The present research study investigated the functions of human resource management in Marks and Spencer. The training and development found in practice in the Marks and Spencer proved to be a practical initiator towards the satisfaction of employees. Total 419 respondents in the mentioned organization were investigated. Convenient sampling techniques were used where the research questionnaires were distributed randomly for the investigation of first hand data. The result found significant between training and development and employees' satisfaction. It is found that Marks and Spencer understand the significance of advancement in the field of human resource development in the volatile working environment in current time. Training and development adaptation of updated practices mutually benefited working environment and employees of the firm. Such practices are further suggested for other organizations also on the basis of logical recommendations.


Image caption generator means it will generate a description for the images. It will predict what is happing in the images. We make our model using a hybrid CNN-RNN model in which in the CNN part of the model we use inception model for transfer learning and RNN is majorly used for language modeling. We use Flickr8k Dataset for training and testing the model. We use LSTM model in RNN to avoid the problem of vanishing or exploding gradient in the training phase


This study compares the performance of three different nanofluids containing aluminum oxide, copper oxide, and silicon dioxide nanoparticles dispersed in the same base fluid, 60:40 ethylene glycol and water by mass, as coolant in automobile radiators. The computational scheme adopted here is the effectiveness-number of transfer unit (e − NTU) method encoded in matlab. Appropriate correlations of thermophysical properties for these nanofluids developed from measurements are summarized in this paper. The computational scheme has been validated by comparing the results of pumping power, convective heat transfer coefficients on the air and coolant side, overall heat transfer coefficient, effectiveness and NTU, reported by other researchers. Then the scheme was adopted to compute the performance of nanofluids. Results show that a dilute 1% volumetric concentration of nanoparticles performs better than higher concentration. It is proven that at optimal conditions of operation of the radiator, under the same heat transfer basis, a reduction of 35.3% in pumping power or 7.4% of the surface area can be achieved by using the Al2O3 nanofluid. The CuO nanofluid showed slightly lower magnitudes than the Al2O3 nanofluid, with 33.1% and 7.2% reduction for pumping power or surface area respectively. The SiO2 nanofluid showed the least performance gain of the three nanofluids, but still could reduce the pumping power or area by 26.2% or 5.2%. The analysis presented in this paper was used for an automotive radiator but can be extended to any liquid to gas heat exchanger.


To determine whether coccidiostats available for use in poultry were effective at controlling coccidiosis in pigeons,we tested 5 chemotherapeutic compounds including diclazuril(1 mg/kg),sulfaquinoxaline sodium(300 mg/kg),sulfachloropyrazine sodium(300 mg/kg),toltrazuril(25 mg/kg)and pulsatilla chinensis powder(500 mg/kg).The unmedicated controls and medicated birds were challenged with 15×104 oocysts of mixed-species field isolates containing primarily of Eimeria labbeana and E.columbae.The relative oocysts reduction rate(RORR)was measured to evaluate the efficacy of coccidiostats.The results showed that sulfaquinoxaline sodium and sulfaquinoxaline sodium have excellent efficacy against Eimeria infections in pigeons,which of the RORR was 99.9% and 99.5%,respectively.The toltrazuril and pulsatilla chinensis powder had intermediate efficacy,which of the RORR was 96.7% and 92.0%,respectively.And the diclazuril had partial efficacy,which of the RORR was 75.6%.


The paper thinks that dialect characters are completely different from popular characters in the nature, and that original characters consist of both interchangeable characters and dialect characters. Dialect-Popular characters are provided with the nature of both dialect characters and popular characters. As a kind of historical category, dialect characters will change their nature with the development of times.


A broad set of possible determinants of household and private savings behaviour is examined through an in-depth case study of Thailand during the period 1960 to 2004. Results suggest that an increase in economic growth, inflation and terms of trade all have a significant positive impact on household and private saving rates. In contrast, the availability of bank credit tends to reduce household and private saving rates. While an increase in both old and young dependency has a negative impact on household and private saving rates, the magnitude of the impact on the former is far greater than that on the latter. Furthermore, public saving seems to crowd out household and private saving, but less than proportionately. This reflects a possible role of fiscal policy in increasing national savings in the economy. Over and above these variables, corporate saving is another important determinant of household saving. An increase in the former brings about a significant reduction in the latter.


According to media reports,the sudden water pollution accidents from 2006 to 2013 in China were investigated. Through comparison of the annual frequency,the number of sudden water pollution accidents reduced year by year; the main polluters included heavy metals,organics,and chemical contaminants,which reached about 74. 19% of the total. The pollution type analysis suggested that the reasons for these accidental water pollutions mainly include enterprise illegal discharge,factory accidental leakage,human factors and natural damage,in which the enterprise illegal discharge of the wastewater is about 54. 84% and the intentional poisoning of human factor is about 10%.


The collection is comprised of recordings and transcripts of recordings of oral histories of Berea College faculty, staff, alumni, and students.


The chapter identifies the leadership development process which concentrates on the individual and their situation, with the focus on competencies and skills. This chapter puts forward an alternative approach within the context of leadership-as-practice. Throughout the book, the different authors draw on practical examples and reference to a range of different organisations and situations which make for a compelling and interesting read. In particular, the book opens up a new and challenging paradigm for considering the concept of leadership. In doing this, the authors and the editor develop a rebirth of leadership as a contemporary and innovative study area. Many would consider this book as a challenge to traditional themes and constructs of leadership opening up a new agenda and opportunity for discourse. At the outset of this review, it was identified that the Editor of the book suggested that the book was designed with the intent 'to shake the foundations of the very meaning of leadership'. And to a large extent it will. In particular, this book breaks with tradition and offers a new explanation for leadership in the 21st century. From a readership perspective, this book provides an interesting addition to the literature, and I would commend colleagues to add it to their collection. For me, the text is best suited to the postgraduate market and will provide an interesting read for many MBA and other postgraduate programmes with significant leadership content. In addition, strong undergraduate students will also be challenged by many of the ideas, and the book will be a useful addition to the reading list for my honours-level students.


The status of intelligent PROFIBUS-DP and Ethernet device investigation is analyzed,a DP master device with Ethernet interface is schemed out based on ARM.The hardware based on ASPC2 for the DP interface and PTL8019AS for the Ethernet interface are designed.The layered structure of DP protocol is analyzed.The software of DP master is given.Based on the high operation speed of ARM and the priority assign function of μC/OS-Ⅱ,the problem of the confliction is resolved between high real time request and high reliability request of Fieldbus and huge data stream of Ethernet.A feasible choice is provided for the integration of field control bus and the upper managing net.


Choline is an essential nutrient for humans, though some part of this requirement can be met by endogenous synthesis catalyzed by phosphatidylethanolamine N‐methyltransferase (PEMT). Pre‐menopausal women are relatively resistant to dietary choline deficiency compared to post‐menopausal women and men, suggesting that estrogen may increase PEMT activity. The aim of this study is to investigate whether PEMT gene expression is regulated by estrogen. RT‐PCR revealed gene transcription was increased in a dose‐dependent manner in cultured primary mouse and human hepatocytes treated with various concentrations of 17B‐estradiol. In both mouse and human hepatocytes, this increased message preceded an increase in protein expression and enzyme activity. Using bioinformatics approaches, we found that the murine and human PEMT promoters share three evolutionarily conserved regions which contain putative estrogen regulatory motifs: estrogen response elements (ERE), AP‐1 and FoxA‐1 sites. In addition, we report a region in the human gene containing a consensus ERE, and core promoter elements, located upstream of the putative promoter, which may function as an alternative promoter and/or an enhancer region. This study is the first to explore the underlying mechanism of why premenopausal women are resistant to dietary choline deficiency.


Diabetes mellitus is due to defective secretion and/ or function of insulin. It is a common chronic disease affecting up to 6% of the world population. This prevalence increases to about 24% in the island of Nauru and some Middle Eastern countries. Diabetes mellitus is associated with profound changes in the endocrine pancreas. These changes include a significant decrease in the number of beta cells, the cell type that produces and secretes insulin. A decrease in the number of insulin producing cells is more evident in type I diabetes. The decrease in the number of insulin-secreting cells is associated with a concomitant increase in the number of glucagon, somatostatin and pancreatic-polypeptide producing cells. The increase in glucagon producing cells results in hyperglucagonaemia, which further exacerbates the hyperglycaemia induced by lack of insulin. In addition to the changes in the number and plasma levels of pancreatic hormones, the number of calcitonin-generelated peptide- and galanin-positive cells in the islet of Langerhans decreases after the onset of diabetes. Pancreatic amino butyric acid is also decreased in diabetes. These abnormal changes in the pattern of distribution of peptides, neuropeptides and neurotransmitters may contribute to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus.


The layout of power multichip modules is one of the key points of a module design, especially for high power densities, where coupling are enlarged. This paper focuses on dynamic current imbalance between paralleled chips. It can be principally attributed to gate circuit dissymmetry, which modifies inductances and coupling, especially with the power circuit. This paper describes the analysis of an existing power module, and based on a modification of the gate circuit geometry in an optimization procedure, shows how to improve the power module, in term of dynamic current repartition


14 The unique geographical location of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) plays an important role in 15 regulating global climate change, but the impacts of the chemical components and 16 atmospheric processing on the size distribution and mixing state of individual particles are 17 rarely explored in the southeastern margin of the TP, which is a transport channel for 18 pollutants from Southeast Asia during the pre-monsoon season. Thus a single-particle aerosol 19 mass spectrometer (SPAMS) was deployed to investigate how the local emissions of 20 chemical composition interact with the transporting particles and assess the mixing state of 21 different particle types and secondary formation in this study. The TP particles were classified 22 into six main types: the rich-potassium (rich-K) type was the largest fraction of the total 23 particles (30.9%), followed by the biomass burning (BB) type (18.7%). Most particle types 24 were mainly transported from the surroundings and cross-border of northern Myanmar; but 25 the air masses from northeastern India and Myanmar show a greater impact on the number 26 fraction of BB (31.7%) and Dust (18.2%) types, respectively. Besides, the two episodes 27 events with high particle concentrations showed that the differences in the meteorological 28 conditions in the same air clusters could cause significant changes in chemical components, 29 especially the Dust and EC-aged types changed by a sum of 93.6% and 72.0% respectively. 30 Ammonium and Dust particles distribute at a relatively larger size (~ 600 nm), but the size 31 peak of other types is present at ~ 440 nm. The easily volatilized nitrate ( 62 NO 3− ) during the 32 transport process leads the more abundant sulfate ( 97 HSO 4 − ) to mix internally with the TP 33 particles. C 2 H 3 O + , HC 2 O 4− , NH 4+ , NO 3− , and HSO 4− , severed as the indicators of secondary 34 formation, are present in the atmospheric aging process of photo-oxidation and aqueous 35 reaction by a linear correlation with O x (O 3 +NO 2 ) and relative humidity (RH). This study 36 provides insights that can improve the knowledge of particle composition and size, mixing 37 state, and aging mechanism at high time resolution over the TP region


Dihydropyrimidinones, bis(indolyl)methanes, and N-alkyl and N-arylimides were synthesized efficiently under mild reaction conditions in the presence of two types of ionic liquids. In each section, effects of different ILs on the yield of reactions were investigated. The use of ionic liquids offer improvements for the synthesis of title compounds with regard to the yield of products, simplicity in operation, short reaction times and green aspects by avoiding toxic catalyst and organic solvents.


We study the chiral logarithms in {delta}S=1 kaon decay amplitudes from new flavor physics in beyond-standard-model theories. We systematically classify the chiral structures of dimension-5, 6, and 7 effective QCD operators constructed out of light-quark (up, down, and strange) and gluon fields. Using the standard chiral perturbation theory, we calculate the leading chiral logarithms associated with these operators. The result is useful for lattice calculations of the QCD matrix elements in K{yields}{pi}{pi} decay necessary, for example, to understand the physical origin of the direct CP violation parameter {epsilon}'. As a concrete example, we consider the new operators present in minimal left-right symmetric models.


In this paper,a dynamic model of robots are investigated based on fuzzy neural network(FNN).The dynamic model system is divided into three subsystems. The inertial matrix, centrifugal and Coriolis matrix, gravity matrix are trained respectively by using three fuzzy network models, and then the solutions to inverse dynamic model problem can be obtained. Finally , the simulation calculation of dynamics for a four celled tetrahedron-tetrahedron variable geometry truss manipulator is given for illustration.


The aesthetic modernity study of contemporary China tries to find a way to walk out of modernity crisis by the rescue of aesthetic modernity on the base of modernity.However,as a crisis consciousness,modernity problem is not produced by the internal of itself,but the suspicion of outside reflecting criticism.Since the rise of post modernity theory has made "modern" a problem,we should review and criticize modernity from the view of post modernity,and re-describe aesthetic modernity problem to explore the criticizing and suspecting spirit from it.


The relationship between ranks of cities and their population allows a better understanding of past population growth and of the present conditions of a city in a given country. There apparently is an inverse relationship between the number of cities in a given rank and the level of the population in that category as measured mainly by literacy and by attendance to cultural manifestations. This article applies this statistical concept to Moroccan cities by utilizing the censuses of 1936 1951-52 1960 and 1971. In 1971 there were 2 prefecture cities in Morocco (rank 1) 27 municipalities (rank 2) 46 autonomous centers (rank 3) and 109 other centers (rank 4). This is a much higher number than that reported in previous years with the greatest change occurring between 1950-1960. Since the classification criteria depend on 4 main factors not easily measured at least in Morocco i.e. number of inhabitants types of commercial activity historic past and economic and administrative importance the classification by rank of most Moroccan cities is at best aleatory.


In composing their review of posterior sacroiliac procedures, King et al. [1] responsibly complied with the requirements of the GRADE system for assessing quality of literature [2]. Doing so, however, generates what might be regarded, in some respects, as unexciting reading. King et al. [1] found the literature in general to be of moderate quality. However, the constraints of GRADE do not permit reviewers to explore other more incisive questions that are of interest to consumers, such as, do these procedures really work, and should we use them? King et al. [1] deferred these questions to a later, separate exercise that would address appropriate use criteria (AUC).


Abstract Sucrose phosphorylase is a bacterial α-transglucosidase that catalyses glucosyl transfer from sucrose to phosphate, releasing d-fructose and α-d-glucose 1-phosphate as the product of the first (enzyme glucosylation) and second (enzyme deglucosylation) step of the enzymatic reaction, respectively. The transferred glucosyl moiety of sucrose is accommodated at the catalytic subsite of the phosphorylase through a network of charged hydrogen bonds whereby a highly conserved residue pair of Asp and Arg points towards the equatorial hydroxyl at C4. To examine the role of this 'hyperpolar' binding site for the substrate 4-OH, we have mutated Asp49 and Arg395 of Leuconostoc mesenteroides sucrose phosphorylase individually to Ala (D49A) and Leu (R395L), respectively, and also prepared an 'uncharged' double mutant harbouring both site-directed substitutions. The efficiency for enzyme glucosylation from sucrose was massively decreased in purified preparations of D49A (107-fold) and R395L (105-fold) as compared to wild-type enzyme. The double mutant was not active above the detection limit. Enzyme deglucosylation to phosphate proceeded relatively efficient in D49A as well as R395L, about 500-fold less than in the wild-type phosphorylase. Substrate inhibition by phosphate and a loss in selectivity for reaction with phosphate as compared to water were new features in the two mutants. Asp49 and Arg395 are both essential in the catalytic reaction of L. mesenteroides sucrose phosphorylase.


Abstract : The Simulated Telemetry Data Generation Control Program (STGR) has been designed to provide realistic telemetry data (Fixed Format and Event Items) under card input control. The simulated data will be packed in the same format as the Telemetry Report Message (Message Type #13). In the present version, only the FM/FM telemetry data is simulated. Additional capability to simulate PAM and PCM telemetry data (exclusive of special vehicle-specific payload telemetry) will be incorporated (if desirable) at a future date, when adequate information is available.


This conceptual paper examines voluntary versus mandatory cloud-based training, generating recommendations to harmonise the complementarity of face-to-face and online media in future careers. Technological change was already accelerating when the COVID-19 pandemic response turbocharged transformations of knowledge dissemination in training, thus impacting learning and competency development for the future. The methodology applies comprehensive, structured literature review following PRISMA guidelines with development of a novel conceptual framework illuminating facets of knowledge dissemination. Exploring the context of workplace training and the future of careers with aid of NVivo it was found that altered social cues in cloud training are generating changes in learner attention span, engagement, and peer-to-peer interaction, potentially increasing contract cheating. It is hence recommended that stakeholders demarcate theoretical and practical learning outcomes to develop hybrid cloud media and face-to-face knowledge dissemination to accentuate professional accreditation requirements, engagement and etiquette in virtual spaces, and improve understanding of work-home balance.


A new Courseware Development Environment (CoDE) is currently being developed for Hyperwave World Wide Web servers. CoDE provides instructional designers with an easy-to-use yet powerful environment to develop online training; students have the ability to access this training using a standard Web browser. Functionality of the Hyperwave server is extended by: (1) a Multimedia Editor, providing the capability for creating highly interactive learning elements with functionality that cannot be achieved in plain HTML format; (2) a Page Editor, providing a convenient way for authoring pages by means of reusing existing elements; and (2) a Structure Editor, providing a way to impose a navigable structure on top of existing collections of pages, thus creating a learning unit. Each of these components, described in detail in this paper, are based on a common tool, called "Tree View," that provides a unified access to a local drive or a Hyperwave server. Figures present diagrams of page template components, saving a learning unit to a Hyperwave server, and accessing a learning unit, as well as screens of activating a macro cell and editing a learning unit. (AEF) ******************************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. ******************************************************************************** U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION Office of Educational Research and Improvement EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) 0 This document has been reproduced as received from the person or organization originating it. 0 Minor changes have been made to 0\ improve reproduction quality. ° Points of view or opinions stated in this document do not necessarily represent official OERI position or policy. "PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY


Shape from shading is an important branch in 3 D computer vision Firstly, this paper presents the calculation 3 D results of shape from shading with photometric stereo images, and careful analysis is introduced Furthermore, an improved algorithm with a single image is proposed, consisting of smooth surface constraint, boundary conditions, and gray weighted regulation of light error The accuracy of the algorithm is verified with a single synthetic image Finally, for consideration of the imaging conditions of real weld pool, 3 D surface shape of the weld pool is successfully recovered using the algorithm with a single weld pool image


xxx Although the Bayesian approach provides a complete solution to model-based analysis, it is often difficult to obtain closed-form solutions for complex models. However, numerical solutions to Bayesian modeling problems are now becoming attractive because of the advent of powerful, low-cost computers and new algorithms. We describe a general-purpose implementation of the Bayesian methodology on workstations that can deal with complex nonlinear models in a very flexible way. The models are represented by a data-flow diagram that may be manipulated by the analyst through a graphical-programming environment that is based on a fully object-oriented design. Maximum a posteriori solutions are achieved using a general optimization algorithm. A new technique for estimating and visualizing the uncertainties in specific aspects of the model is incorporated.


With the increasing popularization of E-business and its gradually becoming the main pattern of consumption, people's concept of consumption and present concerned legislation will face severe challenges. This essay mainly discusses some new law issues from the angle of protection of consumers'rights and interests, which include consumers'rights to know facts and to return and exchange purchase, the validity of cyber charter, protection of consumers'privacy and rights of criticism and supervision.


In order to evaluate the integrity of nuclear reactor components, a mechanical test using standard test specimen is required. However, it is not always possible to use standard test specimens. So small specimens are often used when it is difficult to obtain standard test specimens, such as irradiation materials in the nuclear reactor components. In particular, handling of standard test specimens of irradiated materials is quite difficult. Even in the neutron irradiation test using a research reactor, small specimens are often used due to the limited space for irradiation test. In addition, in the case of manufacturing test specimens directly from irradiated components such as reactor vessels or internals, they are used to minimize radiation exposure. There are many restrictions on the production of mechanical test specimens using irradiated materials in a hot cell. In general, rod-type specimens are used for tensile property evaluation. At this time, grinding is performed after machining the specimen in order to remove the surface stress caused by machining of the gauge part as much as possible. However, in order to manufacture a tensile specimen from an irradiated material, it is considering making a small plate-type specimen using wire-EDM(electric discharge machining) equipment. However, there is considerable difficulty in grinding process to remove the stress of the gauge part after machining. In this study, the effect of the surface condition of small tensile specimens used to evaluate the tensile properties of irradiated materials on the tensile properties of 316 stainless steel was evaluated.


In accordance with the principles of sustainable development, improving the quality and durability of structural elements and coatings, the construction industry requires the development and the implementation of resource- and energy-efficient building materials, as well as innovative technologies for their production. The use of complex modifiers for no-slump concrete mixtures and concrete is becoming increasingly widespread in modern materials science. The article presents the studies of influence of polymer additive structured carbon nanomaterials on physical and mechanical characteristics of no-slump concrete mixtures. The methods of infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis showed that the use of carbon nanomaterials alters the structure of no-slump concrete mixtures significantly. As a result of the fact that the high-strength nanomaterial is the centre of crystallization of cement stone neo-formation, a denser reinforced microstructure is formed, which increases significantly the strength properties of no-slump concrete mixtures. The inclusion of a complex polymer additive in no-slump concrete mixtures leads to higher and longer plasticizing, which plays an important role in the production of monolithic products. It was determined that, in the presence of a complex modifier (a polymer additive structured by carbon nanotubes), the crystalline structure of calcium silicate hydrate is compacted, which determines high physical and mechanical characteristics of modified no-slump concrete mixtures. It was experimentally shown that the additive acted as an accelerator of a setting and hardening cement test and also increases its strength characteristics. In general, in this study, there is a water-reducing effect from the application of the additive for all no-slump concrete mixtures. Water consumption is reduced by 5% of the mass, while the strength is increased by 19%. No-slump concrete mixtures recipes modified by polymer additives, structured by carbon nanotubes, with high performance were developed.


In this retrospective cohort study using data from an integrated primary care and subspecialty network, we examined medical records of children seen in primary care at eligible autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening ages and followed through at least 4 years of age. We examined the prevalence of ASD; age of first documented ASD diagnosis; and whether the prevalence and age of documented diagnosis varied by race, ethnicity, socio-economic status (SES) and site of care (urban versus suburban/rural). The prevalence of ASD across the cohort was 3.2%, with a median age of diagnosis of 3.93 years. ASD prevalence was unexpectedly higher among Asian children, non-Hispanic Black children, children with higher Social Vulnerability Index scores (a neighborhood-level proxy of socio-economic risk), and children who received care in urban primary care sites. There were no statistically significant differences in age at which ASD diagnosis was documented across socio-demographic groups. Receiving primary care at an urban site accounted for most other socio-demographic differences in ASD prevalence rates, except among Asian children, who were found to have higher adjusted odds of ASD diagnosis compared to White children (aOR = 1.82, p < .001). Determining what clinical-, individual- or systems-level factors contribute to ASD diagnosis remains important to improve equity. Lay Abstract Historically, children from non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic backgrounds, those from lower-income families, and girls are less likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Under-identification among these historically and contemporaneously marginalized groups can limit their access to early, autism spectrum disorder-specific interventions, which can have long-term negative impacts. Recent data suggest that some of these trends may be narrowing, or even reversing. Using electronic health record data, we calculated autism spectrum disorder prevalence rates and age of first documented diagnosis across socio-demographic groups. Our cohort included children seen at young ages (when eligible for screening in early childhood) and again at least after 4 years of age in a large primary care network. We found that autism spectrum disorder prevalence was unexpectedly higher among Asian children, non-Hispanic Black children, children with higher Social Vulnerability Index scores (a measure of socio-economic risk at the neighborhood level), and children who received care in urban primary care sites. We did not find differences in the age at which autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were documented in children's records across these groups. Receiving primary care at an urban site (regardless of location of specialty care) appeared to account for most other socio-demographic differences in autism spectrum disorder prevalence rates, except among Asian children, who remained more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder after controlling for other factors. We must continue to better understand the process by which children with autism spectrum disorder from traditionally under-identified and under-served backgrounds come to be recognized, to continue to improve the equity of care.


High-speed links are commonly used in High Energy Physics experiments for data acquisition, trigger and timing distribution. For this reason, a radiation-hard link is being developed in order to match the increasing bandwidth demand of the backend electronics and computing systems. In this framework, the LpGBT - which is the evolution of the GBTx SERDES - is being designed and is foreseen to be installed in CMS and ATLAS for Phase-2 upgrades. The LpGBT-FPGA IP core is proposed to offer a backend counterpart of the LpGBT. This paper presents the IP architecture, the status of its development and future steps.


Jiang, Wanling Ph.D., Purdue University, May 2019. Color Halftoning based on Neugebauer Primary Area Coverage and Novel Color Halftoning Algorithm for Ink Savings. Major Professor: Jan P. Allebach. This dissertation primarily studies the problem related to image quality and ink savings in printing devices. It consists of three parts: color halftoning based on Neugebauer Primary area coverage, PARAWACS screen design and optimization and a novel color halftoning algorithm for ink savings. We will first illustrate a halftoning method with Neugebauer Primary Area Coverage (NPAC) direct binary search (DBS). To represent a continuous-tone color image in limited amount of ink, we need the assistance of the human visual system (HVS) model, by comparing the filtered original and halftoned images, we are able to obtain a homogeneous and smooth halftone colored image. The halftoning is based on separating the colored image represented in Neugebauer Primary space in three channels based on human visual system. The optimization is obtained by swapping the halftoned image pixels and bringing the error metric to its minimum (swap only DBS). The separation of chrominance HVS filters between red-green and blue-yellow channels allows us to represent the HVS more accurately. Color halftone images generated using this method and the method of using traditional screening methods are compared, and our method significantly reduces moire effect. Then, we discuss how to achieve faster halftoning speed using PARAWACS screen. PARAWACS screen in this document refer to a screen designed using DBS to generate halftone images mimicking the effect of DBS monochrome as well as colored halftone, this screen is created level by level.With PARAWACS screen, we can create halftone using simple pixel by pixel comparison to create halftone with the merit of DBS,


The present status of the Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) is presented along with the latest results from its operating prototype, CUORICINO.


In this article, a new two-DOF linear ultrasonic motor operating in three vibration modes is developed and its capability to exhibit high thrust force density and high power density is tested. Here, the driving force is produced by synchronously exciting the torsional (T) and centrosymmetric-bending (Bc) modes, whereas the normal force is generated with the symmetric-bending (Bs) mode. Initially, the T-Bc/Bs hybrid transducer in cross shape is designed through modal degeneration and the working principle is verified by simulation. Subsequently, a 50-mm-high 130-mm-long transducer prototype is fabricated to make the slider movable along two horizontal axes (x and y). Finally, the performance is assessed via experiments. When the voltage is 250 V and the working frequency is ∼21.6 kHz, the motor yielded the maximal thrust force, no-load sliding speed, and maximal output power of, respectively, 84.3 N, 1562 mm/s, and 33.2 W in the x-axis; and 86.2 N, 1531 mm/s, and 34.1 W in the y-axis. Moreover, the thrust force density and power density reached, respectively, 78.4 N/kg and 31.0 W/kg, exceeding the values of most conventional two-DOF linear ones. This article validates the T-Bc/Bs motor's high actuating capability and also provides a new approach to design powerful two-DOF linear motors.


Abstract Background: Pleurihormonal pituitary adenomas represent 10-15% of all functioning pituitary adenomas1. One of the rarest combinations is ACTH-GH co-secretion with concomitant acromegaly and Cushing's disease. Clinical Case: 30-year-old female with type 2 diabetes (A1c 11.4%) developed rapidly progressive peripheral neuropathy. Labs revealed a transaminitis. Hepatic ultrasound revealed fatty infiltration of the liver consistent with steatosis. Patient endorsed life-long "chicken legs", buffalo hump, and easy bruising. She continued to have worsening paresthesias and stated her teeth were "more translucent". At an endocrinology visit peripheral muscle wasting, atraumatic bruising at the ankles and toes,and striae on the abdomen, shoulders, breasts, and armpits were noted. She had also noted teeth separation and thinning over time and worsening diffuse joint aches. Lab results showed elevated cortisol value of 8.4 mcg/dl after 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test. 24-hour urine cortisol was elevated (87 ug/24 hrs, nl < 45 ug/24 hrs), confirming the diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome. ACTH was inappropriately normal (56 pg/mL, nl 7.2 – 63 pg/mL), suggesting ACTH dependency. IGF-1 was elevated twice (328 ng/dL and 391 ng/dL, nl <303 ng/dL), and a GH suppression test was abnormal (GH 1.14 ng/mL at 90 minutes) confirming the diagnosis of acromegaly. Brain MRI revealed a cystic pituitary microadenoma (0.5 x 0.5 x 0.6 cm), and the patient underwent surgical resection via transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary surgery with total tumor removal. Immunostaining was positive for only synaptophysin and ACTH. Postoperative diagnosis of Cushing's disease was made, with formal diagnosis of acromegaly pending improvement in follow-up IGF-1 levels. Literature reviews have revealed very few cases of pleurihormonal pituitary adenomas presenting with concomitant Cushing's Syndrome and acromegaly. Roca et. al examined 17 studies which described 20 patients with this condition; only 4 presented with symptoms of both acromegaly and Cushing's disease. In many cases previously reported, the clinical presentation of Cushing's syndrome was subtle, often with subclinical Cushing's syndrome, while patients had florid symptoms of acromegaly.1. Conclusion: This Cushing's predominant case of a GH-ACTH co-secreting tumor is an incredibly rare presentation for this pleurihormonal pituitary adenoma, which is already a rare diagnosis. References: 1.Roca E, Mattogno PP, Porcelli T, Poliani L, Belotti F, Schreiber A, Maffezzoni F, Fontanella MM, Doglietto F. Plurihormonal ACTH-GH Pituitary Adenoma: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review. World Neurosurg. 2018 Jun;114:e158-e164. PMID: 29501516.


Eisenhart's classical unified field theory is based on a non-Riemannian affine connection related to the covariant derivative of the electromagnetic field tensor. The sourceless field equations of this theory arise from vanishing of the torsion trace and the symmetrized Ricci tensor. We formulate Eisenhart's theory from the metric-affine variational principle. In this formulation, a Lagrange multiplier constraining the torsion becomes the source for the Maxwell equations.


Funding from Unisa research office enabled me to complete and present this paper at an international scientific conference prior to publication.


. The chemical and structural evolution of die Magellanic Clouds are compared with those of the Galaxy. Simple models with gas infall and bimodal star formation are assumed, and are constrained by die most recent observational data. The evolution of the gas content, and the He, C, Ο and Fe abundances are all successfully modelled. The abundance of Ν is, however, predicted too high, and die apparent ages of the oldest star clusters are inconsistent with die simple model. supernova; (e) the percentage of white dwarfs that form binaries; (f) the ratio of low mass to high mass SFRs. The slope of the IMF is fixed mainly by the observed oxygen abundance, while the percentage of binaries and τ^π together are fixed by the iron abundance. The gas infall timescale is determined by the observed time of maximum star formation, and the ratio of gas mass to total mass fixes the gas depletion timescale. The ratio of low- to high-mass SFRs was chosen to be the same as that derived by Dopita (1989) for the Galaxy. Modelling showed that even a 25% error in


Through making physical fitness testing on 43109 adults people in Zhejiang province, the author compares and analyzes the effect of age, gender, occupation, living environment, sports exercise, social economy on the level of adult physical fitness. The result shows that there are some effects of age, gender, occupation and living environment on adult physical fitness. Sports activity can improve the level of physical fitness effectively, while the developments of economy dose not promote the physical fitness of local people at same pace. It suggests that it is important to make physical fitness test on adult and strengthen publicizing of physical exercise.


Modified Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy Protocol Treating Substance Abuse Disorders by Elise Von Tersch MA, California State University, Sacramento, 2012 BS, California State University, Sacramento, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August 2019 Abstract Quality substance abuse treatment is needed to help fight the battle against drug addiction. This qualitative study was designed to explore some of the approaches to eye movement desensitization (EMDR) therapy that therapists trained in Parnell's adapted EMDR model use in conjunction with treatment for addictions. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to investigate the experience of therapists who incorporate substance abuse treatment with Parnell's adapted EMDR model when treating trauma and substance use disorders. The population studied comprised licensed mental health therapists who had completed Parnell's EMDR training and implemented Parnell's modified EMDR protocol in their professional practice. The data from 9 participantQuality substance abuse treatment is needed to help fight the battle against drug addiction. This qualitative study was designed to explore some of the approaches to eye movement desensitization (EMDR) therapy that therapists trained in Parnell's adapted EMDR model use in conjunction with treatment for addictions. The purpose of this narrative inquiry was to investigate the experience of therapists who incorporate substance abuse treatment with Parnell's adapted EMDR model when treating trauma and substance use disorders. The population studied comprised licensed mental health therapists who had completed Parnell's EMDR training and implemented Parnell's modified EMDR protocol in their professional practice. The data from 9 participant interviews were coded and NVIVO data analysis software was used to identify key concepts and themes including deviations from Parnell's modified protocol, incorporating addiction treatment within the modified protocol, and the importance of the resourcing phase in the modified protocol. The study findings provided a deeper understanding of the types of addiction therapies that therapists are using in conjunction with Parnell's EMDR model. The results also showed that that participants perceived Parnell's EMDR model, combined with addiction therapeutic techniques and approaches, as beneficial in treating those with trauma and substance use disorders. By integrating addiction therapies with Parnell's EMDR protocol, EMDR certified trainers may better educate EMDR trainees about useful strategies for treating dual diagnosed clients. The strategies may shorten the client's time in treatment and provide a strong foundation for therapists as they conduct therapy for dual diagnosed people. Modified Eye Movement Desensitization Therapy Protocol Treating Substance Abuse Disorders by Elise Von Tersch MA, California State University, Sacramento, 2012 BS, California State University, Sacramento, 2006 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Health Psychology Walden University August 2019 Acknowledgments I am grateful for the guidance and expertise of Dr. Tracy Masiello and Dr. Yoly Zentella in completing this study. I am thankful for my husband Eric Von Tersch for his continued support. I am grateful for everyone who contributed to the completion of this dissertation.


Natural sex hormones, estradiol-17 beta (EST), progesterone (PRO) and testosterone (TES), in sixty domestic bovine muscles and forty bovine muscles imported from USA and Australia were determined by radioimmunoassay. The EST, PRO and TES levels (mean +/- standard deviation) in domestic samples (n = 60) was 1.15 +/- 1.87 ppt, 3.19 +/- 5.80 ppb and 30.9 +/- 122.1 ppt on a whole basis, respectively. The hormone levels in muscles was presumed to reflect sex, estrous cycle, and so on. The hormone levels in imported bovine muscles (n = 40) were 3.33 +/- 2.83 ppt (EST), 0.52 +/- 0.50 ppb (PRO) and 8.8 +/- 13.0 ppt (TES), respectively.


KEYWORDS • Anopheles • malaria • mosquito • nanomedicine • Plasmodium • targeted drug delivery • transmission stages With malaria elimination now firmly on the global research agenda, but resistance to the currently available drugs on the rise, there is an urgent need to invest in the research and development of new therapeutic strategies [1]. Drugs can potentially target a suite of pathogen life stages inside two different hosts: humans and the insect vector. Infection starts when a parasitized female Anopheles mosquito inoculates sporozoites of the malaria parasite , the protist Plasmodium spp., into a person while taking a blood meal. Within a few minutes, sporozoites have migrated through the skin and bloodstream to the liver, where they invade hepatocytes. Sporozoites develop into merozoites [2], which enter the circulation, invade red blood cells (RBCs) [3], and replicate asexually to produce daughter cells that invade new RBCs to perpetuate the blood-stage cycle. Some parasites eventually differentiate into sexual stages, female or male game-tocytes that are ingested by a mosquito from peripheral blood. When an infected blood meal reaches the insect's midgut, micro-and macro-gametocytes develop into male and female gametes. Following fertilization, the zygote differentiates into an ookinete that moves through the mid-gut epithelium and forms an oocyst, which releases sporozoites. The malaria transmission cycle is restarted when sporozo-ites migrate to the salivary glands and are injected into a human with the mosquito's next bite. Current chemotherapeutic approaches against malaria infections are targeted at the asexual blood-stage parasites that are responsible for all symptoms and patholo-gies of the disease [4]. However, as there can be several hundred billion Plasmodium-infected RBCs (pRBCs) in the bloodstream of a malarious patient, multiple-dose administrations of antimalarials are required to clear infections. Continuous exposure of parasites to drugs increases the likelihood that resistance will evolve, which will rapidly decrease treatment efficacy. The threat of resistance-driven treatment failure is prompting research oriented toward developing drugs that target the weakest spots in the parasite life cycle represented by smaller populations, which are less likely to " The history of malaria control shows us that defeating Plasmodium will not be an easy task, and we need to consider all options in our fight against the disease. " For reprint orders, please contact: email@example.com future science group contain resistant individuals that would benefit from the removal of susceptible parasites [5]. The two main bottlenecks in the malaria transmission cycle are found …


This study aimed to: (1) explore leadership styles in Canadia Bank Plc based on Bass's model (1985), (2) discover perceptions of staff towards the level of learning organization in the bank, and (3) investigate whether department managers' leadership styles have significant impact on dimensions of learning organization. This study was based on Watkins and Marsick's model and Bass's theory so as to explore the level of learning organization and leadership styles. The data were collected from 168 staff working in the bank head office by administering questionnaire, and were analyzed by descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (multiple regression). The findings revealed that leadership styles in the bank were transformational and transactional leadership. However, transformational leadership was practiced more often than transactional leadership. The level of learning organization in the bank was at "often" level. The study further revealed that transactional leadership had more influence in cultivating learning organization than transformational leadership.


The purpose of educational innovation is to create superior humans, superior quality humans who are able to see and take advantage of existing opportunities to improve their standard of living. In line with the aim of educational innovation, namely to create superior quality human beings who are creative, adaptive and competitive to change. So the role of the Principal is very important. This means that the principal's performance is a very determining factor for the quality of learning / education which will have implications for the quality of education output. Schools that are developing and advanced and have excellent graduates are usually led by a principal who has a good performance as well. The principal has a big responsibility to make it happen. Therefore, a principal who is professional and has productive behavior is needed to overcome the various problems that come to the world of education. This demand leads to the importance of productive behavior that must be possessed by school principals. The principal has an important role in the implementation of school education so that teachers can work optimally to achieve educational goals. This study aims to analyze the productive behavior of the Principals of Public Elementary Schools in Pakal District of Surabaya based on their Psychological Capital (PsyCap) as well as the current organizational culture. This study uses a quantitative approach. Data obtained through a questionnaire that measures the variable Psychological Capital (PsyCap), Organizational Culture and productive behavior. This questionnaire was given to all school principals in Pakal District, totaling 6 people. Data were analyzed statistically with the Multiple Linear Regression Analysis technique. To simplify the calculation of data in this study, researchers used the SPSS version 23 software application.


We read with great interest the article by Groneck et al (Pediatrics. 1994;93:712-718). The authors concluded that an inflammatory reaction is present in the lungs of preterm infants prone to develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and they suggested that this concept of inflammation could link the pathophysiological gap between barotrauma- and oxygen toxicity-induced injury and subsequent lung fibrosis. In their study, a total of 12 neonates developed BPD: 11 of 24 neonates in the BPD-risk group and 1 of 35 in the control group.


The future distribution of river fishes will be jointly affected by climate and land use changes forcing species to move in space. However, little is known whether fish species will be able to keep pace with predicted climate and land use‐driven habitat shifts, in particular in fragmented river networks. In this study, we coupled species distribution models (stepwise boosted regression trees) of 17 fish species with species‐specific models of their dispersal (fish dispersal model FIDIMO) in the European River Elbe catchment. We quantified (i) the extent and direction (up‐ vs. downstream) of predicted habitat shifts under coupled "moderate" and "severe" climate and land use change scenarios for 2050, and (ii) the dispersal abilities of fishes to track predicted habitat shifts while explicitly considering movement barriers (e.g., weirs, dams). Our results revealed median net losses of suitable habitats of 24 and 94 river kilometers per species for the moderate and severe future scenarios, respectively. Predicted habitat gains and losses and the direction of habitat shifts were highly variable among species. Habitat gains were negatively related to fish body size, i.e., suitable habitats were projected to expand for smaller‐bodied fishes and to contract for larger‐bodied fishes. Moreover, habitats of lowland fish species were predicted to shift downstream, whereas those of headwater species showed upstream shifts. The dispersal model indicated that suitable habitats are likely to shift faster than species might disperse. In particular, smaller‐bodied fish (<200 mm) seem most vulnerable and least able to track future environmental change as their habitat shifted most and they are typically weaker dispersers. Furthermore, fishes and particularly larger‐bodied species might substantially be restricted by movement barriers to respond to predicted climate and land use changes, while smaller‐bodied species are rather restricted by their specific dispersal ability.


Study Design. Prospective study to evaluate the association between strap tension and brace interface forces in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis using the Boston brace system. Objectives. To determine the strap tension associated with optimal brace interface forces. Summary of Background Data. Trim lines, pad placement, and areas of relief for the brace are guided by radiographic studies. However, optimal adjustment of strap tension is unclear and remains mostly empirical. Methods. Brace interface forces in all regions of the trunk were measured for 41 patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis at three standardized strap tensions (20 N, 40 N, and 60 N). The brace interface forces were assessed using a mat made of force-sensing transducers. Equivalent interface pressure for each trunk region was also calculated to estimate the distribution of the interface forces. Results. The brace interface forces and the corresponding effective areas increased along with the strap tension for all patients. For patients with a single right thoracic curve, the interface pressure tended to increase with increasing strap tension. This increase was significant in the left axillary, right thoracic, right pelvic, and sternal regions. For double right thoracic–left lumbar curves, the increase in interface pressure was significant in the left axillary, right pelvic, and sternal regions. However, most of this increase occurred between 20 N and 40 N of strap tension, with only slight increase or even a decrease in interface pressures between 40 N and 60 N. Conclusions. The strap tension should be set as high as possible (up to 60 N) for right thoracic curves. For right thoracic–left lumbar curves, the optimal strap tension was ∼40 N. However, clinicians should ensure that the prescribed strap tension does not cause excessive skin pressure or affect the compliance with the brace. A side opening in the right lumbar area may improve the effectiveness of the brace for double right thoracic-left lumbar curves, but care must be taken to avoid skin problems at the opening.


It is for the first time that heavy metals content in the benthic sediments of Asylykul Lake has been studied. Iron, the element dominating in mass concentration, has been established. Interesting results, that allow the ecological and fish-husbandry outcomes of water environment contamination to be evaluated and forecasted, have been obtained.


It has been shown that a single antenna can be used in a reconfigurable manner, which can have radiation beam maximums from boresite to 65 degrees, while maintaining a low profile.


Ni1−xMnxO (0.01 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.03) thin films exhibiting p-type conductivity and room-temperature ferromagnetism (FM) were grown by pulsed laser deposition. The x-ray absorption fine structure spectra results at the Mn K edge indicate that the Mn impurities are incorporated substitutionally into the NiO host, and are in the mixed oxidation state (+2/+3). Magnetization measurements show enhanced saturation magnetic moment of Ni1−xMnxO with increased content of Mn3+ ions, suggesting tight correlation of FM to Mn3+ rather than to Mn2+ ions. The first-principles calculations suggest that the strong hybridization between the Mn3+ 3d states and a Ni-vacancy-induced acceptor state accounts for the room-temperature FM of the Ni1−xMnxO films.


Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the cause of most premature deaths in more-developed countries. Although conventional risk factors account for much of the population attributable risk of CVD, they are less effective at predicting future cardiovascular events (ie, heart attack and stroke) in individuals since many people without CVD also have 1 or more risk factors present. A possible explanation is the link between infection and atherosclerosis, first suggested a century ago by William Osler and undergoing a resurgence of interest in recent times.


Building Resilience Against Violent Extremism (BRAVE), the World Organization for Resource Development and Education (WORDE)'s community-based approach to countering violent extremism (CVE), has gained international recognition for its approach to CVE and its emphasis on research-driven strategies. This article provides an overview of the BRAVE model and suggests practical steps for how to structure an effective, research-based CVE program, based on the BRAVE experience.


Construction industry is an important aspect in every countries economy. It is necessary to optimize time and cost of construction for maximum benefit. Labour productivity plays important role in construction industry and it may be used as a measure for efficiency of construction activity. Labour productivity mainly depends on its workforce and various other parameter. The response to this problem, this paper presents an approach to measure productivity by identifying factors which are affecting current site selection. The information is dispersed in many literature and is available under various headings. An effort has been made to find out perspective of entities working at various level on usefulness of various process, technologies and techniques. This paper reviews various perspective and studies the analysis done by them and gives an approach for definite measurement of labour productivity.


The aim of this present study was to investigate the change of miR-34a and miR-let-7e expression in cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hypoxia and ischemia of cardiomyocytes in myocardial infarction models. Realtime PCR was used to quantify miR-34a and miR-let-7e expression in cardiomyocytes under hypoxia incubation and after transfection of mimic-miR-34a, miR-let-7e, and its inhibitor. CCK8 assay and flow cytometry were also performed to detect influence on cell viability, proliferation, and apoptosis after treatment by hypoxia and transfection. RT-PCR analysis showed that expression levels of miR-34a were upregulated, whereas miR-let-7e levels were downregulated in a time-dependent manner in cardiomyocyte and cardium tissues under conditions of ischemic hypoxia. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry indicated that cell viability could be increased and apoptosis could be inhibited when accompanied by knockout of miR-34a and upregulation of miR-let-7e. Additionally, Western blotting revealed that bcl-2 protein levels were significantly inhibited after knockout of miR-34a of myocardiocytes, whereas they were overexpressed with upregulation of miR-34a (miR-34a-Inhibitor vs NC, p = 0.02; miR-34a-mimic vs NC, p = 0.02). Correlation between circulation expression of miR-34a and miR-let-7e was negative in the myocardium infarction model (Spearman's correlation analysis, r = -0.942, p<0.001). In conclusion, this study indicates that miR-34a promotes the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in a myocardial infarction model, whereas miR-let-7e inhibits occurrence of apoptosis. Pro-apoptotic effects of miR-34a may be associated with upregulation of bcl-2 but the mechanisms of miR-let-7e need to be further studied. Therefore, miR-34a and miR-let-7e may be potential therapeutic targets in myocardial infarction.


This paper introduces the recent effort to use surface tension in MEMS, especially, to use electrowetting for efficient pumping in microfluidics. Importance of surface tension in microscale is explained, and examples of utilizing it to design microdevices are presented. Development of several devices employing different types of electrowetting is explained. Empowered by the efficient pumping by electrowetting microactuation, a programmable digital microfluidic circuit chip is proposed.


N-Aryl-N-methylaminocyclohexanols 10-12 were synthesised and their crystal structures were studied by X-ray diffraction. Compound 10 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cc with cell parameters of a = 13.7366(2) A u , b = 13.7234(2) A u , c = 26.9057(5) A u , b = 93.0900(5), V = 5064.70(14) A u 3 and Z = 16. Com- pound 11 crystallizes in the trigonal space group P 3 with cell parameters of a = b = 25.4429(4) A u , c = 9.6417(2) A u , V = 5405.27(16) A u 3 and Z = 18. Compound 12 crys- tallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with cell parameters of a = 9.9511(2) A u , b = 11.5777(2) A u , c = 20.5968(4) A u , b = 95.5037(9), V = 2362.04(8) A u 3 and Z = 8. All three structures were characterised by arrays of hydrogen bonding interactions and these crys- tallographic studies revealed conformations of 10-12 which gave valuable information into the mechanism of the reaction during their formation.


Purpose
Unfortunately, the occurrence of natural disasters is inevitable all over the world. Hence, this paper aims to analyze a scenario-based collaborative problem in a relief supply chain (RSC), where nongovernmental organizations can participate in relief activities with governmental organizations. This study focuses on location-allocation, inventory management and distribution planning under uncertain demand, budget, transportation and holding costs where government and private distribution centers receive relief items from suppliers then send them to affected areas. The performance of the proposed model is surveyed in a real case study in Dorud.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops a nonlinear mixed-integer programming model that seeks to maximize the coverage of demand points and minimize operating costs and traveled distance. The linear programming-metric technique and grasshopper optimization algorithm are applied to survey the model's applicability and efficiency.

Findings
This study compares noncollaborative and collaborative cases in terms of the number of applied distribution centers and RSC's goals, then demonstrates that the collaborative model not only improves the coverage of demand points but also minimizes cost and traveled distance. In fact, the presented approach helps governments efficiently surmount problems created after a disaster, notwithstanding existing uncertainties, by determining a strategic plan for collaboration with nongovernmental organizations for relief activities.

Originality/value
Relief strategies considered in previous research have not been sufficiently examined from the perspective of collaboration of governmental and nongovernmental organizations and provided an approach to develop the coverage of affected areas and reducing costs and traveled distance despite various uncertainties. Hence, the authors aim to manage RSCs better by offering a mathematical model whose performance has been proved in a real case study.


The split follows the process initially introduced by Chorin [1,2] for incompressible flow problems in the finite difference context. Similar extensions of the split to finite element formulation for different applications of incompressible flows have carried out by many authors [3]. The same split have also done by the author of this paper using multi-grid methods to incompressible flows [4]. The characteristics-Based Split (CBS) Algorithm has first introduced by Zienkiewicz and Codina [5] to solve the fluid dynamics equations of both compressible and incompressible forms. This new form is applicable to fully compressible flows in both explicit and semi-implicit forms. In the case of real compressibility such as in gas flows, the computational advantages of the explicit form compare well with other currently used schemes and the additional cost due to splitting the operator is insignificant. Generally for an ideal case, results are considerably improved throughout a large range of aerodynamic problems. However, a further advantage is that both subsonic and supersonic problems can be solved by the same code [5]. Similar, the case in Multi-Grid code developed in [4] can cope with large range of aerodynamic / hydrodynamic and subsonic / supersonic problems can be solved by the same code. This gives a true comparison between the two strategies. In the current paper, a comparative analysis of Multi-Grid solution and solution obtained by CBS algorithm for the incompressible flow problems is done. Results are obtained and presented for discussions. Index Term-CBS algorithm, Mesh Generation, Multi-Grid method, Finite element method, Navier-Stokes equations, Bench mark Problems.


A new aminophenolate compound [2——4,6-But2C6H2OZnEt]2(2)was prepared from the reaction of ZnEt2 and the corresponding aminophenolate ligand,2——4,6-But2C6H2OH(1)which was synthesized from 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol,formaldehyde and N-methylaniline in methanol by Mannich reaction.The products were characterized by elemental analysis,1H-NMR,13C-NMR and X-ray single-crystal diffraction.


Adolescence is a stage of fast growth and development. Exposures during puberty can have long-term effects on health in later life. This study aims to investigate the role of adolescent lifestyle in biological aging. The study participants originated from the longitudinal FinnTwin12 study (n = 5114). Adolescent lifestyle-related factors, including body mass index (BMI), leisure-time physical activity, smoking and alcohol use, were based on self-reports and measured at ages 12, 14 and 17 years. For a subsample, blood-based DNA methylation (DNAm) was used to assess biological aging with six epigenetic aging measures in young adulthood (21-25 years, n = 824). A latent class analysis was conducted to identify patterns of lifestyle behaviors in adolescence, and differences between the subgroups in later biological aging were studied. Genetic and environmental influences on biological aging shared with lifestyle behavior patterns were estimated using quantitative genetic modelling. We identified five subgroups of participants with different adolescent lifestyle behavior patterns. When DNAm GrimAge, DunedinPoAm and DunedinPACE estimators were used, the class with the unhealthiest lifestyle and the class of participants with high BMI were biologically older than the classes with healthier lifestyle habits. The differences in lifestyle-related factors were maintained into young adulthood. Most of the variation in biological aging shared with adolescent lifestyle was explained by common genetic factors. These findings suggest that an unhealthy lifestyle during pubertal years is associated with accelerated biological aging in young adulthood. Genetic pleiotropy can largely explain the observed associations.


The scattering of an arbitrarily oriented and polarized electromagnetic wave by a metallic structure consisting of a semi-elliptical ribbon located inside a dihedral corner reflector is determined exactly, in the phasor domain.


The triazenide complexes cis-[M(C6F5)2(η2-ArNNNAr)] − (M = Pd, Pt; Ar = C6H5, C6H4Me-p), anti-[{Pd(C6F5)(L)(μ-PhNNNPh)}2] [L = PPh3, t-BuNC, PhCN, tht (tht = SC4H8, tetrahydrothiophene)] and anti-[{Pd(C6F5)(Br)(μ-PhNNNPh)}2]2− have been prepared by treatment of the corresponding precursors [{M(C6F5)2(μ-OH)}2]2− (M = Pd, Pt), [{Pd(C6F5)(L)(μ-X)}2] (X = OH or Cl) and [{Pd(C6F5)(Br)(μ-Br)}2]2− with either ArNNNHAr or ArNNNAr−. The stereoselective oxidation of cis-[Pt(C6F5)2(PhNNNPh)]− with PhICl2 or I2 leads to the synthesis of the corresponding mononuclear platinum(IV) complex cis,trans-[Pt(C6F5)2(PhNNNPh)(X)2]− (X = Cl or I). The crystal structures of cis-[Pd(C6F5)2(η2-PhNNNPh)]−, anti-[{Pd(C6F5)(t-BuNC)(μ-PhNNNPh)}2] and cis,trans-[Pt(C6F5)2(η2-PhNNNPh)(Cl)2]− have been established by X-ray diffraction. The Pd⋯Pd distance bridged by the rigid triazenido ligands in anti-[{Pd(C6F5)(t-BuNC)(μ-PhNNNPh)}2] is 2.9907(8) A where a boat conformation of the central 'Pd2N6' eight-membered ring is observed. The [Pt(C6F5)2(η2-PhNNNPh)(Cl)2]− anion shows an octahedral arrangement around the platinum atom, involving two trans-chloro ligands, two cis-C6F5 groups and a chelating triazenide.


It is very important to develop a mapping tool for correctly mapping algorithms on hardware and making them execute effectively.So we design and implement a mapping tool.This paper introduces the design of a mapping tool in detail,and gives two key points of implementation:placement and routing.In the end,we show the output of the mapping tool for several example programs.Test results show that the result of placement is correct and optimum,and the design of the mapping tool is reasonable and its functions are correct.


New loop equations for all genera in {ital c}=1/2 noncritical string theory are constructed. Our loop equations include two types of loops: loops with all Ising spins up (+ loops) and those with all spins down ({minus} loops). The loop equations generate an algebra which is a certain extension of {ital W}{sub 3} algebra and are equivalent to the {ital W}{sub 3} constraints derived before in the matrix-model formulation of 2D gravity. The application of these loop equations to the construction of a Hamiltonian for {ital c}=1/2 string field theory is considered. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}


I studied history at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom and then trained as a history teacher . In 1976, I accompanied my husband Tony to the University of the South Pacific (USP) in Fiji, where he was employed as a lecturer in physics, and for eight years I taught in Fiji schools, learned about Pacific history and did some tutoring at USP in social science and education. This experience started my interest in Pacific history and anthropology and, during the following years while resident in Canberra, I returned to study at The Australian National University (ANU), completing a master's degree in anthropology with a focus on the Pacific.


Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is of vital importance in the diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). However, the LGE image annotations are limited, it is urgently needed to transfer the learned knowledge in other modalities. We propose an unsupervised domain adaptation (UDA) algorithm based on variational autoencoder (VAE) with a Combination of Explicit and Implicit Alignment of feature distributions (VCEIA). First, we re-derive the Kullback-Leibler (KL) divergence of the features extracted in the source and target domains as a measure of distribution discrepancy. Secondly, for explicit category-level distribution alignment, we use contrast learning to reduce the distance between prototypes of the same category in the source and target domains. Finally, we add a domain discriminator to the output space to implicitly align the feature distributions. Extensive experiments were conducted to validate the effectiveness of VCEIA on the MS-CMRSeg 2019 dataset, which showed competitive results.


The article provides a solution to the urgent task of ensuring the protection of the natural environment and vital human interests from the negative effects of dust emissions generated during the production of aerated concrete and construction products based on it. It has been established that when traditional dust emission cleaning systems with cyclones is used, dust is emitted into the atmospheric air, and up to 100 % of the mass of dust is represented with particles of up to 20 microns in size. At the same time their median diameter is 12 microns, the percentage of particles with sizes less than 10 microns (PM10) is 40 %, the percentage of particles with sizes less than 2,5 microns (PM2,5) is 0.5 %. The percentage of particles in the atmospheric air near the industrial site in the summer varies: for PM10 – from 12 % to 40 %; for PM2,5 – from 0.3 % to 0.5 %. At the border of the sanitary protection zone these values are 80 % and 0.5 %, respectively.
In order to reduce dust entering the atmosphere during the production of aerated concrete and construction products based on it, two options for the layout of emission dust removal systems with two consecutively installed dust collectors with counter-rotating flows, two additional devices of smaller sizes, with the organization of suction from the hopper of the main dust collector of the second stage are proposed and from the bunker of one of the additional devices. The use of the proposed dust cleaning system showed that the content of PM10 particles in the stream, emitted into the atmosphere, was decreased by 40 %, the content of PM2,5 particles – by 20 %. At the same time, the emission of dust into the atmosphere was decreased by 8.9 times.
Dependencies characterizing the degree of reduction of dust emissions into the atmosphere were established, as well as the ranges of changes in the regime and design parameters of the proposed dust cleaning systems, which ensure the least amount of dust entering the environment and the least energy costs for carrying out dust removal processes during the production of aerated concrete and building structures based on it.


The independent component analysis is a new method for signal processing, which has been paid attention to in the field of biomedical engineering. This paper introduces the design of biopotential analysis system based on ICA neural network and discusses its foundamental components.


Abstract X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare, genetic, chronically debilitating and deformative bone disease that profoundly impacts the affected individual's day-to-day functioning and quality of life. High levels of circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) lead to excess urinary phosphate excretion and subsequent hypophosphataemia, resulting in defective bone mineralisation. Burosumab is an anti-FGF23 fully human monoclonal antibody, and the first treatment to target the underlying pathophysiology of XLH. Real world evidence has an important role in validating the findings of clinical studies and capturing clinically relevant outcomes. We report the initial experience of burosumab from one UK centre Evelina London Children's Hospital (ELCH) participating in the burosumab early access program (EAP). Methods An EAP for burosumab was made available for children in the United Kingdom with XLH in 12 specialist centres. Inclusion criteria for the EAP included radiographic evidence of disease, XLH confirmed by genetic PHEX mutation, confirmed familial X-linked inheritance mutation or family history. Patients must have also had an unsatisfactory response to best available care and treatment. EAP enrolment was between January and March 2018. A total of 142 applications were received of which 135 were approved with 132 receiving treatment to date.1 Of the 7 declined, 4 failed to meet diagnostic criteria and 3 had insufficient radiological evidence.1 Treatment, including, dose was in accordance with the EMA marketing authorisation. Results Data are available on 9 ELCH patients who had completed the initial 12-week burosumab titration period and 7 patients with 24 week data. Mean age was 6.87 years (range 1.5-16.33 years (44% female)). The mean height and weight at week 0 was 105.7 cm (75-153 cm) and 20.92 kg (10.5-40.5 kg). Mean dose was 0.60 mg/kg at week 0 and 0.90 mg/kg at the end of the initial titration period at week 12 (0.91 mg/kg at week 24). Mean serum phosphorus was 0.67 mmol/L (0.5-0.8 mmol/L) in week 0 and 0.99 mmol/L at week 12 and 1.07 mmol/L at week 24 (0.9-1.3 mmol/L) representing a 60% increase in serum phosphorus levels at week 24. Mean serum ALP fell from 412.44 IU/L (269-495 IU/L) at week 0 to 364.44 IU/L at week 12 and 371.86 IU/L at week 24 (271-508 IU/L). 6MWT and TUG scores were available for 4 patients. A mean increase of 144.25 m (56%) was seen from 258 m at baseline to 402.25 by week 24. TUG scores increased by 32% from 5.74 (5.01-6.4) at baseline to 7.57 (5.39-11.43) by week 24. No patients had discontinued treatment to date due to adverse events.1Conclusions Early data from treating XLH patients with burosumab in a real-world UK setting from one centre demonstrates that key biochemical responses are in line with findings from the clinical study program. Improvements in clinically meaningful relevant outcomes such as 6MWT and TUG scores were also seen. References 1. Kyowa Kirin - data on file


A thermosetting coating composition comprising: (A) at least one film-forming polymer having reactive functional groups; (B) at least one curing agent having functional groups reactive with the functional groups of (A); and (C) a promoter composition adhesion comprising: (a) a mixture of (i) at least one polysiloxane comprising at least one of the following structural units (I): R 1 n R 2 mSiO (4 -nm) / 2 wherein each R 1, which may be identical or different, represent H, OH, a monovalent hydrocarbon group or monovalent siloxane group; each R 2, which may be identical or different, represent a group comprising one or more active hydrogens; m and n each represent a positive number fulfilling the requirements of 0 <m <4; 0 <n <4; and 2 <_ (m + n) <4; and (ii) a boron-containing compound selected from at least one among boric acid, boric acid equivalents and mixtures thereof; and / or (b) the reaction product of (i) and (ii) in an amount to provide an amount of boron of 0.001 to less than 5% by weight, based on the total weight of resin solids present in the composition, wherein (a) and (B) are different and are present in addition to (C).


ABSTRACT Communities play an important role in the process of tourism development and their support is essential for the development, planning and successful operation of tourism development, and for attainment of sustainable livelihoods. Community-driven tourism projects are supposed to benefit the community and contribute to their livelihoods. However, the majority of community-driven tourism projects ultimately do not benefit communities because of poorly or mismanaged institutional structures. This paper presents a review of various planning and management strategies that have been used for community-driven tourism projects and also identifies some case studies where applications of some of these strategies have worked. Critical sustainable tourism indicators were adopted to provide the basis for a stakeholder-oriented model for community-driven tourism projects. Furthermore, an all-stakeholder-oriented model is proposed where the community is at the centre with an element of co-management with other sectors, bearing in mind the sustainability of communities' livelihoods.


The resistive wall impedance is usually calculated assuming the skin depth being much smaller than the chamber thickness. This approximation is not always correct. In particular, it is not valid when the revolution frequency is very low (as in VLHC [1]), or the surface is coated by a thin conductive layer (as for extraction kickers [2]), or for the coherent effects in the closed orbit motion [3]. A method of analytical calculation of the transverse impedance is developed here for multi-layer vacuum chambers and applied to an arbitrary two-layer structure.


The invention provides a method for reducing the smoothness of paper-making reconstituted tobaccos. Paper-making reconstituted tobacco products are laid in a hot air drying box, the number of a laying layer is one, the paper-making reconstituted tobacco products are dried to the extent that the water content is 7%-8% at the temperature of 100 DEG C +/-1 DEG C through the hot air drying method, and therefore the smoothness of paper-making reconstituted tobaccos is reduced. The method has the advantages of being safe, simple, convenient, quick and low in cost, and is an effective method for solving the problems of high smoothness and tobacco slip and the like for reconstituted tobacco production enterprises and cigarette processing enterprises. The method adopting the mode of reducing the water content of the paper-making reconstituted tobaccos to reduce the smoothness is an external method, the cost is low, the method is high in feasibility, and the technology and equipment of the enterprises do not need to be adjusted; in addition, the interior quality of the paper-making reconstituted tobaccos will not be changed, production time is not delayed, and the production cost will not be increased.


A polysaccharide compound containing non-polymer siloxane graft be used in cosmetics. The invention relates to cosmetic use of polysaccharide compounds containing non-polymer siloxane graft that can be obtained by reaction of a siloxane compound corresponding to the polysaccharide and the formula (I), the particular cosmetic treatment of keratin materials on the use of. The present invention further in cosmetically acceptable medium, to compositions comprising said polysaccharide compound also relates to novel polysaccharide compounds containing non-polymer siloxane graft. [Formula 1] .BACKGROUND


A study was initiated to accurately determine the volume percent of various hydrocarbon distillate solvents present in blends with aircraft jet fuels JP-4 and JP-8. The method used for the determination was Glass Capillary Gas Chromatography. A gas chromatographic process was developed and systematic quantitative analyses performed to substantiate the accuracy and the precision of the new test method. A computing integrator interfaced with the gas chromatograph performed all the data collection and peak area percent calculations automatically, with the results recorded on an internal printer. Least squares curve fitting yielded calibration curves used to determine each blending solvent as well as JP-4 in what proved to be samples of cross-contaminated fuels, e.g. containing both JP-4 and JP-8. A precision statement was also provided at the 95% confidence level.


The effects of root zone oxygenation on rice(Oryza sativa L.) roots architecture,radial oxygen loss(ROL),iron plaque formation and Cd accumulation were investigated in aerated and stagnant nutrient solutions.The results indicated that seedlings grown in stagnant solutions developed shorter and thicker roots but higher biomass and ROL rate than those in aerated ones.In addition,Cd accumulation was greatly inhibited in tissues of stagnant rice seedlings.When exposed to 1.0 mg/L Cd2+ solutions,Cd adsorbed on stagnant root surface was decreased by 85.5%,while Cd accumulated in the same roots and shoots reduced by 35% and 58% respectively,comparing with those on and in aerated ones.Iron plaque could inhibit Cd uptake by and translocation in rice seedlings by adsorbing 50% of the total Cd accumulated in root system,but only in conditions with sufficient root-zone-oxygen and higher Cd concentration(1.0 mg/L).As for in condition of root zone with deoxygenation,root structure(e.g.reduced root permeability) per se may be more important than Fe plaque to affect Cd uptake in rice seedlings.


Objective: To observe the effects of tea polyphenols (TP) on oxidative stress level, airway inflammation and airway remodeling of early stage and late stage in asthmatic rats. Methods: Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into 6 groups, normal saline group, asthma group, early budesonide (early BUD) group, late BUD group, early TP group and late TP group. Drugs were administrated 2 weeks before sensitizing in early BUD group and early TP group, and administrated 5 weeks after sensitizing in late BUD group and late TP group. The lung tissues were harvested from rats 12 weeks after sensitizing. The smooth muscle area, collagen deposition area and the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were assessed in bronchi and lung tissues. The contents of TGF-β1, malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were also detected. Results: The indicators of airway remodeling were significantly improved in the early TP group, late TP group and early BUD group compared with those in asthma group (P 0.05 or P 0.01). There was no significant improvement in these indicators between late BUD group and asthma group (P 0.05). The level of MDA was significantly increased and SOD vitality was significantly decreased in lung tissues of asthma group than those of normal control group (P 0.01). The SOD vitality increased and MDA content decreased in each therapeutic group after intervention. SOD vitality had a negative correlation with MDA content. In addition, a positive correlation was found between TGF-β1 and MDA content. Conclusion: Tea polyphenols intervention could inhibit or delay the formation and development of airway remodeling by controlling the level of oxidative stress and downregulating airway inflammation in rats.


A model based on a series of PSA tests can predict the time to relapse in prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, according to a new study.


The title compound, [CuCl(C10H12N2O3)2]Cl·0.5H2O, is composed of discrete complex cations, Cl− anions and water molecules. The O atom of the water molecule lies on a twofold rotation axis. The [CuN4Cl] coordination polyhedron is intermediate between square pyramidal and trigonal bipyramidal.


A significant proportion of prostate cancer patients treated with curative intent go on to develop advanced disease. At a fundamental biological level, very little is known about what makes the disease aggressive and metastatic. Observational pathology reports and experimental data suggest that epithelial‐mesenchymal transition is involved in prostate cancer invasiveness. Here, we investigated vimentin expression of prostate cancer cells, and explored the potential mechanism of vimentin promoting prostate cancer cells invasion. Vimentin expression was not detected in well differentiated tumors or in moderately differentiated tumors, but the majority of poorly differentiated cancers (5/11 with negative bone scan, 11/14 bone with positive scan) and bone metastases (8/8) had high vimentin expression in tumor cells. Downregulation of vimentin expression in PC‐3 cells by transfection with antisense‐vimentin led to a significant decrease in tumor cells motility and invasive activity. Furthermore, the expression of E‐cadherin was inversely associated with expression of vimentin. Our results suggest that vimentin affects prostate cancer cells motility and invasiveness. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce blocking effects by adding signals outputted from a variable amplifying means and low-frequency component signals outputted from a first filtering means to each other by means of an adder. SOLUTION: A median filter 13 eliminates abruptly changing parts from high-frequency component signals outputted from a low-pass filter 11 by filtering the signals. Control logic 15 and the filter 13 determine a weighted value by utilizing positional information in the block of picture elements constituting encoded video signals and a quantization step size used at the time of encoding the video signals. A variable amplifier 16 amplifies the output signal of the filter 13 by using the weighted value and adds the amplified output signal to the high-frequency component signals outputted from the filter 11. In addition, an adder 18 adds the output signal of the amplifier 16 to the high-frequency component signals outputted from the filter 11. The amplifier 16 eliminates the discontinuity among the picture elements by outputting signals obtained by amplifying the output signal of a subtractor 14 to an adder 17 based on the weighted value outputted from the logic 15 after adjustment.


In this work we shall review the (phased) inverse scattering problem and then pursue the phaseless reconstruction from far-field data with the help of the concept of scattering coefficients. We perform sensitivity, resolution and stability analysis of both phased and phaseless problems and compare the degree of ill-posedness of the phased and phaseless reconstructions. The phaseless reconstruction is highly nonlinear and much more severely ill-posed. Algorithms are provided to solve both the phased and phaseless reconstructions in the linearized case. Stability is studied by estimating the condition number of the inversion process for both the phased and phaseless cases. An optimal strategy is suggested to attain the infimum of the condition numbers of the phaseless reconstruction, which may provide an important guidance for efficient phaseless measurements in practical applications. To the best of our knowledge, the stability analysis in terms of condition numbers are new for the phased and phaseless inverse scattering problems, and are very important to help us understand the degree of ill-posedness of these inverse problems. Numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the theoretical asymptotic behavior, as well as the effectiveness and robustness of the phaseless reconstruction algorithm.


If the principle of electro-osmosis is applied as a method of reducing skin friction between a metal wall and a mass of clay, the operation is simpler as compared with the conventional methods.Moreover, this method is convenient, because the same equipment can be simultaneously used for not only reducing but also increasing the skin friction.H. K. S. Ph. Begemann suggested already that this method could be succesefully applied to the pile-driving and the sinking of pite foundation.But he did not present the mechanism of reducing skin friction, nor a possibility of effectively utilizing this method for various types of soil.On the mechanism of decreasing skin friction, the author indicated that the electro physical effects consists of two reducing effects; the bubble effect due to electrolysis of water and the letting and accumlating effects due to development of osmotic water around the negative electrode. Futhermore, the author treated experimentally the practical application of this method to the various conditions of samples.As a general result, it has been discovered that there is a possibility of effectively utilizing this method to the foundation work in clay soil having high adhesion.


"The application of enabled the body to heal the wound physiologically and without complications. The fact that the dressing change was easy to perform and that the application of was painfree was experienced by the patient as very helpful. It is important not to remove the scab of such wounds during the healing process because can penetrate through the scab and supports the wound healing process." Day 1


Dissolved oxygen and current observations from a cabled ocean observatory in the Sea of Oman show that the annual recurrence of coastal hypoxia, defined as dissolved oxygen concentrations ≤63 μM, is associated with the seasonal cycle of local monsoon winds. The observations represent the first long-term (5+ years) continuous moored observations off the northern Omani coast. During the summer/fall southwest (SW) monsoon season (Jun-Nov), winds in the Sea of Oman generate ocean currents that result in coastal upwelling of subsurface waters with low dissolved oxygen concentrations. The source of the poorly oxygenated water is the oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) in the Arabian Sea, a layer approximately 1000-m thick within the 100 to 1200 m depth range, where dissolved oxygen values approach anoxia. During the winter monsoon season (Dec-Feb), the Sea of Oman winds are from the northwest, forcing strong and persistent southeast currents. These winds generate oceanic downwelling conditions along the coastal ocean that ventilate waters at depth. Possible impacts of the monsoon-driven seasonal hypoxia on local fisheries and implications due to climate change are also discussed in this study.


The present invention, an audio signal for generating an audio signal relating to karaoke having a plurality of optional feature that is to be output by mixing the sound signals outputted from the plurality of acoustic devices at the same time, to output the multiple or selective generation unit, outputting a sound signal to the sound signal input terminal of the external audio devices, the audio signal input from the sound signal control, the audio signal generating unit to the path control of the sound signal outputted from the sound signal output terminal of the external audio device the sound signal mixing unit for mixing the sound signal input via the control unit form a mixed sound signal, an audio amplifier unit for amplifying the mixed sound signals input from the mixing unit, and outputs the mixed sound signals amplified by the unit the audio amplifier an output section for, including It is configured.


is achieved. This is given by e =(1 +Xkj)-1hj, where X is the unique positive root of ,X`O k(l +Xkj)-lI hjI 2 = M2. Davis proved the result by first considering the extremal problem for n dimensional Euclidean space Rn. In this case the problem has the following geometric interpretation: (a") Let E be the hyperellipse { (al, , an): ,0 kja, 2 M2 } in Rn and suppose that h = (hi, * , hn) is not in E. Find the vector e in E such that the distance from h to e is a minimum. This Rn problem is readily handled by Lagrange multipliers. The growth condition on the k1 permits the use of finite dimensional approximations to deduce the more general result. See [1 ] or [2, p. 204]. Our first generalization of Davis' theorem is


A new decentralized approach for solving the economic dispatch problem is presented in this paper. The proposed approach consists of either two or three stages. In the first stage, a flooding-based consensus algorithm is proposed in order to achieve consensus among the agents with respect to the units and system data. In the second stage, a suitable algorithm is used for solving the economic dispatch problem in parallel. For cases in which a nondeterministic method is used in the second stage, a third stage is applied to achieve consensus about the final solution of the problem, with a flooding-based consensus algorithm for sharing the information required during this stage. The proposed approach is highly effective for solving the non-convex formulation of the economic dispatch problem and for incorporating transmission losses accurately in a fully decentralized manner. Three case studies that were examined for validation purposes are described. The results obtained demonstrate that the proposed approach aggregates many of the advantages of both centralized and fully decentralized mechanisms for solving the economic dispatch problem.


Nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate are the main contaminants in agricultural runoff that can harm aquatic organisms if in high concentrations reaches water bodies, for that contamination must be controlled. Polyurethane sponge is a durable material and can be used for filtering those contaminants from wastewater, but studies on the mechanism of adsorption by this material are still rare. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to predict the adsorption capacity, removal efficiency, isotherm, and adsorption kinetics of polyurethane sponge on ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate removal. The results of the study show that polyurethane sponge can remove nitrate, ammonium, and phosphate by adsorption mechanism. The highest maximum adsorption capacity is nitrate in 5-hour mixing time, followed by ammonium in 2- hour mixing time, and the last one is phosphate in 3-hour mixing time. The isotherm that is suitable for presenting the removal of nitrate and ammonium is the Freundlich isotherm, while the Langmuir isotherm is more suitable for the removal of phosphate. The adsorption kinetics which fit to describe the mechanism of nitrate and ammonium adsorption is the intra-particle diffusion model, while the phosphate adsorption kinetics is more suitable to be described by the Pseudo first-order model.


The unsteady bore wave diffraction patterns generated by a bore impinging on a circular cylinder and that generated by a bore passing through a contraction-expansion channel are simulated using high resolution nonoscillatory schemes. The two-dimensional shallow water equations in general curvilinear coordinates are used and the Strang-type dimensional splitting is employed. It was demonstrated that truly nonstationary hydraulic wave diffraction involving regular to Mach reflection, bore-bore collisions and their resulting complex interactions can be accurately computed by the present method.


Cerebral palsy is becoming more common as a cause of developmental disorders in children. Several studies in low-income Asian countries found a higher prevalence of CP than in Europe. However, another study discovered the inverse result. The disparity in the results of these studies emphasize the importance of the current study in updating the prevalence of CP in Asia. A systematic review and meta-analysis approach has been used in this study by searching for articles on three databases: PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. Eight articles were chosen through several screening stages and subjected to quality assessment. According to the study's findings, the prevalence of CP in Asia is 2.19 per 1000 children and adolescents (95% CI). Children and adolescents from low-income families have the highest incidence rate, with spastic-CP type being the most common classification.