ithin the last few years, the Internet has made the transition from being a research network to becoming an increasingly indispensable part of the global communications infrastructure. Technology that used to be primarily of interest to a relatively small research community now has become a major source of revenue for carriers and the focus of a growing equipment and service market. However, general technical information about "Internet plumbing" is still not widely available beyond specialized conferences and detail-oriented protocol specifications. The new feature series on Internet technology being inaugurated in this edition of IEEE Communications Magazine aims to fill at least some of this void. The feature series aims to highlight problems and solutions encountered when providing both traditional and more advanced Internet services. The first edition features three articles, covering multicast, high-speed IP switching, and a high-speed test network. Multipoint-to-multipoint communications has only recently attracted attention in most existing communication networks reaching beyond the local area. IP multicast offers a single, universal service with a simple, easy-to-use abstraction for such a service. So far, uses of IP multicast have focused on conferencing applications, but IP multicast can also help to reduce network load by avoiding repeated transmission of the same data. However, supporting IP multicast outside the local area in a scalable manner has turned out to be difficult, with several approaches still in the research stage. The article by Xylomenos and Polyzos addresses the issue of how to support IP multicast in a mobile environment, where some of the assumptions underlying IP multicast routing no longer hold. As the Internet has become a commercially provided infrastructure, network experiments are ever harder to perform. Also, as the traffic load on the Internet has increased, it has become increasingly difficult to use the "public" Internet for applications requiring high throughput. The National Science Foundation operates the vBNS (veryhigh-speed Backbone Network Service) described by Jamison and Wilder as both a testbed for new, high-performance applications as well as a "production" interconnection of supercomputer centers. A number of years ago, panels at conferences were held to debate who would use all the new bandwidth available through fiber technology, searching for the "killer application" that might light up the newly installed fiber Henning Schulzrinne


TPS6091 Background: Patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) have low response rates to licensed second line therapies, including PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab, and represent an area of unmet clinical need. The chimeric IgG1 epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody cetuximab potentiates the activity of radiotherapy in locally advanced HNSCC and chemotherapy in R/M HNSCC and is also licensed with modest activity as a single agent. Cetuximab initiates Natural Killer (NK) cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), resulting in an anti-tumour immune response and the potential to augment the activity of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition. EACH aims to examine the safety and efficacy of the potentially synergistic interaction between cetuximab and avelumab, a fully human IgG1 anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody in R/M HNSCC. Methods: EACH is a randomised phase II trial preceded by a safety run-in phase. Eligible patients have histologically or cytologically confirmed measurable recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of any site in the safety run-in phase, and HNSCC in phase II, that is considered incurable by local therapies. The safety run-in has a single arm de-escalating design, aiming to establish the safety of cetuximab with avelumab and determine the optimal dose of cetuximab within this combination. The safety run-in has a dosing schedule of avelumab (10 mg/kg) + cetuximab (500 mg/m2) intravenously every 2 weeks, with de-escalation of cetuximab to 400 mg/m2 and 300 mg/m2 if necessary. The safety run-in phase commenced recruitment in July 2018 and is ongoing. The phase II component will randomize 114 HNSCC patients between either avelumab + cetuximab at the dose determined by the safety run-in phase or avelumab (10 mg/kg) alone. Treatment will be in 4-week cycles for up to one year. The primary endpoint in the safety run-in phase is the occurrence of dose limiting toxicities, and in phase II is Disease Control Rate at 24 weeks, using iRECIST. Blood and fresh tissue will be collected for exploratory translational studies, which will focus on the identification of potential novel predictive biomarkers for response. Clinical trial information: NCT03494322.


The Intense Beam Experiment (IBEX) is a linear Paul trap designed to replicate the dynamics of intense particle beams in accelerators. Similar to the S-POD apparatus at Hiroshima University, IBEX is a small scale experiment which has been constructed and recently commissioned at the STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in the UK. The aim of the experiment is to support theoretical studies of next-generation high intensity proton and ion accelerators, complementing existing computer simulation approaches. Here we report on the status of commissioning and first results obtained.


Advanced fibrosis is the most important predictor of liver‐related mortality in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of noninvasive scoring systems in identifying advanced fibrosis in a Malaysian NAFLD cohort and propose a simplified strategy for the management of NAFLD in a primary care setting.


Drawing on the urban space theory, based on the interaction between policy supply and right demand, this paper constructs a theoretical model of the spatial fit and inhibition effect of the urban transformation of the new generation of migrant workers from the perspective of right demand and policy supply, to explore the urban space fit and restraining effect caused by the policy supply on the new generation of migrant workers. For that reason, under the guidance of the theoretical model, this paper makes an investigation and empirical analysis on the transformation of some new-generation migrant workers in the Yangtze River Delta, and the conclusion is as follows: the basic rights demand of the new generation of migrant workers embedded in urban space has a positive effect on the realization of their citizens' transformation will, but the supply policy of citizens' transformation has a restraining effect.


In this studythe corrosion effect of AISI 316L Stainless Steel treated byOxonia-Active(consisting of dihydrogen dioxide and ethaneperoxoic acid solution) and in a mixture consisting of Oxonia-ActiveandGeotrichum candidum suspension was investigated. The electrochemical behavior made by Linear Polarization indicated that the stainless s teel shows a higher corrosion rate in mixture consisting of Oxonia-ActiveandGeotrichum candidumsuspensionthan in that onlyOxonia-Active. The polarization curves obtained at different times after immersion of samples confirm that the mixture of biocide and fungal suspension is more destructive for metallic surface than pure biocide.


Filgotinib (FIL) is a JAK1 inhibitor under phase 3 clinical evaluation for treatment of IBD. We conducted a post hoc analysis in a subset of patients with moderately to severely active CD from FITZROY (NCT02048618) to assess the effect of FIL (200 mg QD) on molecular markers of JAK1-related signalling (STAT1 and STAT3 phosphorylation) within epithelium (Ep) and non-Ep regions of intestinal mucosa and explore their correlation to histologic and endoscopic indices.

 Biopsies were collected at baseline (BL) and week 10 (W10) from the most affected area of each predefined bowel segment (ileum, ascending, transverse, descending colon, and rectum). Within-subject matched biopsies for all segments from FIL (n = 42) and placebo (PBO; n = 18) treated patients were scored for histologic (GHAS) and endoscopic (SES-CD) disease activity totalling to 300 segments. Using specific antibodies and IHC, %pSTAT1 and %pSTAT3 positive nuclei within Ep and non-Ep regions of each biopsy were quantified using machine learning (Visiopharm v.2019.06). Basal pSTAT levels assessed from 182 nondiseased (SES-CD = 0 and GHAS = 0) segments were used to determine a threshold for categorising segments as either low or high molecular disease activity (MDA). Agreement between endoscopy or histology and MDA was evaluated by κ and % agreement by segment and all segments combined.

 Median basal pSTAT1 was similar between colonic Ep and non-Ep regions (1%–2%), but higher in ileal Ep (5%). Median basal pSTAT3 was higher in non-Ep (3%–5%) vs. Ep (1%–2%) regions across all segments. At BL, MDA was elevated in segments with ulceration (~10%, pSTAT1 and pSTAT3). In segments with GHAS activity subscore ≥2 at BL, both Ep MDA (10%–30%) and non-Ep MDA were elevated (25%–35%) and correlated to histologic activity. In segments with low BL MDA, significantly fewer segments with FIL showed MDA worsening at W10 compared with PBO (both pSTAT1 and pSTAT3). In segments with high BL MDA, FIL treatment improved significantly more segments than PBO; this was evident for pSTAT3 only (table). Concordance between MDA and endoscopy was mostly fair to moderate (κ 0.3–0.5), whereas MDA and histology showed moderate to good concordance (κ 0.4–0.8).

 Filgotinib treatment improved JAK1-related MDA within the mucosa of CD patients. Concordance between MDA and clinical indices was highest with histology.


SummaryThe glutathione oxidant, diazenedicarboxylic acid bis (N, N′-diethylamide) ('diamide'), sensitizes anoxic, but not euoxic, cells of several repair-deficient strains of Escherichia coli, but some strains are sensitized to a lesser extent than others. The degree to which each mutant is sensitized does not correlate in any obvious way with its oxygen enhancement ratio (o.e.r.) or with the absence of specific repair functions. Intracellular non-protein sulphydryl (NPSH) content of each strain is also unrelated to the o.e.r. Since the extent of NPSH oxidation by diamide is the same for all the strains, it does not account for the different degrees of sensitization. These results indicate that, at the level of cellular DNA, diamide enhances the effective yield of lethal lesions (e.g. strand breaks) and that the mechanism of action is at least partly different from that of oxygen.


This is an explorative and conceptual paper, based on the analysis and comparison of relevant literature. the purpose of the article is to clarify the differences between knowledge creating processes and knowledge conversion processes, by analysing them when confronted with a chaotic environment. the way the knowledge conversion and creation processes are presented by Ikujiro Nonaka and his co-workers suggests the necessary existence of a Ba in order to generate the spiral of knowledge creation. this implies the acceptance of a relationship between the environment and the knowledge conversion process, in which the environment influences the knowledge creation. the article is based on the hypothesis that a chaotic environment, characterized by unpredictability, non-linearity and crisis, will lead to specific ways of functioning of the knowledge creation and conversion process that highlight the relations between the two different types of processes. Starting from the general concept of resilience, herein one proposes and explains the concept of resilience of the knowledge conversion system. the role of the attractors from the chaotic environment in the creation of new knowledge is identified and explained


Giant panda courtship behavior includes multimodal signaling assemblages consisting of olfactory, vocal, and postural elements. While signaling is generally conspicuous, successful copulation is inconsistently achieved in captivity, even when female behavioral and physiological data indicate that ovulation is imminent. We set out to characterize these complex patterns of social behavior by observing interactions between 26 unique pairs of giant pandas housed in adjoining pens throughout the females' reproductive cycle. We categorized social behaviors from a transactional perspective and examined social exchanges via analyses of the relative frequency of social behaviors, and via the sequential relationship between male and female social behavior. From non-estrus to peak-estrus, we found that the relative frequency of female affiliative and sexual behavior increased and that the relative frequency of ambivalent and aggressive behavior decreased. Male behavior was fairly constant, except for sexual behavior, which increased during peak-estrus, when it was facilitated by female sexual behavior. Sequential analysis of social interactions showed that preceding behavior had a significant influence over the other panda's response behavior primarily during peak-estrus, suggesting that pandas are most responsive to conspecific signaling during the peri-ovulatory period. However, behavioral momentum was a dominant feature of the intra-individual transitions. Females maintained sexual, ambivalent, and neutral behavior during interactions significantly more than would be expected by chance, with male behavior bearing little influence once the behavior was initiated. A similar pattern was also observed in males, who maintained affiliative, interested, and neutral behaviors. Overall, our data suggest that the multimodal signals used by giant pandas during courtship do not consistently evoke a discrete, immediate response from receivers. Instead, signals appear to advertise reproductive condition and influence potential mates over longer timeframes, suggesting the potential tonic role of communication.


The analysis of the behaviour of new materials in the natural environment is important for their application and commercial use. In order to explore the application of Shape Memory Alloys in the Maritime industry, this research focuses on the corrosive behaviour of the NiTi rod that was produced by means of a continuous casting process. The experiment included three samples of NiTi rods that were exposed to the marine environment for 6, 12 and 18 months at a depth of 3 metres below the surface. The morphological and chemical changes were analysed separately during the experiment. Ultrasonic thickness equipment and the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) technique were used for the tests that determined the corrosion rates and detected pitting. The changes in the chemical composition of the NiTi rod were investigated by means of an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, in order to define the pitting behaviour of the rod`s surfaces during its exposure to seawater. The obtained research results prove that the rate of pitting corrosion follows a progressive curve – the minimum value of corrosion rate equalled 0.04 mm/month, while the maximum value was 0.12 mm/month.


The author puts forward some considerations about developing environmental protection industry after analyzing pollution prevention and treatment states in China.


This report describes a horizontal, compact agitated-film concentrator called a Rototherm, manufactured by Artisan Industries, Inc. which can be used to process aqueous solutions of radioactive wastes containing plutonium. The unit is designed to concentrate liquid streams to a high-solid content slurry.


Under natural environment the variations of soil temperature, water content and evaporation intensity were observed in a cylindrical soil bed and the influence of dry region on heat and moisture transfer in soil bed and water evaporation was analyzed. The results indicated that, (1) Soil temperature, water content and evaporation rate exhibit periodical variation with the daily changes of solar radiation, atmospheric temperature and relativity humidity. Along with temperature decreasing at night, soil water content would increases slightly. (2) Starting from the occurrence of dry soil layer (DSL), water evaporation front moves from soil top surface to the interface between unsaturated layer and dry layer. The decrease of water evaporation intensity is remarkably and the thickness of DSL develops slowly. (3) With the development of dry soil layer, the increase of surface soil temperature fluctuating range is obvious. In addition soil temperature presents a distinct hysteresis along with the increase of soil depth.


Scholars have examined Nella Larsen s Passing (1929) from different theoretical backgrounds, but there has not been much attention to the urban space,...


Author(s): Goins, John; Chun, Chungyoon; Zhang, Hui | Abstract: Recent research suggests that buildings with operable windows in general, and mixed-mode (MM) buildings in particular can provide improved thermal comfort and control opportunities for users. Yet, there have been concerns about outdoor noise sources like traffic or construction noise when windows are opened. Concerns like these may hinder the installation of operable windows in buildings. This paper examines 23,000 office building occupants' perspectives on noise from both sealed and naturally ventilated/MM buildings. Results suggest thatoccupants near operable windows are more satisfied than those near sealed windows or those far from either window type. Among occupants dissatisfied with noise, complaints about indoor noise sources --like people talking-- are about 10 times more prevalent than outdoor noise complaints.


Two methods of determining the index of permanganate in water,GB11892-89 and ISO8467-1986,were analyzed here.The former has the features of less brief operation and longer time,the latter has the features of less time and complex operation. Because of their the same reaction principle, the author combined with their advantages and spurned their shortcoming, expounded a method that needs less time and brief operation to meet the need of onerous water quality supervision work.


In many Pacific communities, an important element in social change is the changing use of languages. This article describes language use on Sikaiana, a small isolated atoll in the Solomon Islands. Sikaiana is a multilingual community in which three main languages are used: English, Solomon Islands Pijin, and the Sikaiana language. Historical and cultural factors affect the use of different languages in different contexts and no single language is dominant. Pijin, however, is gaining frequency of use at the expense of the Sikaiana language. Pijin is used among schoolchildren, and many young people feel more comfortable speaking it rather than the Sikaiana vernacular or English. Although the Sikaiana language is not likely to be completely replaced by Pijin in the near future, it is under pressure.


Purpose: This paper aims to study past researches and articles by examining the main and interactive effects of gender on conflict-management style and strategies in different organizational setups or industry nature.
Approach: This research was designed to investigate assumptions that may exist regarding the relationship between gender and conflict resolution style in different setups. Review-based Qualitative content analysis method was used in this study to analyze the past and contemporary studies on the influence of gender in conflict resolution.
Findings: The results found that biological sex does not correlate with the choice of conflict management style. On the other hand, the findings have shown that gender role is a forecaster for the choice of conflict management styles as masculine and androgynous individuals were highest on the dominating conflict style and avoiding style depending on the conflict, whereas feminine individuals were highest on the avoiding style and collaborative conflict resolution style.
Implications: A model has been developed based on the literature review identifying the key types of functional conflicts resolution ways and to promote or diminish organizational conflict.


Abstract The antiulcer potential of the crude extract of lignans from flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum. Linn, Linaceae) was evaluated and compared against β -carotene in NSAID-induced gastric ulcers in the Wistar rat model. The isolated stomach tissue was studied for percentage ulcer index and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. The crude extract of lignans exhibited significant protection and better recovery (p < 0.05) against ulcer formation as well as in GSH content maintenance. Further, the antiulcer effect of the crude extract of lignans was comparable with that of standard β -carotene.


Introduction As knowledge in the scientific community increases regarding how anthropogenic CO2 loading of the atmosphere will impact future hurricane activity, the need for effective and accurate communication of hurricane risk in coastal communities—specifically to non-scientific stakeholders—also increases. Methods To better inform hurricane risk communication, this study employs a survey of U.S. Gulf Coast residents immediately following the active 2017 hurricane season to consider how message framing (as established by communicator word choice) and stakeholders' experience may affect receptivity to hurricane hazard information. Specifically, it tests how respondents' perceptions of hurricane risk varied with prior experience and following exposure to randomly assigned, infographic-based depictions of trends in major hurricane (≥ category 3, Saffir Simpson Scale) frequency. The set of randomly assigned infographics varied in both temporal framing (past-to-present trends based on paleo data versus present-to-future trends based on climate projections) and causal framing ('climate change' versus 'ocean and atmospheric change'). Results Damaging hurricane experience may be associated with a tendency towards increasing hurricane risk perceptions after viewing the infographics. For framing effects, temporal framing of hurricane risk messages matters, with forward-looking framings (future projections) causing increased perceptions of risk and storm frequency; effects of causal framing were not significant. The results also show that Gulf Coast residents tend to be more optimistic about the future frequency of major hurricanes than most scientists and, consistent with confirmation and optimism biases, are somewhat resistant to changing their prior risk beliefs based on infographic exposure. Discussion These results suggest that future projections – rather than paelo analogs – may be best for quickly communicating expected increases in hurricane risk. Communicators should consider these factors when translating scientific hurricane risk information to the public.


Among oral dosage form, liquid dosage forms are more prone to low bioavailability because of their quick transit from the gastrointestinal tract. Sustained release liquid formulation with efficacy can be produced using approach of In situ gel. The purpose of the present work was to develop oral in situ gelling system using Gellan gum for in situ gelation of ambroxol-HCl.  The formulation variables like concentration of polymer and calcium chloride will be optimized using factorial design. Optimized formulations were prepared having desirability and evaluated for various parameter.


Authors introduces the structure model, the maintenance of route database and the configuration of OSPF, and set forth the performance of OSPF by comparing it with other routing protocols, specially RIP.


Different approaches may be used for estimating environmental costs of electricity generation, and the way they are applied may vary from situation to situation. The extent to which environmental costs should be considered as external costs, i.e. not borne directly by electricity producers, depends partly on the environmental protection policy of the country and on the control instruments that are implemented. Damage costs can be assessed by two approaches: 'top-down' (which relies on aggregated data) and 'bottom-up' (approach requires the use of site specific data). Chapter describes external costs of electricity and impact pathway method for their calculation. This method links burdens to the environment caused by power generation chains with physical impacts they cause and assigns monetary values to those impacts. Calculated external costs can be applied in various environmental policy case studies. Two of such applications are illustrated (cost-benefit analysis of imposing stricter NOx emission standard and inclusion of external costs in power system expansion planning).


In many aesthetic sports, such as gymnastics, athletic success is dependent to a great extent upon physical characteristics, specifically small body size and low body fat. Previous research also suggests that late developing children self-select into sports such as gymnastics because of the advantages of having this prepubescent physique. One of the concerns expressed with regard to the pressure that this exerts on a young athlete is that gymnasts are at risk for body image dissatisfaction and social physique anxiety, which could lead to disordered eating. Although a number of studies have looked at these two issues, one physical and one behavioral, in isolation, very few have looked at them together. The primary purpose of the present investigation was to examine the relationship of body dissatisfaction and social physique anxiety to the risk of developing an eating disorder in youth female and male gymnasts. The second purpose was to investigate the relationship of chronological age, maturity, and body composition to body image dissatisfaction and social physique anxiety in female and male gymnasts. The participants included male (n = 42) and female (n = 74) competitive gymnasts from four different gymnasts clubs within the Saskatoon area. Age, height, and weight were recorded. Individuals were classified into maturity groups using chronological age bands. An index of body fatness was obtained by summing either eight or nine skinfold measures. Body image was assessed by responses to a pictorial questionnaire. Social physique anxiety, a measure of the anxiety one experiences in response to others evaluating one's physique, was obtained through a modified Social Physique Anxiety Scale. Three sub scales of the Eating Disorder Inventory, Body Dissatisfaction, Drive for Thinness, and Bulimia, were used to measure risk for developing an eating disorder. Data were analyzed using Person Product Moment Correlations, two-way factorial


The college-based research and development center is aimed at serving the local economy.Shijiazhuang Vocational Technology Institute integrates its academic strengths,human,and financial resources with intelligence-oriented programs of enterprises.Curriculum is thus formed to adapt the teaching to a training program of a college and the production of a business.


Both programs will be enhanced by a distance learning component, using existing technology in RIT/NTID's Sprint Experimental Distance Learning/Access Demonstration Lab. The lab was created in the former NTID Learning Center Smart Classroom through a prior $50,000 grant from the Sprint Foundation. Distance learning will include videoconferencing and support for parents of Steps participants, coaches of MATHCOUNTS participants and others.


In light of finite fossil resources and negative environmental impacts of their use, policy makers have initiated strategies for a transition from a fossil-based economy to an economy based on biological resources, referred to as ´bioeconomy´. Agriculture and food, forest as well as pulp and paper producing sectors constitute the most important sectors of the bioeconomy in terms of turnover and employment (EUROPEAN COMMISSION 2012).
These sectors are strongly interconnected. The linkage is obvious between agriculture and food industries and between forestry, forest products and pulp and paper. Agriculture and forestry production compete for natural resources, in particular land and water use.
The paper will lay out the methodological approach in a detailed manner along with some illustrative results. Expected results will describe the impact of the varying energy prices on land use, farm incomes, feed, food fuel and fibre consumption and production, changes in trade patterns and factor markets.


People may find cross-cultural communication difficult even if they overcome the nature carriers of language difference. The are required to speak the language and use appropriate nonverbal behaviour, cultural cues at the same time. "To understand cues cross culturally becomes even more complicated because each of us learns the cues that are appropriate in our culture, and each culture has different cues to show basic ideas " (Archer, 1991:76-7). As we move around the world we cannot help noticing that certain familiar gestures disappear and other strange ones take their place. EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-US;mso-bidi-language:TH'>Le commedie) ขนจนมลกษณะเปนละครคลาสสคและเปนทนยมอยางกวางขวางเทยบเทากบละครโศกนาฏกรรม (La farce) แตปรากฏวามาถงสมยของโมลแยรโดยเฉพาะในชวงระหวางป ค.ศ. 1652 จนถงป ค.ศ. 1669 ปรากฏวา มบทละครสขนาฏกรรมทแตงขนและจดแสดงถง 39 เรอง ในขณะทบทละครโศกนาฏกรรม มเพยง 27 เรองเทานน โมลแยรเองเปนผแตงบทละครดงกลาวจำนวนหลายเรอง


JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact firstname.lastname@example.com. The Society of Biblical Literature is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Journal of Biblical Literature. Fedhala in French Morocco. Here one day in the town's Mohammedan mosque he was shown an Arabic codex in which was "a single unnumbered page of Greek, sandwiched between two tracts on materia medica." The contents of the page, as was disclosed later when the author studied the transcript which the imam had allowed him to make, turned out to be a fragment of a Greek translation of the Latin Opus imperfectum in Matthaeum, which is a collection of homilies on chs. 1-13 and 19-25 of the Gospel according to Matthew. At the conclusion of Matt 24:51, which in the canonical text refers to the judgment when "men will weep and gnash their teeth," the fragment continues with the question, raised by one of the disciples, how these things can be for persons who happen to be toothless. Whereupon Jesus replies, "Teeth will be provided." However amusing one may regard this account, there is no doubt at all that the agraphon is a forgery-whether ancient or modern, opinions may differ. For the present writer, at any rate, it is difficult not to think that it is a modern forgery, for prior to World War II in a class of Latin Patristics Professor Cole-man-Norton regaled his students (of whom the present writer was one) with a witticism about dentures being provided in the next world so that all the damned might be able to weep and gnash their teeth. The story of the "discovery" of the agraphon adds one more instance to an unbelievably long list of ancient and modern forgeries.2 It also raises questions concerning the nature and variety of literary forgeries and the motives of those who produced them. For example, how far are pseudepigrapha-those inside the canon as well as those outside-to be regarded as literary forgeries? From an ethical point of view, is a pseudepigraphon compatible with honesty and candor, whether by ancient or modern moral standards? From a psychological point of view, how should one estimate an …


Annihilation photons are produced in mutually orthogonal polarization states, resulting in correlated angular distributions if both photons Compton scatter. This may impact the total scatter distribution, but may also impact detector normalization values for scattered coincidences. Single scatters within the source object are a significant fraction or the total scatter distribution. Further, 53 (62)% of first interactions within BGO (LSO) will be Compton scatter for 511 keV photons. 30 (39)% of unpolarized photons interacting in a 4/spl times/8/spl times/30 mm BGO (LSO) crystal will exit an individual crystal element prior to photoelectric absorption, possibly resulting in lost or mis-coded events. Thus, angular correlations associated with polarization effects may affect the efficiency response of the individual crystal elements of a block structure. Relative crystal efficiencies for axial and transverse polarization conditions were measured using a GE Advance BGO block detector. Results show a systematic difference in polarized crystal efficiencies within the block structure. The data impose an upper limit of 4% on the crystal sensitivity variations, for the BGO block tested, between incident photons with axial and transverse polarization states. The SimSET simulation software has been modified to include polarization. Investigations with measured and simulated data are ongoing.


Study investigates the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment in patients with retention disorders upper urinary tract cervical cancer stage IIB III after more than 3 months after combined radiotherapy. In the apartment complex to the diagnosis of renal ultrasound and radioisotope study of renal excretory function added to the study ureteral emissions by color Doppler sonography. Information on ureteral emissions revealed a violation of the early passage of urine in 23.1 % of patients with renal ultrasound revealed no pathology. On the basis of violations ureteral emissions increase in the number of patients, respectively, are assigned to nonoperative treatment (anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic therapy). As a result, decreased by 14.2 % (p = 0.034), female patients, which showed drainage of the upper urinary tract.


chosen and less highly trained than the English servants. When these people are taken into account, Galenson's argument for a change over time from unskilled to skilled servant labor may be questionable. Furthermore, the non-English servants were shipped to destinations different from Galenson's people. According to the researches of R. J. Dickson, Ulster Emigration to Colonial America, 1718-1775 (London, 1966), and of Audrey Lockhart, Some Aspects of Emigration from Ireland to the North American Colonies between 1660 and 1775 (New York, 1976), about half of the servant ships from northern and southern Ireland went to Pennsylvania in the eighteenth century. According to the researches of Marianne Wokeck, "The Flow and the Composition of the German Immigration to Philadelphia, 1727-1775," Pennsylvania Magazine of History and Biography, 105 (1981), 249-78, many more than half of the servant ships from Germany went to Pennsylvania. Undoubtedly Pennsylvania—not the Chesapeake—was the chief destination for imported white labor in the eighteenth century. Irish and German servants also went in large numbers to New York, Carolina, and Georgia— colonies not well supplied by the English servant trade. The presence of non-English servants in the American labor market by no means invalidates Galenson's argument for a symbiotic relationship between servant and slave labor. Indeed, it bolsters his contention that the colonial labor system worked within a context of competitive markets. The system of white servitude was even more vigorous and more diversified throughout the colonial period than is argued in this excellent book.


Author(s): Vu, Michael; Ruiz, Jen; Pierce, Heather; Glynn, Marcus; Gottschalk, Michael; Fisher, Erin S. | Abstract: Food insecurity is associated with worse health, education, and socioeconomic status. In 2015, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reported 3 million households with children were food insecure. The USDA defines food insecurity as "the limited or uncertain availability of nutritionally adequate and safe foods." A recent American Academy of Pediatrics policy statement advised food insecurity screening for children. While this is embraced by primary care, locally we identified a gap in screening by subspecialty practice and aimed to address this in one pediatric subspecialty clinic within a busy tertiary referral center.


Abstract The influence of swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation on transport properties of epitaxial thin films of La0.75Ca0.25MnO3 (LCMO) is studied. The films were irradiated with 90 MeV16O beams and 250 MeV107 Ag beams at different fluence values. In the case of 90 MeV16O ions LCMO specimens were irradiated to 1011-1014 ions/cm2 and for 250 MeV107Ag ions with 1010–1013 ions/cm2. A systematic variation in Curie temperature (T c) or resistivity peak temperature (T p) has been observed. It has been noted that for both types of ions the T p increased for the specimen irradiated at 1011 ions/cm2 fluence. Further increase of fluence decreased the T p value and at higher fluence (1014 ions/cm2 for 90 MeV16O and 1013 ions/cm2 for 250 MeV107 Ag ions) the specimens showed no metal-to-insulator transition even at low temperature down to 77K. They show completely semiconducting behavior with high resistance values. These results are discussed in terms of SHI irradiation-induced structural distrotion and strain on thin...


According to the data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) diabetes has become an endemic of these days. There are several nonlinear models describing the dynamic of glucose-insulin of diabetes mellitus, like the simplest one with only three state variables, also known as the model of Bergman, and the most complex with 19 state variables, the model of Sorensen. Their common characteristic is that they describe type 1 diabetes physiologically. A recently published theoretical model [1] is capable of describing human blood glucose system at molecular levels. This paper is based on its analysis from a control theory point of view with multiple purposes: nonlinear analysis, rank reduction possibilities with physiological explanations, defining physiological working points for further polytopic modeling, analyzing control properties of the linear systems in the defined working points.


The 13.9-GHz radar altimeter operating aboard Skylab detected incidences of intense attenuation during a passage over the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The signal returned to the instrument from the surface was reduced by 4.5 and 6 dB over two distinct meteorological disturbances near 8 deg N, 27.5 deg W. Although it is impossible to deduce the vertical composition of the ITCZ cloud band from these data, the usefulness of the radar altimeter as a meteorological sensor of total atmospheric attenuation is demonstrated.


Diesel engine anti-shock performance is important for navy ships. The calculation method is a fast and economic way compared to underwater explosion trial in this field. Researchers of diesel engine anti-shock performance mainly use the spring damping model to simulate the main bearings of a diesel engine. The elastohydrodynamic lubrication method has been continuously used in the main bearings of diesel engines in normal working conditions. This research aims at using the elastohydrodynamic lubrication method in the main bearings of the diesel engine in external shock conditions. The main bearing elastohydrodynamic lubrication and diesel engine multi-body dynamics analysis is based on AVL EXCITE Power Unite software. The external shock is equivalent to the interference on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication calculation. Whether the elastohydrodynamic lubrication algorithm can complete the calculation under interference is the key to the study. By adopting a very small calculation step size, a high number of iterations, and increasing the stiffness of the thrust bearing, the elastohydrodynamic lubrication algorithm can be successfully completed under the external impact environment. The calculation results of the accelerations on engine block feet have a similar trend as the experiment results. Diesel engines with and without shock absorbers in external shock conditions are calculated. This calculation model can also be used for diesel engine dynamics calculations and main bearing lubrication calculations under normal working conditions.


This study aims to analyze the Implementation of Free Campus Independent Learning (MBKM) in the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department of PGRI Silampari University. The method used is a survey by distributing questionnaires. Respondents in this study were 173 students of the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department at PGRI Silampari University, which consisted of the Study Programs for Mathematics Education, Physics Education and Biology Education. The results showed that as many as 68.2% of students strongly agreed that the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department had MBKM activities; 98.8% are interested in participating in MBKM activities; and apprenticeship/practice activities are activities that students are most interested in (29.5%); and 100% of MIPA Department students think that the MBKM program provides additional competencies for students according to future needs and can improve student soft-skills. In conclusion, the Mathematics and Natural Sciences Department of PGRI Silampari University has carried out MBKM activities that can provide additional competencies for students.
Keywords:  Implementation, Independent Campus, Free Learning, PGRI Silampari University


The Random Analog (RA) Neurocomputer runs synchronous Boltzmann machines dedicated to real time visual pattern recognition. Its architecture achieves scalability and modularity thanks to a linear array of analog processing modules linked by a high bandwidth interconnection network, a controller, and a front end running a high level user interface. A prototype with 128 input neurons and 64 active neurons and 4.2 GCPS peak processing power is described and simulation results are given.


In this article is presented an approach for parsing natural language sentences using neural networks. The pre-processing technique is applied to code the sentences into string of bits and after the training process is started, is formed into patterns available in the form of coded information. The multilayer feed forward networks are used here for training to classify the words into appropriate syntactical categories. The classified words represent the parsed information of the given sentences. The main function of the network is to assign the respective syntactical categories to each word of a sentence with a minimal error rate. The comparison between the two popular neural network approaches i.e. feed forward neural network and radial basis neural network is presented to analyze performance for the new and unknown sentences.


In this review article, we aim at providing a global outlook on the progresses made in the recent years to characterize the role of magnetic fields during the embedded phases of the star formation process. Thanks to the development of observational capabilities and the parallel progress in numerical models, capturing most of the important physics at work during star formation; it has recently become possible to confront detailed predictions of magnetized models to observational properties of the youngest protostars. We provide an overview of the most important consequences when adding magnetic fields to state-of-the-art models of protostellar formation, emphasizing their role to shape the resulting star(s) and their disk(s). We discuss the importance of magnetic field coupling to set the efficiency of magnetic processes and provide a review of observational works putting constraints on the two main agents responsible for the coupling in star-forming cores: dust grains and ionized gas. We recall the physical processes and observational methods, which allow to trace the magnetic field topology and its intensity in embedded protostars and review the main steps, success, and limitations in comparing real observations to synthetic observations from the non-ideal MHD models. Finally, we discuss the main threads of observational evidence that suggest a key role of magnetic fields for star and disk formation, and propose a scenario solving the angular momentum for star formation, also highlighting the remaining tensions that exist between models and observations.


Advancing technology can affect the development of each company or institution, whether private or government. In particular the creation of accountability in government financial performance is an absolute case created by a local chief. Is implicit in the case law (Law) number 17 of 2003 on State Finances, Law number 01 of 2004 on the National Treasury . The research was conducted at the Office of Manado City Relations and discuss the internal control of cash. The purpose of the study was to determine how the internal controlproceduresrevenues and expenditures and internal control procedures and whether the cash receipts and disbursements made manado city transportation agencies are effective . the analysis method used is the method of analysis of historical data in a way to understand the procedure and the production of cash receipt obtained from the Office of Manado City relationship. use secondary data sources Relations Office of Manado City. Results from this study indicate Relations Office of Manado City has run acceptance procedure and production cash good fit with PP # 24 in 2005 and No. Permendagri. 13th 2006 that is about Government Accounting Standards, and use of the documents and functions are duly authorized.


This paper aims to judge the policy of Public Rental Multi-family Housing(Buying existing multi-family housing and renting them to low-income families after remodeling) focused on the Architectural viewpoint. The architectural comparative study on the standards and the present status of the each policy planned by the Seoul city and the Ministry of Construction and Transportation will clarify the problems and propose some solutions. This paper has a significance as a architectural study for the hope to see the success of public rental multi-family housing policy. As a result, the following problems have been found. Some problems like the ratio of unoccupied units, the shortage of community space, and the difficulty of managing rented units caused by the duplicating and ineffective items of purchasing guideline and remodeling guidelines limited on the interior. The guidelines of each policy passed over the architectural characteristics of multi-family housing and the importance of the common space of multi-family housing. Therefore this paper proposes the amendment of guideline of purchasing and remodeling to overcome these problems. The revision based on the characteristics of multi-family housing will promote preferable public rental multi-family housing.


In this paper, a novel decentralized fault diagnosis and fault tolerant control scheme is proposed for a class of interconnected nonlinear systems where each mode does not need to exchange information with other ones. The couplings' effect among subsystems is analyzed from the global system point of view and is eliminated by using the cyclic small-gain technique. A simulation example of three inverted pendulums illustrates the effectiveness of the proposed method.


The second known specimen of Perulibatrachus aquilonarius from India is compared to the holotype and new
information on fresh color is presented. A mitochondrial COI barcode also was generated for the specimen.


We propose a novel method for generating linear structured illumination using phase modulation. We implemented linear structured light using holographic technique. The computer generates double concentric annular slits with different radius, a prism phase is applied on the slits to tilts the beam that incidents on the slits away from the optical axis. Different annular beam produce Bessel beams with different axial wave vectors, linear structured light can be obtained from the interference between two Bessel beams. The period and phase of linear structured light can be adjusted by adjusting the radius and the initial phase difference of the double concentric annular beams. We theoretically and experimentally verify that the method can effectively generate linear structured light.


To meet the requirements of high-power and miniaturization as well as high security and fitting for fieldwork,a 20 kJ/s 10 kV highfrequency high-voltage capacitor charging power supply is developed for pulse capacitor energy storage system.The high-frequency high-voltage capacitor power supply adopts a full bridge inverter structure and series resonant circuit.The circuit diagram,operating mode,system parameters and experimental waveform are introduced.The software and hardware protective measures adopted for the power supply are emphatically introduced.In the software protective system the charging overtime protection is adopted to prevent the short circuit malfunction which improves secure performance of the charging power supply.In the hardware protective system the open circuit protective measurement is newly adopted.To meet the requirements of the high voltage isolation of high voltage power supply,the high-voltage relay and optoelectronic isolation system were adopted.Experimentation validates that the 20kJ/s 10kV high-frequency high-voltage capacitor charging power supply achieved the design guidelines in the aspects of high power,miniaturization,and security performance.


I consider the saving and investment decisions of A merican and Italian consumers in a lifecycle model with temptation preferences. Comparing the choices with and without Social Security protection, I show that savings are postponed, l ss wealth is accumulated, and the portfolio share held in equities at retirement is larger with Social Security. Social Security distorts the decisions of agents affected by no or little tempta tion, but is preferred by more tempted ones for the protection it guarantees. The influence of S cial Security on individual behavior is stronger in Italy where the size of the program is larger. JEL classification codes: D91, E21, G11.


This paper is concerned with asphaltene deposition in fluid flowing through pipelines. Brownian diffusion and drag, gravitational, thermophoresis, buoyancy, and shear removal are considered as possible mechanisms in the asphaltene deposition process. The thermo-physical properties of the fluid were obtained from Iranian oil fields. A model was used in the pipeline deposition modeling to predict the asphaltene deposition rates under flow conditions. The effects of particle size, temperature gradient, and fluid velocity were studied on asphaltene deposition rate. The results showed that, among the above-mentioned mechanisms, the gravitational and thermophoresis forces played a significant role in the formation of the deposit under the flow conditions. To verify the model, some predictions were compared with the available aerosol deposition data in the literature.


Ambient networks present a new networking concept for beyond 3G. Network composition is a core concept of Ambient Networks. It enables dynamic and uniform interworking between heterogeneous networks, on both control and data planes. The first step towards network composition is the negotiation of the composition details, between all of the functional entities of the control plane (e.g. Mobility, Congestion control). Registry composition entity (RCE) is the functional entity responsible for orchestrating the composition of registries hosted by the composing networks. Indeed, ambient networks can host several registries (e.g. Management Information Base, Context Information Base) and when the networks compose, the hosted registries have also to compose. In previous work, we proposed a framework for dynamic negotiation between RCEs. This framework is based on the assumption that no entity leaves the negotiation when it is started. In this paper, we release this assumption and we extend the proposed negotiation protocol, to take into account nodes departure during the negotiation. We then validate the new protocol using Simple PROMELA Interpreter (SPIN): a software tool for simulating and validating processes in a distributed system.


The aim of the study is to analyze the response of the Earth magnetosphere for various space weather conditions and model the effect of interplanetary coronal mass ejections. The magnetopause stand off distance, open-closed field lines boundary and plasma flows towards the planet surface are investigated. We use the MHD code PLUTO in spherical coordinates to perform a parametric study regarding the dynamic pressure and temperature of the solar wind as well as the interplanetary magnetic field intensity and orientation. The range of the parameters analyzed extends from regular to extreme space weather conditions consistent with coronal mass ejections at the Earth orbit. The direct precipitation of the solar wind on the Earth day side at equatorial latitudes is extremely unlikely even during super coronal mass ejections. For example, the SW precipitation towards the Earth surface for a IMF purely oriented in the Southward direction requires a IMF intensity around 1000 nT and the SW dynamic pressure above 350 nPa, space weather conditions well above super-ICMEs. The analysis is extended to previous stages of the solar evolution considering the rotation tracks from Carolan (2019). The simulations performed indicate an efficient shielding of the Earth surface 1100 Myr after the Sun enters in the main sequence. On the other hand, for early evolution phases along the Sun main sequence once the Sun rotation rate was at least 5 times faster (< 440 Myr), the Earth surface was directly exposed to the solar wind during coronal mass ejections (assuming today´s Earth magnetic field). Regarding the satellites orbiting the Earth, Southward and Ecliptic IMF orientations are particularly adverse for Geosynchronous satellites, partially exposed to the SW if the SW dynamic pressure is 8-14 nPa and the IMF intensity 10 nT. On the other hand, Medium orbit satellites at 20000 km are directly exposed to the SW during Common ICME if the IMF orientation is Southward and during Strong ICME if the IMF orientation is Earth-Sun or Ecliptic. The same way, Medium orbit satellites at 10000 km are directly exposed to the SW if a Super ICME with Southward IMF orientation impacts the Earth.

This work was supported by the project 2019-T1/AMB-13648 founded by the Comunidad de Madrid, grants ERC WholeSun, Exoplanets A and PNP. We extend our thanks to CNES for Solar Orbiter, PLATO and Meteo Space science support and to INSU/PNST for their financial support.


(57) Abstract: The device according to the present invention is suitable for scanning an information carrier (10) having a track about the axis (11). The apparatus includes means for transmitting information from the and / or the scanning spot scanning spot on the information carrier (21) (21) having (20). Device has a tangential direction moving means (30) for moving the tangential scanning spot (21), the radial moving means for moving the radially scanning spot (21) and (40). The apparatus includes a control means for controlling the radial movement means (40) (50), the radial position signal that is a measurement of the instantaneous radial position of the scanning spot The apparatus has a scanning mode in which the scanning spot tracks the track, a moving mode in which the scanning spot is moved across the tracks in the radial direction. The device according to the invention has a tangential position measuring means for generating a tangential position (alpha) tangential position signal indicating the (S The control means (50), the scanning spot in movement mode is achieved to be moved radially. Movement takes place in the desired is a function of the difference between the tangential position (alpha


The flip-chip package gives the highest chip density of any packaging method to support the pad-limited ASIC design. One of the most important characteristics of flip-chip designs is that the input/output buffers could be placed anywhere inside a chip. In this paper, we first introduce the floorplanning problem for the flip-chip design and formulate it as assigning the positions of input/output buffers and first-stage/last-stage blocks so that the path length between blocks and bump balls as well as the delay skew of the paths are simultaneously minimized. We then present a hierarchical method to solve the problem. We first cluster a block and its corresponding buffers to reduce the problem size. Then, we go into iterations of the alternating and interacting global optimization step and the partitioning step. The global optimization step places blocks based on simulated annealing using the B*-tree representation to minimize a given cost function. The partitioning step dissects the chip into two subregions, and the blocks are divided into two groups and are placed in respective subregions. The two steps repeat until each subregion contains at most a given number of blocks, defined by the ratio of the total block area to the chip area. At last, we refine the floorplan by perturbing blocks inside a subregion as well as in different subregions. Compared with the B*-tree based floorplanner alone, our method is more efficient and obtains significantly better results, with an average cost of only 51.8% of that obtained by using the B*-tree alone, based on a set of real industrial flip-chip designs provided by leading companies


In the theory of conditional sets, many classical theorems from areas such as functional analysis, probability theory or measure theory are lifted to a conditional framework, often to be applied in areas such as mathematical economics or optimization. The frequent experience that such theorems can be proved by `conditionalizations' of the classical proofs suggests that a general transfer principle is in the background, and that formulating and proving such a transfer principle would yield a wealth of useful further conditional versions of classical results, in addition to providing a uniform approach to the results already known. In this paper, we formulate and prove such a transfer principle based on second-order arithmetic, which, by the results of reverse mathematics, suffices for the bulk of classical mathematics, including real analysis, measure theory and countable algebra, and excluding only more remote realms like category theory, set-theoretical topology or uncountable set theory, see e.g. the introduction of \cite{simpson2009subsystems}.This transfer principle is then employed to give short and easy proofs of conditional versions of central results in various areas of mathematics, including theorems which have not been proven by hand previously such as Peano existence theorem, Urysohn's lemma and the Markov-Kakutani fixed point theorem. Moreover, we compare the interpretation of certain structures in a conditional model with their meaning in a standard model.


We show that general Minimal Supersymmetric extensions of the Standard Model (MSSM) allow for a CP asymmetry in B → J/ψK S well below the SM expectations with dominant Supersymmetric contributions to ε K and ε ′ /ε. Indeed, we provide an explicit example of an MSSM with non–universal soft breaking terms fully consistent with the low results of this asymmetry recently announced by Babar and Belle collaborations.


Abstract In establishing a collective history, past events are utilized to celebrate a nation's origins. While analysis of these events is often framed in knowing the single best narrative, the events themselves become of interest when examining how the interpretations remain the same or change over time. The recent bicentennial celebration of the Lewis and Clark expedition of 1804 offers an opportunity to examine such a change. This article investigates how students revealed a historical consciousness in realizing what purpose the expedition serves to a national identity. After analyzing conversations occurring among three eighth-grade students, this article explores the student responses to three interpretations, which bears important educational consequences and implications for the teaching and learning of history.


20 Bowling Green Lane, London EC1R 0BD phone 020 7490 9410 fax 020 7251 2834 www.afasic.org.uk "Secondary schools have been ignored for a long time. You really have to have huge problems, be at the very bottom, to get any help at all, and even then it is very little" These are the words of a secondary school special needs coordinator (SENCO) in an Outer London borough. One also hears these words uttered repeatedly by parents, SLTs and teachers of students with speech, language and communication needs (SLCNs) in secondary schools. The adolescent population with SLCNs has been for a long time a significantly under researched and under serviced population. This is despite the strong and growing evidence of the longer term impact of language and communication needs into adolescence and adulthood. The research programme Enhancing Language and Communication in Secondary Schools (ELCISS), funded by the Nuffield Foundation, began in October 2006 and aims to address this gap in service provision. The programme is being conducted initially in 21 schools in two Outer London boroughs. The primary aims of the project are to explore the prevalence, nature and type of language and communication impairment in secondary school students, and to investigate the effectiveness of three speech and language support interventions delivered by teaching assistants (TAs) in improving the language and communication skills of secondary school students with SLCNs:


We consider Wasserstein distance functionals for comparing between and assessing the convergence of latent discrete measures, which serve as mixing distributions in hierarchical and nonparametric mixture models. We explore the space of discrete probability measures metrized by Wasserstein distances, clarify the relationships between Wasserstein distances of mixing distributions and f -divergence functionals such as Hellinger and Kullback-Leibler distances on the space of mixture distributions. The convergence in Wasserstein metrics has a useful interpretation of the convergence of individual atoms that provide support for the discrete measure. It can be shown to be stronger than the weak convergence induced by standard f -divergence metrics, while the conditions for establishing the convergence can be formulated in terms of the metric space of the supporting atoms. These results are applied to establish rates of convergence of posterior distributions for latent discr ete measures in several mixture models, including finite mixtures of multivariate dist ributions, finite mixtures of Gaussian processes and infinite mixtures based on the Dirich let process.


In this paper, we study wireless sensor networks used for detection of rare events (e.g. intrusion). The task of the sensor node is to collect data points (examples) at regular time intervals and communicate them to the central base station (BS) using wireless links. Since sensor nodes have limited battery power, it is necessary to minimize their energy consumption. One way is to reduce the amount of sensor data packets transmitted. In this paper, we incorporate machine learning strategies to intelligently reduce the amount of transmitted data, in order to increase life-span of the sensors and thus profitability of the system. In our proposed approach, after a short initialization period, the sensors obtain a classification model from the BS based upon which they detect interesting (positive) data points. Positive examples are, together with selected negative examples, then reported to the BS. In time, BS would have stored an abundant number of negatives and a limited number of positives causing what is termed as a class-imbalance problem in learning. In order to understand the impact of network architecture on learning performance, two different architectures are studied: cluster-based (LEACH) and tiered (UNPF). With the aid of experiments using generated data sets, the paper analyzes the tradeoffs between prediction success, learning cost, packets transmitted and energy consumed. The results show that the proposed learning mechanism significantly reduces energy consumption compared to the baseline system.


In this paper, we evaluate whether the robustness of a market mechanism that allocates complementary resources could be improved through the aggregation of time periods in which resources are consumed. In particular, we study a multi-round combinatorial auction that is built on a general equilibrium framework. We adopt the general equilibrium framework and the particular combinatorial auction design from the literature, and we investigate the benefits and the limitation of time-period aggregation when demand-side uncertainties are introduced. By using simulation experiments, we show that under stochastic conditions the performance variation of the process decreases as the time frame length (time frames are obtained by aggregating time periods) increases. This is achieved without causing deterioration in the mean performance.


The flow of rheologically complex fluids in industrial equipment poses a number of challenges, not least from a modeling point of view. Research is needed to further understand and be able to predict the flow behavior of such materials and to investigate ways of improving their processing. The Non-Newtonian Solid-Liquid fluid flow behavior in horizontal and vertical pipes can be predicted by various methods which are mention in the paper. In the literature, it is also shows that Computational Fluid dyanamices (CFD) has sufficient capability to deal with such type of flow and was capable of giving predictions of pressure drop which were probably better and more reliable than the correlations available in the literature.


Cornhusk film (CHF) has been used as reinforcement in epoxy matrix to develop CHF-epoxy laminate composites (CHFEC). Subsequently, the influence of CHF loading by weight (3%, 6% and 9%) as well as the angle of orientation (0 0 , 45 0 and 90 0 ) of its ridges on the dynamic mechanical properties of the composites has been studied. Alkali-treated CHF results in better CHF/epoxy interphase and shows improvement in composite performance. Strength-to-weight ratio (SWR) of alkali-treated CHF is increased by 7.2% as compared to that of untreated one. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows best results for 6wt% CHF loaded composites with 372 MPa storage modulus as compared to that with 212 MPa for neat epoxy. The positive shift in tan δ peak of around 8.2  C for the composites validates the effectiveness of CHF as a reinforcing agent in epoxy matrix. The maximum increase in storage modulus is found up to 75.47%, and it retains 4 times its value in rubbery zone as compared to neat epoxy. The CHF-epoxy composites retain their homogeneity, which is further improved at higher angle of orientation of CHF. The predicted viscoelastic properties of composites from the theoretical expressions are in line with the actual results. Results of statistical analysis show that CHF loading and its orientation in the laminate are significantly affecting the overall properties of the composites. The maximum moisture absorption is found ~ 1.024%, which is much lower than the permissible standards for wood-polymer composites. CHF based epoxy laminate composite structures can be used for developing partitioning panels, decking and similar applications.


In this paper, UX Laddering is introduced with its underlying theoretical perspective, Means-End Chain theory, and its methodological approach to measure game player experiences. Firstly, UX Laddering is positioned along the spectrum of game experience research methods. Then, a Means-End Chain theory inspired Game eXperience Model is presented. Next, the four-step approach of the UX Laddering methodology is briefly described, including 1) product interaction, 2) preference ranking, 3) Lenient Laddering and 4) a qualitative and quantitative analysis. This paper ends by explaining the applicability of the outcome of UX Laddering, the Hierarchical Value Map, as a communication tool towards game designers to support them in taking informed decisions during the game development process, from the analysis to game design and evaluation phase.


Family enterprises are composed of emotion-oriented families and profit-pursuing enterprises and are significantly different from other enterprises.Based on Kelin E.Gersick's theories of 3-circle model and others' perspectives,this paper proposes the new 3-circle model and new 3-pole model of the development of family enterprises.With this as the tool of analysis,the paper gives an overall and systematic study of the development of family enterprises and concludes that the future development of such enterprises will have the traits of pan-family or socialization and public orientation.


Abstract: The word "testing or assessment" has always been a scarry thing for anybody especially students. This perception is worsened by the fact that time allotment of the course is limited and the scope of materials to be covered is overloaded. As a result, the students are overwhelmed, confused, and even frustrated. The paper is a report of a breakthrough syllabus in teaching language testing course resulted from a classroom action research in effectively transforming such frightening, bewildering, and discouraging nuances to be a conducive teaching-learning circumstance. Theories and concepts underpinning the study as well as research methodology will initiate the paper. The next part of the paper will discuss the so called " a breakthrough syllabus " itself as the focus of the study and its implementation and findings . The paper will not only elaborate some problems that were encountered during the implementation but also will provide some suggestions to anticipate those potential problems in the end part of the paper. The discussion last but not least enlighten every aspect involved in the study. Key words : Assessment, Syllabus, Language Testing


Part I. The Legacy of Negative Examples: 1. Legitimacy and history 2. The identity of the institution Part II. Class Conflict and the Supreme Court: 3. Debs and the maintenance of public order 4. Pollock - the redistributive function denied Part III. The Response to Progressivism: 5. The Antitrust campaign 6. Labor legislation and the theory of Lochner 7. Rate regulation: the assault on Munn v. Illinois Part IV. The Concept of the Nation: 8. The American empire? 9. Federalism and liberty Part V. Liberty Dishonored: 10. The Chinese cases: citizenship and the claims of procedure 11. The early free speech cases 12. Plessy, alas 13. The end of a tradition?


This study aims to determine the effect of using the talaqqi and wahdah methods on the ability to memorize the Qur'an of elementary age students. This study uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method. The research population was 104 students, which were used as research samples totaling 52 students. The results of this study conclude that (1) there is an effect of the talaqqi method on the ability to memorize the Qur'an of elementary age students with a result of 71%, (2) there is an effect of the wahdah method on the ability of memorizing the Koran of elementary age students with the results 73%, (3) there is an effect of talaqqi and wahdah methods on the ability to memorize the Qur'an of elementary age students. Based on these results, it is known that the use of the wahdah method is 2% superior to the talaqqi method on students' ability to memorize the Qur'an.


The construction of embankment is practically a layered buried process. The settlement can't be accurately calculated by transitional settlement theoretical formula that based on the assumption that the load is applied at a time. According to the boundary conditions of a typical embankment of Ling-Nan expressway, the layered buried process is simulated based on the finite element software PLAXIS. The deformations of the location that three settlement plates buried are calculated by the method. The numerical results are compared with the observation data of settlement. The comparison shows that the simulation result is well consistent with the observation data which proves it is a feasible method to get more accurate settlement deformation result beneath layered buried embankment.


Symbolic numerical magnitude processing skills are assumed to be fundamental to arithmetic learning. It is, however, still an open question whether better arithmetic skills are reflected in symbolic numerical magnitude processing skills. To address this issue, Chinese and German third graders were compared regarding their performance in arithmetic tasks and in a symbolic numerical magnitude comparison task. Chinese children performed better in the arithmetic tasks and were faster in deciding which one of two Arabic numbers was numerically larger. The group difference in symbolic numerical magnitude processing was fully mediated by the performance in arithmetic tasks. We assume that a higher degree of familiarity with arithmetic in Chinese compared to German children leads to a higher speed of retrieving symbolic numerical magnitude knowledge.


Abstract A brief survey of the chemical structural analogies and differences between graphite oxide and fullerene ozopolymers or polymeric fullerene oxides (PFO) is presented. Graphite oxide is the product of oxidation of graphite prepared with strong oxidizing agents while PFO is the products formed by prolonged ozonation of C60 or C70 in solution. Notwithstanding the different starting substrates and oxidation conditions, elemental analyses, FT‐IR spectroscopy and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy suggest a very similar chemical structure for graphite oxide and PFO. A further analogy is the possibility to perform reduction or oxidation reactions on both substrates considered. Graphite oxide and PFO have also in common the ability to act as ion exchangers and as metal ion binders. Even the thermal behavior is comparable. However, X‐ray powder diffraction has confirmed that graphite oxide still has a layered structure derived from graphite but with the graphene sheets at much bigger distance from each other due to the intercalation of oxidized groups and solvent molecules, while PFO do not show at all any sign of layered structure either from the X‐ray spectra and also by its behavior in solution which is strikingly different from that shown by graphite oxide.


The fast electron flow created by the reconnection electric field, is responsible for a sharp electrostatic potential drop inside of the separatrix region, normal to the magnetic field. From the kinetic perspective, individual ions coming from the inflow region are demagnetized and greatly accelerated when going through this potential drop. Then they bounce in the potential well and, thanks to the small divergence of the structure, transfert some of their kinetic energy to the outflow direction.


JZ25-1S II MDR(modular drilling rig)is CNOOC's first MDR sharing Drilling Support Module(DSM).The paper introduces engineering situation of the MDR.Design characteristics of MDR sharing DSM were summed up.General plan was described and structure design was studied.The software SACS was applied to the structure analysis and the results indicated that the structure design meet the requirements by the code.The steel utilization rate was improved through design optimization and weight control.The paper might be taken as reference in MDR general and structure design.


The UK government has committed £15m over the next three years for a National Nuclear Users Facility (NNUF) that will aim to make the country a world leader in nuclear research.


The mission of ECi is to illuminate and stimulate uses of new technologies to promote education. Such a mission requires attention to the spaces, connections and interactions between people and technologies . These interstices, which have recently been called 'socio-technica l interactive networks' (Barab et al., 2001), have been the subject of analysis over the decades by learning theorists such as John Dewey and Lev Vygotsky. Nevertheless, with respect to computer technologies (e.g. the Internet, interactive software and hypermedia), close analysis of the interactions between people and tools are rare. Too often, efforts to assess the educational potential or impact of new technologies fail to take careful account of the humans involved. Attention to individual characteristics, social relationships and cultural contexts is important in deepening our understanding of the process, nature and extent of learning with new technologies. This issue of ECi contains numerous articles and reviews that include penetrating analyses of the territory between humans and technologies and the ways it can be designed to promote learning. John Naughton's review of Vannevar Bush's classic article notes Bush's foresight in recognising that computers being developed in the 1940s could be used for organising and retrieving information, not just storing it. As humans deŽ ne associations among bits of information, they begin the process of transforming information into knowledge (Brown & Duguid, 2000). Hypertext with its hotlinks embedded in linear text offers ways to indicate multiple layers and webs of associations . Thus, hypertext allows authors to indicate their associations and, simultaneously, allows readers to exercise autonomy in creating their own meaningful pathways through a web of information resources. Anja Rau (Reviews, p. 74) notes that navigation aids in a hypertext environment constitute a metatext that both expresses the author's approach to meaning-making and facilitates the reader's making his or her own meaning. Pierre Fastrez further illuminates the dimensions of structure within hypertext environments, particularly as they in uence learning with such resources. He compares two pairs of opposite principles (rationality vs. functionality and usability vs. cognitive  exibility) and reviews research about their impact on navigation and learning in hypertext environments. These analyses illuminate new venues and dimensions of a balance that is crucial in all educational experiences, namely, the balance between guidance and freedom to explore, inquire and invent.


The aim of the communist states' cultural policies was to unify and homogenise the writers' communities in order to control and easily assign them precise ideological functions. The USSR thus created the Writers' Union, a monopolistic literary institution. After the Second World War this model was reproduced in East European countries that adopted communist rule. Individual countries' strategies as well as intense cooperation with similar institutions in the Soviet space followed the Soviet institutional model during all of the communist period. Nevertheless, documents suggest changes that showed the limits of the Writers' Union. In some cases, doubts were expressed about the model, and some unions even became protest platforms against the political power, which violated their initial agreement. Internal tensions in the unions and tensions in the literary exchanges contradict the existence of a perfect harmony within the Soviet bloc. These institutions thus provide a suitable ground for analyzing the meanings and relevance of the notion of Soviet bloc.


Contributors Foreword Introduction Acknowledgements ANIMAL BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE 1. Basic biology 2. Body tissues and structures 3. Major body systems - Part 1 4. Major body systems - Part 2 VETERINARY ANIMAL MANAGEMENT 5. Canine and feline husbandry 6. Management of the cat and dog 7. Responsibilities and legalities BASIC VETERINARY NURSING 8. Microbiology and parasitology 9. General hospital care 10. Animal first aid 11. Basic nursing skills 12. Working safely in practice EXOTICS 13. Care of small mammals 14. Care of birds, reptiles and fish VETERINARY RECEPTION AND ADMINISTRATION 15. Veterinary reception and administration skills 16. Administration MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS MULTIPLE CHOICE ANSWERS Index


Hydraulic residence time distribution (RTD) is an effective way of gauging the flow regime of a given vessel at any scale from a laboratory based model through to a full industrial plant. Previous work carried out has required considerable operator input with manual dye injection and monitoring of flow and subsequent detailed analysis of the data output from the SCUFA ® fluorometer. In this paper, a description of how a LabVIEW ® program was built to automate the process to minimize operator contact in the process and reduce operator error through the control of the input and subsequent monitoring for the acquisition of RTD data. The programs application on a DynaSand ® laboratory based demonstrator is subsequently discussed with further applications at industrial scale considered.


We consider hypersurfaces with boundary in $\mathbb{R}^N$ that are the critical points of the fractional area introduced by Paroni, Podio-Guidugli, and Seguin in [R. Paroni, P. Podio-Guidugli, B. Seguin, 2018]. In particular, we study the shape of such hypersurfaces in several simple settings. First, we show that the critical points whose boundary is an $(N-2)$-sphere coincide with $(N-1)$-balls. Second, we show that the critical points whose boundary is the union of two parallel $(N-2)$-spheres do not coincide with two parallel $(N-1)$-balls. Moreover, the interior of the critical points does not intersect the boundary of the convex hull of the two $(N-2)$-spheres, while it can happen in the situation considered by Dipierro, Onoue, and Valdinoci in [S. Dipierro, F. Onoue, E. Valdinoci, 2022]. We also obtain a quantitative bound which may tell us how different the critical points are from the two $(N-1)$-balls. Finally, in the same setting as in the second case, we show that, if the two parallel boundaries are far away from each other, then the critical points are disconnected and, if the two parallel boundaries are close to each other, then the boundaries are in the same connected component of the critical points when $N \geq 3$. Moreover, by computing the fractional mean curvature of a cone with the same boundaries as those of the critical points, we also obtain that the interior of the critical points does not touch the cone if the critical points are contained in either the inside or the outside of the cone.


Military and political interests of Russia in the context of intensified Russian military presence in the region are considered. The geopolitical ambitions of the Russian leadership in escalated tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East are analyzed. The comprehensive review attempts to restore Russia's geopolitical dominance in the post through the prism of its foreign policy priorities of Russia in Donbass in the Russian-Ukrainian armed conflict are performed. Key words: Ukraine; Russian-Ukrainian conflict; conflict in Syria; military and political interests; geopolitical interests.


The theory of Surface Plasmon Resonance was described,based on membrane optics theory.The influence of the analytes index of refraction,triangular prism on the SPR reflective spectral properties were simulated by Winspall.The influence of prism refractive index and determinand on the reflective spectral properties are respectively studied,to provide a theoretical guidance for the optimization of SPR sensor.


Invention, sensorimotor control and as neuroplasticity features a method and apparatus for enhancing neurophysiologic capability. The preferred method, while the subject is performing the physical activity predetermined includes inputs a bias signal to the subject of the sensory cells, thus improving the sensory cell function treatment. System used to implement the method of the invention, at least one repositionable signal input elements (510) and the signal input device signal generator is communicatively coupled manner to (514) is reliably fixed that comprises a wearable device (500).


Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is increasingly required of companies. However, CSR at state owned enterprises(SOEs)has not received much attention in the CSR literature. This thesis has the objective to add to knowledge on CSR of Icelandic SOEs. The objective led to three research questions: Q1. How do internal and external factors, affect the implementation and communication of CSR at state owned enterprises in Iceland? Q2. Is the implementation and communication of CSR more complex at Icelandic state owned enterprises than at Icelandic privately held companies? Lastly, the third question applies to a case study that was conducted: Q3. What affects Landsvirkjun´s (LV)[state owned energy company] CSR implementation and communication, and how mature is the company´s CSR strategy? To answer these questions a qualitative research approach was applied. Interviews were carried out with five CSR experts, four current employees at LV, and one former employee. Secondary data was also reviewed, and a short survey was presented. Q1 finds that potential factors influencing CSR at SOEs can be categorised into internal and external factors. The internal factors, which are more universal, are: Company size, existence of a CSR strategy, management support, level of independency (interdependent with management support), company awareness, budget, and use of CSR guidelines. The external factors, which are more contextual, are: Sector, laws and regulations, level of independency (interdependent with laws and regulations), stakeholders, parliament resolutions, state policies, state interest, political interference, and state-cutbacks. No clear answer was found to Q2, since some factors can make CSR more complicated for SOEs, while others can assist them with CSR engagement. Q3 was answered by applying three CSR frameworks to Landsvirkjun´s CSR strategy. LV´s overall CSR is found to be on a high level, and the factors identified as influential for SOEs affect LV´s CSR as well. Finally, since the literature review of the research revealed that reporting on CSR according to the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) can improve organisation´s CSR, Icelandic SOEs are recommended to implement this procedure in their CSR work.


This paper investigated Ostrinia furnacalis including the number of eggs laid,damage degree of spring corn in the spring corn fields from June to August of 2010 in Qinghuangdao.The result showed that the occurrence of the Asian corn borer was two generations in the whole year,and peak stage of eggs laid occurred in the middle of June and the end of July to early August,with the number of eggs reaching 400 and 374 respectively.Furthermore,first generation hatchability of Asian corn borer,second generation hatchability of Asian corn borer,the percentage of damage leaves,damage stems and maize ears was 97.18%,96.09%,86%,100%,77% and 66.92% respectively.The numbers of holes,damage stems,and corn ears by the Asian corn borer for every 100 plants were 754,70 and 77 respectively.The natural parasitization of Trichgramma ostriniae reached 21.56%.


A novel method of determining a liquid–liquid phase boundary was developed. This method is based on our discovery that a nascent low-density phase is attracted to the center of a Rankine vortex at the onset of phase separation. Thus a liquid–liquid phase boundary is detected easily, rapidly, and accurately. The phase diagrams of the ternary systems NaCl–H2O–1-propanol and NaCl–H2O–1-butanol were obtained by this method. The results matched well with literature values.


Donald J. Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election marked the beginning of a gloomy era for Iran-US relations which consequently brought about a series of economic and political consequences, most notably the international sanctions imposed on Iran. As the key player in these political affairs, Trump made several radical decisions involving Iran, provoking the Islamic regime's harsh and insolent rejoinders which were directed at the US president's personality. Being largely of a metaphoric nature, such negative remarks recurrently appeared across the state-run national media, constructing a particular social reality about the 45th President of the United States. This was in particular less challenging for the state, considering the general public in Iran had minimum knowledge about Trump before his election in 2016. Using Lakoff and Johnson's theoretical framework, and investigating the use of metaphors in political news articles published in some of the government's prominent online news agencies, this study reveals how such rhetorical devices are employed for framing Trump. Ultimately, the findings point to the idea that national media in Iran have craftily taken advantage of culturally embedded concepts to sway public perceptions against Trump, as part of the regime's anti-west political agenda.


Organizational cuture will function optimally if all of organizational members have the same perception toward culture and strong will to participate in culture. However, this condition slightly appers at Politeknik Negeri Padang. The purpose of this research is to known and analyze the influence of organizational culture and competency to employee's performance at Politeknik Negeri Padang both  simultaneously and partially. Theory which is used in this research is organizational culture from Robbins (attention to detail, outcome orientation, people orientation, team orientation, agresiveness, and stability). Performance theory taken from Bernardin and Russell (quality, quantity, timeliness, need for supervision, interpersonal impact). Type of this research is description- verification by using a survey method. Iteration method is used to obtain sample size (60 employees') that allocated by propotional at Politeknik Negeri Padang. The result of descriptive research: organizational culture at level strong, and performance at enaugh level. The result verification research shows that at simultaneously the organizational culture (attention to detail, outcome orientation, people orientation, tean orientation,  agresiveness, and stability) give significant effect to employee's performance but at partial only attention on detail, outcome orientation give significant effect.


the fusion of high and popular culture that occurred in these establishments. Some theater activists, however, were not interested in this social mixture. Discussed in chapter 5, drama circles organized by radical workers were meant to both provide "rational recreation" and promote class solidarity. Reading the people's minds has been a challenge to historians since Jeffrey Brooks published When Russia Learned to Read (1985). Swift's last chapter lives up to this challenge in an exemplary way. Using audience surveys and contemporary descriptions, he is able to show the intricate process of reception and reworking of cultural products. We actually hear the voices of individual people (albeit through the veil of questionnaires), their comments and laughter at inappropriate moments, their emotions and expectations. This chapter alone takes the study of Russian popular culture one big step forward. The whole book is essential reading for anybody interested in Russia's urban cultural landscape.


Objective
To evaluate the accuracy of Fibroscan in diagnosis of liver fibrosis stage comparing with liver biopsy(gold standard).

Methods
Chinese and English literatures related Fibroscan diagnosis of liver fibrosis stage between January 2003 and January 2016 published in Pubmed, EMBase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database were evaluated and selected.Stata 14.0 software bivariate mixed effects model was used to conduct data analysis.

Results
Thirty-seven studies which include 9 167 subjects were finally collected by deleting duplicate documents, gradually reading the title, abstract and full text.Among them 4 were Chinese studies, 33 were English studies.The time span was from January 2005 to October 2015.The results showed that the sensitivity(Sen), specificity(Sep), positive likelihood ratio(PPV), negative likelihood ratio(NPV), diagnostic odds ratio(OR)and SROC area under the curve(AUC)for slight(F≥1), obvious(F≥2), severe(F≥3)liver fibrosis and early cirrhosis(F≥4)were 0.76, 0.80, 3.9, 0.30, 13, 0.85 and 0.77, 0.84, 4.7, 0.28, 17, 0.88 and 0.84, 0.87, 6.3, 0.19, 34, 0.92 and 0.89, 0.89, 8.2, 0.12, 67, 0.95.

Conclusion
Fibroscan is highly accurate in staging of liver fibrosis, especially in the diagnosis of severe hepatic fibrosis and early cirrhosis.

Key words:
Liver fibrosis; Fibroscan; Meta-analysis


ZnO is a multi-functional material,now itis wildly studied in the world wide.In this paper,ZnO is prepared by medium-frequency plasma chemistry vapor deposition(MF-PCVD)in order to improve the application of ZnO film,as well as the influences of substrate temperature on the crystal structure and deposition rate are studied.


This article describes the structure and electrical properties of a high-k ytterbium titanium oxide (Yb2TiO5) gate dielectric deposited on Si(100) substrates through reactive cosputtering. X-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were used to study the morphological and chemical features of these films as functions of the growth conditions (temperatures ranging from 600 to 800 °C). It is found that the Yb2TiO5 dielectrics annealed at 800 °C exhibited a thinner capacitance equivalent thickness of 1.65 nm, a lower gate leakage current of 38.4 nA/cm2 at a gate voltage of −1 V, a smaller density of interface state of 9.61×1010 1/cm2 eV, and a relatively lower hysteresis voltage of ∼3 mV compared to those at other annealing temperatures. These results are attributed to the formation of a rather well-crystallized Yb2TiO5 structure, composition, and a smooth surface. This film also shows almost negligible charge trapping under high constant voltage stress.


The embodiment of the invention provides a session control method and device. The method includes the steps that a session characteristic data packet is acquired; when the session characteristic data packet meets a preset condition, a session release instruction is generated; session ending prompt information is sent to preset session-side UE according to the session release instruction, and a preset time keeper is started; when session ending information returned by the session-side UE is received or time kept by the time keeper exceeds preset time, a session is ended. The session control method and device can avoid waste of session resources.


Three major strategies, that are not mutually exclusive, are being developed to tackle the problem of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. The first is to prevent premature birth itself through improved obstetrical follow up and care; however, this has proved not to be an easy task.' The second is to optimise the postnatal treatment of infants with respiratory distress through the availability of neonatal intensive care units and their motorised or airborne transportation teams, as well as through the use of novel medication and techniques, for example, the endotracheal administration of biosynthetic pulmonary surfactant, artificial ventilation with liquid or high frequency oscillation, and extracorporal membrane oxygenation. The third strategy is to administer, in cases of threatening premature birth, a treatment to the fetus that accelerates the fetal preparation for neonatal respiration, thus preventing the development of neonatal respiratory distress. The concept of accelerating fetal maturation was launched in 1969, when Liggins noted as an epiphenomenon of his study on the initiation of parturition in the ewe that the infusion of dexamethasone had a stimulatory effect on the lung aeration of prematurely delivered lambs.2 This pioneering observation has now been repeatedly confirmed and has been extended to numerous miammalian species, including the human. In addition, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms are increasingly well understood.3 The principle has been applied successfully in human perinatal medicine, where the administration of glucocorticoids to the pregnant woman-and thus transplacentally to the fetus-has served as the 'gold standard' of fetal maturational treatment for nearly two decades.4 5 The regulation of lung development during fetal life has been documented extensively to be under multihormonal control.3 Thyroid hormones in particular appear to stimulate fetal pulmonary maturation. However, as thyroid hormones and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotrophin) fail to cross the human placental barrier sufficiently,6 thyrotrophin releasing hormone (TRH) has become the prime focus of attention.7 There is evidence suggesting that TRH may also be useful in accelerating fetal maturation through its nonendocrine actions.


Due to the high complexity of some treatments, there is a need to develop drug-delivery systems that can release multiple drugs/bioactive agents at different stages of treatment. In this study, a thermoresponsive injectable dual-release system was developed with gellan gum/alginate microparticles (GG:Alg) within a thermoresponsive Pluronic hydrogel composed of a mixture of Pluronic F127 and F68. The increase in F68 ratio and decrease in F127 lead to higher transition temperatures. The addition of the GG:Alg microparticles decreased the transition temperatures with a linear tendency. In Pluronic aqueous solutions (20 wt.%), the F127:F68 ratios of 16:4 and 17:3 (wt.%:wt.%) and the addition of microparticles (up to 15 wt.%) maintained the sol–gel transition temperatures within a suitable range (between 25 °C and 37 °C). Microparticles did not hinder the injectability of the system in the sol phase. Methylene blue was used as a model drug to evaluate the release mechanisms from microparticles, hydrogel, and composite system. The hydrogel delayed the release of methylene blue from the microparticles. The hydrogel loaded with methylene blue released at a faster rate than the microparticles within the hydrogel, thus demonstrating a dual-release profile.