Policy. This paper highlights one of the initiatives of the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) towards the development of better goat breeds in Malaysia.


formed from nerves of only one spinal level, as they exit the vertebral foramina. Peripheral nerves consist of mixed fibers with variable amounts of motor, sensory, and autonomic fibers; small and large fibers; and myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. These fibers, which are surrounded by endoneurial fluid and covered in perineurium, form fascicles that are bundled together by the epineurial sheath. This sheath forms a protective barrier akin to the blood-brain barrier in the central nervous system. In patients with symptoms concerning for a peripheral nerve disorder, the history and physical examination are important in localizing the lesion. Spinal nerve, or nerve root, lesions are called radiculopathies and result in myotomal weakness or dermatomal sensory loss. Plexus lesions can be variable, with symptoms that cross myotomes and dermatomes or involve multiple peripheral nerves. Symptoms depend on which trunk or cord is involved. Peripheral nerve lesions cause weakness and sensory loss that is limited to a specific peripheral nerve. Systemic diseases affect the peripheral nervous system as well, and multiple peripheral nerves may be involved. Examples include disorders of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ), demyelinating disorders, diabetes, and toxic effects of drugs or chemicals (Box 97.1). • Nerve compression is the most common cause of radiculopathy and mononeuropathy. • Radiculopathy and radicular pain are typically associated with symptoms within a dermatome or myotome. • Patients with mononeuropathy have symptoms limited to a single peripheral nerve. • Guillain-Barré syndrome is an autoimmune demyelinating disease that results in primarily motor symptoms, with severe disease leading to respiratory compromise. • Myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome are both autoimmune disorders of the neuromuscular junction; myasthenia gravis affects the postsynaptic membrane, whereas Lambert-Eaton syndrome affects the presynaptic membrane. • Botulism is a toxin-mediated disorder of the neuromuscular junction. • Systemic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and human immunodeficiency virus infection can result in several peripheral nerve disorders. KEY POINTS


It has been 32 years since the Brundtland Report was published. That was the first time that the term Sustainable Development (SD) was coined. In this context, renewable sources of energy play an important role on not to deplete our natural resources in order to meet our need without compromising future generations. Smart Grids are on the pathway to achieve the SD goals. This Thesis focuses on the integration of renewables, specifically Solar PV panels and inverters and its interactions with the distribution grid. Since the power injection caused by the PV inverter can alter the voltage range, Reinforcement Learning (RL) is applied as method for voltage regulation. This research aims to integrate all these elements in a Co-simulation Real-Time system. To achieve complexity and reality to this cosimulation frame, an external load is aggregated from an external source. Methodology and results are described, and conclusions and future work suggested. vi Table of


Species diversity and density of buried seed bank in top 10cm. (0-5 cm and 5-10cm) of soil were studied in two tropical dry deciduous forests in Central India. Two sites namely, Mainpani and Ramna were selected for present study. Samples were collected 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm in three seasons, viz. postmonsoon, winter and summer. Seeds of total 34 species were recovered from soil samples belonging to 17 species of trees, 4 of shrubs and 13 of herbs. Result showed that highest density in upper layer (0-5 cm) was that of Anogeissus pendula (800 m -2 ) under inter canopy area in winter season at Mainpani. Maximum densities in case of shrub and herb species was found to have been contributed by Lantana camara (175 m -2 ) under canopy and Cassia tora (850 m -2 ) under inter canopy during summer and winter sampling at Ramna.


The shock wave distribution law on cannon shooting inside shelter was investigated through test and numerical calculation,every overpressure and yawp of different thickness earth inside shelter were obtained.The overpressure distribution curves of different hatch width on cannon shooting inside shelter were presented,the test result and numerical analysis were compared.


To the Editor: Advocates of laparoscopic appendectomy contend that it is superior to open appendectomy because there is less morbidity, a shorter hospital stay, and faster convalescence.1,2 We collected data on 277 appendectomies (175 open and 102 laparoscopic) performed in three hospitals in Nashville, Tennessee, during 1991 and 1992. To ensure similar clinical characteristics in the groups studied, we assessed 230 patients (143 who underwent open appendectomy and 87 who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy) with similar preoperative health (categories I and II of the classification system of the American Society of Anesthesiology [ASA]) and appendiceal disease (i.e., a normal appendix, . . .


Natural ventilation has been used widely in buildings to deliver a healthy and comfortable indoor environment for occupants. It also reduces the consumption of energy in the built environment and dilutes the concentration of carbon dioxide. Various methods and techniques have been used to evaluate and predict indoor airspeed and patterns in buildings. However, few studies have been implemented to investigate the relevant methods and tools for the evaluation of ventilation performance in indoor and outdoor spaces. The current study aims to review available methods, identifying reliable ones to apply in future research. This study investigates scientific databases and compares the advantages and drawbacks of methods including analytical models, empirical models, zonal models, and CFD models. The findings indicated the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is the most relevant method because of cost-effectiveness, informative technique, and proficiency to predict air velocity patterns and ratios in buildings. Finally, widely used CFD codes and tools are compared considering previous studies. It is concluded the application of codes for research is subject to the complexity and characteristics of a studied model, the area and field of study, the desired turbulence model, and the user interface.


Soil salinity is a major environmental constraint to plant growth and productivity. It was investigated the effects of different sodium chloride concentrations on Calendula officinalis seedling growth, pigments, proline and protein contents as well as antioxidant responses. Physiological and biochemical parameters were assessed in the seedling after 9 and 36 days of salt treatment with 50 and 100 mM NaCl. Salinity affected most of the considered parameters. Results showed that the growth and pigment (chl a, chl b, and Car) contents was not negatively affected by the concentration salt. After 9 days of salinity at marigold seedling it was observed a significant increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities at 50 mM NaCl as compared to control plant but these were generally decreased at 100 mM NaCl. Moreover, after a prolonged stress (36 days) a decrease of these enyzmes activity was observed with increase of salinity. The saline stress increased proline content of marigold seedling with the increase of NaCl concentration at 36-days old.


Q(l) = sup (F(x+1)-F{x)), / > 0 . xett Since then, concentration functions have been used by probabilists mainly to investigate convergence problems, but they have also been applied to several other questions. A full account of the subject may be found in [9]. In number theory, the study of concentration functions has been initiated by Erdos who considered the case of additive arithmetical functions [1]. More recent work in this direction is due to Halasz [5] and Ruzsa [12]. An instance of the occurrence of a concentration function in arithmetic is related to the old conjecture of Erdos according to which almost all integers possess at least two divisors d, d', with the property that d < d' ^ Id. Let n be a positive integer and let Qn(t) denote the concentration function of the random variable Dn taking the values \ogd, as d runs through all divisors of «, with equal probability 1/T(«). In Erdos's conjecture, if one replaces the constant 2 by e (which has no important consequence), an alternative statement is


The inhibition of copper corrosion by Helichrysum italicum extract (HI) in simulated acid rain was investigated using electrochemical techniques. Results indicate an increase in corrosion inhibition efficiency with the HI extract concentration. The inhibitive process was assumed to occur via adsorption of the extract on the metal surface. The thermodynamic data indicated physical adsorption and followed the Freundlich isotherm. The effect of temperature on the copper corrosion was studied. The value of the activation energy confirmed physisorption of extract molecules on the copper surface. The concentration of Cu ions released into solution, measured by atomic absorption spectrometry, was in accordance with the electrochemical results.


The study objective was to estimate the effect of social deprivation estimated by the European Deprivation Index (EDI) on the risk of death and graft failure on renal transplantation in France. EDI was calculated for 8701 of 9205 patients receiving a first renal transplantation between 2010 and 2014. Patients were separated in EDI quintiles of the general population. A Cox model (cs‐HR: cause‐specific hazard ratio of death or graft failure) and a Fine and Gray model (sd‐HR: subdistribution hazard ratio of death and graft failure) were used for the analysis. The 5th quintile group (most deprived) accounted for 32% of patients [2818 of 8701]. In the multivariate analysis, compared with quintile 1, the risk of death was higher for the 5th quintile group in the complete cohort [cs‐HR: 1.31, 95% CI: (1.01–1.70), sd‐HR: 1.29, 95% CI: (1.00–1.68)], in the deceased donor group [cs‐HR: 1.31, 95% CI: (1.00–1.71), sd‐HR: 1.30, 95% CI: (1.00–1.70)] but not in living donor transplant patients. There was no association between the EDI groups and the risk of transplant failure. Social deprivation estimated by the EDI is associated with an increased risk of death in transplantation in France but not with the chance of allograft loss.


CHAPTER5 Growth promotion in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) by rhizobacterial isolates from the rhizosphere of sorghum and grasses in Ethiopia and South Africa ______________________________________________________________________________ Abstract Mineral fertilizers have long been used as the quickest way of improving crop productivity. However, due to their cost and associated environmental problems, continues use of fertilizers has resulted in a search for alternative approaches such as the use of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria. In most developing countries including Ethiopia and South Africa, the application of this approach in agriculture is scanty. This paper presents the isolation and screening of rhizobacteria for growth promotion of sorghum under greenhouse conditions. A total of 78 bacteria isolated from the rhizosphere of sorghum in Ethiopia and 86 isolates from the rhizosphere and rhizoplane of grasses in South Africa were screened for their growth promoting ability in sorghum. Statistically significant growth promotion was achieved with three isolates from Ethiopia and ten isolates from South Africa.. The effective isolates colonized the sorghum roots at a concentration of ≥ 10 5 cfu g -1 root and were further tested (in-vitro) for the major/direct modes of action for plant growth promotion. Six isolates changed the colour of CAS-agar medium from blue to yellow/orange due to their ability to produce siderophores. The phytohormone indoleacetic acid was detected in the culture filtrate of 11 isolates with concentrations ranging between 4.2 μg – 22.8μg in the presence of trypthophan. Thirteen effective isolates solubilized tricalcium phosphate on Pikovskaya (PVK) agar medium which was evident from the formation of clear zones of varying diameter. Of the effective isolates identified by means of the API and / or sequencing of the bacterial 16S rDNA genes, 44 % were Bacillus cereus, 19% Chrysoemonas luteola, 13% Serratia marcescens, 13% Sphingomonas paucimobilis and 6% each of Stenotrophomonas maltophila and Brevibacterium laterosporus


Managed care scares me, but with patients enrolled in health maintenance organizations (HMOs) now making up a quarter of my internal-medicine practice, I've found it essential to think positive thoughts. This often means discerning silver linings where others see only clouds. Flexibility is essential. Once, I believed that only the physicians treating patients should define and take charge of their care. Managed care has successfully challenged this philosophy by showing that patients (and doctors) are more similar than they are different. Also, I have learned that an obsessive concentration on the doctor–patient relationship distracts me from attending to the needs . . .


Objectives: Cardiovascular risk is greatest in the morning period. We defined a new measure of the morning blood pressure surge which is derived from ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) by the product of the rate of morning rise (RoR) and the amplitude (day night difference) giving an effective "Power" of the blood pressure rise (BPPower). We have examined the association of morning BPPower and heart rate and long term clinical outcomes in elderly hypertensive patients undergoing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in ANBP2. Methods: BPPower was calculated using a double logistic fitting procedure from 712 ambulatory recordings from male and female subjects. Five-year follow-up (short-term) was conducted by study nurses and 10 year follow-up was conducted via record linkage with the National Death Index with mail and telephone follow-up of survivors. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to determine the association of BPPower on short- and long-term survival. Results: Forty-two and 130 (18.3%) deaths accumulated over a medium- and long-term follow-up of 4.1 and 9.2 years respectively. After adjusting for age and sex, systolic BP power in the lowest quartile was associated with a 42% greater long-term risk of death in comparison to the highest quartile (OR 1.42; 95% CI: 0.85 – 2.35; p = 0.17), with a similar observation for mean pressure power (OR 1.35; 95% CI: 0.82 – 2.23; p = 0.23). Diastolic BP Power had no impact on survival (OR 1.03; 95%CI 0.63 – 1.68; p = 0.90) However for heart rate power the reverse was observed. Subjects with the lowest heart rate power had a 23% lower risk of death (OR 0.77; 95%CI 0.48 – 1.46; p = 0.29). Discussion: These trends support the hypothesis that blood pressure power and heart rate may be markers for survival outcomes in elderly hypertensive patients.


Sunflower trypsin inhibitor (SFTI‐1) is a cyclic peptide with 14 amino acid residues and one disulfide bond. Its synthetic acyclic analog (aSFTI‐1) with N‐terminal Gly and C‐terminal Asp was still active. Here, we report the synthesis of seleno aSFTI‐1 with the disulfide bond of aSFTI‐1 replaced by diselenide bond. The formation of the diselenide bond from selenol was achieved in a single step without the aid of oxidizing agent. For comparison, aSFTI‐1 itself and aSFTI‐1 with its disulfide bond replaced by two serines ([Ser3,11] aSFTI‐1) were also synthesized. The trypsin inhibitory constants of seleno aSFTI‐1, aSFTI‐1 and [Ser3,11] aSFTI‐1 were determined as 6.50 × 10−9, 1.96 × 10−9 and 8.10 × 10−6 respectively, indicating that the disulfide bond is essential for the structure and function of aSFTI‐1, and seleno aSFTI‐1 is still active, although its inhibitory constant is reduced to 30% in comparison with that of aSFTI‐1.


Path vector protocols are currently in the limelight, mainly because the inter-domain routing protocol of the Internet, BGP (Border Gateway Protocol), belongs to this class. In this paper, we cast the operation of path vector protocols into a broad algebraic framework and relate the convergence of the protocol, and the characteristics of the paths to which it converges, with the monotonicity and isotonicity properties of its path compositional operation. Here, monotonicity means that the weight of a path cannot decrease when it is extended, and isotonicity means that the relationship between the weights of any two paths with the same origin is preserved when both are extended to the same node. We show that path vector protocols can be made to converge for every network if and only if the algebra is monotone, and that the resulting paths selected by the nodes are optimal if and only if the algebra is isotone as well.Many practical conclusions can be drawn from instances of the generic algebra. For performance-oriented routing, typical in intra-domain routing, we conclude that path vector protocols can be made to converge to widest or widest-shortest paths, but that the composite metric of IGRP (Interior Gateway Protocol), for example, does not guarantee convergence to optimal paths. For policy-based routing, typical in inter-domain routing, we formulate existing guidelines as instances of the generic algebra and we propose new ones. We also show how a particular instance of the algebra yields a sufficient condition for signaling correctness of internal BGP.


In this paper, we propose a direct depth map acquisition method for a convergent camera array as well as a parallel camera array. Since image rectification is necessary for conventional stereo matching methods, disparity values are found in the same horizontal line of stereo images. Consecutively, the acquired disparity values are transformed to depth values. However, image rectification may lead to unwanted consequences for a convergent camera array. Thus, the proposed method excludes image rectification and directly extracts depth values via the epipolar constraint. The MRF energy for depth estimation is optimized by modified constant- space belief propagation (CSBP) which has low complexity. In order to acquire a more accurate depth map, we apply post- processing finally. Experimental results show that the proposed method has fewer limitations than conventional methods and generates depth map stably. Keywords—disparity map, epipolar constraint, stereo matching


Abstract : This report describes polygonal location uncertainty representation and algorithms developed to use this uncertainty representation. The polygonal representation and algorithms provide a method for encoding and integrating target location information from many sources. The method has been implemented in an interactive FORTRAN IV computer program, which is described. Program output is graphically displayed. There are algorithms to fuse positive or negative location information with a target distribution, calculate the conditional probability that a location report originated from a particular target, move target uncertainty areas in time, and allow target uncertainty areas to move along or around land masses. (Author)


Abstract Introduction: Large-scale mass-sporting events are increasingly requiring greater prehospital event planning and preparation to address inherent event-associated medical conditions in addition to incidents that may be unexpected. The Bank of America Chicago Marathon (Chicago, Illinois USA) is one of the largest marathons in the world, and with the improvement of technology, the use of historical patient and event data, in conjunction with environmental conditions, can provide organizers and public safety officials a way to plan based on injury patterns and patient demands for care by predicting the placement and timing of needed medical support and resources. Problem: During large-scale events, disaster planning and preparedness between event organizers, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and local, state, and federal agencies is critical to ensure participant and public safety. Methods: This study looked at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, a significant endurance event, and took a unique approach of reviewing digital runner data retrospectively over a five-year period to establish patterns of medical demand geographically, temporally, and by the presenting diagnoses. Most medical complaints were musculoskeletal in nature; however, there were life-threatening conditions such as hyperthermia and cardiac incidents that highlight the need for detailed planning, coordination, and communication to ensure a safe and secure event. Conclusions: The Chicago Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world, and this study identified an equal number of participants requiring care on-course and at the finish line. Most medical complaints were musculoskeletal in nature; however, there were life-threatening conditions such as hyperthermia and cardiac incidents that highlight the need for detailed planning, multi-disciplined coordination, and communication to ensure a safe and secure event. As technology has evolved, the use, analysis, and implementation of historical digital data with various environmental conditions can provide organizers and public safety officials a map to plan injury patterns and patient demands by predicting the placement and timing of needed medical support, personnel, and resources.


We present a system which provides such navigation information based on the analysis of millimeter wave (MMW) radar data. The advantage of MMW radar sensors is that the data acquisition is independent from the actual weather and daylight situation. The core part of the presented system is a fuzzy rule based inference machine which controls the data analysis based on the uncertainty in the actual knowledge in combination with a-priori knowledge. Compared with standard TV or IR images the quality of MMW images is rather poor and the data are highly corrupted with noise and clutter. Therefore, one main task of the inference machine is to handle uncertainties as well as ambiguities and inconsistencies to draw the right conclusions. The performance of our approach is demonstrated with real data acquired during extensive flight tests to several airports in Northern Germany.


Nitrogen implantation into amorphous carbon has been studied at various implantation temperatures by using 100 keV N+ at 5 μA and fluences of 2×1017 ions/cm2. The apparent surface hardness and elastic modulus from nanoindentation are well correlated with an asymmetric diffuse peak at around 1500 cm−1 and a broad band at ∼700 cm−1 in the Raman spectra. Both the enhanced strengths and Raman characteristics show very weak Arrhenius-type implantation-temperature dependence with activation enthalpies of approximately 20 meV in the temperature range 223−1073 K.


The modulation of galactic electrons and positrons is investigated with an ab initio three-dimensional steady state cosmic-ray modulation code. The effects of turbulence on both the diffusion and drift of these cosmic-rays are treated in a self-consistent manner, utilizing a recent two-component turbulence transport model that yields results in reasonable agreement with observations of turbulence quantities throughout the heliosphere. The sensitivity of computed galactic electron intensities to choices of turbulence parameters pertaining to the dissipation range of the slab turbulence spectrum will be demonstrated, and comparisons of computed electron and positron intensities with spacecraft observations will be made.


Abstract: Because of its unique properties, diamond is well suited for sensors and actuators operating in harsh environment. The excellent figures of merit, e.g. highest hardness, high Young's modulus and chemical inertness, motivate engineers to design Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (sensors and actuators) which are able to withstand extreme conditions. Using diamond as wide bandgap semiconductor, it can also be used as a universal multifunctional material being insulating, semiconducting or metal-like depending on doping. Therefore it is possible to fabricate complex systems including active elements from one identical material allowing for example extensive thermal cycling and operation in aggressive solutions. During past years we have designed, fabricated and tested a novel diamond inkjet element based on a diamond spot heater and diamond nozzle plate. The diamond inkjet element has then been the key in the development of a dual inkjet dispenser system used in bio-chemistry, and here specially in the synthesis and post-synthetic immobilization (spotting) of oligonucleotides. It is also suitable for the micro dosage of highly aggressive liquids with low and medium viscosity with a resolution down to approx. 1.5 pl presently.


For electricity production with zero emission Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC) shows a great potential having a low cost fabrication solar cell devices. In this research, we have used two types of modified titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles as photoanodes for DSSC, such as commercial TiO2 paste, and synthesis TiO2 paste. These TiO2 compact layers were coated on FTO (Fluorine doped Tin Oxide) coated conductive glass substrates using doctor blade technique. Then, a freshly prepared solution of iodide – triiodide, and Ruthenium (II) dye (N719), were used as electrolyte and the dye, respectively. A platinum (Pt) coated FTO was used as a counter electrode. The J-V characteristics for all the devices were obtained under light evaluating their performance and to calculate the power conversion efficiency.


PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to map the process of opening an innovation network in the context of the Brazilian agroforestry sector.Design/methodology/approachQualitative case study of the open innovation network Embrapa Florestas (17 semi-structured interviews, observation and documentary data). Social network analysis (SNA) of the open innovation network from primary data is available at Embrapa Florestas' system.FindingsThree primary triggers to the opening process of Embrapa Florestas' innovation network were identified. The process starts with an innovation network with closed network characteristics. The process of opening the innovation network is motivated by a restructuring in its source of fundraising (trigger 1), by the change in strategic orientation toward the internationalization of its network activities (trigger 2) and by opening the black box of its innovation with greater proximity to the productive sector and partner universities (trigger 3). Comparing the pre-opening and post-opening networks (open innovation network), sociometric data allows us to verify that the opening of the innovation network presents better density, clustering and centrality indexes for the network as a whole and for the Embrapa Florestas specifically.Originality/valueThis is one of the first studies that aims to investigate the transition from a closed innovation network to an open innovation network by a public research institute. It may also be considered innovative because it presents practical and managerial relevance – in addition to contributions to public policy makers – which allows for improvements in the development of innovation and technology in the country's strategic sectors.


Abstract Methods for detecting and identifying insects or insect fragments in food provides essential data to underpin regulatory responses aimed at protecting consumers. Complete mitochondrial genomes have demonstrated utility for high-resolution phylogenetic discrimination of closely related species; thus, high-quality references of complete mitochondrial genomes are valuable for applied detection and identification of insect species in food products.


In order to better understand the underlying fundamental physical processes in nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, and to realize improvements in the use of this system for technological applications, it is imperative to gain new insight into the origins of the apparent inhomogeneous broadening. In this work we make use of a novel type of spectroscopy developed specifically for this task. The pump-probe spectroscopy closely follows Doppler-free spectroscopy used in atomic vapor. We show that the origin of inhomogeneous broadening comes from local magnetic field variations in the diamond lattice.


The heights of ionospheric irregularities were measured at the Sagamore Hill Radio Observatory, 42.6°N, 70.8°W. Beacon signals at 40.01 MHz from Explorer 22 were recorded at spaced receivers during the summer and fall of 1968 and during a short period in the winter of 1969. By using the mean time differences between 1-second samples at each receiver and by using the method of similar fades, the heights of dominant irregularities were found to vary between 130 and 900 km. Scale size (determined from the height measurement and the time between major peaks of the diffraction patterns) increased from 1 km at a height of 200 km to 4 km at a height of 800 km. Two large geomagnetic storms occurred during the test periods. Results were compared with simultaneous measurements of total electron content. The mean height of the irregularity region decreased by 100 km during periods of major depression of total electron content; this decrease suggests that the irregularities are distributed throughout the F region for both quiet and disturbed conditions.


Unlike the electrohydrodynamic (EHD) induction and iondrag pumping, the conduction pumping is associated with the heterocharge layers of finite thickness in the vicinity of the electrodes which are based on the process of dissociation of the neutral electrolytic species and recombination of the generated ions. The conduction term here represents a mechanism for electric current flow in which charged carriers are produced not by injection from electrodes, but by dissociation of molecules within the fluid. This paper presents the control of adiabatic two-phase (liquid/vapor) flow distribution with EHD conduction pumping mechanism at two mass flux levels, Gtotal = 50 kg/m2 s and Gtotal = 100 kg/m2 s. The effects of the vapor quality, ranging from 0 to 26%, on the EHD conduction pumping have also been experimentally investigated. The measured pressure data show that the EHD conduction pumping can significantly decrease the pressure drop of the two-phase flow. It is also found that the performances of the EHD conduction pump are related to the mass flux and quality of two-phase flow.Copyright © 2004 by ASME


Recent progress of communications requires the next generation of fiber optic communication systems such as wavelength multiplexing system (WDM) or optical time division multiplexing system (OTDM). For the demand on increase of transmission capacity, it is important to consider the wavelength dispersion of an optical fiber network and the gain spectrum of an erbium doped fiber amplifier. In order to realize above fiber optic systems, several wavelength standards are now under development.1),2),3) In this paper, we describe the construction and the specifications of a light source stabilized to an absorption line of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) gas on 1.55µm band.


In this proceedings we present Qibocal, an open-source software package for calibration and characterization of quantum processing units (QPUs) based on the Qibo framework. Qibocal is specifically designed for self-hosted QPUs and provides the groundwork to easily develop, deploy and distribute characterization and calibration routines for all levels of hardware abstraction. Qibocal is based on a modular QPU platform agnostic approach and it provides a general purpose toolkit for superconducting qubits with the possibility of extensions to other quantum technologies. After motivating the need for such a module, we explain the program's flow and show examples of actual use for QPU calibration. We also showcase additional features provided by the library including automatic report generation and live plotting.


The Australian and international water industry is on the verge of significant change, and a significant opportunity to embrace sustainability in its operations. The paper shows how a combination of forecasting and backcasting is necessary for predicting a water service provision model of the future. Using some real examples, we demonstrate how actions that pick the low hanging fruit result from forecasting and how actions that challenge existing assumptions result from backcasting. We show how the application of these two tools can pay dividends for residential, commercial, and industrial water users.


In the UK employability is a key university performance measure. This reflects both the tightening graduate employment market and the demands on the sector for greater accountability. The literature on employability considers the implications for institutions and the student motivation literature examines students' intrinsic and extrinsic goal orientations. This exploratory study complements both areas of work by considering employability, currently deemed an all-pervasive extrinsic goal, as far as students' motivation is concerned relative to the more conventional drivers of decisions to enter higher education; achieving academic success and social fulfilment. It aims to establish both the significance of employability as a motivating factor and ascertain the degree of association with the academic and social factors as well as profile variables. The research design applies Thurstone attitude scaling. Several hundred business undergraduates were asked to encapsulate why they were on their course. The responses were collated and scored by a set of judges against scales of academic, employability and social motivation. The judges' scores were used to determine the most appropriate statements to use in the research instrument, which was then used to survey the attitudes of 75 students. The results suggest that employability is a significant aspect of students' motivation and is associated with the academic and social aspects of motivation. This significance of employability suggests effective learning support strategies are likely to be those that are based on experiential and skill-driven learning alongside more tightly drawn cognitive approaches. The balance of motivational aspects can also inform institutions' student recruitment.


Development Aids (DA) have played a very important part in Japan's restoration and development of its economy after the war and, with the development of its economy, Japan has gradually changed from its role as a receiver of DA to that of provider to other countries. At a time when Japan has been suffering from long-term economic recession, the country has started to reform its Official Development Aids policy since mid- and late 90's of the 20th century. Under the circumstance when the budget of ODA is reducing with each year, Japan's China ODA is now not only undergoing adjustment in terms of aid size, aid mode, major fields to be aided and regional distribution of aids, but it is also affected by the fluctuations of Sino-Japan relationship.


This report presents simple, rapid and an e ffi cient electropolishing of Ti metal in choline chloride-based ionic liquid (so called Ethaline) at 20°C. This electrolyte is relatively benign and environmentally friendly which is desirable for electropolishing. Potentiostatic method was applied to Ti electropolishing in this electrolyte. Under an electrochemical condition of 6 – 10V for 30min. and at 20°C, a promising electropolishing process was performed without obvious gas evolution. To characterize the electropolished surface, atomic force microscope (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used. The achieved an apparent mirror-like fi nished surface with an average surface roughness (Ra) was 5.7nm which is considerably di ff erent from that of unpolished one (Ra = 118.8nm). The microscopic results showed leveling and brightening of the surface of Ti by carrying out the current procedure. This electrolyte provides su ffi cient environment to dominate the mass transport mechanism which is responsible for reduction in the surface roughness.


The system of serving the individual student, efficiently, in the various clinics, by means of young lady assistants, or nurses, was established at Northwestern University Den tal School at the commencement of the 1916-17 term. The system has proved to be one of great value to the student body. The mere presence of white-clad nurses, passing through the clinic, endeavoring to maintain aseptic conditions for the student to work under, places him in an environment which is a stimulus to careful work and promotes the for mation of habits which make for a student's successful future. The operative department of the general clinic, com prising about 150 chairs, is divided into three sections with a nurse in charge of each. Her station is at a cabinet which is fitted with a sterilizer and contains every material used by the student in this department. Iler first duty an the morning is to place her particular section in readiness for the day's patients. Clean linen head rests are placed and fresh tray papers laid. Sterilizers are filled and kept at a boiling point constantly. The operative department cabinets contain gold, amalgam, cement, medicines, ortho dontia supplies and an abundance of clean towels and tray papers. A student, upon the presentation of a cash order slip, is given the materials called for, in the proper amounts and a receipt for his patient. A filled tank, each, of grain and denatured alcohol, is at hand always for the use of the student. Broaches are dispensed on a slab containing phenol and alcohol, in short, everything that is for the use of student (and patient) is handled in a manner which


This research attempted to examine underlying processes of group polarization under leadership conditions. One hundred and twenty-two subjects formed in groups of four and five members answered to the Choice Dilemma Questionnaire first on an individual basis and then after group discussion. Experimental conditions were manipulated through different rules of group discussion and types of appointed leaders. It was found that leadership is associated both with group polarization and with group depolarization but whether the group polarizes or depolarizes is determined by the explicit or implicit group rules which act as a systemic decisional structure.


Four methods of regional anaesthesia for trails-urethral prostatectomy were compared in 350 patients. Complete analgesia was produced ill all cases where the level of the block reached the third lumbar segment. Caudal analgesia 'it'as unreliable because of the low levels achieved. It is likely that the" capsular sign" is lost zf the level reaches the tenth thoracic segment. A natomical explanations arc considered.


Hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, can be caused by several very different viruses. incubation period differ greatly with the type of virus. In the United States, hepatitis A, B, and C are the most common viruses that cause hepatitis and are of great public health significance. Hepatitis A is an acute disease with little to no sequelae but with outbreak capacity. However, hepatitis B and C disease can have a carrier state or become chronic, leading to life-threatening liver conditions. All hepatitis viruses are reportable in Indiana according to the Communicable Disease Hepatitis vaccination requirements are in accordance to the 410 IAC 1-1. Vaccination recommendations are published by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). Hepatitis A is an acute viral disease of the liver that is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. The virus is excreted in the stool of an infected person and can be passed person-to-person or through contaminated food and water. Hepatitis A rarely causes long-term liver damage or death. The hepatitis A virus (HAV) is highly contagious and spreads more easily spread in situations where there are poor sanitary conditions, a lack of good personal hygiene, or contact with fecal material, such as in facilities with diapered children or adults. Outbreaks have occurred due to food contaminated by infected food handlers, contaminated water, raw or undercooked shellfish harvested from contaminated waters, contaminated produce, and infected children in day care settings. Very rarely, the hepatitis A virus can be transmitted through blood during viremia, making injection drug users at high risk. Casual contact, as in the usual workplace or school setting, does not spread the virus. However, most cases of hepatitis A have 14 an unknown exposure, because the time from exposure to the time symptoms begin can be long (range of 15-50 days). Symptoms of hepatitis A occur suddenly, begin 28-30 days (range of 15-50 days) after exposure, and usually last less than 2 months. The most contagious period is from about 1 week before symptoms begin until 2 weeks after. Some people, especially children, may have no symptoms but can still spread the virus to others. There is no sequalae or long-term carrier state associated with hepatitis A, but sometimes a person can relapse for as long as 12 months. Death from hepatitis A is rare, 0.1-0.3 %, and is more common in adults over 50. Testing for hepatitis A should not be used …


The aim of this study was to study the effects of metronidazole on the establishment of oral candidosis and Candida albicans colonization in the oral cavity of rats. Forty-eight male rats, negative for yeasts in the oral cavity, were used in the study. The rats were inoculated with a suspension of Candida albicans and treated with metronidazole or plain water (control group). The rats of the candidosis experimental group were sacrificed 7, 15, or 30 days after inoculation and their tongues were analyzed by light microscopy. Colonization by Candida albicans was evaluated 1, 2, 5 and 7 days after inoculation and progressively at 15-day intervals, with a total of 18 collections. The results demonstrated the development of candidosis on the tongue dorsum was similar between the Control and Metronidazole groups for each sacrifice period. However, the colonization results showed that yeasts were recovered in the Metronidazole group in greater numbers than in the Control group after the 37 th day of the experiment (6 th collection). According this, the long term metronidazole therapy favored the colonization of C. albicans in the oral cavity of rats.


Using the evolution of the stickleback family of subarctic fish as a touchstone, we explore the effect of new discoveries about regulatory genetics, developmental plasticity, and epigenetic inheritance on the conceptual foundations of the Modern Evolutionary Synthesis. Identifying the creativity of natural selection as the hallmark of the Modern Synthesis, we show that since its inception its adherents have pursued a variety of research projects that at first seemed to conflict with its principles, but were accommodated. We situate challenges coming from developmental biology in a dialectic between innovation and tradition, suggesting on the basis of past episodes that even if developmental plasticity and epigenetic inheritance are aligned with its principles the Modern Synthesis (and its image in the public reception of evolution) will be significantly affected.


Objective The gestational trophoblastic tumors of blood flow supply were analysed with color doppler flow imaging (CDFI) ,to investigate the value of CDFI in early diagnosis and monitoring the response of chemotherapy of the gestational trophoblastic tumor. Methods CDFI was used in diagnosis of 58 patients with gestational trophoblastic tumors. The vascular morphologic manifestations were recorded, and the peak systolic velocity and resistance index of uterine artery were calculated. Serum β-human chorionic gonadotrop in (HCG) levels were measured periodically to monitor chemotherapy response. 36 uneventful post moles uterine were enrolled as controls. Results Histopathologic diagnosis was available for 18 lesions. They were invasive mole in 8 lacunars type and 5 diffuse type lesions,5 chorioearcinoma necrosis in compact type lesions. The gestational trophoblastic tumors were categorized as diffuse type, lacunars type, and compact type according to their vascular pattems. Conclusion Vascular morphologic patterns of gestational trophoblastic tumors correlated well with β-HCG levels, uterine hemodynamics and chemotherapy. CDFI are useful for early diagnosis of the gestational trophoblastil tumors, for evaluating chemotherapeutic results and disease prognosis.

Key words:
Trophoblastic tumor malignant;  Color Doppler flow imaging;  Diagnosis;  Chemotherapy


Local development planning in local government units (municipalities and towns) has always played an important social role in all countries. In recent decades, this area has been regulated by adequate laws, which differ greatly from one another primarily due to an underdeveloped science-based theory of local development. According to the recently constructed theory, two local planning systems were identified. The first system (of a long-standing tradition) is called the partial system because local and overall social development in a particular country is solely taken care of by a country that has its own development interests. The second (new) system is called the integral system, which implies partner relations between the state and the most influential professional democratic forces that participate in development planning activities. The comparison of these two systems points to the great advantages of the integral system of local planning over the partial one; for this reason, developed countries are increasingly switching to the use of the integral system. Due to the insufficiently developed theory of local planning, this scientific article aims to contribute to supplementing the integral system of local development by projecting its general implications for local self-government and the associated nation-state, as well as the international community. Based on relevant research methods, the obtained results have shown that the implementation of this system implicitly causes positive fundamental social changes which enable less developed countries in particular to catch up with the developed countries much faster and much more efficiently.


Subject. The article investigates risk-forming factors and threats in the field of energy security of the real sector of the economy.
Objectives. The aim is to substantiate indicators and thresholds to assess the state of the energy sector, to test the methodology for measuring the energy security of the territory on the case of the real sector of the economy of the Republic of Mordovia.
Methods. I employ methods of scientific abstraction, analysis, and synthesis.
Results. The paper shows that energy security is the most important priority of Russia. Virtually all other elements of national security depend on its condition. The key threats to the economy of the Republic of Mordovia include acute energy shortage of the region and high degree of deterioration of basic production assets.
Conclusions. Development of "green technologies" and alternative energy are identified as a priority direction for ensuring the national security of the country. This is associated with depletion of fuel and energy resources and aggravation of environmental problems. It is required to promote access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy sources for all subjects of the Russian Federation.


One of the most common symptoms that patients present to an ENT clinic is a "blocked nose". Nasal obstruction is caused by mucosal inflammation and/or structural abnormalities. The narrowest part of the nasal cavity is the anterior nasal valve or the isthmus. This area is bound internally by the anterior end of the inferior turbinate and the adjacent nasal septum, thus an anterior deviation of the septum and inferior turbinate hypertrophy can contribute significantly to nasal obstruction. Inferior turbinate hypertrophy is initially managed medically. Patients who fail to benefit from medical management are referred for surgery which may include septoplasty and inferior turbinate reduction surgery. There is a vast selection of surgical techniques to manage the hypertrophic inferior turbinate. This ranges from full or partial turbinectomy to newer technologies, that is, microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty and Coblation Inferior Turbinate Reduction (CITR). Coblation (cold ablation) is a non-thermal (40-60°C) tissue reduction where radiofrequency energy is delivered through a conductive solution releasing charged plasma particles that break the molecular bonds. The effect is extensive fibrosis with reduction in submucosal glands and venous sinusoids but with intact basement membrane. Coblation Inferior Turbinate Reduction has been performed in the past decade mostly using the Ultra Reflex wand. The Coblation Turbinator turbinate reduction wand differs significantly from the Coblation Reflex series. The Turbinator wand incorporates a broader 2.9-mm shaft with an active electrode at the tip which generates the plasma field common to other Coblation instruments (Figure 1). In addition, there are suction and saline irrigation ports on the reverse side of the tip. The wand is connected to the standard Coblation power unit which will default to the manufacturer's recommended settings (Ablate 7 and Coag 3). The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of the Coblation Turbinator turbinate reduction wand in a cohort of patients requiring septoturbinal surgery for nasal obstruction. 2 | METHODS


Social robots are used to perform mobile manipulation tasks, such as tidying up and carrying, based on instructions provided by humans. A mobile manipulation planner, which is used to exploit the robot's functions, requires a better understanding of the feasible actions in real space based on the robot's subsystem configuration and the object placement in the environment. This study aims to realize a mobile manipulation planner considering the world state, which consists of the robot state (subsystem configuration and their state) required to exploit the robot's functions. In this paper, this study proposes a novel environmental representation called a world state-dependent action graph (WDAG). The WDAG represents the spatial and temporal order of feasible actions based on the world state by adopting the knowledge representation with scene graphs and a recursive multilayered graph structure. The study also proposes a mobile manipulation planning method using the WDAG. The planner enables the derivation of many effective action sequences to accomplish the given tasks based on an exhaustive understanding of the spatial and temporal connections of actions. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated through practical machine experiments performed. The experimental result demonstrates that the proposed method facilitates the effective utilization of the robot's functions.


[Objective] The aim was to provide the reference for systematic classification of Saussurea DC..[Method] The achene surfaces ornamentation of 24 populations in 11 species belonging to 4 sections of Subgen Saussurea from Gannan area of Gansu was observed with scanning electron microscope.The results was analyzed and discussed by populations.[Result] The achene surface ornamentation of the tested plants including 3 types: striate ornamentation,septate striate ornamentation and reticulate ornamentation.The achene surface features in intraspecies had less change,which was similar in interspecies of the same section but had obvious difference in different section.The achene surface ornamentations of S.kansuensis Hand.Mazz and S.arenaria Maxim were striate ornamentation that was primitive,that of S.graminea Dunn was septate striate ornamentation that was more evolutional,and those of S.katochaete Maxim and S.minuta C.winkl were reticulate ornamentation that was the most evolutional.[Conclusion] The achene surface ornamentation had important systematic significance for Saussurea DC..


Solution culture was conducted with a BC1S1 population with 119 families derived from NC × 711 to select salt tolerant phenotypic parameters the mean yield of families which was regarded as salt tolerant parameter in previous reference had been highly segregated under 250 mmol/L NaCl stress for 12 weeks The result also showed that mean yield of families was significantly related to relative plant height in 4 weeks (4RPH),fruit setting rate(FSR),flower number(FLN),fruit number (FRN) and chlorophyll content (SPAD) Meanwhile,multi linear regressions were assayed and optimal model was advanced Phenotypie parameters such as 4RPH and SPAD can be used as the most economical index in selecting for salt tolerant genotypes in tomato population


Abstract This study addresses 'the inevitable dilemma facing [leaders of] an occupation' seeking to progress the professionalisation process through organisational formation, namely that 'if too many are included as eligible, it may downgrade the whole membership, while if the line is drawn too narrowly, those left out may be of sufficient ability to form a rival body' (Macdonald, 1995: 192). It examines this dilemma in the context of the formation of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 1880 through the merger of five accounting societies formed during the previous decade. We show that creation of the ICAEW was engineered by London City-based accountants, primarily those who had directed the affairs of the ICAEW's elite predecessor body, the Institute of Accountants. We will argue that, through organisational fusion, the ICAEW's leaders expected to achieve organisational closure of the public accountancy profession in England and Wales, but this endeavour was flawed because of their failure either to adopt a sufficiently inclusive strategy at the date of formation or to address that deficiency in the years that immediately followed. This created an alienated population of 'country accountants' and left available a substantial reservoir of public accountants from which the first competitor organisation formed—the Society of Accountants—was able successfully to recruit.


Safe handling practices must be followed to minimize nutrient loss in fruits and vegetables. To evaluate such loss in tomatoes, storage and preparation practices were tested under storage at 10C and 24C (24 and 72 h), sanitization times (15, 45 and 75 min), type of cut (slices and cubes) and exposure time until consumption (0, 30 and 60 min). Ascorbic acid (AA), dehydroascorbic acid (DHA), lycopene andβ-carotene were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Under refrigeration, AA retention was 8% higher during 24 h storage. DHA increased at room temperature and lycopene retention was lower under refrigeration temperature. No differences were verified between cutting methods and the exposure times used. Retention after the selected storage and processing conditions ranged from 78 to 86% for vitamin C, from 53 to 81% for lycopene and from 74 to 83% forβ-carotene.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Vitamin C and carotenoids are recognized as important components of healthy diet. However, the processes to which vegetables are submitted from harvest to consumption can alter vitamin content. The adoption of safe handling practices can minimize vitamin C and carotenoids losses during preparation. When the extent of the losses is known and controlled, menus can be complemented to reach the recommended vitamin daily intake. This study investigated the influence of post harvesting handling practices (storage, sanitization, slicing and the period between cooking and consumption) to select the practices that would result in greatest vitamin C and carotenoid retention.


An adaptive channel singular value decomposition (SVD) tracking scheme is discussed for time division duplexing (TDD) systems. The proposed strategy is based on the signal subspace decomposition. The advantage of the scheme is that only the unitary matrix U and singular matrix /spl Sigma/ need to be tracked. The proposed algorithm reduces stringent processing requirements significantly and easy to implement in real time applications. The algorithm is simulated by using i.i.d. channels and the indoor channels measured at Victoria University of Technology. The complexity of performing SVD reduces from 26a/sup 3/ to 16a/sup 2/, compared with using R-SVD algorithm.


Measuring device calibration device (21) for calibrating a measuring device temperature sensor (5) of a, in particular optical, measuring device (1), wherein the measuring device calibration device (21) a self-traceable calibratable, preferably external measuring device, calibration temperature sensor (7) for determining a Calibration temperature in the region of a measuring surface (22) of the measuring device (1) and a detection device (9), which is used to determine for a discrepancy between a detected by means of the measuring device temperature sensor (5) meter temperature in the region of the measuring surface (22 ) and the calibration temperature of indicative information is established, based on which the meter temperature sensor (5) can be calibrated.


In this article, I employ the notion of sensory enskilment to investigate the embodied relations through which White Dutch middle‐class residents of the Indische Buurt, a rapidly gentrifying multicultural neighborhood in the east of Amsterdam, learn to tune in to sensory nuisance to discern safe and unsafe bodies and places in their surroundings. The analysis involves examining those institutional and interactional avenues of (unwitting) sensory learning through which habituated perceptual patterns of stigmatization that conflate the everyday sensory order of Moroccan‐Dutch youths with feelings of urban insecurity are cultivated, produced, and consolidated. Studying the ways in which sensory knowledge is implicated in the reproduction of socioeconomic exclusions in contested urban territories can shed new light on discussions around urban sensory politics and draw attention to the enrolment of the senses in revanchist urban renewal.


At the beginning of the XXI century, Serbia entered into transition process toward open market economy. One of the segments which should be developed in accordance with market economy principles was financial markets, more precisely capital market. Recovery of the Belgrade Stock Exchange and increasing trend in the first half of the XXI century gave optimism in prospective development of the Serbian capital market. Unfortunately, Serbian capital market did not make expected progress. In this paper, the situation on the Belgrade Stock Exchange is analyzed, trading with equity and debt instruments, emphasizing deficiencies which caused insufficient level of development of the Serbian capital market. As many opportunities for growth have been  missed and capital markets are at the stagnant level for years, there are new, sophisticated products which could give an impulse to further development of financial markets. An example of such products is covered bonds, type of debt instruments with widespread use in the European Union. In this paper the main characteristics of those products are elaborated with experiences in other countries that could be very useful for Serbia.


Rapid Prosody Transcription (RPT) was used to investigate listeners' perceptions of prosody in reading by native and non-native English speakers. RPT offers a language-independent tool to access listeners' holistic understanding of prosody. Listeners hear an audio recording of speech while following along on an orthographic, unpunctuated transcript of the recording. They indicate their perception of phrasal boundaries or prominent words by marking them on the transcript in real time. Our listeners showed higher agreement for boundary-marking in the native speakers' reading than the non-natives'. Listeners marked more boundaries in the non-natives' reading, likely because the non-natives paused more often, although listeners partially compensated by not marking boundaries as often when non-natives made short pauses. For prominence, rates of agreement were higher for the non-natives. This may be due to listeners' marking fewer prominences in the non-natives' reading, meaning that they agreed on the absence of prominent words. Compared to acoustic analysis, studying listener reactions provides more insight into what aspects of non-native prosody are most salient. This may be useful in guiding learners to the most effective ways to improve their prosody.


Objective To estimate the prevalence of radiographic and symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA) in a remote rural region of northern China (Wuchuan County, Inner Mongolia) and compare these with those reported in Beijing and data from the Framingham (Massachusetts, USA) cohort. Methods A population-based cross sectional survey was conducted among 1025 residents of Wuchuan County, Inner Mongolia, aged 50 years and over. Survey participants, mostly farmers reporting heavy physical occupational activity, completed an interviewer based questionnaire and obtained bilateral weight-bearing posterior-anterior semi-flexed knee radiographs. Results While the prevalence of radiographic knee OA was similar to that demonstrated in the Beijing OA study, the prevalence of severe radiographic [prevalence ratio (PR) 2.48, 95%CI(1.62, 3.78)] and symptomatic knee OA [PR 1.91, 95%CI(1.25, 2.91)] in men in Wuchuan were higher than ones in Beijing. Women in Wuchuan also had a higher prevalence of both severe radiographic [PR 1.42, 95%CKI (1.03, 1.97)] and symptomatic knee OA [PR 1.55, 95%CI(1.17, 2.05)] compared with their Beijing counterparts. The prevalence of bilateral OA and lateral compartment OA were two to three times higher in both Chinese cohorts compared with estimates from the Framingham OA Study. Conclusion The prevalence of symptomatic knee OA in rural areas of Wuehuan is much higher than that reported from urban regions of China (Beijing) or in the Framingham cohort. The higher representation of bilateral and lateral compartment OA in China suggests a unique phenotype to OA. The findings will be useful to guide the distribution of future health care resources and preventive strategies.

Key words:
Osteoarthritis; knee; Prevalence; Cross-sectional studies


This study examined how control influences self-attributions and performance in an environment containing two potentially arousing stimuli. Groups of subjects worked in a situation where their personal space was violated and where they believed that an arousing but undetectable noise was being played. Perceptions of control were orthogonally manipulated so that subjects believed that they controlled both the spacing and noise, neither spacing or noise, or one stimulus but not the other. Subjects reported how crowded and stressed they felt during the experiment, and how arousing they found the noise and the other group members. Additionally, a word formation task provided performance data. The results suggest that when subjects control one variable but not the other, the controllable variable captures more attributional attention. Specifically, the most extreme ratings of crowding occurred when subjects controlled spacing but not noise. Further, subjects attributed highest arousal to the noise when they controlled only the noise variable. Similarly, they attributed highest arousal to the other group members when they controlled only spacing. On the other hand, performance on the word task was positively related to degree of control. The discussion focused on the relationship between salience and control in attributions of causality and the likelihood that people use attributions to enhance their perceptions of control over their environment.


The main late complication after the surgery of breast cancer is the development of lymphedema, a chronic, progressive, usually incurable disease. The increase in the volume of the limb can disfigure the body image and develop the physical and psychological morbidity of the patient, promoting significant damage to the functions. This study was developed through a systematic review from the randomized crosschecking of the keywords "lymphedema", "lymphatic compensation", "lymphatic system", "axillary dissection", "risk factors" and "breast cancer". Eighteen articles were selected, between 1979 and 2009, in which radiotherapy, axillary radiation, infection, axillary dissection followed by radiotherapy, obesity, number of removed and impaired lymph nodes and aggressiveness of surgery were found as main risk factors for the development of lymphedema. The way of compensation after the lymphatic axillary dissection, as the lympho-lymphatic anastomoses, may be hindered by scar formation, seroma after surgery, radiotherapy and inappropriate exercises for the shoulder rehabilitation in breast cancer.


THIS REPORT illustrates the use of left ventriculography in clarifying the cause of a systolic murmur present following prosthetic replacement of the mitral valve in a 32-year-old housewife with chronic rheumatic mitral insufficiency. As reported in detail elsewhere,1 a good functional result followed surgery performed on January 2, 1961. suspicion that partial dislocation of the cage-ball prosthesis trace early cage into the


Animal dispersion in space and time results from environmental pressures, and affects the outcome of a species' social organization. When females are solitary, males may either roam or be pair-living. We studied possible environmental influences affecting the social organization of the round-eared sengi ( Macroscelides proboscideus ) in a semi-desert in South Africa, using trapping and radio-tracking across 2.5 yr. Adult sex ratios did not deviate from 1:1 and we found no indication of sexual dimorphism in body mass. Females maintained exclusive areas, which had little overlap (<4%) with neighbouring females (NF), and males overlapped predominately only with the home range of single females. Generally, inter-and


Using broadband (12-45 THz) multi-terahertz spectroscopy, we show that stimulated Rayleigh scattering dominates the transient optical conductivity of cadmium arsenide, a Dirac semimetal, under an optical driving field at 30 THz. The characteristic dispersive line shape with net optical gain is accounted for by optical transitions between light-induced Floquet subbands, strikingly enhanced by the longitudinal plasma mode. Stimulated Rayleigh scattering with an unprecedentedly large refractive index change may pave the way for slow light generation in conductive solids at room temperature.


The water-feeding control in once-through stage means great to ultra-supercritical units. Basing on the traditional water control strategy and the water-coal ratio,a control strategy which having slightly-superheated steam enthalpy at the separator exit chosen as the feedback signal of water-coal ratio was presented; and as the mainly-controlled objects,both slightly-superheated steam enthalpy and water-coal ratio were dynamically corrected. The simulation with the AnySimu software indicates that the improved control strategy can give dual attention to the rapidity and accuracy of the water-coal ratio and can have the main superheated steam temperature kept within an adjustable range.


The present invention relates to coatings for high temperature applications having a friction stress. The multi-layer coating comprising a lubricating system and a top layer, wherein the top lubricant layer containing molybdenum as a main component.


2° they are periodic in t with the period T( > 0) ; 3° they are once continuously differentiable with respect to x; (i = 1, 2, ... , n) and c. For such a system, N. Minorsky proposed an interesting method [2]-the so-called stroboscopic method -to seek for periodic solutions and to decide their stability. After his proposal, his heuristic method was proved to be mathematically legal too by some writers [3, 4]. The stroboscopic method guaranteed mathematically advocates that, for sufficiently small I c I, 1 ° to each simple critical point of the system -the so-called stroboscopic image of (1.1) --


Object detection is a popular direction in the field of computer research, and the main task is to accurately classify and localize object instances in images. Since the advent of deep learning technology, it has advanced significantly in both speed and accuracy. However, there is still potential for improvement in the areas of multi-scale object detection, weakly supervised object detection, and unsupervised object detection. In this research, we examine and describe the current mainstream object identification algorithms based on deep learning from the viewpoints of process, network structure, common data sets, and model training approaches, based on detailed reference to a vast quantity of existing literature. We also give improvement suggestions according to the main problems and look forward to the future research focus in the field of object detection.


This paper presents a study of near collision course engagements between a Cessna 172R aircraft and a ScanEagle UAV carrying a custom built vision-based sense-and- avoid system. Vision-based systems are an attractive solution for the sense-and-avoid problem because of size, weight and power considerations. We present post flight test analysis that shows our detection system successfully detecting an approaching Cessna aircraft in all 15 flight test encounters at ranges greater than 1500 m, with no false alarms events. Moreover, this paper characterises the image inter-frame stabilisation required to achieve acceptable detection performance, and compares a range of stabilisation techniques for achieving this type of stabilisation precision. Our analysis illustrates that the image inter-frame stabilisation requirements are demanding, suggesting that images must be stabilised in real-time at 9Hz to within 2 pixels between consecutive frames. We present performance comparisons between stabilisation using GPS/INS, IMU-only and image-based techniques.


Many elements have led to the increasing unbalances between the consumption and social progress in China.The unbalances are specified into three sorts.One is that the bad consumption ways have decreased the customer's qualities,seriously debased the standards of social conducts and corrupted the social groups.Two is that the bad market environment has restricted a healthy consumption.Three is that the bad cultural environment has induced the vulgar consumption.For a harmonious consumption,it is necessary to stress the consumption education to achieve a scientific,polite and healthy way of consumption.Besides,such measures must be taken to get a safely and good consumption as the regulations of culture market order and environment.


FIGURE 1 Two-dimensional representation of a spherical structure presenting a morphological particularity on a portion of its surface . AB, arc corresponding to the cross-section of the cap of the sphere presenting the characteristic ; OA = OB = R; 0, angle defining the cap ; v, vector defining the secant planes. S I and S2 are two-dimensional representation of secant planes which intersect (S2) or do not intersect (Si) the cap . The dotted surface represents the crosssection of the volume generated by the extremity of the vectors v corresponding to the secant planes which reach the cap .


China highways have structural problems with low percentage of quality network and inefficient functions. This article explores the optimization method of China highway structure to improve its efficiency and effectiveness as well as functionality. We propose a multi-objective model and test the model with a case in Shaanxi Province.


Aim- To describe neurologicalcomplications in children with cancer  Studyperiod- November 2008 - Aug 2013Materials and Methods:  Neurological  problem as presenting feature or part oftherapy related complications in  childhood malignancies, identified andreviewed. Exclusion-Pre existing neurological problems, with CNS tumors & post chemotherapycognitive dysfunctions excluded.Typeof Study: prospective (3 years) and  Retrospective(1 and half yrs)Results –38/248 children, 3 months to 15 years ofage reviewed.  Acute lymphoblastic  leukemia(ALL) 17/38,  neuroblastoma(NBL)9/38. Fourof  9 had Opsoclonus Myoclonus syndrome.Neurological problems with Ewings /PNET seen in 4.  Histiocytic disorder with CNS deposits  3. Two   were Acute myeloid leukemia. Tumor related neurological problems: seen in 23, remaining15  therapy related. 19 /23 directly related to tumor , 4/23 were paraneoplastic as Opsoclonus myoclonus secondary toneuroblastoma.Cordcompression-9,(NBL-3, Ewings/PNET-4, Germ cell tumor-1, RMS-1). Five presentedwith seizures(ALL-3,AML-1,Histocytosis-1), Encephalopathy with seizure in onewith histiocytosis. Two  had facial nervepalsy with  tumor  infiltration(one AML/one DLBL). OnePtosis(with intracranial neuroblastoma extension) and 1primary HLH presentedwith head ache and vomitings secondary to CNS deposits. Therapy related problems  seen 15 cases. Stroke like presentations seenin 7children( Methotrexate induced). Seizures post methotrexate-4(MTX)/corticalvenous thrombosis therapy in 1(post PEG Asparganise). One had ventriculitiswhile on Induction. One child had post MTX chemical meningitis. One had Posteriorreversible Encephalopathy syndrome secondary to hypertension(Steroid).Conclusion:Early recognition of neurological complication either disease or treatmentrelated is essential to control mortality & morbidity. Awareness ofdifferent treatment /disease related neurological manifestations  essential .


Modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC), thermogravimetry (TG) and impedance spectroscopy (IS) were used to study the phase equilibria and electrical conductivity of the composite solid electrolytes (1-x)NH4H2PO4-xAl2O3 in the concentration range x=0.0-0.7. The composites were prepared by mechanical mixing of the components followed by heating at temperatures below the NH4H2PO4 (ADP) melting point at 210 o C. The MDSC curves show three endothermic peaks at 137, 157 and 200 o C, respectively, on the first heating run. The first peak at 137 o C is reported here for the first time. The third one decreas with the increase of the alumina concentration and disappears for x>0.5. The conductivity decreases with the alumina concentration except for x=0.5 where we observe a small maximum whose conductivity value is lower that of pure ADP.


This article apply theory of project quality management, introduced extraordinarily methodology of quality, course of quality management and application of tool of quality control, and what not. Scientific quality management of project, is beneficial to improve technology, and save consumption of laborer.


Abstract
 This chapter describes the origin and introduction; climatic and site requirements, and other silvicultural characteristics; pests and diseases; natural regeneration; flowering, seed production and nursery conditions; provenance, improved seed and breeding; area, yield and rotation length; timber; and place of ash (Fraxinus excelsior) in British forestry. The chapter also explores possible alternatives to ash in a changing climate.


Zymoseptoria tritici causes septoria tritici blotch (STB), one of the most devastating diseases of wheat worldwide. C-14 demethylation inhibitors (DMIs) belong to the most relevant fungicides in the control of STB. Intensive and longlasting exposure to DMIs has led to an adaptation of Z. tritici towards these fungicides. The most important mechanism leading to reduced DMI sensitivity is based on the accumulation of mutations in the CYP51 gene. Different attempts have been made to describe CYP51 haplotypes in the past. However, due to the ongoing evolution of CYP51, a new nomenclature has become necessary. This study has developed such a new nomenclature and used it to adequately describe 33 different CYP51 haplotypes found in a collection of 331 isolates across Europe in 2016. Nine of these haplotypes were found to represent 85% of all isolates, and have a heterogeneous distribution across Europe. Haplotypes carrying the substitution S524T, which is associated with a decreased sensitivity of Z. tritici to all DMIs, were only found at frequencies of around 5%. These haplotypes were mostly identified in Ireland and the UK and at lower frequencies in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland and France. In vitro studies using epoxiconazole and prothioconazole-desthio revealed similar trends of the nine most frequent haplotypes with respect to their sensitivity towards these compounds. The data here confirm the ongoing evolution of CYP51 in the European population of Z. tritici and helps to establish a new, easy-to-apply nomenclature to support future descriptions of CYP51 haplotype development and evolution.


This paper deals with classifiers that have been used for bone fracture detection in the past few years. The authors have made attempts to survey papers from different modalities. This guided us to study different classifiers that have been applied to images obtained from X-Ray. The study presented in simple manner so that it will be easy to understand and will help reader to study classifiers.


Today, the inefficiency in the dissemination of the open data related to the prices of medicines by the Brazilian government to the population is a critical social issue. It is especially true if we consider the constant occurrence of the ever increasing price of medicines in the country. Thus, to assist Brazilian citizens to find the maximum allowed price of the medicines, we developed a web application that uses the distributed computing, open data and Human-Computer Interaction techniques to aid them. This paper presents our work presents FarmaJusta, discusses of the adoption of these techniques, and analyses the access and usage of the application considering a large set of anonymous users.


Many universities implement outreach programs to grow awareness and interest in STEM, and these are often designed to reach underrepresented minority (URM) students who do not have easy access to STEM opportunities. Challenges in reaching these populations increased in spring 2020 due to Covid-19. Programs had to adapt by incorporating the promising practices of online learning into existing educational formats. The focus of this paper is to describe efforts made by the University of Arkansas College of Engineering to modify in-person summer camps to a virtual format, while still reaching the URM students who have historically been served by these programs and maintaining program quality. This study analyzes the differences in outcomes between the two camp formats. Participants completed a pre- and post-survey to gauge excitement, interest, and understanding in engineering. The survey results demonstrate that virtual camps were as effective as the same camps taught in person. The insights gained from this transition from in person to virtual can help others improve or migrate their programs to effectively reach a larger population of STEM students.


The Federal Constitution provides for the Brazilian State to induce the equitable social and economic development of its territories, being able to use the institution of tax incentives for companies in a costly way, that is, through counterparts to achieve this objective. Therefore, these counterparts link the tax incentive and at the same time represent indirect government spending in the form of waived tax revenue. This article aims to find out how to improve external control and encourage social control in monitoring tax revenue waivers granted to private companies through counterparts for regional development. The applied method was the deductive one with legislative and bibliographical research of national and international authors. One comes to the conclusion that, among other measures, it is necessary to strengthen transparency with the availability of individualized information by companies benefiting from counterparts, deadlines, monitoring of goals by the responsible bodies, etc. All in a simple, open and accessible way to external and social control.


A spectral decomposition method is used to give a natural notion of controllability and holdability for systems with hidden variables which are not accessible to control instruments. As an example, a viscoelastic string of the Boltzmann type is examined.<<ETX>>