Through analysis of the tectonic evolution, paleogeography, characteristics of the source rocks and the terrigenous clastic debris, the sedimentary provenance of the Northern Ordos basin was identified.In the Late Paleozoic period, the north and the sourth area of the Ordos basin were uplifted and the central area of the basin was depressed,indicating that the main sedimentary provenance of the Northern Ordos basin was from the Yingshan paleocontinent. The NNE distribution of the river-delta deposits in the Permian period showed that the terrigenous clastic debris was from the north paleocontinent. In the inner area and the north area of the Ordos basin, the main crystalline basement rocks belong to Archeozoic or Proterozoic era. The regional differentiation of the rock types and the distribution of basement rocks of the Northern Ordos basin were responsible for the east-west difference of the sandstone reservoir of the study area, and thus the distribution of the favourable sandstone reservoir was closely related with the sedimentary provenance.


Introduction: Research is needed to support accuracy and safe self-management of prescriptions among individuals living with low vision or blindness. This study evaluated user accuracy & satisfaction with the ScripTalk® device, an audible prescription reader, among participants with low vision and blindness. Methods: This mixed methods study utilized snowball and convenience sampling through low vision support groups in Indiana. Researchers trained 23 participants (69.6% female, 30.4% male, M age = 64.04, SD = 14.7 years) to use the ScripTalk® device for reading three empty prescription bottles, equipped with radio-frequency ID labels. Accuracy represented correct responses to 12 questions about the labels' content. The QUEST 2.0's Device Subscale (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.82) evaluated user satisfaction with the device. Participants answered six qualitative questions about their perceptions of the device. Results: Statistical analysis indicated highest frequencies of satisfaction occurred for Ease in Adjusting (100%), Comfort (100%), Ease of Use (95.6%), and the Weight (95.6%) of the device. Spearman rank order correlation coefficient tests revealed inverse relationships between participants' accuracy rates and their satisfaction with the device's durability (rho = −0.690, p < .001) and safety & security (rho = −0.834, p < .001). Participants perceived the device as easy to use, adjustable, comfortable, and lightweight for reading prescription labels. However, the auditory quality posed challenges to identify unfamiliar prescription names. Health care professionals may need to provide additional training and practice opportunities with audible prescription readers to support consumers with low vision or blindness, particularly when new medications are prescribed.


This paper offers new insights into Beveridge curve analysis by modelling the vacancy-unemployment rate relationship within a Markov regime-switching environment in which the probability of curve-shifting is determined endogenously by shift factors. Shift factor candidates include structural factors (such as labour market participation and net migration) and cyclical variables (such as GDP growth and real interest rates). This approach enables us to estimate regime-specific parameters and the role played by shift factors in influencing the transition probabilities of switching between regimes. We illustrate our model with an application to New Zealand.


In recent years, rapid annealing of GaAs has been employed to activate ion implanted dopants and to produce metal-semiconductor contacts. More recently, rapid heating techniques have been used to anneal heterostructures without degrading requisite high mobilities of SDHT devices. This paper reviews the various annealing regimes which are useful for heat treating GaAs and related compounds. Examples are chosen which illustrate unique and potentially useful features of rapid annealing.


This article assesses the legality of Female Genital Piercing (FGP), which refers to the piercing of female genitalia to adorn it with jewellery, for decoration or sexual enhancement. The position in the UK is uncertain because the World Health Organisation regards piercing as a form of FGM, which is a criminal offence in all parts of the UK. After analysing the stance adopted by the international community, the paper examines the legislation that criminalises FGM and considers whether FGP could fall within its scope. The paper concludes that female genital piercings could constitute FGM in limited circumstances, but even then, it may not be in the public interest to initiate a criminal prosecution. This lack of certainty is problematic for professional piercers who would welcome legislation providing an express exemption for genital piercings performed on consenting adult women.


We demonstrate an electrically tunable thin-film magnetic core using a synthetic antiferromagnet (SAF) structure. It consists of two ferromagnetic layers antiferromagnetically coupled together through an exchange coupling layer. Variation of susceptibility is achieved by leading a current through the structure. A tuning range (relative change in susceptibility) of 35% can be achieved at 800 Hz by using patterned NiFe(12 nm)/Ru(0.7 nm)/NiFe(12 nm) SAF structures. Different patterns of test samples are designed to investigate the influence on the tuning performance.


Radio channel state information (CSI) measured with many receivers is a good resource for localizing a transmitter device with machine learning with a discriminative model. However, CSI localization is nontrivial when the radio map is complicated, such as in building corridors. This article introduces a view-selective deep learning (VSDL) system for indoor localization using CSI of WiFi. The multiview training with CSI obtained from multiple groups of access points (APs) generates latent features on a supervised variational deep network. This information is then applied to an additional network for dominant view classification to minimize the regression loss of localization. As noninformative latent features from multiple views are rejected, we can achieve a localization accuracy of 1.28 m, which outperforms by 30% the best known accuracy in practical applications in a complex building environment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach to apply variational inference and to construct a practical system for radio localization. Furthermore, our work investigates a methodology for supervised learning with multiview data where informative and noninformative views coexist.


Abstract Graft copolymerisation of methyl methacrylate was carried out on keratin from chicken feathers. The chemical modification of the fibrous protein was achieved using a redox initiation system consisting of potassium permanganate, sulfuric acid and malic acid. To obtain optimum conditions of grafting, the effects of different concentrations of monomer, acids and oxidant system have been investigated. In addition natural and grafted fibres were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and Raman spectroscopy to observe the chemical modification on keratin structure and the possible reactive sites involved in grafting. The morphologic variation was observed with scanning electron microscopy. The results show that an effective yield of grafting was achieved with this system depending on established reaction parameters.


Rapid digitization and the emergence of the internet and mobile devices have altered how individuals communicate with businesses. Chatbots are specially designed and developed computer programs that interact with humans by simulating a conversation. Chatbots engage with humans using a variety of frameworks, ranging from a simple text interface to speech recognition capabilities. Conversational Agents are an evolved version of chatbots, where Natural Language Processing (N.L.P.) makes the interaction between the bot and humans much more realistic. This paper answers frequently asked questions about chatbots, bringing out the differences in mundane versus the complex tasks and business intelligence performance of chatbots, discussing the historical backdrop and background for chatbots and conversational agents, two types of dialogue systems. A timeline has been drawn to comprehend their advancement better. Next, a deep dive into how small and medium-sized businesses can reap the benefits of A.I. Chatbots by looking at various ways that chatbots can add value to businesses is carried out, along with linguistic differentiation and how it affects service and customer satisfaction. Finally, we analyse how companies in various industries use Chatbots for conversational marketing. The methodology followed starts with looking into the evolution of chatbots and the core decision-making changes with each step. Next, two types of chatbots have been defined based on technology and use and discover the complexity of these technologies. A deep dive into how businesses can reap the benefits of A.I., followed by the various ways that chatbots add value to businesses, is investigated, followed by reviewing the areas of applications in different industries. Lastly, analysis into how companies use chatbots for conversational marketing is done.


The drying characteristics of plaster of Paris (POP) under microwave irradiation were studied for different shapes of materials through various drying parameters like microwave power, initial moisture content, and drying time. An empirical model for the estimation of moisture ratio was developed using the drying kinetic data of POP. Further, the experimental data on moisture ratio of POP for different operating conditions were fitted with the nine basic drying model equations. Based on the observations, the constants and coefficients of the literature models were rewritten in the form of Arrhenius and logarithmic expressions considering microwave power as input variable. Fifty-eight new model expressions were derived by changing the constants and coefficients and tested using the present experimental data. From the analysis of RMSE, χ2, and EF parameters for the derived models, a suitable empirical model (Model No. 55, RMSE = 0.0874; χ2 = 0.0020; EF = 0.9999) was established to represent the present experimental data on microwave drying of POP.


Famine, natural disasters, and armed conflicts generate population displacement, with civilians often crossing national borders in search of safety. Civil wars have caused an increase in these numbers in recent decades, with civilians representing 90 percent of victims of armed conflicts (Hoffman & Weiss, 2006). Such migrants often spend extensive time in refugee camps and, if resettled to a third country, have difficulty learning a new language, culture, and the structural and legal requirements of their new homes. In the 19th and 20th centuries, resettlement agencies in the United States tended to be based on an expectation that immigrants and refugees assimilate into American culture. The "melting pot" held that newcomers should become "Americanized" by gradually losing their native cultures (Fadiman, 1997). Research has shown mixed results of this approach (Fadiman, 1997, Rumbaut, 1997, Waters, 1996; 1999), which began to change in the late 20th century toward one that incorporated native cultures and immigrants' desires and goals into resettlement programs. Scholars agree that such a transnational approach is critical in helping immigrants and refugees adjust (Scott & Cartledge, 2009; Alba & Nee, 1997; Greenman, 2011; Guarnizo, Portes, & Haller, 2003; Valdez, 2006; Wildsmith, 2004; Zentgraf, 2002). Research suggests the importance of understanding immigrants' and refugees' aspirations and values when analyzing resettlement programs (e.g., Fadiman, 1997; Koyama, 2015; McDonald-Wilmsen & Gifford, 2009; Patterson, 2006; Ott, 2011). Most resettlement organizations have regular sources of funding (e.g. Catholic Charities, Jewish Refugees Services, Lutheran Refugee and Immigration Services, and World Relief Services). Little, if any, research has


Pointing on public displays is usually done in a relative and indirect fashion. However, such techniques have two drawbacks: first, a personal pointer is shown on the public screen which decreases the users' privacy in selection tasks. And second, when multiple displays are present, users need to connect to the one they want to interact with a priori. In this paper we review the strengths of Touch Projector as an absolute and direct pointing device in terms of spontaneously interacting with large public screens in a semiprivate fashion. We briefly describe the infrastructure to allow spontaneous interaction through the display and discuss the use of both the local and remote display to distribute information according to the necessary privacy.


In the past decades, the stiffness‐based elements with plastic hinge method and the flexibility‐based elements with plastic zone method are widely used for second‐order inelastic analysis. The former emphasizes the computational efficiency with relatively less accurate structural responses while the later aims to precisely simulate the structural behaviour but normally needs more computer times. For the member under complex loads, several stiffness‐based elements are generally required to capture its plastic behaviour. In such case, one‐element‐per‐member for member initial imperfection required in second‐order direct analysis is violated. On the contrary, a flexibility‐based element with several integration points is sufficient for material yielding. However, the more integration points associated with fibre section the more computational efforts are needed. It is also noted that the conventional flexibility‐based type elements cannot meet the codified requirements of direct analysis due to lack of consideration of member initial imperfection. In this paper, a new flexibility‐based element equipped with plastic hinge method without huge computational time is proposed for second‐order inelastic analysis. This element is also able to take the member initial bowing into account. Thus, an innovative solution is proposed for routine design. Finally, several numerical examples are used to demonstrate the validity and accuracy of the proposed method.


To the Editor: W arm autoimmune hemolytic anemia is defined as accelerated premature destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) due to anti-RBC autoantibodies optimally reactive at 37°C, with or without complement activation. The RBCs coated with autoantibodies are phagocytized by macrophages and predominantly catabolized through extravascular hemolysis in the spleen. These antibodies, which can be detected by direct antiglobulin test, are generally classified as immunoglobulin G (IgG; occasionally as IgA or IgM) class immunoglobulin, and may trigger complement-mediated cascade. In rare cases of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (0%–13%), only components of the complement system, but not immunoglobulins, are present at RBCs surface. The cases of autoimmune hemolytic anemia can be further classified according to their etiology. By definition, idiopathic or primary forms have no apparent association with underlying disorders. Depending on the patient population studied, a suspected secondary etiology of autoimmune hemolytic anemia has been identified in 20% to 80% of reported cases series. These include lymphoproliferative, autoimmune, or immunodeficiency disorders, infections, and cancers. Lymphoproliferative disorders account for approximately half of cases of secondary autoimmune hemolytic anemia, followed by autoimmune disorders. The incidence of warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does not seemingly exceed that observed in the general population, and few case reports have described an association between these two diseases to the best of our knowledge. The chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab (RTX), which is indicated for treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and refractory RA, was proven effective at standard doses (375 mg/m weekly for 4 weeks) in approximately 60% of refractory autoimmune hemolytic anemia patients. Nevertheless, doubts remain about the use of RTX in autoimmune diseases, in


Tree and Stand Aerial Volume Tables for Sal ( Shorea robusta ) were prepared on 1:10,000 Panchromatic aerial photographs of Timli Block in Doon Valley. It was found that Photo height 2 × Crown diameter explained 51.95% of variation in tree volume with a standart error of estimate of 58.6%. Similarly the combi-nation of variables Photo height + Crown closure, Average crown diameter explained 49% of variation in Stand volume with a standard error of estimate of 25.72%. the usefulness of aerial volume tables in the context of forest inventory have been highlighted.


A generic architecture for execution supervision of robotic assembly tasks is presented. This architecture provides, at different levels of abstraction, functions for dispatching actions, monitoring their execution, and diagnosing and recovering from failures. Modeling execution failures through taxonomies and causal networks plays a central role in diagnosis and recovery. A discussion on the process of acquisition of such monitoring knowledge is made. Through the use of machine learning techniques, the supervision architecture will be given capabilities for improving its performance over time. Preliminary results of applying machine learning in this area are presented and planned extensions discussed.<<ETX>>


This work is based on the premiss that excellence in dentistry requires flawless communication between dentist and technician and that only working together as a team can achieve aesthetic results. The book shows the ingredients for a successful restoration and how teamwork can be achieved.


The paper explores the application of the core barrel in the bridge consolidation,illustrates the applied scopes,the forms,the strength calculus of the main components and its selection,the utility and the maintenance requirement,so as to enhance the application of the core barrel technique in the bridge consolidation projects.


This study reports attitudes towards genetically modifi ed (GM) foods among Turkish consumers. The 408 subjects, aged 18-60, were asked to fi ll a questionnaire including questions specifi cally concerning attitudes about such foods. Most of the participants were rather negative about GM foods. It was observed that majority of the subjects refused to consume GM foods. However, in the case of such foods' being healthier or cheaper than traditional foods, fraction of participants who refused them decreased a bit. Women and highly educated ones were more positive than men and those with lower education level.


The current study aims at recognizing the reality of the extracurricular students' activities, its barriers, and methods of development in Buraydah National Colleges, and to identify the extent of the differences between the averages of students' estimates and teaching staff according the Variables of gender, the College and the specialties (Literary / Scientific) towards the extracurricular students' activities, its barriers, and its methods of developing.
The Researcher used the descriptive analytical method as he prepared a questionnaire that consisted of three areas, with a total number of (66) paragraphs. Study community was from all the students and teaching staff in Buraidah National colleges as the random sample was chosen from the original community and its number was (600) members distributed as follow: (450) students, and (150) from the teaching staff, data were statically processed by the use of the SPSS Program. The study reached to the following findings:
- The reality of the of the extracurricular students' activities in Buraydah National colleges was good according to the sample individuals' point of views.
- There were a group of barriers like (the administrative, the organizational, the environmental, the community, the materialistic, and the humanitarian) that confronted the practice of the extracurricular students' activities in Buraydah colleges, where the environmental and community barriers were the most prominent barriers that faced the extracurricular students' activities.
- There are no significant statistical differences at the significance level (α ≤ 0.05) between the Arithmetic averages for the students' estimates towards the reality of the extracurricular students' activities, its barriers and methods of developing that are ascribed to the two variances of gender and specialties (Literary / Scientific).
- There are no statistical significant differences at the significance level (α ≤ 0.05) between the Arithmetic averages for the teaching staff towards the extracurricular students' activities reality, its barriers, and methods of developing that are ascribed to the two variances of gender and the college, where as there are differences between them all towards planning for the extracurricular students' activities, and the human barriers that are ascribed to specialties ((Literary / scientific) for the favor of the literary specialties.
- There are no statistical significant differences at the significance level (α ≤ 0.05) between the Arithmetic averages for the teaching staff and students' responses towards the reality of the extracurricular students' activities, its barriers (the materialistic, the environmental, the community and the humanitarian) and its methods to develop for the favor of the teaching staff.
- There are no significant statistical differences at the significance level (α ≤ 0.05) between the Arithmetic averages for the students' responses towards the extracurricular students' activities and methods of developing that is ascribed to the variance of college, whereas there are differences towards the barriers of the extracurricular activities.
The study reached to a group of recommendations, the most important, is the necessity of removing the obstacles, for which the individuals of the study sample agreed upon, continuous correction for the extracurricular students' activities, providing awards, financial and material incentives for the participants in the activities, reducing the burden on the teaching staff who supervise the activities, and Providing resources and potentials needed to diversify the extracurricular students' activities.


Studies have been made on the input of negative and positive angular accelerations in the genesis of early complex of positive waves of kinesthetic evoked potentials in contralateral somatosensory cortex. It is suggested that the initial and final phases of these potentials play key role in the origin of the early complex of waves.


In this paper we have designed high speed Adder based hardware efficient Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) Algorithm, which process data in a sequential form at high data rate. We designed a novel DCT by using orthogonal property and compared with conventional DCT in terms of number of cells, cell area, leakage power, internal power, net power, switching power, delay and power delay product (PDP). In comparison with multiplier based conventional DCT and Adder based Conventional DCT, the net power dissipation is reduced by 32%. The proposed Adder based DCT net power Dissipation is reduced by 47% less and multiplier based proposed DCT is reduced by 38%. Here we have used Cadence RTL 180nm Technology to implement the design.


Abstract Three chief subjects are considered. (1) How accurate should data be for economic analysis via economic models, particularly input-output models? Preference is expressed for measurement of additional aspects of economic phenomena rather than broadside improvements in generally sound series. (2) How can models be developed to utilize imperfect data? Several suggestions are made: (a) examine the concepts and methods lying behind the basic data; (b) question models acutely sensitive to the inclusion of a single observation; (c) evaluate the economic meaning of models after empirical testing; (d) set up check models. (3) How can more adequate data be developed? A proposal is outlined for an integrated set of data on financial aspects of business, and for similar integration of data on employment and on consumer economic behavior. * A paper presented at the annual meeting of the Econometric Society, December, 1952. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Bureau of the Budget.


The unimolecular dissociation chemistry of N,N-dimethylformamide cations, (CH[sub 3])[sub 2]NCHO[sup +], has been investigated by photoelectron-photoion coincidence in the energy range 11.11-11.49 eV. The measured rates for CHO and CH[sub 3] loss were modeled with RRKM statistical theory. The vibrational frequencies for both the molecular ion and two transition states were obtained from ab initio MO calculations so that the only adjustable parameters in the RRKM analysis were the activation energies. This analysis shows that these apparently simple dissociation reactions proceed via substantial reverse activation energies and tight transition states. Ab initio MO calculations (3-21G* basis set) of the transition states suggest that these reactions proceed via an intramolecular (not associated with the expelled radical) hydrogen atom transfer to produce the CH[sub 3]NHCH[sub 2][sup +] and CH[sub 3]NHCO[sup +] product ions, rather than (CH[sub 3])[sub 2]N[sup +] and CH[sub 3]NCHO[sup +] expected from simple loss of CHO and CH[sub 3]. The measured kinetic energy release was found to be only slightly greater that that predicted by statistical theory. 27 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.


This paper proposes a dual-section average (DSA) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to achieve a closed-loop digital pulse width modulation (DPWM) DC-DC converter with performance compatible to that by the analog PWM converter. For a 2.4 V input voltage, a regulated output voltage of 1.2 V can provide output current of 600 mA without any off-chip compensators. Besides, the output ripple can be reduced to about 8 mVp-p by theoretical result. The test chip was fabricated in 0.35 mum CMOS technology. Owing to the parasitic resistance, the output ripple of the experimental result is within 8 mVp-p. Furthermore, the transient recovery time is within 50 mus when load current changes from 120 mA to 600 mA, or vice versa.


This article will attempt to place securely an important work of fourteenth-century Florentine painting by one of its greatest artists in its original social milieu and confraternal location, applying several methodologies to accomplish this. It takes up the challenge first by addressing the style of the painter and by reviewing an often overlooked aspect of his career. It then examines the object in question within the historical development of its form and general content, aided by comparison with others of its type and with reference to the theological climate in which such artworks appeared. Subsequently, following a more detailed exploration of its content, the paper considers the results of this inquiry in light of what later documents as well as additional works of art proceeding from the same Florentine ambience affirm. Such a multifaceted approach is mandatory here, for documentation of the painting is entirely lacking for the first 510 years of its existence. Barring future archival discoveries, absolute certainty about the fortunes of the painting during that time will remain elusive. But the present investigation along the lines proposed will allow us to determine that one of Florence's leading charitable confraternities was almost surely its original owner, and to unravel the meaning and purpose that the painting held for that organization's members and the persons who commissioned the object.


BECAUSE reports in the literature of the use of the nitrogen mustards in cases of cutaneous lymphoblastoma are few, we feel justified in reporting the accompanying case which has been of interest to us because of the dramatic changes brought about, both clinically and histologically, after the administration of methyl-bis (β-chloroethyl) amine. Many pathologists now consider lymphoblastoma as a generic term in which many single entities are encompassed: lymphosarcoma, lymphatic leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, giant follicular lymphoma (Brill-Symmer disease), reticulum cell sarcoma and mycosis fungoides. That these are all closely related is attested by the frequency of observations of more than one pathologic picture in the same patient1and the apparent metamorphosis from one type to another, as from Hodgkin's disease to giant reticulum cell sarcoma or from giant follicular lymphoma to reticulum cell sarcoma.1b Many of these diseases have cutaneous manifestations. Leukemia cutis and mycosis fungoides


The fluidized-bed vapour phase deposition of β-SiC on nuclear fuel granules can produce polygonal crystals. The examination of these and their etch figures by scanning electron microscopy indicates an internal structure composed of {111} planar sheets. The disposition of these sheets is discussed with the aid of three-dimensional models. It is concluded that a maximum of four sheet orientations can occur. From these, six families of sheet pairs can be made by appropriate combinations: these are labelled according to the [110] directions of the spines created by their intersections. The sheets produce traces on the external crystal faces, and the various possible juxtapositions of these traces are discussed.


OBJECTIVE
The role of ADIPOQ gene variants on weight loss and serum lipid changes after a dietary intervention is an important topic area with little scientific evidence. We designed a study in order to analyze the effects of rs3774261 of ADIPOQ gene on metabolic response and adiposity parameters after a hypocaloric Mediterranean diet pattern for 9 months and with a high amount of monounsaturated fatty acids.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
133 patients with obesity were enrolled. Adiposity parameters, blood pressure, and serum parameters (lipid profile, insulin, HOMA-IR; glucose, C reactive protein, adiponectin, resistin, and leptin levels) were measured, at basal time and after dietary intervention (3 and 9 months). All patients were genotyped rs3774261 and evaluated in a dominant model (AA vs. GA+AA).

RESULTS
Genotype frequencies were 46 (34.6%) AA, 66 (49.6%) AG, and 21 (15.8%) GG. After dietary intervention and in both genotypes, BMI, weight, fat mass, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, and leptin decreased. In patients with the AA genotype, there was a significant improvement at (3 and 9 months) in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (-10.1±0.9 mg/dl vs. -5.6±1.7 mg/dl, p=0.01) (-19.1±0.9 mg/dl vs. -6.9±0.7 mg/dl, p=0.03), total cholesterol (-9.4±0.8 mg/dl vs. -5.8±0.9 mg/dl, p=0.02) (-17.4±1.8 mg/dl vs. -9.8±1.9 mg/dl, p=0.02), triglycerides (-12.3±0.8 mg/dl vs. -8.0±0.9 mg/dl, p=0.01) (-26.1±0.8 mg/dl vs. -11.0±0.3 mg/dl, p=0.01), C reactive protein (CRP) (-0.8±0.2 mg/ dl vs. -0.4± 0.3 mg/dl, p=0.01) (-1.1±0.2 mg/ dl vs. -0.7±0.1 mg/dl, p=0.01) and adiponectin (28.2±11.1 ng/ml vs. 4.1±2.8 ng/ml, p=0.02) (30.1±8.1 ng/ml vs. 7.1±4.8 ng/ml, p=0.02). Finally, higher values of adiponectin and adiponectin/leptin ratio were detected at 3- and 9-months post-treatment in patients with AA genotype.

CONCLUSIONS
G allele carriers of ADIPOQ gene variant (rs3774261) showed no improvement in serum levels of adiponectin, adiponectin/leptin ratio, total-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and CRP after weight loss with a hypocaloric fat monounsaturated diet.


In making this argument I look broadly at computer documentation. I classify the various forms of computer documentation and consider the degree to which the various categories are minimalist (or can be minimalist) in character and how amenable each category is to the layering strategy. While there are various ways to classify computer documentation, I have found it most useful to delineate these four fundamental categories:


A new laminated structure was applied to the organic field-effect transistors (OFETs), which is different from the conventional top-contact and bottom-contact structures. With the vacuum film deposition process, SiO2 was taken as the insulation layer and CuPc as the channel layer. The measured output characteristic curves showed that the device exhibits unambiguous characteristics of field-effect. Investigation on the temperature characteristics showed that the drain current increases with the temperature. XRD analysi s indicated that CuPc thin films deposited on both Si/SiO2 and Si/SiO2/Al substrates by vacuum evaporation coating are of polycrystalline structure, and the average grain size of the CuPc films deposited on the two different substrates is the same on the whole


The partition coefficients between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD) or hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPB) and eluent (water/acetone 3/7 v/v) for nine free stable radicals of hydrazyl type were evaluatedby reversed phase thin layer chromatography. The values of the partition coefficients were compared with the calculated values using the fragment method proposed by Hansch. The results reveal that the hydrazyl radicals have a greater affinity for p-CD than for MCD or HPB, which are comparable.


A test of investors' herding behavior in Tehran exchange Javad Moradi and HamidReza Abbasi Abstract The presence of participants' herding behavior in Tehran exchange has been examined and surveyed in this research. Primary evidences indicated that to determine shares values, participants in the capital market use less than quantitative methods and their decisions more based on rumors and following a limited number of investors in the capital market without especial cause. In addition, past studies show that new information about fundamental values explain just a little observed price fluctuations in the market. It has been recommended in these studies though long period changes in securities prices relating to base values changes, but due to psychological change of market or events, short term fluctuations come into existence without any effects on commercial perspective or economical conditions. We, therefore, examined the hypothesis of herding behavior among all selected firms based on the firms yield variance from the market yield at daily and monthly intervals in the whole market distribution in Tehran exchange during 2005 to 2009. The results of research indicate that there is no herding behavior in Tehran exchange.


To explore the relationship of cystometric volume at the time of first detection of detrusor overactive incontinence (DOI) to condition‐specific quality of life (QOL).


Context. The task of planning multifactorial experiments is important in science and industrial production. In the context of competition, rising costs, and increasing efficiency, it is necessary to optimize plans for multifactorial experiments in terms of cost and time. To solve this problem, there are a number of approaches and methods, the choice of which for a competitive technical task is an important and difficult task. In this regard, there is a need to develop new methods for optimizing the cost (time) of multifactorial experiment plans, compare them with existing methods, and give recommendations for practical application in the study of real objects.
Objective. The purpose of the study is to develop and test the method of growing trees, to evaluate its effectiveness in comparison with other methods. The following tasks has been solved to achieve this goal: the proposed method of growing trees has been implemented in the form of software; the method has been used to optimize plans for multifactorial experiments in the study of real objects; its effectiveness has been evaluated in comparison with other methods; recommendations for its use were given.
Method. The proposed method of growing trees is based on the application of graph theory. The advantage of the method is the reduction of time for solving optimization problems related to the construction of optimal plans for multifactorial experiments in terms of cost (time) expenses. Another characteristic feature is the high accuracy of solving optimization problems.
Results. The results of experiments and comparisons with other optimization methods confirm the efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed method and allow us to recommend it for the study of objects with the number of significant factors k ≤ 7. It is promising to further expand the range of scientific and industrial objects for their study using this method.
Conclusions. A growing tree method has been developed for the optimization of multifactorial experimental plans in terms of cost and time expenditures, along with software that implements it using the Angular framework and the TypeScript programming language.
The effectiveness of the growing tree method is shown in comparison with the following methods: complete and limited enumeration, monkey search, modified Gray code application, and bacterial optimization. The growing tree method is faster than complete enumeration and can be applied to optimize multifactorial experimental plans in terms of cost (time) expenses for objects with a number of factors k ≤ 7. In solving optimization problems, the method of growing trees gives better results compared to monkey search, limited enumeration and bacterial optimization.


SummaryGoats which survived single whole-body exposures in the lethal range were examined at intervals up to 3 years after exposure. Only 2 out of 28 goats receiving fission neutron radiation showed changes in the lens. No radiation-induced lens changes were found after gamma radiation. The low incidence of cataract is similar to that found in dogs and primates exposed to fission neutrons and in human survivors from atomic bombing. There is a systematic change according to body size in the sensitivity of the lens to neutrons.


Abstract Background: The programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) pathway is a novel therapeutic target in immune checkpoint therapy for cancer. Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab are anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. Thyroid dysfunction is a known adverse effect of these drugs, but there is limited data on incidence.1,2 Our aim was to determine the incidence in a consecutive series of patients treated with these drugs. Methods: The study design was a case series. Data from all the patients who received Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab at our Medical Center from July 2016 to July 2018 were reviewed. 123 patients were identified; 21 patients were excluded due to abnormal baseline thyroid function or missing data. 102 patients were included in the study. In addition to descriptive statistics (univariate), bivariate analysis was conducted using the t-test, chi-square, and fisher exact test. Results: The population was male (100%), predominantly white (80%) and elderly (mean age 68.2 + 6.9 years). Indication for treatment was non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in 66.7%. Among the 102 patients, 13 were found to have abnormal thyroid function after medication exposure. 10 of whom developed overt hypothyroidism. Two out of the 10 patients, initially developed thyroiditis, which later progressed to overt hypothyroidism. Three patients developed hyperthyroidism. Onset of thyroid dysfunction was noted within 3.5 doses (range 1-9) and first 7 weeks (range 2-16 weeks) of medication exposure. There were no significant differences between groups regarding age (66.1 vs 68.4 years), race (85 vs 95% white), type of cancer (61.5 vs 68.5% NSCLC), type of drug used (80.9 vs 76.9% Nivolumab) or total number of immunotherapy doses (15.4 vs 10.3) in whom thyroid dysfunction did and did not occur, respectively (all p > 0.2). Discussion: Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody-induced thyroid dysfunction is common (12.7%). Yet, there are no standardized protocols of the frequency of thyroid function monitoring in patients treated with these drugs. Interestingly, the onset of thyroid dysfunction occurred on an average within first 7 weeks and 3-4 doses of treatment initiation. Most patients who developed hypothyroidism required long term supplementation. There is no clear association between the number of doses and abnormal thyroid function as previously reported.1 We suggest that patients that will be started on anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies should get thyroid function testing at baseline and monthly for at least the first 2-4 months of treatment, since later the incidence of thyroid abnormalities decreases significantly. References: 1. Yamazaki, H, et al. "Potential Risk Factors for Nivolumab-Induced Thyroid Dysfunction." In Vivo (Athens, Greece)., U.S. NLM, Nov. 2017. 2. Danae A., et al. "Pembrolizumab-Induced Thyroiditis: Comprehensive Clinical Review and Insights Into Underlying Involved Mechanisms." JCEM. 1 Aug. 2017.


The stochastic nature of freeway capacity typically has been analyzed at specific points that are considered bottlenecks. The stochastic relationship between the adjacent bottlenecks has not been taken into account. This paper introduces a concept for the stochastic interpretation of capacity and breakdown probability within a larger freeway network consisting of several combined bottlenecks. The presented stochastic methodology delivers a theoretical average capacity and the probability of breakdown for freeway segments of different lengths. The methodology can also be used to identify the effects of consecutive freeway segments and bottlenecks such as on-ramps, off-ramps, and weaving areas having different characteristics. The proposed method makes it possible to determine the breakdown probability as a function of the average volume or density. Hence, the risk of traffic flow disturbance along a freeway segment or within a freeway network can be analyzed.


On August 23, 2017 a Category 3 Typhoon Hato struck Southern China. Among the hardest hit cities, 17 Macau experienced the worst flooding since 1925. In this paper, we present a high-resolution survey map recording 18 inundation depths and distances at 278 sites in Macau. We show that one half of the Macau Peninsula was inundated 19 with the extent largely confined by the hilly topography. The Inner Harbor area suffered the most with the maximum 20 inundation depth of 3.1m at the coast. Using a combination of numerical models, we simulate and reproduce this 21 typhoon and storm surge event. We further investigate the effects of tidal level and sea level rise on coastal 22 inundations in Macau during the landfall of a "Hato like" event. 23


Background: Chronic respiratory diseases impose a significant socioeconomic burden on individuals and communities and are severely overlooked compared to other non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the mortality rate and years of life lost due to respiratory diseases in northern Iran. Methods: The documentary research method was used and data were collected using the census. The population included all deaths registered in the Department of Health, Golestan University of Medical Sciences in Iran during 2014-2018. Results: Between 2014 and 2018, 2462 deaths due to respiratory diseases were recorded in Golestan Province, of which 1416 people (57.5%) were men and 1046 people (42.5%) were women. The Mean±SD age of death was 62.28±26.29 years, with an Mean±SD of 62.56±25.32 years for men and 61.90±27.56 years for women. The highest number of deaths due to respiratory diseases in all the studied years was in men and women aged 80 years and above (28.7% and 31.1%, respectively). Approximately, 6864 years of life were lost due to premature death during this period, with men (3511 years, 7.2 per 1,000) contributing more than women (3353 years, 7.2 per 1,000). Conclusion: Given the rapid increase in population and given that the crucial risk factors for respiratory diseases are smoking, exposure to pollutants, and allergens, more comprehensive research seems necessary throughout Iran. In addition, this study was designed before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and due to changes that this pandemic has caused in the mortality rate, therefore, it is recommended to investigate the trend of mortality by respiratory diseases during this pandemic.


The invention relates to a water chamber type floating platform and a wave energy generating set, which are characterized in that an inner cavity of the floating platform is provided with a water chamber which has proper amount of water, the bottom of the floating platform is provided with a supporting floating body as a balance supporting point so that the floating platform is shaped as a teeterboard, and two of the floating platform are connected together to form a working body which is provided with an energy conversion component and generating equipment so as to form the wave energy generating set. When one side of one floating platform is jacked up by waves, the water in the chamber flows to the other side so that the gravity center of the floating platform is deflected and the floating platform is tilted, and the other floating platform connected with the first floating platform is also tilted correspondingly at the same time so that the energy conversion component of the floating platform performs mechanical motions to drive the generator to generate electricity. The water chamber type floating platform and the wave energy generating set have the advantages of novel and simple structures, low manufacturing cost and high energy collecting efficiency, are comparatively perfect devices for wave energy power generation and the like, and have active meanings for the popularization of ocean wave energy power generation, the reduction of resource consumption and environmental protection.


In general, the perspectives for the Bulgarian economic development during the interwar period were dominated by the ideas of dirigisme. Based on published research of Bulgarian economists the author reveals their market oriented ideas, which were an alternative of the mainstream economic thought. It consists of two basic elements. The first one is - labor-intensive, market-oriented agriculture and joint-stock companies to carry out large-scale initiatives. The second one is an economic policy based on cooperation and support of the private initiative by the state.


Early Childhood Education (ECE) is the stage and stage of learning era of golden age. At this time the child experiencing the process of growing the most optimal, both cognitive and mental attitudes. For that required a quality learning process that is able to grow the character. The leadership of ECE heads influences the effectiveness of character education. One STIFIn method is believed to have a formulation in character education. The study used a qualitative approach, with a single case study design. The results showed that the principal in TK Plus Mutiara Ilmu, Pandaan was quite effective in interpersonal communication with the teacher. The principal implements a transactional leadership pattern that brings the teacher's moral imperative in applying the child's character development. Teachers with STIFIn methods are more open and have a positive attitude. Based on the STIFIn circulation theory, the principal has relatively good team, and is in a strong position. In addition supported by subordinates, it also effectively affects subordinates, in addition STIFIn methods are able to provide differences and effective changes in interpersonal communication to teachers and children in growth character. Keywords—early childhood leadership, character growth, STIFIn method


The synergy of hydrogel processing and 3D printing technologies has paved the way for the development of advanced tissue engineering scaffolds. Hydrogels constitute a promising class of materials for the creation of scaffolds due to their permeable environment, suitable for encapsulation, as well as their tunable chemical and mechanical properties [1]. 3D printing, on the other hand, has immersed as a novel manufacturing technology that allows the creation of three dimensional constructs with pre-determined architecture. Current advancements have enabled also the printing of biomaterials incorporating cells and supporting components creating complex structures that can mimic living tissue characteristics with high accuracy [2]. Stereolithography and particularly, the Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology appears as one of the most auspicious printing techniques for the fast creation of mechanically stable hollow structures. However, the difficulty in developing hydrogel bioinks, which could be used for the fabrication of high resolution complicated architectures with structural integrity, remains a challenge. In the present study, efforts were focused on finding the components that could be used for the creation of an optimal bioink suitable for DLP printing. After deciding on the most promising components, the bioink's optimization in terms of printing resolution was performed taking under consideration the fundamental principles of stereolithography. To achieve this goal, the working curves and all the key parameters, which define a photopolymer's behavior were studied. After the optimization of the resolution, the prospective bioinks were characterized in terms of their crosslinking efficiency and mechanical properties. Consequently, complex porous scaffolds were fabricated from the selected bioinks and mechanically tested. Finally, the encapsulation of cells into the bioinks, as well as, the seeding method were performed for the creation of cell-laden scaffolds, which were also studied through the performance of cell viability and proliferation tests.


My research interest lies in managing distributed data and metadata for large scale, data driven applications based on Grid and web-services paradigms. I am particularly interested in issues related to provenance tracking, discovery, quality evaluation, and long term preservation of data generated from scientific workflows. The overarching goal of my research is to build scalable information systems that effectively manage data end-to-end in distributed, collaboratory environments to support knowledge discovery.


We assess the conditions under which an interest rate rule granting an explicit response to stock prices can shield the economy against endogenous aggregate instability in the form of fluctuations driven by self-fulfilling beliefs, and fundamental equilibria that are not learnable in the Expectational Stability sense of Evans and Honkapohja (2001). To do so, we use a New-Keynesian DSGE model populated by Blanchard-Yaari non-Ricardian households. The constant turnover between long-time traders (holding assets) and newcomers (entering the market with no wealth at all) implies that the wedge between current and expected future aggregate consumption is affected by the market value of financial wealth, making stock prices non-redundant for the business cycle. We find that such policy is prone to generate non-fundamental fluctuations or fundamental fluctuations that are not learnable, unless both the turnover rate in markets and average profitability from investing in risky equity are significantly large. However, this appears to be the exception for most reasonable model calibrations, implying that, absent additional frictions, a systematic response to stock prices by monetary policy remains a bad idea in the New-Keynesian paradigm.


Using the ultra low damping NiMnSb half-Heusler alloy patterned into vortex-state magnetic nano-dots, we demonstrate a new concept of non-volatile memory controlled by the frequency. A perpendicular bias magnetic field is used to split the frequency of the vortex core gyrotropic rotation into two distinct frequencies, depending on the sign of the vortex core polarity $p=\pm1$ inside the dot. A magnetic resonance force microscope and microwave pulses applied at one of these two resonant frequencies allow for local and deterministic addressing of binary information (core polarity).


The developments of the AltSTU have been reviewed in the area of creating a new technology for preventing technogenic hazards based on the residual current devices. The residual current devices are intended for protecting people from electric shock in case of contact with conductive parts of the electric appliances and shall facilitate reduction of fire risks caused by a prolonged flow of leakage currents and fault currents resulting from them. The results of creating different modifications of protective trip circuits and their industrial use are provided.


Most human activities are carried out in an indoors space. The room as an activity support facility must be able to provide a sense of comfort and safety and provide the health impacts needed by its occupants. Unhealthy working conditions can cause SBS (Sick Building Syndrome). SBS is a health problem and discomfort during activities in the room, which gradually disappears when the room user leaves the building. SBS causes a decrease in room user's health, comfort, and productivity. To prevent this, identification of indoor health and comfort or IHC based on Greenship Interior Space is required. The object of this research is the Tanjungpura University Library, which has fulfiled the green construction criteria in terms of previous research. The study used an evaluative method by measuring the assessment referring to the Greenship Interior Space version 1 standard with field observations, simulations, manual calculations, and evaluation interviews. The results of analysis shows that the building achieves a score of 14 out of the maximum score of 28 with a value of 50%. The building successfully fulfilled prerequisite criteria, CO2 levels, chemical pollutants, biological pollutants, visual comfort, views from the outside and sunlight, and user comfort. It is hoped that the research results can be proposed as the right strategy to improve indoor health and comfort conditions at the Tanjungpura University Library building.


Modern power engineering is struggling with various problems that have not been observed before or have occurred very rarely. The main cause of these problems results from the increasing number of connected distributed electricity sources, mainly renewable energy sources (RESs). Therefore, energy generation is becoming more and more diverse, both in terms of technology and location. Grids that have so far worked as receiving networks change their original function and become generation networks. The directions of power flow have changed. In the case of distribution networks, this is manifested by power flows towards transformer stations and further to the network with a higher voltage level. As a result of a large number of RESs, their total share in the total generation increases. This has a significant impact on various aspects of the operation of the power system. Voltage profiles, branch loads, power flows and directions of power flows between areas change. As a result of the random nature of RES generation, there are problems with the quality of electricity, source stability issues, branch overloading, voltage exceedances and power balance. The occurrence of various types of problems requires the use of more and more advanced methods to solve them. This review paper, which is an introduction to the Special Issue Advanced Optimisation and Forecasting Methods in Power Engineering, describes and justifies the need to reach for effective and available mathematical and IT methods that are necessary to deal with the existing threats appearing in the operation of modern power systems. It indicates exemplary, current problems and advanced methods to solve them. This article is an introduction and justification for the use of advanced calculation methods and algorithms. Engineering intuition and experience are often not enough due to the size and complexity of power grid operation. Therefore, it becomes necessary to use methods based on artificial intelligence and other advanced solutions that will facilitate and support decision making in practice.


The objective of this research was to examine the effect of nutrition education and SMBG on nutrition knowledge, all self-care aspects and HbA1C level in Type 2 diabetes patients. Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design was chosen to divide 40 patients into control and experimental groups equally. Both groups received nutrition education, but the experimental group had to have SMBG, structured testing. Research instruments were Nutrition Education Documents, Questionnaire and SMBG record form. After receiving nutrition education, each patient in the experimental group was followed up by the researchers once a week via telephone for 24 weeks. The study carried out from January 2014 to September 2014. The t-test was the statistic data analysis. The result found that both groups had nutrition knowledge and average of all self-care aspects scores increased but not different. In the experimental group, found that HbA1C level, decreased from 9.11% ± 2.07% to 7.76% ± 1.19%, was statistical significance at p=0.016. In the control group the HbA1C level decreased from 9.50% ± 2.03% to 9.19% ± 2.09% which were not different. Between the two groups, the HbA1C level were statistical significance (p=0.012). Key Words : Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose(SMBG), HemogloblinA1C(HbA1C), Type 2 diabetes


Abstract— The luminescence of acridine dyes intercalated in DNA was studied as a function of the concurrent binding of metal ions to DNA, in an effort to deduce specific site interactions of the dyes. Two dyes, proflavine (PF) and acridine orange (AO), and two metal ions, silver and mercuric, were used. Both ions quench the fluorescence of the dyes in aqueous solution at room temperature. The metal ions have a different effect on the fluorescence of these dyes when they are intercalated between the base pairs of DNA. The fluorescence of AO is decreased when silver is bound, while the fluorescence of PF is enhanced. Since Ag+ initially binds to GC sites in DNA, which quench the PF fluorescence, it ostensibly 'turns off' the quenching by DNA at these sites, and this effect is greater than the quenching effect of the silver ion itself. Hg2+ ion initially binds to AT sites in DNA. Since both dyes fluoresce from AT sites, Hg2+ is expected to quench their fluorescence. This behavior is observed at low r (metal ion/base). At higher r values, however, where Hg2+ is expected to begin binding to GC sites, the fluorescence of PF is enhanced. These quenching turn‐off effects are tentatively interpreted in terms of a change in the structure of the dye/DNA complex which occurs when a metal ion binds at the intercalation site. At 77 K. no fluorescence enhancement is observed when metal ions bind; Ag+ quenches the fluorescence and enhances the phosphorescence of both dyes. Qualitatively similar results are obtained with Hg2+.


Objective: To describe the mortality rate for homicide and injuries inflicted intentionally by a third party from 1973 to 1996 taking into account the data from death certificates provided by the National Department of Statistics (DANE). We describe the potentially associated risk factors for homicide in the Colombian population through logistic regression models. Design: Secondary Analysis of death certificates provided by the DANE (1973-1996). Results: In the period studied (1973-1996), we found that the greatest proportion of deaths caused by homicide was present in the group between the ages of 15 to 24 years for both genders. The homicide rates were between 33 and 150 /100.000 for men and 3 to 12 /100.000 for women. Globally these rates were between 18 to 80 / 100.000 for both genders and for all groups of age during the time under study. We used multivariate models to study three years (1985, 1993, 1996). In 1996 we observed a greater risk for the groups: Males OR = 10.3 (CI 95 %: 9.6-10.9), between the ages of 15 to 24 years OR = 97.5 (86.6-109.7), with a marital "other" (divorced, separated or unmarried ) OR = 4.7 (4.0-5.5). Living in urban areas was a protective factor. In the article we show other relevant descriptions and associations.


In the past two decades, Prof. Chien-Feng Huang has been working on several lines of interdisciplinary research across Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Finance, including high-frequency trading. His ultimate goal is to discover efficient as well as effective investment and trading models to create a blue ocean strategy in Finance. Big data technology, data mining and machine learning play key roles in his research because many niches have not been discovered yet or are not even comprehensible by humans currently. Prof. Huang regards this as an outstanding opportunity for AI to assist humans in exploring unknown territories in the investment world. Through AI, Prof. Huang thinks those who trust systematic, effective, reason-based investing strategies shall benefit from the systems he has developed.


The NEP spacecraft design is for the 100 kWe SP-100 nuclear reactor thermoelectric power supply. Thermoelectric conversion, one of several conversion options being considered for the SP-100, is discussed. Whereas many of the earlier NEP spacecraft designs have been based on highly integrated power and thruster subsystems and have resulted in subsystem requirements that depended largely on the design mission, the SP-100 nuclear power system is a general-purpose power supply. The configuration design must be compatible with this power subsystem design philosophy. The study also detects power and propulsion subsystem integration issues and related technology requirements. It is noted that the new NEP spacecraft design satisfies the most important subsystem integration requirements at the expense of some increase in vehicle inert mass relative to that used in previous studies.


The immobilization of natural photosystem II (PSII) enzyme onto an artificial electrode offers an ingenious and promising avenue for semiartificial solar energy conversion. However, this process is significantly limited by the poor stability and the short life of PSII. Here, a new prototype of a semiartificial system is reported by anchoring PSII on polyethylenimine‐coated macroporous carbon electrode with a high load. Good electronic communication is established at the biointerface of this PSII electrode, enabling excellent photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation and lasting electricity generation. The maximum turnover number of 10 200 ± 1380 mol O2 per mol PSII dimer is obtained in this system at around 10 h before complete deactivation, reaching high current‐to‐O2 conversion efficiencies. The functions of PSII to release O2 both in light and dark conditions as well as for H2O2 formation are revealed. Under periodic irradiation (AM 1.5G 1 sun), this PSII electrode allows for stable mediated photocurrent output of ≈4.31 µA cm−2 after five days, which represents the most stable photoelectric performance achieved so far for PSII‐related electrodes.


Vibrant, tragic and supercharged, what's not to like about Shakespeare's great tragedy Romeo and Juliet? Try these activities to introduce the play to key stage 2.


In this work, we show fundamental low temperature (T) magnetic and Ic responses of a magnetic Josephson Junction (MJJ) S/F/S heterostructure Nb/ Co56Fe24B20 /Nb. The ultra-thin Co56Fe24B20 (CFB) films (0.6-1.3 nm) were deposited onto two separate buffer layers: 150 nm Nb/5 nm Cu and 150 nm Nb/ (1 nm Cu/0.5 nm Nb)6/1 nm Cu. Both film sets were capped with 5 nm Cu/500 nm Nb. Magnetic results show reduced switching distributions in patterned arrays measured at near liquid Helium temperature (~ 10 K), with the incorporation of the (1 nm Cu/0.5 nm Nb)6/1 nm multilayer. In electrical devices, the critical current (Ic) through the CFB layer decays exponentially with increasing ferromagnetic layer thickness and shows a dip in Ic at 0.8 nm, characteristic of a change in the equilibrium Josephson phase in an S/F/S structure.


We have investigated the properties of GaAs/AlGaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors grown on Si substrates. Common emitter current gains of<tex>\beta=13</tex>have been obtained for a structure with a<tex>0.2\micro</tex>m thick base and is not mainly limited by recombination in the neutral base region but by other base current components. Current densities of 100kA/cm2before the onset of current gain fall-off were obtained in these devices. The base resistance is reduced through optimization of p-type ohmic contacts to GaAs and by the use of a new self aligned process which can produce gaps between base contact and active base of less than 0.25µm. Specific contact resistances of as low as 1.3×10-7Ω-cm2have been obtained to p=5×1018cm-3GaAs. Finally, preliminary microwave measurements have been made on devices with relatively large geometries (10×40µm2emitter area) and f<inf>max</inf>values of 7 GHz have been obtained with f<inf>T</inf>values of 11 GHz at 15kA/cm2.


Campaigns about health problems such as smoking, obesity, HIV and AIDS are increasingly facing the challenge of non-receptive target audiences. Researchers are studying what features of health messages could catch and hold the attention of audiences, in turn contributing to their receptiveness towards the content. Metaphoric messages could be particularly effective in preventative health messaging especially where information has been commonly known to audiences over protracted periods of time. Could the inclusion of metaphoric African proverbs in HIV and AIDS messages influence receptivity, when specific audiences such as the youth are targeted? This reasoning led to an exploratory study into the effects of metaphoric African proverbs in HIV and AIDS posters. An experiment was conducted among 160 South African learners. Each learner was presented with posters about various HIV and AIDS related topics. A set of the posters included verbal literal text and straightforward pictures, in another set Tshivenda proverbs/idioms were added, in another metaphoric pictures were used, while a fourth set combined the proverbs/idioms with the metaphoric pictures. Results showed that appreciation of the messages was high. However, most of the learners thought that they did not understand the posters with proverbs/idioms as compared to the other posters, although those who said they had heard the proverb/idiom before, also thought that they understood the message.


The crustal thickness H and average crustal velocity ratio k (Vp/Vs) beneath south central Mongolia are investigated using the H‐k stacking method based on teleseismic radial receiver functions. Our primary results reveal that the local crustal thickness varies from 38 to 46 km with an average value of 43 km. Thicker crust is found beneath the western Hentey Mountains, while thinner crust is located in the southern area of the Zuunbayan fault zone. The Bouguer gravity anomalies exhibit a strong correlation with the overall crustal thickness pattern throughout most of our study regime. Moreover, a new approach which integrates the Bouguer anomaly gradient and the receiver function‐derived crustal thickness is adopted to calculate the density of the lower crust underneath central Mongolia. Fairly dense lower crust of approximately 3000 kg/m3 is found in the Middle Gobi Desert. The measured crustal Vp/Vs ratio ranges from 1.68 to 1.83 with an average value of 1.74. Low Vp/Vs ratio is found beneath the western Hentey Mountains. In general, low Vp/Vs ratios correlate well with regions of quartz‐rich crust and high heat flow. High Vp/Vs ratios occur in the Middle Gobi volcanic regions and the Mesozoic Southern Gobi Basin.


Local political figures in West Sumatra are role models for people in areas such as communication performance. Communication politeness is important to be used by local and national political figures. In this regard, the research on the communication performance of local political figures both at the regional and national levels needs to be examined from aspects of politeness. The purpose of this study describes the form of violations of communication politeness in terms of the principles of courtesy and the principle of cooperation. This type of research is descriptive qualitative research to examine the forms of communication politeness violations of local political figures in West Sumatra in terms of the principles of courtesy and the principle of cooperation. The data of this research are oral speeches of local political figures in West Sumatra with the community in the form of oral sources. Data collection methods and techniques used in this study are methods of reading and recording techniques. Data recording is a speech recorded by local political figures contained in the youtube application online. Data analysis techniques are (1) data identification, (2) data classification, (3) data interpretation, and (4) conclusion. The research findings are as follows. First, there were four forms of violations of maxims in courtesy principles namely speech that violated the maxim of wisdom, violated the maxim of praise, violated the maxim of humility, violated the maxim of agreement. Secondly, three forms of violations were found in the principle of cooperation namely speech that violates the maxim of quality, violates the maxim of the relationship, and violates the maxim of the way.


Background

Falling is a common and devastating problem in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. However, the factors associated with fall among Chinese PD population remain unclear.

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence and potential factors independently contribute to falls in patients with PD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited one hundred and ninety-seven PD patients from West China Hospital. According to patients or their caregivers' memory divided them into two different groups: fallers and non-fallers. Demographical information, clinical features and pharmacological conditions of patients were all collected.

Results

Out of 197 patients (mean age 63.2±9.0 years) 55.3% (110/197) patients had at least one fall in the half of year. Factors associated with falls in PD including: sex, age, co-disease condition, clinical symptoms, the severity of disease, doing activities, the function of balance, cognition, and the emotional conditions. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found by binary regression in Hoehn and Yahr (H-Y) stage (OR = 11.500, 95% CI = 2.801-47.214, P = 0.001), the Hamilton Depression (HAMD-24) Rating Scale (OR = 1.296, 95% CI = 1.034-1.296, P = 0.011) and the Falls Efficacy (FES) Scale (OR = 1.028, 95% CI = 1.004-1.053, P = 0.021). However, doing exercise (OR = 0.159, 95% CI = 0.046-0.555, P = 0.004) is a protective factor for PD patients.

Conclusions

Patients with severe disease, bad psychological condition will increase the risk of falling. Monitoring disease progress and pay more attention on non-motor symptoms are needed while patients in the mild stage.


This article is composed in combination with on-site scientific program on NATM operation monitoring by Key Road construction command post of Sichuan Province. Through analysis on support pressure of composite lining in tunnel, this article figure out the support pressure shouldered by composite lining in highway tunnel after getting the bearing capacity of tunnel surrounding rock bearing ring?mortar bolt and concrete spray-up by using designing method of structure bearing capacity. When the support pressure is compared with the actual spray-up stress, they are basically similar. As a result, several conclusion with significant importance are arrived.


Zone cooling was applied to reduce the temperature in the root zone of tomato plants cultivated in hidrophonic. The experiment was carried out into three different treatments, namely day night cooling, night cooling and without cooling. Observation was carried out for the growth of tomato plant, the quality of tomato fruits, and the changes in suhue of nutrion solution daily during the plant growth. In this study, a heat transfer of nutrition solution during day night cooling was also analyzed. It was also demonstrated the monitoring system of micro environment using field server to monitor the water and nutrition requirement of tomato plant. The results showed that for day night cooling treatment, the growth rate of tomato plant as well as the total soluble solid of tomato fruits was better than that other treatments. For the development of heat transfer model, the analysis of thermal equilibrium and heat transfer were solved by Euler finite different method. The validation of the model resulted that the value of coefficient of determination for nutrition solution in tank and plant shed were 0.733 and 0.748. It was demonstrated that by using IP public on the field server, the changes in value of of solar radiation, ambient temperature, RH as well as tomato plant condition was able to be monitored and accesed through internet network.


THE INVENTION CONCERNS A KETONE SYNTHESIS PROCESS, B-UNSATURATED. INVENTION THESE ARE SYNTHESIZED KETONE ALDEHYDE BY REACTION WITH HYDROGEN ATOM IN A POSITION, SALTS AND METALS ALKALINE-ACID ACETIC ACETO, IN THE PRESENCE OF SECONDARY ALIPHATIC AMINE IN A MIXTURE OF SOLVENTS HETEROGENOUS PRODUCING OIL AND LAYER LAYER OF WATER. The iNVENTION APPLY IN PARTICULAR THE PRODUCTION OF INTERMEDIATE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF DRUGS AND PESTICIDES.


Based on application, it was found that the rheological properties of the solder paste play an important role in the print performance. Temperature-dependent rheological behaviour of the lead-free solder paste and flux medium used for flip-chip assembly applications were studied. Two commercially available lead-free solder pastes P1 (LF318) and P2 (LF328) prepared from fluxes F1 and F2 were used. The temperatures under investigation were 15˚C, 25˚C, and 35˚C. All the results recorded were put into the Gauge calculator. The snap-off height variable and the condition of the printing equipment were used to determine the print height. Slump test was used to determine the slumping behaviour at room temperature and during reflow. Results show that the properties of solder paste are immensely affected by paste heights, high temperature variations, time and humidity. Keywords: Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Assembly, Slump Test, Reflow Soldering, Solder Paste. DOI : 10.7176/ISDE/11-1-05 Publication date: February 29 th 2020


THIS STUDY was concerned with making com parisons among the ratings made by the teachers and both parents for 800 pupils on The Child Behav ior Rating Scale (CBRS)0 It included additional comparisons between the ratings made by the teach er and each parent and select guidance data, i. e., achievement test scores, IQ, age, and social quo tient on the Vineland Social Maturity Scale. These comparisons were made in the form of Pearson r correlation indices. The CBRS is a newly developed and standardized instrument which is designed to assess the person ality adjustment of pre-school and primary grade (kindergarten, first, second, and third) pupils who are unable to read effectively the usual paper-and pencil-type of group personality test, or to provide an objective assessment of varying aspects of a child's behavior as seen from the vantage of select raters, i. e., teacher, parent, etc. The scale is composed of 78 different items, each of which is presumed to be indicative of the in dividual's personality adjustment in one of five dif ferent areas: 1) self, 2) home, 3) social 4) school, and 5) physical., The profile for interpretation in cludes scores in each of these five areas plus a to tal score (Personality Total Adjustment). Each of the items is to be checked by the rater on a s ix point scale, ranging from a value of one, indicating almost no occurrence of the behavior; to a value of six, indicating a repeated and continuous occur rence of the behavior (example, item number one, "Usually prefers to be alone"). The total score is accomplished by weighting the part scores in such a manner as to discern optimally between chil dren who are poorly adjusted with those who are well adjusted. Norms are based on scores for 2,000 children. The study was based on available pupils from two different school districts in Southern California, and they were distributed by school grade as fol lows: 200 kindergarten, 200 first gr ad er s , 200 second graders, and 200 third graders. They were about equally divided for sex. The findings contained in Table 2 are based on only 600 pupils and did not included the kindergarten group, since no achieve ment scores were available for them. The pupils ranged in age from 56 to 103 months, with a m ean (M) age of 94. 4, and a standard deviation (SD) of 8. 7 months. In terms of IQ the pupils ranged from 70to 160, with a M of 104. 69, and a SD of 13. 07. Socio economically, pupils' parents were estimated by the teachers to be slightly above average.


To improve the fault tolerance of the distributed spanning tree (DST) structure, we present an improved DST structure through orderly storing the elements in groups. Further, we give a representative selection rule, and based on which the node arrival and departure algorithms are proposed to balance the distribution of representatives in the structure. The maximal difference of the probabilities of any node to be selected as representatives by other nodes in the groups within the same level is not more than 1/a(a−1). Finally, we discuss the fault tolerance on the improved DST structure in a random failures model and an adversarial failures model. The results show that the improved DST structure is high resilient to fault even if the failures are carefully targeted. At most O(f/logN) nodes are lost when f nodes failed, and it is better than skip graph.


Psalm 23 is the best known but worst translated chapter of the Bible. In this chapter the author considers twenty points in the psalm where the usual English translations offer less than satisfactory renderings, comparing some fourteen of the standard English versions of the psalm with their Hebrew original, in tribute to author's friend Graeme Auld, a skilled scrutineer of variant biblical texts.Keywords: Graeme Auld; Psalm; Psalm 23


We extend the self-organizing mapping algorithm to the problem of visualizing data on Grassmann manifolds. In this setting, a collection of k points in n-dimensions is represented by a k-dimensional subspace, e.g., via the singular value or QR-decompositions. Data assembled in this way is challenging to visualize given abstract points on the Grassmannian do not reside in Euclidean space. The extension of the SOM algorithm to this geometric setting only requires that distances between two points can be measured and that any given point can be moved towards a presented pattern. The similarity between two points on the Grassmannian is measured in terms of the principal angles between subspaces, e.g., the chordal distance. Further, we employ a formula for moving one subspace towards another along the shortest path, i.e., the geodesic between two points on the Grassmannian. This enables a faithful implementation of the SOM approach for visualizing data consisting of k-dimensional subspaces of n-dimensional Euclidean space. We illustrate the resulting algorithm on a hyperspectral imaging application.


Abstract Regioselective phosphorylation of tetrahydroxythiacalix[4] arenes by diethyl chlorophosphate in the presence of triethylamine or by the system diethylphosphite/carbon tetrachloride/triethylamine gave ethyl esters of thiacalix[4] arene monophosphoric or thiacalix[4] arene diphosphoric acids, respectively. The obtained esters were converted with quantitative yields into corresponding free acids by sequential treatment with trimethylbromosilane and methanol. The thiacalix[4] arene diphosphoric acids were evaluated in vitro as inhibitors of glutathione S-transferases. Graphical Abstract


Virtual Prototypes (VPs) are important and useful tools for engineers providing the capability to evaluate designs under 'real-world' conditions during different phases of their development. The goal of research is to create and implement a computer model to: (1) handle viewing and interacting of VPs over the web, (2) enable exchanging configuration of the VPs and manipulate appearances of parts, and (3) enable the propagation of the chosen configuration directly to the modelling system. The aim is avoiding repetition of VPs preparation for various configurations and enables cooperation of a broad set of participants regardless of their computer experience.


This study was designed to understand the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the family's role in their students' college experiences. Specifically, the authors examined parents' attitudes towards institutions' COVID-19 decision-making, parents' perceptions of communication quality between families and institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the short-term impact of the pandemic on students' education and personal well-being in addition to family well-being.


Introduction: Diarrhoea is a major public health challenge in low and middle-income countries. It is the second leading cause of mortality in children under the age of five. It is also recognized that exposure to diarrhoea pathogens in developing countries is associated with such factors as quality and quantity of water, availability of toilet facilities, housing conditions, level of education, household economic status, place of residence, feeding practices, and the general sanitary conditions (personal or domestic hygiene) around the house. These factors are still prevalent in many Nigerian communities. This study therefore sought to determine the prevalence of diarrhoea and risk factors among under-five children seen at immunisation clinic of a secondary hospital in Nigeria. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study of 210 mothers attending well-baby clinic of a multi-specialist secondary health facility in Benin-City, South-South, Nigeria. Information relating to socio-demographics and occurrence of diarrhoea in their wards was obtained using ore-tested questionnaire. Data obtained were tabulated and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 21. Chi-square was used to determine the relationship between qualitative variables the statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Result: Prevalence of diarrhoea was 38.6% with a mean number of episodes per year of 2.14. Prevalence of dysentery was 4.3%. There was significant association between age, nutritional status, source of water and the occurrence of diarrhoea (P values of 0.04, 0.038 & 0.02 respectively). Conclusion: This study shows a high prevalence of diarrhoea amongst under-5 children in our environment.


ABSTRACT This paper presents an automatic pathology (AutoPath) approach to detect prostatic adenocarcinoma based on morphological analysis of high resolution whole mount (WM) histopathology images of the prostate. In the first stage of the cancer detection algorithm, a pre-screening of cancerous regions is performed at low magnification (5×) based on regional features. In the second stage, we propose a novel technique of labelling individual glands as benign or malignant using gland specific features at high magnification (20×). Two new features, Number of Nuclei Layers and Epithelial Layer Density, are proposed to label individual glands. We validate the approach on 70 WM slides, obtained from 30 patients, and achieve average sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 93% and accuracy of 93%. The main advantage of the approach is that detection of individual malignant gland units, irrespective of neighbouring histology and/or the spatial extent of the cancer, allows a finer annotation of cancer. The AutoPath method performs well on slides with low Gleason grades (3 and 4), but is currently limited in its ability to detect cancer in higher Gleason grades.


Abstract: An experiment was conducted to "study the success and survivability of grafts in different scions of guava (Psidium guajava L.) by softwood grafting under different environmental conditions by using different aged rootstocks. The results revealed that, highest graft success (81.33 %) and survivability (62.66 %) was found in the shade net condition at 90 days after softwood grafting. Among the different scions, the highest graft success (84.44 %) and survivability (64.44 %) was registered in Sardar scion variety. However, interaction effect showed that, highest graft success (96.66 %) and survivability (76.66 %) was noticed in Sardar variety of scion under shadenet condition followed by polyhouse condition by using seven months old rootstock.


This paper presents the development of a density-based solver suitable for cavitating flows in the OpenFOAM framework. In this solver, the thermodynamic equilibrium mixture approach is adopted to model the presence of and the phase transition between liquid and vapor phases. Using this approach, two cavitation models are implemented in a separate library, although more cavitation models can be easily added. The two are a temperature-dependent cavitation model and a barotropic cavitation model developed by Egerer et al. (2014). One of the main advantages of the solver is that it considers the compressibility of all phases. This feature combined with using the density-based approach enables capturing shock-waves created upon the collapse of cavitating structures which are known to be one of the main mechanisms of cavitation erosion. The implementation also includes a post-processing tool which detects aggressive collapse-induced shock-waves based on the method proposed by Mihatsch et al. (2015) and identifies the areas with a high risk of cavitation erosion. In order to validate the implemented solver and post-processing tool, four cases with progressively increasing complexity are simulated. The results from simulation of these cases are compared with analytical solution, similar numerical simulations as well as available experimental results. All of these comparisons show that the numerical results obtained by the implemented solver agree well with the reference analytical solution and numerical and experimental results.


The behavior of high-strength concrete (HSC) - filled fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) tubes (HSCFFTs) column subjected to cyclic lateral loading is presented in this paper. As the experimental study is costly and time consuming, a finite element analysis (FEA) is chosen for the study. Most of the previous studies have focused on examining the axial load behavior of HSCFFT column instead of seismic behavior. The seismic behavior of HSCFFT columns has been the main interest in the industry. The key objective of this research is to develop a reliable numerical non-linear FEA model to represent the seismic behavior of such column. A FEA model was developed using the Concrete Damaged Plasticity Model (CDPM) available in the finite element software package (ABAQUS). Comparisons between experimental results from previous research and the predicted results were made based on load versus displacement relationships and ultimate strength of the column. The results showed that the column increased in ductility and able to deform to a greater extent with the increase of the FRP confinement ratio. With the increase of confinement ratio, HSCFFT column achieved a higher moment resistance, thus indicated a higher failure strength in the column under cyclic lateral load. It was found that the proposed FEA model can regenerate the experimental results with adequate accuracy.The behavior of high-strength concrete (HSC) - filled fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) tubes (HSCFFTs) column subjected to cyclic lateral loading is presented in this paper. As the experimental study is costly and time consuming, a finite element analysis (FEA) is chosen for the study. Most of the previous studies have focused on examining the axial load behavior of HSCFFT column instead of seismic behavior. The seismic behavior of HSCFFT columns has been the main interest in the industry. The key objective of this research is to develop a reliable numerical non-linear FEA model to represent the seismic behavior of such column. A FEA model was developed using the Concrete Damaged Plasticity Model (CDPM) available in the finite element software package (ABAQUS). Comparisons between experimental results from previous research and the predicted results were made based on load versus displacement relationships and ultimate strength of the column. The results showed that the column increased in ductility and abl...


Previously we have proposed a novel coupled-resonator based multiplexer structure that eliminates the need for an additional common junction [2] such as a manifold, T-junction or power splitter. This new approach to multiplexer design is able to achieve reductions in the size and volume of the circuit. In this paper, the relationships between the responses and topologies of this novel type of diplexer structures are investigated.


The turbulent wakes behind a drag body, a jet-propelled body, and a propeller-driven body all with the same streamlined forebody shape were studied experimentally in a subsonic wind tunnel at a nominal Reynolds number based on diameter of 6 x 10. The wakes produced by the latter two bodies were momentumless. Mean flow and turbulence data were taken at five axial stations (X/D = 2, 5, 10, 20, and 40) downstream of the sterns of these bodies. The data for the wake behind the drag body compare favorably with previous experiments and establish a rigid reference for the wakes behind the self-propelled configurations. The downstream rate of decay of the velocity defect is essentially the same for the drag and propeller-driven bodies, whereas the decay for the jet-propelled body is substantially faster. The magnitude of the axial turbulence intensity is greater for the jetpropelled model than the other models, and the absolute value of the radial shear stress is greater (beyond X/D= 2) for the propeller-driven model. The rate of decay of the axial turbulence intensity is faster for the propellerdriven model than the jet-propelled model, however the rate of decrease of radial shear stress is faster for the jet propelled model.


We study the problem of how to realize quality-of-service (QoS) aware reconfiguration of virtual network function service trees (vNF-STs) over the heterogeneous network function virtualization (NFV) platforms that include virtual machines (VMs), docker containers, and programmable data plane switches (PDP-SWs), and propose an effective heuristic algorithm.


We give first an approximation of the operator δh: f → δhf ≔ h*ℏf − f*ℏh in terms of ℏ2n, n ⩾ 0, where , is a Hamilton function and *ℏ denotes the star product. The operator, which is the generator of time translations in a *ℏ-algebra, can be considered as a canonical extension of the Liouville operator Lh: f → Lhf ≔ {h, f}Poisson. Using this operator we investigate the dynamics and trajectories of some examples with a scheme that extends the Hamilton–Jacobi method for classical dynamics to Moyal dynamics. The examples we have chosen are Hamiltonians with a one-dimensional quartic potential and two-dimensional radially symmetric nonrelativistic and relativistic Coulomb potentials, and the Hamiltonian for a Schwarzschild metric. We further state a conjecture concerning an extension of the Bohr–Sommerfeld formula for the calculation of the exact eigenvalues for systems with classically periodic trajectories.


This work is part of our research program on studying the mechanical specifications of a new structural material made of hollow metallic spheres joined together by glueing or brazing. The aim of this study is to point out the effect of the structural state of the sphere alloys on the mechanical properties of the composite material. The nickel-phosphorus alloys are shown to be microcrystallized up to 8 atomic percent of metalloids, at higher phosphorous contents they are amorphus.The mechanical specifications made first on the spheres, and then on the composite, show that the breaking strength by compressing a material made of microcrystallized alloy spheres (Ni95 P5 ) is clearly higher than with a material made of pure nickel spheres.


A new gasket technology has been developed for ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) containment which has proven to be superior to conventional pressurefit gaskets for both performance and reliability in marry applications. The gasket consists of a flexible, conductive diaphragm which is held to a cavity opening by means of a magnetic strip. This technology results in a high shielding effectiveness (SE) over a wide frequency range with almost no degradation in performance over life. Testing has demonstrated an average SE 20 to 30 dB superior to that possible from conventional gaskets between 20 MHz and 5 GHz.


In the present study, amorphous coatings on plain steel substrate were prepared by electric arc spraying technique. The high-speed dry sliding tribological properties of the coating were investigated on a pin-on-disc tribo-meter. The results show that amorphous phase generates in the sprayed coating. When the sliding speeds are less than 40m/s, the friction coefficient increases. The friction coefficients decrease with the sliding speed exceeding 60m/s. The wear rates increase with increasing the sliding. Phase transition occurs in the friction process.


Fruits are considered excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber, carotenoids, antioxidants, and phenolic compounds; therefore, they are considered to have potential chemopreventive properties (Mahattanatawee et al., 2006). Vitamin C is an antioxidant naturally present in a daily diet; it has an anticancer effect and restores tocopherol to its active form in cell membranes by reducing the free radical form (Klimczak et al., 2007). Carotenoids present in the diet are bioactive and may confer beneficial effects on human health, such as decreased risk of degenerative diseases, prevention of cataract formation, reduction of age-related macular degeneration, and reduced risk of coronary heart disease (Krinsky, 1994). Phenolic compounds have antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antithrombotic cardioprotective, and vasodilatory properties (Giada & Mancini-Filho, 2006). Therefore, consumption of fruits and vegetables is considered essential to human nutrition, not only because of the range of their benefits to the human body, but also because of their attractive flavor and texture.


In a dermatology practice, three medical technicians are served legal papers for practicing medicine without a license, and the dermatologist is accused of aiding and abetting the practice of medicine without a license. Such a crime is a felony in his state and could force Dr. M to lose his medical license.


Ball and plate system is a multivariable system with inherent nonlinearity. It is a two-dimensional extension of the classic ball and beam system. In this paper, the idea of Active Disturbance Rejection Control (ADRC) is introduced. The extended state observer (ESO) is applied to estimate the disturbance including nonlinearity and the friction. Then, the disturbance estimated can be eliminated from the control. For the sake of reducing the impact of the measurement noise, the Fal function filter is applied to filter the output of the system with measurement noise. Meanwhile, the feedforward compensator is designed to reduce the error of the system. In the end, the simulations of the set-point experiments and the circle trajectory tracking experiments are completed. The simulation results show that the ADRC controller combined with a feedforward compensator performances better.


Agriculture crowdfunding is a source of alternative financing for farmers. The crowdfunding platform does not ask collateral from the farmer, hence they apply group lending with joint liability to lower the default risk. The purpose of this paper is to understand how joint liability group lending can lower the risk of both farmers and agriculture crowdfunding. A deductive qualitative research design with case study approach is used in this paper. A series of in depth interviews were conducted with one agriculture crowdfunding and two farmers groups. Data analysis is done by using pattern matching techniques. The findings of this paper are joint liability can lower the default risk of crowdfunding platform because the farmers groups are self selected and all member have strong relationship (peer selection), the leader of the farmers group plays an important role of monitoring the member activities (peer monitoring) and he may apply social sanction to the defaulting member (peer pressure). From the farmer's side, joint liability can lower the price risk. This can be done because crowdfunding platforms apply group lending, so it can get a high volume of commodities from the farmer. This enables crowdfunding platforms to build B2B contracts with buyer companies and give fixed buying prices to farmers upon contract. The Role of Joint Liability in Lowering ... 444 To cite this document : Pratiwi, P. Y. ., Yanuarti, I. ., & Prihanto, W. . (2021). The Role of Joint Liability in Lowering The Risk of Farmer and Agriculture Crowdfunding (A case study of one agriculture crowdfunding in Indonesia). Conference Series, 3(1), 443 455. Retrieved from https://adi-journal.org/index.php/conferenceseries/article/view/380. p-ISSN : 2685-9106 e-ISSN : 2686-0384 ADI International Conference Series


The invention is applicable to the field of a big data processing technique, and provides a method and a device for extracting mass data. The method comprises the steps of determining a data subarea where data to be extracted is through a B-Tree index according to a time scope in a request information when a data extracting request information is received; determining an offset starting position PB and an offset end position PE in the data subarea; determining a starting position Pi of a data subblock corresponding to each line through the index according to list information in the request information; determining a starting position PC of a data main key according to a number of the data subblock corresponding to the data main key in the request information; and extracting data in a position scope (PC+Pi+PB, PC+Pi+PE). According to the method provided by the invention, the size of index can be effectively reduced, and the locating efficiency and data extracting efficiency of the index can be improved.


The insect pheromone (+)-exo-brevicomin (9) has been synthesised from the methyl 6-deoxy-6-iodo-α-D-glucopyranoside derivative (1) in 54% yield by way of the dienone (5) from which the ketone (7) was obtained by concurrent hydrogenation of the double bonds and hydrogenolysis of the allylic ester group.