Why do civilians falsify their loyalties in civil wars? Government and rebel forces often seek popular collaboration for their wartime efforts, but civilian victimization encourages dissimulation as people seek safety when everyone's loyalties are suspect. This article uses a list experiment embedded in two surveys of displaced Syrians in Lebanon, to examine popular support for the two most brutal belligerents in the Syrian civil war: the incumbent regime and jihadi rebels. These data reveal systematic dissimulation across the political spectrum as different constituencies misrepresent themselves in different ways. The list experiment demonstrates large overstatements of support for the incumbent and smaller understatements of support for the jihadis, with misrepresentation concentrating among self-declared government and rebel sympathizers, respectively. It also reveals that jihadi support is so sensitive that it breaks the list experiment among nonrebels, whose nonsense answers indicate the desire to avoid suspicion of harboring extremist sympathies.


Timely clearing-up interventions are essential for effective recovery of flood-damaged housing, however, time-consuming door-to-door inspections for insurance purposes need to take place before major repairs can be done to adequately assess the losses caused by flooding. With the increased probability of flooding, there is a heightened need for rapid flood damage assessment methods. High resolution imagery captured by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) offers an opportunity for accelerating the time needed for inspections, either through visual interpretation or automated image classification. In this study, object-oriented image segmentation coupled with tree-based classifiers was implemented on a 10 cm resolution RGB orthoimage, captured over the English town of Cockermouth a week after a flood triggered by storm Desmond, to automatically detect debris associated with damages predominantly to residential housing. Random forests algorithm achieved a good level of overall accuracy of 74%, with debris being correctly classified at the rate of 58%, and performing well for small debris (67%) and skips (64%). The method was successful at depicting brightly-colored debris, however, was prone to misclassifications with brightly-colored vehicles. Consequently, in the current stage, the methodology could be used to facilitate visual interpretation of UAV images. Methods to improve accuracy have been identified and discussed.


The main target of this research study is to dig-out the impact of biometric attendance on teachers' performance at Hazara University. A self-administered structured questionnaire is developed for data collection. A sample of 150 employees are chosen from the targeted population through stratified random sampling. The collected data is collated, coded, and punched in the SPSS for descriptive and inferential analysis. The results point out that 67% of those informants are male, while 33% are females. The highest number, 58% of employees are in Grade-18, and only 5% employees are in Grade-21. Further, it shows that 88% participants are agreed to the installation of biometric attendance system. However, 87% respondents agreed that biometric system ensures teachers attendance on time. Moreover, correlation analysis results indicate that biometric system has a strong positive significant relationship with employees' attendance and employees' performance. But it has a significant negative relationship with job-related stress. Alongside, by independent sample T-test, gender differences are found that females are more in job-related stress than male due to the biometric system. The study concludes that biometric system has a high-level significant influence on the teachers' attendance schedule and their performance. Further, the study recommends the application of biometric attendance system in academia, it will, in turn, improve and ensure the performance level of employees.


Piezoelectric elements connected to shunt circuits and bonded to a mechanical structure form a dissipation device that can be designed to add damping to the mechanical system. Due to the piezoelectric effect, part of the vibration energy is transformed into electrical energy that can be conveniently dissipated. Therefore, by using appropriate electrical circuits, it is possible to dissipate strain energy and, as a consequence, vibration is suppressed through the added passive damping. From the electrical point of view, the piezoelectric element behaves like a capacitor in series with a controlled voltage source and the shunt circuit, commonly formed by an RL network, is tuned to dissipate the electrical energy, more efficiently in a given frequency band. It is important to know that large inductances are frequently required, leading to the necessity of using synthetic inductors (obtained from operational amplifiers). From the mechanical point of view, the vibration energy can be attenuated in a single mode, or in multiple modes, according to the design of the damping device and the frequency band of interest. This work is devoted to the study of passive damping systems for single modes or multiple modes, based on piezoelectric patches and resonant shunt circuits. The present contribution discusses the modeling of piezoelectric patches coupled to shunt circuits, where the basics of resonant shunt circuits (series and parallel topologies) are presented. Following, the devices used in passive control (piezoelectric patch and synthetic inductors) are analyzed from the electrical and experimental viewpoints. The modeling of multi-degree-of-freedom mechanical systems, including the effects of the passive damping devices is revisited, and, then a design methodology for the multi-modal case is defined. Also, it is briefly reviewed the optimization method used for design purposes, namely the LifeCycle Model. Finally, experimental results are reported, illustrating the success of using the methodology presented in passive damping applications applied to mechanical and mechatronic systems.


The cluster analysis for the industry production level and the freight volume of different regions in China were performed using the quick K-means cluster method to gain the classification in the cluster membership.A further regression analysis for the sectional classification data was made based on the classification data in the cluster membership of different provinces and cities in China.Five clusters were achieved using the logarithms of the industry product level and the freight volume as 2 cluster factors.The model for the quantitative relations between the growth rates of the regional economical level and the regional freight volume was established through the combined qualitative and quantitative analyses.The correlation coefficient of this model ranges from 0.901 to 0.982,indicating its superior internal consistency and high confidence level.


A design method of binary phase multi focus kinoform-type diffractive lens is presented. The optimization method presented in this paper is also valid for other binary phase diffractive optical elements. To demonstrate our method, a bi-focus diffractive lens with two phase levels has been fabricated and tested.


The use of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction (ECR) for producing various high-value-added products is critical for achieving carbon neutrality. In the past decades, single-site catalysts (SSCs), such as single-atom catalysts,...


Best possible future self (BPFS) writing has consistently been shown to immediately increase positive affect and may elicit sustained improvements in well-being (e.g. Frein & Ponsler, 2014; King, 2001). It has been suggested that the well-being benefits of BPFS writing occur because the intervention increases self-regulation (King, 2001; 2002). This explanation is conceivable because of similarities between BPFS writing and future-oriented mental simulation, which has been found to benefit self-regulatory processes (e.g. Pham & Taylor, 1999). However, prior to the current research-programme, effects of mental simulation in comparison to writing about a BPFS had not been explored, and effects of BPFS writing on self-regulation had not been measured. The overarching aim of this thesis was to explore the suggestion that BPFS writing improves physical and psychological well-being through increasing self-regulation. In the first study BPFS writing bolstered self-regulation eight weeks following a single session but BPFS simulation did not, suggesting that they are not comparable processes. In the second study, the effect of BPFS writing on self-regulation was not replicated using four writing sessions. No sustained well-being benefits emerged in either study. It was suggested that the null findings in both studies may have arisen due to procedural characteristics, yet it is difficult to ascertain the effects that procedural variations may have on outcomes due to wide procedural heterogeneity throughout the literature. A systematic review was therefore conducted to explore the impact of BPFS writing on a range of physical and psychological outcome measures. Findings demonstrated that immediate increases in positive affect following BPFS writing are generalisable across procedural variations, but that longer-term benefits to well-being and cognitive processes, including self-regulation, appear limited. A contribution of this thesis has been the direct exploration of effects of BPFS writing on self-regulation, as well as a systematic review which provides the most comprehensive synthesis of evidence surrounding BPFS writing to date.


The feasibility of increas in g recovery rate of waste heat further in HTAC is studied,including theoretic al calculation and experiments based on a small pilot kiln.When the temperatu re of the flue decreased from200℃to50℃,the energy-saving can increase from6to10percent.In addition to,we can take advantage of water vapor th at carries a lot of latent heat.At the same time,pollutants will be abso rbed by the water.Temperature of flue dew point of natural gas is calculate d.It is about 100℃,so if we decrease the temperature of flue to50℃,s hould take care of dew point corrosion.


Acrokeratoelastoidosis (AKE), first described by Costa in 1953, is characterized by small, firm, keratotic papules with central umbilication along the borders of the hands and feet. It is a type of palmoplantar marginal papular keratoderma and needs to be differentiated from other marginal papular keratodermas. AKE can be inherited or sporadic, with predisposing factors being excessive sun exposure, hyperhidrosis, and repetitive trauma. We here describe a case of AKE in a leprosy patient with probably secondary to repetitive chronic trauma due to loss of sensory function.


1. King, P.H. et al. Treatment of Waste Sludges From Water Purification Plants. Bulletin 52. Wtr. Resources Res. Ctr., Virginia Polytech. Inst., Blacksburg, Va. (1972). 2. Tabasaran, О. The Dewatering of Digested Sludge Using Synthetic Filtering Aids. Wtr. Res., 5:61 (1971). 3. Sludge Dewatering. WPCF Manual of Practice 20. Corporate Press, Washington, D.C. (1969). 4. Luttrell, M.E. Heating and Aging of Chemical Sludges. MS thesis. Univ. of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Mo. I1972). 5. Coackley, P. Laboratory Scale Filtration Experiments and Their Application to Sewage Sludge Dewatering, Biological Treatment of Sewage and Industrial Wastes (Joseph McCabe & W.W. Eckenfelder Jr., editors). Reinhold Publishing Corp., New York, N.Y. (1958). 6. Eckenfelder, W.W. Jr. & O'Connor, D.J. Biological Waste Treatment. Pergamon Press, New York, N.Y. (1961). 7. Wang, L.K. & Shuster, W.W. Polyelectrolyte Determination at Low Concentration. Ind. Engrg. Chem. Prod. Res. Develop., 14:4 (1975). 8. Pulaski, J.C. The Effect of Calcium Ions and pH on the Destabilization of a Dilute Kaolinite Suspension by Synthetic Polymers. MS rprt. Univ. of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (1968). 9. O'Melia, C.R. A Review of the Coagulation Process. Public Works, 100:97 (1969). 10. Calkins, R.J. & Novak, J. T. Characterization of Chemical Sludges, /our. AWWA, 65:6:423 (Tun. 1973). 11. Parker, D.G. et al. Biological Conditioning for Improved Sludge Filtration. Jour. WPCF, 44:11:2066 (1972). 12. Montgomery, G.F. The Effect of Chemical Sludge Physical Properties on Sand Bed Dewatering and Drying. MS thesis. Univ. of Missouri-Columbia, Columbia, Mo. (1973). 13. Black, A.P.; Birkner, F.B.; & Morgan, J. J. Destabilization of Dilute Clay Suspensions With Labeled Polymers. Jour. AWWA, 57:12:1547 (Dec. 1965).


The uses of you in student composition are complex because you can be used for varied purposes. There are general, specific, and combined types of you^s, each used for specific purposes to communicate slight nuances of meaning. Some researchers have explored and begun to classify these different you^s (Bonheim, 1983; Fludernik, 1993; Margolin, 1990), but little research has been done on uses of you in college composition, an area which is in need of untangling. My purpose in this thesis is to examine the various meanings of you, the instruction students receive about you in their composition courses, and how and why students use you in their papers. My initial focus is on research from the past thirty years on you affecting audience, you categories, and pronoun analyses in specific situatiQns. Next I analyze a survey of composition instructors' thoughts on you use in the classroom and compare that with instruction from writers' handbooks. After understanding the background information students generally receive, I move to analysis of a sample of student uses of you and samples of you from contemporary texts, including journals and


Muslim T, Suryanto. 2016. Vegetation structure of bangeris habitat (Koompassia excelsa) in the protected forest area of Gunung Lumut, East Kalimantan. Pros Sem Nas Masy Biodiv Indon 2: 193-197. Bangeris (Koompassia excelsa (Becc.) Taub., 1891) grows naturally in the lowland forests of Kalimantan which served as the host for the honey bees to make nests and utilized for honey. The support of the vegetation around bangeris plays an important role for the bees to collect honey. The destruction of ecosystem resulted in the loss of other vegetation types in the bangeris habitat. This research aimed to determine the natural vegetation types growing in the bageris habitat. The making of snippet plots in quadrant was conducted based on a number of bangeris trees and the addition of species on the wane. The analysis was conducted to obtain the quantitative data descriptively and the level of association between bangeris and other species of vegetation using Dice and Jaccard Index. The results showed that the highest level of association for the stake level was Syzygium sp. (Ji = 0.4) with the important value index (IVI) = 6.34. The highest Important Value Index was obtained by Prunus sp. i.e., 13.29 with a low level of association (Ji = 0.1). The highest level of association for the level of tree was Gironiera nervosa i.e., (Ji = 0.5) with a relatively high important value although it was not the highest i.e., 7.36 from a range between 2.10-17.87. Meanwhile, the highest important value was obtained by Endertia spectabilis i.e., 17.87 with a low level of association (Ji = 0.2) from the level of whole association (0.1-0.4). The association level of Endertia spectabilis could not be said to be quite high because the association rate ranged between 0-1, the more approached to 1 then the association levels will be higher. Unlike the Important Value Index that did not have a range of top-down that mentioning the highest and lowest important value, except just by compared with other vegetation in some sample plots. At the level of stake, it could be seen that the level of association with important value inversely proportional. To determine the level of association could be determined based on the amount of plot that a species of vegetation was found, the more amount of plot that a particular type was found then the level of association was higher.


A novel method was developed to prepare porous chitosan membranes with dibutyl phthalate as the porogen.The structure and performances of the porous chitosan membranes were examined by means of SEM,FTIR and BET method.The isothermal sorption kinetics of porous chitosan membranes for free chloride in(water) was investigated.The porous chitosan membranes prepared with dibutyl phthalate as porogen possess bigger porosity and specific surface area.The biggest water adsorption,porosity and specific surface area are respectively 196%,71.5% and 1.047 2 m~(2)/g,and the biggest specific surface area is 5.52 times that of(no-porous) membrane.The porous chitosan membranes has a higher adsorption capacity for free chloride.The apparent sorption rate k are 0.232,0.194 and 0.136 min~(-1) respectively at 15 ℃,25 ℃,35 ℃.


Objectives: In order to investigate personality of oriental medical students by MMPI elementarily. Methods: This study was done by comparing the score of MMPI and Sasang questionnaire. The scores of MMPI and Sasang were verified by examination of T-test and Tukey's HSD Procedure. Results: 1. According to comparison between male and female, there is no meaning. But between unmarried group and married group, there is a difference of MMPI T-scores for L, K-scale significantly. 2. In the distinction of sex and marriage between A group and B group, the MMPI T-scores of male and unmarried group have more significance on the various scale. 3. According to comparative anaylsis of MMPI and Sasang questionnaire, Um group(Tae-um, So-um group) showed significant results in D(Depression), PT(Psychasthenia), SI(Social Introversion) scales of the MMPI. 4. In comparison between the temperament of Sasang and analysis of MMPI profile, Tae-um and So-um groups showed many similarities. Conclusion: According to the above results, it is considered that MMPI can be applied to classification of constitution.


Based on the daily minimum temperature data at 20 meteorological stations over Ningxia from 1961 to 2010,the frost-free days are calculated according to the climatic index on frost day.Using basic statistical methods and analyzing methods of climatic diagnosis,the climate characteristics and changes trend of frost-free days were studied.The results showed that the spatial distribution of frost-free days was obvious difference: the longest is 166 day(s Wuzhong weather station),and the shortest is only 117 days(Longde weather station),the biggest difference of temporal distribution was 49 d;The temporal distribution of frost-free days was also obvious difference: The shortest is in 1972(17 days),the longest is in 2000 and 2001(167 days),and the shortest is only 117 days(Longde weather station).The biggest spatial distribution's was 46 d.The sort order of the average annual frost-free days,frost-free days under 80% and 90% of the guaranteed-rate all were Yellow river irrigation areaMiddle dry areaSouth mountain area.In recent 50 years,the frost-free days of Ningxia was lengthening with a tendency of 4.7 days per 10 years.Meanwhile the frost-free days of three regions all was obvious lengthening trend,and South mountain area's lengthening rate was the highest among them,up to 5.8 days per 10 years.Mutation of the frost-free days appeared in 1982 over Ningxia.Among three regions,Yellow river irrigation area and Middle dry area's mutation was the same,South mountain was 2 years in advance.Study of decadal changes of frost-free showed the longest frost-free days occur at 70s of the 20 century,and the shortest in early 21century,a difference of 20 days.The reasons for lengthening of frost-free days was that the first frost days was postponed,meanwhile the last frost day was earlier.On the whole,lengthening of frost-free days was more favorable for Ningxia's agricultural production.


The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of statistical properties of the backscattered ultrasound in differential diagnosis of the breast lesions. The B-mode images, together with the appropriate RF echoes from the breast lesions and surrounding tissues were collected. The RF data was processed for the statistics of the backscattered echo signals, using K and Nakagami distributions characterized by the M and m parameters, respectively. Based on both, M and m parameters, a set of 18 parameters was derived. From the point of view of the sensitivity of detection of cancer, the best score was obtained using maximum value of M parameter, the best specificity was received using the differential Nakagami parameter (the differential values between lesions and surrounding tissues). In conclusion, quantitative sonography is a method which has potential to be a complementary tool for classification of the breast lesions.


The present invention is to make up for gaps antistatic charcoal viscose fiber, viscose fiber charcoal problem currently poor spinnability, there is provided an antistatic charcoal viscose fiber and its preparation method. Characterized in that: the fiber content of 1 to 10% of graphite, charcoal content of 0.1 to 10%, smaller than the volume resistivity of 1010Ω · cm, ammonia absorbing rate of ≧ 50% permeability ≥500mm / s, the color fastness to washing 4-5 level. Antistatic charcoal viscose fiber according to the present invention has not only anti-bacterial, anti-UV, deodorizing, has good air permeability, moisture absorption, and soft touch, the antistatic effect is significant, lasting.


In this paper, the transmission performance considering an error of channel state information (CSI) feedback for a downlink mobile WiMAX system with multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems in a computer simulation and field experiment are described. In computer simulation, a downlink MU-MIMO system can be realized by using the block diagonalization algorithm, and each user can receive signals without any signal interference from other users by using the perfect CSI feedback. The bit error ratio performance and channel capacity in accordance with the errors of CSI were simulated in a multipath fading environment. In the field experiment, the received power and downlink throughput in the UDP layer were measured on an experimental mobile WiMAX system developed in Azumino City in Japan. In comparison with the simulated and experimental results, it was confirmed that the maximum throughput performance in the downlink had almost the same performance as the simulated throughput when the error of CSI was 30 %.


Normal human blood and bone marrow cells exposed to the pyroantimonate reaction exhibit a selective binding of pyroantimonate to sites associated with the plasmalemma of neutrophilic leukocytes, erythrocytes and certain of their precursors. Chemical distinctions exist between the plasmalemma of different types of blood and bone marrow cells, and major changes in the cationic binding ability of neutrophilic and erythrocytic cells can be correlated with different phases in their differentiation. Plasmalemmal pyroantimonate-osmium-reactive cation is bound with glycoprotein in the erythrocytic elements and to both phospholipid and glycoprotein moieties in neutrophilic cells. The cellular distribution, membrane localization and degree of membrane reactivity obtained with the pyroantimonate-osmium reaction is distinct from that obtained with Thorotrast and ruthenium red.


Due to the superiority of easy manufacture, low cost, coupled with super optoelectronic attributes, the metal halide perovskites have appeared as an emerging class of semiconductors owning their considerable potential for assorted utilization in humidity sensors. Nevertheless, the toxicity problem along with inherent instability of lead (Pb) halide perovskites is grimly impeding the large-scale manufacturing as well as commercialization. Herein, lead-free Cs3Sb2Br9 perovskites were successfully synthesized using a modified ligand-assisted reprecipitation approach and the humidity sensing properties relevant for humidity sensor applications were investigated. The as-fabricated Cs3Sb2Br9 humidity sensors display a super-high impedance variation of more than 105, and the testing range can be extended to a very low humidity (2% relative humidity, RH). The value of hysteresis is as low as 2.9%, and the response/recovery time is discovered to reach ∼0.9/3 s from 11% to 95% RH, which owns a large potential in the detection of the real-time moisture. Moreover, the Cs3Sb2Br9 humidity sensor boasts good reversibility and a remarkable level of stability. Our results demonstrate the potential for lead-free Cs3Sb2Br9 perovskites in a real-time and high-performance humidity sensor.


1 Scientific Paper No. 1015, Washington Agricultural Experiment Stations, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, The State College of Washington, Pullman. Paper received for publication April 28, 1951. B Assistant Agronomist, Irrigation Experiment Station, Prosser, Wash. The author wishes to acknowledge the assistance of W. K. Kennedy who made the nitrogen determinations reported in this paper. Dr. Kennedy is formerly of the Washington Agricultural Experiment Station, Pullman, Wash. the advance of the growing season, (c) interval between cuttings, and (d) previous management was determined. The influence of spring clipping and interval between cuttings on total nitrogen was also studied.


How cities can become more conducive to sustainable travel patterns is a pressing matter in urban research. In the built environment–travel literature, several features potentially promoting sustainable mobility remain under-researched. One concerns the precise role of local accessibility – in terms of the number, variety and specific types of amenities – in promoting the slow modes of walking and cycling and in reducing car use. Another is the possibility that the standard assumption of a linear relationship between density and (un)sustainable travel is flawed. To fill these gaps, we explore specific local amenity supply types that stimulate a large share of residents to walk or cycle, avoiding long drives, to accomplish their daily activities. In a case study of the Västra Götaland region in Sweden, we analyse a combination of high-quality micro data from registers and the national travel survey using a stepwise statistical approach. We find evidence of non-linear discontinuities and significant geographical variation in how local accessibility affects travel behaviour. While more neighbourhood amenities contribute to more walking/cycling, the effect of establishing additional amenities varies amongst neighbourhood types and travel variables. Local everyday services, for example, grocery stores and preschools, are critical in triggering change. The findings inform urban planning by showing how a basic supply of essential amenities could contribute to better prerequisites for walking or cycling and reduced car dependence by inducing residents to choose local options.


The study examined the profitability of black soap production in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Primary data were collected using structured interview schedule from 90 respondents in a 3-stage sampling technique covering three local government areas of Ekiti State. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the socio-economic characteristics of producers, while soap profitability was computed using Gross Margin analysis. Factors affecting soap production was determined using multiple regression analysis. The results from the findings showed that majority of the respondents were females, married, experienced with average age of 56 years. It also revealed that they sourced credit from personal savings. The profitability analysis showed that a black soap producer incurs an average Total Cost (TC) of N21, 404.67 and makes average Total Revenue (TR) of N23, 724.67 with an average profit of N2, 320.00 per production cycle. Therefore it can be concluded that black soap production is profitable in the study area. Results of multiple regression analysis showed that cost of production materials including palm kernel, packaging materials, ashes and fire wood were significant at different probability levels indicating that an increase in each variable leads to an increase in sales revenue. The estimated coefficient of multiple regressions (R 2 ) indicates 75% in the variation of sales revenue. The major constraints to black soap production were lack of capital, inadequate raw materials and non availability of water. The study recommended appropriate training and capacity building for soap producers as well as provision of facilities and other critical infrastructures to mitigate the constraints.


A 20-year-old otherwise healthy male, with a known family history of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) presents with acute visual loss in one eye. He is accompanied at his appointment by his elder brother who lost vision in both eyes 3 years earlier and by his sister who is asymptomatic. They all ask you what can possibly be done.

The past two decades have witnessed remarkable advances in our understanding of the clinical presentation, genetics and even the pathophysiology of LHON, a maternally inherited cause of usually blinding bilateral visual loss caused by point mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (Newman, 2005; Yu-Wai-Man et al ., 2009, 2011; Fraser et al ., 2010). However, investigations into potential therapies for LHON and other mitochondrial disorders are still in their nascency. In this issue of Brain , Klopstock et al. (2011) report on the first randomized placebo-controlled treatment trial of any agent in patients with LHON. This trial also represents one of the first adequately powered randomized controlled treatment trials for any mitochondrial DNA disease.

In most patients with LHON, visual loss is devastating and permanent, with acuities typically worse than 20/200 in both eyes (Newman, 2005; Yu-Wai-Man et al ., 2009, 2011; Fraser et al ., 2010). Approximately 50% of patients with visual loss from LHON will experience sequential eye symptoms, with intervals between affected eyes ranging from days to months, but typically at an interval of 2–4 months (Newman et al ., 1991; Riordan-Eva et al ., 1995). At least 97% of patients with visual loss in one eye will have the second eye involved within 1 year (Newman et al. , 2005). In some patients, visual recovery may occur after acute visual loss, sometimes manifested as a 'fenestration' within a visual field defect …


is a plastic sheet, usually 105 mm x 148 mm on to which are photographed a number of pages of text and illustration. Usually the page size is Aq and the most common reduction is 98 pages per fiche. It is also possible to obtain computer output on microfiche (COM fiche), thus avoiding the storage of bulky paper output. Microfiche can reproduce printing, electric or manual typewriting. Line drawings present no problem, and photographs can be produced successfully too. This means fiches are able to store all the information necessary for archaeological reports with a quality definitely greater than offset lithography and even equal to traditional methods. Microfiche cannot be used without a reader, but all are based on a lens, lamp and screen on to which the image of the page is projected. With simple readers costing from Eso and each fiche of 98 pages costing about 20 pence, the possibilities are great. Volume I of Sutton Hoo, minus admittedly the colour plates, would cost under Ez, whereas the bookshop price is E45. Surely, then, the possibility of distributing Level I11 reports-the full reports-but by microfiche instead of normal printing, should be considered. Level IV reports could still appear in journals to inform the public and non-specialists. Provided abstracts were included in, for example, the CBA Archaeological Abstracts then the body of easily available archaeological data could grow quickly and be provided cheaply. H. c. M Y T U M


Pulse distortion, as one of the coherent error sources, hinders the characterization and control of qubits. In the semiconductor quantum dot system, the distortions on measurement pulses and control pulses disturb the experimental results, while no effective calibration procedure has yet been reported. Here, we demonstrate two different calibration methods to calibrate and correct the distortion using the two-qubit system as a detector. The two calibration methods have different correction accuracy and complexity. One is the coarse predistortion (CPD) method, with which the distortion is partly relieved. The other method is the all predistortion (APD) method, with which we measure the transfer function and significantly improve the exchange oscillation homogeneity. The two methods use the exchange oscillation homogeneity as the metric and are appropriate for any qubit that oscillates with a diabatic pulse. With the APD procedure, an arbitrary control waveform can be accurately delivered to the device, which is essential for characterizing qubits and improving gate fidelity.


TEM4-Oral is a national oral test which is conducted in the recent years.Based on the data of 98 students from a normal university taking part in the TEM-4 in 2009,the present essay analyzes the present condition and problems shown in the story-retelling part in TEM-4 and provides possible strategies in the future oral English teaching.


This research is to examine how the role of public relations in improving the image of the University of Medan Area. In this study, the authors used field research (field research) which is qualitative in nature. This study uses the theory of the four steps of public relations (Research, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation) perspective. This research uses the case study method involving informants from Higher Education Lecturers at UMA and observing the process and results of publications. The results of this study indicate that the strategy carried out by Public Relations in improving the image of the campus is by means of; Improving the quality of learning (lectures and practicum) and the quality of graduation and Improving the quality of the academic atmosphere.
Keywords: Role, Public Relations, Citra, University of Medan Area.


Using data derived from eight hours work at a visual display terminal, a model for evaluating visual fatigue under LED light sources has been developed based on five ophthalmological parameters and three physiological signals. A simplified model based on one ophthalmological parameter and one physiological signal is also proposed. Both models show a high correlation with subjective data and are confirmed by a validation experiment. The results also show that the visual fatigue occurring after eight hours of visual display terminal work under LED lighting is rather small.


We report several ab initio calculations performed over the A2FeMoO6 (A=Ba, Ca) double perovskite. Results show that it is an insulator for the spin up orientation and conductor for the other one. We investigate the electronic structure of A2FeMoO6 by means calculations of density of states for both spin orientations, based on the Density Functional Theory and the Linearized Augmented Plane Waves method. For the exchange correlation potential we chose the Generalized Gradient Approximation since this potential consider the difference between the electronic densities for the two distinct spin orientations from the beginning. The density of states is calculated by the histogram method and the position of the Fermi level is found by integrating over the density of states for both spin orientations. With the calculated densities of states, the half metallic properties of these compounds can be observed with the position of the Fermi level. Our results are in agreement of the Sarma's methodology, who considers a new mechanism for the magnetic interactions responsible for the magnetism on the A2FeMoO6 family. We also calculate the cell dimensions that minimize the total energy for each configuration using the Murnaghan equation state.


The order parameters of dynamical chiral symmetry breaking in QCD, the dynamical mass of quarks and the chiral condensates, are evaluated by numerically solving the Non-Perturbative Renormalization Group (NPRG) equations. We employ an approximation scheme beyond ``the ladder'', that is, beyond the (improved) ladder Schwinger-Dyson equations. The chiral condensates are enhanced compared with the ladder ones, which is phenomenologically favorable. The gauge dependence of the order parameters is fairly reduced in this scheme.


SIR, SjoÈgren's syndrome (SS) associated with myasthenia gravis (MG) is an uncommon combination of two autoimmune diseases that has mainly been reported by neurologists. Dermatologists rarely encounter this condition because the diagnosis of MG usually precedes that of SS or the two diseases occur concurrently. We report a case that ®rst revealed primary SS with annular erythema, and then manifested MG 6 months later. A 28-year-old woman was referred to our hospital in September 1996, with an annular indurated erythema on her left cheek. No other cutaneous manifestations were observed. She had no clinical symptoms of renal, pulmonary, neurological or lymphoproliferative disorders. The erythematous lesion had a smooth surface and round shape, 4 cm in diameter, with slight marginal elevation (Fig. 1a). A biopsy specimen revealed a dense in®ltration of lymphocytes surrounding dermal vessels and appendages. The epidermis exhibited orthokeratosis and no liquefaction degeneration of the basal layer (Fig. 1b). The lupus band test showed negative ®ndings. She complained of sicca symptoms. The result of the Schirmer test was negative, but became positive 1 ́5 years later. A gum test showed reduction of saliva (0 ́5 mL/min) and sialography revealed an apple tree pattern. She would not consent to a lip biopsy. Her serum was positive for antinuclear antibody (speckled pattern ́320) and for both anti-Ro/SS-A and anti-La/SS-B antibodies (detected by immune diffusion, Ouchterlony method), but was negative for anti-Sm, RNP and DNA antibodies. Based on these ®ndings, she was diagnosed as having primary SS. Her skin lesion was treated with topical corticosteroid but remained visible for 1 year. In April 1997, she recognized fatigability of the ®ngers while she was typing. In June, symptoms of exhaustion, ptosis and diplopia developed. The anti-acetylcholine receptor (AcR) antibody was detected in her serum and a Tensilon's test revealed positive ®ndings. Chest X-ray and computed tomography exhibited no evidence of a mass in the anterior mediastinum. Thymectomy was performed which, on histology, demonstrated lumps of lymphocytes with the formation of lymphoid follicles. In October, after catching a cold, she developed severe weakness of voluntary muscles and dyspnoea. The annular erythema increased on her face and right arm. Swelling of the bilateral parotid glands was also observed. She was diagnosed as having a myasthenia crisis with worsening of the SS skin lesions. For the following 2 months, prednisolone, 2 mg/kg daily, was administered with the intermittent addition of steroid pulse therapy. The annular erythema diminished but the muscle weakness did not respond to the therapy. After ®ve plasma exchange treatments, the serum anti-AcR antibody level decreased from 20 ́3 to 1 ́8 nmol/L (normal <0 ́2). Plasma exchange was also effective for the neuromuscular symptoms. The patient was discharged from our hospital in March 1998 but continued to take prednisolone 20 mg daily and pyridostigmine bromide 60 mg daily. Eleven cases of MG with SS have been reported, and in eight of these, the manifestations of MG preceded that of SS. In all cases, SS was mainly discovered from sicca symptoms and there was no description of dermatological ®ndings. This was a unique case as the patient presented with an annular erythema and later went on to develop MG. By close 362 CORRESPONDENCE


An experimental study has been carried out during taper cutting of Inconel 625 super alloy in Wire electro discharge machining(WEDM).Taking three input process parameters viz. workpiece thickness, taper angle, peak current and pulse on time experiments have been carried out. Effect of the input process parameters on the various output performance parameters like material removal rate(MRR), Surface roughness(Ra),Angular error have been analyzed.Taguchi L9 orthogonal array has been employed for the design of experiments.An ANSYS thermal modelling have also been developed. Comparison was done between the theoretical MRR obtained from modelling and the experimental results.Taguchi grey relational analysis(GRA) has also been performed. In addition to this white layer thickness has been measured on the machined surface of workpiece. Additionally EDS analysis has also been carried out to investigate the change in chemical composition of the work surface before and after machining.


Objective To observe the effect of Chinese herbal medicine,jinmaitong capsules on diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN).Methods The randomized,parallel and controlled trial was adopted.54 cases of type 2 DPN were divided into a jinmaitong group and a methycobal group.The basic treatment as reducing blood glucose and anti-hypertension was applied in both groups.In the treatment group,jinmaitong capsules were prescribed.In the control group,methycobal was prescribed.Before and after treatment,the neural function score,Chinese medicine symptom score,neuroelectrophysiological function,blood glucose,blood lipid,liver and kidney functions as well as blood and urine routine tests were detected.Results As compared with those before treatment,in the treatment group,Chinese medicine symptom total score and neural function score were reduced apparently(P0.01 or P0.05);the symptoms of neural system were alleviated;the global improvement rate of neural physical signs was 50.0%;the improvement rate for the sympathetic skin response(SSR)abnormality was 36.0%,the upper limb amplitude of SSR was increased apparently(P0.05);the improvement rate of nerve conductive velocity(NCV)was 15.8% for MCV and 25.0% for SCV;the motor amplitude of ulnar nerve was improved apparently as compared with that before treatment(P0.05);there were no abnormal changes discovered in liver and kidney functions,and blood and urine routine tests.In the methycobal group,the differences were not significant statistically(P0.05).Conclusion Jinmaitong capsules improve apparently in the clinical symptoms and neural physical signs for the patients with DPN and play a certain effect on SSR and NCV detection parameters.


In this paper, we propose a low-complexity graphic constellation projection (GCP) algorithm for automatic modulation classification (AMC), where the recovered symbols are projected into artificial graphic constellations. Unlike the existing feature- based (FB) algorithms, we convert the AMC problem into an image recognition problem. Subsequently, the deep belief network (DBN) is adopted to learn the underlying features in these constellations and recognize their corresponding modulation schemes. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed GCP-DBN based AMC system achieves better performance than other schemes. Specifically, the classification accuracy is beyond 95% at 0 dB, which is very close to the average likelihood ratio test upper bound (ALRT-Upper Bound).


We formulate the physics of two species of non-relativistic hard-core bosons with attractive or repulsive delta function interactions on a space-time lattice in the worldline approach. We show that worm algorithms can efficiently sample the worldline configurations in any fixed particle-number sector if the chemical potential is tuned carefully. Since fermions can be treated as hard-core bosons up to a permutation sign, we apply this approach to study non-relativistic fermions. The fermion permutation sign is an observable in this approach and can be used to extract energies in each particle-number sector. In one dimension, non-relativistic fermions can only permute across boundaries, and so our approach does not suffer from sign problems in many cases, unlike the auxiliary field method. Using our approach, we discover limitations of the recently proposed complex Langevin calculations in one spatial dimension for some parameter regimes. In higher dimensions, our method suffers from the usual fermion sign problem. Here we provide evidence that it may be possible to


The aim of this research was to obtain data and information on the genetic diversity of sandfish (Holothuria scabra) collected from East Nusa Tenggara (Papagarang village; Komodo-Labuan Bajo district; West Manggarai region); Central Kalimantan (Sungai bakau village and Teluk bogam village; Kumai district, West Kotawaringin region); Tanjung Pinang (Teluk Bakau village, Gunung Kijang district, Bintan region); East Lombok (Sekaroh village, Jerowaru district); Southeast Maluku (Ngilngof village, Little Kei Island); South Sulawesi (Lawallu village, Soppeng district, Barru region) and West Bali (Pejarakan village, Gerokgak district, Buleleng region). The results showed that the average range of heterozygotes by using SSR was between 0.067 – 0.683. The population of East Lombok and Tanjung Pinang have the nearest genetic distance with a value of 0.060. The longest genetic distance was the population of Southeast Maluku and East Nusa Tenggara with 0.578. From the dendrogram, we can see two big groups. First group consists of South Sulawesi, Southeast Maluku, and West Bali. The second group consist of East Lombok, Tanjung Pinang and East Nusa Tenggara.


This paper presents complete process of turning operation by using CNC machine tool and the input parameters associated with the process that can be controlled to enhance the output quality parameters like material removal rate and average surface roughness as per the desired requirement. Every detail of turning operation and associated parameters is explained. The optimization techniques like Taguchi, Anova, S/N ratio, grey relational analysis is also described and their importance is also discussed in detail. The study explains step by step procedure involved in optimization of turning process in detail.


Background: People with aphasia frequently report reduced social networks as well as a desire for increased social interaction. Individuals with aphasia and speech-language pathologists have identified peer support as an important component of adjusting to post-stroke changes and learning to live successfully with aphasia. Peer-led aphasia support groups can provide greater, long-term access to peer support and social communication opportunities for people with aphasia and their families. However, more research is needed to facilitate their development and sustainability in local communities. Aims: The primary aim of this study was to identify the core components of a successful peer-led aphasia support group from the perspective of people with aphasia and their family members. A second aim of the study was to explore the information and support needs of peer leaders in starting and running a group. Methods & Procedures: The qualitative research approach of focused ethnography was used to understand and interpret the functioning of peer-led aphasia support groups in the community. Twenty-six people, who were attending a peer-led aphasia support group, participated in the study. Participants comprised 19 people with aphasia (mean age 64.8 ± 12.9) and seven family members (mean age 58.3 ± 9.0), including three peer leaders. Data were collected from the following sources: participant observation; focus group discussion; individual interview; and written artefacts. Thematic analysis of the focus group and interview transcripts was conducted, while field notes and written artefacts were used in triangulation of the identified themes. Outcomes & Results: The findings indicate that a number of themes are important for the successful functioning of a peer-led aphasia support group, including friendship, informality, a supportive communication environment, providing support and practical considerations for the timing and location of meetings. Factors that facilitated peer leaders to start and run groups included informational support, practical support, attracting new members, time and organisation, and particular personal qualities. Conclusions: The findings confirm the positive and empowering nature of peer-led aphasia support groups that provide opportunities for developing genuine friendships and authentic communicative interactions in a supportive environment. Results of the study provide useful guidelines to assist people with aphasia in developing and sustaining peer-led aphasia support groups in the community.


Over a period of two months, an 18-year-old woman attended the otolaryngology outpatient department with a painful discharging left ear. An aural swab isolated diptherioids and proteus sp. and the patient was treated with appropriate topical antibiotic / steroid drops. During this period her contralateral ear became symptomatic. Her otorrhoea settled but the otalgia persisted. She also complained of increasing hearing loss and left sided tinnitus, but no vertigo.


Magnolia grandiflora, Flower past anthesis, each carpel with withering style and and receptacle with androecium and perianth scars (red). Family Magnoliaceae, Subclass Magnoliidae.


Introduction: Ipsilateral distal femoral and proximal tibial periprosthetic fracture following total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication presented to the Emergency Department. Case Report: We report a case of a 50-year-old man who underwent a right total knee arthroplasty one year ago and presented with periprosthetic fractures following a motor vehicle accident. He sustained comminuted fracture of lower third of right femur and proximal tibia, thus producing "Floating Total Knee" but the knee implants remained intact. He was subsequently treated with two reversed tibial locking plates for the femur and a single locking plate for the tibia. Conclusion: Early and prompt management of this condition warrants a comprehensive orthopaedic management which results in a good clinical outcome. We also review various treatment modalities described before for the treatment of periprosthetic fractures.


The present invention provides a workpiece transport device which is provided with an elongate straight guide rail on rhythmic processing stations along the transport pusher and the work carrier, characterized in that the workpiece carrier in the vertical direction with the conveying direction of the opening type receiving apparatus, pushing the conveying means in a shape fit with the workpiece can be clamped so that the holder, which holder is divided into two series, each series in the conveying direction are arranged before and after , while the two series of gripper motion to the receiving means may be an aspect of the work carrier, to a conveying direction of which is perpendicular to the holder holding operation are alternately performed, on the other hand in its holder clip holding position or movable in the conveying direction, the movable section or an equal distance non-holding position against the transport direction of the holder from the receiving means of the workpiece carrier.


This paper introduces a design of ventilator monitoring platform based on embedded technology.The platform equips with an ARM920T-based microprocessor EP9315 and an ARM7TDMI-based microprocessor as its main controller,and the technology of CAN-bus including the CAN interface of master node and child nodes,the pressure and temperature of oxygen and air,AD converters,touchscreen displays,flow control.It utilizes the WINCE operating system and software development tool Embedded Visual C++ 4.0.The instrument realizes the collection,display,real-time analysis and feedback control of human respiratory gas signals and CAN device driver development.


Heart of Heartness,written by Joseph Conrad,British writer of 19th century,gives readers a deep impression for its unique narrative structure.Analyzed from structuralism narratology,the novel shows its embedded narrative structure,that is,a dual structure.On the superfacial level,the novel narrates Marlow's adventure to Africa.On the deep level,it is the story of how a young man with beautiful dream becomes a greed and cruel colonist.


To popularize the use of navigation simulator based on Very High Frequency(VHF) communi-cation,the key technologies of new-style marine VHF communication simulator based on digital voice compression chip AMBE-1000 are presented in the aspects of circuit component,and the process of speech encoding and decoding is discussed.The successful development of the terminal equipment de-notes the progress in the means of navigation teaching,which not only expands the range of training effec-tively,but also enhances interaction of learning.


The current study examined the relationships between conflicts in the work unit, the employee's conflict management style and workplace bullying in a full panel two-wave longitudinal design with a 6 months' time lag (n = 277). We assumed that conflicts as well as the conflict management styles of "problem solving" and "forcing" at T1 would predict being a target or a perpetrator of bullying at T2. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) showed that a normal causation model fitted our data best. In this model, forcing at T1 related positively and problem solving at T1 related negatively to being a perpetrator at T2; in line with our expectations. In contrast to our hypotheses, this model showed that conflicts in the work unit at T1 and the conflict management styles at T1 were not related to being a target of bullying at T2. These results underline that problem solving and forcing may be regarded as triggers of workplace bullying. They particularly influence being a perpetrator and not being a target of bullying.


Orthogonal experiment was used to optimize the best extraction technology using the content of rutin as index.Through 2 times of refluxing with 70% alcohol,of which the amount was 12 times of sample,and 1h for each refluxing,the best extraction efficiency was obtained.The extraction technology can improve the efficiency of utilizing Ziziphus jujube mill and helpful to the further research on Ziziphus jujube mill.


Summary

'Zipi Fengdou' is a restorative food made of the stem of Dendrobium devonianum, Paxt., whose high commercial value presents the constant risk of adulteration with cheaper 'Foudou' products made from other Dendrobium species. Therefore, this study developed two assays capable of detecting D. devonianum based on SYBR Green II and TaqMan probe real-time PCR. By performing the diagnostic real-time PCR based on SYBR Green II, two DNA fragments (163 and 159 bp) were specifically amplified from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of D. devonianum. The average cycle threshold (Ct) values of two D. devonianum samples collected from different Chinese provinces were shown to be 16.65 for ITS1-4 and 16.38 for ITS2-1, which were significantly (P < 0.001, SPSS) different from those of the reference Dendrobium species used as adulterants of 'Zipi Fengdou' (34.94 for ITS1-4, 34.67 for ITS2-1). Moreover, in the assay based on TaqMan probe real-time PCR, two TaqMan probes were designed and tested for the quantitative detection of D. devonianum in commercial samples labelled as 'Zipi Fengdou'. As a result, this assay specifically and sensitively distinguished the processed Fengdou' sample of D. devonianum from those of adulterant Dendrobium species.


The instablity of the stimulation of photosynthate unloading from seed coats of Phaseolus vulgaris by abscisic acid (ABA ) and benzylamino purine ( BAP ) was studied in terms of experimental conditions. ABA stimulated photosynthate unloading at pH 6 and pH 8 without close dependence upon pH. ABA at a concentration range of 10-5-10-4 mol/L displayed stimulatory effect. However, BAP revealed no effect at a concentration range of 10-6-10-4 mol/L. Experiments designed with different transport time of 14C-photosynthate indicated that ABA might act at the plasma membrane of the unloading cells. Reducing endogenous ABA level by diminishing leaf area did not facilitate the manifestation of exogenous ABA function. Potassium ion stimulated photosynthate unloading from seed coats with highest promotion at 100 mmol/L K+. However, no dependence of ABA stimulation of photosynthate unloading on K+ was found.


Abstract: Analyzing the role of cockfights in Balinese culture, Clifford Geertz argues, "Attending cockfights and participating in them is, for the Balinese, a kind of sentimental education. What he learns there is what his culture's ethos and his private sensibility (or anyway, certain aspects of them) look like when spelled out externally in a collective text" (449). Geertz's thesis can be applied to Western sport: particularly in the twentieth century, sport was a place where men went to learn physical skills, values, and sentiments associated with masculinity. In this article, I examine the residue of sport's male-dominated history through performative writing. I weave together historical quotations, performance theory, and a personal narrative about my experiences as a female basketball player and coach to consider the relationship between female bodies, the practice of sport, and the transmission of embodied knowledge. Ultimately, I argue that embodied repertoire is a significant site for the transmission of sport technique and the study of sport history.


The author first analyzes the present situation of the leadership system adopted at colleges or departments in institutions of higher learning,and relevant existing problems as well.Secondly,the paper proposes five elementary principles for the design of leadership system.At last,the author explores the measures for improving the leadership system and decision mechanism in universities based on the persectives as follows: the employment of a joint responsibility system of Party and administration,development of joint conference system of Party and administration,improvement of the executive capability,stress on performance evaluation,reinforcement of Party's working style,and establishment of guarantee mechanism.


An 11 day monitoring campaign in late 2005 reveals clear correlation in polarization between the optical emission and the region of the intensity peak (the "pseudocore") at the upstream end of the jet in 43 GHz VLBA (Very Long Baseline Array) images in the highly variable quasar PKS 0420-014. The electric-vector position angle (EVPA) of the pseudocore rotated by about 80° in four VLBA observations over a period of 9 days, matching the trend of the optical EVPA. In addition, the 43 GHz EVPAs agree well with the optical values when we correct the former for Faraday rotation. Fluctuations in the polarization at both wave bands are consistent with the variable emission arising from a standing conical shock wave that compresses magnetically turbulent plasma in the ambient jet. The volume of the variable component is the same at both wave bands, although only ~20% of the total 43 GHz emission arises from this site. The remainder of the 43 GHz flux density must originate in a separate region with very low polarization. If 0420-014 is a typical case, the nonthermal optical emission from blazars originates primarily in and near the pseudocore rather than closer to the central engine where the flow collimates and accelerates.


This article analyses the efforts of external actors to influence opportunities for national political elites to gain or maintain positions of power in post-conflict societies. The analysis compares the cases of Liberia and Kosovo, both of which have been characterized by high levels of external intervention though with significant differences in the scope of authority of external actors. Despite these differences, similar dynamics have characterized elite formation in both countries. The impact of external actors on elite systems is mostly indirect, and chances for accumulating authority provided by the national setting determine elite careers. External actors bow to these national conditions rather than decisively changing them.


Cell division is a normal process in multicellular organisms. Growth and repair (replacement of dead cells) take place as a result of cell division (mitosis). Except for cells like the liver and brain cells, which rarely divide in the mature adult, most cells undergo frequent division. Sometimes, however, cell division becomes very rapid and uncontrolled, leading lo cancer. It should be clearly understood that rapid growth means a high rate of cell division for a particular cell type. It is possible for perfectly normal cells, e. g. the blood-forming cells, to have a higher rate of division than some cancerous cells. Cells which undergo rapid, abnormal and uncontrolled growth at the cost of remaining ceils are called neoplastic cells. The growths resulting from the division of such cells are called neoplastic growths or tumours. Tumours are commonly classified as benign and malignant. Abnormal and persistent cell division that remains localized at the spot of origin results in the so-called benign tumours. It should be noted, however, that benign tumours can sometimes be fatal, e' g, brain tumours that cause pressure on vital centres. Benign tumours usually contain well-differentiated cells. Tumour cells may be carried by the blood stream, or the lymphatic system, or by direct penetration to other parts of the body, where they may induce secondary (metastatic) tumours. Such invasive cancers ultimately result in the death of the organism and are therefore said to be malignant. Malignant tumours usually contain undifferentiated cells, often with large nuclei and nucleoli.


Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) is an extension to the ob j ct oriented paradigm that aims to provide better modularity for co de that is usually scattered across an object-oriented system such as logging, aut hentication and distributed object handling. Aspect weaving is a novel way to compose sys tem , focusing on the integration of system-wide policies through pattern-a ction rules. While there are several semantic proposals for representing aspects over s urce code and programs, aspect weaving for visual models such as graph rewriting sys tems is still not fully established. In this work, we propose the definition of aspec t-oriented graph grammars, an extension to conventional graph grammar where aspe cts are modeled as transformation rules over the structure of a base graph gram mar.


Eventually the economic regime in Cuba will fall. It will have to wait until Fidel Castro leaves the scene, but then the economic regime, and most likely the political regime, will fall quickly. The world, and especially the United States, must be ready for that time. It is the contention of this paper that the economic transition is likely to be very difficult, perhaps more difficult than many realize. In the first few years, it is more likely to resemble the Russian experience than Poland's, although in the end it will be uniquely Cuban. Changes are likely to come quickly. Policy choices will affect the nature of the Cuban economy for years to come. Cubans in Cuba will make those choices, but they will not operate in a vacuum. Donors, investors, and the Cuban-American community will be influential in many of those decisions. It is important that the issues that will frame those decisions be properly defined. The purpose of this paper is to identify some of the issues.


British and American authors often recommend the use of bolus material when applying post-operative X-ray treatment to the whole breast and axilla on the "tangent" principle. They specify that the material should be applied liberally to the angle between the chest wall and the bottom of the applicator as well as all around the irradiated part of the chest wall. In order to investigate the possible advantages of bolus material to dose distribution our laboratory built a chest phantom where paraffin wax represented the chest wall, porous rubber the lungs and chalk the columna. The measurements were carried out with a locally built Moxnes dosemeter with condenser ionization chamber. The chamber was brought into different measurement positions through canals drilled in the wax, while canals not in use could be plugged with paraffin sticks (candles) in order to ensure uniform conditions (Fig. 1).


Three sets of A x R (AF1) and B x R (BF1) hybrids were evaluated to study the influence of male sterility inducing (WA) cytoplasm on various morpho-physiological and biochemical characters in rice (Oryza sativa L.). The nature and magnitude of cytoplasmic effects varied with character and cross combination. The cytoplasm negatively influenced plant height, spikelet fertility, average panicle weight, 1000-grain weight, biomass yield, harvest index and grain yield, while enhancing number of productive tillers and growth duration. The cytoplasm negatively influenced physiological characters like CGR, RGR, NAR, LAI and LAD and biochemical characters like α-amylase activity in germinating seeds and nitrate reductase activity at various stages of crop growth. It could be feasible to reduce or overcome the negative effects of cytosterility by choosing appropriate parental lines.


The new VE-RFQ-injector for the cyclotron at HMI in Berlin is now being commissioned. The ECR-source together with the RFQs supply heavy ion beams with 90-360 keV/u for q/A>0.15 matched to the isochronous cyclotron. Properties of the new injector and results of first beam tests are presented.


ABSTRACT Herein, we develop a switchable peptide-equipped protein/cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) supramolecular assembly as novel targeted drug vector. Specifically, bovine serum albumin (BSA) is used to interact with CB[7], serving as the core of drug vector. Then, a peptide shield layer is formed on the surface of BSA/CB[7], yielding peptide-equipped supramolecular assembly (Pep@BSA@CB[7]). The equipped peptide shield layer is composed of switchable peptide probes consisting of a polycationic cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) motif, a polyanionic motif and a linking motif, and therefore provides a variety of desirable properties. First, the CPP motif displays excellent cell penetration ability and can facilitate internalisation of the drug vector. Secondly, the polyanionic motif performs intramolecular electrostatic interaction with CPP motif and thereby can reduce non-targeted delivery towards normal cells. Thirdly, the linking motif can be specifically cleaved by matrix metalloproteinases 2 that is up-regulated in tumour microenvironment, thus enabling precise cancer-targeting. As a consequent, Pep@BSA@CB[7] can serve as a promising drug vector that exhibits superior targeting ability and high uptake efficiency towards cancer cells, which may be of great potential in cancer-targeted treatment. GraphicalAbstract


In the article the authors research the features of psychology and conduct common to both apes and men. The authors suppose that the same features were also inherent in primitive man that came to religiosity.


There is often heated debate as to the effectiveness of undergraduate nursing education to remain relevant and keep abreast of both societal and healthcare expectations. Students are being required to "hit the ground running," capable of managing increasingly complex and life-threatening situations with little or no "hands-on" preparation. The aim of this research is to explore ways to maximise simulation which mimic actual life-threatening situations in a manner which allows students to progress from novice to expert. An action research methodology using three cycles of investigation was used to explore how to maximise simulation for Millennial (aged 18-30 years) nursing students. Students in this research reported that simulation as a pedagogy is the "preferred classroom" for Millennials due to its immersive qualities, ability to require application of theory directly to practice, multi-tasking tendencies, use of teamwork, and tie to technology. Simulation provides the perfect mix of technology and realism in a manner which is effective in preparing students for the complex clinical environments they are destined for in today's healthcare. Current issues in undergraduate nursing AUT Simulation is haphazard in its occurrence and presentation in undergraduate nursing programme With simulation emerging in the past 5-7 years as a major teaching/learning platform, many educators are unfamiliar with how to use it and therefore do what "seems" right often resulting in a non-educative learning environments. Presentation of simulation currently does not follow standardised sequence of pre-briefing, SLE, debriefing and often unravels into chaos due to poor use of the pedagogy. Simulation is a resource-heavy pedagogy which is difficult to sustain with current staffing guidelines. Go forward plan In regards to the haphazard and chance occurrence of simulation in the undergraduate curriculum, it is recommended that a scaffolded simulation plan be developed starting with a basic simulation in semester 2, and progressing forward in each semester building on a set of cases agreed upon by the curriculum leaders. With each semester the case will build in complexity and use


Technological improvement, particularly to prevent yield loss, will benefits shallot farmers. Technology packages related to crop protection have been introduced to shallot farmers in three shallot-producing areas namely Brebes, Tegal and Pemalang, Central Java. This study aimed to analyze the effect of technology package introduction on the performance of shallot farming. The analysis is carried out using a difference-in-difference approach which ensures the real impact of the technology. The fundamental analysis is economic threshold theory. A total of 160 samples consisting of 112 adopters and 48 non-adopters in this study were spread over three regions. A simple paired and independent t-tests were applied to the hypotheses. Agricultural performance indicators include productivity, costs of production and net income. The results showed that the performance of shallot farming increased significantly due to technological improvements. The technology packages have been able to increase productivity, reduce costs of production and enhance net income of shallot farming. This result is very important because the reduction of pesticides can improve environmental quality and health


An environmental survey was carried out in the operating theatres of an Emilian hospital (North ltaly) to assess: factors affecting the levels of volatile anesthetics during operating sessions; the relation between levelsof nitrous oxide (N 2 O) and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ); isoflurane levels in relation to filling vaporizers with the halogenated anesthetic. The instantaneous levels of N 2 O, isoflurane and CO 2 were measured using a photoacoustic spectrometry analyzer. During anesthetic supply, high pollution levels were recorded when anesthetic leaked from the ventilator, the waste gas scavenging system was defective, and when the theatre doors opened. Moderately high N 2 O levels were measured at the beginning of the sessions, when there were leaks in the N 2 O circuits. In the intervals between operations, and at the end of the sessions, pollution was influenced by the theatre ventilation. In the theatres with less ventilation, N 2 O levels higher than 100 ppm were recorded when the CO 2 levels were higher than 800 ppm. Significant rises in isoflurane levels were common during vaporizer filling. The survey highlighted the need to adopt preventive measures for pollution such as: checking leaks from anesthetic circuits and scavenger device operation; closing theatre doors; ensuring adequate ventilation; correct management of anesthetic vaporizers.


Objective:To evaluate the effect of paroxetine on insulin sensitivity on mildly depressed women with type 2 diabetes.Method:50 patients with type 2 diabetes and depression were randomly divided into two groups,combined group(n = 25) was treated with paroxetine and metformin,simple group(n = 25) with metformin only.We used Hamilton depression scale(HAMD) to assess mental state,and tested the level of sex hormone binding globulin(SHBG) and serum cortisol before treatment and 8 weeks treatment.Results:After 8 weeks treatment,improvement on HAMD scores was significantly greater in combined group than that in the simple group(P 0.01 or P 0.05),the level of SHBG and serum cortisol changed significantly in the combined group(P 0.01).Conclusion:Paroxetine can enhance insulin sensitivity,control blood glucose and may improve depressive symptoms in women with type 2 diabetes.


This study aims to understand the strengthening of madrasa literacy through managing change in the Tyagi model at MTs Negeri 1 Probolinggo. This research uses a qualitative approach with the type of case study, where the researcher uses interviews, observations, and documentation to obtain accurate and valid data. The data analysis uses an interactive analytical model from Miles and Huberman, including data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and concluding. The results showed that the strengthening of madrasa literacy through the management of changes in the Tyagi model at MTs Negeri 1 Probolinggo was carried out through; 1) The power of change, 2) Recognizing and identifying problems, 3) The problem-solving process, 4) Implementation of change, and 5) monitoring, evaluating and measuring change. This research has implications for the importance of literacy culture for madrasas in realizing their vision and mission, so they must be managed in a planned and systematic manner.


Biosilification is an economically viable, energy saving and green approach for the commercial scale synthesis of oxide nanomaterials. The room temperature synthesis of oxide nanocomposites from cost effective agro-based waste is a particular example of biosilification. In this study, synthesis of Si/SiO2 nanocomposites from inexpensive agro-based waste material i.e. rice husks (RH) and wheat bran (WB) has been carried out by means of various eukaryotic microorganisms, i.e. Actinomycete, Fusarium oxysporum, Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma sp. and Penicillium sp., under ambient conditions. The XRD diffrectrograms represents that the synthesized nanomaterials exhibits silicon, amorphous silica and other crystal arrays such as cristobalite, trydimite and quartz, depending upon the type microorganism and time period used for extraction. All of the aforesaid microorganism bio transformed the naturally occurring amorphous silica to crystalline structures within the period of 24 h. However, the Actinomycete and Trichoderma sp. took 48 h in case of rice husks for biotransformation of naturally occurring plant silica to crystalline nanocomposite. While in case of wheat bran, Actinomycete and Trichoderma sp. took 24 h for biotransformation. The extracted nanocomposites exhibits band edge in the range 230–250 nm and blue emission. The procedure described in study can be used for commercial level production of Si/SiO2 nanocomposites from agro based waste materials.


This paper introduces a new analysis technique, commutativity analysis, for automatically parallelizing programs written in sequential, imperative programming languages. Commutativity analysis aggregates both data and computation into larger grain units. It then analyzes the computation at this granularity to discover when pieces of the computation commute (i.e. generate the same result regardless of the order in which they execute). If all of the operations required to perform a given computation commute, the compiler can automatically generate parallel code. This approach differs from standard approaches based on data dependence analysis in that it generates parallel programs that may violate the data dependences of the original serial program. Commutativity analysis can therefore automatically parallelize programs that are inherently beyond the reach of any compiler that preserves the data dependences. In this paper we formally define a set of conditions that the compiler can use to automatically detect commuting operations, prove that if operations meet these conditions then their executions commute and show how to exploit the commutativity information to automatically generate parallel code.


The purpose of this article is to review the current environment associated with agents, student-athletes and the other parties involved with the organization and management of intercollegiate sport and to discuss how these groups can better work together at Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institutions. Within, a total of 29 (23.2%) of the 125 Division-1 FBS universities responded to our request to provide institutional literature on their agent policies and Agent Days. Results from this request and analysis of documents show some effort to educate student-athletes about sport agents and to create an ethical environment but more could be done. Next, this work sought to review the realities/outcomes of unethical agent and student-athlete relationships and explain the policies and practices of the NCAA as well as federal and state laws regarding agent and student-athlete interaction. Finally, this work offers a variety of suggestions/recommendations to better protect student-athletes and institut...


Hopea chinensis which belongs one of the second class national protected plants,is only distributed in Shiwandashan in Guangxi.The study on the feature of Hopea chinensis community showed that:There are 265 species of vascular plants belonging to 168 genera and 82 families in 10 plots with an area of 3 200 m2.The floral composition can be divided into 11 areal types.83.7% of the genera are the tropical elements,and 13.1% are the temperate elements.According to Raunkiaer's classification system of life form,the phanerophytes are rich in this community.The appearance of community was characterized by the evergreen broadleaved phanerophytes.The community structure is complicated and could be divided into arbor,shrub and herb layer with rich interstater plants.


Simple Summary The evolution of colorectal cancer (CRC) is influenced by complex interactions between tumor cells and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Optimized immunotherapies to boost the potential anti-tumor T-cell response are still needed in CRC. A good candidate is the inflammasome pathway that bridges innate and adaptive immunity via the caspase-1/interleukin-18 (IL-18) axis, able to elicit a T-helper/cytotoxic (Th1/Tc1) anti-tumor response. This study aimed to determine the status of the caspase-1/IL-18 axis in tumor cells and its potential modulatory role on TILs in CRC. Using cohorts of CRC patients and an ex vivo explant culture model allowing functional and multiparametric approaches, we demonstrate that tumor cells in the majority of CRCs can be considered as innate immune cells that display a functional caspase-1/IL-18 axis able to modulate the adaptive Th1/Tc1 anti-tumor response of TILs. Furthermore, the identification of three distinct subgroups of CRC will provide a rationale for future strategies targeting the inflammasome pathway in CRC. Abstract In colorectal cancer (CRC), a high density of T lymphocytes represents a strong prognostic marker in subtypes of CRC. Optimized immunotherapy strategies to boost this T-cell response are still needed. A good candidate is the inflammasome pathway, an emerging player in cancer immunology that bridges innate and adaptive immunity. Its effector protein caspase-1 matures IL-18 that can promote a T-helper/cytotoxic (Th1/Tc1) response. It is still unknown whether tumor cells from CRC possess a functional caspase-1/IL-18 axis that could modulate the Th1/Tc1 response. We used two independent cohorts of CRC patients to assess IL-18 and caspase-1 expression by tumor cells in relation to the density of TILs and the microsatellite status of CRC. Functional and multiparametric approaches at the protein and mRNA levels were performed on an ex vivo CRC explant culture model. We show that, in the majority of CRCs, tumor cells display an activated and functional caspase-1/IL-18 axis that contributes to drive a Th1/Tc1 response elicited by TILs expressing IL-18Rα. Furthermore, unsupervised clustering identified three clusters of CRCs according to the caspase-1/IL-18/TIL density/interferon gamma (IFNγ) axis and microsatellite status. Together, our results strongly suggest that targeting the caspase-1/IL-18 axis can improve the anti-tumor immune response in subgroups of CRC.


The combined debarking and chipping equipment designed in this study is suitable for debarking and chipping such logging residuals as small-diameter timber and wood branches.The overall design scheme of the combined debarking and chipping equipment is analyzed and the combined debarking and chipping equipment designed based on Solidworks software platform is introduced.Based on the SolidWorks Motion plugin,the key equipment for using log residue to produce high quality wood chips.Firstly,the overall design of the motion simulation of the combined debarking and chipping equipment is conducted,thereby verifying the feasibility of the design scheme.


Steady and unsteady aerodynamic data were measured on a two-dimensional model with an airfoil of 12% thickness mounted in the transonic wind tunnel of the DFVLR in Gottingen. The profile was oscillated in pitch about its c/4 axis to generate the unsteady aerodynamic pressure data. The primary purpose of the wind tunnel test was to measure data for use in the development and assessment of transonic analytical codes and to show the dependence of aerodynamic responses on the following parameters: Mach number (0.5-1.0), reduced frequency (0.2-0.12), angle of attack (0-9 deg), and oscillation amplitude (0.5-2.5 deg). Emphasis is also placed on the nonlinearities that actually occur and that are peculiar to higher angles of attack. Steady and unsteady calculation results agreed fairly well with the measured data.


Two different modes of sand remobilization and injection are associated with the Karoo deep-water deposits: Downward injection and upward injection. Sandstone dykes have widths of up to 6m, are horizontally and vertically orientated, and can be traced over distances of more than 100 meters. The intrusive sandstone bodies are massive, fine-grained and are distinguished from the sedimentary units by their lack of primary sedimentary structures, cross-cutting nature, zigzag compaction deformation, host rock shale inclusions and peculiar but characteristic "scuffle" marks along their contact surfaces. The scuffle marks, believed to be the result of highly mobile sand being squeezed under high pressure into semi-consolidated cohesive mudstone and siltstone, are good indicators for upward or downward injection. Although the scuffle marks show that the surrounding silt and clay was highly susceptible to deformation during injection, the occurrence of shale inclusions or "xenoliths" within some dykes show that the clay was slightly compacted during injection. Dyke emplacement rarely cross-cut into overor underlying sandstone units. The abundance of sandstone intrusions in an area where facies distribution strongly suggests topography control on sedimentation patterns, most likely relate to the tectonic instability created by the orogenic growth stages of the large syntaxis anticlinal structures of the Cape Fold Belt during basin filling. Compressional forces created zones of weakness and small movements in the basin floor that caused increased instability on the slope to base of slope area with resultant formation of sandstone dykes. The formation, distribution and scale of the clastic intrusions could have a significant influence on matters such as reservoir architecture, sand body connectivity and reservoir production performance.


Finite one-dimensional random processes with local interaction are presented which keep some information of a topological nature about their initial conditions during time, the logarithm of whose expectation grows asymptotically at least as M 3, where M is the "size" of the set R M of states of one component. Actually R M is a circle of length M. At every moment of the discrete time every component turns into some kind of average of its neighbors, after which it makes a random step along this circle. All these steps are mutually independent and identically distributed. In the present version the absolute values of the steps never exceed a constant. The processes are uniform in space, time, and the set of states. This estimation contributes to our awareness of what kind of stable behavior one can expect from one-dimensional random processes with local interaction.


In this paper, we propose a new evolutionary optimization algorithm called Welfare State Optimization (WSO) for solving optimization problems. In this algorithm, we emulate the behavior of welfare states to improve the lives of their citizens. The work is motivated by the fact that the welfare state optimally uses its resources (optimization) and restricts a group to lead the whole nation to a specific direction (local trap). So, the behavior of a welfare state is quite suitable for optimization algorithms. The proposed WSO algorithm is validated using ten standard benchmark functions and its performance is compared with five different variants of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) available in the literature. The results of our experiments are very promising and confirm the validity of the proposed approach. Hence, WSO algorithm can be considered as a strong alternative to solve optimization problems.


Poly (glycerol sebacate) pre-polymer was synthesized and methacrylated to different degrees (PGSm-0.1, PGSm-0.2, PGSm-0.4) to impart processability using radiation technology. Spectroscopic analyses (FTIR and 1H NMR) confirmed the presence of ester linkage in the poly (glycerol sebacate) chain and the methacrylate group in the derivatives. The degree of methacrylation (DM) computed from the 1H NMR signal integration ranged from 0.1 to 0.4. The molecular weight and polydispersity increased with an increase in DM. The DSC thermograms suggested better elastomeric properties at ambient temperature, while the TGA showed no significant shift in the degradation parameters of PGS upon methacrylation. Electron beam curing of the PGSm samples was employed, and the resulting films were characterized for gel content, surface topography, and wettability. The crosslinked PGSm-0.2 and PGSm-0.4 samples exhibited high gelation at doses 5-50 kGy. However, no gelation above 15 kGy occurred in PGSm-0.1, suggesting that main chain scission reactions prevailed. The surface properties of the films obtained from the AFM and contact angle measurements revealed high surface roughness and wettability.


The Moroccan Anti-Atlas consists of a several kilometers thick sediment pile accumulated on the northern Gondwana platform since the latest Precambrian (Ediacaran). This study focuses on the Ktaoua Group, early Late Ordovician (Mid-Sandbian to Katian) in age, which records a major and multiphase transgressive/regressive cycle above the shallow marine sandstones of the underlying First Bani Group. In the western Central Anti-Atlas, the Ktaoua Group is formed by offshore shales to coastal sandstones organized in regressive parasequences. Here, high-resolution field-based stratigraphy is used to constrain the shelf architecture and clinoforms geometries within the Ktaoua Group.

Whereas the lower part of the Ktaoua Group records parasequences from silty-shale to fine to coarse sandstones with hummocky-cross-stratification (HCS), its upper part oscillates between HCS beds and very coarse sandstones. Ferruginous, condensed horizons usually drape the parasequences. In this study, we investigate the platform geometry through the correlation of the stacking patterns of seventeen stratigraphic logs along an 85 km long, well-exposed cliff. Drone images support the logging and the correlations of the sections by imaging clinoforms geometries.

Several decameters of fine to coarse sandstones can be observed to grade laterally into condensed level(s) within a few kilometers, hence evidencing clinoforms pinching out. The visible orientation of the clinoforms along the cliff exposures show a proximal to distal trend from the south-west to the north-east, in agreement with the overall basin geometry. Three clinoforms with distinct geometries and lateral evolution of facies associations are highlighted. The distal part of a clinoform, 15 m in thickness, pinches out onto the top of the underlying First Bani Group within 7 km. The overlying regressive parasequence, approximatively 50 m thick, remains consistent more than 50 km, and is understood as a prograding clinoform. A third clinoform, capped by a prominent sandstone body constantly thicker than 20 m over ca. 20 km, disappears within its last 3.5 km onto the underlying clinoform. This study offers new details on the progradation and regression geometries along a giant platform within a detailed stratigraphic framework.

We would like to thank the Pacha and the Gendarmerie Royale of Foum-Zguid, the governor of Tata and the different persons who gave their approval and facilitated the use of the drone in the region of Souss-Massa for their precious help.


Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of a shift in brand architecture strategy on corporate brand equity. The change is from a house of brands to a branded house approach in which the corporate brand is prominent. The study proposes two alternative approaches in order to explore how consumers build the corporate brand equity from single product brand equities in the portfolio: the dilution process or the bookkeeping/subtyping cognitive process.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 150 Italian consumers. All the items were related to a real corporate brand – Procter & Gamble (P&G) – and to seven of the product brands in its portfolio. The choice of the Italian context and the P&G brand was motivated by the fact that P&G has recently adopted a shift in its brand strategy, starting to give prominence to the corporate brand in its communication campaign in Italy.

Findings

The dilution process does not describe the effect of a change in strategy on corporate brand equity, but the bookkeeping/subtyping cognitive process does. This suggests that consumers tend not to revise corporate brand equity when they perceive many product brands behind it.

Originality/value

The value of the present paper is to deal with a relevant and current topic: the brand architecture dynamism. This research is an exploratory step to satisfy the need for theory-based research on consumer responses to the shift in the brand portfolio architecture strategy.


Background and Objectives: The Singapore population is aging rapidly, with increased prevalence of chronic diseases and healthcare demand. Telemonitoring of vital signs will enable better care of the patient. However, daily monitoring requires a change in lifestyle and compliance may be an issue. Materials and Methods: A total of 18 patients in 4 demographics were identified. Telemonitoring equipment was deployed to them for 3 months. Results: After 3 months, the well individual did not use the monitoring devices. 50% of the patients with chronic medical disease <65 years old continued the use of the devices. 2 out of 7 activities of daily living (ADL) independent individuals >65 years old continued the daily monitoring and almost all (5 out of 6) ADL dependent patients continued daily routine monitoring. The dropout may be due to technical issues, user fatigue, change in caregiver or resistance to technology. Conclusions: Remote monitoring will be more successful if the individual already is doing routine self-monitoring or has a life-threatening health-related event. Technical support is also important to help retrain the person in using the devices and for troubleshooting.


This paper studies the perception towards essentials of corporate governance practices. Descriptive research is applied using a convenience method of sampling with 64 respondents. The data is collected from the private limited employees. The majority of respondents were Female and the majority of the age group were less than 35 years. The tools and techniques utilized for the examination and results are mean investigation, frequency test and ANOVA. It is discovered that there is no huge distinction between the perceptions towards essentials of corporate administration and the demographic profile of the employees.


To the Editor:— To know is to foresee and to write is to teach; to give percentages in a medical paper is to do all of these. When one reads that "of 16 patients with carcinoma of the pancreas 6.3% exhibited bone metastases" one expects 6.3% of the next 100 patients with carcinoma of the pancreas to exhibit the same phenomenon; this is what the author must have meant. From his 16 patients he knows what will happen to the next 100 (this is what the term per centum implies; it is a forecast), and he goes out of his way to save his reader the trouble of figuring. The reader is actually being uncooperative by doing the calculations again to find that 6.3% of 16 patients is one patient. The author may want to help the reader make comparisons by saying that the x-ray examination was correct in 60%


BORDIGNON, Andrei. Auxiliary Frequency Controllers for the Black Start of Islanded Microgrids with High Wind Energy Penetration. 2017. 200 p. Dissertation – Electrical Engineering Postgraduate Program, Federal Technological University of Parana. Pato Branco, Brazil, 2017. The diffusion of distributed generation and microgrids, as well as the growing expansion of renewable energy, like wind power, bring challenges and opportunities related to the operation and control of electrical power systems. In systems exposed to islanded operation, the black start capability is fundamental to restore the energy supply after the occurrence of a blackout. The black start is usually a difficult operational event, since significant power unbalances may occur in the system. The present work proposes operational and control strategies that make possible the black start of wind-diesel microgrids with high penetration level of wind generation, without the adoption of energy storage systems. The proposed control approach is based on two supplementary control loops for a fully rated converter wind turbine, which enable the wind unit to contribute to the frequency regulation during the black start of a stand-alone system. Both the proposed controllers employ the system frequency error as input signal and act only when the system loads are energized. One of the supplementary controllers seeks to extract kinetic energy from the wind turbine, by modifying the speed reference of the wind turbine in the typical control loop of the rotor-side converter. The second supplementary controller is designed to temporarily extract electrical energy from the DC-link capacitor, by acting in the reference of the DC-link voltage in the typical control loop of the grid-side converter. The energy extracted from the wind turbine and DC-link capacitor is injected into the grid to mitigate the power unbalance caused by the load energization. Thus, the proposed control strategies prevent excessive frequency drops during the load energization of low inertia stand-alone systems in restoration procedures. The design of the proposed controllers was performed by a genetic algorithm optimization technique. The performance of the system is compared in two different operation modes, diesel generator operating in Vf control mode and wind generation unit operating in Vf control mode. Results obtained by nonlinear time domain simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control approach.


In simultaneous search problems individuals choose a portfolio of risky options from a larger menu of options with utility determined by the portfolio's option with the best ex-post outcome. Chade and Smith (2006) examine simultaneous search problems and show that the optimal portfolio includes the utility maximizing option and others that are riskier. However, Pallais (2015) shows that when individuals apply to more colleges, their decisions are inconsistent with theoretical predictions. We replicate this ?nding experimentally and show that subjects select similar portfolios when the payo?s are independent, suggesting subjects ignore the rival nature of the options.


Under the conditions of market economy, the healthy development of the real estate market is of great significance to the normal operation of the real estate economy and the sustainable development of the real estate economy. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to accurately evaluate the development of the real estate industry and adopt appropriate macro-control measures in time. Taking Xiamen as an example, this paper adopts the way to combine objective information entropy weight method with subjective order relationship analysis method to determine the weight of group decision makers on program attributes and balance the importance of each index. According to the comprehensive attribute value of each scheme, the weight of decision makers is calculated by using entropy weight method for giving the evaluation result of the scheme. The results show that the overall situation of the development of real estate industry in Xiamen is more optimistic, and the weight of each index after the normalization of land transfer price is the highest. Based on the research conclusions, this paper proposes corresponding assessment commendations as a reference for relevant parties.