This thesis consists of two parts: in the major part we calculate the infinitesimal generators of families of partial differential equations which are used for derivation of differential invariants. In the other part we have drawn our attention to point transformations which preserve the general form of partial differential equations. In the applied group analysis, one-parameter Lie groups of transformations are determined by infinitesimal transformations or infinitesimal generators. Using the infinitesimal generator of a one-parameter Lie group of transformations one can construct various kinds of invariants (invariant surfaces, invariant points, invariant families of surfaces). A oneparameter Lie group of transformations acting on the space of independent and dependent variables is naturally extended (prolonged) to one-parameter Lie group of transformations acting on an enlarged space that includes all derivatives of the dependent variables up to a fixed finite order. Consequently, one-parameter extended Lie groups of transformations are characterized completely by their infinitesimals. This allows one to establish an algorithm to determine the infinitesimal transformations admitted by a given differential equation. There exist two methods for calculation of equivalence transformations, the direct method which was used first by Lie and the Lie infinitesimal method which was introduced by Ovsyannikov. Although, the direct method involves considerable computational difficulties, it has the benefit of finding the most general equivalence group. Recently, Ibragimov developed a simple method for constructing invariants for families of differential equations. The method is based in the theory of equivalence groups in the infinitesimal form. Basically, the method consists of two steps: classification of equivalence groups and then use these groups (and extended groups) to derive the desired differential invariants. Ibragimov used his method to solve the Laplace problem. That is, to derive i Ch ri t n Ts ao us i all invariants for the linear hyperbolic equation uxy + a(x, y)ux + b(x, y)uy + c(x, y)u = 0. To achieve this, he constructed a basis for the invariants and then using this basis and invariant differentiation all invariants, of any order, can be derived. The idea of Ibragimov was adopted by a number of authors who derived differential invariants for ordinary differential equations, linear and non-linear partial differential equations. Differential invariants of the Lie groups of continuous transformations can be used in wide fields: classification of invariant differential equations and variational problems arising in the construction of physical theories, solution methods for ordinary and partial differential equations, equivalence problems for geometric structures. First it was noted by Lie (see [33]), who proved that every system of differential equations (see [34]), and every variational problem (see [36]), could be directly expressed in terms of differential invariants. Lie also showed (see [34]) how differential invariants play an important role to integrate ordinary differential equations and succeeded in completely classifying all differential invariants for all possible finite-dimensional Lie groups of point transformations in the case of one independent and one dependent variable. Tresse (see [56]) and Ovsyannikov [44] generalized the Lie's preliminary results on invariant differentiations and existence of finite bases of differential invariants. The general theory of differential invariants of Lie groups together with algorithms of construction of differential invariants can be found in [42,44]. Also, there is merit in studying point transformations directly in finite form with the ultimate dual goals of finding the complete set of point transformations of systems of two partial differential equations and discovering new links between these systems. Relationships between partial derivatives are considerably more cumbersome than the corresponding relationships for infinitesimal transformations which themselves expand rapidly with increasing order. However several results are presented. These results help us achieve the second aim which is to discover the nature of point transformations connecting systems of two partial differential equations belonging to given classes. Thus, we look at systems with one partial derivative of u(t, x) and v(t, x) of any order, possibly mixed, related to lower-order derivatives of u and v, u and v themselves and t and x. In this thesis, firstly we develop the basic concepts of Lie groups of transformations, ii Ch ris tin a T sa ou si infinitesimal transformations and invariance of partial differential equations that are necessary in the following chapters. In the beginning we start with known results. That is, we use the Lie infinitesimal method for calculating the continuous group of equivalence transformations, for the non-linear diffusion equation. Also, we apply this method to derive differential invariants for the linear hyperbolic equation in two variables. Finally, we describe the method which used by Ibragimov to solve the Laplace problem. The second step is to calculate equivalence transformations for given families of equations. In the spirit of the recent work of Ibragimov (see [19]), who adopted the infinitesimal method for calculation of invariants of families of differential equations using the infinitesimal groups, we apply the method to several partial differential equations. In this thesis, we derive the equivalence group for hyperbolic equations of general class and for two special cases of it. Also, we calculate equivalence transformations for n-dimensional hyperbolic equations, for n-dimensional wave-type equations and finally for hyperbolic equations with two dependent variables. For these families of equations, we find the forms of differential invariants of first or/and second order. In certain cases, we will use the derived invariants or/and invariant equations to find the form of those equations that can be mapped into an equation with particular form. Furthermore, we work on form-preserving point transformations for partial differential equations. We present some known results (see [29]) for three classes of equations restricted to one dependent variable and two independent variables concerning the nature of connecting point transformations. We will generalize these results for forms of point transformations connecting two systems of two partial differential equations. The aim of this part is first to present results concerning the relation of the transformed partial derivatives to the original partial derivatives and secondly to exploit these results to reduce the general range of point transformations connecting systems of two partial differential equations belonging to restricted classes. iii Ch ri tin a T sa ou i


In this paper, nanoparticles of iron oxide in the presence of specific electric and magnetic field orientation are placed on zinc oxide nanofibers. In this methodology, initially with chemical sol-gel method, the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are synthesized. In the next step the synthesized particles are added to precursor polymer of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and zinc salt. By using electrospinning method, nanofibers in the distance between the nozzle and the collector fibers foil pass through a strong electric and magnetic field. After the identification tests and scanned electron microscopy (SEM) imaging it is observed that the iron oxide nanoparticles have placed well on the fibers.


It is well known that the use of standard numerical techniques can lead to numerical oscillations in the solution of the advective-dominant case of solute transport in groundwater systems. In this work a class of numerical schemes commonly employed in aeronautical engineering called total variation diminishing (TVD) schemes is investigated. A new, formally third-order accurate, TVD algorithm is developed in one dimension for purely advective transport and applied to a variety of problems with large mesh Peclet numbers. The one-dimensional approach is then extended to the two-dimensional case. In both one and two dimensions the numerical results compare favorably with their respective analytic solutions.


This paper proposes an interactive, non-zero-sum framework to understand an important facet of spatial politics in contemporary China: the central-provincial relationship. The 'conventional wisdom' of the field, it is argued, confuses the role of coercion in the exercise of power, and assumes a static, zero-sum central-provincial relationship. Changes are merely cyclical, and hopes for genuine changes are pinned on ad hoc factors such as the arrival of 'enlightened' leaders. Drawing on Parsons' insights on the concept of power, the article outlines a new approach which sees the forces of genuine changes as residing within the institutional system. It interprets the central-provincial relationship as a non-zero-sum, interactive process of conflicts and compromises, whereby genuine changes to the relationship are made.


The purpose of this thesis is to build a mathematical framework for statically representing the execution of software programs and the flow of security information in those programs. This thesis shows how the result of this mathematical analysis can be used to automatically identify security properties of software and evaluate security policies. In particular, this work presents a mathematical model for Stack-Based Access Control (SBAC) systems, such as Java 2, Standard Edition (J2SE) and Microsoft .NET Common Language Runtime (CLR), and for Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) systems, such as Java 2, Enterprise Edition (J2EE) and CLR. The model is based on the mathematical theories of graphs and lattices, and allows static problem detection and security policy evaluation. This thesis proves that this mathematical model is correct and that the algorithms used to build it converge in polynomial time. The mathematical model presented in this thesis has been implemented and used extensively to analyze and detect security vulnerabilities in large production-level programs.


Written concurrently with the first item in C.M.I.R.3, the Faculty of Actuaries Mortality Research Group's paper determines a range within which mortality rates of Life Office Pensioners may be expected to change in the foreseeable future. Comparisons are made between the observed changes in pensioner mortality rates and those observed for the population of England and Wales, and reference is also made to the trends of mortality rates assumed in recent British population projections. From these considerations two forecasts are made, based upon "optimistic" and "pessimistic" future mortality assumptions, between which it is expected the actual future rates of mortality change will lie. In the second part of the paper the financial effects of the range of forecasts are set out, when used to project the graduated pensioner Mortality Experience 1967-70 (C.M.I.R., 2, 57). The implications are illustrated in the context of two model funds, one based upon life offices' data, and the other based upon a non-insured pension scheme for which the contribution rates vary in accordance with the levels of future expected pensioner mortality.


Various measures of the labor-market skills of foreign-born workers have improved during the past decade. The largest gains are concentrated among immigrants from Mexico, who traditionally have shown the lowest skill levels among foreign-born workers. The data suggest that the apparent increase in skills is the result of a shift in the distribution of immigrants coming to the United States, with increased immigration of workers from Asia and a precipitous decline in immigration of workers from Mexico.

https://www.clevelandfed.org/~/media/content/newsroom and events/publications/economic commentary/2020/ec 202010/ec202010.pdf


Among the three classic categories of consumers' goods—shopping, convenience, and specialty goods—the "specialty" category sometimes has been relegated to minor importance. This article vigorously defends the primary importance of specialty goods in marketing theory. Four different reasons are given as evidence.


The gas, oil and water co-current flow in pipes either flow in separate layers or in the form of a mixture. Other than gas, the liquid mixtures are common during the transportation of oil. In liquid mixtures, one liquid acts as a continuous phase and the other liquid dispersed in it. The phase inversion in three-phase flow majorly depends on the superficial velocity of individual phases, the volume fraction of liquid phases in total liquid and the internal diameter of the pipe. Pipe bends and fittings are commonly used in pipe networks for the diversion and distribution of flow. The 90° elbow bends are commonly used in such systems, where they change the flow direction from horizontal to vertical and vice versa. For the case of horizontal to upward vertical flow, the bend offers restriction to the flow compared to the straight pipe. Therefore, the process of phase inversion gets effected upstream 90° bend. In the current work, the phase inversion process during three-phase horizontal flow upstream 90° bend has been studied. The internal diameter of the pipe was 0.1524 m and the bend radius to diameter ratio (r/d) was 1. The range of superficial velocities are 0.5-5, 0.08-0.4, and 0.08-0.4 for oil-gas and water respectively. The continuous liquid phase and its effect on pressure drop have been studied at various oil to liquid volume ratios (fo). The results show the different oil-water relationships and the liquid holdup occurred due to the bend.


Ground-based and airborne measurements of biomass-burning smoke particle optical properties, obtained with a view to aerosol-absorption properties, are presented as a function of time and atmospheric height. The wavelength dependence of the optical thickness can be explained by a log-normal size distribution, with particles' effective radius varying between 0.1 and 0.2 microns. The strong correlation noted between aerosol particle profile and CO profile indicates that smoke particulates constitute a good tracer for emission trace gases from tropical biomass burning.


Telecom spectrum is a scarce natural resource whose misallocation is likely to have adverse impact on an economy. It is therefore crucial for a country to ensure efficient allocation of telecom spectrum. Although there are different methods of allocating spectrum, auction as a method of spectrum allocation is being adopted by increasing number of countries. This paper makes an attempt to provide an overview of auction as an allocation method for telecom spectrum in India, explaining the various possible auction formats along with their merits and demerits and also India's performance in telecom spectrum auctions in the light of the experiences of some other countries which have adopted this method for allocating their telecom spectrum.


Health engineering was studied in terms of Pareto principle in this paper. Function-specific homeostasis( FSH) is a negative feedback response for the function to be perfectly performed. A function in/far-from its FSH is called a normal / dysfunctional function. A normal function-specific stress to disrupt the FSH of a normal function was classified into a successful stress which optimum performance was maintained by its negative feedback so that the functional fitness was upgraded and a chronic stress which was far from its negative feedback and the functional fitness can not be upgraded. Health was a state of an organism all of which essential functions and key non-essential functions were normal or stresses of which normal functions were successful. Suboptimal health was a state of a disease-free organism only some of which key non-essential functions were dysfunctional in comparison with its healthy state. Disease was a state of an organism which was not in both health and suboptimal health. The health diagnosis,functional training and medical treatments were then discussed in terms of traditional Chinese medicine and modern medicine.


To build up a professional and appropriately sized troop of primary and secondary school teachers with a reasonable discipline structure, full of vitality and of high quality, first we need to have an accurate understanding of the current situation of the teaching staff in primary and secondary schools. This paper is prepared on the basis of a comprehensive survey of the current situation of the teaching staff in primary and secondary schools in Shaanxi province. Some suggestions regarding the speeding up of construction of the teaching troop are given.


Tomasz Cieślak-Sokolowski Department of Contemporary Criticism Faculty of Polish Jagiellonian University, Cracow "Opening the Great Parable"  On Zbigniew Herbert's Writing of One of His Poems Abstract The main objective of the present article is to offer a reading of Zbigniew Herbert's manuscripts, drawing upon French and British theories of genetic criticism. The author analyzes the physical shape of the page and the stages of the making of the poem with reference to specific examples based on materials collected in the Zbigniew Herbert archive at the National Library of Poland. Keywords:  genetic criticism, Zbigniew Herbert, manuscript studies, writing process "Rozpinanie wielkiej paraboli". O procesie pisania jednego wiersza Zbigniewa Herberta  Streszczenie  Artykul skupia sie na probie opisania problemow związanych z odczytywaniem rekopisow Zbigniewa Herberta. Autor artykulu nawiązuje do francuskich i brytyjskich teorii krytyki genetycznej, by opisac te problemy w odniesieniu do materialow, ktore zawiera Archiwum Zbigniewa Herberta zdeponowane w Bibliotece Narodowej. Slowa kluczowe:  krytyka genetyczna, Zbigniew Herbert, badania manuskryptow, proces tworczy


Although BAL had been used for therapeutic purposes prior to its use as a diagnostic procedure and the value of BAL in the exploration and management of some interstitial lung diseases is now well established, its place in therapy is controversially reported. As early as 1963, RAMIREz et al. [280] were the frrst to perform a whole lung lavage (WLL) using a large volume of fluid in patients with pulmonary alveolar proteinosis. Since then, this technique has been proposed to remove any alveolar filling material in conditions such as alveolar proteinosis [196, 281], alveolar microlithiasis [282], acute silicosis [283], or accidental inhalation of radioactive particles [289, 205]. Its use has also been proposed in obstructive lung diseases [286] to remove the mucus secretions accumulated in the bronchial tree as in asthma [287, 288) or in cystic fibrosis [289, 290]. This lavage differs from the segmental BAL currently used for diagnostic or research purposes in that it is performed under general anaesthesia, and uses a much larger fluid volume. The actual procedure varies slightly from one centre to another and has not yet been standardized [196, 291]. WLL is a safe procedure as shown by the absence of chronic side-effects over periods as long as 25 yrs in patients treated for pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) [192]. On the other hand, its efficacy is known to be dependent on the type of disorder in which it is performed. We will briefly review the main pathological conditions in which WLL is currently performed.


Hydrogen peroxide was selected to treat cashmere fiber.Through fuzz mathematics method and the included angle cosine,the weight vector of the main evaluating indices(felting ball volume,single fiber strength and compression elastic recovery for 15 s) was obtained.The weight vector was elicited.On orthogonal tests and fuzzy theory,the optimum theating condition of cashmere for hydrogen peroxide was got: temperature 65 ℃,time 75 min,sodium pyrophosphate density 2 g /L,hydrogen peroxide 8%(owf).


The good results such as extending life of steel tapping hole,stabilization of steel tapping time and temperature drop during steel tapping ,decreasing slag carring over and increasing alloy recovery percent were achieved using integral change of steel tapping hole and steel tapping by slag skimming in 120 t converter at PZH Steel.The results above were of great advantage to reduce labour in tensity,stabilize operation and improve the quality of molten steel.


Abstract In this paper exact solutions corresponding to the rotational flow of a fractional Oldroyd-B fluid, in an annulus, are determined by applying integral transforms. The fluid starts moving after t = 0+ when pipes start rotating about their axis. The final solutions are presented in the form of usual Bessel and hypergeometric functions, true for initial and boundary conditions. The limiting cases for the solutions for ordinary Oldroyd-B, fractional Maxwell and Maxwell and Newtonian fluids are obtained. Moreover, the solution is obtained for the fluid when one pipe is rotating and the other one is at rest. At the end of this paper some characteristics of fluid motion, the effect of the physical parameters on the flow and a correlation between different fluid models are discussed. Finally, graphical representations confirm the above affirmation.


Abstract Although mental illness treatment protocols exist, the organization and financing of screening and treatment services inhibit access. These challenges are compounded for refugees, immigrants, and other groups vulnerable due to their ethnicity, race, or culture. By creating a system-wide, collaborative, integrated model that recognizes and addresses critical clinical and economic aspects in the delivery of services, high quality, evidence-based care can be made available to groups susceptible to the burdens of mental illness. Clinically and financially aligning primary and specialty care offers a viable alternative for improving access and quality of mental health services to vulnerable populations.


A significant amount of work in film and video preservation is dedicated to quality assessment of the content to be archived or reused out of the archive. This paper proposes automatic content analysis algorithms which reduce manual inspection time in software based preservation environments. We list the requirements for such algorithms and tools and show exemplarily on a freeze frame impairment detector how analysis algorithms need to be designed for meeting the requirements. The evaluation has shown that robustness against other impairments (noise and flickering) is an essential part of the algorithm. Successful detection of freeze frame impairments with a minimum length of three frames is achieved. The consideration of human perception is important to achieve low false detection rates. Analysis results are represented in a MPEG-7 standard compliant way. The proposed defect summary visualization tool enables efficient human exploration of visually impaired content.


BACKGROUND
Increased arterial stiffness may be an important path- way linking diabetes mellitus to increased cardiovascular risk.

AIM
The study was conducted to assess the surrogate markers of arterial stiffness in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and compare with age-matched hypertensive and healthy controls. Also the effect of age and blood pressure on these markers was evaluated.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN
This cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in West India.

METHODS
After a detailed medical history and anthropometric evaluation, all the participants were subjected to measurements of Arterial Stiffness Index (ASI), Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV), and Augmentation Index (AIx) using a non-invasive oscillometric method. The four study groups consisted of patients with T2DM (>5 years) along with hypertension, newly diagnosed patients with T2DM (<2years) without hypertension, hypertensive controls, and healthy controls.

RESULTS
PWV, ASI, AIx were elevated in patients with T2DM compared to healthy controls (p<0.05). Patients with T2DM above 60 years had higher carotid-femoral PWV, ASI and AIx than those below 60 years (p<0.05). ASI and AIx were significantly increased in patients with T2DM with hypertension having systolic BP > 140 mmHg compared to those with systolic BP < 140 mmHg. A very strong correlation between PWV and AIx in patients with T2DM and hypertensive controls was observed.

CONCLUSION
This study reveals that markers of arterial stiffness (PWV, ASI, AIx) were increased significantly in patients with T2DM compared to healthy controls. Age and systolic blood pressure had significant influence on these markers. Thus, oscillometric markers have potential utility in identifying subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with T2DM.


This paper made case investigation on present condition of rural elderly sports in the villages of Dabieshan Mountain by the methods of documentation,inquiry,and data statistics.The results showed: All the old people in the rural areas of Dabieshan Mountain had weak awareness of daily exercise;The form of sports exercise was tedious,but it had regional features;The sports exercises were mainly carried out at empty places in front of their houses;The sports consumption index still rested on a quite low level;There were many factors restricting the development of the rural aged sport such as time,places and equipments,etc.Suggestion: Face the present situation of the rural elderly sports development;Pay great attention to conducting professional guidance to the old man sports;Find out the suitable folk sports activities with local characteristics and strengthen family guidance and propaganda of the old man sports.


List of Colour Plates. Notes on the Contributors. ForewordRoger Parker: . 1: Tim Carter: The Seventeenth Century. 2: Thomas Bauman: The Eighteenth Century: Serious Opera. 3: Thomas Bauman: The Nineteenth Century: Comic Opera. 4: David Charlton: The Nineteenth Century: France. 5: William Ashbrook: The Nineteenth Century: Italy. 6: Barry Millington: The Nineteenth Century: Germany. 7: John Tyrrell: Russian, Czech, Polish, and Hungarian Opera to 1900. 8: Paul Griffiths: The Twentieth Century: to 1945. 9: Paul Griffiths: The Twentieth Century: 1945 to the Present Day. 10: Roger Savage: The Staging of Opera. 11: William Ashbrook: Opera Singers. 12: Opera as a Social Occasion John Rosselli. Further Reading. ChronologyMary Ann Smart: . Acknowledgements. Index


The scholarship of transnationalism has benefited from different research findings in fields such as anthropology, social sciences, political sciences, geography, and health (Smith & Guarnizo, 2009). Research in this field continues to display the dynamics of immigration as continually progressive and evolving as technology advances (Williams, Anderson, & Dourish, 2008). The relationship between transnationalism and health, however, is under-discussed in the literature (Koehn, 2006). In spite of new knowledge of transnationalism and health, much of the evidence in the literature of the early twenty-first century linked that discourse to transnational disease or hazards due to the global scope of social issues. However, the rhetoric of transnationalism and health goes beyond that sphere (Furman & Negi, 2007; Yach & Bettcher, 1998). In light of this, transnationalism and health scholarship analyzes the health of transnational migrants in a broader extent. Transnational migrants are defined as migrants whose daily lives depend on multiple and constant interconnections across international borders and whose public identities are configured in relationship to more than one nation-state (Glick Schiller, Basch, & Blanc-Szanton, 1992, 1995). Researchers agree that transnationalism can include the socio-cultural identity that is shaped by the interconnectivity between more than one geographically distant place (Smith, 2005). As stated by Furman and Negi (2007), transnational migration links with and points to conditions that alter in light of lives continuously engaged across countries and cultures as compared to traditional notions of immigration. Along with the positive aspects of transnationalism in terms of economic and developmental factors, numerous health outcomes are shaped by transnational interactions as well (Koehn, 2006; Pries, 2004), but it becomes crucial to single out transnational migrants as a specific group within the immigrant populations.


An email originally from Mark Orsag forwarded to Thomas H. Kent on behalf of Loren Padelford and Babs Padelford. The email details the raptor and non-raptor sightings that were seen during a Hawk watch conducted at Hitchcock Nature Area from September 5 through December 6, 1998. This item was used as supporting documentation for the Iowa Ornithologists' Union Quarterly field report of fall 1998.


When finFET fabrication process flow, the fin base of a field effect transistor (finFET) architectural, several techniques for forming a planar-like transistor device is disclosed. In some embodiments, the planar-like transistors, for example, are grown so as to locally merge / bridge a plurality of adjacent fins finFET architecture, capable of forming a planar-like transistors thereon, a flat high quality to provide a surface, is then planarized, it may include a semiconductor layer. In some instances, the semiconductor merge layer include, for example, epitaxial silicon may be bridged epitaxial growth. In some embodiments, such a planar-like devices, for example, an analog, a high voltage, may help in the manufacture of a transistor of Z width. Also during finFET flow, to provide such a planar-like devices, for example, the volume reduced, widening the width Z, and / or reduced the high electric field portion in order to improve the high voltage reliability, It may enable the formation of a plurality of transistor devices. These can, in some instances, may be a plurality of such devices suitable analog design.


Attapulgite/carbon nanocomposites were fabricated via one-step calcination of the spent bleaching earth served as adsorbents for the efficient removal of heavy metal ions (Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II)). The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller techniques. The process parameters affecting the adsorption behaviors such as initial pH, calcination temperature, contact time and initial concentration of heavy metal ions were systematically investigated. The results indicated that the attapulgite/carbon nanocomposites derived from the low-cost available carbon precursors exhibited high adsorption capacity within a wide pH range, and the faster equilibrium was achieved at lower concentration. In addition, the adsorbed Cu(II), Pb(II) and Cd(II) can be partially desorbed using 0.1 mol/L HCl as the desorbing agent, rendering the as-...


Emission from several metastable states of NH/sub 3/ is mapped in the OMC-1 and OMC-2 regions. Rotational temperatures are deduced from a comparison of the (J,K) = (1,1), (2,2), and (3,3) lines. A hot core is found at KL, embedded in the cooler OMC-1 ridge. Clumping is found to be extended over the entire OMC-1 region with only about one-tenth of the 1'.4 beam filled by regions which provide most of the emission.


Review of current evaluation situation programmes of study and evaluation needs institutional systems organization of the evaluation evaluation priorities implementation resource implications.


We prove that the subgroup of all IA-automorphisms of the automorphism group Aut(N) of a free nilpotent group N of infinite rank is normality-small. As a consequence, every maximal normal subgroup of the group Aut(N) is a lifting of a maximal normal subgroup of the automorphism group Aut(A) of the abelianization A = N/[N,N ] of N.


The production process of aluminum alloy bumper is: extrusion → straightening, cutting → solid solution, artificial aging → bending → welding. The main processes involved are extrusion process, heat treatment process and welding process. In this paper, according to the different functions of the aluminum alloy bumper components, different production materials are selected, and the extrusion process, heat treatment process and welding process of the reinforced beam and energy absorption box are studied respectively.


Roof device for a convertible, comprising a front roof and a rear roof, which are switched via a motor drive relative to each other and foldable; a support that is provided at a lower part of the rear roof to support the rear roof; wherein the support includes: a base which is pivotally mounted on a lower surface of the rear roof; an output pinion which is arranged on the base and is rotatably drivable; a drive gear that meshes with the output pinion gear engaged to rotate relative to the base; a plurality of coupling elements which are pivotally connected to the drive gear in compound and a latch which is connected to a corresponding coupling element and is pivoted due to the coupling element against the base to lock the base against to the rear roof and unlock. The roofs which can be served quickly and accurately controlled exclusively by the engine system and collapsed. The folded roofs are certainly supported by the roof support and so the overall strength of the entire roof structure can be increased above the rear roof.


It is evident that most of the service firms are to follow modern marketing concept to their business operation so that it is able to attract its existing and potential customers. The marketing concept holds that the key to achieving its organizational goals consists of the company being more effective than competitors in creating, delivering and communicating superior customer value to its chosen target markets. That is why, it is always important for the bankers to keep satisfied its customer by giving competitive products rather than other competitors. On the other hand, customers are more conscious than ever in Bangladesh regarding Consumer credit scheme due to competition in the banking sector. In this chapter, perception and expectation of customers and bankers regarding consumer credit scheme are the spotlight in the light of expectation of consumer credit service by the customers and bankers, customer knowledge regarding consumer credit, perception of Consumer credit by customers and bankers. The following discussion has also been made regarding the perception and expectation of Consumer Credit customers and consumer credit providing bankers.


Ocean acidification (OA) and other climate change-induced environmental alterations are resulting in unprecedented rates of environmental degradation. This environmental change is generally thought to be too fast for adaptation using evolutionary process dependent on natural selection, and thus, resilience may be related to the presence of existing tolerant genotypes and species. Estuaries undergo natural partial pressure carbon dioxide (pCO2) fluctuations, with levels regularly exceeding predicted end of the century values. In this study, we use the estuarine orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) to explore the intrinsic resilience to elevated pCO2. Our sensitivity endpoints included: survival, heart rate, growth, and yolk consumption. Furthermore, we attempted to determine whether their acid–base regulatory machinery was plastic in response to elevated pCO2 by analysing the gene expression of key transporters and ionocyte density. Survival was not significantly altered by exposure to elevated pCO2. Interestingly, the heart rate was significantly elevated at both 1500 and 3100 μatm exposure. However, other metrics of energetic consumption, such as yolk consumption and growth, were not significantly altered. Furthermore, we found no changes in gene expression in vha, nhe3, and nbc, as well as ionocyte density at elevated pCO2. Overall, these results support the hypothesis that estuarine species are resilient to the impacts of OA.


To improve the accuracy of pinning at the iliac crest during external fixation of the unstable pelvic fracture, an aiming device has been innovated. The device consists of 3 parts: a sleeve, a handle and guide points. The guide points were designed to grasp the iliac crest to allow proper pin fixation. The device has been used in 50 patients who had unstable fractures of their pelvises. All pins were in proper position with out loosening at the time the pins were removed. The use of this device has given encouraging results.


This paper explores the effects of career growth on new immigrant knowledge workers' turnover intention,as well as the mediating role of organizational commitment and city embeddedness. Hierarchical regression analyses on a sample of 213 immigrant knowledge workers from major immigrant cities show that: career goal progress and promotion speed negatively relate to turnover intention; affective commitment fully mediates the relationship between promotion speed,affective commitment and normative commitment partially mediates the relationship between career goal progress and turnover intention; city embeddedness moderates the relationship between promotion speed and turnover intention,as well as between normative commitment and turnover intention: when city embeddedness level is high,turnover intention is stronger if promotion speed is slow or normative commitment level is low.


Objective: The objective of this study is to evaluate the profile of medicine usage in a Psychosocial Support Center type II (PSC), in the city of Jaboatão dos Guararapes-PE, Brazil. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study with a quantitative approach. The information obtained for the study came from the analysis of medical records of patients admitted to the institution from January to August 2015. A total of 157 medical records were analyzed, observing to sociodemographic, clinical and medication use variables. Results: There was a predominance of female patients, 57.25% (male 42.75%). Most of the participants were single, with incomplete elementary education, aged between 30-39 years. Most of them had previously been admitted to psychiatric hospitals. From the total number of users who reached the PSC, 60.5% were referred by the Psychosocial Care Network. The most frequent diagnoses, according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD), were: schizophrenia, schizotypic disorders and delusional disorders (F20 to F29), and affective mood disorders (F30-F39). It was found that 99.4% of patients used at least 1 medication, which was used twice daily (59.6%). The most prescribed class of drugs was the antipsychotics, mainly chlorpromazine, haloperidol and risperidone. From the total prescribed drugs, 83.3% were in accordance with the Brazilian Common Denomination 85% of them were present in the municipal list of essential drugs and 97% were administered orally. Conclusion: The results found in this study were satisfactory. Thus, it was possible to verify that the medicines are great allies in the psychosocial treatment, presenting as a widely-used resource.


Going Global: Transforming Relief and Development NGOs, by Marc Linberg and Coralie Bryant. Bloomfield, Conn.: Kumarian Press, 2001. 271 pp., $25.95 cloth.

Towards Financial Self-Reliance: A Handbook of Resource Mobilization for Civil Society Organizations in the South, by Richard Holloway. London: Earthscan, 2001. 233 pp., $25.00 cloth.


The present invention relates to a skateboard having in particular a self-propelled sled drive mechanism. The self-propelled sled includes a pedal front wheel (9), having a rear wheel of the one-way clutch (14) and disposed in the rear wheel (14) of the upper portion of the foot brake means (16,17,18), characterized in wherein said front foot pedal for a pedal depressed by the front (1) and the rear slide (12) after the foot pedal for the composition; the front wheel (9) pivotally connected to the front pedal (1), before the pedal (1) pivoting a frame (3) the distal end; frame is provided with a tension spring (19) (3), the one end of the tension spring (19) is connected to the slide (12), and the other end connected to the frame-based (3) a front portion, the rear slide (12) between the frame (3) is provided with a connection guide means (19,11,13); a rear wheel (14) pivoted at the rear of the rear slide (12). Self-slide of the present invention is applicable to dry land skate.


Various disciplines have shown commitment to research reproducibility including the adoption of replicable search methodologies. With the development of reporting checklists and guidelines for systematic reviews, authors are expected to transparently report search strategies. Replicable search strategies are critical since the included studies will be screened for inclusion in some form of evidence synthesis which could have practice and policy implications. In cases where search strategies miss germane literature, studies could face criticism and difficulties in peer review. Search strategies containing non-alphanumeric or special characters may not retrieve pertinent literature due to a search platform's capacity for handling said characters. In this study, 40 platforms were tested using quotation characters and the absence of said characters to investigate platform behavior. This study found that 42.5% platforms ignored curly quotation marks and interpreted the test terms as a phrase, 30% of the platforms completed the phrase search, and one platform flagged curly quotation marks as an unsupported character.


We derive the graph-analytic representation of influence of the higher-order nonlinearities (including the third and fourth ones) of holographic recording on the associative properties of second-order holograms defined as 'holograms between two holograms'. It is shown that the higher-order nonlinearities of the amplitude response of a hologram do not only cause the noise contribution into conjugate associative response, but in some scenarios of formation of the second-order hologram just predetermine reconstruction of this response. Using the proposed technique, we analyze various cases of imposed (sequential) record of partial signals within the framework of the model of multiple diffraction at hologram structure. We discuss the cases when reconstruction of the conjugate associative response is provided by the presence of the hierarchy of combination pseudogratings, rather than by the 'direct' interference mechanism that lies in the base of conventional holographic associative storage, using ghost-image holograms. The represented results expand considerably functional feasibilities of the phase-conjugation associative memories on the base of static holograms.


We investigate the impact of media attention on a firm's CSR "strengths" and "weaknesses." Drawing on social and organizational identity and stakeholder theory literatures, we develop and test two hypotheses concerning the influence that media attention has on these aspects of CSR. We find that increases in media attention are associated with increases in CSR strengths, but not with CSR weaknesses.


Social skills are a set of behaviors manifested by individuals in an interpersonal context in which they express feelings, attitudes, desires, opinions or rights suitable for the situation, respecting the same action in others with the dimensions of self-control, empathy, assertion, and cooperation. Academic performance in this study is measured according to the general average of the second grading period of School Year 2017-2018 of the Grade 10 Junior High students of the University of Bohol University High School (UB-UHS) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines. This study intends to determine the level of social skills between the said students, in relation to their academic performance for the school year 2017-2018. This study made use of a quantitative method, specifically the descriptive-survey technique with the aid of the questionnaire to gather the level of social skills among the respondents. Results showed all respondents had a Moderate level of all


The paper presents a numerical analysis of cellular beams with cells of different arrangement. The ADINA System based on the Finite Element Method (FEM) is used in the calculations. The beams made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy are analysed. Such beams are used in civil engineering and aircraft industry as load-bearing parts. The beam components are joined by Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW). The I-profile beams with cell diameter of 62 mm are analysed. The beam length is 0.8 m and its cross section is 50x100mm. The bending of fixed-end beams with concentrated load is analysed. Extreme values of the displacement for the beams material and RFSSW joints are emphasized. The effective stresses for the beams and RFSSW joints are calculated. Normal stresses in the top flanges, bottom flanges and webs are given.


Abstract. The novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for COVID-19, for which there is no vaccine or any known effective treatment created a sense of urgency for novel drug discovery approaches. One of the most important COVID-19 protein targets is the 3C-like (main) protease for which the crystal structure is known. In this study, we used QSAR methodology to identify compounds with potential inhibition activity for 3C-like protease. First we collect a dataset of 204 compounds, with experimental report of inhibition against SARS-CoV main protease, to develop a predictive model, using Multiple Linear Regression and a Genetic Algorithm for the selection of variables, implemented in the QSARINS software. The model was assessed and validated using the OECDs principles. The best model showed good value for the determination coefficient (R 2 =0.61), and others parameters were appropriate for fitting ( s =0.47 and RMSE tr =0.45). The validation results confirmed that the model has good robustness (Q 2LOO =0.53) and stability (R 2 –Q 2LOO =0.08) with low correlation between the descriptors (K XX =0.41), an excellent predictive power (R 2ext =0.54) and was product of a non-random correlation (R 2Yscr =0.06). This model is employed for the virtual screening of the Drug Bank database and several compounds, which belong to the applicability domain of the models, were identified as potential 3C-like protease inhibitors and proposed to further experiments to corroborate the predicted activity.


This thesis deals with contribution to thermal problems of PEM Fuel Cell. In fact, since the chemical conversion of energy stored within the fuel cell is accompanied by the production of an important thermal energy (50 %), it is most important to understand the thermal behavior of fuel cell. Majority of models involves complex systems of heat differential equations. In addition, PEMFC presents a heterogeneous system and thermal coupling of conduction-convection involves complex differential equations, and their solution can not be done within a reasonable amount of time by sequential program. In the first part of this work, seeking reliable and simple method for study of thermal behavior phenomena, we have developed the nodal approach that result from a formal analogy between analogical circuits and their counterpart's phenomena. In this approach, we can represent the two phenomena of conduction-convection without any coupling of with another approach of representation. It will be shown in this thesis that this model presents high scalability and parallel processing characteristics that make it suitable for simulation on parallel machines or a network of workstations. In the second part of this work, we have interested to the control of the temperature of fuel cell. The model inspired by the nodal approach that we have developed is in the bilinear form. We propose a result on feedback stabilization of thermal behavior of PEM Fuel Cell.


Korea's whale food culture, centering in the Ulsan area, is based on historical factors, and today it is regarded as a source of the local identity to integrate people and their cultural resource. After the ban on whaling, local people confronted a situation where the whale food culture supporting their identity has faded owing to the influences of the Western-centric ideas that view culture only in the context of "barbarism versus civilization". However, they sustain whale food culture by using whales accidentally caught in fishing nets. This paper analyzes whale food culture in Korea from a historical SENRI ETHNOLOGICAL STUDIES 84: 267–284 ©2013 Anthropological Studies of Whaling Edited by Nobuhiro Kishigami, Hisashi Hamaguchi and James M. Savelle


We consider the following repulsive-productive chemotaxis model: Let $p\in (1,2)$, find $u \geq 0$, the cell density, and $v \geq 0$, the chemical concentration, satisfying \begin{equation}\label{C5:Am} \left\{ \begin{array} [c]{lll} \partial_t u - \Delta u - \nabla\cdot (u\nabla v)=0 \ \ \mbox{in}\ \Omega,\ t>0,\\ \partial_t v - \Delta v + v = u^p \ \ \mbox{in}\ \Omega,\ t>0, \end{array} \right. \end{equation} in a bounded domain $\Omega\subseteq \mathbb{R}^d$, $d=2,3$. By using a regularization technique, we prove the existence of solutions of this problem. Moreover, we propose three fully discrete Finite Element (FE) nonlinear approximations, where the first one is defined in the variables $(u,v)$, and the second and third ones by introducing ${\boldsymbol\sigma}=\nabla v$ as an auxiliary variable. We prove some unconditional properties such as mass-conservation, energy-stability and solvability of the schemes. Finally, we compare the behavior of the schemes throughout several numerical simulations and give some conclusions.


Determining cancer prognosis in patients is crucial to controlling the suffering and death due to cancer. In general, the diagnosis of cancer is based on the histology. Histology of cancer is determined by the tissue obtained from patients via several sampling approaches, including excision or biopsy, fine-needle aspiration, and cytologic smears. As the pathologic diagnosis of cancer is an essential initial step for the determination of the line of therapy, pathologists face a great responsibility in the diagnosis of cancer. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


In the Earth's dayside reconnection boundary layer, whistler mode waves coincide with magnetic field openings and the formation of the resultant anisotropic electrons. Depending on the energy range of anisotropic electrons, whistlers can grow at frequencies in the upper and/or lower band. Observations show that whistler mode waves modulate Langmuir wave amplitude as they propagate toward the X line. Observations of whistler mode wave phase and Langmuir waves packets, as well as coincident electron measurements, reveal that whistler mode waves can accelerate electrons via Landau resonance at locations where E||is antiparallel to the wave propagation direction. The accelerated electrons produce localized beams, which subsequently drive the periodically modulated Langmuir waves. The close association of those two wave modes reveals the microscale electron dynamics in the exhaust region, and the proposed mechanism could potentially be applied to explain the modulation events observed in planetary magnetospheres and in the solar wind.


We have investigated the photoluminescence spectra of silicon-based nanoscale SiO2 islands obtained by anodization of silicon-based aluminum membranes in a 0.3m sulfuric acid solution under a constant voltage of 25V. Two ultraviolet emission bands were observed at 290 and 370nm. After annealing the samples in 900°C in O2, the 290nm band vanishes, but the 370nm band still exists. We suggest that the 290nm band originates from optical transition in the E′ centers in the SiO2 islands according to its annealing behavior. The 370nm band is considered to be from Al-related luminescence centers, [AlO4]0, because a decrease of intensity of the 370nm band is in agreement with that of amount of the Al ion impurities located in the SiO2 islands. This work shows a clear understanding of the light-emitting mechanism of silicon-based SiO2 island array. The obtained result can be expected to have important applications in modem optoelectronics.


Objective To analyze the insecurity factors in nursing care for the different nurses and put forward preventing measures.Methods The data of general nursing stuff and professional nursing staff were analyzed respectively,the subjects 'response were identified.Results The scores of personality characteristics positive factors of professional nursing staff were higher than that of general nursing staff,and there was no difference in negative factors of personality characteristics (P > 0.05).In the examination of nursing quality,satisfaction degree for general nursing staff was 0.625,and 0.886 for professional nursing staff.There was significant difference (P < 0.05).Conclusions Personal quality and nursing quality of professional nursing staff were superior to those of general nursing stuff.General nursing staff should be trained for business and personal quality to become professional staff.

Key words:
Nursing security ;  Nurses ;  Nursing quality


Sufficient conditions are obtained by using maximum principle and super and lower solution for delay logistic equation with diffusion to be oscillatory about a positive steady state. The result obtained extends and improves the conclusions of Zhang,Gopalsamy and Wei.


Transition metal dichalcogenides are gathering increasing attention owing to their unique physical properties and wide variety of application possibilities. In our study, Mo1−xWxS2, an alloy of MoS2 and WS2, was fabricated by the co-sputtering deposition of MoS2 and W, followed by post-deposition sulfurization. The resulting film exhibited a W concentration of up to 23%, relative to the Mo and W added. The alloy exhibited the characteristic behaviors, when subjected to Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It was confirmed that the bandgap shifted as the W concentration increased. By evaluating the bandgap and valence band edge energy, it was confirmed that W incorporation tuned the band structure.


The present invention identifies a radio frequency to stream into a low power without the need for complex configurations for large amounts of data (RFID) relates to a data streaming apparatus for the tag, by subdividing the large capacity memory to do this after configuring refined unit memory only sequentially selecting operation by so that, there is an effect that it is possible to manufacture a tag capable of streaming transmission of large capacity data with only low power. RFID, RFID, tag, low-power, passive, active


We propose a novel LBCNN model with AM Softmax based on bilinear CNN (BCNN) and AM Softmax loss function, which can better fit fine-grained birds recognition tasks. There are mainly two contributions. Firstly, in order to reduce the model size and recognition time, we design a lightweight BCNN model to reduce the parameters. We replace original VGG16 backbone with MobileNet structure which decomposes the convolution operation into two smaller operations: depthwise revolution and pointwise revolution. Secondly, to make up for the decrease in accuracy, we introduce the Additive Margin Softmax (AM Softmax) loss function to enhance the discrimination ability. By comprehensive discussion of the influence of different parameter settings and different loss functions, we test the proposed lightweight BCNN on the bird dataset CUB-200-2011. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model can achieve comparable results with much fewer parameters.


Copper bleed solution generated during the electrorefining of anode copper has
been used for the recovery of metals as value added products viz. metal powders
following partial decopperisation, solvent extraction and electrowinning. In this
process, a mixed crystal containing copper and nickel sulphates is produced from
the partially decopperised bleed solution by crystallization. The mixed crystal is
dissolved and iron is removed by precipitation. The copper is extracted from the
purified solution using LIX84 diluted in kerosene leaving nickel in the aqueous
raffinate. Bench scale simulation study for the separation of copper and nickel is
further confirmed by extracting copper in a mixer settler unit. The purified solution
has been used for producing copper and nickel powders by electrolysis.


In this paper we discuss the use of low frame rate image cameras on a WSN in order to gather micro-context information in the context of smart homes and smart living spaces for the elderly. These simple devices are an attractive alternative to their more heavy duty counterparts since they can gather ambient image data at a rate that is amenable to the ambient space that they are in without much infrastructural support or modification. We propose their use in a multi-modal sensing environment where information from other ambient sensors may be mixed and matched in order to provide intelligence about the space and the activities of the subjects within the space. Their compelling use case, which includes their light weight and ease of mobility makes them a good candidate for a multi-modal sensing smart space. In this paper we introduce our work on architecture of the smart space and the implementation of the feature extraction using the image camera.


This research examines cultural influence on the preference of promotive (i.e., trying to eat more healthy foods) and preventive (i.e., trying to avoid unhealthy foods) dietary practices. Survey data were collected from students and older adults in Korea (N = 287) and the U.S. (N = 245). Only students participated in the survey in Japan (N = 145). Consistent with the prediction, Study 1 shows Korean mature adults are more willing to adopt preventive dietary practices, while American counterparts favor promotive eating habits. The pattern of the data was inconsistent with the prediction among student participants across the three nations. Individual-level data from Study 2 (N = 284) confirm that independent self-construal affects promotive dietary practice via increasing promotive regulatory self-focus. The indirect impact of interdependent self-construal on preventive dietary practice was less apparent. Practical implications for doctor-patient communication are discussed.


A honey substitute obtained from bee colonies affected with American foulbrood and stored for 19 years was tested for the presence of the viable endospores of Paenibacillus larvae subsp. larvae. A 5 g sample of the substitute was diluted with 5 ml of distilled water. The dissolved material was heated for 5 min at 90C, plated on solid Foster's medium containing yeast extract, soluble starch and agar, and incubated for 9 d at 35°C. It was found that the endospores survived the time of storage.


Customer relationships are seen as one of a firm's most important set of resources or assets. According to the resource advantage theory, customer's resources are potentially available to the seller once a relationship is established between them. In addition, the intangible resources that are available from the customer relationships are potentially likely to contribute to seller's sustainable competitive advantage. This paper explores the salesperson's role in realising the potential value of these intangible relationship resources.


The nature of cultural trade is the acknowledgement and acceptance of the cultural identity of different nationalities or countries. Cultural trade have its root in the contention for the resources of cultural identity. As a matter of fact, globalization is not simply homogenization; however, it enhances the diversity of cultural identity.Based on the economic principle, this paper aims to analyze the influences of globalization on culture, and explain the phenomenon of cultural identity caused during this process. Furthermore, through the analysis of the role of cultural identity, some feasible solutions to enhance the Chinese competitiveness of cultural trade are suggested.


A substantial increase in transportation of goods on railway networks may be hindered by public fear of annoyance and sleep disturbance due to a corresponding increase in vibration and noise. As the majority of freight trains run during night time, sleep disturbance is expected to be the most serious adverse health effect arising from resulting vibration and noise. However, very little data exists that may be used to investigate the potential impact. As part of the European project CargoVibes, we are experimentally investigating sleep disturbance among subjects experimentally exposed to noise and vibration from freight trains. An initial pilot study explored the relative perception of horizontal versus vertical vibration for subjects in a supine position. It was concluded that vibration along the horizontal axis in the frequency range of 5-10 Hz would be the most suitable exposure to use in trials investigating the effects of vibration-induced sleep disturbance from railway freight traffic.


1. Machine (1) for the plastic deformation of the wire, especially a machine for bending or coiling spring, with a frame (4) of the machine, a device for loading wire and a wire harness (2) to move the feed wire (3) in the working area of the machine (1 ) in which a wire with one tool or several tools (15, 17, 18) is processed and / or plastic deformation, and for this purpose, each tool (15; 17; 18) can be moved relative to the wire (3) by means of feed movement of the remote from the wire (3) of the original position to the working position and the tools (15, 17, 18) are arranged on provided on the frame (4) tooling plate machine (7) around the formed therein recesses (14) through which the wire (3) is fed into the working area of the machine (1 ), wherein, moreover, each tool (15, 17, 18) fixed to the tooling plate (7) in the direction of feed movement fixedly with respect to the tool plate (7), its feed movement into the working position is carried out only by a corresponding movement of the tool plate (7) and the tool fire w (7) is disposed on the second plate (8) which is provided with a recess (14) corresponding to the recess (14) on the tooling plate (7), wherein the tool plate (7) along the first direction (x) of the second plate (8) and it is movable along the frame (4) of the machine along a second direction (y) arranged perpendicularly to the first direction (x), characterized in that each of the two directions (x, y) is disposed at an angle of 45 ° to the vertical axis ( H-H) of the machine (1) for the plastic deformation of the wire. ! 2. Machine for the plastic deformation of about


An extensive collaborative research program was focused on the development of a self-consistent thermodynamic database for simulation of nickel extraction from laterite ores. Chemical systems relevant to laterite ore processing were experimentally investigated and thermodynamically optimized. In general, laterite ore deposits consist of heterogeneous mixtures of hydrated iron oxides and hydrous magnesium silicates. The basis of the laterite ore is olivine (Fe,Mg)2SiO4, which often contains small amounts of nickel due to the proximity of ionic radii of Fe, Mg and Ni. Existing technologies that currently produce nickel worldwide utilize only about half of the nickel laterite deposits; other sources are not utilized due to complex mineralogy. For creation of cost-effective, environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient processes of Ni recovery from laterite ores, it is important to be able to perform reliable calculations of phase equilibria in the Al–Ca–Cr–Fe–Mg–Ni–O–Si system, where Fe, Al2O3, MgO, NiO and SiO2 are the major components of slags and oxide phases in nickel pyrometallurgy. The current research program met this challenge. It was aimed to develop a thermodynamic database for NiO-containing oxide systems in the Al2O3–CaO–FeO–Fe2O3–MgO–NiO–SiO2 (Al–Ca–Fe–Mg–Ni–O–Si) multi-component system at high temperature of interest to nickel pyrometallurgical processes. The project was accomplished by the joint efforts of two research groups. The database development was carried out at the Centre for Research in Computational Thermochemistry, Montreal, Canada by means of thermodynamic modeling, which was closely related to experimental study of phase equilibria performed by our colleagues from the Pyrometallurgy Research Centre (PyroSearch), Brisbane, Australia. This collaborative approach greatly increased the effectiveness of the overall program by reducing the amount of the required experimental work and providing specific experimental data for thermodynamic modeling. Thermodynamic assessments were applied to identify priorities for experiments and experimental measurements were planned to provide specific data for thermodynamic modeling. A literature review and critical assessment of the previously published thermodynamic and phase equilibrium data on the NiO-containing systems were performed using thermodynamic modeling. The parameters of the models were optimized to fit a large variety of the literature data collected


The review presents different points of view of the authors of three new monographs by foreign scientists - Dieter Grimm, Athanasios Psigkas and Turkuler Isiksel - on such phenomena as constitutionalism and administrative democracy in the context of the crisis of European integration. The key positions of the authors of these books are interpreted by Professor J. Kamarek of the Faculty of Law of the University of Copenhagen.


Current-induced domain wall (DW) motion in spintronic racetrack memory promises energy-efficient analog computation using compact magnetic nanowires. This paper explores the feasibility of analog-to-digital converter (ADC) based on current-induced DW motion and introduces an n-bit ADC using n racetrack magnetic nanowires. With each magnetic nanowire having a different configuration granularity, an n-bit binary or gray code is generated simultaneously. The proposed ADC structure achieves 21 fJ/conversion-step at 20 MHz with an area of about  $10~\mu \text{m}^{2}$ . The racetrack ADC is suitable for applications requiring dense ADC arrays, such as image sensors. This paper describes one ultrahigh speed digital pixel sensor imaging system benefiting from the racetrack ADC.


Friend virus‐induced tumor cells do not always require the presence of Friend virus for continued growth. A line of non‐virus producing (NVP) Friend tumor cells was established, but it still induces some antigens which will neutralize the Friend virus. The characteristics of this antigen were described. ACTA PATH. JAP. 16:79‐95, 1966


A superfusion system was used in order to investigate the ionic requirements of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) and somatostatin (SRIF) release from mediobasal hypothalamic (MBH) slices of male adult rats. Slices were superfused with Hepes-buffered Locke medium at 37 °C in an atmosphere of Ch 95%–CO2 5% for 1 h. Bacitracin (2 × 10–5M) was added to the medium to prevent enzymatic degradation of neuropeptides. Depolarizing agents such as potassium (K+) or veratridine stimulated LHRH and SRIF release in a dose-dependent manner. Maximal effect was obtained with K+ 56 mM and veratridine 50 µM. The depolarizing effect of K+ 56 mM was specific and not due to the hypertonicity of the medium used. Neither Mg2+ nor chlorine was needed for the spontaneous or K+-evoked release of LHRH and SRIF. The amplitude of the secretory response to K+ 56 mM was related to Ca2+ concentration tested in the range of 0.2–8.8 mM; maximal responses were obtained between 0.8 and 1.8 mM. Removal of Ca2+ from the medium with or without replacement by Mg2+, as well as administration of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel blockers (D-600 10–4M, Mn2+ 3 mM) blocked both K+ and veratridine induced neuropeptide release. When sodium channels and the 'early' calcium channels were blocked by tetrodotoxin (5 × 10–7M) the stimulatory effect of veratridine was completely blocked whereas the stimulation of K+ was unaffected. These experiments indicate that: (1) both K+ and veratridine induced-LHRH and SRIF release is a Ca2+-dependent process; (2) Ca2+ concentration is critical for the amplitude of the secretory response; (3) the main Ca2+ channel involved in neuropeptide release corresponds to the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channel, and (4) neither magnesium or chlorine is needed for either spontaneous or evoked release of LHRH and SRIF.


The secondary cooling of AZ80 during DC casting was investigated by measuring the temperature at a given position during steady state. The experiment was carried out under different parameters including the water flow rate density (Q*) and initial temperature (Ti) of the impingement points. To theorize the heat transfer of the secondary cooling zone in practical DC casting, we designed a series of experimental equipment to simulate the secondary cooling with differing Ti (between 473 and 673 K) and Q* (between 20 and 100 L min−1 m−1) based on the DC casting temperature-measurement experiment above. Detailed analysis was carried out of both the experimental results combined with Q*. The empirical formulae of Rohsenow and Weckman were modified due to the need to divide the secondary cooling zone into an impingement zone and a free-falling zone. Finally, a verification of the model's accuracy was conducted by comparing the results of the finite volume numerical simulation and the experiment, which revealed that the model exhibited extremely high accuracy.


GaAs MESFETs, originally designed for microwave applications, have become an important com ponent of receivers in high-speed optical telecommunication systems. For these applications, the crucial point in the device modeling is the evaluation of the induced gate noise and its correlation to the channel noise. In this paper the design of a low-noise small signal optical amplifier using GaAs MESFET is carried out. The principal noise sources of GaAs MESFETs are analyzed in order to completely characterize the equivalent model. Particularly channel-noise represents the dominant effect in the determination of the optical receiver sensitivity. Total input noise current of the optical amplifier, due to correlated gate and drain MESFET noise, has been estimated in order to evaluate the excess channel-noise factor r for different values of photodiode capacitance. This procedure allowed to choose the photodiode with minimum noise. At last, scattering parameters, minimum noise gain, gain-frequency dependence and bandwidth of the amplifier have been evaluated in the frequency range of interest.


Forms of procedural knowledge of a dialogic nature have always been the object of operational intolerances. Over
time, even after the constitutionalization of the adversarial principle, hostile rules have been laid down alongside
the aforementioned operational intolerances in order to circumvent the limits applied on the power of judicial
knowledge.
This situation generates a system that conflicts with the constitutional provisions in many ways and highlights how
the adversarial principle has not yet been implemented by the judicial culture, despite it has been adopted by the
constitutional Char ter, due to regulatory settlements in breach with the constitutional precept. Hence the emergen-
ce of dangerous interpretative abstractions aimed at expanding the jurisdictional argument; situation that denotes
an allarming lack of respect for the principle of procedural legality.


This article discusses the potential of new technologies for 'dynamic literacy learning' (Walsh, 2011, p. 101). It illustrates the growing use of technology by today's adolescents in out-of-school environments and the implications of new technologies for literacy learning and practice in middle years classrooms. It argues that mobile learning (m-Learning) is causing a shift in pedagogy by merging higher order thinking, creativity, personalisation and learner autonomy. The article also provides information about specific apps that can be used to engage students and extend their thinking.


Severe winter haze is one of the major environmental issues in China. This is a comprehensive study combining remote sensing observations with three dimensional chemical transport model, which investigated the effect of natural dust on haze formation. The results show that a dust layer frequently exists above the planetary boundary layer (PBL), inhibits dilution of surface pollutants, and aggravates haze pollution. This study provides very important information toward a complete understanding of the formation mechanism of winter haze in China. The impact of dust is not limited to aerosol-PBL interactions, but may also explain the special multiphase chemistry in this region. Overall, this is a very nice study and I'd recommend its publication in ACP after minor revisions.


ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to compare dietary intake estimates using two different methodological approaches: use of new portions obtained with the 24-Hour Diet Recall, which was applied in the current study population, and the application of calibration equations, which were estimated using the same 24h-recalls. Methods Calibration equations were estimated using linear regression. The medians and confidence intervals of energy and nutrient intakes were assessed using all the approaches. The U Mann Whitney test was applied to verify differences among dietary intakes obtained with the 24 Hour Recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire-based methods. The correlation between different measures was assessed with Spearman coefficient. Weighted Kappa was used to verify the capability of the Food Frequency Questionnaire -based methods to classify individuals in the same intake levels of the 24 Hour Recall. Results Nine of the eleven components that were analyzed using the Food Frequency Questionnaire with standard portions and calibrated had medians significantly different from those obtained using the 24 Hour Recall; only the measurements of vitamin E and energy were statistically equal. For the Food Frequency Questionnaire with 24 Hour Recall portions, only the medians of vitamin D and B12 did not significantly differ from the 24 Hour Recall medians. Finally, for the Food Frequency Questionnaire with 24 Hour Recall portions and calibrated, all components, except folate and iron, had medians statistically equal to those obtained using the 24 Hour Recall. Spearman correlation coefficients were higher for the Food Frequency Questionnaire with 24 Hour Recall portions calibrated for all the assessed components, and the values ranged from 0.27 (total fat) to 0.57 (iron). Higher Kappa correlation coefficients were found for the Food Frequency Questionnaire 24 Hour Recall portions calibrated. Conclusion Calibrated FFQ with portions estimated from the own target population obtained better estimates of dietary intake, with values considerably more similar to those obtained with the reference method.


This paper proposes a new method of position correction for a mobile robot on rough terrain. The strong point of our method is that no external sensor is needed for position correction. The information about position correction is derived from comparing between the estimated position and elevation map of the terrain by using the knowledge that the robot must touch the ground. Some experimental results are also shown.


In this work, I investigate what are the elements that are associated with the amount of individual financial wealth held offshore by a country. To do so, I exploit a novel dataset constructed by Alstadsæter, Johannesen and Zucman (2018) which contains cross-country estimates of financial wealth that individuals held in tax havens in 2007. The results from the static cross-country analysis show that the level of sociopolitical stability in a country and the level of its financial freedom are negatively associated with the share of wealth that its citizens hold in offshore centres. On the other hand, the level of income inequality and the level of financial openness are positively associated with a country's offshore wealth accumulation dynamics. Arab Gulf region, finally, forms a distinct cluster of countries which show peculiar offshore wealth accumulation characteristics.


The interactions between immunocompetent parental‐strain tells and the F1 hybrid rat into which these cells have been injected were studied. This involved examination of the behavior of both parental‐ and host‐strain cells. Host lymphocytes reactive against parental‐strain lymphocytes appeared in the thoracic duct lymph within 12 h of the intravenous injection of parental thoracic duct lymphocytes or thymus cells. The activity of these F1 hybrid‐strain lymphocytes was directed preferentially against parental‐strain lymphocytes with anti‐F1 hybrid potential. This subpopulation of parental cells was absent from the thoracic duct but was well represented in the spleen, this enrichment being masked by a reversible F1 hybrid anti‐parental‐strain lymphocyte response. If the anti‐parental‐strain lymphocyte activity of F1 hybrid cells was interrupted by the destruction of host‐strain cells with antiserum, parental‐strain lymphocytes in the tissues of F1 hybrid rats could be reactivated. By this procedure it was possible to passage graft‐versus‐host reactions initiated by parental‐strain lymphocytes through several F1 hybrid rats, thereby implying that anti‐parental lymphocyte activity is of importance in limiting the serial passage of these reactions. Some of the anti‐parental lymphocyte activity observed on the part of F1 hybrid‐strain cells was probably mediated by anti‐idiotypic antibodies, but other phenomena, especially selective migration of both donor and host lymphocyte subpopulations, are of major importance in the interaction between parental‐strain lymphocytes and an F1 hybrid host.


Thanks to its irreplaceable superiority in providing seamless coverage, satellite communication is expected to play an important role in supporting ubiquitous and continuous connectivity services for 6G wireless networks. With the pre-compensation of timing and frequency offset, we propose a novel random access (RA) preamble detection method for the high-dynamic non-terrestrial networks (NTN). Unlike the conventional threshold-based methods, the proposed method leverages a joint clustering algorithm to accurately capture the timing position corresponding to the first arrival path without noise variance estimation. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in a typical satellite non line-of-sight (NLOS) scenario, and indicate that our method can achieve a notable performance enhancement in terms of the error detection probability (EDP) and the timing mean square error (MSE), in comparison to the exiting methods.


Research on Green Information Technology (IT) is becoming a prevalent research theme in Green Information Systems (IS) research. This article provides a review of 98 papers published on Green IT between 2007−2013 to facilitate future research and to provide a retrospective analysis of existing knowledge and gaps thereof. While some researchers have discussed phenomena such as Green IT, motivation of Green IT and the Green IT adoption lifecycle, others have researched the importance of Green IT implementation within the organisational and individual level. Throughout the literature, scholars are trying to portray a constructive relationship between IT and the environment. Through our analysis, we can provide an assessment of the status of information systems literature on Green IT and, we provide taxonomy of segments of Green IT publications. Future research opportunities are identified based on the review.


Abstract: A method for the quantification of 1‐methylimidazole‐4‐acetic acid in human CSF was developed. Methylimidazole‐acetic acid was identified and quantitated in CSF. The method involves concentration of the compound on a cation exchanger, extraction of the methyl ester with ethyl acetate, and preparation of a heptafluorobutyryl derivate of the methyl ester, which is finally purified by chromatography on silica gel and quantitated by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry with the deuterated analogue as internal standard. The coefficient of variation at 1 ng/ml was 13%. The limit of sensitivity was about 0.2 ng/ml. The concentration of methylimidazole‐acetic acid in lumbar CSF from healthy volunteers was below 1 ng/ml. Ventricular CSF contained higher concentrations than lumbar fluid. The existence of a rostrocaudal concentration gradient was established. There was a correlation between the concentration of methylimidazole‐acetic acid and tele‐methylhistamine in CSF. The concentration of methylimidazole‐acetic acid in lumbar CSF from schizophrenic patients, patients with subarachnoidal haemorrhage, or patients with rheumatic disease was in the range of that in healthy volunteers.


Manzo, Gianluca, ed. 2014. Analytical Sociology: Actions and Networks. Chichester: John Wiley. Mises, Ludwig. (1949) 1998. Human Action: A Treatise on Economics. Auburn: The Ludwig von Mises Institute. Nadeau, Robert. 2016. "Cultural Evolution, Group Selection and Methodological Individualism: A Plea for Hayek." Cosmos + Taxis: Studies in Emergent Order and Organization 3 (2 & 3): 9-22. Petitot, Jean. 2016. "Complex Methodological Individualism." Cosmos + Taxis: Studies in Emergent Order and Organization 3 (2 & 3): 27-44. Popper, Karl R. (1945) 1966a. The Open Society and Its Enemies, Vol. 1: The Spell of Plato. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Popper, Karl R. (1945) 1966b. The Open Society and Its Enemies, Vol. 2: Hegel and Marx. Princeton: Princeton University Press. Popper, Karl R. 1957. The Poverty of Historicism. Boston: Beacon Press. Popper, Karl R. (1977) 2003. The Self and Its Brain: An Argument for Interactionism. London: Routledge. Pribram, K. 2008. "La genesi della filosofia sociale individualistica." In L'individualismo nelle scienze sociali, edited by E. Grillo. Soveria Mannelli: Rubbettino: 117-204. Sawyer, R. Keith. 2002. "Nonreductive Individualism. Part I—Supervenience and Wild Disjunction." Philosophy of the Social Sciences 32 (4): 537-59. Sawyer, R. Keith. 2003. "Nonreductive Individualism. Part II—Social Causation." Philosophy of the Social Sciences 33 (2): 203-24. Searle, John R. 1995. The Construction of Social Reality. New York: Free Press. Weber, Max. 2012. "Roscher and Knies and the Logical Problems of Historical Economics." In Max Weber: Collected Methodological Writings, edited by Hans Henrik Bruun and Sam Whimster, 3-94. London: Routledge.


It has a function to actively promote healing of refractory wounds or surgery incision at the same time it is advantageous as a sealant such as a wound, medical composition without it the risk of causing side effects such as malignant transformation promoting tissue regeneration I will provide a. The present invention relates to a medical composition characterized by containing a photocrosslinkable chitosan derivatives and wound healing promoting agent. The photo-crosslinkable chitosan derivative introduces a saccharide having at least a portion in the reducing end of the amino groups of chitosan skeleton, it is preferably formed by introducing a photoreactive group to another at least a portion. Promoting wound healing agent is preferably a cell growth factor.


With the development of technology and the reform of the periodical industry,the development of sci-tech periodicals in universities is facing enormous opportunities and challenges. In recent years,the sci-tech periodicals in universities of Hunan Province have obtained certain achievement. Under the current social environment about the reform of periodical,the point of this article is to analyze the current situation of the development of sci-tech periodicals in universities of Hunan Province,Meanwhile,put forward the countermeasures to promote the development of sci-tech periodicals in universities of Hunan Province.


The autoradiographic localization of radiolabelled taurine taken up in the rat substantia nigra in vivo together with conditions of release of the [3H]taurine taken up into brain slices were studied to determine whether they are consistent with the hypothesis that taurine may act as a neurotransmitter in the striatonigral pathway.


Red yeast rice which is a product of solid fermentation was prepared from several kinds of Thai glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Kor Kho 6 (RD6), Kam (Kam) and Sanpatong1 (SPT1). Monascus purpureus CMU001 isolated from available Chinese red yeast rice was used as the fermentation starter. The analysis for the presence and the content of monacolins, the cholesterol lowering compounds, were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The presence of the monacolins was confirmed by the retention time of the reference compounds and LC-MS. The results were compared to those obtained from the Chinese redyeast rice and Thai non-glutinous rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. Mali105).The chromatograms shows the presence of monacolin K acid form (MKA), compactin (P1) , monacolin M acid form (MMA), monacolin K (MK), monacolin M (MM) and dehydromonacolin K (DMK). A large peak of a compound with the molecular weight of 358 was also detected but cannot be identified. The amount of two important monacolins, compactin and monacolin K, were determined. It was found that the highest amount of compactin and monacolin K were 21.98 and 33.79 mg/g respectively when using Thai rice varity Oryza sativa L. cv. RD6 which was fermented without adding soybean milk. Keyword: Glutinous rice, HMG-CoA reductase, Monacolins, Monascus purpureus,Red yeast rice.


Light-front quantization of spin-one fields coupled to a conserved or nonconserved current constructed from a Dirac field is studied. It is shown that an operator phase transformation must be performed on the Dirac field in order to maintain simple canonical commutation relations and a simple Hamiltonian. In this formulation quantum electrodynamics emerges as the zero-mass limit of the massive gluon model. Lorentz invariance of the vector-gluon model is explicitly verified. Vacuum expectation values of operator products and Green's functions are studied and spectral sum rules are derived. The general structure of the current commutators on a light front is formally not altered by the interactions. Feynman's parton model for deep-inelastic electron scattering is derived from canonical light-front current commutation relations. The structure function in the Bjorken scaling limit is related to the p+ distribution of the constituents of the hadron target in any frame of reference.


The increase of atmospheric CO2 concentrations changes the atmospheric temperature distribution, which in turn affects the circulation. A robust circulation response to CO2 forcing is the strengthening of the stratospheric Brewer-Dobson circulation (BDC), with associated consequences for transport of trace gases such as ozone. Ozone is further affected by the CO2-induced stratospheric cooling via the temperature-dependency of ozone chemistry. These ozone changes in turn influence stratospheric temperatures and thereby modify the CO2-induced circulation changes.
In this study, we perform dedicated model simulations to quantify the modification of the circulation response to CO2 forcing by stratospheric ozone. Specifically, we compare simulations of the atmosphere with pre-industrial and with quadrupled CO2 climate conditions, in which stratospheric ozone is held fixed or is adapted to the new climate state. The results of the residual circulation and mean age of air show that ozone changes damp the CO2-induced BDC increase by up to 20%. This damping of the BDC strengthening is linked to an ozone-induced relative enhancement of the meridional temperature gradient in the lower stratosphere in summer, thereby leading to stronger stratospheric easterlies that suppress wave propagation. Additionally, we find a systematic weakening of the polar vortices in winter and spring. In the Southern Hemisphere, ozone reduces the CO2-induced delay of the final warming date by 50%.


In order to make this P.E.activity develop continually or constantly,raising the people's healthy primary quality is to be paid attention to and to be placed at the primary position in social economical development according to the fact that the western economy is more backward,and so are the living condition and state of people's health Meawhile,it is necessary for us to set to adopt the relative measure to connect with it and to make practical plan for it.


Essentials Kallikrein amplifies contact activation and is a potential target for preventing thrombosis. We developed and characterized a kallikrein aptamer using convergent evolution and kinetic assays. Kall1‐T4 prolongs intrinsic clotting time by inhibiting factor XIIa‐mediated prekallikrein activation. Kall1‐T4 decreases high‐molecular‐weight kininogen cleavage and bradykinin release.


Reducing conductor loss of electric network of countryside was analysed,and the technical measures of reducing conductor loss was put forward.Actual operation showed technical measures of reducing conductor loss could reach the expected objective,and satisfactory economic results were achived.


Complementary therapies are those therapies used in addition to conventional treatment recommended by the health care providers. This study to assess the knowledge regarding complementary and alternative therapy among staff nurses. Quantitative approach and descriptive design. The present study was conducted on 60 staff nurses working in NMCH, Nellore selected by non-probability convenience sampling technique. Structured Questionnaire was used to collect the data. The present study shown 17(28.3%) staff nurses had inadequate knowledge, 31(51.6%) staff nurses had moderate knowledge and 12(20%) staff nurses had adequate knowledge regarding complementary and alternative therapies.


If at the beginning of this year you had traveled successively through three countries of Europe-Germany, France and Great Britain-you would have been astonished by certain physical contrasts. In Germany you would have seen in every direction new construction-new public buildings, new private dwellings, new farm villages, new industrial centers with new houses to contain the workers, new ships and shipyards, new mines, new factories, new canals and locks and railroad yards, new banks, new streets, new hydroelectric power developmentsand this was a land financially ruined, where the purchasing power of money had fallen to one ten-thousandth or less of its pre-war value. If you had not known it was financially ruined you would have said, on the evidence of your eyes, that it was a land of amazing prosperity. In France also you would have seen new construction-not so much as in Germany and yet a vast amount. And France, as you would have remembered, had been notoriously unable or unwilling to balance her budget-had


Background: Drinking water must be free from harmful microorganisms that can cause serious ill health. Supplies of drinking water may be contaminated with sewage allowed to seep into wells or bore-holes, or faecal matter from man and animals passed into rivers, streams or pools of water. Objectives: This study was carried out to ascertain the bacteriologic quality of domestic water sources used in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria from February 2016 to June 2017. Methods: Ten samples each of domestic water sources (sachet water, bore-holes, storage tanks, wells and river) were collected and bacteriological analysis was carried out using the total viable count and multiple tube fermentation technique to determine the most probable number of coliforms/ E. coli. Results: The highest mean total viable count (TVC) of bacterial load of 4.1 x 106 CFU/ml was obtained for river water followed in descending order by 1.5 x 106 CFU/ml, 7.5 x 105 CFU/ml, 3.2 x 105 CFU/ml and 1.9 x 10 CFU/ml for reservoir well, reservoir tank, bore-hole and sachet water sources respectively on nutrient agar. The highest mean total viable count of bacterial load of 4.1 x 103 CFU/ml was recorded for reservoir tank followed by 1.3 x 103 CFU/ml, 3.7 x 102 CFU/ml, 3.6 x 102 CFU/ml and 0.0 CFU/ml for reservoir well, bore-hole, river water and sachet water sources respectively on macConkey agar. The highest mean of most probable number (MPN) for the presumptive total coliform counts of 140 MPN/100ml was observed for river and the lowest 0.4 MPN/100ml for sachet water. Also, the highest mean of most probable number (MPN) for faecal Escherichia coli counts of 31 MPN/100ml was obtained for reservoir well and the lowest 0.0 MPN/100ml for sachet water. Conclusion: This study has shown that there is urgent need for an effective, thorough sanitary condition and proper purification given the bacteriological state of these water bodies in order to maintain good quality water.


The ability of reining the market economy of all levels of the party and the government first incarnate in holding,control and regulation of macro-economy situation.Increasing macro-control and regulation and preventing economy over hot have become the main cantus in the work of macro-control and regulation of economy in the late two years.It is also the basic trend and policy tropism in our country's economy of the late few years. The method and measures adopted by the government in macro-control and regulation are adjusting the rate of exchange, solving and promoting the economy to change direction,adjusting the interest rate and adding the interest in adequacy, suppressing the investment and quick growth of loan;adjusting the industrial structure.In the opinion of control and regulation ,the problem in macro-control and regulation is three-in-more and three-in-less.


The design describes a new planar dual arm equiangular spiral antenna with substrate mounted chip resistor and tapered microstrip line as feed to antenna. The use of chip resistor at the center of antenna joining two arms of the spiral with optimized spiral curves growth rate enhances the fractional impedance as well as axial ratio antenna bandwidth. The 1.75 turn spiral structure is printed on RT/duroid substrate which radiates opposite sense of polarizations on either side of antenna. HFSS simulation results are presented here. Return loss is achieved better than 10.0 dB from 1.0 to 19.0 GHz and maximum axial ratio obtained is 4.5 dB from 2.0 to 15 GHz. It is compared to previously reported antenna structure of same size $85\times 76\ \mathbf{mm}^{2}$. The simulation result shows that the present antenna configuration has noticeable enhancement in impedance as well as axial ratio bandwidth. Antenna has been fabricated and carried out the measurement. Measured return loss, radiation pattern and axial ratio are presented, deviation from simulation result and reason thereof is addressed.


Introduction: Developed from centuries of oral knowledge passed from generation to generation, African traditional medicines (ATM) are at a crossroads. In order for these ATMs to evolve with time similarly to modern medical sciences, there is an urgent need to scientifically evaluate their mechanism of action, safety and efficacy.
Case report: In this short commentary we report on the progress we have made in scientifically evaluating traditional herbal immune boosters at a period where the African continent finds itself ravaged by a plethora of infectious diseases.
Discussion: While the South African government has gone a long way in building an effective modern health system, many people still use ATMs such as immune boosters for a variety of infectious diseases and general wellbeing. The high prevalence of HIV infections is one of the reasons that have led to an increase in the use of ATMs which purport to have immune boosting capabilities. In our laboratory we have developed various models and carried out extensive in vitro and in vivo biochemical and molecular experiments on the immunomodulatory effects of these immune boosters and have shown that these products can modulate the expression and secretion of both cytokines and chemokines. Therefore the potential uses of immune boosters in clinical medicine does not only apply in treating immunodeficiency caused by HIV but can be useful in managing tuberculosis (TB), various forms of cancer and various other diseases that can be managed by modulating the immune response. Such research studies are very promising and present opportunities for further clinical studies to develop unique ATMs.
Conclusion: As medicines meant to stimulate the body's immune system to defend itself, immune boosters can be useful alone or as immune adjuvants along with pharmaceutical drugs. Therefore further studies on the effectiveness of these immune boosters are justified along with those that will ensure that there are no drug interactions with other pharmaceutical products.


To the Editor, I was delighted to read the article by Nguyen et al. regarding the HoVert technique for sectioning scalp biopsy specimens.1 These authors have offered an ingenious method to provide vertical and transverse views of portions of a single scalp biopsy specimen. Dr Bill Tyler at Geisinger Medical Center introduced an alternate approach that may be of interest to readers. After receipt in the dermatopathology laboratory, the specimen is bisected vertically, then one half is sectioned transversely (Fig. 1). All sections are embedded in a single cassette with the two transverse half-moons embedded side by side (with both cut surfaces oriented in the same direction) and the conventionally oriented tissue segment next to that. A section from such a block is illustrated in Fig. 2. Advantages of the technique include a vertical section


A case of congenital coronary arteriovenous fistula of the left coronary artery (posterior circumflex branch) to a persistent left superior vena cava is reported. The lesion was diagnosed preoperatively by retrograde aortography. Successful surgery led to complete recovery.


Dose optimization of electron beam has been performed for transferring nano-dimension patterns by employing electron beam lithography. An extensive study has been conducted for optimizing lithographic features with e-beam resist PMMA of different thicknesses. It has been possible to obtain sub-80 nm circular dot patterns with good resolution and high aspect ratio. Au template has been developed by employing lift-off technique for subsequent nanostructure growth employing VLS method. TiO2 nanoislands have been grown on patterned Au template and its crystallographic nature has been studied by using X-ray diffraction measurement. The grown nanoislands showed perfect hexagonal facets.