This article presents a new event‐triggering based design of sliding mode control (SMC) for the control of a dynamical system against external perturbations. This triggering mechanism aims to generate a sparser sampling pattern than the existing one while achieving the minimum resource utilization. The triggering mechanism employs scalar dynamics, hence it is called the dynamic event‐triggering mechanism, which acts as a filter for the triggering condition. The output of this dynamics is used in the event condition in addition to a constant threshold while the part of the event function is fed as an input to this filter. The existing design algorithms for event‐triggered SMC may not guarantee an increase in the inter event time for the dynamic event‐triggering strategy. An alternative approach to this is proposed for the design of dynamic triggering based SMC where we partially relax the dependency of SMC gain on the event parameter without affecting the steady‐state performance for the closed‐loop system. It is shown that the proposed design achieves a larger inter event time leading to a sparser triggering sequence. We guarantee the stability by showing the convergence of state trajectories of the closed‐loop system within any desired bound around the origin for the proposed triggering mechanism, and also the absence of the Zeno phenomenon in the triggering sequence is established. Finally, an illustration of the proposed scheme is presented in a simulation study for a mass‐spring‐damper system.


The aim of this work is to study the calculation of the dendrite coherency point (DCP) by 12 three new methods and comparing them with the other methods of calculation and the influence of 13 the alloying elements over the DCP point in every of the studied methods. The DCP values of the 14 previous methods and sometimes difficult to calculate, due to the low variations in the analyzed 15 curves or the lack of loops, what makes difficult and automation with high accuracy of the DCP 16 determination. The proposed calculating methods are based on the calculations with the first 17 derivative of temperature respect time (dT/dt) curve versus time in the crossing with zero of the 18 second and third derivative after the maximum liquidus temperature, on the first derivative of 19 temperature respect time (dT/dt) curve versus temperature in the crossing with zero of the second 20 and third derivative after the maximum liquidus temperature and on the first derivative of the solid 21 fraction respect to time (dFs/dt) versus temperature in the minimum of the second derivative and 22 cross in zero of the third derivative. A Taguchi design of experiments have been developed to study 23 the DCP values in the AlSi10Mg alloy with the previous and new developed processes. The DCP 24 temperature values of the test alloys were compared with the DCP temperatures predicted by 25 previous methods and also the influence of minor and mayor alloying elements over the DCP. The 26 new processes obtained a correlation factor r2 from 0,954 and 0,979 and of standard deviation from 27 1.84 to 2.6 oC. The obtained correlation values are higher or similar to previous methods but with 28 an easier way to determinate the DCP, what allows a better automation of DCP determination. 29


The article examines the role of inclusion in modern entrepreneurship, defines the concept of «inclusive entrepreneurship». The purpose of the study is to consider the theoretical aspects and issues related to the dissemination of inclusive policies in the activities of modern enterprises and organizations. The presented data indicate the need to create equal employment opportunities for socially vulnerable citizens, as well as to propose new approaches to solve the problems of consumers with special needs.


A mixed-gas stabilized-pressure system based on a control valve was designed.The model of the mixed-gas stabilized-pressure system was built and the fuzzy PID controller for the stabilized-pressure system was designed.Based on the model,the control performance simulation analyses of the stabilized-pressure system with the traditional PID controller and the fuzzy PID controller were carried out.Simulation results showed that the fuzzy PID controller can provide better performance than the traditional PID controller.


Purpose: The use of the wireless capsule endoscopy has been increasing since receiving FDA approval in August 2001. Many of the studies published to date have been from tertiary referral centers. In the past, the evaluation of the small bowel has been limited to radiologic studies, push enteroscopy, and intraoperative endoscopy. However, with the introduction of the wireless capsule endoscopy, we are now able to see video images of not only the small bowel, the esophagus, the stomach and the colon. The goal of this retrospective study is to demonstrate the variety of gastrointestinal pathologies diagnosed by the wireless capsule endoscopy.


'Bulgur' known as its Turkish name in the world is ranked among the most nutritious food resources by the American Science Center. It has traditionally played a crucial role for food requirements of Turkish people with its dietary fiber, vitamins and mineral contents. However, any special new cultivar for bulgur making hasn't been developed, yet. Generally, cultivars not suitable for macaroni at industrial level has been used for  bulgur making.. Therefore, new durum wheat cultivars with reasonable bulgur color and quality parameters such as should be urgently developed.


TGF‐β1rs1982073 polymorphism at the miRNA‐187 binding site may alter TGF‐β1 expression and function, and thereby this polymorphism (genotype CT/CC) increases cancer susceptibility. HPV16 L1 seropositivity is associated with the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), including oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). Thus, we hypothesized that TGF‐β1rs1982073 polymorphism at the miRNA‐187 binding site combined with HPV16 L1 seropositivity may have a joint effect on OSCC susceptibility. We determined the genotypes of TGF‐β1rs1982073 and HPV16 status in 325 OSCC subjects and 335 cancer‐free controls in the non‐Hispanic white population, and used logistic regression models to evaluate the joint effects on OSCC susceptibility. TGF‐β1rs1982073 polymorphism (CT/CC genotype) combined with HPV16 L1 seropositivity increased the risk of OSCC via joint effects, particularly in OPSCC subjects who were never‐smokers (OR, 165.9; 95% CI, 28.6–960.4) or never‐drinkers (OR, 196.0; 95% CI, 28.2–1,000.0), respectively. Younger subjects had a higher risk of OPSCC than older subjects (OR, 23.5; 95% CI, 6.3–87.0 vs. OR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.7–17.9, respectively). The significant associations between this polymorphism and HPV16‐associated OSCC and OPSCC were also observed. However, OCSCC subjects did not have similar results. Our findings suggest that the joint effects of TGF‐β1rs1982073 and HPV16 L1 seropositivity can increase risk of HPV16‐associated oral cancer, particularly in OPSCC subjects who are never‐smokers, never‐drinkers and young. This result may help us understand the tumorigenesis process and improve early detection, which are critical for prevention and intervention strategies. However, larger studies are needed to validate our findings.


Purpose To measure choroidal thickness in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and to compare the values with control eyes using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods Thirty-four patients with PEX syndrome and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were included in this study. Only one eye of each of the patients was included. Choroidal thickness was measured manually from the outer border of the retinal pigment epithelium to the inner scleral border at the subfovea, 3 mm temporal to the fovea, and 3 mm nasal to the fovea using EDI-OCT. Results A total of 34 eyes from 34 consecutive patients with PEX syndrome (19 women and 15 men; mean age 75.3 ± 6.6 years) were included in the analysis. The mean subfoveal, temporal, and nasal choroidal thickness was significantly thinner in the PEX syndrome group compared with the control group (p<0.05, at all points). The mean choroidal thickness in the PEX syndrome group was as follows: 259 ± 33 μm, 211 ± 29 μm, and 106 ± 24 μm, subfoveal, temporal, and nasal to the fovea, respectively. In comparison, the mean choroidal thickness in the control group was 274 ± 23 μm, 225 ± 17 μm, and 117 ± 17 μm, at the subfovea, 3 mm temporal to the fovea, and nasal to the fovea, respectively. Conclusions In PEX syndrome, there is choroidal thinning subfoveal, temporal, and nasal to the fovea on EDI-OCT. Decreased choroidal thickness, probably due to increased vascular resistance, and reduced blood flow, is seen in PEX syndrome.


ORLANDI, V. de F. (1997). Artificial neural networks: a contribution to the process o f financia/ decisions and an application in forecasting of the insolvency of organizations. São Carlos, 1997. 119p. Dissertação (Mestrado) -Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo. The present work addresses the main concepts related to artificial neural networks, which are models based on brain behavior. Artificial neural networks resemble the brain regarding acquisition o f knowledge through a learning process, and regarding the use o f intemeuron connection strength to storing the knowledge, known as synaptic weight. There are various artificial neural network models, the main models are addressed in this work. These models differ regarding the architecture and learning process. The choice of learning process is influenced by task to be carried out by the neural network. Each artificial neural network model is suitable for solving a determined type o f problem. Some problems in the area o f financiai administration are suggested for resolution by the use o f this technology, specifying a determinated model, and yet intend a contribution to a specific subject in the area o f financiai administration: the process o f forecasting o f insolvency o f organizations.


B.A. Strange, R.J. Dolan, Anterior Medial Temporal Lobe in Human Cognition: Memory for Fear and the Unexpected. D. Tranel, G. Gullickson, M. Koch, R. Adolphs, Altered Experience of Emotion Following Bilateral Amygdala Damage. M.L. Phillips, The Neural Basis of Mood Dysregulation in Bipolar Disorder. C.G. Kohler, E.A. Martin, Emotional Processing in Schizophrenia. M. van 't Wout, A. Aleman, R.P.C. Kessels, R.S. Kahn, Object-location Memory in Schizophrenia: Interference of Symbolic Threatening Content. J. van Honk, D.J.L.G. Schutter, Unmasking Feigned Sanity: A Neurobiological Model of Emotion Processing in Primary Psychopathy. E.J. Hermans, J. van Honk, Toward a Framework for Defective Emotion Processing in Social Phobia. B. Bermond, H.C.M. Vorst, P.P. Moormann, The Cognitive Neuropsychology of Alexithymia: Implications for Personality Typology.


The economical usage of any devices with high temperature superconductor bulks (HTSC) depends on the intensity of interaction between the external magnetic field and HTSC. The optimization of any HTSC system causes the necessity of development of very precise calculation methods. These must be adequate enough to be applied while designing different practical configurations. The paper deals with advanced three-dimensional calculation method for the determination of the interaction between HTSC-bulks and any field excitation system. By this approach the scalar potential formulation has been used. The extended 3D-FEM calculation model, developed at the Institute of Electrical Machines, TU Braunschweig, Germany is able to consider imperfect excitation systems with not matching permanent magnets and also interrupted iron structures. Furthermore, HTSC clusters composed of individual, electrically insulated bulks can be considered for more sophisticated force determinations. Based on this method the superconducting magnetic bearings design has been optimized to achieve an utmost reduced amount of HTSC-material for a given force and stiffness.


There is compelling evidence for the existence of Dark Matter (DM) from many astrophysical observations. The current CRESST experiment and the future EURECA project aim at the direct detection of DM particles using low-temperature detectors based on scintillating CaWO4 crystals.
The present work is concerned with the production and characterization of scintillating CaWO4 crystals. Special focus was given on the key properties for DM search which requires crystals with a high light output and extremely low amounts of radioactive impurities.


Data on food supply are scarce, not least due to the strong export focus of Dutch agriculture. Nationally, 65% of the food consumed is sourced from Dutch farmers, but little is known about food flows within the country. Based on expert interviews and data from main local food distribution initiatives, it is estimated that agriculture in the Utrecht region provides at most 5% of all the food consumed in the region. The Utrecht region thus plays a minor role as provider of food to its consumers.


Ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) serves as a protective factor in the development of minority children. However, few studies have focused on mixed-status Latinx families to include the broad expression of their ethnic-racial socialization practices centering on their immigration experiences as they teach their children the risks and restrictions of having undocumented status. These parents adapt their ERS in accordance with their experiences of stress, fear, and discrimination, all of which shape the type and frequency of their socialization messages. Through documentation status socialization, Latinx parents forewarn their children of the inequities associated with their ethnic-racial group and undocumented status, including possible family separation. They also teach children about nativity differences and the attendant privilege of having documented status. This manuscript highlights insights to be gained by considering documentation status socialization as an ERS dimension within Latinx families. Learning about the specific ERS practices of such an understudied group is a social justice issue with important implications for understanding how these families might adapt and respond to their social context, especially amidst a political environment that engenders fear and isolation throughout their community. Including documentation status socialization in the ERS literature is a crucial step towards developing a deeper understanding of how the structural and social forces operating within the lives of undocumented immigrants impact normative family processes that ultimately exert an influence on their children's development. A discussion on implications for practitioners and service providers working with this population is also included.


Many women use medication during pregnancy. However, the safety of many medications for use in pregnancy has not been established at the time that the medication is licensed. Therefore, post-marketing surveillance of teratogenic effects in humans is essential. Pregnant women with long term or chronic diseases such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma and depression need treatment during pregnancy, and safety information about the prescription medicine relating to these is a particular priority. Furthermore, as many pregnancies in Europe are unplanned, some drugs may be taken unintentionally during organogenesis before the pregnancy has been recognized, and safety issues related to such use need evaluation. To address these issues, it is important to build a systematic post-marketing surveillance system to evaluate safety of medicines in pregnancy so better information can be provided to health care professionals and patients. Congenital anomaly registries, which originated in the wake of the Thalidomide disaster with the aim of detecting a possible new teratogen at the earliest stage possible, are a crucial part of such a postmarketing surveillance system. The EUROmediCAT project is built on an existing network of congenital anomaly registries, the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) network. Innovative approaches are being tested to link congenital anomaly registries to exposed pregnancy cohorts, and to healthcare databases.


The invention relates to the field of ophthalmology in medical technologies and digital image processing in computer graphics, in particular to a method for enhancing the stereoscopic vision of a myopia patient. The method comprises the steps that 1, spot spread function values of the left eye and the right eye of the myopia patient are estimated; 2, deconvolution operation is performed on original images and the estimated spot spread function values through a Wiener filter; 3, the images processed through the Wiener filter are compressed to be in an original image dynamic range to be displayed; 4, the processed stereoscopic image pair generate stereoscopic perception through stereoscopic equipment. According to the method for enhancing the stereoscopic vision of the myopia patient, clear stereoscopic vision also can be generated on a display on the condition that the myopia patient does not wear glasses.


The notes of classical Chinese reflect the quality of a textbook.The Chinese textbook published by People's Education Press in 1999 of senior middle school had more precise and trusty notes than the former one.There were many revisions,some new decisions about different meanings,and some additions to the neglects.But there were still some shortcomings: some notes needed further deliberation,some words had no notes,and the textbook had not taken in results of new researches,and there were some contradictions of new and former explaination.


With the recent large increase in the building sector's energy use to provide thermal comfort to consumers, the restrictions of climate change, and the scarcity of energy supplies, there has been a need to develop ways to reduce energy consumption. The use of phase change materials (PCMs) as a thermal energy storage (TES) system has attracted a lot of attention as a technique to improve thermal performance, conserve energy, and improve occupant comfort. When storing energy via phase change, the key advantage in terms of building materials is the higher energy density, which indicates that more energy can be stored in a constant volume. This study focuses on the vital role of PCMs in building applications by presenting the different classifications of PCMs as well as their integration techniques, systems, and benefits for building applications. Different case studies for full scale buildings are presented. A design strategy is concluded for integrating PCMs in buildings.


The paper presents hardware design of digital signal processing based PSK demodulator using Costas loop. On the basis of analyzing the mathematical models of Costas loop, a method to model and simulate it by MATLAB is put forward. The design of LPF (low-pass filter), LF (loop filter) and VCO (voltage-controlled oscillator) are researched. It is first simulated using MATLAB in analog domain and then in digital domain using digital multiplier and NCO (numerically controlled oscillator) replacing VCO. The functional simulation is accomplished in VHDL code on Modelsim simulator. The whole design is accommodated in a ProASIC3 Actel FPGA. Results show that the Costas loop could correctly realize BPSK signal's carrier recovery and data demodulation. Results of theoretical simulation and practical engineering experiments are the same. Paper also highlights the programmable nature of the design.


Background: The high incidence of sub-health and its impact on life and work have attracted wide attention. Sub-health status has been studied in China; however, there remains a lack of studies on multi-dimensional factors affecting sub-health status. This study aims to explore the sub-health status of residents, and its influencing factors in Zhuhai city of Guangdong Province of China. Methods: Data were originated from the baseline survey of Zhuhai WHO Healthy Cities Index System in 2015, which was a cross-sectional study for the influencing factors associated with sub-health status. Finally, 3,313 participants aged 16-65 years were recruited. The study used the Sub-health Measurement Scale (SHMS V1.0), and the multivariate logistic regression model was to examine their possible associations with sub-health status. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 22.0. Results: Sub-health and non-sub-health groups accounted for 56.8% and 43.2% of the study population, respectively. There existed significant differences in terms of all items of SHMS V1.0 between the two groups. In the multivariate model, the place of residence was statistically significantly associated with sub-health, followed by having many close neighbors, relatives or friends, and happy feelings. Conclusion: There are significant differences in many items of SHMS V1.0 between sub-health and non-sub-health groups. The leading determinants of sub-health included place of residence; having close neighbors, relatives or friends; having happy feelings; and negative emotions. To develop an effective sub-health intervention program, these factors should be taken into consideration. To develop an effective sub-health intervention program, the influencing factors should be taken into consideration.


The straightforward supersymmetrization of the Standard Model (SM) results in a phenomenologically inconsistent theory in which Baryon number ($B$) and Lepton number ($L$) are violated by dimension 4 operators, inducing fast proton decay. Proton stability allows only for separate $L$ or $B$ violation and, if neutrinos are massive Majorana particles, $L$ violating terms must be present. In this thesis I will study a Supersymmetric Standard Model (SSM) realization with $B$ conservation and minimal $L$ violation. In this framework $L$ is mildly violated only by super-renormalizable terms, allowing for small neutrino Majorana masses. This model is more predictive than the Baryon-Parity SSM. The induced dimension 4 $L$ violating couplings are not arbitrary, and automatically satisfy all experimental constraints. After introducing the theoretical framework for supersymmetric models without Lepton number, I will discuss the phenomenology of the (unstable) lightest neutralino and of the lightest stop. I will show that the leptonic decays of the stop can be related to the neutrino parameters, and in particular their measurement can indirectly probe the size of the solar neutrinos mixing angle.


A kind of wrist fractures fixing device, fixes for arm, wrist and care of fractured fingers are carried out recovering aid.It is characterized in that three pieces of arc pallets are sequentially connected with in the side of supporting plate by flexible link belt, same one end at supporting plate is provided with elbow, the plate face of three blocks of supporting plates is provided with deep-slotted chip breaker along plate face length direction, the opening direction of described deep-slotted chip breaker is reverse with the bending direction of described elbow, being equipped with gap on the pallet side being positioned at outside, a thumb board is optionally inserted in described gap;The supporting plate being positioned at middle part is fixed with horizontal strap and longitudinally fixed band by rivet, one thumb board is connected an end of band and is fixed in thumb board by rivet together with thumb fixed band, and thumb board connects the other end of band and passes through rivet interlacement on longitudinally fixed band.This wrist fractures fixing device is regardless of left hand and right hand, and the most no matter left hand or the right hand all can use;The patient being simultaneously adapted to different physique uses.


This communication describes the growth and parallel patterning of 1D DNA nanofibers, exceeding several hundred micrometers in length and 40 nm in diameter, induced by solvent evaporation.


At first glance this may not read like a recipe for bog turtle conservation. Yet, in the marshes, fens, and wet meadows of northwestern New Jersey, it has shown remarkable promise. The federally-threatened bog turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergii) is a tiny species, small enough to wade in the puddle of a cow's hoof print. A single turtle can bring as much as $1200 in the illegal pet trade. Although New Jersey still harbors a significant concentration of bog turtles, a suite of native and exotic plants is rapidly degrading the mucky fens and wet meadows where the turtles thrive. Once established, these plants can rapidly replace the native herbaceous communities that the turtle depends on for its survival with dense, shaded monocultures. Without intervention, New Jersey will likely lose 40 percent of its bog turtle populations in the next twenty years.


As a young college student in the early 1970s, I was very indecisive. I had always been attracted to academia but, having come of age during the 1960s, I was determined to do something "relevant" with my life. Earning a decent living was the last thing on my mind. Like most of my contemporaries, I assumed that a good job with a high salary was a birthright. My duty was to find a higher calling. The search for moral fulfillment brought me first to medicine, the most obvious of "relevant" professions. As a premed student I took a full load of courses in math, chemistry, biology, anatomy, and physics. But I really hated premed students, who were generally self-serving, competitive, and arrogant. Who wants to be like that? Although I had already completed a chemistry minor, I gave up the idea of helping people through medicine and turned decisively away from the natural sciences. My search for relevance brought me next to the social sciences. I began in psychology, to which I was attracted by its elegant experimental designs, complex theoretical models, and rigorous statistical analyses. Although I eventually completed a psychology major and took most of the courses needed for a master's degree, running rats through mazes in a laboratory lost its allure and I once again began looking for something more "relevant." My search led me then to anthropology. After an early fascination with physical anthropology and hominid evolution, I became intrigued by the concept of cultural relativism and eagerly read ethnography after ethnography of nonwestern cultures. Eventually, however, I suffered another crisis of faith. If all judgments were culturally relative, and all cultures were equally valid, then the possibility of knowing anything at all seemed to disappear before my eyes as a solipsism. I retreated back into the study of Spanish literature, where professors made no pretense of offering cumulative knowledge. At least I could indulge my love of the language by reading my way through the new genre of magical realism that was then taking Latin America by storm. Suddenly I found myself in my fourth year of undergraduate studies having completed three majors and a chemistry minor, but still having no clear idea of who I was or what I wanted to do in life. At this moment, I stumbled upon demography, which to my mind combined the rigor of psychology with the relevance of


The effects of planting density and nitrogen supply level on the biomass and interrelated characters of Yuqing 1 were studied.The results indicated that planting density and nitrogen supply level were the key factors influencing the biological yield.The optimal nitrogen supply level was 225kg/hm2.The best maize planting density was 82500 plants/hm2.Nitrogen supply and planting density both iad influence on the interrelated characters.


We study admission and discharge errors made by physicians in a congested emergency department (ED) using a data set comprising more than 600,000 visits over a seven-year period. We find that when the ED becomes busier, physicians make increasingly more admission errors but also fewer discharge errors. This leads to a bullwhip-type e↵ect: demand surges in the ED leads to relatively greater demand pressures in the hospital, as more patients are admitted unnecessarily. While this behavior can be rationalized at the level of the individual ED physician, who deploys a "safety first" principle and admits patients in case of doubt, the overall system e↵ect is detrimental. In particular, unnecessary use of specialist hospital services leads to higher system costs, while a higher level of hospital occupancy is also known to have detrimental e↵ects on patient outcomes e.g. longer lengths of stay and higher mortality rates. Having established the bullwhip phenomenon, we consider whether replacing the direct one-stage (ED physician to hospital) referral system with a two-stage process that also allows ED physicians to stream patients to an intermediate "semispecialist" referral unit – in our context operationalized by a Clinical Decisions Unit – when diagnostic uncertainty is high can improve care coordination in gatekeeping systems. We find that such a unit can significantly reduce the negative demand-propagation e↵ect, and the two-stage process to be significantly more e↵ective than simply adding ED capacity.


A dynamic model of user preferences is proposed for refining recommendations in the recommender system's online mode. The model is distinct by the use of temporal rules for building a temporal pattern of periodic changes in user preferences or a description of user requirements' evolution. Temporal rules define the sequence of events of an item selection by the user. The chain of rules determines the temporal dynamics of the user's preferences for the recommender system. Patterns similarity is determined by comparing the list of rules that make up this pattern and the weights of these rules. The adaptation of the model is performed when describing a temporal pattern of the evolution of user requirements by choosing a time interval within which the initial temporal rules are formed. The model can use the temporal rules for describing the individual behavior of the user, or the rules for choosing the subject. The model allows selecting the data that recorded users' choices with similar changes in preferences over time. It makes possible to reduce the time for building recommendations in the online mode while maintaining their accuracy.


The invention relates to a surface roughening apparatus for a metal stock and a surface roughening method for the metal stock. The surface roughening apparatus (1) includes a first mold (10) and a second mold (20). The first mold (10) has a plurality of protrusions (12) each formed in an angular shape. The first mold 10 presses a metallic material (50) to form recesses (52) corresponding to the respective shapes of the protrusions (12) in a surface (50a) of the metallic material (50). The second mold (20) has a plurality of protrusions (22) each formed in an angular shape. After the first mold (10) presses the metallic material (50), the second mold (20) presses the metallic material (50), thereby deforming each recess (52) into an undercut shape. A height of each protrusion (12) is greater than that of each protrusion (22). A tip angle of each protrusion (12) is smaller than that of each protrusion (22).


What are the legacies of the 2008 financial crisis for global financial governance? One answer is that the crisis strengthened the cooperative and multilateral dimensions of international financial relations. A different interpretation is that the crisis unleashed decentralization trends. Important examples can be cited in support of both of these perspectives. After reviewing that evidence, this article highlights ways in which these two distinct legacies are working together to generate a third outcome that may well emerge as the more lasting legacy of the crisis: cooperative decentralization in global financial governance.


We combined a home-built two photon microscope with a Bessel focus capable of volumetric imaging with a custom scan pattern that allowed us to generate image pairs with a time delay of ~12 ms. This approach allows us to track red blood cell (RBC) flow along individual capillaries and therefore calculate RBC speed. We demonstrate the ability to measure flow speeds in capillaries across a 475x475x150 µm volume which will enable us to monitor network wide changes in capillary flow.


Preconditions of environmental moral learning within education for sustainable development: A multidisciplinary study of young Swedes attitudes, commitments and actions.


In this paper a novel control strategy is introduced in order to create robust and adaptive control approach for type 1 diabetes mellitus. This approach uses Robust Fixed Point Transformations which hinders the negative effect of inherent model uncertainties and measurement disturbances. The results are validated by extensive simulation on the proposed control algorithm from which conclusions were drawn.


Biochemical reactions in living systems take place in an environment crowded by various macromolecules and ligands. Therefore experimental data obtained in buffer do not reflect in vivo conditions. We have used glycerol, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 6000 and PEG 8 M solutions to investigate the influence of the crowded environment on cleavage of plasmid DNA by restriction enzyme HindIII. PEG 6000 solution can effectively slow down the cleavage process. However, neither PEG 8 M solution of the same viscosity as PEG 6000 solution nor glycerol solution of the same concentration as PEG 6000 solution slows the cleavage of DNA appreciably. The viscosity experienced by the biomolecules (here called nano-viscosity) and aggregation induced by the depletion interactions between DNA molecules in polymer solution (PEG 6000) are two factors responsible for slow cleavage of DNA. We have ruled out the change of pH and denaturation of HindIII as possible sources for the effect.


Summary Although population responses to environmental variability have been extensively studied for many organisms, few studies have considered early‐life stages owing to the inherent difficulties in tracking the fate of young individuals. However, young individuals are expected to be more sensitive to environmental stochasticity owing to their inexperience and lower competitive abilities. Thus, they are keys to understand demographic responses of an age‐structured population to environmental variability. In this study, we used capture–recapture modelling, based on a 49 year‐long individual‐based longitudinal monitoring dataset, to investigate climatic and population density effects on immature demographic parameters in a long‐lived seabird, the wandering albatross. We provide evidence that climate and population size affected both survival and recruitment age of young individuals although in different ways according to the trait. We found that early‐life survival was mainly affected by population density, whereas recruitment age variation appeared to be better explained by climatic conditions, with a surprising long‐term effect of climate. While population size explained 60% of the variation in juvenile survival, the average Southern Annular Mode over the five previous years explained 52% of variation in recruitment age. In addition, although early‐life survival was consistently negatively affected by population size, the relationship between recruitment age and population size shifted from negative to positive over time from the 1970s to 2000s, showing that density dependence mechanisms can temporarily disappear. Finally, we found that similar climatic conditions may affect individual performances in opposite ways according to the life stage of individuals. This result underlines the critical need to assess age‐specific functional responses to environmental variability to allow accurate demographic predictions. By revealing the poorly known demographic process of younger age classes, the results of this study improve our understanding of population dynamics of long‐lived marine species. A lay summary is available for this article.


A major challenge for the international community is to understand when peace support operations are required, appropriate and justified. The euphoria of the early 1990s - when momentous changes in international structures generated the view that the deployment of a handful of 'blue helmets' could provide peace and stability everywhere in the world - is over. Today states are increasingly inclined to consider whether direct military intervention in such conflicts is advisable before a new and more stable situation has emerged. Operation Alba can be understood as a preventive deployment that worked to keep a deteriorating situation in Albania in 1997 from getting potentially much worse. This Italian-led operation owed its success essentially to good timing and sound political and military management.


This paper analyses the impact of the armed conflict in Ukraine on the development of the agricultural sector and changes in average prices of agricultural products, and also identifies a possible relationship between changes in prices for agricultural products and financial expenditures for defence needs. The paper also investigates the possible relationship between changes in military spending, gross harvest of cereals and legumes, harvested and threshed area, their yield levels. The study considers how the presence and duration of armed conflict in the country affects: macroeconomic indicators, intensity of hostilities and their localisation in areas of economic activity, gross domestic product (GDP), government expenditures, export-import indicators; household expenditures and domestic investment, consumer and household expenditures. All this, indirectly, has an impact on fluctuations in average prices of products of different sectors of agriculture sold by enterprises. The study takes into account the importance of the agricultural sector of Ukraine, which is a significant part of the country GDP. The dependence of military spending on the size of GDP is the reason for analysing the relationship between the impact of the existing armed conflict on changes in the state of agriculture in Ukraine. One of the results of such actions was also the spending of more money on the purchase of agricultural products to support the defence needs of the state, etc. Therefore, to understand the magnitude of the impact of gross harvest factors, crop yields, and agricultural land volumes on the pricing of agricultural output using the method of statistical equation dependencies, the findings of the relevant analysis can be used as a basis for developing approaches, methods, and techniques to improve crop yields, or – initiate economic development of the country by increasing agricultural crop yields

https://sciencehorizon.com.ua/web/uploads/pdf/Scientific Horizons_Vol. 24, No. 7_68-80.pdf


: Treatment of epoxides with bis(trimethylsilyl)-selenide under strictly controlled conditions allows to isolate b -hydroxy selenols which evidence an unexpected stability, taking into account their known propensity to afford diselenides. Also thiiranes and aziridines lead to functionalized selenols bearing a thiol and a N -Ts- or N -Boc-protected amino moiety on b -position. These selenols were stable enough to react with different electrophiles. Ab-initio DF calculations on two suitable model systems, n -propyl selenol and b hydroxy derivative, allow to ascribe the observed low tendency to oxidation to noncovalent interactions between the selenol moiety and the (cid:2) OH group.


240 Background: Abiraterone is a 17a hydroxylase and C17,20-lyase inhibitor that blocks androgen biosynthesis and is approved for treatment in patients with mCRPC. Enzalutamide, a second-generation androgen receptor signaling inhibitor was recently approved for use in patients with mCRPC post-docetaxel. There is paucity of information regarding sequential use of enzalutamide after abiraterone. Methods: This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of 23 patients with mCRPC who received enzalutamide after progression on abiraterone. Post-treatment prostate specific antigen(PSA) response and time to PSA progression were used to determine enzalutamide efficacy. Patients were followed for 6 months post initiation of enzalutamide. Results: At the time of enzalutamide initiation, median age was 70 years, with average Gleason score of 7 at the time of diagnosis. All patients were on ongoing androgen deprivation therapy, and 15 patients had received prior docetaxel chemotherapy. Median duration of abiraterone a...


Protein A chromatography is commonly used for the affinity capture of antibodies directly from harvested cell culture fluid (HCCF). The highly specific interaction between the protein A ligand and the Fc portion of antibodies and Fc fusion molecules enables significant purification factors to be


Abstract We develop a new set of model selection methods for direct multistep forecasting of panel data vector autoregressive processes. Model selection is based on minimizing the estimated multistep quadratic forecast risk among candidate models. To attenuate the small sample bias of the least squares estimator, models are fitted using bias-corrected least squares. We provide conditions sufficient for the new selection criteria to be asymptotically efficient as n (cross sections) and T (time series) approach infinity. The new criteria outperform alternative selection methods in an empirical application to forecasting metropolitan statistical area population growth in the US.


I: Change1. Mao in Moscow2. The Politburo Tours China3. The Chengtu Conference4. The Leap is Launched5. The Coming of the Communes6. High TideII: Retreat7. Withdrawal at Wuhan8. Mao Veers Right9. Chairman LiuIII: Clash10. High Noon at LushanIV: Defeat11. The Sino-Soviet Split Emerges12. The End of the Leap


The rheological characterization of noncolloidal suspensions is quite a challenging task, since they may exhibit different behaviors, such as shear thickening, shear thinning and yield stress. During rheometric tests, problems such as slip, sedimentation, and particle migration might contribute to scatter the data. Particle migration for concentrated suspension has been studied under neutral buoyancy (Acrivos and Leighton 1987; Phillips et al. 1992; Chow et al. 1994; Ramachandran and Leighton 2008; Rebouças et al. 2018) but not much has been found for dilute or semi-dilute suspensions in literature. Some authors have reported that for low Reynolds number the particle migration across streamlines is shear induced in concentrated suspensions. Although several studies have reported that particle migration occurs from high to low shear regions, experimental evidence verified in the current work shows that particle may also migrate from low to high shear regions. The aim of the current work is to investigate numerically particle migration taking place in rheometric flows between parallel plates. The proposed model is based on a two-fluid model that considers averaged mass and momentum equations for each phase and includes constitutive equations for drag, virtual mass and lift forces to account for interphase interactions between solid and liquid phases. The equations are solved by using the Finite Volume ANSYS ® CFX ® software. The studied geometry consists of a 35 mm parallel-disk geometry separated by 1 mm gap. A 3D solution domain is assumed, the disks are modeled as no-slip walls, with one rotating and the other static. The lateral interface between the sample and the environment is modeled as a free-slip surface. Buoyancy is considered, the flow is assumed as isothermal and laminar, and the phases are treated as Newtonian incompressible fluids. The sample is initially assumed to be static and the solid particles is homogeneously dispersed inside the liquid phase at a known volume fraction. A transient calculation is run until the dispersion settles inside the domain and a steady state flow is reached. The suspension solvent is a mineral oil with a viscosity of 0.025 [Pa s] and density of 869.7 [kg/m]. Several simulations were run by changing the disk rotating speeds from 5 to 100 [rad s], the particle sizes from 10 to 100 [m], the solid phase densities from 600 to 2300 [kg/m] and the particle volume fractions from 10 to 30%. The numerical results were corroborated with analytical solutions for liquid single-phase flows. As observed in prior works (Batchelor and College 1951; Mellor et al. 1968; McCoy and Denn 1971; Dewey 1984), the single-phase flow solutions revealed that the secondary radial flow generated between the disks starts to influence the calculated torque at a given rotating Reynolds number. The secondary radial flow orientation, however, depends on which disk is rotating. The fluid flows outwards near the rotating disk and then return inwards near the static disk. The two phase-flow simulations revealed that this secondary flow orientation affects significantly particle migration. Induced by the secondary flow, heavy particles tend to migrate outwards when the lower disk rotates and inwards when the upper disk rotates. Particles lighter than the liquid experience a reverse mechanism since they float to the upper disk due to buoyancy. These different trends ultimately cause particular effects on the apparent viscosity, for which numerical results showed good agreement with measured values.


In bringing ourselves to the encounter with the experience of others, we bring our bodies with us—and, in doing so, we are able to resonate not only intellectually but also empathically with the other's experiences and expressions (which are given to us both verbally and nonverbally). In remaining faithful to our foundations in phenomenology (Husserl, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, and Levinas), we shall talk about taking notice of others from within the relational "exchange" and reflect upon what, precisely, are the experientially given "affairs" to which Husserl invited us to return. Our interest begins with the other's "first person" experience, but since we cannot access this directly, we must rely on the resonance we find within ourselves, within our own lived bodies, when we are addressed by the other, whether in word or in gesture. I am wondering what the other is experiencing and all my powers of perception are driven toward this other, whose first person experience remains just out of reach and accessible only insofar as I have this capacity for a deeper "bodily felt" awareness in which the other's experience takes possession of me. Merleau-Ponty's notion of bearing "witness" to behavior is useful in illuminating this "second person" perspective, which takes its point of departure from Husserl's (1910–1911) intersubjective reduction, by means of which we "participate in the other's positing" (1952/1989, emphasis added) and thereby grasp the meaning of the other's expression. Ultimately, the intuitive talent of the caring professional will be shown to reside in his or her being able to move beyond what the other is able to say to a more deeply felt attunement to what is being revealed to us in the other's presence. Applications to patient care are discussed.


Background Blood‐based DNA methylation patterns are linked to types of diseases. FKBP prolyl isomerase 5 (FKBP5), a protein cochaperone, is known to be associated with the inflammatory response, but the regulatory mechanisms by leukocyte FKBP5 DNA methylation in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) remain unclear. Methods and Results The present study enrolled patients with DCM (n=31) and age‐matched and sex‐matched control participants (n=43). We assessed FKBP5 CpG (cytosine‐phosphate‐guanine) methylation of CpG islands at the 5′ side as well as putative promoter regions by methylation‐specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction using leukocyte DNA isolated from the peripheral blood. FKBP5 CpG methylation levels at the CpG island of the gene body and the promoter regions were significantly decreased in patients with DCM. Leukocyte FKBP5 and IL‐1β (interleukin 1β) mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in patients with DCM than in controls. The protein expressions of DNMT1 (DNA methyltransferase 1) and DNMT3A (DNA methyltransferase 3A) in leukocytes were significantly reduced in patients with DCM. In vitro methylation assay revealed that FKBP5 promoter activity was inhibited at the methylated conditions in response to immune stimulation, suggesting that the decreased FKBP5 CpG methylation was functionally associated with elevation of FKBP5 mRNA expressions. Histological analysis using a mouse model with pressure overload showed that FKBP5‐expressing cells were substantially infiltrated in the myocardial interstitium in the failing hearts, indicating a possible role of FKBP5 expressions of immune cells in the cardiac remodeling. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate a link between specific CpG hypomethylation of leukocyte FKBP5 and DCM. Blood‐based epigenetic modification in FKBP5 may be a novel molecular mechanism that contributes to the pathogenesis of DCM.


Culture has a strong influence on the representations and health behaviour of individuals and groups. This is reflected in the reproductive health of the Timorese women, intervention in this field being of a priority nature in Timor-Leste in view of its high fertility and maternal mortality rates. The purpose of this ethnographic study is to analyse beliefs, representations and practices associated with pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period . It was conducted in Timor-Leste and involved the participation of health professionals, traditional midwives, women and couples, all of them selected through a snowball chain sampling procedure. Data was collected by means of exploratory semi-structured interviews and observation, and its content was duly analysed. The results show the existence of various recommendations, taboos and restrictions which aim at protecting the health of both mother and child, making use of traditional care practices which may vary among ethnolinguistic groups, communities or families.


We report on the use of very thin GaAsP insertion layers to improve the performance of an InGaAsP/InGaP/AlGaAs single quantum-well laser structure grown by metal organic chemical vapour deposition. Compared to the non-insertion structure, the full width at half maximum of photoluminescence spectrum of the insertion structure measured at room temperature is decreased from 47 to 38 nm indicating sharper interfaces. X-ray diffraction shows that the GaAsP insertion layers between AlGaAs and InGaP compensates for the compressive strain to improve the total interface. The laser performance of the insertion structure is significantly improved as compared with the counterpart without the insertion layers. The threshold current is decreased from 560 to 450 mA while the slope efficiency is increased from 0.61 to 0.7 W/A and the output power is increased from 370 to 940 mW. The slope efficiency improved is very high for the devices without coated facets. The improved laser performance is attributed to the suppression of indium carry-over due to the use of the GaAsP insertion layers.


We review recent results that indicate that black hole entropy and other thermodynamical quantities can be consistently computed in LQG and that the results are in agreement with Hawking's semiclassical analysis for all values of the Immirzi parameter. This new results are based on the identification of a physical notion of energy for local observers close to the black hole horizon and the proper treatment of the number of punctures as a non trivial observable in the Chern-Simons description of the quantum horizon degrees of freedom.


The advent of the Global Fund in 2002 marks the end of a period of international procrastination in the midst of one of the most difficult tragedies the health world has ever experienced, the AIDS pandemic. Sub-Saharan Africa undoubtedly represents the urgency to which the international community has had to respond by inventing this instrument of solidarity, which is unprecedented in the history of public health (De Cock, Mbori-Ngacha, Marum, 2002). While the creation of the Global Fund provi...


The impact of Chinese literature on French literature in the 18th century is the main topic that has long been studied in the field of Chinese comparative literature. Most scholars tried through comparison to testify or expose the impact of Chinese literature and culture on French literature and culture for the purpose of carrying on Chinese civilization as to establish the place of Chinese literature in the world. But this "impact" is open to doubt, because the French scholars used Chinese literature and culture only as the tool of "the other" for their Enlightenment.


The microscopic details of flux-line lattice state studied by muon spin rotation are reported in an electron-doped high-${T}_{c}$ cuprate superconductor, ${\text{Sr}}_{1\ensuremath{-}x}{\text{La}}_{x}{\text{CuO}}_{2}$ (SLCO) $(x=0.10--0.15)$. A clear sign of phase separation between magnetic and nonmagnetic phases is observed, where the effective magnetic penetration depth $[\ensuremath{\lambda}\ensuremath{\equiv}\ensuremath{\lambda}(T,H)]$ is determined selectively for the latter phase. The extremely small value of $\ensuremath{\lambda}(0,0)$ and corresponding large superfluid density $({n}_{s}\ensuremath{\propto}{\ensuremath{\lambda}}^{\ensuremath{-}2})$ is consistent with the presence of a large Fermi surface with carrier density of $1+x$, which suggests the breakdown of the ``doped Mott insulator'' even at the ``optimal doping'' in SLCO. Moreover, a relatively weak anisotropy in the superconducting order parameter is suggested by the field dependence of $\ensuremath{\lambda}(0,H)$. These observations strongly suggest that the superconductivity in SLCO is of a different class from hole-doped cuprates.


The paper analyzes some generic features of industrial dynamics whereby innovative change is carried, stochastically, by new entrants. Relying on the formal representation suggested in Winter et al. (1997), it studies both the asymptotic properties of such processes and their finite time dynamics to account for a few empirical stylized facts, including persistent entry and exit, skewed size distributions and turbulence in market shares.


Piaget's psycho-logic describes psychological operation,which is different from the universal logic in some aspects,such as the aim of founding,the characteristic,and the role,etc.


s for 2010 will be posted quarterly during the year. Similar collections of abstracts produced annually from 1999 on can be found on the website of the National Fibromyalgia Partnership: www.fmpartnership.org. The abstracts are arranged in alphabetical order by lead author. ____________________________________


ABSTRACT In normal adults and children, newborn infants and patients with adrenogenital syndrome, plasma cortisol concentrations were measured by double isotope derivative assay (DIDA), competitive protein binding analysis (CPBA), and modified competitive proteinbinding analyis (Modified CPBA). A good correlation was observed between the values obtained in normal adults and children using the DIDA and CPBA; however, a large discrepancy was observed in the values obtained in newborns and patients with the adrenogenital syndrome, the CPBA giving much higher levels. This difference was attributed to the presence in these plasmas of other structurally related steroids which could compete with the binding of cortisol on transcortin. The specificity of the CPBA was improved by a modification involving paper chromatographic purification of cortisol prior to quantification by CPBA. The values thus obtained correspond to the cortisol concentration measured by DIDA and therefore provide a more accurate index of adr...


Introduction The experimental lesion produced by cerebrospinal fluid exchange provides an unusual opportunity to investigate demyelination and remyelination in the adult mammalian neuraxis. The lesion was discovered empirically when animals subjected to repeated withdrawal and reinjection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were observed to develop conspicuous neurological deficits. 1 Though the mechanism by which this lesion is produced remains unknown, the unique occurrence of remyelination following demyelination has provided impetus for light and electron microscopic studies 1-3 and for this autoradiographic analysis. Taken together, these studies indicate that adult glial cells have a degree of versatility not hitherto recognized. To produce the lesion nothing is added to the CSF; it is simply withdrawn and reinjected repeatedly through a needle in the cisterna magna. A portion of animals so treated (∼40%) develop partial paralysis of the posterior extremities; the more severely affected are unable to walk. At autopsy the lesion is


The invention discloses pearl wool and a production technology thereof. The pearl wool is woven from 100% 3.6D*30mm comfortable elastic silk; and the production technology comprises the steps of opening, balling and rolling to obtain the finished product. In the invention, the comfortable elastic silk is processed into ball-shaped cotton by a special balling technology, the cotton ball is hollow inside and has relatively large ventilation space; the pearl cotton has high filling power and rebound resilience and strong heat retention property and air permeability and is very soft; and after quilting, the product is not easily deformed by washing and can be used as a filling material of pillows, toys for children, warmth-keeping clothing and the like.


The active fault-tolerant control approach relies heavily on the occurred faults. In order to improve the safety of the reconfigurable system, a methodology to incorporate actuator health in the fault-tolerant control design is proposed for a tracking problem. Indeed, information about actuator health degradation due to the applied control is considered in addition to fault estimation. The main objective is to design a fault-tolerant control system which guarantees a high overall system reliability and dependability both in nominal operation and in the presence of faults. Such an objective is achieved by a control performance index, which is proposed based on system reliability analysis. The fault-tolerant controller is synthesized by using a linear matrix inequality approach.


* Corresponding Author Email address: email@example.com Agricultural constraints on sandy soil are poor chemical characteristics and low biological activity resulting in the soil becoming less productive to be planted. One of the efforts to improve the quality of sandy soil is an application of mycorrhizae and a soil ameliorant. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of mycorrhizae and a soil ameliorant on soil chemical characteristics and soil biological activity. The experiment was arranged using a Complete Randomized Design with two factors. The first factor (1) was mycorrhizae dose, without mycorrhizae (M0) and six spores of mycorrhizae/plant (M1), and the second factor (2) was types of soil ameliorant, without ameliorant (S0), cow dung (S1), rock phosphate (S2), biochar (S3), cow dung–rock phosphate (S4), cow dung–biochar (S5), and rock phosphate–biochar (S6). The results indicated that combination of six spores mycorrhizae/plant–cow dung 60 tons ha–biochar 25 tons ha (M1S5) increased soil organic carbon (SOC) (235%), available P (675%), cation exchange capacity (CEC) (216%), total glomalin (101%), and easily extracted glomalin (69%), decreased exchangeable sodium percentage (66%), and increased absolutely for root infection and spore density than without mycorrhizae and a soil ameliorant (control). The lowest SOC, total glomalin and easily extracted glomalin were found on non-mycorrhizae-rock phosphate, but available P, CEC, root infection, spore density were found on the control. The application of mycorrhizae, cow dung, and biochar improved the sandy soil characteristics.


The 2H(e,e'p)n cross section was measured in Hall A of the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) in quasielastic kinematics (x=0.96) at a four-momentum transfer squared, Q{sup 2}=0.67 (GeV/c){sup 2}. The experiment was performed in fixed electron kinematics for recoil momenta from zero to 550 MeV/c. Though the measured cross section deviates by 1-2 sigma from a state-of-the-art calculation at low recoil momenta, it agrees at high recoil momenta where final state interactions (FSI) are predicted to be large.


The effect of an introduction of phosphate groups into hydrogels on their stimuli-sensitivities has been investigated. Several hydrogels containing various phosphate group content were synthesized via solution copolymerization of 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl dihydrogen phosphate (Phosmer) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in the presence of 2,2′-azoisobutyronitrile (AIBN) in methanol at 70°C for 4 h. The content of phosphate groups incorporated into the resulting hydrogels ranged from 1 to 13 mol-%. The swelling ratio of these hydrogels was found to be strongly affected by pH, solvent, temperature and phosphate group content. The polymersolvent interaction parameter χ of the hydrogel was determined from the Flory-Rehner equation, using the swelling ratio and the crosslinking density derived from the compression modulus. Furthermore, χ was divided into its enthalpic (χH) and entropic component (χS). Using the interaction parameter, the stimuli-sensitivity of the hydrogel is discussed in detail based on thermodynamic aspects.


1. A high resolution sound wave detecting system having a fan-shape beam of receiver sensitivity comprising a pair of transducers having elongated active faces coplanar and in end to end relation, an output signal channel for each transducer, means including two local oscillators of different frequencies connected to heterodyne against each other for producing timing pulses having a repetition rate equal to the frequency difference of said oscillators and individually against the output signals in the two transducer channels, means for mixing the beat frequencies of the heterodyned output signals and producing therefrom signal pulses having a repetition rate equal to the frequency difference of said oscillators, an output circuit, and means responsive to a signal pulse and a timing pulse coinciding in time for passing the signal pulse to the output circuit.


Cytomegalovirus (CMV) monitoring and risk stratification post kidney transplantation is a major issue. Cellular immunity is critical to control CMV infection and may be assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)-based interferon (IFN)-γ release assay: QuantiFERON®-CMV (QF-CMV). In this monocentric study, we prospectively assessed the results for QF-CMV in kidney-transplant (KT) patients, chronic hemodialysis (HD) patients and healthy controls (HC). QF-CMV assay was blinded performed. Sixty sero-CMV positive patients were included (20 KT, 20 HD, and 20 HC). No statistical difference was found in post stimulation IFNγ secretion using the QF-CMV assay between the three groups. The median QF-CMV response was 1.05 [0 - 10] UI/ml in the KT group, 0.99 [0 - 10] UI/ml in the HD group, and 4.28 [0 - 10] UI/ml in the HC group, p= 0.47. Time since transplantation was negatively correlated to anti-CMV INFγ secretion (p=0.03, r= -0.49). Moreover, we found no difference in the percentage of positive test: 65%, 71%, and 79% of positive tests, respectively, in the KT, HD and HC groups; p= 0.79). In conclusion, we found that baseline cellular immunity against CMV did not statistically differ between KT, HD patients and HC using the QF-CMV assay.


n recent years there has been increasing interest in describing complicated information processing systems in terms of the knowledge they have, rather than by the details of their implementation. This requires a means of modeling the knowledge in a system. Several different approaches to knowledge modeling have been developed by researchers working in Artificial Intelligence (AI). Most of these approaches share the view that knowledge must be modeled with respect to a goal or task. In this article , we outline our modeling approach in terms of the notion of a task-structure, which recursively links a task to alternative methods and to their subtasks. Our emphasis is on the notion of modeling domain knowledge using tasks and methods as mediating concepts. We begin by tracing the development of a number of different knowledge-modeling approaches. These approaches share many features, but their differences make it difficult to compare systems that have been modeled using different approaches. We present these approaches and describe their similarities and differences. We then give a detailed description , based on the task structure, of our knowledge-modeling approach and illustrate it with task structures for diagnosis and design. Finally, we show how the task structure can be used to compare and unify the other approaches. A knowledge-based system (KBS) has explicit representations of knowledge as well as inference processes that operate on these representations to achieve a goal. An inference process consists of a number of inference steps, each step creating additional knowledge. The process of applying inference steps is repeated until the information needed to fulfill the requirements of the problem-solving goal or task is generated. Typically, both domain knowledge and possible inference steps have to be modeled and represented in some form. In one sense, knowledge is of general utility-the same piece can be utilized in different contexts and problems; so, unlike traditional procedural approaches, knowledge should not be tied to one task or goal. On the other hand, it is difficult to know what knowledge to put in a system without having an idea of the tasks the KBS will confront. In spite of claims of generality, all KBSs are designed with some task or class of tasks in mind. Similarly, they are designed to be operational across some range of domains. Thus, a clear understanding of the relationship between tasks, knowledge and inferences required to perform the task is needed before knowledge in …


ve To investigate the effect of esmolol preventing myocardial bata-adrenocepter from desensitization using a lymphocyte model during cardiac valve replacement. Methods Twenty-four cardiac function class II -III patients of either sex(13 male, 11 famale), aged 25-50 yr, undergoing cardiac valve replacement were randomly divided into two groups of 12 patients each: esmolol group (E) and control group (C) . The patients had not received long-term treatmrnt with glucocorticoids, calcium channel blocker, β-adrenocepter agonist or antagonist, or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitior. Patients with bradycardia, atrioventricular (AC) block II degree, severe liver/kidney function abnormality, diabetes, hypertension, thyroid disease or blood diseases were also excluded. Anesthesia was induced with midazolam 0. 1mg·kg-1, fentanyl 10μg·kg-1 and vecuronium 0.15 mg·kg-1 and maintained with midazolam and fentanyl. In group E esmolol was infused first at rate of 500μg·kg-1 · min-1 for 4 min, then the infusion was continued at a slower rate of 200μg·kg-1· min-1 until 10 min after aortic declamping. In group C Ringer's solution was infused instead of esmolol. Radial artery and right internal jugular vein were cannulated and BP, HR, CVP were monitored during operation. Arterial and right atrial blood was obtained for blood gas analysis and central venous oxygen saturation ( ScvO2) was recorded before heparinization and 30 min after CPB was terminated. Dopamine/sodium nitroprusside (DA/SNP) ratio was calculated after CPB when blood pressure was stable. In addition, arterial blood samples were taken at the time of heparinizaion (T1), 10 min (T2 ) and 60 min (T3 ) after aortic declamping for determination of cAMP content in isoproterenol-stimulated lymphocytes. Results The DA/SNP ratio was significantly higher in group C than in group E (P0.01). The ScvO2 at 30 min after CPB was significantly lower in group C than in group E (P0.05) . The cAMP content in isoproterenol-stimulated lymphocytes decreasedat T2 and T3 in both groups but when the two groups were compared the amount of cAMP produced at T2 and T3 in group E was significantly higher ( P 0.05 ) . Conclusions Esmolol can partly prevent bata-adrenoceptor from being desensitized and improve cardiac function after CPB.


Abstract The study of sediment load is important for its implications to the environment and water resources engineering. Four models were considered in the study of suspended sediment concentration prediction: artificial neural networks (ANNs), neuro-fuzzy model (NF), conjunction of wavelet analysis and neuro-fuzzy (WNF) model, and the conventional sediment rating curve (SRC) method. Using data from a US Geological Survey gauging station, the suspended sediment concentration predicted by the WNF model was in satisfactory agreement with the measured data. Also the proposed WNF model generated reasonable predictions for the extreme values. The cumulative suspended sediment load estimated by this model was much higher than that predicted by the other models, and is close to the observed data. However, in the current modelling, the ANN, NF and SRC models underestimated sediment load. The WNF model was successful in reproducing the hysteresis phenomenon, but the SRC method was not able to model this behaviour. In general, the results showed that the NF model performed better than the ANN and SRC models. Citation Mirbagheri, S. A., Nourani, V., Rajaee, T. & Alikhani, A. (2010) Neuro-fuzzy models employing wavelet analysis for suspended sediment concentration prediction in rivers. Hydrol. Sci. J. 55(7), 1175–1189.


This experiment aimed to investigate allelopathic effects of phenolic acids composted by wheat straw at different concentrations on seed germination and seedling growth of rice by means of plate culture and sand culture.The results showed that the seed germination indexes in all phenolic acids treatments were promoted at lower acid concentrations and were inhibited at higher concentrations.Most of the phenolic acids played a promotive role at lower concentrations and an inhibitory role at higher concentrations in biomass accumulation,chlorophyll contents and root activity of rice as well.However on malondialdehyde content of rice,the phenolic acids presented opposite effect.The allelopathic effect of phenolic acid solution on rice was related to the kinds and concentrations of phenolic acid,and its threshold depended on the kinds.


This paper presents the KIT systems participating in the French to English BTEC and in the English to French TALK Translation tasks in the framework of the IWSLT 2010 machine translation evaluation. Starting with a state-of-the art phrase-based translation system we tested different modifications and extensions to improve the translation quality of the system. First, we improved the word reordering by learning POSbased reordering rules from an automatically word-aligned parallel corpus. Furthermore, different experiments to adapt the machine translation system towards the target domain were carried out. In addition, for the BTEC task we tried to avoid data-sparseness problems by using word stems instead of the full word forms.


This study aimed to investigate the effect of smartphone size and use on fatigue of the extensor pollicis longus and abductor digiti minimi, and digiti minimi deformity. The 40 people assigned to the experimental group spent at least 6 hours using the smartphone and used the digiti minimi for support. The control group spent at least 3 hours using the smartphone, however did not use digiti mini for support. Questionnaires were used to measure smartphone usage, daily use duration, and method of holding the smartphone device. X-rays of distal interphalangeal joint angle deformity of the digiti minimi were assessed. Surface electromyography was used to analyze muscle fatigue. The angle deformity was significantly different between the experimental group and the control group, and fatigue of the extensor pollicis longus and abductor digiti minimi of the large smartphone users were high. The muscle fatigue was reduced when the smartphone size fit well with the user's hand. This study suggests that the size of the smartphone influence the fatigue of the hand muscles.


In recent years, there has been a significant evolution in technology that had a tremendous impact on society as a whole. One particular area greatly influenced by this transformation is the banking sector. Recognizing the potential, banks have swiftly embraced technological advancements to provide enhanced services through digital banking. Mobile banking has become increasingly popular in the country. For both researchers and banking industry practitioners, comprehending the factors that influence the use of mobile banking is essential. The purpose of this study is to investigate the elements that affect Indonesians' use of mobile banking. This research focuses on several important factors, including perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, privacy and security concerns, perceived trust, and social influence. It uses the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as its theoretical foundation. Data was collected from 393 Indonesian respondents as a sample of Indonesian mobile banking users through a Google Form survey. The results supported four hypotheses, while one hypothesis did not support this study. These findings offer valuable insights for banks to improve their services and attract more users in the Indonesian context. Moreover, our conclusions provide managerial implications for banking institutions aiming to enhance their mobile banking offerings, while allowing for a deeper understanding of mobile banking usage and also highlighting opportunities for future studies in this area.


To study upper crustal evolution along the Juan de Fuca (JDF) ridge flanks we gather velocity structure information by analyzing multichannel seismic (MCS) data collected during the 2002 EW0207 cruise. Our 1D travel time modeling done on super CMP gathers accurately reveals regional 2A velocity increases and 2A thickness changes associated with crustal alteration that are clearly linked to the patterns of sedimentation across the JDF ridge. Shorter wavelength variations, superimposed on the long-term systematic trends, are also apparent. These local variations in the thickness of layer 2A appear to be associated with the abyssal hill topography inherited from crustal accretion, and are perhaps spatially tied to the principal inward facing scarps. We also observe local increase in 2A velocity associated with propagator wakes along the eastern sedimented ridge flank, with the most prominent velocity anomaly at Endeavour transect.


We present the multi-color, five-year light curves and the radial velocities of the near-contact binary system KR Cyg. We derived the masses of the components as 2.88 ± 0.20 Mand 1.26 ± 0.07 Mand the radii as 2.59 ± 0.06 Rand 1.80 ± 0.04 R� . We also searched for the empirical determination of albedo and effective temperature of the cooler, less massive star of KRCyg, and of two similar near contact binaries AKCMi, and DOCas. The residuals between the observed and computed fluxes are attributed to the effect of mutual illumination which heats the surface layers of the illuminated star and does vary not only its bolometric albedo but also its limb-darkening coefficient and gravity-brightening exponent. The effective albedos are generally smaller than that expected from an envelope of convective star. These results are preliminary and speculative.


High efficiency is among the most important targets in power electronic converters. A possible approach to obtain this goal is the usage of better switches. This paper is focused at the study and comparison of SiC and Si power MOSFETS in soft switching resonant DC/DC converter. The latter converter being a part of light battery charger used in ultra-light electric vehicles is realized and investigated. The losses in the power switches are compared mathematically, with simulations and experimental verification. Two types of transistors are considered. First traditional state of the art Si-technology using a FREDFET (fast recovery diode MOSFET) and it is compared with what the SiC technology offers, using a fast Schottky antiparallel diode. As an example a 1500 W series resonance converter with input voltage of 400 V and output voltage of 100 V is used. The latter voltage permitting the use of Schottky diodes at the secondary side. The losses in both converters are compared via calorimetic measurements to avoid accuracy problems as in loss measurements with an oscilloscope for example.


Introduction: People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) on effective antiretroviral treatment (ART) are exposed to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, often linked to inflammation and immune activation. Ankle-brachial index (ABI) has been widely accepted as screening tool for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and future cardiovascular events, and is inexpensive and noninvasive compared to carotid intima-media thickness measurements. This study aimed at determining the association between low ankle-brachial index and selected immune markers among virologically suppressed HIV-infected participants on ART in Kwara State, Nigeria. Material and methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2018 and December 2018. One hundred and fifty HIV-infected participants and fifty HIV non-infected age matched controls were recruited into the study. Ankle-brachial index was measured, and peripheral arterial disease was defined as ABI of < 0.9. Cryopreserved plasma was used to evaluate interleukin (IL)-6 and sCD14. Student's t-test and c2 test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables. Associations of CVD and immunologic markers with low ABI were assessed using logistic regression analysis. Results: The study group had significantly lower mean values for ABI and significantly higher mean values of IL-6 and sCD14 compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The prevalence of low ABI (14.6%) was higher in the study group compared to the control group (2%). IL-6 (OR 0.992, p = 0.087) and sCD14 (OR 0.918, p = 0.058) were not associated with low ABI in the study group. Conclusions: HIV-infected individuals on suppressive ART demonstrate increased levels of IL-6 and sCD14 compared to not infected controls. The  impact of  inflammation and immune activation on PAD in treated HIV-infection requires further investigation. HIV AIDS Rev 2020; 19, 4: 227-236 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/hivar.2020.101502


Concepts of metadata visualization have been developed in order to help users in understanding of metadata about geographic datasets. These concepts apply graphic samples and four multivariate visualization methods: scatter plot matrix, parallel coordinates plot, star plots and Chernoff faces. The concepts were tested with users of geographic metadata in the Finnish Defence Forces. The test results indicate that users benefit from graphic samples especially when comparing alternative datasets. When the differences of the datasets are visible users start to question their presumptions about the data. The parallel coordinates plot and star plots support users in comparison of several metadata elements of several datasets simultaneously whereas the scatter plot matrix is difficult method to adopt and does not support a holistic view of datasets. Chernoff faces arouse emotions that may disturb the interpretation of metadata; interpretation of extreme values from the faces is reliable but intermediate values are easily confused.


Intra-body communication (IBC) is a recent and emerging wireless communication technology, which treats the human body as a transmission medium for transmitting and receiving the electrical signals. Pioneer IBC researchers have proposed two types of methods, which are galvanic coupling and capacitive coupling. This paper compares and evaluates a binary frequency-shift keying (BFSK) modulation signal using galvanic and capacitive coupling via IBC for foot plantar pressure sensors. The results of the experiment would guide us as to which method of IBC is more suitable for the specific application. The communication system is designed for foot pressure measurement to analyze pressure distribution during everyday life activities. The research targets IBC operating in the band of 1MHz to 100MHz, and based on the empirical evidence; for this particular application, galvanic coupling shows more promising performances in power, total harmonic distortion and signal-to-noise ratio measurements.


The purpose of this study is to analyze organization structure of design firm based on project delivery system Organization structures in design firms can be classified as project team structure, studio structure, departmental structure and matrix structure according to project type, firm size, and technology and value of a firm. A systematic approach in choosing organization structure is important in that it has strong relationship with marketing, human resources, financialI and other issues of business aspect of a firm. An organization structure which should be recognized as a organ body can be changed by the life cycle of the firm as well as market changes. Value and technology of the firm shape the organization because they show firm's identity and future direction.


To cut parts from boards, rough mill employees must be able w see defects, calculate the proper location of cuts, manually position the board, and remain alert. The objective of this study was to evaluate how well rough mill employees perform the task of recognizing, locating, and identifying surface defects independent of the calculation and positioning process. Using a scoring procedure developed for this study, it was found that six rough mill employees in three plants performed at about 68 percent of perfect. Thus, a computer vision system now under development need not be perfect w improve on current practice. The economic potential is considerable for such equipment if only a small yield improvement can be obtained. one of these five elements (recognition, calculation, positioning, alertness, and memory) will result in diminished yield and higher costs. In order to maintain productivity, only limited amounts of time are allowed for the recognition and calculation process. In addition, rough mills typically have a work environment which can easily distract the operator. All these facton combine to lessen the potential for perfect worker performance. Analyses of plant operations have shown that yield improvements are the key to success in the rough mill. Rough mill training programs have been devised and various devices have been used to assist the operaton, including limited computerization of the calculation problem. The authors have participated in numerous yield tests and training progTalnS and have found them generally useful only within a limited time frame. The rough mill will frequently show considerable improvement aft.er yield testing and employee training, but the favorable results tend to dissipate within 6 months to a year for a number of reasons. For example, trainable employees are also trainable for higher skilled jobs and are transferred to a different department. Untrained new employees then move into the rough mill at the entrance level. Additionally, management may turn its attention to other departments, feeling the rough mill problem has been solved. The problem of maintaining productivity in the rough mill will continue, and the ultimate solution may Objective The remanufacture of lumber into specific size parts for furniture has not changed appreciably in the last century. Basically, the process consists of subjecting rough sawn, kiln-dried, random width and length lumber to a crosscut sawing and ripsawing process that produces the rough parts in the quantity desired. The lumber is sometimes presurfaced but more frequently jointed and surfaced after cutting into smaller sizes. In both the crosscut and ripsawing operations, the operator visually examines the board for defects and attempts to position the saw cuts to eliminate unacceptable defects while maximizing the yield of usable parts. Operators must 1) be able to see and recognize the defects; 2) have the mental aptitude to properly locate the cuts; 3) possess the physical strength to position the board manually; 4) resist boredom and maintain an alert mental attitude; and 5) while looking at one side, remember what the other side looks like. Failure of any The authors are, respectively, Profesaor, Dept. of Forestry, Michigan State Univ'bEast Lansing, MI 48824-1222; Principal Wood Scientist, US A Forest Serv., Southern Forest Expt. Sta., 2500 Shreveport Hwy., Pineville, LA 71360; and Professor, Dept. of Psychology, Michigan State Univ., East Lansing, Mich. This paper was received for publication in N0vember 1984. .' Forest PnxIucta Researeh Society 1985. Forest PnxI. J. 35(11/12):79-82. FOREST PRODUCTS JOURNAL 79 Vol. 35, No 11/12 TABLE 1 DI(KD repnallVd in 1M sampl~ with defcl codt in parrnlMu8.


Traditionally, the perpetration of crime has been regarded as the prerogative of the male; criminal activity has been seen as aggressive and masculine. Few women engaged in criminal behaviour and, in such atypical cases, explanations given emphasized deviance from traditional female roles, thereby focusing the characteristics of female criminality on assumptions about the inherent nature of women. Other causal explanations (notably mono-causal) have centred on gender-role explanations (and deviations from such expectations); hypotheses have ranged from physical abnormalities, to various forms of psychological and social pathology; moral corruption and disease. Generally, it is argued that females are considerably more law abiding than men; less delinquent, less dangerous, and less involved in criminal subcultures and thus they have less frequently been provided for in criminological theory.' Since the 1970s, feminist criminologists have launched a critical attack on male dominated theoretical premises in criminology, pointing out that these expositions are not theories of female crime but stereotypes perpetuating sexist ideologies of women.* The feminist approach to criminology is varied and still developing, yet it is uniform in emphasizing the role of patriarchial oppression and sexist ideological practices in the analysis of female crime.


Aims: The aim was to investigate the morphological and molecular characteristics of Leydig cell tumors of the testis (LCT) for the identification of cases that may metastasize. Methods and Results : Six parameters for a predictive model of the metastatic risk were evaluated in 37 benign and 14 malignant in LCTs of the testis (LCT scaled score = LeSS). The tumor size (benign LCTs: mean 1.33 cm, malignant cases: mean 4.4 cm) (P <0.001) and other five parameters (infiltrative margins, necrosis, vascular invasion, mitotic count and nuclear atypia) showed significant differences (Wilcoxon's text P <0.001). Eight metastatic tumors and one benign LCT had infiltrative margins. Foci of coagulative necrosis occurred in ten metastatic cases, while vascular invasion was identified in 9/14 metastatic cases and 0/37 benign LCTs. Benign LCTs showed < 2 mitoses/10 hpf , while high mitotic count (range 3 - 50 mitoses/10 HPFs) was a feature of malignant cases. These parameters were selected by an inferential analysis based on univariate logistic regression models to develop a score. A LeSS <4 accurately identified all histologically and clinically benign LCTs. A LeSS ≥ 4 correctly identified all malignant LCTs. MDM2 and CDK4 immunostains were performed in all 51 cases: benign LCTs were negative, 3/11 malignant LCTs (27%) showed strong and diffuse immunopositivity and high levels of MDM2 and CDK4 amplifications by FISH analysis and by next generation sequencing . Conclusion : We provide a new tool, a scaled score (LeSS), for the prediction of the malignant behavior in LCTs.


Since its establishment in 1967, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been considered one of the most successful and dynamic Asian organizations shaping institutional architecture throughout the wider Asia-Pacific region. However, today ASEAN is grappling with how to handle perceived strategic competition between the United States and China. In addition, concerns over regional unity, solidarity, autonomy and centrality, along with developmental inequality, common identity, shared values and norms, and collective leadership and responsibilities continue to challenge member states.


There is a critical lack of quantitative data regarding the mechanism of brownout cloud formation. Recognizing this, tests were conducted during the Air Force Research Lab 3D-LZ Brownout Test at the US Army Yuma Proving Ground. Photogrammetry was utilized during two rounds of flight tests with an instrumented EH-60L Black Hawk to determine if this technique could quantitatively measure the formation and evolution of a brownout cloud. Specific areas of interest include the location, size, and average convective velocity of the cloud, along with the characteristics of any defined structures within it. Following the first flight test, photogrammetric data were validated through comparison with onboard vehicle data. Lessons learned from this test were applied to the development of an improved photogrammetry system. A second flight test, utilizing the improved system, demonstrated that obtaining quantitative measurements of the brownout cloud are possible. Results from these measurements are presented in the paper. Flow visualization with chalk dust seeding was also tested. It was observed that pickup forces of the brownout cloud appear to be very low. Overall, these tests demonstrate the viability of photogrammetry as a means for quantifying brownout cloud formation and evolution.


We tackle the problem of automatic, or at least assisted, vocalization, a problem that arises from the almost universal absence of vowels in Arabic texts. We show that the problem of vocalization resides in the fact that the majority of Arabic words accept several potential vocalizations and are therefore ambiguous.

In essence, the problem reduces to choosing, in context, the correct vocalization from among several. We focus here on the results obtained by starting with morphological analysis and proceeding to a grammatical (part-of-speech) tagging.

In the proposed system, the vocalic ambiguity is detected by means of a double dictionary of voweled and non-voweled forms. The process of resolution is set in motion starting with morphological analysis and continuing through subsequent steps. The experiments described here concern the treatment as far as grammatical (part-of-speech) tagging.


Objective:To conclude traditional and modern specifications of Aconitum Carmichalii Debx,investigating the model for formation,which lays a good basis for the sustainable utilization of Aconitum Carmichalii Debx resources.Method:We adopted the combined methods of investigation of herbal literatures,researching of origins in Aconitum Carmichalii Debx and consultation for specialists,identified a model for formation,the traditional and modern specifications of Aconitum Carmichalii Debx.There are sorts of traditional specifications of Aconitum Carmichalii Debx,two kinds of Aconitum Carmichalii Debx,forteen kinds of monkshood,three kinds of byproducts mianly in Jiang-You area.The mainstream of specifications of the commodities are scale down now,the main commodities are only salted aconite root,white monkshood,black monkshood.Diffrence from the ecological environment,sulphur fumigation,medicinal positions,purpose,cultural conventions,which are the reasons for shaping of specifications of Aconitum Carmichalii Debx.Conclusion:The model for formation of specifications of Aconitum Carmichalii Debx is characterized by its multi-purposes,It should strengthen the inheritance and creative research for traditional and endangered specifications of commodities,to avoid the technology be lost.


The independent curriculum is  a curriculum that  applies due to learning loss that occurred in the 2013 curriculum during the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers do not understand the concept of the curriculum as a whole so that the independent curriculum is difficult to understand and accept. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the depth and breadth of the material in the independent curriculum. This study aims to describe the suitability of the structure and content of the independent curriculum on the basic law of chemistry material based on the revised bloom taxonomy, Dave and Dyers taxonomy and chemical standard textbooks. This type of research is descriptive with a qualitative approach. This study used a content structure analysis research design derived from the Model of Educational Reconstruction (MER). The results of the research obtained in structural analysis are: (1) the elements of chemical understanding are in accordance with the revised bloom taxonomy, (2) the element of process skills only dominates abstract skills, (3) the elements of the pancasila profile contain abstract skills and the realm of attitudes. Meanwhile, in the content analysis, namely: (1) the breadth of material in CP basic laws of chemistry is appropriate in the high school book from the Ministry of Education and Culture, (2) the depth of material there are some materials that are not suiTable based on the chemistry textbook written by Brady edition 7.


Paediatric occupational therapists often assess and treat school-age children and youth presenting with visual perceptual dysfunction. It is, therefore, important that occupational therapists use visual perceptual instruments that possess sound measurement properties (such as validity, reliability, responsiveness and clinical utility). The Motor-Free Visual Perception Test – Revised (MVPT-R) is an instrument frequently used by paediatric occupational therapists. Clinicians need to be cognisant of the measurement properties of the assessments they use in order to provide the best level of care for the paediatric clients they serve. Therefore, a review and critique of the MVPT-R is presented. Even though the MVPT-R has been revised recently, little has been done to address issues related to its reliability and validity. Evidence of criterion-related validity and construct validity, in particular, is still lacking. The rationale for measuring motor-free visual perception is also not well developed and needs to be expanded in the MVPT-R manual. In addition, the issue of summing the scores from the five MVPT-R subscales is questionable. What the final MVPT-R summed score really measures in terms of a screening evaluation or diagnosis is also lacking. At this stage, this instrument should be used and interpreted by occupational therapists with caution.


Sleep is a multidimensional, bio-behavioral process that is essential to human health and function. Sleep disturbances are a harbinger of sleep disorders if they are not recognized and treated, and they can have significant negative impacts on theparturient woman and her fetus. This study aimed to identify the relation between quality of sleep during pregnancy andbirth outcomes among primiparae. A descriptive correlation methodology was used, whereby a convenience sample of 200 parturient women in their latent phase of the first stage of laborwere selected from labor unitat El-Shatby Maternity University Hospital in Alexandria. Three toolswere used to collect data: Tool I - basic data structure interview schedule; Tool II - Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) interview schedule; and Tool III - pregnancy outcome assessment checklist.The resultsclarified that 52.5% and 39% of the subjects had mild and poor sleep quality, respectively.Among women with poor sleep quality, 28.2% complained of gestational hypertension, 19.2% of pre-eclampsia,24.4% of gestational diabetes mellitus and 65.5% of prolonged 1 st stage labor.Statistically significant differenceswere found between the level of sleep quality and birth outcome (P=.0.022*). It was evident that 55.1% of the study subjects with poor quality of sleep had small gestation newborns. Parturient women with poor sleep quality had greater prevalence of intra-uterine growth restriction(IUGR),fetal distress, mild and severasphyxia, meconium aspiration, and they needed resuscitation more often than those with mild and good quality of sleep, all with statistically significant differences.In conclusion, parturient women who reported mild and poor sleep quality during pregnancy were more prone to gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes mellitus and prolonged labor than those with good sleep quality. Moreover, they had the highest percentage ofintra-uterine growth restriction and small of gestational age of newborns. In light of the study results, developingpoliciesto improve health educational communication to raise awareness and promote women's health during pregnancy


Self-reconfigurable robots are versatile systems consisting of large numbers of independent modules. Effective use of these systems requires parallel actuation and planning, both for efficiency and independence from a central controller. In this paper we present the PacMan algorithm, a technique for distributed actuation and planning for systems with two- or three-dimensional unit-compressible modules. We give two versions of the algorithm along with correctness analysis. We also analyze the parallel actuation capability of the algorithm, showing that it will not deadlock and will avoid disconnecting the robot. We have implemented PacMan on the Crystal robot, a hardware system developed in our lab, and we present experiments and discuss the feasibility of large-scale implementation.