Ttii: Departm-lental Committee appointed by the Presiman of mii dent of the Board of Education to inquire into the extreme illit position of English in the educational svstem of England Men known has issued its report.t This inevitably challenges comin regimcnta parison with the report orn the teaching of classics tried to put t reviewed in these colulmans a short time ago.2 While the rule for most fully in sympathy withl the objects of the English any expressi Committee, we iegret that tlheir excellent case was not from those t] stated more coniciselv. It might have been considerably ableness of condensed, andl does not escape the clharge of unneceswhom Croiti sary repetition. At miiuch shorter report would have been Tlie Comi more arresting, and would have been far more widely clusions itn( read. Nevertheless, for those lhaving the leisure, the arranged in knowledge, anid the interest, it is ani absorbing docufollow it th: ment, and much of it would serve as a model of English whicli deal v prose. A word of praise is (due to the Stationery Office head master for the form in wllich the report has been producedattention to I


This paper studies an approach for predicting an individual's perception of the advertising appeal of ad design. Although previous research has shown that people perceive an ad as more appealing when its design matches their psychological traits, the matching required the help of psychology experts, relying on their implicit knowledge. To exclude such dependence, we examined how the psychological traits affect perceived advertising appeal by conducting a questionnaire survey. Analyzing the survey results, we confirmed that psychological traits have significant moderating effects on both visual and linguistic features of an ad design in terms of how an individual perceives advertising appeal. We also confirmed that the moderating effects as well as main effects of visual and linguistic features have significant predictive utility for perceived appeal. The model in which the both effects are incorporated predicted the most appealing ad for each person more accurately than did a human without psychology expertise (accuracy lift: mean - 1.35, max - 2.48). While further study is necessary on whether the studied approach can serve as a substitute for psychology experts, we consider the present study took the first step toward realizing this goal.


This study demonstrates how the technology used to assist formative assessment in spelling can have an impact on learning. Formative assessment represents a set of student-centered practices, the results of which are not always optimal. Furthermore, different technologies are better suited to certain tasks than to others. The study follows a Design-Based Research approach and was conducted in Chile in two phases. In the first phase of the study, a formative assessment strategy for teaching spelling is developed. In a subsequent phase, the impact of different technologies on this strategy is analyzed. This is achieved by comparing two different technologies: Tablet PCs and the interpersonal computer. The results reveal that a self-paced formative assessment strategy using Tablets is more effective than the same strategy using an interpersonal computer when teaching spelling to primary school students. This therefore highlights the impact of technology on learning when adopting a formative assessment strategy.


The annexation of East Timor by Indonesia was completed in its broad outlines during 1976. The new relationship was legally formalized to Indonesian satisfaction on 17 July when President Suharto signed a bill designating East Timor as Indonesia's twenty-seventh province. Subsequent decrees transformed the Provisional Govern ment into a provincial government and restructured the administrative system of the new province along Indonesian lines. The Timorese Popular Democratic Association (Apodeti) Party leader Arnaldo dos Reis Araujo was appointed as the first governor. Observers outside Indonesia charged that the annexation was accomplished by the weight of Indonesian arms with no opportunity for the East Timorese people to express their wishes m an act of self-determination. Indonesian and pro Indonesian East Timorese spokesmen replied that the East Timorese people had expressed themselves adequately through the four-party Anti-Communist Movement, the Provisional Territorial Assembly of East Timor, and several con sultations with Indonesian fact-finding missions. Collectively, these spokesmen argued, these expressions constituted an act of self-determination and rendered a United Nations supervized referendum superfluous. A majority of UN members voted otherwise in meetings of the General Assembly's Fourth Committee on Trusteeship and Non-Self-Governing Territories, the Special Committee on Decolonization, the General Assembly's 2,439th Plenary Session, and the Security Council. Each of these meetings passed resolutions urging Indonesia to withdraw its troops from East Timor and to assist in the carrying out of a UN supervized act of self-determination. However, no UN action was taken to reverse the fait accompli and no referendum was held. Meanwhile the Indo?esian authorities proceeded with the details of integrating the former Portuguese colony with the political, administrative, and economic patterns pre vailing m the rest of the Republic.


Although black Americans have more hypertension and more severe clinical manifestations of hypertension (1,6), the mortality from coronary heart disease (CHD) in black men is less than that in white men (1, 3). CHD mortality is equal in black and white women, and greater in black women than black men (3). In the Evans County study, at any level of CHD risk factors, the observed CHD risk for black men was lower than for white men (3). The curves of observed CHD as plotted against CHD risk were parallel for black and white men, but the black curve was at a lower level (3). This suggested that factors other than those measured, such as high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC) might act upon these lower CHD event rates in blacks. In addition to the relative excess of hypertension among blacks (3, 6), blacks tend to have a relative excess of other CHD risk factors, including pandemic obesity in black women (7), equivalent or higher prevalence of familial aggregations of hyperlipoproteinemia (8, 10), and lower socio-economic status (5, 11, 12). Given the relative excess of CHD risk factors among blacks, it has been speculated that among other proposed "protective" factors, consistently higher HDLC levels in blacks may playa leading role in the relative protection of blacks from CHD (12, 17), given the strong inverse association of HDLC and CHD (18, 19). Within the above frame of reference, the recent report by Goldberg et al (20) of higher cardiovascular mortality in white male chronic uremics undergoing long-term hemodialysis, as compared to black uremic men, is not unexpected. White men had higher levels of plasma triglyceride and lower levels of HDLC, apoprotein Aland A2, than did black men; the concentrations of HDLC, apoprotein Al, and A2 were also lower in white than in black women (20). HDL2 concentrations were also found to be higher in black than in white men, and the distribution of HDL subfractions was normal in black and abnormal in white men receiving hemodialysis (20). Goldberg concluded " .....there may be important differences between the races and sexes in coronary risk factors and in the incidence of mortality from atherosclerotic causes in patients receiving hemodialysis who are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. There is a need to identify patients receiving hemodialysis who have "atherogenic" lipoprotein profiles, to determine the pathogenesis of their abnormalities, and to plan appropriate therapeutic interventions." Given the persistence of atherogenic lipoprotein patterns in both races of uremic subjects as compared to non-uremic subjects (20), attention should be focused on CHD risk factors in all uremic subjects irrespective of race, with an eye to reducing the otherwise high risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality (21). When present, diabetes mellitus should be tightly controlled to reduce hyperglycemia-related hypertriglyceridemia and hypoalphalipoproteinemia. Major efforts should be made to discontinue cigarette smoking, because cigarette smoking is directly associated with lower levels of HDLC and apo A1. Where possible, amelioration of obesity may help to reduce triglyceride levels and increase HDLC. Supervised exercise programs may have utility in elevating HDLC and/or reducing triglyceride levels; exercise training in hemodialysis patients has been shown to result in lowered triglyceride levels and increased plasma HDLC levels, as well as improvement in glucose intolerance and hyperinsulinism (22). Pharmacologic therapy designed to reduce triglyceride or elevate HDLC needs to be approached cautiously, due to the amplification of side effects of lipid lowering drugs in uremic patients, particularly those with lower albumin levels. Nevertheless, a recent report has provided encouraging evidence of significant increments in HDLC and reductions in triglycerides in uremic patients receiving gemfibrozil (Lopid) with a minimal level of side effects (23). In a sense, the report by Goldberg (20) explicates an "experiments of nature" suggesting that higher HDLC, A 1, and A2, and lower triglycerides in uremic patients may be associated with lower CHD mortality. This suggests, speculatively, that modifications in diet, exercise, smoking, relative ponderosity, and therapeutic intervention, all designed to elevate HDLC and reduce triglycerides, in uremic patients, might, over the long-term, have beneficial effects in reducing CHD mortality in this high risk cohort.


Abstract: The results obtained from flight experiments on hypermonotectic Al‐In alloys carried out during the Life and Microgravity Spacelab mission are presented and compared to those predicted from models that have been developed for solute redistribution in eutectic alloy systems. Experimental results from microgravity experiments are also compared with results obtained from unit gravity directional solidification experiments. Unit gravity directional solidification of hypermonotectic alloys results in macrosegregation due to convective instability inherent in these alloy systems. Identical samples directionally solidified under microgravity conditions reveal a much more uniform composition profile. Results indicate steady‐state coupled growth is possible in hypermonotectic alloys through microgravity processing.


This work presents the application of homotopy perturbation method (HPM) and Optimized Direct Padé (ODP) to obtain a handy and easily computable approximate solution of the nonlinear differential equation to model the oxygen diffusion in a spherical cell with nonlinear oxygen uptake kinetics. On one hand, the obtained HPM solution is fully symbolic in terms of the coefficients of the equation, allowing us to use the same solution for different values of the maximum reaction rate, the Michaelis constant, and the permeability of the cell membrane. On the other hand, the numerical experiments show the high accuracy of the proposed ODP solution, resulting in 3.58×10-4 as the lowest absolute relative error (A.R.E.) for a set of coefficients. In addition, a novel technique is proposed to reduce the number of algebraic operations during the process of application of ODP method through the use of the Taylor series, which help to simplify the algebraic expressions used. The powerful process to obtain the solution shows that the Optimized Direct Padé and homotopy perturbation method are suitable methods to use.


PurposeFinancial literacy is generally seen as an important factor explaining a broader set of investment behaviors. In the context of a weak financial knowledge in France, this article focuses on the particular situation of Generation Z (individuals born after 1995) and more particularly management students likely to be involved in financial decisions in the near future.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a survey conducted in the Fall of 2019, through a questionnaire distributed to 300 students enrolled in a French business school.FindingsThe results indicate that financial knowledge is poor for students who do not follow a specialized course in finance. This research also demonstrates the importance of risk behavior, showing that risk adverse students are also those with the lowest level of financial literacy.Originality/valueThis article contributes to the academic literature by focusing on students in France. It is the first study to examine Gen Z financial literacy and its implications. It raises awareness on the importance of financial education in the education curriculum.


Most educators may agree that effective teachers should possess certain characteristics and should behave in certain ways. For example, they may agree that a "good" teacher should be kind and not cruel, dependable and not undependable, imaginative and not dull. But which traits are most important? Agreement is now more difficult. Can we all agree, for instance, that teachers should be moral, religious, warm, and sensitive? Are these traits more important or less important than such traits as dependable, intelligent, conscientious, and thorough? In this study perceptions or judgments of the traits that an effective teacher should have are studied in relation to the attitudes of the judge. Which traits are most important? It depends on the attitudes of the judge doing the judging. The theory most directly related to the study problem is directivestate theory (Allport, 1955, Chs. 13-15; Bruner, 1951; Bruner, 1958; Postman, 1951). The basic notion of this theory is that central directive states, such as values, attitudes, emotions, and motives, influence behavior generally, and perceptions and judgments particularly. The central states of the present study are attitudes, specifically educational attitudes. Attitudes are, in the present case, central evaluative states that, when aroused, engender hypotheses of the form, If A, then B, If such-and-such a teacher, then "good teacher." When the characterization of the teacher "fits," or is congruent with, the attitude, then the teacher is evaluated as "good" or "effective." A judge, in choosing what he conceives to be an effective teacher, uses a complex set of criteria not only because perceptions of roles are complex but also because no one really knows clearly


In this paper, we propose a new method, called DoubleCoverUDF, for extracting the zero level-set from unsigned distance fields (UDFs). DoubleCoverUDF takes a learned UDF and a user-specified parameter $r$ (a small positive real number) as input and extracts an iso-surface with an iso-value $r$ using the conventional marching cubes algorithm. We show that the computed iso-surface is the boundary of the $r$-offset volume of the target zero level-set $S$, which is an orientable manifold, regardless of the topology of $S$. Next, the algorithm computes a covering map to project the boundary mesh onto $S$, preserving the mesh's topology and avoiding folding. If $S$ is an orientable manifold surface, our algorithm separates the double-layered mesh into a single layer using a robust minimum-cut post-processing step. Otherwise, it keeps the double-layered mesh as the output. We validate our algorithm by reconstructing 3D surfaces of open models and demonstrate its efficacy and effectiveness on synthetic models and benchmark datasets. Our experimental results confirm that our method is robust and produces meshes with better quality in terms of both visual evaluation and quantitative measures than existing UDF-based methods. The source code is available at https://github.com/jjjkkyz/DCUDF.


On the basis of research on the export of Xinjiang textiles, this paper analyses the situation and existing problems in the export of Xinjaing textiles. Some proposals are put forward to solve the problems. There is superiority in the raw textile material and labor resources in Xinjiang. It is very significant to develop textile industry in Xinjiang by making the most of the favourable situation of China's entry into WTO.


Variations in arrangement and distribution of lateral and medial cords of brachial plexus and their branches in infraclavicular part of plexus are common in one or both axillae and have been reported by several investigators since the 19 th century. The present case report describes multiple bilateral neuroanatomical variations in the upper arm involving both these cords simultaneously observed during routine educational dissection of upper extremity in a 52-year-old male cadaver. Such multiple variations coexisting in the same case have not been reported often in literature.Precise knowledge of such variations may help while planning surgeries in the region of axilla and arm, traumatology of the shoulder joint and plastic and reconstructive repair operations, as these nerves are more liable to be injured during operations. Considering the clinical importance of the variations documented in this case report an attempt has been made to explain these variations in light of embryogenic development.


THE ISOLATION OF a protein believed to be pure metakentrin (ICSH) was described in 1940 (1). In a preceding report (2) the latest method of preparation was described in detail and the results of experiments indicating that hormone activity and the pure protein are inseparable were discussed. Immunological methods offer an additional means of demonstrating the specificity (uniqueness) and purity of the isolated protein. Application of these methods as here described demonstrated that hog metakentrin can readily be distinguished immunologically not only from sheep pituitary extract, sheep metakentrin (ICSH) or beef pituitary extract but also from extracts of hog tissues such as muscle, neural and intermediate lobes of the pituitary and even anterior pituitary extract, purified thylakentrin (FSH). Preparation of source material. The hormone protein used as antigen was isolated from hog pituitary glands, according to the procedure described in the preceding paper (a).


A mathematic model for the HPLC determination of sudan in chili oil was established in this paper.The calculation formula was deduced.Some data were collected in the process of analyzing the chili oil samples and the various uncertainties were calculated.The combined uncertainty was finally obtained by synthesizing the uncertainties of various components.


The Cayley transform of A, F =( I + A)−1 (I − A), is studied when A is a P -matrix, an M -matrix, an inverse M-matrix, a positive definite matrix, or a totally nonnegative matrix. Given am atrixA in each of these positivity classes and using the fact that the Cayley transform is an involution, properties of the ensuing factorization A =( I + F ) −1 (I − F ) are examined. Specifically, it is investigated whether these factors belong to the same positivity class as A and, conversely, under what conditions on these factors does A belong to one of the above positivity classes.


Metal‐ion batteries are key for energy storage in both portable electronics and large‐scale applications. As the ion capacity of the widely used graphite electrodes is limited, 2D materials, in particular silicene, are considered for possible replacement. Here, the effects of B/Al doping on the ion capacity of silicene are studied and it is demonstrated that complex charge transfer leads to ultra‐high Na capacity. Low Na/K diffusion barriers open potential for fast charge and discharge.


In this paper the author introduces graffiti in Rio de Janeiro as a method for creative activism, drawing on scholarly work and her experience since 2015 as a graffiti writer. Combining these elements, the author demystifies graffiti and untangles the multiple prejudices attached to this peripheral artistic culture. Locating graffiti within its roots in Hip Hop culture and drawing upon the memories and experiences of seven graffiti artists she introduces theories of memory and knowledge production to analyze the role of graffiti in constructing and deconstructing the city and its culture. The artists in this paper recount stories of how gender, race, and class have structured Brazilian graffiti and the reactions that it provokes, constructing a storyline stretching from the 1990s until today, a registry of knowledges about the culture of the city which have been constructed through an art which is always and already a form of activism from the periphery.


The invention discloses a device and a method for detecting a liquid level after a beverage filling process. The liquid level information after the beverage filling process can be detected by processing an image acquired by an industrial camera. A computing method comprises a liquid level scanning unit, a liquid level acquiring unit and a quality judging unit, and the liquid level can be detected through the change of the gray scale of a region where the liquid level is. The computing method has the advantages of high measuring precision of liquid level detection, high real-time and no harm to a human body. A single product can be produced by the method; and the method can be conveniently adopted in the conventional vision detection device, so that the function of the conventional system can be expanded and the method has a wide application value.


The use of LIBRAS (Brazilian Sign Language) during the classes helps in the learning of deaf students. By creating an illustrative Handbook we seek to facilitate the learning of the deaf student and advise teachers in the area of Biological Sciences. After the preparation of this material we verify how essential it is that other students have access to it, seeking to disseminate it.


The /sup 40/Ar//sup 39/Ar age spectrum technique has the demonstrated ability to resolve gradients of /sup 40/Ar within crystals resulting from geologic heatings. A practical application of this observation is the analysis of detrital microcline from sedimentary beds to assess the source age of the feldspar, the time of basin heating, and the thermal intensity of the heating event. This intensity of the heating event is available through knowledge of the amount of /sup 40/Ar lost from the sample and the temperature-dependent rate of argon transport within microcline. Both of these parameters are obtained as a by-product of the age spectrum experiment. Results from a variety of sedimentary basins are encouraging and demonstrate the quality of information available from this technique. /sup 40/Ar gradients in samples from the Basin block of the southern San Joaquin Valley, California, indicate a heating duration of 500,000-1 m.y., which is consistent with the stratigraphy. In conjunction with the present heat-flow data, these results suggest an equilibrium thermal gradient approx. 7/sup 0/C/km higher than that presently observed - a consequence of rapid burial. K-spar separates from deep drill holes in the Albuquerque basin, New Mexico, reveal age spectra characteristic of substantial /sup 40/Ar loss. Thermalmore » calculations based on these data indicate a simple conductive history for samples above a present depth of about 6 km, although hydrothermal activity is evident in deeper material. Microcline separates have been obtained from a Kimmeridigian Sandstone (tartan field, North Sea basin) that has been displaced about 1 km by a normal fault. Age spectra from these samples reveal minor /sup 40/Ar losses of 4 and 6% from the samples in the upthrown and downthrown blocks, respectively. These loss profiles correspond to temperature histories that agree well with the formation temperatures and burial histories estimated for these wells.« less


The invention relates to an X-ray detector (1) comprising an N-channel, controllable with K + L bit digital-to-analog converter (15) having a first voltage source (5). The digital to analog converter (15) further includes a switch unit (71) having N switch matrices (73), with 2 The digital to analog converter (15) further includes a second voltage source (81) having N sub-units (83), wherein a second voltage value L is selectable bits. The X-ray detector (1) further includes a discriminator (91) with N comparators (93), at least one input (95) of the comparators (93) with the associated output (77) of the switch matrix (73) and / or with the associated output (87) of the subunit (83) are electrically conductively connected, so that each comparator (93) of the associated first voltage value and the associated second voltage value can be assigned. A signal of an output (97) of a preamplifier, the associated first voltage value and the associated second voltage value are compared in the comparator (93).


In retrospect of the self-concept in consumer behavior theory, the paper discusses the male consumer self-concept, self -theory and related model——MALES. According to the process of the ego polarization, the paper puts forward the self-concept model of male consumer: Might-self, Ancestry-self, enterprise-self and social-self. Meanwhile, the paper indicates that the relationship between self-concept and marketing communication or brand attitude. Finally, the paper discusses the feasibility of the MALES model and the direction of the further research on the subject.


Discuss how to improve on the machinery design of fan, advance the quality of machine producing, apply frequency conversion timing technology and active noise control technology to reduce the noise of fan.


Wave pressures, layer thickness, run-up and run-down velocities were measured on the splash/subareal zone (the part of the seawall which is partially in water during run up and partially in the air during run down) of plane seawalls for a wide range of hydrodynamic parameters and seawall slopes. The complete wave breaking range (spilling, plunging, collapsing and surging) is covered in the study. The maximum wave pressure in the subareal region can be as high as 1.2 times the static pressure due to water column equal to the incident wave height. The maximum wave pressure at any point is higher than the water pressure induced by the layer thickness due to the dynamic contribution of the flowing water on the seawall. The maximum run up and run down velocity can be as high as 25 times the maximum horizontal water particle velocity in deep water. The run-down velocity is found to be higher than the run-up velocity for the same input condition. Using the measured data, empirical formulae are proposed to predict the subareal wave pressures, layer thicknesses, and run-up and run-down velocities. The proposed formulae incorporate the surf similarity parameter and relative elevation of the location on the subareal region of the seawall. The empirical equations are simple, reliable and hence can be used for the optimal design of plane seawalls.


New Zealand's persistent current account deficits and high external debt level remain central to ongoing economic policy debate. However, what is often overlooked is the potentially positive macroeconomic contribution made by foreign finance. This paper suggests that foreign capital inflows, the counterpart of current account deficits, have in fact made a significant contribution to New Zealand national income from a growth accounting perspective. A stylised national balance sheet that includes New Zealand's assets and foreign liabilities also places the stock of foreign debt in proper context and reveals that national wealth gains have been significant as well.


Fitting Out-of-Focus Star Images to Measure the Focus and Alignment of the Dark Energy Camera. GARY A. BINDER (California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125) AARON ROODMAN (SLAC National Laboratory, Menlo Park, CA 94204) In order to make accurate measurements of dark energy, a system is needed to monitor the focus and alignment of the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) to be located on the Blanco 4m Telescope for the upcoming Dark Energy Survey. One new approach under development is to t out-of-focus star images to a point spread function from which information about the focus and tilt of the camera can be obtained. As a rst test of a new algorithm using this idea, simulated star images produced from a model of DECam in the optics software Zemax were tted. Then, real images from the Mosaic II imager currently installed on the Blanco telescope were used to investigate the algorithm's capabilities. A number of problems with the algorithm were found, and more work is needed to understand its limitations and improve its capabilities so it can reliably predict camera alignment and focus.


Characteristics of surge arresters are reviewed from the application point of view. Fundamentals of surge energy are presented, and the MOV (metal oxide varistor) surge arrester selection parameters are discussed. The need for industry standards for the application of DC surge arresters is contemplated. It is noted that, to avoid confusion and misapplication of MOV surge arresters, the present differences of IEC and ANSI standards should be reviewed. Special systems such as arc furnaces and capacitor bank switching should require transient overvoltage study before selection of appropriate surge protective devices.<<ETX>>


Objective To investigate the prevalence of virulence genes(ply, pspA, nanA, lytA, psaA) among Streptococcus pneumoniae recently isolated from clinical patients. Methods The 133 strains were isolated from patients in three teaching hospitals in Chongqing from 2006 to 2008. Polymerase chain reaction was used to screen for virulence genes (ply, pspA, nanA, lytA, psaA). Results The positive rate of lytA, psaA, ply, nanA and pspA in 133 clinical isolates were 94.7%, 85.0%, 82.7%, 84. 2% and 60.2%, respectively. The positive rates of the lytA, psaA, ply, nanA and pspA genes in 87 common serotypes isolates was 100%, 87.4%, 86.2%, 89.7%, 67.8%, respectively. Conclusion The total positive rates of five virulence genes in the 133 clinical strains were high. The positive rates of five genes in the com-mon serotypes isolates were higher than those in the no-common serotypes. These genes are important virulence genes of Streptococcus pneumoniae. They could be candidates for protein vaccine of Streptococcus pneumoniae.

Key words:
Virulence gene;  Serotype;  Streptococcus pneumoniae;  Polymerase chain reaction


It is now common knowledge that many Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an important role in the collection and dissemination of facts concerning alleged violations of human rights. Many institutions and organizations, such as the United Nations, rely heavily on information concerning violations of human rights provided by NGOs and groups. It is less well known that a good number of NGOs are performing many other functions for the sake of human rights and fundamental freedoms. The fact that NGOs also make contributions-and often very significant ones-to the development of human rights norms is an aspect of NGO activities which is generally overlooked. Most articles and commentaries written on the role of NGOs in the promotion and protection of human rights tend to ignore standard-setting activities. This article is written on the assumption that non-governmental participation in international standard-setting activities will develop further as a continuing and growing trend in international law and international rolations. Additionally, this article argues that such participation is a necessary requirement of democracy. International relations, and in particular the treaty-making process, is traditionally the privileged domain of governments as representatives of Nation States. Governments are the main actors. The term "Non-Governmental Organizations" implies that they are only marginal or auxiliary bodies. Marc Nerfin, the president of the International Foundation for Development Alternatives, thought that the concept of NGOs was "politically unacceptable because it implies that government is the centre of society and people its pe-


The purpose of this paper is to report the possible impact of intellectual capital (IC) on firm reputation (FR) and investigates if there is a relationship between FR and market internationalization (MI).,The data were collected from engineering consultancy firms (ECFs) in Turkey. The study employed structural equation modeling to examine the hypothesized relationships between IC, FR, and MI of ECFs.,ECFs with strong human and structural capital can have a good FR. However, healthy relational capital may not lead to the same effect on FR. On the contrary, FR can create high-quality relational capital for ECFs. Lastly, a good FR, based on robust human and structural capital, can provide the success of ECFs' MI process.,This model may be analyzed for other knowledge-intensive business services. Also, subsequent researches may investigate potential variations in results about other sectors and geographical areas. Moreover, various constructs may be included in the model. However, a greater number of samples could lead to distinctive outcomes.,The research may be a general guide for related professionals and their companies to build long-term strategies, given IC, FR and MI. In this respect, they should take into account human and structural capital for MI.,ECFs that can be active in the international arena may maintain their services by financial sustainability. Thus, the advantage may result in a prosperous society.,The study is first to suggest a model joining IC and FR for the MI process of ECFs. This is suitable for competition of ECFs that are willing to be sustainable firms.


Abstract The intermittency of wind energy requires energy storage devices for matching the dynamic variation of wind power in electric power grid. The energy storage systems like supercapacitors and batteries when interfaced with converters in wind power system further increases cost and power losses. Therefore, a direct integration method for supercapacitors is used to overcome the short-time power fluctuations in wind power systems. In this method a dual inverter topology is used for grid connection and interfacing supercapacitors and to reduce the fluctuations in the output, corresponding to dynamically fluctuating input, the switching controller is implemented using PID and FUZZY compensator. The direct integration scheme using PID and FUZZY controller are simulated using MATLAB/SIMULINK and the simulation results are compared by verifying the effectiveness of the system in suppressing short-time power fluctuations in wind.


The present invention relates to a CMOS image sensor and a fabrication method thereof. The sensor has a photo diode region being extended to a lower portion of an active region in which a transfer gate, sensing gate and reset gate are formed and therefrom the sensitivity of the CMOS image sensor is enhanced. The sensor of the present invention includes a unit cell region having a first region and a second region adjacent to the first region, a PDN region having a first PDN region which is extended from the surface in the first region into the bulk in a direction perpendicular to the surface in an accompanying drawing and a second PDN region which is extended from the lower portion of the first PDN region into the lower portion of the second region in a horizontal direction in the accompanying drawing, and a floating diffusion region and a reset region which are formed in a surface of the second region above the second PDN region.


U.S.SEMATECH has been considered as a successful example of the government-industrial technology innovation consortia.Based on the literature review,the paper outlines the background and the development of SEMATECH,analyses the U.S.federal role of SEMATECH in the government administration,financial subsidy and its audit,pointing out several problems existed in the government-sponsored consortia.Finally,it gives some advices on how to care about the government administration in the technological innovation consortia.


The James River in Virginia is one of the major tributaries to the Chesapeake Bay. In Virginia, control measures to reduce phosphorus loads to the bay include phosphate detergent bans and removal of phosphorus at the wastewater treatment plants in the bay region. Important questions to be addressed for the James River basin are: how much reduction in algal biomass can be expected from phosphorus load reductions and how much phosphorus in the algal biomass in the estuary comes from point sources, nonpoint sources, or the upper basin? A modeling analysis has been conducted to address these questions. In the analysis, a numerical tagging technique was used to track the fate and transport of phosphorus along the entire estuary. The model results show that while phosphorus control in the upper estuary would provide additional inorganic nitrogen input to the lower estuary, the additional nitrogen would not affect the algal growth potential.


To provide a system and method for performing A multi-cell battery balancing. In A one embodiment, the present invention includes a plurality of cells coupled in series, a battery comprising a first terminal and a second terminal, one of the primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings provided, each of the secondary winding through the secondary switch and the rectifier circuit coupled to one of a plurality of cells, coupled with the primary winding between a first terminal and a second terminal of the battery transformer a vessel, in series with the primary switch to the primary winding of the transformer, the primary switch, and a control circuit coupled to each of the plurality of secondary switch and a plurality of cells, related to the battery balancing circuit comprising a. .FIELD 1


The study is aimed to find out the feasibility on the Empty Fruit Bunches (EFB) and the Merkusii Pine Bark as a raw material for particle board production. The research carried with varied composition, times and temperature, testing according to the standards of SNI-3-2105-2006 and JIS A 5908-2003. The fiber length of the Empty Fruit Bunches is 0.1-20 mm and particle size of the pine bark passes sieve 40 mesh. The experiment result shows that density, moisture content and MOR meet SNI and JIS but MOE does not meet the standard. The optimal condition is obtained on the composition 70/30 and 75/25.


Objective To investigate the relationship within the expression of p21 WAF1/CIP1 、Cyclin D_1 and p53. Methods Hybridyzation in situ and immunohistochemical techniques were used. Results The positive rate of p21 WAF1/CIP1 mRNA in gastric carcinoma and normal mucosa was 93.15% and 76.71% respectively and was signficantly different ( P 0.05 ). The positive rate of Cyclin D_1 mRNA in gastric carcinoma and normal tissue was 52.05% and 30.16% , and also was significantly different ( P 0.05 ). The p53 positive rate was 32.87% , the p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression in the p53 positive group was lower than that of the p53 negative group ( P 0.05 ). The p21 WAF1/CIP1 expression was related to the Cyclin D_1 expression ( P 0.05 ). Conclusion p21 WAF1/CIP1 、Cyclin D_1 p53 abnormal expression and the probable interaction within them may have much significance in the carcinogenesis and development of gastric carcinoma.


The significant advances of hardware manufacturing technology and the development of efficient software algorithms make technically and economically feasible a network composed of numerous, small, low-cost sensors using wireless communications, that is, a wireless sensor network (WSN). Security is becoming a major concern for WSN protocol designers because of the wide security-critical applications of WSNs. In this article, how WSN differs from wired network and other wireless network and also basic information about the WSN and its security issues compared with wired network and other wireless networks is discoursed. Summarization of typical attacks on sensor networks and survey about the literatures on several important security issues relevant to the sensor networks are also dissertated .


The knowledge of radiation situation is one of the crucial requirements for the realisation of dismantling activities in a safe and economic way. The calculation of external exposure is (among the material composition and geometric dimensions) strongly dependent on the source term – activity and nuclide composition. However, the exact data regarding this source term are often not available. Thus only approximate results can be obtained. From this reason the methodology was developed which reflects this phenomenon. The calculated values (using VISIPLAN 3D ALARA code) are related to 60 Co only. These values are then used for calculation of the dose rates with considered activity and nuclide composition (using MATLAB code). The obtained results are compared with the "standard" results obtained from direct entering all the data to the VISIPLAN 3D ALARA code. The comparison of the results from these two approaches is presented and analysed. The results of the comparisonenable the use of this methodology in the calculation of external exposure.


It is often necessary to measure sound fields in confined spaces where minimum disturbance of the sound field is important. In applications where the confinement of the space is extreme such as very small cavities, existing probe microphones are too large. In this paper the probe section of a Bruel and Kjaer probe microphone type 4170 is redesigned using smaller diameter probe tubes. New designs (microprobes) are first considered through simulations in the case of probe tubes having inside diameters ranging from 1.25 down to 0.1mm. Several microprobes were constructed and their performance measured and compared to the simulated results. Good agreement was found between the measured and simulated frequency response and sensitivity. Measurements show that a sensitivity of about 0.02mV∕Pa could be obtained from a probe tube with 0.2mm o.d. and 0.1mm i.d. if the length is less than 1cm. The input impedance of the probe orifice is estimated to be greater than 3×1010kgs−1m−4. Viscous resistance and thermal condu...


Two massive binaries, Cyg X-3 and LSI 303 o +61, are inside the error boxes of -ray sources detected by the Compton GRO. If somewhere inside such binary systems are injected very high energy (VHE) -rays, as suggested by some Cherenkov observations, they may initiate the inverse Compton e pair cascade in the soft radiation of a massive companion, and the detected high energy -ray emission may be caused by the secondary -rays of such cascade process. Since VHE - rays has to propagate in the anisotropic radiation of a massive star (the place of injection does not cover with the source of soft radiation), the intensities of secondary -rays depend on the angles of observation measured from direction dened by the place of injection of VHE -rays and the center of a mas- sive star. We compute -ray spectra formed in such anisotropic cascade by using the Monte Carlo method. It is found that the intensity of secondary -rays does not varies strongly for the angles of observation greater than 90 o , but the highest inten- sities are observed at the angles corresponding to the limb of a massive star. Moreover, some cascade -rays can also emerge from behind the massive star, i.e. from the opposite site than the location of a source of primary -rays. This interesting feature can be called as a focusing of -rays by the soft radiation of a massive star.


Peri-Implant Mucositis (PM) is inflammation that affects the soft tissues surrounding the implant with a prevalence between 19% and 65% and if left untreated, it precedes to periimplantitis. Over time several clinical protocols for the management of PM have been proposed. They include mechanical debridement alone or with additional chemical decontamination. A retrospective analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of an extra virgin olive oil-based gel in the treatment of PM in support of mechanical decontamination procedures in 20 subjects. Statistically significant improvements in clinical outcomes (bleeding on probing -BoP, plaque index -PI and probing depth -PD) were observed by comparing the values at baseline to three observation periods (p <0.001). Beyond the limits, this retrospective clinical study demonstrates that ozonated extra virgin olive oil gel allowed to effectively treat inflammation of peri-implant tissues and, due to its organoleptic characteristics and the absence of side effects, can represent a valuable therapy for the chemical management of peri-implant mucositis and for daily use in the context of supportive therapy.


PURPOSE: A battery charging apparatus is provided to charge a high voltage battery and a subsidiary battery together with one AC power supply by using a power conversion structure separating power using different turn ratios of a transformer. CONSTITUTION: A hybrid power conversion unit(221) converts AC power supply(21) into a first voltage and a second voltage to charge a high voltage battery(24) and a subsidiary battery(23) using a transformer for common use. A high voltage charger(222) charges the high voltage battery by stepping down the first voltage. A subsidiary voltage charger(223) steps down the voltage of the high voltage battery or the second voltage. A switching unit(224) switches the electrical connection between the AC power supply and the subsidiary voltage charger. The switching unit switches the electrical connection between the high voltage battery and the subsidiary voltage charger. [Reference numerals] (21) AC power supply; (221) Hybrid power conversion unit; (222) High voltage charger; (223) Subsidiary voltage charger; (224) Switching unit; (23) Subsidiary battery; (24) High voltage battery


The paper gives an account of the various aspects of the design and manufacture of microwave structures. The presentation of design information such as dimensions and tolerances is first discussed. Machining and other fabrication processes are then examined. Several methods of metal casting and associated techniques are described and the electrodeposition of waveguide components studied. Such final stages as inspection procedure, protective finishing and packaging are considered. The survey concludes with a bibliography.


Background and objectives: Hypocalcemia is a common complication in patients after total thyroidectomy. This study was undertaken to identify risk factors for post thyroidectomy hypocalcemia. To evaluate the risk factors of post total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia, in order to enable early management, avoid complications, and treat accordingly. Method: A longitudinal study was performed from January 2019 to February 2022. All cases of total Thyroidectomy were included which totaled 27. Ionized serum calcium with Parathyroid Hormone, serum, magnesium, serum phosphate and vitamin D were all measured for every patient preoperatively then postoperatively once, and serum calcium was measured every eight hours for the first 48 hours. Results: Our results showed an overall significant difference in the readings of calcium at different times, the mean of pre-operative reading of serum calcium was (9.6 mg/dl), which was greater than the mean of calcium measured 24 hours post-operative that was (8.72 mg/dl) with (p < 0.001), and the incidence of hypocalcemia was 51.9% of hypocalcemia after total thyroidectomy. Parathyroid Hormone level was the only risk factor for developing post total thyroidectomy hypocalcemia (p < 0.001), other risk factors were none of them significant.


To study the relationship between the fundamental frequencies and pre-stress values, based on experiments and numerical simulation, the simply supported was excited under different pre-stress values through using the hammering method. The collected acceleration signals in the mid-span of the beam were processed and analyzed to obtain the relationship between the fundamental frequency and pre-stress values. As shown from the analyzed result, the relationship between the fundamental frequency and pre-stress values could not be explained better based on the traditional "Euler-Bernoulli Beam Equation" theory. The fundamental frequency of the pre-stressed beam with the hammering method would be increased with the increasing pre-stress value. When the hammering method was introduced into the numerical simulation, its analysis result and the experimental result were very approximate and presented a small error, which indicated the feasibility and accuracy of the analyzed method. When the pre-stress value was a constant, the fundamental frequency of the beam would be increased with the increasing eccentric distance of the pre-stressing tendon. When other conditions were constant, the fundamental frequency of the beam presented a decreasing trend with the counterweight at the upper part of the beam.


Proceedings of the 1998 Wetlands Engineering and River Restoration Conference, held in Denver, Colorado, March 22-27, 1998. This collection contains 193 papers describing successful approaches for river restoration, wetland restoration, watershed management, and the use of constructed wetlands for water and wastewater treatment. Restoring or establishing complex ecosystems such as wetlands, riparian zones, and streams requires interdisciplinary cooperation. Engineers have long been part of interdisciplinary teams, but little information has been available to assist the development or evaluation of engineering approaches to restoration. Successful and unsuccessful case studies from Florida to Alaska and all places between are described. Potential solutions to a wide variety of ecosystem concerns in urban, suburban, and coastal environments are presented. The volume contains summaries of discussion sessions on hot-button topics related to restoration, such as "Is true watershed management achievable?", "Buzzwords," "Do ecologists and engineers have differing views on restoration?", and many others.


Our group ASACUSA-MUSASHI has established an efficient way for accumulating antiprotons in the cusp trap, a combination of an anti-Helmholz superconducting coil and a multi-ring electrode trap. The last piece for synthesizing antihydrogens in the cusp trap is positron. We have developed a compact system to effectively accumulate positrons based on N2 gas-buffer scheme with a specially designed high precision cylindrical multi-ring electrode trap. Millions of positrons were accumulated in the pre-accumulator just using polycrystalline tungsten moderators. The accumulated positrons were transported as a pulsed beam via three guiding coils and caught in the cusp trap under cryogenic and ultra high vacuum conditions without serious loss. Confinement of two kinds of numerous antiparticles, e.g., 108 positrons and 107 antiprotons, in the cusp trap becomes feasible.


The group delay of a linear-phase FIR filter is about half of its length. Existing methods for low group-delay FIR filter design usually result in large group delay error, noticeably towards the bandedges. Recently, Lai [2] presented a constrained least-squares design method that can specify both magnitude-error and phase-error upper bounds. Reduced group-delay error can be obtained by using a sigmoid phase-error upper-bound function in the method. In this paper, we improve the method by using a modified complex approximation error, such that we can more flexibly specify the magnitude and phase errors, and smaller magnitude error can be obtained under the same phase-error constraint. A multiple-exchange algorithm is used to solve the complex-error and phase-error constrained least-squares design problem. Through design examples, the proposed design method is compared with several existing method. Design examples demonstrate the effectiveness the proposed method.


AbstractThe present study aims to evaluate three global satellite precipitation products [TMPA 3B42, version 7 (3B42 V7); TMPA 3B42 real time (3B42 RT); and Climate Prediction Center morphing technique (CMORPH)] during 2003–12 for multiscale hydrologic applications—including annual water budgeting, monthly and daily streamflow simulation, and extreme flood modeling—via a distributed hydrological model in the Yangtze River basin. The comparison shows that the 3B42 V7 data generally have a better performance in annual water budgeting and monthly streamflow simulation, but this superiority is not guaranteed for daily simulation, especially for flood monitoring. It is also found that, for annual water budgeting, the positive (negative) bias of the 3B42 RT (CMORPH) estimate is mainly propagated into the simulated runoff, and simulated evapotranspiration tends to be more sensitive to negative bias. Regarding streamflow simulation, both near-real-time products show a region-dependent bias: 3B42 RT tends to overe...


The development of high-technology manufacturing concentrations has attracted extensive research, but few studies have provided evidence on the genesis of regional agglomerations of software industry. In this paper findings from a survey of 152 software firms in Washington State are presented. As in US industry data, the majority of these software companies are relatively small and new organizations within the State. Results on company location and formation decisions and on international activities show that the software industry has been generated primarily by local entrepreneurs and relies on US suppliers and customers. State government and academic research programs have not affected the growth of the software industry, but over time, industry expansion has produced leading US software corporations, such as the Microsoft Corporation.


I would like to invite you to reflect on the work of our estimated stomatherapy, in the area of incontinence. Or, as I prefer to refer to it, the area of urinary and evacuation dysfunctions, understanding that dysfunctions go beyond urinary or fecal loss, also contemplating urinary retention and intestinal constipation.


Objective To evaluate the left ventricular systolic function(LVSF) in patients with coronary artery disease(CAD) using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography(RT-3DE).Methods 34 patients with CAD were tested by using RT-3DE.The end diastolic volume(EDV),end systolic volume(ESV),stroke volume(SV) and ejection fraction(EF) of left ventricular were measured,and compared with those of 34 healthy volunteers.Results The LVEDV,LVESV and SV in patients with CAD were significantly higher than those in the normal control subjects(P0.001),and LVEF was significantly lower than that of control subjectives(P0.001).Linear correlative analysis showed that the decrease of LVEF was negatively correlated with the increase of LVEDV(r=-0.758).Conclusion RT-3DE can measure left ventricle volume and LVEF accurately,and evaluate LVSF after left ventricular remodeling in patients with CAD effectively.


Abstract Background Many low- and middle-income countries and international organizations have invested resources to strengthen primary health care services. Despite efforts from the Ministry of Health on primary health care, barriers to accessing health care services and health inequality in Myanmar still exist. This study aimed to identify the challenges and unmet needs in the current primary health care services by assessing the experiences and perceptions of healthcare workers and local leaders in three townships (Htantabin, Hmawbi, and Taikkyi) in Yangon, Myanmar. Methods The study was conducted among healthcare professionals and community leaders in three townships. By adopting a mixed-method approach, a cross-sectional health needs assessment survey was conducted for quantitative data (n = 66), and focus group discussions (15 group discussions) were conducted online for qualitative data. Results As a result of the survey regarding six domains; hygiene, primary medical care, maternal and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases, and leadership, enhancing the management and leadership capacity had the lowest average score on the current achievement (2.81 out of 5), while strengthening infectious disease control service and accessibility was perceived as the highest mean on the priority of intervention (4.28 out of 5) and the impact of the intervention (4.7). The focus group discussions revealed that while specific infrastructures and equipment necessary for the category were addressed, the need for financial support has been the recurrent theme throughout the discussions. Conclusions Utilizing the World Health Organization's six-building block framework, our findings suggest that a long-term targeted financial investment in the primary health care system is critical in Myanmar by increasing health care expenditure per capita. At the same time, related barriers and facilitators should be considered to optimize the effectiveness of prioritized interventions. Key messages • Health care providers and local leaders perceived the management and leadership capacity as the lowest current achievement. • A long-term targeted financial investment in the primary health care system is critical in Myanmar.


The steplike structure of vertical temperature profiles in the Arctic Ocean (under T-3) shows anomalous features. The temperature through thick layers (15–20 meters) is not always isothermal; it frequently decreases with depth so that at the bottom of the layer it may equal the temperature at the bottom of the layer just above. A somewhat similar temporary phenomenon is found in thinner layers (about 4 meters) in which a warm 'overshoot' appears at the top of the layer and generally thickens until only an inversion of cooler water remains at the bottom. When thin layers vary in this manner, two adjacent layers are usually affected. On one occasion the entire set of layers (220–300 meters) disappeared from the bottom upward and later reappeared from the top downward. The large-scale character of the salinity-temperature structure was different in the absence and presence of layering.


Most binary classifiers such as AdaBoost assume equal cost of misclassifying the two classes or, equivalently, classifying at the 1/2 quantile of conditional class probabilities. We approach the problem of unequal costs of misclassification or, equivalently, classification at quantiles other than 1/2, with the well-known practice of over/undersampling of the two classes. An algorithm which combines jittering of the data with over/under-sampling, called JOUS-Boost, is presented which is simple yet successful and preserves advantages such as relative protection against overfitting at arbitrary quantile boundaries and hence for arbitrary misclassification costs. We use collections of classifiers obtained from a grid of quantiles to form estimators of class probabilities. The estimated class probabilities are compared to those obtained by applying a link function to


We have developed an experiment for nutritional/introductory biochemistry courses that focuses on carbohydrate analysis--specifically, the carbohydrates found in bananas and the change in carbohydrate composition as the banana ripens. Pairs of students analyze the starch and reducing sugar content of green, ripe, and overripe bananas. Using the techniques and knowledge gained from these analyses, they then investigate the influence of various storage methods on the ripening process. While this experiment was developed for an introductory-level biochemistry lab, it can easily be adapted for use in other laboratory programs that seek to teach the fundamentals of carbohydrate analysis.


National identity, trapped within stereotypes and communicated via representations, holds secrets which are at once appealing and challenging. An insider's perspective on its inner core is more than welcome therefore. A perfect example in this respect is Kate Fox's Watching the English. The Hidden Rules of English Behaviour (2005),


The leaf of C. dipsaceus was evaluated for its nutritional and antioxidant properties. From the present investigation, significant amount of almost all essential amino acids and important minerals were quantified. Low levels of trypsin inhibitory units, phenolics, and tannins content were found as antinutritional content. Further, hot water extract of C. dipsaceus showed good activity especially in ABTS+, metal chelating, nitric oxide, and DPPH assays. Hence, the results conclude that C. dipsaceus could be a valuable nutraceutical supplement to the human diet.


Globalization sweeps off most bases of nationalities, their notion about good and evil and their world outlook. That is why keeping all meaningful values of nationality is of great importance. This article takes into consideration one of the cults in the Adyghean mythology the cult of mountain and stone. Its remarkable that the object of research is ispyun, which is thousands of years old and exists nowadays. It testifies to high level of nationality culture. Unique historical monuments are neglected and unprotected, and this shouldnt be so.


The article deals with the perception of a personality and the concept of the German philosopher and theologian Fr. Schleiermacher in the Russian philosophy of the first half of the XIX th century. There is evidence of P.J. Chaadayev and I.V. Kireyevsky being aware of the texts by Fr. Schleiermacher as well as their evaluation of his personality and world view. Proceeding from the evidence, the author of this article reveals the main features of the first period of perceiving Fr. Schleiermacher's ideas in Russia, and a conclusion follows that on the whole the novelty of his views was not understood and stayed underestimated.


The study of coal mine gas is not only in relation to the value in use,but also the personal safety of many miners.Bucun,as one of the most important part of the central of Shandong,which is an important base of energy supply in Shandong,is of self-evident value in the coal-mine gas research.Based on the principles of sedimentology,structural geology,coal geology,mathematical models of process analysis,geological structures,the lithology of floor and the roof of coal bed,the magmatic rock,hydrogeologic condition and the basic rock thickness are analyzed,the absolute gas emission rate is predicated quantitatively in Bucun,the isoline graph of absolute gas emission rate is made as well.It is showed that Bucun coal mine belongs to low gas mines area,the absolute gas emission rate appears the trend of lower in the west and higher in the east.It is mainly controlled by the Bucun syncline.The above predication anaylsis will play a guiding role in the later production.


This paper provides a theoretical study and calculation of the specific detectivity-D* limit of photovoltaic (PV) mid-wave infrared (MWIR) PbSe n+-p junction detectors operating at both room temperature and TE-cooled temperature. For a typical PbSe p-type doping concentration of 2 × 1017 cm-3 and with high quantum efficiency, the D* limits of a photovoltaic PbSe n+-p junction detector are shown to be 2.8 × 1010 HZ1/2/W and 3.7 × 1010 HZ1/2/W at 300 K and 240 K, with cut-off wavelength of 4.5 μm and 5.0 μm, respectively. It is almost one magnitude higher than the current practical MWIR PV detector. Above 244 K, the detector is Johnson noise limited, and below 191 K the detector reaches background limited infrared photodetector (BLIP) D*. With optimization of carrier concentration, D* and BLIP temperature could be further increased.


The value of undergraduates is featured as diversified,pragmatic and unsteady.College advisors should combine socialist core values education with everyday education,management and service,immerse it in campus culture and social practice,and deepen and implement its education.


Abstract We study nonlinear phenomena in double barrier heterostructures. Systems in 3D under the effect of an external magnetic field along the current and 1D systems are analyzed. Nonlinearities are reflected in theI–Vcharacteristic curve as bistabilities, instabilities and time-dependent oscillations of the currents. The nature of the nonlinear behavior depends upon the parameters that define the system.


This paper proposes a novel robust affine projection sign algorithm (R‐APSA) through a modified criterion that consists of the Euclidean norm of the sum of the difference between the present weight vector and the previous weight vectors. Because the filter update equation of the proposed R‐APSA is obtained from the modified criterion, it has robustness against the high power of measurement noises. Moreover, due to the characteristic inherent in the original APSA, the proposed R‐APSA performs well even though impulsive noises occur. Simulation results verify that the proposed R‐APSA attains smaller steady‐state errors than the existing released algorithms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


The aim of this paper is to evaluate how infostructure has been reformed in the liberalisation process of network industries, which has involved third party access to the network through a comparison of the electricity, railway, and civil aviation sectors in Switzerland. Our theoretical argument posits that infostructure is a missing link in the study of the regulation of liberalised network industries. Infostructure is defined as the control and command services that are necessary for monitoring the access to and optimising the uses of infrastructure. Our empirical comparison of the sectors aims at answering the principle question: What is the impact of the management of infostructure on the liberalisation process and the structure of liberalising markets? This study of the liberalisation of network industries in Switzerland highlights the potential strategic function of infostructure in the context of opening to competition and internationalising markets. Infostructure management can impact infrastructure ownership and service operation in terms of market structure and constrain access to the infrastructure and the market. Infostructure could also weaken the capacity to regulate the entire sector from regulatory agencies, particularly when self-regulatory arrangements control third party access to the network.


The purpose of this article is to understand how a corporate museum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia works to create proleptic myths of nationhood to under-gird a broader state-centric project of nationalist—capitalist modernization. The article examines how these myths are expressed in the museum's design plans and are manifested in the museum's displays and spatial layout. From this analysis it becomes apparent that, first, the museum's designers intend for Malaysian museum-goers to both learn and embody particular myths of national modernization. Second, the museum's displays are dedicated to establishing a Malay-centric origin narrative for the contemporary nation-state. Third, as one moves through the museum, Malay-centrism gives way to narratives of a `multi-racial' society that link technological modernization with social progress. Eventually, however, `race' is trumped by `class' as the social identity category deemed appropriate for `information age' citizenship and nationhood in Malaysia in a story that parallels broader cultural and political—economic state-centric aspirations to achieve `development'. The deployment of `class' in this context melds strategies of government with selective aspects of neoliberalism that seek to manage the possible cultural and political experiences of nationalist—capitalist accumulation and democratic authoritarianism in contemporary Malaysia. I suggest that while these aspirations expressed through the design of the museum might appear to overcome certain limitations of racial communalisms among different Malaysians, they also dissemble underlying symbolic and material violence that enforces a state-centric stability on the possible meanings of citizenship and national identity in contemporary Malaysia.


ABSTRACT The predicted model of the sensory quality of refrigerated tilapia skin at 8°C was constructed using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) based on the principle of sample packaging integrity. The characteristic spectral intervals were chosen from preprocessed spectral data using synergy interval partial least squares (siPLS), principal component analysis, and Jordan–Elman back propagation-artificial neural network (JENN) was used to build a prediction model for tilapia skin quality parameter. The results showed that the multiple scatter correction (MSC) + 2nd derivative was the best-preprocessed method, and the four characteristic spectral intervals were 680–740, 742–800, 980–1040, and 1150–1210 nm. Further, the cumulative contribution rate of the first three principal components was 99.15%. Additionally, the root mean square error of cross-validation set (RMSECV) of transfer function (tanh) of the model was 0.386, the determinant coefficient for prediction ( ) was 0.973, and the RMSECV and were 0.393 and 0.971 for unknown samples, respectively. The results showed that NIRS combined with JENN could allow rapid and accurate evaluation of tilapia skin quality in the range of 73.00–97.00 scores.


After having been at the edges of railway development for decades, Africa is transforming into one of the world's most dynamic railway markets, due to growing international interest in its rich mineral deposits and the need to better serve expanding urban populations. The findings of recent market study are presented in this article.


An algorithm of frequency estimation for sinusoidal signal with random length corrupted by additive Gaussian noise was proposed.Firstly, The frequency of truncated series was estimated through FFT and was considered a coarse reference frequecy.Secondly, three DFT coefficients near the coarse frequency were calculated and the largest magnitude was determined. Interpolation on Fourier coefficients on the basis of frequency estimate corresponding to the largest magnitude was performed to get the final frequency estimate.Computer simulation results demonstrated that the performance of proposed algorithm attains to Cramer-Rao bound of sinusoid. Keywordsrandom length; Interpolation; frequency estimation;Cramer-Rao bound


The majority of cruising Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) rely on similar technologies for navigation and positioning solutions. This paper examines the traditional approach and some enhancements designed to improve autonomous operations that are available today. Finally it will explore some new techniques under current development. Examples of equipment and performance will be provided from Kongsberg Maritime's experience as the leading manufacturer of survey class AUVs.


Background: Research evidence suggests that a multidisciplinary team approach improves the outcomes of patients with breast cancer. However, limited attention has examined the extent to which the clinical nurse specialist's (CNS's) role can impact Irish patients' care, particularly given the novelty of this role in Ireland. Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the informational role of CNSs in supporting Irish patients during their breast cancer journey and the extent of its impact on their care. Methods: Three Irish breast cancer teams were investigated. A Picker questionnaire was administered to more than 100 patients per team who had completed treatment. Questions focused on the patients' journey from diagnosis through to treatment completion. Follow-up interviews with the teams' CNSs were conducted to achieve a deeper understanding of the care received. Results: While patients reported an overall positive impression of their care, they were least satisfied with the amount of information and emotional support they received during their chemotherapy. Clinical nurse specialists commented that there is insufficient staffing in medical oncology to address this need in part because the ill-defined job description makes it difficult to quantify the impact of this role. Conclusions: The informational role of the CNS is inadequately recognized and is thus not currently able to fully address patients' care needs. Implications for Practice: Clarification of the CNS's role description in oncology care in Ireland is needed as is sufficient CNS staffing to maintain the vital informational role of CNSs throughout the patients' breast cancer journey.


Risk is something that can occur when an organization's activities are carried out. The risks that occur can be in the form of opportunities or challenges so that in their management there is a need for planning. Educational risk management as planning in carrying out activities in an institution, especially school education. Good planning will improve the quality of an education. The discussion in this article is about how the education management process can improve the quality of education. Writing articles using a literature study approach. The result of writing is that risk management in education needs to be done as an effort to improve and develop the quality of education.


Carbon nanostructured materials have been widely investigated and explored all over the world. However, the frontiers of applications and basic examinations related to these materials have yet to be opened in terms of their stability and robustness in the required environment. I report the temperature-dependent transport properties of vertically aligned graphene nanoflakes (GNFs) at room temperature to 800 K. Investigation of GNFs incorporated with nitrogen (N2) of varying concentration in situ and their possible conduction mechanism has been carried out over the entire range of temperatures mentioned above. N-type conductivity, carrier concentration, mobility and modulation at various temperatures are observed by means of Hall-effect measurements. The film of GNFs incorporated with nitrogen in situ persists in a linear trend, satisfying conduction behaviour expectations for all measured transport parameters with only a small discrete-point anomaly. Supporting evidence of N2 incorporation and structural modifications is studied by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray photoemission spectroscopy. The observation findings also provide the thermal stability of N2 incorporated into two-dimensional vertically standing GNFs.


We find all Weierstrass points on some of the bielliptic intermediate modular curves XΔ(N) whose bielliptic involutions are of Atkin–Lehner type.


This report describes the procedures used to design and construct trial pavement sections in Kenedy County, Texas. Sulphur, by acting as a structuring agent between aggregates, allowed the use of a poor-quality aggregate in lieu of higher-quality aggregates in these trial sections. This construction technique, which was developed by Shell, Canada, will be evaluated for at least three years at Kenedy County. /Authors/


The aim of this research is to know the influence of  Corporate Social Responsibility of tithe's to Return on Equity on Syariah Banks in Indonesian periods on 2006-2008 with calculate from Corporate Social Disclusure Index  (CSDI). The research sample is Syariah Bank in Indonesian fulfilling criterion as this research sample consist of Mandiri Syariah Bank, Mega Syariah Bank and Muamalat Indonesian Bank.  Sampling using method of purposive sampling. The methode analysis of this research used regression analysis. Data CSDI  variables collected by Global Reporting Index (GRI) instrument in 2006-2008 and financial report firm while 3 periods (2006-2008). Regression analysis result showed that Corporate Social Disclosure Index (CSDI) and tithe's both simultaneously have a positive and significant effect to Return on Equity on Syariah Banks in Indonesian. This is indicated by F test with F value (14,438) > F table (3,32) or p value (0.000) t table (1,96) or  p value (0.000) 0.05.


It's hard to admit the medals and eighteen oak leaf clusters you played with as children, pinning them on, strutting about, were so important to have brought all those strangers to the funeral, standing at the back, serious and at attention. But harder to face the fact that your father, grown too small for his skin and then for his box, who at the end you had to help with his buttons, once when the world was younger knew, before you were born, days bigger than yours or mine would ever be. That boomerang smile. That cocked hat.


ZnO thin films were prepared by an unbalanced magnetron sputter on silicon substrates and glass slides. An ITO layer was applied on Si substrate as a buffer layer. Microstructure and mechanical deformation behaviors of the ZnO films were investigated by XRD, SEM and nanoindentation methods. Results showed that ITO buffer layer plays an important role for ZnO heteroepitaxy growth on Si substrates. The strains at the interface induced by the lattice mismatch of Si and ZnO are repressed. As a result, ZnO films with the buffer layers showed larger grain size and better crystallinity. The hardness and modulus of ZnO films with buffer layer decreased. Continuous stiffness measurement (CSM) technique was also used to investigate the effects of buffer layer and substrate materials on the mechanical performance of the prepared ZnO films. The relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of ZnO films are discussed based on the experimental results.


Despite continuous progress in education and in the management of multilingualism within and between countries, problems do occur when multiple languages are used. This book explains and offers solutions to the problems confronted by governments, social planners, and ordinary citizens on how to balance unity and diversity, how to bring the benefits of political and economic participation to all without destroying the integrity of individual communities and cultures.


The aim is to investigate the temperature variation, the self ignition hazard and the energy content in the ammunition. The conjugate heat transfer analysis of the transient thermal conduction and the natural convection in a stack of cases with ammunition №1 or №2, which are modeled as temperature dependent heat sources, were simulated numerically using PHOENICS(Version 1.4) and the false density method. It was found that with reasonable heat transfer conditions at the boundary and relatively low initial and boundary temperatures(≤50℃), the ammunition did not self ignite within the 50 years time period used for the analysis. If the initial and boundary temperatures were high (120℃), the ammunition will self ignite within about 1 h. If the heat transfer conditions on the boundary were very bad, e.g., thermally isolated boundary conditions, the ammunition self ignited at relatively low initial and boundary temperatures within the stipulated 50 years period.


The 21st Century is shockingly witnessing the growing trends of stateless, vulnerable and persecuted people around the world. Albeit the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees (1951 Convention) and its 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees (1967 Protocol) offer numerous legal basis for the protections of refugees, these are still seemed inadequate to address the global plights of refugees. One of the problems associated with refugees is unemployment while seeking refuge in the host State. Surviving in a foreign country without a proper mean to earn a living often compels them to indulge in illegal activities which may inevitably affect the national security of the host nation. Hence, it is essential to guarantee employment rights to the refugees for their survivals. Thus, this paper generally intends to examine major legal provisions dealt with the employment of refugees under the 1951 Convention. In this paper, it is observed that most of the States nowadays are reluctant and not very much forthcoming in welcoming refugees let alone employing them. In fact, there are many benefits that a host State can gain from allowing refugees to work while they are living it its territory, namely, promoting the living standard of refugees in its jurisdiction, integrating them well in to the host society, and boosting the national economy, among others


This article addresses issues of business risk in the home health care industry. General concepts of risk are discussed, and the unique attributes affecting risk in the home health industry are identified and reviewed particularly as they affect market entry strategies, differentiation, innovation, and regulation.


The effectiveness of RC jackets for seismic retrofitting of rectangular columns with poor detailing, and in particular with lap splicing of bars at floor level, was investigated. Four cantilever columns with smooth bars and hooked ends and another 3 with ribbed bars and straight ends, were cyclically tested to failure, after jacketing. The tests of companion unretrofitted columns show that, for smooth bars with hooked ends, the low deformation capacity and energy dissipation does not depend on lapping length at least for lapping as short as 15 bar-diameters. Unretrofitted columns with straight ribbed bars exhibit a remarkable loss of deformation capacity and energy dissipation with decreasing lap length, below 45 bar-diameters. RC jacketing of columns with smooth bars and hooked ends is very effective in increasing their resistance, cyclic deformation capacity and energy dissipation to levels sufficient for earthquake resistant construction and to those of a monolithic column without lap splicing. In columns with straight ribbed bars RC jacketing cannot fully re-instate cyclic deformation capacity and energy dissipation to that of a monolithic column, if the original column has very short lapping, e.g. in the order of 15 bar-diameters.


Endothelin (ET)-1 is involved in various diseases, including cancer, hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and fibrotic diseases, although ET-1 is originally identified as endothelium-derived vasocontractile peptide. ET receptors belong to the class A of G protein-coupled receptor, and consist of ET type A receptor (ET A R) and ET type B receptor (ET B R). ET A R and ET B R generally exhibit the opposite responses, although many exceptions exist. Here, we attempted to identify ET A R or ET B R specific binding proteins to understand difference of ET A R- and ET B R-mediated responses upon ET-1 stimulation. We found that GRP78 exhibited a stronger binding affinity toward ET B R than ET A R. Overexpression of GRP78 promotes ET B R-mediated ERK activation. In addition, the silencing of GRP78 suppressed ET B R-mediated ERK activation. On the other hand, ET B R can localize GRP78 to cell periphery. Our results suggest that interaction of ET B R with GRP78 affects the ERK activation and GRP78 localization.


In order to mitigate the network congestion by node failures,a novel survivability evaluation method(Survivability Algorithm based on Cellular Annealing,SACA)is proposed by cellular automata and simulated annealing algorithm.In this method,the definiton of novel survivability is presented,and variation and intersection operations is improved with cellular evolution rules to get the remaining amount of network data transmission.Then,a simulation was conducted to study the relationship between network survivability and the number of failures linker in NS2and MATLAB.The results show that,compared other algorithm,SACA algorithm has better adaptability.


Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) is one of the prey of Delphastus catalinae (Horn). Preference ex- periments were made respectively provided with six host plants to B. tabaci. The results showed that host plants mainly affected the propagation and population growth of B. tabaci significantly. Comparing the population growth index (I) of B. tabaci, we found that cauliflower, poinsettia, cowpea and tobacco were fitted to rear B. tabaci in a large number, and cauliflower was the best host plant for B. tabaci, with the maximal population growth index (I) of B. tabaci developed on it.


The middle Eocene in Nei Mongol (China) was an interval of profound faunal changes as regards the basal Glires and gliriform mammals in general. A major diversification of rodent lineages (ctenodactyloids) and more modern small-sized lagomorphs was accompanied by a decline of mimotonids (Gomphos and Mimolagus) and anagalids. The latter was an enigmatic group of basal Euarchontoglires endemic to China and Mongolia. Here, we describe the first anagalid tooth (a P4) from the Huheboerhe classic site in the Erlian Basin. The tooth, characterized by its unique morphology intermediate between mimotonids and anagalids is semihypsodont, has a single buccal root typical of mimotonids, a large paracone located anteriorly, and a nascent hypocone, characteristic of advanced anagalids. The new finding of neither an abundant nor speciose group suggests a greater diversity of anagalids in the Eocene of China. This discovery is important because it demonstrates the convergent adaptations in anagalids, possibly of ecological significance.


This paper deals with the design of an automatic onboard neutral-section passing device measuring instrument in view of the existing automatic onboard neutral-section passing device at the advantage of difficult maintenance.This device can simulate the parameter of locomotive and the locating signal in practical running,detect the operation of automatic onboard neutral-section passing device in the various work condition,and evaluate the validity of device based on run-time of in various velocity.


A series of bearing capacity tests were conducted with an eccentrically (e/B = 0, 1/12, 1/6, 1/3) loaded model surface (Df/B = 0) and shallow (Df/B = 0.25) strip footings (B = 80 mm) resting close to reinforced finite sand slopes to investigate ultimate loads, failure surfaces, load–displacement curves, rotation of footing, etc. The experimental set-up used to run the tests consists of a tank, model footing, sand, and a loading mechanism. A single woven geotextile strip sheet was placed horizontally below the footing's base at a depth of half of the footing's width. Ultimate loads decreased with increasing eccentricity. This decrease is due to a combination of eccentricity and slope. The use of geotextile reinforcement increased ultimate loads in comparison with unreinforced cases. Failure surfaces were not symmetrical, primary failure surfaces developed on the eccentricity (slope) side, and secondary failure surfaces developed on the other side. Lengths of failure surfaces decreased with increasing eccen...


In this study, we propose a stereo matching system using a drone equipped with RTK-GNSS and a single camera to realize high-precision growth measurement of crops in a largescale field. Also, the technique of multiple stereo matching by repeating the photographing in the fixed interval is proposed. To evaluate the proposed system, a comparison experiment of stereo matching was carried out between the case where the baseline length was measured by RTK-GNSS and the case where the known and accurate baseline length was used by the photographing equipment without using RTK-GNSS. As a result, it was clarified that both of them could be measured with equal accuracy and that RTK-GNSS was sufficient accuracy. In the best case, the height of the plant was measured with an error of 0.1 cm by stereo matching at a baseline length of 4 m and a subject distance of 16 m.


Of all the management 'gurus' I have met and worked with, CK Prahalad will always stand tall. His sad and sudden departure recently has robbed the world not only of a great mind, but also of a great heart. I bid him farewell.


Abstract Extract Since the announcement of my appointment to the position of Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Massey University, I have been asked frequently what contributed most strongly to my decision to withdraw from the mainstream of corporate functioning in the U.S.A.; I readily admit it was a decision that was neither easily, nor lightly, determined.


This article focuses on two Malayalam films such as Ore Kadal (The Sea Within, 2007) and Artist (2013) directed by Shyamaprasad. The article argues that these films break the shackles of middle-cla...


Generally,people views the Four Dafus(大赋)of Yangxiong as being out of Sima's,and as a continuation and replication of it.In fact,among the major elements of the internal structure of Yangxiong's Four Dafus(大赋),some have changed,in terms of in timing,realism and aspiration.Because of these new changes,the Four Dafus(大赋) are thought to be the end of the Dafu(大赋) of Western Han Dynasty.In the course of the Hanfu(汉赋),Yangxiong is the key figure who gave the Dafu(大赋)of Western Han Dynasty a great categorical criticism,and Hanfu(汉赋)began its development to the Yanzhifu(言志赋) thereafter.Finally,the author analyses the reason why Yangxiong became the key figure in the development of Hanfu(汉赋).


Bis(benzo-crown ether) derivatives linked by HN(CH2)nNH chains where n= 2–6, 8 or 10 have been prepared and their interaction with potassium ions examined. In multinuclear NMR studies it was shown that the structure in solution was a rapidly exchanging series of several different complexes of 1 : 1 composition. Some of these exchange processes are characterised by NMR kinetics. A quantitative mass spectroscopic evaluation of the competition between pairs of bis(crowns) for a single cation (potassium, rubidium or caesium ion) was made. In 1H, 13C NMR and in FAB mass spectroscopic studies the crown where n= 3 in the series showed the most extreme behaviour, suggestive of stronger complexation and/or a different conformation.


This document provides guidelines to Web authoring tool manufacturers or developers. The purpose of this document is two-fold: to assist developers in designing authoring tools that generate accessible Web content and to assist developers in creating an accessible authoring tool user interface. Accessible Web content is achieved by encouraging authoring tool users ("authors") to create accessible Web content (through mechanisms such as prompts, alerts, checking and repair functions, help files and automated tools), and by ensuring that the automatic processes of the authoring tool generate accessible content. This will result in the proliferation of Web pages that can be read by a broader range of readers and in authoring tools which can be used by a broader range of users . This document is part of a series of accessibility documents published by the W3C Web Accessibility Initiative.


The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of seed priming on root growth of two barley cultivars (Hordeum vulgare L.) under salinity stress was performed in phytogel. The treatments included two cultivars of barely (Yusuf and Maquie), levels of seed priming (control, hydro-priming and priming with 4.35 g l-1 of urea) and four levels of NaCl salinity stress (0, 0.2, 0.3 M). The experiment was conducted in Factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications. The results indicated that salinity and seed priming were significantly effects on length, volume, density, fresh and dry weight and rate of root development of barley. Also, the effect of cultivar was significantly in volume, fresh weight and density. Salinity stress reduced length, volume, density, fresh and dry weight and rate of root development. However, the most of barely traits which were affected by seed priming were improved in 0, 0.1 and 0.2 salt Molar levels and priming with urea had the most positive impact on root traits. In the highest salinity level, none of seed priming treatments had not significant effect on root traits. The most effective of Hydro-priming was obtained in the absence of stress. In most of salinity treatments Yusuf cv. in compared with Maquie cv, had more fresh weight and volume root was higher fresh and In general, seed priming could be used as a solution to improve root development of barley seedlings until 0.2 Molar NaCl salinity stress.


Achievable benefits in hybrid laser-arc welding are closely related to suitable parameter settings. Basic optimizations consequently need a profound understanding of the relevance of involved interaction mechanisms. These are however differently evaluated and discussed in literature. This paper gives an over-view on the most popular hypotheses in the field of laser-arc processing. The importance of direct interactions between laser radiation and arc plasma as well as the role of metal evaporation are particularly considered by own experimental and numerical investigations. The results of this analysis suggest that these phenomena cannot be regarded as main driving mechanisms for synergistic achievements in hybrid laser-arc welding with respect to process stability and performance.Achievable benefits in hybrid laser-arc welding are closely related to suitable parameter settings. Basic optimizations consequently need a profound understanding of the relevance of involved interaction mechanisms. These are however differently evaluated and discussed in literature. This paper gives an over-view on the most popular hypotheses in the field of laser-arc processing. The importance of direct interactions between laser radiation and arc plasma as well as the role of metal evaporation are particularly considered by own experimental and numerical investigations. The results of this analysis suggest that these phenomena cannot be regarded as main driving mechanisms for synergistic achievements in hybrid laser-arc welding with respect to process stability and performance.


ABSTRACT Project Title: Recovery Act: Advanced Direct Methanol Fuel Cell for Mobile Computing PROJECT OBJECTIVE The objective of the project was to advance portable fuel cell system technology towards the commercial targets of power density, energy density and lifetime. These targets were laid out in the DOE's RD for example, the DP4 energy density was 373 Whr/l versus the DOE 2011 status of 200 Whr/l. For the DOE 2013 Technical Goals, the operation time was increased from 10 hours to 14.3 hours. Under these conditions, the DP4 closely approached or surpassed the technical targets; for example, the DP4 achieved 468 Whr/l versus the goal of 500 Whr/l. Thus, UNF has successfully met the project goals. A fully-operational, 20-watt DMFC power supply was developed based on the UNF passive water recovery MEA. The power supply meets the project performance goals and advances portable power technology towards the commercialization targets set by the DOE.« less


The $T$ matrix half off the energy shell can be expressed in terms of the on-shell $T$ matrix and the difference between the full scattering wave function and the phase-shifted free wave function. This representation allows one to investigate variations in the half-shell $T$ matrix by means of a parametrization of the scattering wave function in the interaction region. Most of our knowledge of the physical constraints on that wave function may then be included. In particular we have studied the arbitrariness remaining in the half-shell $T$ matrix given the following constraints: (1) The on-shell $T$ matrix is given; (2) a specific local potential acts beyond a certain radius; and (3) the wave function is suppressed at short distances. We construct models of the $^{1}S_{0}$ two-nucleon half-shell $T$ matrix. In a simple one-parameter model satisfying these constraints, the range of variation of the near off-shell behavior is displayed.


During the last decade, detection and manipulation of single vortex lines in bulk superconductors have been achieved experimentally. Electrodynamic response of pinned vortices in the high-frequency range is instrumental in studying specific aspects of their behavior. The present paper reviews the state of the art in studies of the oscillations of a single Abrikosov vortex in type II superconductors. The equations for free and forced oscillations of a single elastic vortex line are analyzed taking into account different forces affecting its motion: pinning, elasticity, viscosity and the Lorenz force. The equations also account for the inertial properties of a vortex due to various mechanisms of massiveness. The nature and magnitude of the vortex effective mass caused by some of the mechanisms are discussed in the paper. The roles of each force and inertia in the free oscillation spectrum are thoroughly analyzed. For the De Gennes and Matricon mode (at about a megahertz) with parabolic dispersion and the pi...


Direct drilling helps in timely sowing of wheat after paddy in paddy-wheat rotation. It reduces cost of production, controls soil erosion and weeds, conserves soil moisture and also increases the quantity of organic matter in the soil. However, direct drilling in combine-harvested paddy field is not possible due to loose straw and chaffcoming out from combine. Presently this residue is being burnt along with stubbles after using stubble shaver. This is causing environmental pollution and even partial burning is being discouraged. Direct drilling in combine harvested fields faces the problems of accumulation of loose straw in front of seed drill's furrow openers. The presence of loose straw also results in traction problem in the ground wheel and non-uniform depth of seed placement due to frequent lifting of implement under heavy trash conditions. Keeping in view these operational problems, a tractor operated straw thrower attachment was designed and developed to facilitate direct drilling in combine harvested paddy fields without burning loose straw or stubbles. The first prototype developed in the department of Farm Power and Machinery is a mounted type PTO operated attachment with adjustable ground clearance of straw fingers. It is attached in front of the No-till-drill. As the tractor moves forward throwing of straw and direct drilling operation are performed simultaneously. The preliminary field trials in the paddy fields during current season were found satisfactory. It can clear about 90% of the loose trash from the field in a one pass and spread it uniformly over the adjacent drilled area. This assembly can be very easily attached with any direct drilling machine and its cost is about Rs.2000/-. The detailed research trials of machine performance, wheat sowing and germination etc. are in progress at Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana. This attachment is likely to solve most of the operational problems of direct drilling machines in combine-harvested paddy fields.