The aim of this work was to develop and validate a simple, efficient, sensitive and selective method for the analysis of dissolution samples of me- xiletine hydrochloride capsules by HPLC without the necessity of any time- -consuming extraction, dilution or evaporation steps prior to drug assay. Sepa- ration was performed isocratically on a 5 µm LiChrospher 60, RP-Select B column (250×4 mm ID) using the mobile phase buffer-acetonitrile (60:42, v/v) at a flow rate of 1.2 mL min -1 and UV detection at 262 nm. The elution oc- curred in less than 10 min. The assay was linear in the concentration range 50- -300 µg mL -1 (r 2 = 0.9998). The validation characteristics included accuracy, precision, linearity, specificity, limits of detection and quantification, stability, and robustness. Validation acceptance criteria were met in all cases (the percent recoveries ranged between 100.01 and 101.68 %, RSD < 0.44 %). The method could be used for the determination of mexiletine hydrochloride and for mo- nitoring its concentration in in vitro dissolution studies.


Thelwall could not escape the ghosts of his radical past as a political speaker who had been tried for treason. In reinventing himself as a speech therapist and lecturer on elocution he channeled his previous democratic commitments into teaching how to represent oneself through effective speaking. As he expanded the role of poetry in his elocution lectures, Thelwall developed a distinctive literary criticism that was particularly suited to public lectures. His key criterion for judging poetry was how well it lent itself to being read aloud or recited. At his London school he institutionalized this critical perspective, but his preference for extemporaneity left it vulnerable to loss in the historical record. Collecting the newspaper advertisements and other surviving texts of his literary lectures can help piece together a speculative account of his Romantic-era critical manifesto.


4508 Background: Carmena was a randomized phase III trial, testing the benefit of CN followed by sunitinib (arm A) vs sunitinib alone (arm B), with stratification by MSKCC risk groups in 450 mRCC patients. Based on this trial, CN is not anymore recommended in mRCC (NEJM, Mejean et al, 2018). However there are questions about which patients could still benefit from CN, especially in intermediate risk group. In the present study, we investigated different subgroups from the Carmena trial to answer these questions. Methods: Carmena trial was initially stratified according to MSKCC risk groups. For the purpose of this analysis, we reclassified the patients based on IMDC risk groups. We also analyzed patients with one metastatic site vs more than one, as well as patients with secondary nephrectomy in arm B. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. Results: With a updated median FU of 61.5 months (mo), the median OS by ITT analysis was 15.6 vs 19.8 mo in arm A and B respectively stratified on MSKCC (HR 0.933 ; 95% CI [0.76- 1.15]) / stratified on IMDC (HR 0.957 ; 95% CI [0.78- 1.18]). Using IMDC risk group factors, 58.6% patients were intermediate and 41.4 % were poor risk. When looking at intermediate risk group only, 48.1% had only one risk factor (interval between diagnosis and treatment < 1y), with a median OS of 30.5 and 25.2 mo in arm A and B respectively (HR 1.24 [0.81 – 1.90]). By contrast, 51.9 % had two risk factors (mostly low hemoglobin, high corrected calcium or neutrophils), with a median OS of 16.6 and 31.2 mo in arm A and B respectively (HR 0.61 [0.41 – 0.91] p = 0.015). Regarding number of metastatic sites, 33% had only one metastatic site. Median OS was 23.6 and 22.7 mo in arm A and B respectively (HR 1.08 [0.75 – 1.57]. Finally, 40 patients had a secondary nephrectomy in arm B, with median OS of 48.5 mo [CI 95%: 27.9-64.4] vs 15.7 mo [CI 95%: 13.3-20.5] in patients who never had surgery. Conclusions: With longer FU, Carmena trial confirms that CN is not superior to sunitinib alone in ITT population, both with MSKCC and IMDC risk groups. However for patients with only one IMDC risk factor, CN might be beneficial. Number of metastatic site is not helpful to define good candidates for surgery. Finally, patients with secondary nephrectomy have very long OS, supporting this strategy. Clinical trial information: NCT00930033.


Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells were irradiated for 24 h with 15.6-KHz pulsed magnetic field (PMF) at 200μT peak to peak and/or 12-O-tetrade-canoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA; 5 ng/ml). Lucifer dye was inserted into the CHL cells by iontophoretic injection. The numbers of dye-coupled cells around the injected cell were counted to determine the function of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). The results showed that TPA significantly suppressed GJIC compared with the control group (p < 0.01), but video display terminal pulsed magnetic fields alone or with TPA did not diminish or enhance suppression by TPA.


This thesis is presented in two parts and summarizes work carried out in the laboratory of Professor Robert A. Batey at the University of Toronto from September 2009 through March 2016. Part 1 of this thesis covers the synthesis and biological evaluation of two types of small molecules which target bacterial Caseinolytic Protease P (ClpP); these are the cyclic acyldepsipeptide (ADEP) class of antibiotics and related analogues (Chapter 2) and the ACP1 analogues (Chapter 3). Part 2 of this thesis outlines work related to the synthetic utility of metal carboxylate salts in amide bond-forming reactions with amines. Part 1 of this thesis begins with an introductory chapter (Chapter 1) on antibiotics to familiarize the reader with antibiotic classes, bacterial mechanisms of drug resistance as well as strategies for antibacterial drug discovery. Next, Chapter 2 details the total synthesis and biological evaluation of the A54556 ADEP natural products and related analogues. In the course of our investigations on this class of compound, a rapid two-step synthetic approach was developed that utilized a combination of solid-phase peptide chemistry and a novel lanthanide salt-promoted


The object of this paper is to investigate the nature of Bianchi type-I cosmological model in presence of wet dark fluid and magnetic flux. To obtain deterministic solution of said model a few plausible assumptions regarding to it are introduced such as scalar expansion θ is proportional to eigenvalue σ 1 1 of shear tensor σ j i . A new equation of state for the dark energy component of the universe has been used. It is modelled on the equation of state p = ( ρ – ρ * )  which can describe a liquid, for example water. The exact solutions to the corresponding field equations are obtained in quadrature form. The solution for constant deceleration parameter have been studied in detailed for both power-law and exponential form. In addition to this we have discuss the geometrical and physical properties of said model.


The arbitrariness not only reveals the ways to study linguistics,but also is an essential trait of linguistic signs.The language is a sign system containing disciplines which constitute the internal organizing mechanism,its functions can be brought about through the interaction of these disciplines,while other disciplines work depending on it.To understand the arbitrariness,one should not concentrate only on the term itself,but disregard its relation with the whole linguistics and its creativeness.The challenges from the iconicity focus on the definition of signifier and signified,and their relations,and the quality of the arbitrariness.The complex classification of the signs by Perice was rightly based on different relations between signifier and signified by Saussure.The iconicity shows the way of recognizing the world,not the innate character of the language,being included by the former.Their relationship is just as a set and a subset.


The thermochemistry of dissociation and elimination reactions of organogallium precursors for the GaN chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is studied at the hybrid Hartree−Fock/density functional level of theory (B3LYP/pVDZ). Geometries, relative energies, vibrational frequencies of RxGaNR'x species, and their dissociation products (NRx, GaRx, x = 1−3; (R, R' = H, CH3) are presented. Methane elimination from the source adducts is exothermic at standard conditions, while hydrogen elimination is endothermic. Both for R = H, CH3 elimination reactions are predicted to be more favorable compared to dissociation into components, in contrast to the halogen containing precursors. The Ga−N bond dissociation enthalpies (kJ mol-1) are the highest for R2GaNR'2 compounds (313−382), followed by RGaNR' (196−266); and for donor−acceptor complexes R3GaNR'3 (56−100) they are the lowest. (CH3)xGaNHx isomers are more than 50 kJ mol-1 lower in energy than HxGaN(CH3)x species, but the formation of Ga−H and N−H bonds is the thermody...


Among military persons and academics there appears to be a lack of clarity on the connection between the discipline known as military ethics and the vast range of dynamic factors, moral and others, integral to and affecting military operations. "There is nothing more practical", asserted William James,US philosopher, "than good theory", so the purpose of this article is to articulate briefly but comprehensively a foundation for thinking on the subject the better to guide military action. There are five groups of dynamic factors involved in the military profession, namely


There are many investment obstacles in the development of the western region of China. The approaches to settling these questions are to reform financial system firstly, and to use a variety of market measures to promote the form of multiple investment bodies. The investors in exploiting the western region should be of all the nation. Small and middle-sized exterprises are the major ones which should be best supported.


Abstract Cu(II) oxide nanocorals were synthesized for the first time from a lyotropic liquid crystalline system formed from triton X-100 and water. The nanocorals were prepared based on a simple precipitation route, and then characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction patterns. The nanocorals provided a porous ensemble which comprised adhered nanorods of <50 nm in diameter. XRD pattern confirmed the crystalline structure of CuO with a grain size of ≈30 nm. Electrochemical behavior of the nanocorals was preliminary evaluated in an alkaline solution, and they represented a potential for hydrogen peroxide determination.


Background: Leptospirosis remains the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world. As a clinical entity it is strongly associated with regional occupational and environmental exposures. While the exact global disease burden remains unknown, recent estimates by the leptospirosis Burden Epidemiology Reference Group (LERG) at the World Health Organization have set the number of human cases of severe leptospirosis to over 500,000 per year. This number almost certainly represents an under-representation due to poor surveillance and difficult diagnosis. Leptospira spp. belong to the order Spirochaetales, family Leptospiraceae, composed by 13 pathogenic Leptospira species with more than 260 serovars. Wildlife species are commonly considered to be important epidemiological carriers, mainly because of their frequent reactivity to Leptospira serovars native to their habitat. Capybara (Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris), a known leptospirosis host, is a widespread species in South America. However, reports regarding the importance of this animal in the epidemiology of leptospirosis are rare. Therefore, the objective of this study was to report the results of leptospirosis serological survey of capybaras from a residential park area in southeastern Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: A total of 172 capybaras were sampled at Itu Municipality, state of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil, from December 2012 to May 2013. Sera samples were examined for Leptospira antibodies by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), using live antigens grown in liquid medium (EMJH). A complete panel of 7 serogroups (including 10 reference serovars) was used as antigens: serogroup Sejroe (serovars Hardjo and Wolffi), serogroup Grippotyphosa (serovar Grippotyphosa), serogroup Canicola (serovar Canicola), serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae (serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni), serogroup Australis (serovars Australis and Bratislava), serogroup Pomona (serovar Pomona), and serogroup Autumnalis (serovar Butembo). As a results, 46 (26.75%) were serologically positive: 29 (63.05%) for serogroup Sejroe, 7 (15.22%) for serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae; 9 (19.56%) were seropositive for serogroups Sejroe and Icterohaemorrhagiae; and 1 (2.17%) was positive for serogroups Sejroe and Grippotyphosa. Discussion: L. interrogans sensu stricto is responsible for the most frequent and severe cases of human and animal leptospirosis. Considering the results of our serological survey, it is important to reinforce that in tropical countries, mainly Brazil, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia and Barbados, serovars belonging to the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup (Icterohaemorrhagiae and Copenhageni) are generally the most prevalent. Therefore, the report of different serogroups in capybaras (as observed in our study) it is an important observation reported. Human leptospirosis is usually due to serovars that are maintained by the animal populations of a region, which spread the bacterium on the environment; thus, it may represent an important additional risk factor for human population. Our study identified a greater serum reactivity to strains that belongs to serogroup Sejroe. In Brazil this serogroup is highly predominant in livestock; thus, our main hypothesis is that some animals were contaminated with Sejroe serovars when they were at their natural habitat and, once in the park, they maintained these serovars through cross transmission. Therefore, based on our results, it was possible to observe a significant prevalence of serovars belonging to serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae, and there was also a high prevalence of samples positive to serogroup Sejroe. Thus, our serologic survey showed that capybaras living in an urban area could represent a risk factor for leptospirosis for the human population eventually exposed.


The purpose of this study was to create canine skeleton modeling files (obj., STL., etc.)for more accurate canine kinesiology and physical rehabilitation. Firstly, 3-dimensiona (3D) scanning on real naturally passed away dog bones and handling with additional reverse engineering process were conducted. This study indicated that the final modeling files could contribute to improve initial movements of canine rehabilitation or academic filed of kinesiology in Korea.


Higher expression levels of serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (PLK1) are significantly associated with tumorigenesis and poor clinical prognoses. Consequently, PLK1 is considered a latent target in cancer treatment. We aimed to determine the cytotoxic effects of RO3280 on prostate cancer cells.PLK1 expression was investigated using real-time PCR and western blotting in prostate cancer tissues and paired normal tissues. Real-time cell analysis, cell counting kit-8 assays, and 5-ethynyl-2¢-deoxyuridine cell proliferation assays were applied for the examination of cell proliferation ability. Wound healing assays and transwell assays were used to assess the migratory and invasive abilities of the prostate cancer cell lines with or without RO3280 treatment. Moreover, the target genes and pathways were detected by transcriptomics RNA sequencing in the cells cultured in RO3280 and through a series of bioinformatics analyses. Finally, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway was screened out and verified by western blotting.We observed the mRNA and protein overexpression of PLK1 in the prostate cancer cells and tissues. The inhibition of PLK1 by RO3280 significantly reduced the migratory, invasive, and proliferative properties of the RO3280-treated cancer cell lines compared with their controls. RO3280 mediated the inactivation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and reduced the rates of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in prostate cancer cells.This study's findings are significant owing to the identification of the specific anticancer mechanism of RO3280, which may have therapeutic effects. This trial provides clarity on the feasibility of the use of RO3280 as a cancer therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.


outside report (n1⁄4152) was randomly matched with two Hospital A reports (n1⁄4304). The primary outcome was the percentage of checklist items described in the dictated VCUG report. Multivariate linear regression (using GEE for correlated data) was used to model the association between the outcome and the institution type and interpreting radiologist. RESULTS: Of the 456 studies, 66% were in females, 56% were in those <12 months old, and the indication was UTI in 81%. Overall, the mean percentage of items reported was 67 14%: 74 14% at FSPH, 61 10% at PHWH, and 48 11% at NPF. Among all sites, 59/ 456 (13%) reports included less than half of items, and 190/456 (42%) reports included less than two-thirds of items. The three least frequently reported variables were bladder volume at onset of VUR (3% reported), assessment for upper tract duplication (5%), and urethral catheter size (16%). In multivariate analysis, VCUG reports generated at NPF had 17% fewer items assessed (95% CI: 14.5 19.7%, p<0.0001), and PHWH had 9% fewer items assessed (95% CI: 6 12.5%, p<0.0001), compared to FSPH. After controlling for covariates, reports read by a pediatric radiologist had on average 7% more items reported (95% CI: 6.6-7.3%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: VCUG report quality varies significantly, with higher quality observed at pediatric centers and in studies read by a pediatric radiologist. Quality improvement efforts are warranted to ensure optimal clinical care and decision-making.


The concentrations of Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) in water, sediment and selected fish samples from Gurara water reservoir, Kaduna State, were assessed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS 220 FS). Three samples each of selected Fish species (T. Zillii, O.niloticus and S.Galileaus), water and sediment from each Station were collected and analyze for heavy metals. Data obtained was subject to analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results showed higher levels of Fe (248.7±55.78mg/l)Sediment, (11.7±3.13mg/l) Fish and (20.68±17.29mg/l) surface Water. Zn (1.01±0.67mg/l) Sediments,(1.53±1.51mg/l) fish and (0.64±0.37mg/l) Water, in comparison with FAO, NIS and WHO standards,{(Fe; 0.3mg/l); (Zn:3mg/l);(Cr;0.05mg/l);(Pb;0.01);Cu;1mg/l) and(Cd;0.003mg/l)} of Drinking water quality Fe, Zn, Cr, Pb and Cu has exceeded the toxicity threshold in all the different samples. Cadmium was not detected in sediment, while it was in other samples (Water and Fish).The concentration was in trace amount below the United State Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) allowable limits in water. Other metals were below allowable limit in water with reference to the World Health Organization's recommendation. This finding indicates that the surface water, Fish and Sediment is contaminated and not safe for aquatic life. The highest concentration detectable was in the sediment sample followed by the concentrations in the fish samples. Iron concentration detected was highest followed by Zinc, Lead, Copper, and Chromium, However, Cadmium was mostly undetectable in most samples. Strategies need to be develop to reduce the contamination and the biological effects on fish and other living organisms in the reservoir.


Faced with an HIV prevalence of 31% among 18- to 49-year-olds, Swaziland developed a male circumcision policy in 2009, following compelling scientific evidence from three randomised controlled trials. Utilising United States Agency for International Development funds, the state set out to circumcise 80% of adult men in 2011. Only 8667 of the targeted 150,000 men were circumcised during the campaign. This paper presents findings from a 2012 to 2013 in-depth qualitative study among Swazi men. Methods included 13 focus group discussions, 20 in-depth interviews, 16 informal interviews and participant observation. We argue that the campaign ' s failure can be partly explained by the fact that circumcision was perceived as a threat to Swazi masculinities, a factor hardly considered in the planning of the intervention. Results show that men believed circumcision resulted in reduced penis sensitivity, reduced sexual pleasure and adverse events such as possible mistakes during surgery and post-operative complications that could have negative effects on their sexual lives. Given the conflicting state of scientific data about the effects of circumcision on sexuality or sexual pleasure, this study addresses important lacunae, while also demonstrating the need for more research into the relationship between sexuality, masculinity and health interventions seeking to involve men. findings from this study demonstrate the relationship between masculinities and low uptake of circumcision services, addressing an important lacuna in the literature relating to the use of adult MC in high prevalence settings to reduce HIV acquisition among men.


We find a condition to be satisfied by strictly increasing sequences of natural numbers guaranteeing that corresponding subsequences of the Haar basis (consisting of full levels) are equivalent or span isomorphic spaces. This applies in particular to Hardy spaces for 0 < p < oo. We also construct a continuum of greedy nonequivalent bases in Hp.


PurposeThis research aimed to define the factors that may impact the effectiveness of online architectural education during COVID-19 and to examine the degree of students' and instructors' satisfaction with these factors among Jordanian governmental universities. Further, the research examines the relationships/interrelationships between the degree of their satisfaction with these factors and the students' and instructors' age, gender, education level, home size, and family size.Design/methodology/approachDifferent research methods were used to achieve the research purposes, including semi-structured interviews, online questionnaires and reviewing recent literature. This research used descriptive statistics and Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (Pearson r) to analyze the data.FindingsThis research found that online architectural education during COVID-19 was stressful. It was ineffective in teaching practical architectural courses like design and negatively affected the architectural learning process and outcomes. In contrast, the online teaching of architectural theoretical courses was reliable and convenient if the students and instructors had intentional, sufficient technological and appropriate resources. Online architectural education negatively affected the students' design ability and skills, peer review, intended learning outcomes (ILOs) achievements, the quality of feedback, workload, interaction mode, participation, collaboration, productivity and increased cheating on online exams. The home environment was unsuitable for online architectural education. Family interventions, privacy, home size and family size significantly influence online architectural education's effectiveness.Originality/valueStudents' and instructors' satisfaction determines the continuity of using online teaching mode, which depends on information quality, system quality, service quality, perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, achieved intended learning outcomes, cognitive absorption, skills, motivation, engagement, implementing resources and strategies and positive emotions as hope and enjoyment. Students' and instructors' satisfaction reflects how they view their learning experience, which is crucial in assessing the effectiveness of online education quality that focuses on the context, input, process and product, which is still not clearly understood, particularly for developing countries.


Incorporating security patterns at every stage of software development process is one of the most effective ways to build secure software. But how early in the software development process is it possible to apply security patterns? We present here an approach to define security requirements in order to identify security patterns in the very early stages of the software development process, we also show an experience with the method in a limited environment. We use natural language to express requirements (understandable to the Requirements Engineer as well as to the Domain Expert), from which it is possible to identify the security requirements and the corresponding security patterns. Language Extended Lexicon (LEL) and scenarios allow to understand, study, and model the security domain and to represent security patterns. To them we apply the Baseline Mentor Workbench (BMW) for deriving CRC (Class Responsibility Collaboration) cards that represent the security patterns and their contextual model domain. BMW is a tool to assist the domain expert during the requirements engineering stage.


Some problems of regulatory regulation of the exercise of the powers of the sole executive body of a business company are considered in the presented work. The author substantiates the need to improve the legislation on business companies and formulates proposals for directions of changes.


Purpose Crude yohimbine separated from Corynanthe yohimbe is only with low purity(about 10%).A method to purify crude yohimbine should be studied.Methods Ion-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography were combined in this study.The influence of elution conditions on purifying effects was investigated.Results By adsorption with 1×2 cation exchange resin and elution with mixture of ethanol,water and ammonia(40∶55∶5),highest purity of yohimbine was obtained.Next separation with C18 reversed-phase chromatography was eluted with the mixture of methanol and water(containing 0.01% trifluoroacetic acid).When the concentration of methanol increased progressively based on 3%-30%-40%-95%,the purity of yohimbine in eluent could increase to 71.2%.Conclusion This technique has advantages of low cost,high yield,good purity and fewer procedures and has potential application value in the separation and purification of natural products.


The process of forming of corporate culture is considered on enterprises. The clear sequence of development of this method and intercommunication is resulted with the basic structural elements of corporate ideology.


Studies on hippocampal cell loss in epilepsy have produced diverging evidence as to which subfields are specifically related to memory. This may be due to rather small and often heterogeneous samples, or to different memory measures. Therefore, the current study examined hippocampal cell densities and memory in a large sample of patients with solely mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), employing measures with proven sensitivity to mesiotemporal pathology. In 104 patients who had undergone epilepsy surgery for mTLE, we evaluated the role of segmental hippocampal cell loss and its underlying factor structure with regard to presurgical verbal and figural memory while controlling for side‐of‐surgery and hemispheric dominance. First of all, patients showed material‐specific memory impairment concordant with the lateralization of epilepsy. Factor analysis of segmental cell loss revealed a single factor reflecting the overall integrity of the hippocampus. The overall pathological status of the left hippocampus correlated with verbal memory parameters (r = 0.33–0.34, P < 0.05), especially when controlling for atypical hemispheric dominance (r = 0.50–0.57, P < 0.01), and explained up to 33% of the observed variance. Further analyses revealed no superior role of a single subfield or cell loss pattern for memory performance. No systematic relations between neuronal cell densities of the right hippocampus and memory function were found, nor did left or right hippocampal pathology explain figural memory parameters. The results suggest that the overall pathological status of the left hippocampus – rather than a specific subfield pathology – is predictive for verbal memory in mTLE. The finding that figural memory parameters, although sensitive to right mTLE, were not related to neuronal cell densities of the right hippocampus, puts the left/right hippocampus verbal/nonverbal memory dichotomy into perspective. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


An acoustic dataset was provided to the participants of the 2003 Workshop on detection and localization of marine mammals using passive acoustics (Dartmouth, NS, Canada, 19-21 November 2003). This document contains environmental and other technical information regarding supporting the acoustic dataset.


The stability of a non-neutral, rapidly rotating electron beam propagating in an axially inhomogeneous magnetic field is considered. It is shown that there exists an instability, driven by an axial shear in the rotation velocity, which does not exist in the uniform limit. Selected numerical results are presented.


This study aims to determine the relationship between stunting and economic studies and to map stunting-prone areas to find out which areas require priority for stunting management in Indonesia. This research is a quantitative descriptive study with literature review and clustering methods using k-means clustering which is visualized through a map using ArcGIS software. Secondary data collection was obtained from previous journals and stunting prevalence data for 34 provinces in Indonesia was obtained from the Nutrition Status Monitoring 2017 book, Basic Health Research 2018, Study on Nutritional Status of Indonesian Toddlers 2019. The results of the study show that children who experience stunting in the future will lose their potential income due to their low production performance and ultimately increase poverty rates, economic inequality, and state economic losses. The results of the stunting clustering were divided into 4 clusters. Cluster I shows that the provinces with the highest average stunting prevalence are Aceh, East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara, Central Kalimantan, and West Sulawesi. Cluster II consists of the provinces of North Sumatra, West Kalimantan, South Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi, South Sulawesi, Southeast Sulawesi, Gorontalo, Maluku, and Papua. Cluster III consists of the provinces of West Sumatra, Riau, Jambi, South Sumatra, Bengkulu, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Banten, East Kalimantan, North Kalimantan, North Sulawesi, North Maluku, and West Papua. Cluster IV consist of the provinces of the Bangka Belitung Islands, Riau Islands, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, and Bali.


❘❙❚ Romaco Packaging, a division of the Romaco Group, develops and manufactures machines for filling and packaging. In line with the Group's philosophy, expressed in the motto, "Excellence through innovation," Romaco Packaging has always invested in offering its customers machines that are ergonomic and simple to use. "We have always paid a great deal of attention to the human-machine interface," recounted Lino Bagnacavalli, Electronics Manager at the Romaco Macofar Division. "As early as 1999 at the Interpack Trade Fair we presented a unique interface with a singular display for all of the machines made by the group, manufactured by companies that were then Integration and flexibility for packaging of pharmaceuticals


Abstract : Winnetonka Lake Dam was inspected by a team of engineers. The purpose of the inspection was to make an assessment of the general condition of the dam with respect to safety, based upon available data and visual inspection, in order to determine if the dam poses a hazards to human life or property. Our inspection and evaluation indicates the spillway does not meet the criteria set forth in the guidelines for a dam having the above size and hazard potential. The spillway and trench will not pass the probable maximum flood without overtopping but will pass 20 percent of the probable maximum flood, which is greater than the 100-year flood. The spillway design flood recommended by the guidelines is 50 to 100 percent of the probable maximum flood. Considering the volume of water impounded and the downstream hazard, 50 percent of the probable maximum flood is the appropriate spillway design flood. The probable maximum flood is defined as the flood discharge that may be expected from the most severe combination of critical meteorologic and hydrologic conditions that are reasonably possible in the region.


The purpose of this study was twofold: first, to examine the effects of specific cut-off scoring points (on the estimated prevalence of meeting health-related guidelines for physical activity in youth) and, second, to document the differences in gender physical activity patterns according to two different cut-off points. The sample comprised 62 children (boys n = 23; girls n = 39) aged 8—16 years old. Children wore accelerometers for three consecutive weekdays. The daily time spent in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was calculated using an equation regression developed for youth according to different cut-points. The data analysis from Freedson's cut points showed that both sexes engaged in significantly (p ≤ .01) more MVPA when compared with Puyau's cut points. Boys engaged in significantly (p ≤ .01) more MVPA activities than girls regardless of the cut-off point used. Our data also showed that the percentage of students that reach the physical activity/health related guidelines was significantly higher in both boys (77.3 vs 6.9 percent; p < .001) and girls (60 vs 2.3 percent; p < .001) when Freedson's cut-off point was used. Our data showed that for preventive strategies youth specific cut-off points still need to be refined and, as a result, health-related criteria for young people need to be based on further research evidence.


The current type signal of gamma detector in gamma logging tool is generally weak, which can not be directly input into microcontroller for pulse counting and statistical analysis. The signal conditioning circuit is designed by using high performance, low noise, small volume single operational amplifier CA3140A, which processes the weak signal from gamma detector, and realizes the corresponding hardware circuit according to the actual application requirements. The experimental results show that: the circuit design performance is stable, and can effectively pick up and process the effective pulse signal, which meets the expected design requirements.


Background:  Insulin‐like growth factor binding protein‐2 (IGFBP‐2) is expressed by all human prostate cancer cell lines and dramatically increases in the serum of prostate cancer patients. However, the role of IGFBP‐2 in prostatic tumorigenesis is not known. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of IGFBP‐2 on the proliferation of DU145 human prostate cancer cells in culture.


Wudu 16 was a new of winter wheat bred by crossing with the parential combination of 7930-2/Xiaobaidongmai byWudu Institute of Agricultural Sciences.The average yield of Wudu 16 is 4 095.0 kg/hm2 and 42.2% higher than that of the checkMianyang 28 in winter wheat regional experiment which was conducted the period 2001—2003 in the valley area of Longnan.The rust race,and the severity and prevalence rate is relatively low.The result showed that seed crude protein,lysine,ash(dry base),wetgluten,sedimentation value and bulk were 137 g/kg,4.8 g/kg and 50.8 mL,respectively.It is suitable to be planted mid-arid areas,Huicheng basin and low mid-valley areas in Longna city.


According to the observation on Rhynchaenus empopulifolis Chen, living history, biological characteristics and occurrence rule of Rhynchaenus empopulifolis Chen have been preliminarily found out, which provide theoretical basis for forecasting occurrence period and quantity of Rhynchaenus empopulifolis Chen and its prevention and control.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a surgical fastener assembly for coupling first and second bone portions across a fracture therebetween. SOLUTION: The surgical fastener assembly includes an elongated anchor 10 that has a bone threaded portion 10 inserted in the first bone portion, wherein one end portion of the anchor is disposed on one side of the fracture while a second end portion of the anchor 10 is on an opposite side of the fracture. A guide member 20 having a sleeve-like projection 30 is fixedly secured to the second bone portion. The sleeve-like projection 30 moves slidably along and is guided by the second end portion of the anchor 10. A compression screw assembly 24 serves to operably secure the guide member to the anchor such that the bone portions secured to each are maintained in compressive relationship relative to each other. COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT


The Dempster–Shafer theory for data fusion and mining in support of advanced traffic management is introduced and tested. Dempste–Shafer inference is a statistically based classification technique that can be applied to detect traffic events that affect normal traffic operations. It is useful when data or information sources contribute partial information about a scenario, and no single source provides a high probability of identifying the event responsible for the received information. The technique captures and combines whatever information is available from the data sources. Dempster's rule is applied to determine the most probable event—as that with the largest probability based on the information obtained from all contributing sources. The Dempster–Shafer theory is explained and its implementation described through numerical examples. Field testing of the data fusion technique demonstrated its effectiveness when the probability masses, which quantify the likelihood of the postulated events for the scenario, reflect current traffic and weather conditions.


This report presents selected estimates for 1982 of diagnosis-related groups (DRG) based on data from the Na tional Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS). A similar report as been published for 1981.1 The current plan is to publish orts on DRGs regularly because they determine the reim rsement rates of Medicare inpatients, about 30 percent of all discharges from shofi-stay non-Federal hospitals.z Developed at the Yale School of Organization and Man agement, DRG's are being used by the Health Care Financing Administration, some States, and some third party payers to reimburse hospitals for inpatient care on a prospective basis.3 This approach to health care reimbursement operates on the principle that patients with similar medical conditions should receive similar care and use approximately the same amount of resources; therefore, in general a hospital should be reimbursed the same amount for each patient in a DRG. While there is variation h resource consumption among individuals within a DRG, these are expected to balance across all patients. DRG's were developed under the guiding principle that "The primary objective in the construction of DRGs was a definition of case type, each of which could be expected to receive similar outputs or services from a hospital."4 Their formulation was accomplished using clinical judgment and statistical procedures that classifi patients by measuring resource utilization. The first step in this process was to cluster the universe of medical diagnoses into broad, mutually exclu sive categories. These groups were formed to be consistent in their anatomical or physiopathological classification, or in a manner in which they are clinically managed. Once these ajor diagnostic groups were formed, an interactive statistical gram (AUTOGROUP4) was used to fimther classify each ajor group into discrete DRG's. This process incorporated patient information regarding diagnoses (primary and secondary), procedures, sex, and age to explain maximally a patient's length of stay. In all, there currently are 470 DRG's. Prospective reimbursement was authorized under the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act of 1983. Under this act hospitals participating in the Medicare program were brought into this system beginning with their fiscal year as of October 1, 1983. The Health Care Financing Administration, which operates the Medicare program, is allowing several years for hospitals to make a transition to prospective reimbursement by adjusting DRG payments based on certain hospital character istics and geographic location. At the end of this phase-in period, care provided to a Medicare inpatient will translate into a preestablished payment based solely on the patient's DRG. There is an important issue related to the NHDS and the implementation of this prospective reimbursement system how this system may affect the selection of a patient's principal di agnosis andlor comorbidities. Because the NHDS is designed to collect data on the morbidity of the hospital inpatient popula tion, any external influence on diagnostic practices may affect NHDS data. For example, two patients admitted to a hospital for treatment of chest pain-one diagnosed as having chest pain and the other diagnosed as having angina-will be placed into different DRG's and have different reimbursement rates. There is speculation that in cases such as this prospective rehn bursement may influence the selection of a diagnosis,3 which in turn may affect estimates produced ffom the NHDS. After prospective payment has been in place for a few years, it may be possible to examine trends in NHDS data and determine the magnitude, if any, of this type of effect. The statistics in this report are based on data collected by means of the NHDS, a continuous survey conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics since 1965. Data for this survey are sampled from shofi-stay non-Federal general and specialty hospitals in the 50 States and the District of Columbia. The sample for 1982 contained approximately 214,000 medical


Legislators around the world are grappling with the question of whether or not the criminal law should be deployed in order to punish HIV transmission that is the result of voluntary sexual encounters between competent, consenting adults. A few years ago, when I was working in South Africa, that country's Law Reform Commission proposed to declare HIV transmissions that are the result of voluntary sexual encounters among competent consenting adults a criminal offence that ought to fall under the category of rape (Schüklenk, 2003). Rape and voluntariness do not go too well together, so – not being a lawyer – I was surprised about the seemingly otherworldly machinations of legal minds in the context of HIV/AIDS. Matthew Weait points out in his book Intimacy and Responsibility: The Criminalisation of HIV Transmission that many liberal democracies have made HIV transmission a criminal offence, among these Canada, Sweden, Germany, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, the UK and many others. In most countries, HIV infected people who demonstrably knew about their infection have been successfully prosecuted for transmitting HIV to their sexual partners.


*Short note 1Senior Scientist (e mail:nandikesh @yahoo.com), Agricultural Entomology, 2Director (e mail:firstname.lastname@example.com) Citrus spp are attacked by more than 250 insects in India (Srivastava and Butani 1999) right from nursery to harvesting stage. However, the major insect pests are citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby) (Hemiptera : Aleurodidae), psylla Diaphoriana citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera : Psyllidae) and leaf-miner, (Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton) (Lepidoptera : Gracillaridae). Among the various strategies adopted to combat these pests, use of biorational insecticides fits well in to the umbrella of bio-intensive integrated pest management in citrus. On these lines, Rao et al. 2008, Rao and Shivankar, 2011 reported that the choicest bio-rational insecticides in their order of toxicity to blackfly are abamectin > spinosad > novaluron ; to psylla : spinosad > abamectin > novaluron and to leaf miner : abamectin > spinosad > novaluron > Bt which have LD50 values less than dimethoate. Further, extracts of greater galangal [Alpinia galanga (L.) Willd], sweet flag (Acorus calamus L.), safed kanher (Nerium odorum Soland), nirgundi (Vitex negundo L.) and neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) @ 1% were reported effective against nymphs of citrus psylla (NRCC 2002). Among the predominant bioagents of citrus insect pests, a chrysopid predator (Mallada boninensis) Okamoto (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) is found in abundance (3.5 predators/tree) feeding on several soft bodied insect pests of citrus like blackfly, psylla, leaf miner, aphids, mealy bugs, etc. Similarly, Serangium parcesetosum Sicard (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) also found to feed on nymphs of citrus blackfly. The bioagents, M. boninensis and S. parcesetosum are more active in ambia season (spring flush) in citrus orchards of central India (Shivankar et al. 2002). Some studies on selectivity of few biopesticides against M. boninesis were conducted earlier at National Research Centre for Citrus, Nagpur, which showed encouraging results. However, detailed studies on the selectivity of bio-rational insecticides against the chrysopid (M. boninensis) and


Abstract : Directed energy concepts can play unique roles in strategic defense because of their reaction time, speed of light engagement, and large geographic coverage. This report discusses the main directed energy concepts, engagements in which they could have significant leverage, and their expected performance in them. It covers both boost phase engagements and midcourse applications, and contrasts these results with those of earlier analyses.


This paper begins with the analysis of morphemes of modern Chinese,and compares with the counterpart in Old Chinese,and makes out the semantic change in which the monosyllable nouns transformed into the morphemes,and then concludes the semantic features of morphemization.By synchronical and diachronical comparison,it generalizes the characteristics on the diachronical evolution of morphemization of monosyllable nouns.It is found that those frequently used artificial objects of nouns closely associated with social life are more easily to be morphemized.


Introduction: Distal Radial Fractures (DRF) are one of the most common fractures in the world, and both Pinning with cast or supplementary external fixation and internal fixation especially plating were widely used. We asked (1) does plating shows superior to pinning in functional recovery, clinical outcomes and complication rate; (2) does supplementary external fixation help improve the outcomes of pinning. Methods: Pub Med, EMBASE, Ovid, Scopus and ISI Web of Science were searched, using the search strategy of "(distal radial fractures OR distal radius fractures OR colles fractures OR smith fractures OR wrist injuries) and (plate OR plating) and (pinning OR pins)". All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing functional recovery, clinical outcomes, radiological measurement and complications between pinning and plating for DRF were identified. Result: ten of 5287 literatures with 601 patients were included. Plating showed better functional recovery at 3 (P< 0.0001), 6 (P< 0.0001) and 12 (P= 0.0002) months. Cast showed superiority compared with external fixation in DASH score at 12 months (p= 0.05). Plating showed lower infection rate (P= 0.0001), but higher secondary surgical rate (P= 0.0004) and longer operation time (P< 0.00001). Pinning showed a better result in ulnar variance (P= 0.01). We found significant difference in grip strength at 3 months in favor of plate (P< 0.0001), but the opposite result at 12 months (P< 0.00001). Plating showed better result in extension, flexion, supination, ulnar deviation at 3 months (P< 0.05), but worse result in extension and ulnar deviation at 6 and 12 months and flexion at 12 months (P< 0.05). Conclusions: With better functional recovery and lower infection rate, open reduction and internal fixation with locking plate is preferential to closed reduction and pinning fixation. Cast is preferred as the supplementary fixation for pinning if there is no need for supplementary external fixation. However, more RCTs with high quality are needed to prove our conclusion.


In savannah regions of central Africa, farming and herding communities cohabit in the same small areas.The sedentarisation of both communities, which are used to extensive land management practices has led them to integrate the two activities.This integration, which is encouraged and supported by the Administration and Development, does not necessarily mean an integration of both territories and communities. An analysis of land management in local territories through benchmark sites in Chad, CAR and Cameroon, enables us to discuss the conditions and processes of territorial integration between farming and livestock breeding when the two activities are still performed by two distinct communities.The strongest integration is observed when a herding camp has been settled near a farming village, on the basis of good and longstanding relations, and when local rules of land management are established and accepted by each community. The worst integration is observed when institutional agents have tried to organise activities spatially according to external rules. The territorial dimension appears to be determinant in the farming-livestock breeding integration process in the central African savannah.


Patient oriented tracing methods which emerged in international hospital appraisal in current years was introduced to appraise nosocomial infection management.The basic principle and characters of tracing method,tracing content in nosocomial infection,tracing appraisal on standard operation process of nosocomial infection and its index system and the meanings of appraising nosocomial infection management by tracing method were introduced and discussed.


e. The formalism of wireless power transmission is discussed coupled mode theory can be used to describe the resonance process. According to the changing process of input impedance and input current to describe the demarcate of resonant frequency. also demonstrate that loop circuits have an important effect of the resonant magnetic field distribution.


The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the Chinese destination of Hainan, with background in a globalizing tourism destination development, for tourism from Finland and Sweden. The qu ...


This is the 17th edition of a handbook first published in 1885 and written for doctors working mostly in private schools. It retains the traditional sections that have been useful to past generations of school doctors (myself included) on travel advice, the incubation and exclusion periods of communicable diseases and comments on immunizations. The chapters on contractual and administrative arrangements for school doctors are also helpful. It is a shame that an immunization summary published in 1992 does not mention HIb vaccine, nor any of the newer typhoid vaccines for travellers. The section on meningococcal meningitis is incorrect. Since 1988, doctors have been advised to give parenteral penicillin to all suspected cases of meningococcal meningitis prior to urgent admission to hospital. Details about prophylaxis in schools and definitions of those at risk of secondary infection would be more useful in a handbook than comments on hospital management. However, it is in the coverage of more modern conditions that this book shows its age. Health promotion in schools is not limited to the teaching of first aid. Sex education must cover advice on safer sexual practices including the use ofcondoms. Bullying in schools is more common and serious than the short section in the book implies. Depression and suicide are tragic causes of mortality in adolescents. Suspected child abuse is difficult to manage, complicated by the legal implications and requires sensitive and skilled handling. I winced at the avuncular statement 'school doctors are often able to "winkle out" the truth'.


Accurate wavefront aberration measurement are essential for next-generation Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) Lithography. During the past years several accurate interferometric techniques have been developed, but these techniques have limitation. In this work we discuss a different technique based on the Hartmann Wavefront Sensor that requires no interferometry. We present a mathematical model of this system and describe our experimental setup which demonstrates the feasibility and advantages in terms of dynamic range and accuracy compared to interferometric techniques.


The paper introduces a new approach to teaching public computer, i.e., MOOC-based modular teaching so as to enable the teachers to focus on the typical information technical knowhow related to each specialty.


Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is an annual cereal crop that belongs to the grass family Poaceae of the tribe Triticeae. Due to the establishment and production capacity of malt and beer factories in Ethiopia, malt barley production demand increased from time to time. Eight released malt barley varieties were evaluated in four environments in Wag-himra and Lasta districts in the main production season for two years (2016 and 2017). *e objective of the trial was to identify a high yielder and standard-quality malting barley variety for production. *e trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design with three replications on a plot size of 1.2m width with that of 2.5m length. *e results revealed that there was a highly significant difference in grain yield and quality traits (p< 0.05). *e kernel protein and starch content of the varieties ranged from 9.85 to 11 and 63–65%. *e thousand kernel weight of the varieties was in the range of 32.5 to 46.4 g. EH1847 (3340 kg ha), IBON174/03 (3351 kg ha), and Bahati (3220 kg ha) were the first three best performing high yielder and best varieties that fulfilled quality parameter requirements set by the National Standard Authority for malting barley.*erefore, these varieties are recommended for production in theWag-himra and Lasta agroecologies for their high yield, kernel size, and kernel protein content. Further study is required on agronomic practices and brewing quality attributes in malt barley.


This report consists of Poster session abstracts to be presented at the 1998 International Symposium on Symbolic and Algebraic Computation (ISSAC), which will be held at the University of Rostock, Germany. The Poster Sessions are an ideal informal venue for presenting recent research results or ongoing research projects that might not yet be complete, but whose preliminary results are promising nonetheless. The Poster sessions serve to complement the formal ISSAC'98 conference proceedings, and the publication of Poster abstracts are highly beneficial in informing ISSAC'98 attendees and other research scientists of up-to-date developments in the computer algebra field. In order to encourage poster submissions of high quality, the abstracts previously submitted for presentation underwent a committee review process and a certificate of recognition for the outstanding poster will be awarded. Posters will be judged based on content as well as presentation.


A distinct feature of the early Cambrian skeletal fauna is the wide occurrence of disarticulated sclerite fossils,many of which are so far unknown with their scleritomes and zoological affinities.The nail-shaped fossils,including zhijinitids and cambroclavids,have a common form of a base and projecting spine and are a characteristic group among the enigmatic sclerites.Zhijinitid sclerites have an approximately circular base and a long dorsal spine,and possibly occur as isolated hard parts on the zhijinitid animals.Cambroclavid sclerites usually have a variable elongate base and a spine at the anterior end.Discovery of fused sclerites and articulatory facets on sclerites implies that the cambroclavid scleritome could form interlocking arrays(Conway Morris,1997).Although zhijinitids and cambroclavids are usually assigned to the family Zhijinitidae on the basis of morphological similarities of their sclerites,biological affinities and their relations are so far unresolved.Without soft-bodied preservation,it is rather difficult to evaluate the function of these sclerites bearing on their biological affinities.It could not exclude that morphological similarities of the sclerites may be due to convergence.The nail-shaped sclerites described in this paper were collected from the Xihaoping Member at the Sanzuoan section,Fangxian County,Hubei Province.Systematically,two species,including Parazhijinites guizhouensis and Cambroclavus fangxianensis,are described in detail.Parazhijinites guizhouensis comes from the basal part of the Xihaoping Member,co-occurring fossils including Neogloborilus spinatus,Hyolithellus cf.micans,Archaeospira ornata,Allonnia erromenosa,Archiasterella pentactina,Chancelloria sp.,Halkeria sp.,etc.This assemblage indicates the basal part may be of the late Meishucunian in age.While the major part of the Xihaoping Member is of the Qiongzhusian in age for the occurrence of C.fangxianensis,Ninella,Microdictyon and linguloid brachiopods.C.fangxianensis shows extensive morphological variability and three types of sclerites are recognized.Type Ⅰ has the typical morphology of a dumb-bell base and a spine projecting from the anterior end.Type Ⅱ and Type Ⅲ sclerites lack projecting spines,but they show distinctive variability in base form.


Although Puritanism is not Hawthorne's religious belief,it bears a longstanding and deep influence on his literature because Puritanism is Hawthorne's theoretical weapon to understand human beings and society.The Scarlet Letter is just a warning book which Hawthorne contributes to his contemporaries.In this novel,Hawthorne views the inchoate American dream and the early-stage booming of economy in America through the perspective of Puritanism,and comes up with a warning that the rebirth of human being does not follow the social development.Hawthorne believes that human beings are naturally evil and all people have a scarlet letter at their bosom,but his contemporaries have forgotten their scarlet letter and are facing a danger of another fall,so he points out that the only possibility of salvation lies in the brave deeds to re-put on the scarlet letter,to acknowledge the sin,to face the evil and to take up the obligations.


Cobaltous chloride (CoCl2) caused very marked decreases of cytochrome P-450, b5 and total heme contents and an increase of heme oxygenase activity. On the contrary, phenobarbital (PB) increased hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes, but the total heme content remained unchanged. On the other hand, amitriptyline (AMT) caused a marked increase of delta-aminolevulinic acid (delta-ALA) synthetase activity at 12 and 24 hr. In addition, the contents of total heme and cytochrome b5 and the activities of aminopyrine (AM) N-demethylase and aniline (AN) hydroxylase at 24 hr were also increased by AMT, whereas cytochrome P-450 content did not change. This may be explained by the fact that AMT would increase hepatic heme synthesis through the prolonged induction of delta-ALA synthetase, but it may not cause an increase in cytochrome P-450 heme because there are increases in the contents of cytochrome b5 and total heme.


Usually, a meta-paper brings guidelines to help writing a scientific text for a given conference or over a specific research subject. This one is a more general style guide, and illustrates the process of elegantly writing a paper in order to efficiently present research results to the scientific community. Although this guide is targeted at students inexperienced in scientific writing, any researcher can use it as a reference when writing papers or other type of scientific work such as dissertations, thesis and tech reports.


This paper presents a 200 nA quiescent current, 4.8 MHz Fsw, all N-FINFET power stage buck converter with passive ramp (PSR) on-off-time control for a modern mobile silicon-on-chip (SoC). During DCM, only the main comparator is alive to maximize the light-load efficiency. An N-FinFET power stage with co-package designed debounce circuitry and bootstrap circuit performs a 35 mOhm Rdson with all trace resistance. As a result, the efficiency > 90% range is from $1\ \mu\mathrm{A}$ to 2 A. The proposed passive ramp constant-on-off time controller achieves a 23 mV/17 mV undershoot/overshoot voltage with 800 ns settling time with a $1\ \mu\mathrm{A}$ to 500 mA loading step.


(57) Abstract: explosive products houses, blast resistance and blast guide container to minimize and prevent damage during the explosion, as well as door and enclosure. The container has a band at least three materials are assembled, these bands, so as to form a wall of the container having a total thickness equal to the thickness of at least two bands surround a predetermined volume having a predetermined orientation with respect to each other. Container, especially weight is used as cargo holders in the aircraft is important, also have applications as conveying means dangerous substances such as ammunition and explosives, e.g., bombs and grenades.


We carried out a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study to examine the therapeutic effect of UVA‐1 irradiation on dyshidrotic hand eczema. Twenty‐eight patients were randomised to receive UVA‐1 irradiation (40 J/cm2) or placebo, five times a week for 3 weeks. Evaluated by the DASI and the VAS, UVA‐1 was significantly more effective after 2 and 3 weeks. Also, desquamation and area of affected skin improved significantly more after UVA‐1. We did not find any difference regarding the response of patients with increased IgE blood levels (> 100 IU/mL) compared with those having normal IgE levels. No side effects were observed. This study indicates that UVA‐1 can cause a significant improvement of both objective and subjective signs of dyshidrotic eczema.


The article examines the system of corporate governance in Japan as a phenomenon stemming from the synthesis of ethics, aesthetics and religion. Our methodological approach, based on a comprehensive study of the philosophical foundations of the Japanese structure of corporate management, helped us trace the inextricable link between the religious and philosophical interpretations of power, principles of tolerance, traditional social concepts and speech etiquette. Our study focuses on the uniqueness of the original Japanese interpretation of authority, deeply rooted in Shinto and Confucian thought. Japanese style of corporate governance strongly emphasizes not only the order of subordination, but also absolute harmony of co-being at all stages of life.  The principle of 'wa' (harmony) should be interpreted through the concepts of 'ittaikan' (feeling of unity), 'oyakokankei' (parent-child relations) and 'amae' (feeling of dependence). Governance in Japan is seen as an art endowed with a rich variety of expressive forms. Among them are the decision-making technique known as 'nemawashi' (going around the root), the 'settoku' (a persuasion-based communication style), and the 'ishindenshin' (communication 'from heart to heart'). The article also traces the deep two-way correlation between the philosophy of tolerance and the art of governance in Japanese tradition, with a special focus on the social and philosophical concepts underpinning the hierarchical structure of Japanese society. In contemporary Japan, the abovementioned traditional concepts go beyond pure theory, shaping the mechanism of governance on all levels — from small groups to large enterprises, companies and the state in general. The hierarchical structure of Japanese governance can thus be presented as a holistic entity, revealing a specific ontology; a worldview, as well as the mechanism of management which helps the economy sustain a high rate of development.


This paper describes a simple, small-scale milling process to produce coarse and fine fractions from a selection of oat cultivars and reports their concentrations of β-glucan and starch


The current Italian electoral law, passed in 2005, has been criticised on the basis that it is likely to produce an unstable government, with different parties in control of the two chambers of the Italian parliament. Massimo Bordignon and Andrea Monticini assess the effects of electoral reforms by studying a previous change to the Italian electoral system: the partial adoption of 'first past the post' voting in 1993. They write that while the reform was aimed at making governments more stable, and reducing the number of smaller parties, the new system largely had the opposite effect. It is important to recognise that the reality of electoral reform can often be very different from its original intention.


Green synthesis of nanoparticles is crucial to effectively reduce the risk to the environment by eradicating hazardous components that are harmful to human health. The broad complications such as aggregation and oxidation of nanoparticles will potentially limit their usage. Gum Arabic (GA) has attained decent attention due to less toxicity and bio-compatibility with metals. Gold-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) have several applications in diagnosing cancer, targeted delivery of drugs and in cancer treatment. This project is conducted by synthesizing Au-NPs in GA solution via pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique at varied laser fluences. A Q-switched Nd:YAG laser with wavelength of 1064 nm was focused using a lens with a focal length of 80 mm to ablate a gold plate immersed in GA solution. Four different laser fluences were tested. The laser fluences were 0.203, 0.214, 0.250 and 0.272 J. The Au-NPs synthesized in the GA solution were then characterized using photoluminescene (PL) and UV-Visible double beam spectrometer (UV-Vis). The highest laser fluence has shown the highest intensity while the wavelength of all peaks is the same indicating the same nanomaterials being synthesized in each sample. The UV-Vis spectra indicated that the absorbance increases as the holding time is prolonged. It is believed that the formation of Au-NPs is a nucleating process and followed by a growing process.


---------------------------------------------------------------------- ABSTRACT -----------------------------------------------------------The text topic analysis is the core element of the comprehensive review of clothing products, which can directly understand the views and consumption trends of consumer groups, taking a brand clothing store in JD.com as the research object, by using Python crawler and HANLP natural language processing technology, seven of the top-selling fashion reviews were classified and analyzed. Word frequency statistics, TF-IDF and other methods were used to quantify the text, this paper uses the visualization techniques such as word cloud graph contrast, pyLDAvis dynamic model and Sankey graph to display customers ' attention points and real shopping needs from various angles. The experimental results show that the visual results of online review research based on the theme model of Lda can clearly show the advantages and disadvantages of customer-centered evaluation and clothing, and provide important reference for merchants to improve decision-making and optimize service.


In this paper, we propose novel approaches using state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, aiming at predicting energy demand for electric vehicle (EV) networks. These methods can learn and find the correlation of complex hidden features to improve the prediction accuracy. First, we propose an energy demand learning (EDL)-based prediction solution in which a charging station provider (CSP) gathers information from all charging stations (CSs) and then performs the EDL algorithm to predict the energy demand for the considered area. However, this approach requires frequent data sharing between the CSs and the CSP, thereby driving communication overhead and privacy issues for the EVs and CSs. To address this problem, we propose a federated energy demand learning (FEDL) approach which allows the CSs sharing their information without revealing real datasets. Specifically, the CSs only need to send their trained models to the CSP for processing. In this case, we can significantly reduce the communication overhead and effectively protect data privacy for the EV users. To further improve the effectiveness of the FEDL, we then introduce a novel clustering- based EDL approach for EV networks by grouping the CSs into clusters before applying the EDL algorithms. Through experimental results, we show that our proposed approaches can improve the accuracy of energy demand prediction up to 24.63% and decrease communication overhead by 83.4% compared with other baseline machine learning algorithms.


Abstract Predicting load-carrying capacity of timber beams with holes requires a model capable of accounting for the microscopic material behaviour that influences crack initiation and propagation. The complex stress distribution around the periphery of a hole causes additional tension perpendicular to grain stresses, which can change the failure mode of the beam. This situation can also be affected with a change of hole location within the beam depth because stress intensity factor will be increased by tensile stresses and decreased by compressive stresses. This is not an unlikely situation as services often have to pass through beams at different depths. This paper investigates the effect of changing the hole location through the depth of laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beams utilising an experimental and numerical investigation. Experimental tests to failure of LVL beams and numerical simulations using finite element methods show that for a hole eccentricity of less than 20% of the beam depth, the load-carrying capacity of the beam does not change significantly. For uniformly distributed loading, a linearly decreasing stress intensity factor from the support to mid-span is exhibited, showing an increase in load-carrying capacity as the opening approached mid-span.


The aim of the paper is to discuss the new sequential and cumulative approaches of location process based on non-market interactions. We distinguish between the role played by network externalities and the one played by information externalities in order to distinguish locational clusters and locational cascade which respectively explain the Silicon Valley and the Silicon Sentier emergence. We conclude on the necessity to extend the topic to the stability properties of these two kinds of agglomeration structures. Classification JEL : D83, L63, L86, R11, R12.


Economic load dispatch (ELD) is an operational planning of a power generation system whereby the demand load is optimally distributed among the generation units such that the total generation cost is minimized. This paper presents a new hybrid technique, Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) combined with Ant Colony Optimization (ACO), to solve the ELD problem. The results of simulated test run of the technique for optimum distribution of load in 6-generator systems while minimizing transmission loss have been reported in this paper. The results obtained using PSO-ACO are found to be encouraging when compared with that produced by other hybrid methods under similar test condition.


A requirement for efficient pulsed laser propulsion from ground to LEO is the achievement of a specific impulse of up to 800 s at a jet efficiency of at least 50%. With CO2 laser radiation at pulse lengths in the range of 10 microseconds and polymers as propellant these numbers cannot be attained by classical laser ablation because the impulse formation by laser ablation is limited by the premature absorption of the incident laser radiation in the initially produced cloud of ablation products1,2. The power fraction of a CO2 laser pulse transmitted through a small hole in a POM sample has been compared with the incident power. It was found that the transmitted power fraction is directly proportional to the inverse of the pulse energy. The plasma formation in vacuum and in air of 3500 Pa and the spread of the shock wave with velocities of 1.6 to 2.4 km/s in the low pressure air was observed by Schlieren photography. A sharp edged dark zone with a maximum extension of 10 to 12 mm away from the target surface develops within 5 μs independently of the pressure and is assumed to be a plasma. In order to find out, if this is also the zone where the majority of the incident laser radiation is absorbed, a CO2 probe laser beam was directed through the expansion cloud parallel to and at various distances from the sample surface. The front of the absorption zone is found to move rapidly away from the target surface with increasing speed. The absorption lasts twice as long as the laser pulse. It is not associated with a pressure rise that would increase the mechanical impulse. The radial motion of the absorption wave turned out to be faster than the shock wave seen in the Schlieren pictures.


This paper will present the sustainability assessment of an affordable residential building block using the SBTool – H approach. This building block resulted from a cooperative housing project that fulfils some of the priorities of high-performance and low environmental impact buildings and is internationally recognised as a good example of a sustainable project. The aim of this study is to verify the usefulness of the SBTool approach in promoting sustainable buildings that have lower life-cycle costs when compared to conventional ones. Chapter 5: Monitoring and evaluation


Parergon 23.1 (2006) Finally, Fiona Tolhurst and K. S. Whetter argue unrelated grounds against classifying the Morte Darthur as pure romance, as approved on occasion by leading critics like Field, Derek Pearsall and Larry D. Benson. Tolhurst prefers 'romantic tragedy' while Whetter supports 'epicor tragic-romance'. In further defending D. S. Brewer's belief that the Morte possesses 'cohesion', Tolhurst finds that in 'The Tale of Sir Tristram' ladies as well as knights help to create this quality. In parallel, Whetter challenges prevailing views of Balyn as a 'demonic double', villain, or 'anti-knight', by pointing to Malory's identification of him as being 'withoute velony other trechory' (151). Whetter proceeds to substitute a reading of Balyn as a tragic or epic hero, defined as one who acts with the best of intentions but whose actions create suffering in an uncertain world. Thus he sees Balyn's fate as foreshadowing the whole tragedy of the Round Table. The preceding summaries do not do justice to the insights that Re-Viewing Le Morte Darthur offers, but I hope they are enough to show that the collection does indeed represent a significant advance in Malory studies. In addition to opening up new textual knowledge, the contributing authors challenge assumed wisdom on issues of editing, genre and characterization. In fact this volume extends the valuable contribution that the series continues to make to the study of the Morte Darthur and other Arthurian works in their medieval and modern contexts. Cheryl Taylor School of Humanities James Cook University


Background: The occurrence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Seberang Padang health center has increased every year. The role of coeval friends and family is one of the factors that influence HIV prevalence. This study aims to discover the role of peers and family with HIV occurrence in the area of the Seberang Padang health center.Methods: This type of research is observational analytic with case control study design. Time of study in October 2017. The population were all of HIV cases at Seberang Padang Health Center, 41 cases with a sample of 16 cases and 16 controls. Data collection uses a questionnaire. Univariate analysis using descriptive statistical method in the form of frequency distribution and percentage while bivariate with α 0.05 chi square test.Results: More than half (78.6%) of respondents have a poor peer role, more than half (71.4%) respondents have a poor family role. There was a relationship between the role of peers and the role of the family with HIV. People with poor family roles are 15 times at risk for HIV incidence and 9 times at risk if they have a poor peer roles.Conclusions: Peers and family have an important role in shaping a person's behavior, thus increasing the risk of suffering from HIV. Seberang Padang Puskesmas officers are advised to educate families to always act as the most active group to remind respondents to maintain health and keep away from anything that can damage their health and avoid HIV.


We describe multi-parameter continuation methods combined with spectral collocation methods for computing numerical solutions of rotating two-component Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs), which are governed by the Gross–Pitaevskii equations (GPEs). Various types of orthogonal polynomials are used as the basis functions for the trial function space. A novel multi-parameter/multiscale continuation algorithm is proposed for computing the solutions of the governing GPEs, where the chemical potential of each component and angular velocity are treated as the continuation parameters simultaneously. The proposed algorithm can effectively compute numerical solutions with abundant physical phenomena. Numerical results on rotating two-component BECs are reported.


This study was performed to evaluate Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) noise prediction and barrier design model 77-108, used by the California Department of Transportation. Barrier costs and community attitudes to barriers were also studied. Nine microphones were positioned at various heights and distances behind the barrier location before and after the barrier was constructed. One microphone was positioned 5 ft above the barrier to serve as a control. Sound levels were measured before and after the barrier was constructed at seven locations. Two sets of measurements were obtained at four locations where the barrier was already constructed: one measurement behind and one measurement adjacent to the barrier. Traffic was counted simultaneously during the measurement periods. The data indicate that the FHWA model predicts about 3 dB(A) higher than field-measured sound levels. However, current practice is to make field measurements and adjust the model where barriers are constructed on existing freeways. The barrier design part of the model predicts about 1 dB(A) higher than field-measured levels after the prediction part of the model is adjusted. Questionnaires were used to collect information on community attitudes toward barriers. The data indicate that the residences that received the most insertion loss from barriers were the most satisfied. Although most residents were satisfied with the barriers, many adverse comments were received from individuals who were concerned about view, aesthetics, and cost. Cost per residence per dB(A) ranged from $626 to $2085. Variables such as length, height, location of barrier, and other work such as landscaping and irrigation systems affected the cost.


Abstract As increasing numbers of students from diverse cultures are entering schools, educators need to include diversity in their teaching to promote diverse perspectives and help students become global citizens. The author offers tips for elementary teachers on using multicultural children's literature in their classrooms. Teachers are encouraged to model positive attitudes toward diversity, select high-quality multicultural children's books, plan effective instruction, use the books across the curriculum, and partner with the community.


Adaptive control design is studied for a class of robotic turntable servo systems with friction dynamics. A newly developed continuously differentiable friction model is utilized, where the explicit model parameters are incorporated into the neural network weights adaptation. To further enhance the adaptation convergence and to reduce the tracking error, a velocity predictor is proposed to develop a composite adaptation law combining the tracking error and the predictor error. Stability analysis and bounds for both errors are guaranteed, and extensive experimental investigations are performed on a two-axis robotic turntable to assess the advantages and the achievable control performance of the proposed schemes.


The mechanism of corrosion inhibition of AA2024-T3 by sodium molybdate was investigated using various electrochemical, microscopic and spectroscopic techniques. Polarization curves in naturally-aerated solution showed that molybdate provided mixed inhibition in near-neutral pH solution and at a threshold concentration of 0.1 M. The largest effect was a 250 mV increase in the breakdown potential associated with pitting and a 350 mV decrease in the open-circuit potential (OCP). In addition, electrochemical impedance indicated that the corrosion inhibition mechanism is oxygen-dependent owing to the protection afforded by Mo(VI) species. It is proposed that the corrosion inhibition of AA2024-T3 by molybdate may occur following a two-step process whereby molybdate is rapidly reduced to MoO · (OH)2 over the intermetallic particles and is subsequently oxidized to intermediate molybdenum oxides (e.g. Mo4O11) in the presence of oxygen. © The Author(s) 2013. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives 4.0 License (CC BY-NC-ND, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial reuse, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is not changed in any way and is properly cited. For permission for commercial reuse, please email: firstname.lastname@example.com. [DOI: 10.1149/2.044403jes] All rights reserved.


Abstract We study the problem of computing the maximal and minimal possible eigenvalues of a symmetric matrix when the matrix entries vary within compact intervals. In particular, we focus on computational complexity of determining these extremal eigenvalues with some approximation error. Besides the classical absolute and relative approximation errors, which turn out not to be suitable for this problem, we adapt a less known one related to the relative error, and also propose a novel approximation error. We show in which error factors the problem is polynomially solvable and in which factors it becomes NP-hard.


Anion modification and trace metal doping have been widely demonstrated to have unique advantages in regulating both electrocatalytic activity and the electronic structure of non-precious metal materials. Developing a simple and practical preparation strategy is critical, but it still faces challenges. In this paper, a novel type of dual-modification approach is put forward to rationally design the S, Pt-CoNi material, which can be grown directly on the nickel foam (NF) in a one-step electrodeposition process. The multiple advantages of having plenty of active sites, high conductivity, and a faster charge transfer endow the optimized reaction kinetic for HER. The prepared S, Pt-CoNi/NF catalyst displays excellent catalytic performance, and a low overpotential of 116 mV at 50 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 75 mV dec−1 are achieved. The coupled S, Pt-CoNi/NF||FeOOH/NF electrolyzer delivers a high current density of 100 mA cm−2 at the potential of 1.61 V as well as superior stability under alkaline conditions. Our work experimentally confirms the feasibility of constructing a dual-regulation strategy via one-step electrodeposition, and it also provides ideas for the controllable design of other high-performance electrodes for electrocatalysis.


To enlarge the reception area in millimeter-wave short range communication, the introduction of large waveguide slot array is under investigation. As an initial approach, the electric field intensity in the neighborhood of a uniformly distributed aperture source is examined. The wide and stable reception area is provided by the larger aperture antenna regardless of the reflected waves. Circularly-polarized waveguide slot antennas with different element numbers are designed at 60.5 GHz, are ready to be fabricated for further investigation.


The risk of seawater intrusion and susceptibility to natural hazard is important for the development of coastal regions of China. Based on the method of TOPSIS and 12 indicators, the development vulnerability of seawater intrusion coastal regions in China is studied taking Weihai City as the case. The results show that the development vulnerability of study area are classified into 5 types: extreme and low vulnerability areas that are high risk region of seawater intrusion hazard and cover an area of 27.73% of total study area, general vulnerability area, low stable area, and stable area. Some new forms of management based on traditional and scientific knowledge must be introduced to solve problems of land-use planning and disaster proof in the coastal regions of China.


Boundary conduction mode (BCM) featuring zero-voltage switching has caught researchers' eyes recently. In single-phase full-bridge inverter with one leg operating in high switching frequency and one leg in line frequency, it is easy to achieve high conversion efficiency for low-power applications. However, severe distortion will be introduced during zero-voltage crossing area due to too low switching frequency around this area, and reactive power generation is not allowed under this modulation scheme due to zero-voltage crossing issue. This article proposes a hybrid BCM strategy for a single-phase full-bridge inverter to both alleviate voltage zero-crossing distortion and enable reactive power generation by reshaping the triangular waveform of inductor current into quadrangle waveform through rearranging the driving signals during voltage zero-crossing area. This alleviates zero-crossing distortion by avoiding too low switching frequency and enables reactive power generation by employing the hybrid BCM around voltage zero-crossing area. High efficiency can be maintained by combining the proposed hybrid BCM employed only for a small portion of zero-crossing area and the conventional BCM for the rest. The principle of operation, theoretical analysis, and simulation results are presented in this article. A 300-W microinverter prototype was built to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed hybrid BCM scheme.


Abstract. Clay rock is a potential host rock for the final disposal of nuclear
waste in deep geological formations. In the scenario of ground water
intrusion into the nuclear waste repository and subsequent corrosion
of canisters and waste, possibly released actinides, such as uranium
(U) and americium (Am), would be transported through the engineered
barrier and clay host rock mainly by diffusion. Actinides are known to
exhibit low solubility and are strongly sorbing under the reducing
conditions of deep geological formations. Diffusion experiments are
therefore difficult to perform due to analytical constraints. To our
knowledge, the diffusion of U in clay rock has not been investigated
below concentrations of 10-7molkg-1 clay (e.g., Joseph et al., 2013) and for Am, no diffusion experiments have been performed in a clay rock, considered suitable as host rock, such as Opalinus clay (OPA). This work aimed at the investigation of the diffusive behavior of U
and Am down to ultra-trace concentrations (≪10-7molkg-1) in OPA. Laboratory-scale diffusion
experiments were conducted with samples of OPA, obtained from the Mont
Terri underground laboratory, Switzerland for up to 240 d. The OPA
samples were placed in contact with synthetic pore water
(I=0.22molL-1, pH=7.24), spiked with
5×10-9molL-1 of 233U and 243Am, respectively. After termination of
the experiment, the OPA samples were segmented into thin layers of
20–400 µm. The obtained clay segments were
analyzed for the 233U and 243Am content with accelerator mass spectrometry. Concentration profiles were determined down to 10-12molkg-1 clay for 233U and
5×10-10molkg-1 clay for 243Am. U showed a typical diffusion profile which can be interpreted by applying Fick's laws, while the Am profile was more complex, requiring further investigation of transport modes. These results will provide relevant insights into the transport behavior of U and Am in OPA over a wide range of concentrations down to ultra-trace levels.


Abstra t| Autonomous robots must be able to learn and maintain models of their environments. This paper introdu es a new approa h, based on the Fuzzy ART neural ar hite ture, for on-line map building from a tual sensor data olle ted with a mobile robot. This method is then integrated, as a omplement, on the parti-game learning approa h, allowing the system to make a more eÆ ient use of olle ted sensor information. Also, a predi tive on-line traje tory ltering method, is introdu ed on the learning approa h. Instead of having a me hanial robot moving to sear h the world, the idea is to have the system analysing traje tories in a predi tive mode, by taking advantage of the improved world model. The real robot will only move to try traje tories that have been predi ted to be su essful, allowing lower exploration osts. This results on an overall new and powerful method for simultaneous and ooperative onstru tion of a world model, and learning to navigate from an initial position to a goal region on an unknown world. It is assumed that the robot knows its own urrent world lo ation, and is able to perform sensor-based obsta le dete tion (not avoidan e), and straight-line motions. Results of experiments with a real Nomad 200 mobile robot will be presented, demonstrating the e e tiveness of the proposed methods.


Turbine blades are driven by hot gases from the combustor. The heat transfer from the hot gases produces substantial thermal load and can affect the performance of the turbine blades. In previous designs, cavities inside the blades were created to pass the coolant. Such cooling designs helped to increase the thermal performance of the blades by taking away the turbine blades' heat. The cooling effect was further enhanced by increasing the turbulence in the flow of coolant. To increase the turbulence in the cavities, various turbulator designs were proposed. However, most of the designs have also introduced wake area while increasing the turbulence. This reduces the heat exchange between the coolant and the blade. The current paper discusses new designs of tabulators for turbine blades that increase the heat transfer rates of the cooling surface by increasing the turbulence of the coolant flow while minimizing the wake area.Copyright © 2015 by ASME


The need of humanity for energy is accompanied by a constant growth trend. In order to reduce the human's impact on the environment, standards have been set up that compel us to use renewable energy sources. A group of students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Split, founded Association for Green Energy (AGE). One of the first projects is construction of Archimedes Screw Testing Station. The project started in 2014. as a student project and it is promoted daily to the desired goal. The main goal of project is realization of small hydropower plant powered by Archimedes screw with its own, fully automated control system, which would have the ability to automatically find the optimum flow rate, inclination, torque and speed of rotation. The Archimedes Screw Testing Station is the first such kind of hydropower plant in Croatia. This test station has enabled the collection of knowledge and practical skills in introducing electricity and power generation, fluid mechanics, automation of plants, renewable energy sources and transmission mechanisms. The pilot project Archimedes Screw Testing Station presented below is designed and manufactured solely by students and with the mentorship of Professor Zoran Milas. The estimated value of this project is EUR 50 000, and the whole project was funded only through donations. This paper describes the challenges and final results of the Archimedes Screw Testing Station.
Key words:


This paper has described the effectiveness of gamma spectral survey in prospecting for uranium deposits within the basin of Hongshan area.Gamma spectral survey data were processed to enhance and extract faint information of uranium deposits.The anomaly features of gamma spectral survey are high and exhibit uranium migration-enrichment centers above shallow uranium deposits and gradient zones from high anomaly to low anomaly above deep uranium deposits.It is therefore concluded that this method is effective in the prognosis of uranium mineralization in the basin.


This document outlines a plan for management of nuisance wildlife at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Nuisance wildlife management includes wildlife population control through hunting, trapping, removal, and habitat manipulation; wildlife damage control; and law enforcement. This plan covers the following subjects: (1) roles and responsibilities of individuals, groups, and agencies; (2) the general protocol for reducing nuisance wildlife problems; and (3) species-specific methodologies for resolving nuisance wildlife management issues for mammals, birds, snakes, and insects. Achievement of the objectives of this plan will be a joint effort between the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA); U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)-Wildlife Services (WS); and ORNL through agreements between TWRA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE); DOE and UT-Battelle, LLC; and UT-Battelle, LLC; and USDA, APHIS-WS.


Design by metaphor is one of the primary activities of designers' conceptualization of new products. Literature suggests metaphor plays an important role in problem solving while theorizing on good metaphors in design is still in its early stages. Focusing on the notions of category dissimilarity, object similarity, and salience imbalance, this paper proposes a framework of metaphorical design based on three hypotheses on good metaphorical designs. The hypotheses are tested by an experiment in which 62 undergraduates of a university rate three groups of stimuli. Results show all the hypotheses are strongly supported. The target and source of good metaphorical designs have the significant category dissimilarity, object similarity, and the salience imbalance of object similarity. Therefore, the framework has potentials to describe and explain the goodness for understanding the metaphorical meaning of products, as well as to develop guidelines for design by metaphor.


Purpose: To evaluate the early surgical outcomes of children with Wilms Tumour at a teaching hospital in Western Kenya. Patients and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among children diagnosed with Wilms tumour at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital over a one-year period. The participants data on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Data on preoperative chemotherapy cycles, staging and predominant histological component, tumour rupture, early postoperative complications, duration of stay in surgical unit and mortality were obtained through chart reviews. Statistical association between patient characteristics and surgical outcomes were done. Results: Thirty children with Wilms tumour were recruited into the study, with a mean age of 3.8 (SD 1.5) years and a female to male ratio of 1.7:1. They all presented with an abdominal mass. The median duration of symptoms was 8 weeks (IQR 4, 12) prior to admission. Over half (53.3%) of the participants received 6 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy while the rest received more. Two thirds of the tumours were on the left side while 53% of all tumours were classified as intermediate risk tumours. The early postoperative complications were intestinal obstruction (6.7%), surgical site infection (3.3%) and tumour rupture (3.3%). Post-operatively, patients stayed an average of 6.5 (SD 1.6) days in the surgical ward. There was a statistically significant association between duration of symptoms and surgical ward stay period (p=.044). There was no correlation between sociodemographic characteristics, clinical staging, and post-operative complications. None of the children died peri-operatively. Conclusions: The Early surgical outcomes were favourable despite late presentation that increased the duration of stay in the surgical ward.


Abstract : The sensing resources represent an important source of information on which the Command & Control (C2) process bases most of its reasoning. Therefore, a major prerequisite to the success of the whole C2 process is the effective use of these scarce and costly resources. This is the problem of sensor management that has to do with how best to manage and coordinate the use of sensing resources to improve data acquisition and ultimately perception and comprehension. Conscious of the important role sensor management has to play in modern C2 systems, the Decision Support Systems (DSS) Section at Defense Research & Development Canada - Valcartier (DRDC-V) is currently studying advanced sensor management concepts and applications, to increase the survivability of the current Halifax and Iroquois Class ships, as well as their possible future upgrades. The objective of the reported part of this study is twofold i) to present the sensor management problem and the requirements for its solution ii) to demonstrate, through a tracking application, the benefits that can be gained by the closed-loop management of the sensors.