There is no point to discuss necessity of knowledge of Complex System or Nonlinear Science sensu lato at all education levels and practical decision making. Author feels that fulfilling of this strategic task needs to apply three tactics. However, each of them possesses different urgency. The highest priority has extensive education of new alternative paradigm for students. The reason is, study of Natural Science is highly fragmented into too one-theme-narrowly aimed specializations at Czech Universities. Common introductions into general methodology of science are unfortunately old fashioned, if any. They stress regular, reductionist, and time-less paradigm of classical physics without any alternatives, even the one of quantum theory by statistical physics. According former, our world is full of passive, simple, material items, which are being displaced, dragged, and changed (reversibly) by outer forces. Their interplays gradually, reaching one-by one higher levels of causal organization all levels with the same types of canonical description, finally form the visible macro-reality. This view is in direct contradiction with student's personal experience. They see their World full of self-sustaining items actively using to that their own, inner intrinsic mechanisms. From molecules up, they are not simple things. In contrary, they are highly organized, and are even further organizing themselves into higher complexes by rich mutual interactions. In biology, those items are even caring-about-themselves entities, which actively survey and manipulate their outer environment to gain energy to increase their organization. Moreover, unhappy students are facing common view there is no "hard science" without being able to reduce results of their scientific work into a few mathematical equations, by which the observed "fata morgana" is reduced into "really scientific" description by "basic rules of Nature", which, hidden behind the scene, are causes of all the observed interplays of highly organized entities. Of course, such efforts mainly fail due to existence of qualitative differences between description of the same phenomena on different time-space scales or functional levels. Main features of a basic course "Application of nonlinear dynamics and Theory of Complex Systems for Physical Geographers" are described. They also partially follow the course reader's opinion about necessity of new reunion of modern philosophy and methodology of natural and human sciences Dangerous distortion of reflections of reality by the frequently proposed substitution of human science methodology by the natural science one is stressed. On the contrary, examples from philosophy (Bergson 1919, Wittgenstein 1953), which had anticipated and even defined some profound themes of Complex Systems (e.g. Kauffman 1993), as e.g. self-organizing, entropy decreasing behavior, or existence of discontinuities between description of the same phenomena on different time-space scales or functional levels. The second priority has information dissemination for decisions makers of natural Hazards management. Any successful Case history is better then ten popular lectures for those decision makers. A case history of highly computerized Integrated Information System (IIS) for unstable rock slope monitoring, on-line rock fall precursors diagnostics of time series and automated early warning launching, the both with the use of predominantly nonlinear tools is outlined. It stands to support author's opinion that pushing of officials is effective only if it is provided from down to up. That means it is based on satisfactory solution of specific community needs, instead of from up to down flowing more or less general directives of some far away sitting clerks. The third tactical item is rather long-distance run. Change of paradigm cannot be ordered, it is matter of generation change, as on scientific, as well as on decision makers (hopefully recruited from students already aware of Complex Systems Theory).


Since the 1980s, the retail and consumer goods industries have been making very extensive use of EDI-based data exchange. They subsequently developed the vision of Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) in order to integrate their demand and supply chain activities more closely. In the meantime, a growing number of studies report that poor data quality, in particular outdated or wrong product information, negatively impacts demand and supply chain performance. Whereas prior literature intensively studied the positive effects of information sharing on the coordination of supply and demand, this research is aimed at establishing a basis for understanding the phenomena of the underlying inter-organizational product information supply chain. Using coordination theory as an overarching framework, the main research contribution is a set of dependencies, coordination problems, and coordination mechanisms that characterize the product information supply chain. From their an analysis of two retailer-manufacturer relationships, we conclude that flow and sharing dependencies evolve into reciprocal dependencies as the intensity of demand and supply collaboration increases. However, the existing and emerging industry standards, - notably Global Data Synchronization (GDS) -, do not yet fully cover the inter-organizational coordination requirements that result from the identified set of sharing and flow dependencies.


Based on the practical experiences and lessons of the Chinese Communist Party construction, and in order to deal with these new problems in the construction of socialism, the thought of Three Representations is put forward. The spirit essence of the thought is to reinforce and improve the leadership of the Party, keep pace with time, and push forward the grass - roots democracy construction, all of which come to the purpose of realizing the interests of the people thoroughly.


Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) affect a large number of sonographers and sonologists, particularly those with heavy workloads and those who have been in the profession for a long time. Good ergonomic design must be an integral part of equipment design and significantly influence purchasing decisions. The employer, manufacturer, user, and educational programs have the responsibility to prevent health and safety problems that cause WRMSDs.


In this article, the author tries to analyze the incongruity between ethnicity and its theorization in China and explore the tension between the mainstream discourse of homogenization-cum-nationalism and the minority linguisticcultural "heteroglossia," as is typified by the conceptual and practical difficulty in translating Mrnzu as well as the political revival and pragmatic use of traditional culture. Drawing on Walker Connor's study of the national question in Marxist-Leninist theory and strategy, the author argues chat the old formula of "national in form, socialist in content," as has been applied in China, lacks a Thirdness-based "indexical embodiment" dimension, a defect that creates a situation "national in form, ethnic in content," and leads to political ambiguities and identity conflicts.


Tuen Mun Social Hygiene Clinic, 5/F Tuen Mun Eye Centre, 4 Tuen Lee Street, Tuen Mun, New Territories Biologic therapy has emerged for more than a decade, providing a new alternative in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. There has been much research done and published for this relatively recent therapeutic option. An update on the use of biologics may help clarify some practical challenges in deciding the appropriate treatment for individual patients. This article aims to review the treatment decisions that need to be considered in prescribing biologics and their use in different patient groups with the latest evidence in this area.


Previous studies limit accusative clitic doubling t o definite, animate, and prepositionally marked objects, but corpus-based and discourse-pragmatic related studies have shown that in Argentinian Spanish this phenomenon is rath er flexible. Based on actual and contemporary data, this study focuses on semantic e lements to which this phenomenon is attributed. It also gives some insights about th e (supposed) obligatory nature of exceptional markedness. 'Atypical' object doubling (e.g. together with indefinite and quantifiers) suggests the presence of other feature s, from which presupposition and


The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate growth inhibition of abaca embriogenic calli (EC) and shoots by FA, (2) determine sublethal concentration of FA, (3) identify FA insensitive variants of abaca somatic embryos (SE) through in vitro selection followed by plantlet regeneration, and (4) evaluate resistance of regenerated plantlets against Foc infection. Culturing abaca EC and shoots on MT medium containing various FA concentrations was used to determine FA inhibition effects. Sublethal concentration was defined as one of highest inhibiting in proliferation of abaca EC and shoots. In vitro selection to identify FA insensitive SE was conducted using FA sub-lethal concentration. Following plantlet regeneration and acclimatization, the regenerated abaca lines were grown in the glasshouse for testing against Foc using detached leaf dual culture test. Results of the experiment showed FA inhibited abaca EC and shoots growth while sublethal concentration of FA was 50 mg/l. Following in vitro selection, 85 plantlets of Tangongon and 28 of Sangihe-1 were regenerated from FA insensitive SE. The original Tangongon genotype was very susceptible against Foc infection. Meanwhile, among three Foc tested lines derived from Tangongon, two lines were considered immune and one was slightly susceptible. However, resistance against Foc of variants derived from Sangihe-1 have not been evaluated in this experiment.


Indian Perceptions and Strategies With renewed American involvement in Afghanistan, Pakistan's growing fragility, and China's rise in power in the post-Soviet space, Central Asia-South Asia relations have become central to understanding the future of the Eurasian continent. "Mapping Central Asia" identifies the trends, attitudes, and ideas that are key to structuring the Central Asia-South Asia axis in the coming decade. Structured around four parts, we are skillfully guided through the impor...


The latest research on temporal motion detection research content is an important research topic in the field of computer vision. The TAP (temporal action proposal) generation task is an essential part for quickly and accurately drawing semantically important action proposals from untrimmed video. As a separate and important research field, the proposal generated by the temporal action proposal generation network should have three attributes: (1) flexible temporal length, (2) accurate temporal boundaries and (3) reliable confidence scores. Therefore, a new type of effective and efficient universal action proposal generation network for temporally uncropped videos is provided by us, named Boundary Sensitive and Category Sensitive (BSCS) network. Firstly, We need a combination of a frame-level appearance features and a clip-level optical flow features, so a two-stream network is adopted. Secondly, a sub-network in our network is designed. This sub-network needs to outputs 203 probability sequences. These probability sequences represent the temporal distribution of the start and end frames and categories, respectively. The ending frame and starting frame belong to the same kind of action are screened through the probability sequence of 200 action categories. Finally, according to certain rules that combining the ending frames and the starting frames, our network generates proposals. We further compare our method with more experiments experimentally with the existing networks in ActivityNet-1.3 [1]. Comparing the network results with experiments proves that our method is more effective.


Structural This review of pedagogical methods and curricula to support the training of US public health students in racial justice and health equity found that, of > 6000 articles identified by a screening search strategy, only 11 discussed "teaching, training, and/or capacitating public health students in racial equity," highlighting "little consensus" and "little rigorous evaluation" of teaching methods and curricula. Findings underscore the need for future research on public health


Various samples based on bisphenol-A type epoxy resin were prepared. Composites were produced containing various amounts of aluminum oxide, aluminum nitride and magnesium oxide, using ex-situ polymerization of surface functionalized particles. The average particle size of the used filler material ranged between 22 nm (magnesium oxide) and 60 nm (aluminum nitride). Synthesis of the samples is described in detail. The structure of these composites was thoroughly analyzed, using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy. A structural variance could be discerned due to the different filler loadings ranging from 0.5 to 5 % per weight. The samples were divided into nano- and mesocomposites, according to the microscopic analysis results. Conduction current measurement was performed in a three-terminal cell by means of an electrometer. To obtain a clear view on the conduction mechanisms involved, dc poling field strengths between 1 and 5 kV/mm were applied. The changes of the dc conductivity in nanocomposites compared to the unfilled host material are shown.


Rational functions can be defined as compositions of arithmetic operations (+, -,.,:). What class of functions will be get if we add to this list the "interval" operation (that transforms a function f of n variables and given intervals X1, ...., Xn into the bounds for the range f(X1, ..., Xn))? In this paper, we prove that adding this "interval" operation to rational functions leads exactly to the set of all (locally) algebraic functions.In other words, algebraic functions can be described as compositions of arithmetic operations and the "interval" operation.This result provides an additional explanation of why naive interval computations sometimes overshoot:• the desired dependency is (locally) a genera algebraic function;• naive interval methods results in a (locally) rational function;• not all algebraic functions are rational.


Objective: To explore the effect of tamoxifen on inflammatory reaction after spinal cord injury(SCI) in rats.Methods: SCI model was generated according to the modified Allen technique.All rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham-operated,control and intervention.Microglial activation was observed by immunochemistry,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) expression was detected by Western blot.The blood-spinal cord barrier(BSCB) of cords was determined by Evans blue content detection.Results: The activation of microglial cells was significantly suppressed and IL-1β expression was evidently decreased in the intervention group as compared with the control group.Furthermore,significant reduction in Evans blue leakage across the BSCB in the spinal cord following trauma was found in the tamoxifen-treatment group.Conclusion: Tamoxifen treatment could suppress inflmmation and attenuate disruption of BSCB permeability after SCI.


Design. Population-based cohort study in Ontario, Canada, using linked administrative and clinical databases. The study included all adults ages 18 and over who died of cancer or noncancer terminal illnesses and received physician-delivered palliative care that was initiated in the last year of life between January 2010 and December 2017. These palliative care services are identified through the use of claims fee codes by physicians that account for delivery of palliative care, such as symptom management and counseling, that are intended to be palliative rather than curative. Exclusion criteria include patients who had 2 or more palliative care service claims the year prior to the last year of life, which may indicate existing palliative care services rather than initiation of new palliative care services in the last year of life. Other patients who were excluded from the study had palliative care services initiated within 7 days of death, as it is less likely that services and support would be arranged prior to death given the short time frame. The types of noncancer illnesses included heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, cirrhosis, stroke, and dementia. For the comparison of palliative care services, types of illnesses were divided into cancer, chronic organ failure (heart failure, chronic pulmonary disease, end-stage renal disease, cirrhosis, or stroke), and dementia, as they may represent different trajectories of illnesses and needs.


A new experimental method was developed to determine air‐water interfacial area as a function of capillary pressure and water saturation in unsaturated porous media. The surfactant sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) was used in equilibrium column adsorption experiments to estimate air‐water interfacial area for water saturations (milliliter water per milliliter void) ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 and pressures ranging from 0 to 20 cm of water. A comparison was made between columns which were equilibrated under gravity drainage versus columns equilibrated under secondary imbibition. Gravity drainage experiments showed the air‐water interfacial area decreased linearly with saturation, while imbibition experiments showed a more complex nonmonotonic relation to the saturation. The interfacial area data are then compared with existing network models.


We present novel approaches to electromagnetic design of high-temperature superconducting quarter-wave parallel coupled-line microstrip filters. The dielectric constant of substrate materials used in high-temperature superconductor technology is too large to be accurately treated by traditional microwave circuit design software packages with analytical/empirical models. We employ electromagnetic field simulation and develop a look-up table method and a powerful space mapping optimization technique, which dramatically reduce the CPU time for the design process.<<ETX>>


Thank you very much for reading the russo japanese war. As you may know, people have look numerous times for their chosen novels like this the russo japanese war, but end up in infectious downloads. Rather than enjoying a good book with a cup of tea in the afternoon, instead they cope with some infectious virus inside their desktop computer. the russo japanese war is available in our digital library an online access to it is set as public so you can get it instantly. Our books collection spans in multiple countries, allowing you to get the most less latency time to download any of our books like this one. Kindly say, the the russo japanese war is universally compatible with any devices to read.


The article deals with the analysis of the Chinese concept-experience of the "face", which is basic for all Chinese culture. The author points out the circumstances determining the content of the Chinese "face": these are age, social status and moral level of development. It is shown where, according to Chinese notions, a "face" appears.  The substantial richness of this concept-experience is demonstrated, which includes only positive values and the assessment / self-assessment of a particular person, depending on how much they practically implement these values. At the same time, there remains a qualitative difference between the attitude to the inner circle, to the far circle and to the "external" — strangers and foreigners. The author conducts a comparative analysis of the Chinese concept of the "face", on the one hand, and the Russian Orthodox concept of the face (holy face / face / mask), on the other hand. The differences between the Russian picture of the world and the Chinese one are obvious and are associated primarily with an understanding of the sacred and interpretation of opposites, individual principles, etc. However, they share certain similarities, for example, a relatively large social orientation. Also, Western European concepts that are close in meaning are investigated. The author points to their characteristic belief in the rule of law of the world order and the division into the social self and internal self in comparison with Russian and Chinese ideas. In the latter, there is absolutely no European dichotomy of the internal and external, reverence for the principle of legality and self-centeredness; but ritual is respected, which is interpreted as a way of communication with the world order, but in Europe ritual has long been understood as something formal and completely hollow. Such an analysis allows for a more convex description of the features of the Chinese concept. In some aspects, the Chinese "face" is close to certain aspects of the Russian "face", in others — to European concepts. It is shown that the concept of the "face" itself is a general cultural construction.


Objective To investigate the changes of plasma leve of brain natriuretic peptide(BNP) in patients with various heart diseases.Methods Plasma BNP levels in 106 patients with heart disease and 65 controls were determined with ELISA.Results Plasma BNP levels in the heart disease patients were significantly higher than those in the controls.Conclusion The dynamic changes of plasma BNP levels may participate in the course of development of heart disease.The plasma BNP detection has broad practical value in clinic.


Identifying and extracting parts of a system's implementation for reuse is an important task for re-engineering system variants into Software Product Lines (SPLs). An SPL is an approach that enables systematic reuse of existing assets across related product variants. The re-engineering process to adopt an SPL from a set of individual variants starts with the location of features and their implementation, to be extracted and migrated into an SPL and reused in new variants. Therefore, feature location is of fundamental importance to the success in the adoption of SPLs. Despite its importance, existing feature location techniques struggle with huge, complex, and numerous system artifacts. This is the scenario of ArgoUML-SPL, which stands out as the most used case study for the validation of feature location approaches. In this paper we use an automated feature location technique and apply it to the ArgoUML feature location challenge posed.


This postharvest experiment was carried out in Egypt during the two successive seasons of 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 to study the effect of storage conditions on quantity and quality of dry leaves of Mentha spicata L. cv. Siwa plants. The design of experiment was split plot. The main plots included four storage periods:0, 4, 8 and 12 months at room temperature of 22-25oC and a relative humidity of 50-60% whereas the sub plots included using of four packaging materials:polyethylene bags, brown kraft paper bags (90 g), polypropylene bags and linen bags. Results showed that increasing of storage periods significantly decreased weight of leaves and essential oil percent as well as changed oil chemical composition. The significant lowest loss in weight and essential oil percent was recorded by packing in polyethylene bags followed by kraft paper bags, polypropylene bags and then linen bags. Due to environmental, health and commercial commitments it was concluded that under room temperature conditions, dry leaves should be stored for only 4 months in kraft paper bags followed by linen bags to have the minimum loss in quantitative and qualitative aspects.


Background: Antibiotic resistance has remained a global concern. Food pathogens that carry resistance genes will cause public health threat irrespective of their pathogenicity, as this pool of resistance genes are disseminated via food chain. The antibiotic susceptibility of E. coli isolates to different antibiotics were investigated and resistance genes were genetically identified by multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The study aimed to determine the phenotypic antibiotic resistance pattern of the E. coli isolates and characterize the antibiotics resistance genes in the E. coli isolates from the Cow milk and milk products. Original Research Article Okechukwu et al.; JABB, 23(7): 40-50, 2020; Article no.JABB.54639 2 Results: The study showed that the E. coli isolates were Multidrug resistant (MDR) to several antibiotics with resistance pattern of four to ten combinations of antibiotics and the antibiotics resistance occurred mostly in three classes of antibiotics, namely: β-lactams, Amphenicol and Tetracycline. The antibiotics resistance genes expressed in the multidrug resistant E. coli isolates were tetA 22(78.6%), dfrA1 9(32.1%), blaCITM and blaSHV 3(10.7%), tetB and blaTEM 1(3.6%), qnr 0(0%) and aac (3)-iv 0(0%). Conclusion: The study showed that the cow milk and its products sold on the streets of Abuja are contaminated with resistant E. coli that can pose health risk to the consumers. Monitoring and screening for resistant food pathogens in food especially of animal origin is vital to mitigate the prevalence of antibiotics resistance.


We examine stock return performance of Chinese family-firms vs. Nonfamily-firms, and the impact on family-firm returns of firm size, having a founder as CEO, and levels of family ownership. We model returns with the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), the Fama-French 3-factor model, and a new 5-factor model we modified from Miralles-Marcelo, Miralles-Quiros, which adds factors for debt and illiquidity. In previous studies, though the prevalence is for family-firm outperformance, the results have been mixed. Using CAPM or the Fama-French 3-factor model, we find that family-firms outperform nonfamily-firms, but with the 5-factor model that outperformance vanishes, and this is robust to controlling for the GFC. For the founder CEO, firm size and family ownership considerations, again previous research has been mixed. With CAPM and Fama-French 3-factor models, we find that founder CEOs outperform nonfounder, large firms outperform small firms, and higher family ownership outperforms lower ownership. However, with the 5-factor model, only size remains as having significant impact. This study helps to reconcile conflicting results in previous research.


The micromechanical behaviour of sand-rubber mixtures (SRMs) under monotonic triaxial shear were investigated using X-ray micro-tomography. The localisation of sand particle rotations that occurred in a pure sand sample under shear was inhibited in the sand mixed with 30% rubber grains by mass. Meanwhile, the SRMs exhibited an evolution of sand-sand contact coordination number that is not negatively correlated with sample porosity, dramatically different from that was observed in pure sands. Substantially increasing anisotropy degree of sand-rubber contacts compared with minor changes of sandsand contact fabric was observed, implying the increasingly important role of sand-rubber contacts in the transmission of deviatoric loads as the shear of SRMs progressed.


We investigate a humanitarian newsvendor's pre-positioning decisions in the context of near miss events where the event of interest is a near stock-outs. Results from a laboratory study show that near stock-outs that are not accompanied by salient warnings regarding the threat of a stock-out lead to normatively inappropriate decreases in pre-positioned stock, corresponding to an increase in risk-taking behavior in future decisions, adding a novel bias to the literature on newsvendor decisions. Moreover, initial increases in risk-taking following near stock-outs are strongest for decision makers with a predominant focus on avoiding excess inventory as opposed to preventing stock-outs. In the case of repeated experiences of near stock-outs, we witness decreases in risk taking behaviors for near stock-outs with salient cues of the potential danger involved, as well as for those decision makers who primarily focused on excess inventory. Our study provides clear implications for practice, where unwarranted inc...


The present investigation entitled "Nutritive value and Chemical attributes of Aloe vera jam" was carried out for the organoleptic acceptability of Aloe vera jam and to assess the chemical attributes of Aloe vera jam. A panel of judges on the basis of 9 point hedonic scale judged the sensory evaluation or the oraganoleptic qualities of four samples. The scales of different judges were compiled and average score was estimated for each attributes of samples. The acceptability of Aloe vera jam was evaluated by a panel of 5 judges using 9- point hedonic Scale (Ranganna, 1986) to test the linking or disliking of jam. Semi – Trained panel did the evaluation. The panel list asked to record the level of liking or disliking by giving marks for various characteristics of the products. The samples were rated on 9 point Hedonic scale for quality attributes according to the following grade description and scoring. In order to study "Preparation and Oragnoleptic Evaluation of Aloe vera jam" a laboratory experiment was conducted and required data were collected. Analysis of Variance of these data was worked out on the basis of Factorial Completely Randomized Design (Chandel, 1995).


A scanning system was constructed for detecting 3D profile of a whole body using an RF antenna array and a parallel processing unit. The antenna array generated signals whose information indicated reflection from a target object. The signals in the array were produced during rotation and sampled with triggers by a high speed ADC. The sampled data was transferred to a parallel processing unit. Large number of the triggers and the amount of mathematical computation of frequency analysis forms gigabytes of data size. We showed that the parallel processing unit is useful and time-efficient to detect the 3D profile of whole body by millimeter wave imaging.


The aims of this study were to assess the quality of breakfast intake and to examine the relation of breakfast intake to the quality of daily diet in Korean school-aged children. The one day 24-hour recall data from the 2001 National Health and Nutrition Survey were analyzed. The sample of this study consisted of 1,600 children aged 7 to 18 years attending elementary, middle, or high schools. By calorie level of breakfast intake, the children were grouped into Breakfast Skippers (0 kcal; n=268, 17%), Low Calorie Breakfast Eaters (0 kcal< and <10% of Estimated Energy Requirement (EER); n=190, 12%), Moderate Calorie Breakfast Eaters (10%≤ and <25% of EER; n=861, 54%), or Sufficient Calorie Breakfast Eaters (≥25% of EER; n=281, 17%). General characteristics including weight status and nutritional quality of breakfast and daily diet were compared among the four groups. The average daily calorie intake of Breakfast Skippers, Low, Moderate, and Sufficient Breakfast Eaters were 1,771 kcal, 1,719 kcal, 1,902 kcal, and 2,349 kcal, respectively; they were 86.3%, 85.9%, 98.0%, and 124.9% of EER, respectively. The percentages of students consuming daily diet with protein, vitamin A, B1, B2, niacin, vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, or iron less than Estimated Average Requirement decreased in the breakfast groups with the higher calorie level of breakfast intake. The Dietary Variety Score of daily diet significantly increased by increasing the calorie level of breakfast intake. The results indicated the quality of daily diet was positively related to the level of calorie intake from breakfast. (Korean J Community Nutrition 14(1):1~11, 2009)


It might seem that Anscombe's book Intention dismisses the concept of the voluntary as of secondary philosophical significance. However, this impression is misconceived and stems from a misunderstanding of Anscombe's philosophy of action in general and the contribution of Intention in particular. The main contention of this essay is that to understand the scope and nature of the contribution of Intention to an understanding of the voluntary we must come to terms with not only the positive account that the book advances on the basis of its methods but also the nature of the problems that it deliberately leaves out, based on these same methods, on the grounds that they involve considerations pertaining to ethics. This essay is divided into seven sections. The introductory section expounds the charge that Intention relegates the concept of the voluntary into the periphery of the philosophy of action. The next section places §49 within Intention as a whole. It seeks to explain why a systematic account of the voluntary is deferred until such a late stage in the inquiry. I then proceed to give a commentary of section §49 with the aim of unpacking and defending the various insights that are there systematically brought together against the background of the pivotal distinction between the intentional and the voluntary. Sections 3 to 6, which constitute the main bulk of this essay, are respectively devoted to the four headings under which Anscombe successively apprehends the distinction between the intentional and the voluntary in §49. Finally, in the last section, I try to bring out the underlying unity of the account of the voluntary given in §49 as well as the deliberate nature of the limitations in this account.


This research note is a textual comparison between different versions of Deng Xiaoping's two speeches in May and June 1989 using recently accessible scanned copies of original documents distributed to local officials. It reveals numerous alterations—including both deletions and additions—in the later published texts. The research note suggests that in the context of the early 1990s, these editorial efforts were made to restore the legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party by highlighting Deng's image as a pragmatic reformer, maintaining Jiang Zemin's position as the core of the new leadership, downplaying the party's internal struggles and corruption, and assuring people that China would continue its market-oriented reform. More broadly, findings in the research note showcase the essential role of propaganda in legitimation under the Chinese communist regime.


Naja atra is a major venomous snake found in Taiwan. The bite of this snake causes extensive wound necrosis or necrotizing soft tissue infection. Conventional microbial culture-based techniques may fail to identify potential human pathogens and render antibiotics ineffective in the management of wound infection. Therefore, we evaluated 16S Sanger sequencing and next-generation sequencing (NGS) to identify bacterial species in the oropharynx of N. atra. Using conventional microbial culture methods and the VITEK 2 system, we isolated nine species from snakebite wounds. On the basis of the 16S Sanger sequencing of bacterial clones from agar plates, we identified 18 bacterial species in the oropharynx of N. atra, including Morganella morganii, Proteus vulgaris, and Proteus mirabilis, which were also present in the infected bite wound. Using NGS of 16S metagenomics, we uncovered more than 286 bacterial species in the oropharynx of N. atra. In addition, the bacterial species identified using 16S Sanger sequencing accounted for only 2% of those identified through NGS of 16S metagenomics. The bacterial microbiota of the oropharynx of N. atra were modeled better using NGS of 16S metagenomics compared to microbial culture-based techniques. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Proteus penneri were also identified in the NGS of 16S metagenomics. Understanding the bacterial microbiota that are native to the oropharynx of N. atra, in addition to the bite wound, may have additional therapeutic implications regarding empiric antibiotic selection for managing N. atra bites.


Objective To analyse the relationship between HBV transcript and end-stage liver disease.Methods Nucleic acid was distilled from serum and liver tissue with High pure viral nucleic acid kit and TRIzol reagent.Hepatitis B virus(HBV) X region deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA),full-length RNA(fRNA) and truncated RNA(trRNA) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Their products were displayed by agarose electrophoresis and result were analysed.Results HBVxDNA and transcript were detected higher in HBsAg(+) serum than that in HBsAg(-) serum(p0.01).tRNA detected in HBsAg(+)/HBeAg(+) serum show a higher rate than that in only HBeAg(-) serum(P0.01).trRNA have a high detection rate in HBV occult infection patient (44.0%),and were found a high coincidence rate in serum and liver tissue of the same patient.Conclusion HBV transcript shows a close relationship with the end-stage liver disease.It was potentially possible that trRNA was a new marker of serum for the diagnosis of HBV infection.


As a renewable energy source, geothermal energy has drawn attention because it is clean, low-carbon, resource-rich, stable, and sustainable supply. In the mining and operation of a geothermal energy system, there is a certain amount of fluid resistance in the borehole heat exchanger where the fluid flows. As the resistance in the conventional borehole heat exchanger (CBHE) accumulates with the length increase, the pumping power increases, resulting in energy loss and affecting the operation of the entire geothermal system. A bionic borehole heat exchanger (BBHE) is designed using a circular groove as a bionic unit based on the bionic non-smooth surface hypothesis. Its structural characteristics are the circular groove's depth, width, and slot pitch. Where the fluid faces the least resistance, minimization of the pressure drop was the optimization goal. Based on the outcomes of a CFD numerical simulation and genetic algorithm optimization study. These are the BBHE's ideal structural parameters: diameter is 60 mm, 66 mm for the groove width, 418 mm for the slot pitch, and 80 mm for the groove depth. Compared to the CBHE, under identical numerical simulation settings, the fluid resistance reduction rate of BBHE can reach 13%. Increasing fluid velocity in the BBHE can increase the temperature transmission rate. The study's findings can serve as a reliable source of scientific information for the use and management of geothermal energy.


Developing a thesis is a process that demands time and dedication by the student since it is necessary to comply with conditions and norms established by institutional guides of the universities. This work describes a computational web tool that allows to evaluate the conclusion section of a thesis, focusing on three aspects: "Coverage", i.e. the connection between the general objective and the conclusion, "Opinion", value judgments about the concluded research, and "Speculation", i.e. evidence of a reflection on future work. This tool is incorporated into TURET 2.0. With the release of this updated version, TURET becomes a tool that the student can employ to analyze his/her thesis draft under acceptable parameters before submitting it to his/her adviser for further review. TURET will provide the analysis of the lexical richness and the analysis of key features of a conclusion section. We present details about the performance and the interfaces of the computational tool developed.


Demographic changes and increasing diversity in the United States bring about changes in how people define themselves and how they categorize others. I describe three issues that are relevant to the labeling and self-definition of ethnic groups in U.S. society: (1) the creation and definition of identity categories, (2) the subjectivity of self-definition, and (3) the flexibility of identity expression. In each case, substantial research from social psychology and related disciplines supports a socially constructed definition and use of ethnic categories, wherein identities are subject to the influence of local and national norms and are amenable to change across situations and over time.


A direct numerical simulation (DNS) is performed to investigate the control effect and mechanism of turbulent channel flow with the distribution of spanwise Lorentz force. A sinusoidal distribution of constant spanwise Lorentz force is selected, of which the control effects, such as flow characters, mean Reynolds stress, and drag reductions, at different parameters of amplitude A and wave number kx are discussed. The results indicate that the control effects vary with the parameter A and kx. With the increase of A, the drag reduction rate Dr first increases and then decreases rapidly at low kx, and slowly at high kx. The low drag reduction (or even drag increase) is due to a weak suppression or even the enhancements of the random velocity fluctuation and mean Reynolds stress. The efficient drag reduction is due to the quasi-streamwise vortex structure induced by Lorentz force, which contributes to suppressing the random velocity fluctuation and mean Reynolds stress, and the negative vorticity improves the distribution of streamwise velocity. Therefore, the optimal control effect with a drag reduction of up to 58% can be obtained.


Quantiative data are presented on uptake and phototoxicity of the photosensitizingdrug, 132 hydroxy bacteriopheophorbide a methyl ester, in three cell lines of melanotic(SkMel 25) and amelanotic (A375, Melur SP 18) melanoma. A375 is the most sensitivecell easily killed by irradiation with a laser diode at 775 nm by 2 J/cm2. The Melur SP


We analyze rigorously the one-dimensional traveling wave problem for a thermodynamically consistent phase field model. Existence is proved for two new cases: one where the undercooling is large but not in the hypercooled regime, and the other for waves which leave behind an unstable state. The qualitative structure of the wave is studied, and under certain restrictions monotonicity of front profiles can be obtained. Further results, such as a bound on propagation velocity and non-existence are discussed. Finally, some numerical examples of monotone and non-monotone waves are provided.


Abstract : In turbine blades 780--1050 mm long, it is established that the Mach number at the exit of the turbine blades increases at a higher rate than the increase in the inlet angle. Therefore, the inverse curvature of the profile center line can be realized only near the peripheral section. At the blade cross-section with the transition from a concave to a convex surface, the concave blade should have an oblique section. The experimental study indicates that the plane surface profile can be used in steam turbine blades to provide a transition to an inverse concavity. Losses of profiles constructed by this method are 3.5 percent. (Author)


The illumination system includes a field facet mirror device, and a pupil mirror to condition the radiation beam incident on the field facet mirror device. Field facet mirror device comprises a first direction and reflecting field facets is movable between a second orientation relative to the incident beam. Field facets in the first orientation, the incident radiation is reflected toward the reflective pupil facet, it forms part of the adjusted beam reflected from the pupil facet mirror device. Field facets in the second orientation, the incident radiation is reflected onto the region of the designated pupil facet mirror device as a beam dump area. This region, pupil radiation incident on the region is disposed to prevent the formation of a portion of the adjusted beam, defining an inner region and an outer region of the reflected conditioned beam of the pupil facet mirror device It is arranged between the boundaries of the annular region of the facet mirror device. .FIELD 4


This paper points out certain historical highlights and problems connected with development of electrical energy from deep-ocean thermal differences. Natural and economic factors which have focused attention on this type of energy development are mentioned, as well as areas of support by the National Science Foundation, the Energy Research and Development Administration and the U.S. Navy. Dimensional analysis is used to develop a list of dimensionless groups of factors having significance in OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion) heat exchangers. Certain of these groups are then evaluated for a model and prototype OTEC-Type heat exchanger using the same working fluid and experiencing the same working fluid flow rate per unit area. A discussion of the evaluation and conclusions complete the report.


A new 235 U capture cross-section evaluation, evaluated by ORNL and the CEA Bruyeres-le-Châtel (BRC) has been proposed within the CIELO project. IRSN, who participates in the CIELO project, contributes with data testing and has carried out benchmark calculations using few benchmarks, extracted from the ICSBEP database, for testing the new 235 U evaluation. The benchmarks have been selected by privileging the experiments showing small experimental uncertainties and a significant sensitivity to 235 U capture cross-section. The k eff calculations were performed with both the MCNP 6 code and the 5.C.1 release of the MORET 5 code, using the ENDF/B-VII.1 library for all isotopes except 235 U, for which both the ENDF/B-VII.1 and the new 235 U evaluation was used. The benchmark selection allowed highlighting a significant effect on k eff of the new 235 U capture cross-section. The results of this data testing, provided as input for the evaluators, are presented here.


As technology advancements are leading to the creation of 5G and next-generation base stations (BS) that offer improved performance and application integration, current solutions are mostly reliant on established technical standards. By incorporating intelligent wireless resource management technology, the current small cell system can be optimized and its transmission performance enhanced. The implementation of deep reinforcement learning was then added. By using indication reports as the state, the smart agent is able to dynamically select the optimal GF parameters to achieve high-efficiency transmission. In the context of ultra-reliable low latency communication (URLLC) applications, we have utilized 5G ns-3 simulation to simulate an IIoT factory scenario that diverges from traditional uplink methods. By implementing grant-free (GF) techniques, we can reduce delays while maintaining a suitable level of reliability. To dynamically select the most appropriate transmission mode under varying conditions, we have developed reinforcement learning (RL) methods. Our numerical results demonstrate a promising trend in the overall satisfaction rate.


Objective:To investigate the effect of different compound prescription of Chinese Traditional Medicine(TCM) on rats with gastric precancerous lesion and approach its possible mechanism on antioxidation. Methods:Twelve weeks after the rat GPL model was established, the occurrence rate of moderate or severe dysplasia and tumor in rat which was treated respectively with Yiqi Fang, Huoxue Fang, Jiedu Fang and combination of the three was counted. At the same time, the levels of SOD/MDA in serum and gastric mucosa were observed.Results:The rate of moderate or severe dysplasia and tumor in Yiqi Fang Huoxue Fang and combination group was lower than that in model group(P 0.05 ).The content of SOD in serum/gastric mucosa in Yiqi Fang and combination group were higher than that in model group(P 0.01 ).The content of MDA in gastric mucosa were significantly lower in Yiqi Fang,Huoxue Fang and combination group than that in model group(P 0.05 ).Conclusion: Compound prescription of TCM could improve the pathological changes of gastic mucosa in GPL rats with the possible mechanism of anti-oxidation.


Background: Individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis are understood to be the putative prodrome of overt psychosis, although there is still a possibility of false positives. The aim of the present study is to examine the potential links between multi-dimensional schizotypy, basic symptoms and emerging psychosis as defined by positive symptoms in individuals at ultra-high risk (UHR) for psychosis. Method: Sixty-one UHR individuals and 41 healthy controls were participated in baseline assessments. For multi-dimensional schizotypy assessments, Chapman's perceptual aberration scale, magical ideation scale, revised physical and social anhedonia scales, schizotypal ambivalence scales, and Eysenck's impulsiveness scale were used. Basic symptoms were assessed by using the schizophrenia-specific items of the Frankfurt complaints questionnaire (FCQ). Results: Individuals at UHR showed higher schizotypy scores and basic symptoms at baseline. The transition rate of overt psychosis was 36.4 % at 4 years of follow-up. Cox regression analysis showed that the basic symptoms (HR 1.456, p = 0.025) and impulsiveness (HR 1.175, p = 0.039) were significant predictors of transition into overt psychosis in UHR individuals [χ2(4) =14.242, p = 0.007]. Conclusion: The addition of the self-reported basic symptoms and impulsiveness may be useful for a risk enhancement or stratification strategy in individuals at ultra-high risk for psychosis. Acknowledgement: This study was supported by a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number: HI14C2242). PM518 Medication Adherence in schizophrenia: Focus on therapeutic relationship Jhin-Goo Chang1, Daeyoung Roh1, Chan-Hyung Kim1,2* 1Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavior Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea 2Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Hallym University,


This study explores the learning of different forms of masculinity by young people from fifteen to twenty years old. The evidence was obtained from in-depth interviews with eighteen young people who represented, from diverse sexual, cultural, family, and corporal situations, different ways of experiencing and moving through masculinity. Through narrative methodology and topical analysis, we addressed one of the interviews' emerging themes: the role of school and relationships among equals in constructing masculinity. Although its importance is recognized, school is simply one context more where individuals, according to their genetics and previous and parallel experiences, establish a type of relation and meaning to allow this construction.


China is banking on applying AI to biotechnology research in order to transform itself into a "biotech superpower." In pursuit of that goal, it has emphasized bringing together different aspects of the development cycle to foster multidisciplinary research. This data brief examines the emerging trend of co-location of AI and biotechnology researchers and explores the potential impact it will have on this growing field.


Background: The fall armyworm (FAW) was first reported infesting corn in the Philippines on June 2019 and rice on May 2021. With the use of commercially-available insecticides as the primary, if not sole management strategy, future problems on insecticide resistance of FAW and the hazards that these chemicals may pose to non-target organisms and environment may likely to occur. With this, a need to scout for naturally-occurring biological control agents of FAW in the infested areas is necessary to identify possible indigenous natural enemies. Collection of parasitoids: Field samplings and monitoring of FAW and its natural enemies were conducted in selected municipalities of Central and Northern Luzon, and Cagayan Valley regions of the Philippines. The collected FAW larvae in the field that were suspected to be parasitized were reared in the laboratory until parasitoid emergence. The parasitoids were then sent to Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International United Kingdom (CABI UK) Diagnostic and Advisory Service for identification. Conclusion: Two parasitoids,
 Brachymeria lasus
 and
 Copidosoma floridanum
 were identified from the samples that emerged from the reared FAW larvae. These two parasitoids are new records on FAW in the Philippines and elsewhere.


ABSTRACT Purpose: This study intends to identify the main background and consequent constructs that form consumer satisfaction in providing services using artificial intelligence (AI) and their magnitudes. Originality/value: This work seeks to fill a gap arising from the scarcity of meta-analytic research on service delivery with AI and also its relationship to consumer satisfaction. Design/methodology/approach: The study adopted the meta-analytic method, and its development followed three phases: 1. research; 2. collection; and 3. coding and data analysis. We analyzed 19 articles published in journals of international relevance from January 2000 to December 2020, present on the Web of Science and Science Direct platforms, totaling 128 observations and 28 topic-related. Findings: Five background constructs and one consequent construct were identified, from which an integrated model was built to illustrate the relationships between consumer satisfaction in intelligent services. The results show that consumer satisfaction in the provision of services is significantly correlated to the adoption of artificial intelligence. Then, the integrated quantitative evaluation that was performed in this study aims to contribute to future empirical evidence in such a way that an increase in the scope of studies on artificial intelligence and consumer satisfaction occurs, based on the analysis of the following constructs: perceived value, perceived features, perception of quality, marketing orientation, identification with the service and behavior of using AI in services.


The photophysical and electrochemical behavior of a novel series of luminescent rhenium(I) complexes bearing a trialkynyl ligand, [1,3-(HC⋮C)2-5-{(N∧N)(CO)3ReC⋮C}C6H3] (N∧N = tBu2bpy 1, Me2bpy 2, bpy 3), and their heterometallic branched complexes, [1,3-{Cl(PEt3)2PdC⋮C}2-5-{(N∧N)(CO)3ReC⋮C}C6H3] (N∧N = Me2bpy 4, bpy 5), have been studied; the X-ray crystal structures of 2 and 5 have been determined. Density functional theory calculations have also been carried out in order to probe the bonding in these compounds.


Abstract This paper examines the recent historical trajectory of the idea of citizenship in Brazil through the perspective of Tom Zé, a composer and musician noted for his juxtaposition of avant-garde poetics and popular music. My study begins with his participation in the watershed Tropicália movement of the 1960s, focusing on his critique of consumer society and its implications for popular citizenship. In the early 1970s, the figure of the bourgeois citizen, or senhor cidadão, appears in his work as a caustic critique of those who benefited most from the expansion of capitalism during the period of authoritarian rule. With the re-emergence of civil society and redemocratisation in the 1980s, Tom Zé's work reveals a more affirmative notion of citizenship premised on the discourse of self-represenation among working-class subjects. Finally, this paper discusses Tom Zé's most recent work and its contribution to insurgent forms of citizenship in contemporary Brazil involving historically marginalised and impoverished urban communities within the context of neo-liberal globalisation.


We consider concentric circular defects in the two-dimensional Ising model, which are distributed according to a generalized Fredholm sequence, i.e. at exponentially increasing radii. This type of aperiodicity does not change the bulk critical behaviour but introduces a marginal extended perturbation. The critical exponent of the local magnetization is obtained through finite-size scaling, using a corner transfer matrix approach in the extreme anisotropic limit. It varies continuously with the amplitude of the modulation and is closely related to the magnetic exponent of the radial Hilhorst-van Leeuwen model. Through a conformal mapping of the system onto a strip, the gap-exponent relation is shown to remain valid for such an aperiodic defect.


In 1958 - Claude Berge introduced the domination number of a graph which is used to protect the single vertices. But in 2011 Duygu Vargor and Pinar Dundar initiated the medium domination number of a graph which is utilized to protect the pairs of vertices in a graph. In a graph every vertices u, v ∈ V should be privileged and it is essential to scrutinize how many vertices are proficient of dominating both of u and v. We compute the total number of vertices that dominates all pairs of vertices and evaluate the average of this value and call it "the medium domination number" of graph. The medium domination number of G is the minimum cardinality among all the medium domination sets of G. We prove the main result by two-dimensional induction method. First we are manipulative the medium domination number of J 1,3 . Then we are calculating the medium domination number of J m+1,3 and J m,n+1 . Finally we are getting the medium domination number of J m,n . By using this method we can proficient to observe how many pairs of vertices are dominates in the Jahangir graph J m,n . In graph theory, there are many stability parameters such as the connectivity number, the edge-connectivity number, the independence number, the vertex domination number and the domination number. In this paper, we obtained the bound of the medium domination number of Jahangir graph J m,n .


Recently, a new type of motor, synchronous reluctance motor (SRM), has attracted wide attention from academia and industry because of its potential applications in fans, pumps, and elevator traction systems. Compared with traditional motors, these motors have lower eddy-current loss, less torque ripple, reduced noise, smaller moment of inertia, and faster dynamic response, and they provide a greater operating efficiency and safety and are simpler and easier to maintain. However, the ontology design and operation control of SRMs continue to be significant hurdles that must be overcome prior to practical implementation. In order to facilitate the practical application of SRMs in industry, at the invitation of an elevator company, we designed a large SRM for elevator traction. Herein, we describe the design of the proposed system and present a theoretical analysis of the system. Furthermore, we fabricate a real prototype and the corresponding control system and perform an experimental test under the rated operating conditions and $1.5\times $ overload conditions in order to verify the SRM's performance. The results of the experimental testing were satisfactory and consistent with the theoretical calculations. At present, we have entered the stage of small-batch trial production and we expect to ultimately implement this novel design. Further, the approach to ontology design and operation control in this study can be used to inform the future development of novel SRMs.


In this thesis, the folding process of the de novo designed polypeptide chignolin was elucidated through atomic-scale Molecular Dynamics (MD) computer simulations. In a series of long timescale and ...


 Abstract —Modified starch from cassava starch is still rarely developed in the pharmaceutical industry. Various modifications of cassava starch are needed, in order to improve the starch properties according to the application. This research was conducted to evaluate the physico-chemical and functional characteristics of Partially Pregelatinized from Cassava Starch (PPCS), Fully Pregelatinized from Cassava Starch (FPCS) and Starch 1500 as a benchmark. Analysis includes bulk density, tapped density, cold water soluble, whiteness, birefringence properties, loss on ignition, viscosity, compressibility, angle of repose and flowability. The results show that the bulk density of the PPCS is greater than the bulk density of the FPCS. While tapped density from PPCS is bigger than tapped density from FPCS. Cold water soluble percentage of FPCS indicates a higher value than the PPCS. The results of microscopic observations showed that PPCS and Starch 1500 still had intact granules, where as FPCS all granules were not intact. When polarized, most of the PPCS and the birefringence properties of Starch 1500 is still visible, while the FPCS all birefringence properties have been lost. PPCS has good compressibility, while Starch 1500 has a pretty good compressibility, The angle of repose of PPCS is very good while the FPCS is good. The flow rate of PPCS is good but the FPCS is very difficult to


We have been developing the Network Incident analysis Center for Tactical Emergency Response (nicter), whose present focus is on detecting and identifying propagating malwares such as worms, viruses, and bots. The nicter presently monitors darknet, a set of unused IP addresses, to observe macroscopic trends of network threats. Meantime, it keeps capturing and analyzing malware executables in the wild for their microscopic analysis. Finally, these macroscopic and microscopic analysis results are correlated in order to identify the root cause of the detected network threats. This paper describes a brief overview of the nicter, and possible contributions to the worldwide observatory of malicious behavior and attack tools (WOMBAT).


The number of cyber-attacks using IoT devices is increasing with the growth of IoT devices. Since the number of routes malware infection is increasing, it is necessary not only to prevent infection but also to take measures after infection. Therefore, high-performance detection techniques are required, but many existing technologies require large amounts of data and heavy processing. Then, there is a need for a system that can detect malware infection while reducing the processing load. Therefore, we have proposed an architecture for detecting malware traffic using flow data of packets instead of whole packet information. We performed the malware traffic detection on the proposed architecture by using machine learning algorithms focusing on the behavior of IoT devices, and could detect malware with some degree of accuracy. In this paper, in order to improve the accuracy, we propose a hybrid system using machine learning and the white list automatically generated using the rule of Manufacturer Usage Description (MUD). The white list eliminates benign packets from the target of malware traffic detection, and it can decrease the false positive rate. We evaluate the performance of proposed method and show the effectiveness.


Reaction of Indoles with 1,3-Dithiolenium Ions: a Simple Access to 3-(1,3-Dithiolan-2-yl)indoles

3-Unsubstituted indoles 1 react regioselectively with 2-methyl- and 2-phenyl-1,3-dithiolenium ions 2 under mild conditions to give the 3-(1,3-dithiolan-2-yl)indoles 4 as protected 3-acylindoles.


ADC12 aluminum alloy has been widely used in the aerospace, ship, and automotive fields because of its high specific strength, excellent die-casting performance, and wear resistance. Adhesion wear is the main wear mechanism of high-speed milling ADC12 aluminum alloy. The most important factor affecting adhesion wear is the tool–chip interface friction, which is directly manifested in the tool–chip interface temperature. Therefore, the temperature variation during the milling of aluminum alloy is analyzed using a temperature field model and infrared temperature measurement technology. Then, the tool wear morphology and the tool wear land width are observed using a scanning electron microscope. Finally, the tool wear mechanism considering the tool–chip interface temperature is discussed. The tool–chip interface temperature is related to the friction angle, tool–chip contact length, and friction force at the rake face, which increases first and then decreases as the cutting speed and feed rate increase. During the formation of the adhesive layer, the tool–chip interface temperature increases, the change rate of the cutting force and the tool wear rate increase, and adhesion, oxidation, and abrasive and delamination wear are generated on the tool surface. With the increase in temperature, the tool wear rate increases, the molten adhesive layer on the tool surface is accompanied by crack propagation, and adhesion wear, oxidation wear, and abrasive wear occur on the tool surface.


We analyze the time evolution of several physical observables, namely the pressure anisotropy, the scalar condensate, the charge density, and also, for the first time, the non-equilibrium entropy for a Bjorken expanding strongly coupled $\mathcal{N}=4$ Supersymmetric Yang-Mills plasma charged under an Abelian $U(1)$ subgroup of the global $SU(4)$ R-symmetry. This represents a far-from-equilibrium, hot and dense strongly coupled quantum fluid with a critical point in its phase diagram. For some sets of initial data preserving all the energy conditions, dynamically driven transient violations of the dominant and the weak energy conditions are observed when the plasma is still far from the hydrodynamic regime. The energy conditions violations get stronger at larger values of the chemical potential to temperature ratio, $\mu/T$, indicating that those violations become more relevant as the strongly coupled quantum fluid approaches its critical regime. For some of those energy conditions violations, it is observed a clear correlation with different plateau structures formed in the far from equilibrium entropy, indicating the presence of transient, early time windows where the Bjorken expanding plasma has zero entropy production even while being far from equilibrium. The hydrodynamization of the pressure anisotropy and also the much later thermalization of the scalar condensate are generally found to be delayed, within small relative tolerances, as $\mu/T$ is increased towards criticality. The value of $\mu/T$ in the medium is enhanced by increasing its initial charge density, and/or also by reducing its initial energy density.


In London and Lyon, urban cultural movements rooted in racism and segregation such as the Notting Hill carnival and hip-hop dance have been progressively converted into events designed and organized for the benefit of the city's social and economic development. In a context where neoliberal and managerial models inspired by market-driven regulation are a growing reference in matters of public action, this article show that the celebration of the artistic qualities of such cultural practices associated with ethnic minorities comes with their esthetization, a process that tends to erase the differences between populations and to attenuate the emotional and affective discrepancies. Relying on some 30 semi-open interviews conducted between 2000 and 2005 with volunteer militants, artists, and professionals in charge of the organization of the Notting Hill carnival in London and of the Défilé de la Biennale de la danse in Lyon, as well as on the participating observation of the preparation and execution of these two events, I argue that the culture professionals play a crucial role in the functional rapprochement between the urban elites and the ethnic minorities.


Medication non-compliance is common among patients suffering from chronic disease. The research aims to find the effectiveness of food timing as a form of intervention to improve medication compliance. 509 patients were interviewed who were under the medication and had their treatment from Central Referral Hospital, Sikkim. The technique of probability estimates, risk difference, relative risk, and odds ratios were used to do the analysis and predictions of medication compliance when food timing was used as a form of reminder. Analysis of confidence interval at 95% ensured that the results obtained were due to the use of reminder and not by chance. The study reveals that with the help of food timing as a form of reminder, a patient has 50.2% lower odds of deferring from the scheduled time of medicine. There are 129.2% greater odds of completing the course of medication, 41.4% lower odds of missing the medication consciously, and there are 56.6% lower odds of missing the medication dose. The probability numbers indicate the effectiveness of usage of this form of reminder.


Injury to the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) may result in severe functional loss. Spontaneous regeneration is limited to small lesions within the injured PNS and is actively suppressed within the CNS. In this chapter we discuss the pathology and changes in the physiological environment following PNS/CNS injury. Several key factors such as the glial scar and inhibitory biomolecules are addressed. Neural tissue engineering approaches attempt to provide an alternative to nerve autografts, and have shown some promising regenerative outcomes. The scaffolds are designed to provide mechanical support for endogenous/transplanted cells at the lesion site, provide guidance cues to neurites and for the attachment or delivery of biomolecules that promote regeneration. Unfortunately many of the current scaffolds used for neural tissue engineering provide only limited regulation of cellular response due to insufficient control of physical support, topological stimulation, degradability and inflammatory/foreign body responses.


Based on the real construction process and field environment of Baoying Pumping Station,a spatial-temporal dynamic numerical simulation of concrete temperature and stress field in the elbow-shaped inlet channel during the whole construction process of the pumping station was performed by use of FEM program.The causes of cracking in concrete structure in the elbow-shaped inlet channel during the construction process were analyzed,and some crack control measures were proposed.


Parallel sliding load support has been a subject og numerous theoretical and experimental investigations. Postulated mathematical models suffer from restricting assumptions. The present analysis evaluates thre several models that have appeared and provides an orderly analysis which elaborates on the mechanism that may be responsible for the fluid generated lifting force. The governing continuity, momentum and energy equations for a Newtonian fluid, which are coupled, via temperature dependent density and viscosity are solved simultaneously using the finite difference method, to yield various bearing characteristics


Conversion of 10.6‐μm laser radiation into the spectral region of almost optimal photomultiplier performance is realized by nonlinear mixing of the infrared signal with a dye laser. Quantum conversion efficiencies exceeding 40% are obtained. This order‐of‐magnitude improvement of the up‐converter efficiency was achieved with a AgGaS2 crystal of only 5 mm length, because the noncritical collinear 90° type‐I phase‐matching geometry was realized.


This thesis describes the characteristic and legal conditions of credits for individuals. There are described products of five selected banks – Ceska sporitelna a.s., Ceskoslovenska obchodni banka a.s., Komercni banka a.s., GE Money bank and eBanka and relevant saving banks. The main focus is aimed especially on mortgages and credits from saving banks. The differences of mortgages and credits can be seen on comparison of three model families. They are compared to each other too.


Climate change is a global phenomenon that poses local risks to sectors across society and the economy. All these growing risks have led the Municipality of San Donà di Piave—located within the Metropolitan City of Venice (CMVe)—to strengthen, over the years, its commitment to the adaptation to climate change in its plans and policies. Nature-based solutions can offer a perfect example of sustainable solutions to cope with climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges. In this context, thanks to the support of the LIFE Master Adapt project, San Donà di Piave, applying its methodologies and creating new territorial information, was able to insert, within its Action Plan for Sustainable Energy and Climate (SECAP), important and structural Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs) for the entire municipal area. This experience demonstrates how this process of mainstreaming adaptation actions and NBSs is possible at all levels of government of the territory. It also highlights the virtuosity of replicability in other contexts of the CMVe and the transition from theoretical concepts to concrete actions (NBSs) for adaptation into existing plans. This process happened with a climate-proof modification of the existing planning attitude, whether mandatory or voluntary.


The objective of the diploma thesis "The Analysis and Possibilities of Management of Property, Financial, and Capital Structure of an Enterprise" is to point out the analysis and possibility of management of property, financial, and capital structure of an undertaking existing in a real environment. The theoretical part of this work, namely chapter one, deals with the description of theoretical approaches to property, financial, and capital structure of an enterprise and with methods of financial analysis, consequently, chapter two presents possibilities of their evaluation. In the practical part, that is chapter three, an enterprise from a real environment is subjected to property, financial, and capital analysis with the use of several crucial indicators. Based on the results of the analysis recommendations have been formulated to remove the reserves in the property and capital structure of the enterprise.


Conclusions 1. The antibactericidal activity of various mixtures of sulfonamides is unpredictable. 2. The observed effect varies markedly with different species and with various strains of the same species of organism. 3. Depression of bactericidal potency against both gram negative and positive bacteria frequently results from combining sulfonamides. 4. The greatest and most constant decrease in antibacterial effect is produced by mixing sulfamerazine, sulfathiazole, and sulfadiazine. 5. These results suggest that combinations of sulfonamides may have little clinical usefulness in many instances, since they are often not as effective as the single agents which compose them.


We conducted laboratory experiments to determine urea-N transformations in four rice soils maintained under oxidized and reduced conditions. Urea hydrolysis rates differed significantly between oxidized and reduced soil suspensions. Urease activity showed considerable variation with flooding, and for three soil suspensions hydrolysis rates were faster under aerobic conditions. Urea hydrolysis followed first-order kinetics, and rate constants in oxidized acid soil suspensions ranged from 0.054 to 0.094 h−1 (t1/2 = 7.4 to 13.8 h) and under reducing conditions from 0.028 to 0.062 h−1 (t1/2 = 11.2 to 24.8 h) after urea application of 50 μg N g−1 soil. For the calcareous soil, disappearance of urea was faster under a reducing environment (0.403 h−1), compared with the oxidized rate (0.369 h−1). Ammonium production under reducing conditions ranged from 0.50 to 4.74 μg NH4+-N g−1 h−1, and nitrification in oxidized soil suspensions showed a significant linear relationship over initial sampling periods, and rates ranged from 0.16 to 0.72 μg NO3−-N g−1 h−1.


Abstract In this paper, we show that the Cauchy problem of the 3D nonlinear Schrödinger equation with repulsive potential is globally wellposed if the initial data u 0 is spherically symmetric and . We also prove that the scattering operator is holomorphic from the radial functions in Σ to themselves. In order to preclude the possible energy concentration, we first show the energy concentration may occur only at finite time by using the decay estimate of potential energy ∥u(t)∥6, then we preclude the possible finite time energy concentration by inductive arguments.


Magneto-optical measurements of the anisotropy of homogeneous Dy/sub 18/Fe/sub 82/ films as a function of thickness (134.0-13.4 nm) confirm that the perpendicular anisotropy disappears when films are less than 60 nm thick. Since, the range of films exhibits both out of plane and in-plane anisotropy, both the polar Kerr effect and the transverse Kerr effect were used to determine the anisotropy. At about 60 nm the perpendicular anisotropy K/sub /spl perp///spl les/ the shape anisotropy (K/sub s/=2/spl pi/M/sub s//sup 2/).


Shock, the failure of the circulatory system to supply sufficient blood to peripheral tissues to meet basic metabolic requirements for oxygen and nutrients, frequently requires resuscitation with pharmacologic intervention. A wide range of potent vasoactive agents is available to the clinician including sympathomimetics (including the catecholamines), vasopressin analogs, angiotensin, angiotensin II, and nitric oxide blockers. As yet the optimal agents for resuscitation of the critically ill has not been identified. Current recommendations have epinephrine as first-line pressor for cardiac arrest, and for anaphylaxis, yet for septic shock, and other forms of prolonged support for shock, norepinephrine is recommended (1–3). Norepinephrine received a "perfect" consensus of 34 experts as the vasopressor of first choice in septic shock and considered the recommendation "Strong" (4). This recent study found that 97% of experts preferred noradrenaline as the first-line vasopressor in the treatment of hypotension, an increased popularity over historical reports (4, 5). In this issue of Critical Care Medicine, a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials by Belletti et al (6) could find no difference in mortality or of any surrogate marker of benefit—neither renal replacement therapy, myocardial ischemia, arrhythmias, nor length of ICU was different between patients receiving epinephrine and those receiving any other adrenergic and nonadrenergic vasoactive drugs (including norepinephrine). Evidence of superior clinical outcomes that would support norepinephrine as the exclusive first-line agent of choice in septic shock is meager at best. Surprisingly, for agent such as epinephrine, with so much potential, and historically so commonly used on critically ill patients, there are so few well-constructed randomized head-to-head comparative trials against other agents. Thus far included just over 1,200 patients appear to have been studied. Given the diversity of need for inotropic, pressor, and chronotropic support, the clinical potential of epinephrine's unique profile has been grossly understudied. Faced with lack of high-quality evidence, why would norepinephrine be considered more desirable than epinephrine?


Bottom Line Pitavastatin causes a linear dose‐response reduction in the per cent change from control of blood LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and blood triglycerides. There is no dose‐response relationship for HDL cholesterol, which is increased by 4% on average for all doses. This effect on HDL is not different from the other studied statins. Pitavastatin doses of 1 mg/day to 16 mg/day resulted in a range of 33.3% to 54.7% decrease of LDL cholesterol. From the slope of the lines for every 2‐fold dose increase, there was a 3.93%, 5.35%, and 3.76% decrease in blood total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, respectively. The slope of the dose response is similar to the other studied statins: atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin and cerivastatin.


With the continuous development and implementation of the Internet of Things (IoT), the growing demand for portable, flexible, wearable self‐powered electronic systems significantly promotes the development of micro‐electrochemical energy storage devices (MEESDs), such as micro‐batteries (MBs) and micro‐supercapacitors (MSCs). By overcoming the limitations of traditional fabrication processes, 3D printing techniques have been attracting much attention in recent years. Theoretically, 3D printing technologies can manufacture any customized arbitrary geometry and structure of electrodes and other components by fast prototyping at a relatively low cost to achieve desirable electrochemical performance and simplified integration. To that end, a comprehensive review of recent progress on the applications of 3D printing in MEESDs is presented herein. Emphasis is given to the generally classified seven types of 3D printing techniques (their working principle, process control, resolution, advantages, and disadvantages), their applications to fabricate electrodes, and other components with different configurations. Finally, the integration of other electronics into MEESDs and a future perspective on the research and development direction in this important field are further discussed.


The regulatory properties of a principal glutamine transport system of skeletal muscle may control the balance between muscle protein synthesis and breakdown.


While diet induced obesity is an established risk factor for the development of insulin resistance, the exact mechanisms that initiate the insulin resistant phenotype are unknown. Systemic insulin resistance and glucose intolerance have been observed in as little as three days of high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding in lean mice. In most laboratories, mice are housed between 20–24°C, which is below their lower critical temperature (~30°C). Increased thermal stress has been shown to increase browning of white adipose tissue, alter lipid trafficking and impair immune function, which may lead to confounding results in metabolic data. Additionally, food intake and energy expenditure, two factors that significantly impact metabolic health, decrease with increasing ambient temperature. Thus, it is imperative to compare the metabolic and behavioral outcomes of high‐fat fed mice across typical housing temperature (22°C) and at their critical temperature (30°C). We hypothesized that mice will become glucose intolerant in as little as one day of HFD, and mice housed at 22°C will be protected from acute HFD induced impairments in glucose tolerance. To test this, we have studied an acute (1, 3 and 5 days) time‐course of either high‐fat feeding (45% Cal from fat) or low‐fat feeding (10% Cal from fat) in lean mice, at 22°C and 30°C. We observed a significant increase in glucose area under the curve (AUC) (P < 0.01) as soon as one day of HFD, which was not augmented by three or five days of HFD, without accompanied change in weight or body composition. However, separating our data by housing temperature, a significant increase in glucose AUC after one day of high‐fat feeding is only seen in mice housed at 30°C. Furthermore, the glucose AUC following one day of HFD at 30°C is similar to the glucose AUC observed after 5 days of HFD at 30°C. Behavioral outcomes such as food intake (significantly increased P < 0.01), oxygen consumption (significantly decreased (P < 0.05), and physical activity (significantly decreased P < 0.01) were also affected by one day of HFD relative to controls, and results were not exacerbated across three and five days. Taken together, we have shown that mice become glucose intolerant in as little as one day of HFD, and that the temperature at which the mice are housed is critical to accurately determining the metabolic phenotype.


In order to properly reconstruct the temple of Hercules in Celje, Slovenia, digital tools have been used for documentation, interpretation and presentation. The site presents a rare example of heritage preserved in situ, excavated, partly conserved and represented in the 1950s. A digital reconstruction of the temple is one of the goals of my dissertation: The temple of Hercules in Celjie: Peripteral and Pseudoperipteral Slovenia.


The soils of Lere (Saminaka) in Kaduna state, Northern Guinea Savanna climatic zone was evaluated for suitability of maize (Zea mays) cultivation, employing various methods. Data were obtained through field study and laboratory analyses. Three soil Units were delineated, and one profile was sunk in each of the soil units. The profiles were described according to USDA soil survey manual, and soil samples were collected from each pedogenetic horizon, stored in nylon bag properly levelled. The soil samples were processed and analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The soil Units were designated as SM1, SM2, and SM3. The textural class of the surface soils are sandy loam to loam. The result shows that soils pH is strongly to moderately acidic (5.5 – 5.8); soil fertility was generally low with evidence of low organic carbon (0.59 – 0.66%), total nitrogen (0.35 – 0.70%) and CEC (4.1 – 5.3 cmolkg-1), while potassium (0.12 – 0.31 cmolkg-1) and phosphorus (12.6 – 25.3 mg kg-1 ). The results also showed that climate, topography (slope), soil depth, and texture and fertility are optimum for maize production, with drainage and base saturation as the major limiting factors, with the
aggregate of not-suitable (Nfw) in all the soil units based simple limitation method. By employing other methods (Storie and Khiddir square root), the same results were obtained, with little improvement in the Square root method (Rabiah) as the classes change from N or N1 to S3. Incorporating soils with organic materials and encouraging subsurface drainage will improve maize production.


A fatal myocardial infarction in a 22-year-old man with hemophilia A and a factor VIII inhibitor is described. The catastrophic event occurred while the patient was receiving high doses of unactivated prothrombin complex concentrates. Autopsy examination revealed myocardial hemorrhage with no evidence of coronary artery disease or thrombosis. There also was postmortem evidence of previous myocardial infarctions. This is the fourth documented case of myocardial infarction occurring in a young hemophiliac patient using unactivated prothrombin complex concentrates. It is concluded that utilization of prothrombin complex concentrates in hemophiliac patients must be limited and closely monitored. Therapeutic guidelines are recommended.


The annual distribution characteristics of primary production in the Yellow Sea nearshore area of Shandong Province were investigated during August 2006(summer),December 2006(winter),April 2007(spring) and October 2007(Autumn).The results showed that:(1) The average primary production concentration of the investigated area in spring,summer,autumn and winter was 33.704 mg·m-2·h-1,15.51 mg·m-2·h-1, 13.531 mg·m-2·h-1 and 10.231 mg·m-2·h-1,respectively,and an obvious tread of springsummerautumnwinter was obtained.(2) The horizontal distribution of primary production concentration in the investigated area presented higher values in the coast but the concentration decreased gradually in the off-lying sea in spring,summer and autumn,while winter showed just the the opposite regularity.The aqueous layer that had a relative light intensity of 30%~10% of the sea surface had the highest primary production all the year around as compared to the other layers in the vertical distribution.The delamination of primary production was obvious in summer but little difference was observed in spring,autumn and winter.Environmental factors,including biotic and abiotic factors exerted different effects on the seasonal variation of primary production.Moreover,the primary production analyzed by the assimilation index method was 1~70 times higher than that by the 14C isotope tracer method.


The embodiment of the invention discloses an input method and device of a touch screen. The method comprises the following implementation steps: receiving elements input by a user for the first time; if a backspace command input by the user is received, acquiring elements adjacent to the elements input for the first time to be used a most possible element set; and amplifying the response region of the elements in the most possible element set, and receiving the elements input by the user for the second time. The backspace command determines that the input of the user before the backspace command is misoperation, and then, the elements around the misoperation elements are amplified so that the user can more conveniently select the needed elements, thereby reducing the probability of misoperation. In addition, because the method can be applied to the condition of wrong input of the first time, the method does not depend on whether the input of the first time is correct or not. Furthermore, in the embodiment of the invention, the elements input for the second time are not judged in advance through a data engine, thereby solving the problem that the elements input by the user are restricted to character strings, and expanding the range of application.


The objectives of this research were to estimate heritability (h2) of heifer pregnancy and its genetic correlation (rg) with age at first calving (AFC) in a Nellore herd. Heifer pregnancy evaluated as three different definitions: pregnancy at 16 months (Pr16) - heifers calving before 31 months received 1 (success) and those calving after 30.99 months or that failed received 0 (failure); pregnancy at 24 months (Pr24) - heifers calving until 46 months of age (including Pr16) received 1 and those which fail 0; and heifer pregnancy (PrN) - was attributed the classification 2 for those calving before 31 months, 1 for those calving from 31 to 46 months and 0 for failure. The data-set, including 30,802 weaned heifers, was analyzed by method R and Bayesian Inference. The heritability estimates were 0.52, 0.12 and 0.16 for Pr16, Pr24 and PrN, respectively, by method R. The mean value obtained by Bayesian Inference was of 0.45 for Pr16. The estimate of rg between Pr16 and AFC was -0.32. The results indicate that to select for sexual precocity is necessary to expose all females to breeding at a young age. Moreover, the pregnancy rate evaluated by Pr16 is indicated, since this trait presents high genetic variability and efficient response to selection. The analysis also indicates that Pr16 and AFC are determined by different genes.


Innovations, particularly technical ones, have a prominent place in today's discussions on future growth. Technical innovation is not only relevant for a company and its potential networks, but also for the regional and national economy. This book by Meine Pieter van Dijk and Henry Sandee (editors) provides a background for the discussion related to the conditions for innovation processes in developing countries. But it is not self evident how the concept of innovation should be understood, especially if one focuses on the economic concerns of developing countries. The authors think that innovation in this case is almost synonymous with technical change and development. In developing countries, rather than introducing/implementing new technologies, existing technologies are in most cases used in a new context and new environments. To be an entrepreneur and innovator in developing countries is very much a question of imitating and adapting existing technologies to new local conditions. Focusing on technology development, the book explores the process of innovation, how it spreads in developing nations, and how this process influences the individual small company. Van Dijk and Sandee also take a closer look at the impacts of organized clusters and networks on the innovation process and how conditions for a functional innovative environment might be created within a broad regional or national context through the orchestration of various supporting resources. To create, to spread and to adopt innovations does not occur spontaneously, just out of the blue, but is something that can be seen as a process with different actors. The authors have identified four steps in this innovation process. The first step requires the availability of a new technology. In the second step the technology is introduced within the company, either from their own initiative (internal research and development) or through customer/client demand or contract research. In the third step the technology is adapted to local conditions and needs, and is further developed in the fourth step. This process perspective is the basis for understanding the arguments in the book. The authors emphasize the importance of clusters or networks. They suggest that collaboration between small companies in clusters or networks makes the small companies stronger and more eager to be developed technically. When a pioneer begins to work with a new technology, the new-found strengths of that technology impact the improvement of the whole cluster. Consequently, it is not self-evident that the pioneer him or herself actually benefits by the technology brought to the cluster. The pioneer by definition goes through a trial-and-error phase, which the others in the cluster can avoid. These other companies can adopt the technology. If the technology does not benefit the pioneer, the conditions for the cluster have improved nonetheless and thereby so has the basis for future innovations in the cluster. Consequently, different companies within a cluster create a foundation for each other's processes. But it is not only the new International Small Business Journal 21(3)


This chapter discusses the anaesthetic management of urological surgery. Surgical procedures covered include cystoscopic procedures; transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) (including TURP syndrome); transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT); prostatectomy (including radical prostatectomy); nephrectomy and partial nephrectomy; radical cystectomy; robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP); percutaneous stone removal; extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, testicular surgery and renal transplantation. It includes pertinent anaesthetic features for a series of additional miscellaneous urological procedures.


Several types of decompositions and coupling algorithms can be used when solving a fluid-structure interaction problem in a partitioned way. In the case of Dirichlet-Neumann (DN) decomposition, the flow equations are solved with a Dirichlet boundary condition on the fluid-structure interface, while the structural equations are solved with a Neumann boundary condition on the interface. Robin-Neumann (RN) decomposition denotes a Robin boundary condition on the fluid side of the interface. It is well-known that Gauss-Seidel iteration is often unstable for strongly coupled problems with DN decomposition. Conversely, this coupling algorithm can have good convergence properties in combination with RN decomposition. The Interface Artificial Compressibility (IAC) method is one of the techniques to improve the convergence of the Gauss-Seidel iterations for cases with DN decomposition. In this paper, it is demonstrated that there is a common idea behind Gauss-Seidel iterations with RN decomposition and with DN decomposition plus IAC. Both approaches include a local, linear approximation for the structural equations into the flow equations. The numerical examples demonstrate that this approach is very suitable for the flow in flexible tubes, but that the application to other cases is not always straightforward.


It is a common method to resolve concretion equation of Biot law by using Finite Element Method(FEM) for calculating subgrade settlement,but the method is restricted in application due to long time consumed and high cost for getting elastic parameters by triaxial test.According to the density,velocity and elastic parameters of the roadbed soil,such as the relation between elastic modulus E_s and Poisson's ratio μ,this paper introduces velocity and density into rigid matrix to solve concretion equation of Biot law and discusses integrative seismic method in settlement calculation of roadbed soil.The simulation analysis and actual application result show that seismic techniques are an effective method in examination and forecast of roadbed settlement.


The thin-walled structural theory is employed to investigate the regular longitudinal cracks of the thin-walled hollow slab of a sea-crossing bridge. The energy method and finite strip method are conducted to calculate the distortion stress of the hollow slab under live load,and the distortion analysis of the current standard hollow slab is also presented.The theoretical analysis and the field load tests verify that the distortion effect is the dominant reason causing the longitudinal cracks of the hollow slab bottom.


Purpose – This chapter analyses the various themes connected with cycling's current situation and future prospects which have emerged through the previous 10 chapters, and elaborates the need for a 'bicycle system' which is capable of achieving a 'revolution' in cycling.

Approach – The chapter draws on previous chapters, as well as the results of recently completed research into the state of cycling across urban England.

Findings – Cycling remains marginalised, but its current rise in status across some of the world's cities offers grounds for optimism about its future contribution to sustainability objectives. The bicycle's rise in status is currently both elitist and, potentially, a passing fashion; the challenge is to make it both more democratic and durable.

Practical implications – In the mould of 'common endeavours' outlined in the World Commission Report on Environment and Development 'Our Common Future', the authors propose building a 'bicycle system' to ensure the bicycle can play a full role in the transition to (especially urban) sustainability and outline possible principles for, pathways towards, and components and characteristics of, a bicycle system.

Social implications – The chapter aims to influence broader debates, and importantly it needs to influence political discourse, about the changes required to assist in the transition to greater urban transport sustainability, and specifically to discourage car use whilst encouraging use of the bicycle for short urban journeys.

Value of paper – The authors provide an analysis of the current constraints on cycling, and a case for simultaneously assembling a 'bicycle system' as the means of transitioning urban transport towards sustainability, whilst at the same time disassembling the current system that allows cars to predominate.


Small-scale Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are gaining the attention of researchers around the world, due to their versatility and performance in both indoor and outdoor applications. The whole project aims to specify and implement a symbiotic simulation platform to assist the design, development and testing of UAVs that use a quad-rotor configuration. Additionally, in this paper we firstly discuss the integration of two software components to build the simulation environment: Jason, an agent-oriented platform for the development and simulation of multi-agent systems and the jME3 game engine, used for 3-dimensional simulations of the models. Further, we describe the implementation of the physical multi-rotor system and present some preliminary results, as well as the description of the symbiotic simulation platform.