ABSTRACT The United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) launched a national "Soil health initiative" in 2012; as a part of that effort, a soil health index (SHI) has been developed. The SHI is calculated using results of three soil tests: 24-h carbon mineralization following rewetting of air-dried soil (Cmin, by the "Solvita" proprietary method) and water-extractable organic carbon (C) and nitrogen (N). These tests are being promoted both as the inputs into the SHI calculation and as predictors of soil N mineralization potential. Soil was collected from 35 California fields in annual crop rotations; 20 fields were under certified organic management and the other 15 under conventional management, to provide a range of soil properties and management effects. Carbon mineralization was determined by the Solvita method, and by a comparison method utilizing head space carbon dioxide (CO2) monitoring by infrared gas analyzer (IRGA); additionally, two soil wetting protocols were compared, capillary wetting (the Solvita method) and wetting to 50% water-filled pore space (WFPS). Both water-extractable C (WEOC) and N (WEON) were determined using NRCS-recommended protocols. Net N mineralization (Nmin) was also determined after a 28-day aerobic incubation at 25°C. Solvita Cmin was highly correlated with the IRGA method using capillary wetting (R2 = 0.81). However, capillary soil wetting resulted in high gravimetric water content that significantly suppressed Cmin compared to the 50% WFPS method. Nmin was correlated with Solvita Cmin (r = 0.54) and with WEOC and WEON (r = 0.62 for each comparison); combining these three measurements into the SHI slightly improved the correlation with Nmin. The organically managed soils scored higher than the conventional soils on the SHI, with a minority of organic soils and the majority of conventional soils scoring below the NRCS target threshold. SHI and soil organic matter were correlated, suggesting an inherent bias that would complicate the application of a national SHI standard.


Under the changing environment, the riverine delivery from the Yellow River has been seen a drastic decrease, which causes a shift of the dominance of the fluvial dynamics in recent years and results in change of dominance of fluvial and coastal dynamics. This study uses an advanced modelling framework to study the impact of river discharge on the tide dynamics in vicinity of the Yellow River Delta (YRD) through the harmonic analysis of the computed tides in the Bohai Sea. The results show that the river discharge has a significant effect on tide dynamics near the YRD, limited influence further afield in the Bohai Sea. The tidal dynamics show a noticeable difference in the deltaic channel and the intertidal zone with a range of river discharges imposed. Qualitatively, out of 29 tidal constituents analysed, the O1, K1 and M2, which are the most significant tidal constituents around active Yellow River channel, are found to be noticeably affected by the river discharge with decreased tidal amplitudes. Some higher frequency tidal constituents are also affected by the river discharge.


Novel Co(Il), Ni(II) and Fe(IlI) complexes oj tetracycline have been synthesized and characterized by vibrational, electronic and HNMR jpec!roscopic Studies. The ligand was found to be bidentate, coordinating through !he oxygen of alcoholic grQup and that of the carboxyl group. Antibacterial screening of the complexes has been made against Bacillus subtilis, Serratia species and Escherichia coli. All the novel complexes showed higher activity than the original tetracycline hydrochloride.


This study proposes a method to estimate the appropriability of renewable energy resources at the global scale, when Earth system boundaries/needs and the human demand for chemical energy are respected. The method is based on an engineering approach, i.e., uncertainties of parameters and models are considered and potentials calculated with 99 % confidence. We used literature data to test our method and provide initial results for global appropriable technical potentials (ATP) that sum up to 71 TW , which is significantly larger than the current global energy demand. Consequently, there is sufficient renewable energy potentially available to increase energy access for a growing world population as well as for a development towards increasingly closed material cycles within the technosphere. Solar energy collected on the built environment ( 29 % ) and in desert areas ( 69 % ) represent the dominant part of this potential, followed in great distance by hydro ( 0.6 % ), terrestrial heat ( 0.4 % ), wind ( 0.35 % ), and biomass ( 0.2 % ). Furthermore, we propose indicators to evaluate an energy mix on different levels, from an energy mix in single products to the mix used by the global economy, against the estimated RE potentials, which allow an evaluation and consideration in the design of sustainable–circular products and systems.


Intermetallic compound formation in Ti/Al alloy and TiN/Al alloy thin-film couples has a strong influence on the electromigration lifetime of Al alloy interconnects used in integrated circuits. The morphologies and types of this compound are investigated for various thin-film couples subjected to different deposition and annealing conditions. The Al alloy/Ti couples were annealed at 390 C for one-half hour in a nitrogen ambient. It was found that the formation of the compound Al{sub 3}Ti is continuous in the case of Al-1 weight percent (w/o) Cu/Ti which also shows a good aluminum crystallographic texture, while such precipitate formation is discontinuous and is restricted to grain boundaries for an Al-1 w/o Cu-1 w/o Si/Ti couple which shows a poor aluminum texture. A corresponding improvement in the electromigration lifetime was observed for the interconnects with the former metallization scheme. Also, in Ti/TiN/Al-1 w/o Cu-1 w/o Si structure, the precipitates were discontinuous and occurred only at the Al alloy grain boundaries. The effect of these compounds and the Al alloy texture on the electromigration lifetime of interconnects is discussed.


We develop a gluing theory in the sense of Kollár for slc surfaces and threefolds in positive characteristic. For surfaces we are able to deal with every positive characteristic p, while for threefolds we assume that p > 5. Along the way we study nodes in characteristic 2 and establish a theory of sources and springs à la Kollár for threefolds. We also give applications to the topology of lc centers on slc threefolds, and to the projectivity of the moduli space of stable surfaces in characteristic p > 5.


Calf spleen purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) is considered a model enzyme for the trimeric PNPs subfamily. PCR amplification of the calf phosphorylase from the calf spleen library, cloning, overexpression of the recombinant PNP, its enzymatic activity and interactions with typical ligands of mammalian wild type PNP are described. Relative activity of the recombinant phosphorylase versus several substrates is similar to the respective values obtained for the enzyme isolated from calf spleen. As for the nonrecombinant calf PNP, the unusual fluorescence properties of the PNP/guanine complex were observed and characterized.


Postpartum depression (PPD) and PPD comorbid with anxiety (PPD-A) are very prevalent and become severe mental health problems in women after childbirth. PPD with and without anxiety shares many similar pathopsychological features leading to ongoing debates about their diagnostic and neurobiological uniqueness. The present work aims to delineate common and disorder-specific neural underpinnings and potential treatment targets for PPD and PPD-A by characterizing functional dynamics with resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. PPD-A showed specifically increased dynamic amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (dALFF) in subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (sgACC) and specifically increased dynamic functional connectivity (dFC) between sgACC and superior temporal sulcus (STS). PPD exhibited specifically increased static FC (sFC) between sgACC and ventral anterior insula. Moreover, the common changes of disrupted sFC between sgACC and middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were found in both PPD and PPD-A patients. Interestingly, the dynamic changes of dFC between sgACC and superior temporal gyrus could differentiate PPD, PPD-A and healthy postnatal women. Taken together, our study presents the initial evidence on specifically abnormal functional dynamics of limbic, emotion regulation, and social cognition systems in the patients with PDD and PPD-A, which provides new insight into the brain dynamic dysfunction of PPD and PPD-A and may facilitate understanding neurophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment for PPD and PPD-A.

Funding: This study was supported by the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (Grant No. 82027808); Shenzhen Key Basic Research Schemes (JCYJ20200109144801736, 2019SHIBS0003); the Sichuan Science and Technology Program (Grant No. 2021YJ0186, 2019YJ0080; 21YYJC2988); the National Key Technology RD Scientific research project of Sichuan health planning committee (Grant No.20PJ078); 1.3.5 Project for disciplines of excellence, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Grant No. 2018HXFH035); and Project of Chengdu Science and Technology Bureau (Grant No. 2019-YF05-00341- SN); and National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (Grant No. Z2018A06).

Declaration of Interest: None to declare.

Ethical Approval: This study was approved by the local ethics committee of West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University and was in accordance with the latest revision of the Declaration of Helsinki.


Nanometer scale single asperity tribochemical wear of silicon nitride was examined by measuring the wear of atomic force microscope tips translated against a variety of substrates in aqueous solutions. We show that the chemical nature of the substrate plays an important role: significant wear was observed only when the substrate surface is populated with appropriate metal-hydroxide bonds. Mica and calcite substrates, whose water-exposed cleavage surfaces lack these bonds, produced little if any tip wear. As a function of contact force FN and scan duration t, the length of the tips in this work decreases approximately as (FNt)0.5. We propose that pressure-induced intermediate states involving hydroxyl groups form on both the tip and the substrate; chemical reactions subsequently form transient bridging chemical bonds that are responsible for tip wear.


Observing the seed distribution seed germination and seeding early growth of Populus euphratica in flood plain,we conclude that the seed germination take place at high temperature and high soil moisture content environment.Water 、temperature and microenvironment effect germination and seeding directly,water is the major factor.One of the best place of seed germination and seeding growth is on the flood plain,flood is essential condition of germination and seeding number increment.


Snake bites are very common in India especially in rural areas. Empty sella syndrome is a relatively uncommon sequela of Russell's viper bite. Here, we describe a case of 22-year-old female who was seriously envenomed by Russell's viper bite at the age of 14 years. Diagnosis of hypopituitarism following Russell's viper bite was significantly delayed. We attribute her empty sella syndrome and hypopituitarism to Russell's viper envenoming.


Intraspecific variability has been characterized within Meloidogyne exigua populations from coffee roots in the Zona da Mata, Minas Gerais State. For evidence of any possible physiological variations within them, ten of such populations were inoculated in a greenhouse experiment on a North Carolina differential host and on plants of five other species reported as M. exigua hosts. This experiment was set up in a completely randomized, factorial design, with six replications. It was evaluated 60 days after inoculation based on gall numbers, egg masses and number of eggs per root system. The last of these criteria was used to determine the reproductive factor. No physiologic variability was found within the studied populations, which were all able to reproduce in 'Catuai' coffee (Coffea arabica), 'Rutgers' tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), 'Early California Wonder' pepper (Capsicum annuum), clone SIC 23 cocoa (Theobroma cacao), 'Carioca' common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) and 'Cristalina' soybean (Glycine max) plants. Coffee was used as the standard species for susceptibility, but the nematode populations in tomato and pepper plants reproduced more than those found in coffee. No population reproduced in 'Charleston Gray' watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris) and 'Baia Periforme' onion (Allium cepa) plants, although a few galls appeared on their roots. 'Deltapine 61' cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), 'NC 95' tobacco (Nicotiaiia tabacum) and 'Florunner' peanut (Arachis hypogaea) were found to be non-host plants, on whose plants no galls could be found. These plant species and cultivars found unsuitable for M. exigua reproduction and should be indicated for areas infested by M. exigua to decrease its population.


This work provides a study on the location of groove, its configuration and oilfeed pressure for optimum performance of cylindrical journal bearing. An algorithm, which conserves the mass-flow in both full film and cavitation regions, is used to accurately predict the oil-leakage from the journal bearing. Newton-Raphson iterative procedure is employed to predict the journal eccentricity for the given load, speed and bearing configuration. Results of minimum film thickness, maximum pressure, and temperature rise are analyzed for the optimum values of power loss and oil flow. Optimum location of groove depends on the applied speed and load conditions. Groove extent, such as 5 & 15 degrees, influences bearing performance drastically. Supply pressure plays a moderate role.


The aim of the paper is twofold. First, starting from the threedimensional theory of linear elasticity, we give a simple justification of Saint-Venant theory for beams with multi-connected cross-section by means of Γ-convergence. Second, we estimate the error between the three-dimensional problem and the limit problem.


Regional patterns of biodiversity in New Zealand are illustrated by showing numbers of species in 1° latitude × 1° longitude grid squares. Biodiversity maps are given for twelve speciose groups of lichens, plants and animals which have been recently taxonomically revised. Centres of biodiversity are evident in Nelson and Otago. Other groups would probably highlight Canterbury/north Otago. The different roles of location and environment in the origin and preservation of these patterns of biodiversity are discussed.


This letter proposes a new higher isolation dual‐frequency distinct coupled monopole antenna system by using integrated low‐pass and high‐pass filtering structures. The isolation of the dual‐frequency distinct antennas at 2.4 GHz and 3.6 GHz can be successfully improved by 24 dB under the stable radiation performances. The measurement results are consistent with the simulation results of the fabricated prototype, which verifies the feasibility of this method. The present compact higher isolation frequency distinct antennas could be chosen as a new candidate for integrated multiband anti‐interference terminal systems.


Abstract An intersection cordial labeling of a graph G with vertex set V is an injection f from V to the power set of {1, 2, … , n} such that if each edge uv is assigned the label 1 if f(u) ∩ f(v) ≠ Ø and 0 otherwise; Then the number of edges labeled with 0 and the number of edges labeled with 1 differ by at most 1. If a graph has an intersection cordial labeling, then it is called intersection cordial graph. In this paper, we are going to check whether the graphs 2kP2n, 2kC2n, 2kK1, 2n–1 and 2kK2, 2n–2 are intersection cordial or not.


50 weavers working in a standing-walking position and 50 seamstresses working in a sitting position have been examined. During the research it has been shown that frequent occurrence of posture defects is different in various occupational groups and it increases with the age and duration of work. Posture defects prophylaxis in the examined two occupational groups has been presented as well.


Surface acoustic wave (SAW) filters using ZnO thin films are discussed. These films have a low dielectric constant and low temperature coefficients, but stability and producibility of the films are a concern. Some fabrication techniques for the films are described, and packaging and reliability of the filters are discussed. SAW filters with 1.5 to 2 GHz center frequency are reported.<<ETX>>


1 Abstract: In the frame of the FAST20XX project under the supervision of ESA, two hybrid rocket engines are developed at Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB) in collaboration with the Royal Military Academy of Belgium to assess the performance of paraffin/N2O propellants. The goal behind the study is to measure the regression rate and optimize the size of ALPHA, which is a sub-orbital vehicle designed for space tourism.


This JAMA Health Forum discusses challenges to the nation's health and the case for optimism for better population health based on 3 pillars.


on the African continent. The substantial presence of video and touch screens featuring film footage and social media content further contributed to an understanding of African fashion as part of a rapidly escalating, media-driven culture. In addition, through a series of talks, workshops, and tours led by designers, cultural anthropologists, and fashion entrepreneurs, the exhibition invited visitors to participate in numerous discussions on a variety of topics, including the interplay between personal and cultural identity, global and local fashion, and the political aspects of fashion, among others. To conclude, Fashion Cities Africa offered rich insights into the dynamic and distinctive contemporary fashion scenes that have developed in different African cities. It reconstructed the image of contemporary African fashion and illuminated how these fashion cultures continue to influence global runways, shape the streets of fashion capitals, and structure our own closets.


The invention discloses an automatic packaging device and a method for small ceramic tiles. The automatic packaging device for the small ceramic tiles comprises a box unpacking machine, fetching and packing machines and a box sealing machine which are connected through a conveying belt; an output end of the box unpacking machine is provided with a longitudinal empty box conveying belt; the tail end of the longitudinal empty box conveying belt is provided with a diversion mechanism; horizontal empty box conveying belts are arranged on bilateral sides of the diversion mechanism; output ends of the horizontal empty box conveying belts are connected with a fetching and packing machine respectively; output ends of the fetching and packing machines are connected with the box sealing machine through horizontal full box conveying belts. The automatic packaging method for the small ceramic tiles comprises taking out and opening paper boxes through the box unpacking machine, conveying the paper boxes to the corresponding fetching and packing machines through the longitudinal empty box conveying belt and the horizontal empty box conveying belts, conveying the paper boxes to the box sealing machine through the horizontal full box conveying belts after being filled with small ceramic tile pasting piece groups to be performed box sealing and packaging. The automatic packaging device and the method for the small ceramic tiles have the advantages of achieving intelligent pickup and intelligent sorting of the small ceramic tile pasting piece groups, reducing manual operation, effectively improving production efficiency and mechanical degrees and having great significance on small ceramic tile production enterprise targets of improving quality and reducing costs.


This report concerns the problem with and solutions to icing on trains. It is a very complex problem and it is of great importance due to the damage hazards when pieces of ice detach and the decrease of performances like cruise speed, ride comfort and braking ability. Reasons why ice and snow so easily gathers on trains in winter climate are not well known, but an attempt is made to explain some mechanisms that can lead to ice and snow build-up. Different solutions to this problem exist. Described in this report are a few methods currently in use not only for the train industry but also for the aircraft industry because influences can be taken from them. These solutions are more or less effective, but it is highly desired to improve the de-icing procedure, especially in the railway industry where it takes quite some time at this point. The main purpose of this study is to investigate if there are any methods that are more efficient than already existing ones and then to make a comparison between these new possible methods with already existing ones. After doing this one might see that the alternative with anti-icing solutions perhaps are almost as interesting in the future as de-icing solutions. Concluded is that there is a need for further investigations in this topic. Although some new possible methods for de-icing and anti-icing are found, the comparison made show that the already existing methods for de-icing are almost superior to new methods at this point. Anti-icing solutions have not been very successful at the present time. (A)


For a class of general linear stochastic equation with time-delay,this paper presents a sufficient condition of guaranteeing the almost sure exponential stability of the trivial solution of the equation.From that,a new algebraic criterion of 2-order moment exponential stability and the almost sure exponential stability for general lineal stochastic large-scale system with time-delay is established by comparison theory.These conditions are derived by using suitable Lyapunov function method and combing with inequality technique.In particular,the Lyapunov exponent,which is depended on time-delay,is estimated by an algebraic equation.An example is given to verify the effectiveness of the results.


The amber beads were examined with a view to determining the origin of the amber—in particular to distinguish between Prussian and Sicilian amber. The samples were compared with specimens of Prussian and Sicilian amber of authenticated origin as controls. A. Appearance under ultra-violet light All the samples and the controls showed the same superficial dull-yellow fluorescence except samples 1 and 6, which were darkish brown in colour. When a fresh surface was exposed by removal of the outer brittle crust, all samples showed a greyish-blue fluorescence. Finally, when the samples (with the exception of no. 6) were cut in half, the central areas showed a milky white fluorescence. This area was particularly prominent in the case of the Sicilian sample, in which the greyish-blue fluorescence was confined to a very thin zone. The phenomena observed in the case both of samples and of the control specimens were so similar that no conclusions could be drawn about the origin of the amber beads.


Rubble rock masonry dams can provide both technical and social solutions to small-scale water and irrigation schemes. The Maritsane Dam in the north-eastern corner of South Africa is one of the largest of its kind, incorporating a large arch, that has drawn on traditional hand skills of masons aided by unskilled labourers. In an age where automation is king, the benefits of this type of construction are explored.


This paper studies the containment control issue of multi-agent systems with time delay. By adopting continuous-time and sampled-data-based control protocols, we establish some necessary and sufficient containment control criteria for multi-agent systems with time delay. For the continuous-time case, our results show that both topology structure and time delay play an important role in the containment control of multi-agent systems, no matter whether the leaders are stationary (first-order system) or dynamic with constant velocity and time-varying position (second-order system). Furthermore, the maximum value of time delay to guarantee the achievement of containment control is given by the Hopf bifurcation theory. Moreover, we extend the results to the sampled-data case. Finally, numerical simulations are given to illustrate our main results.


Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is characterized cytogenetically by a t(9;22) translocation which generates a hybrid bcr‐abl gene, encoding a p210bcr‐abl fusion protein. The induction in vitro of leukemia‐specific T cells reactive with p210bcr‐abl is a strategy developed for an immunological therapeutic approach in CML. Peptides from the junction region of this chimeric protein have been considered as potential targets for a cytotoxic response against leukemic cells. However, only a few peptides encompassing the two p210bcr‐abl breakpoints have been shown to bind to the most common HLA class I molecules, which limits the number of patients who could benefit from this approach. We assume that the presence of chimeric BCR‐ABL protein in leukemic cells may affect processing and delivery of peptides, possibly giving rise to new epitopes at the cell surface. We selected 162 peptides from the whole sequence of this protein, including 14 peptides of the b2a2 and b3a2 junctions, which had an anchor motif for a common HLA class I molecule. We tested their ability to bind to eight HLA class I molecules (HLA‐A1, ‐A2, ‐A3, ‐A11, ‐B7, ‐B8, ‐B27, ‐B44). We identified 48 peptides from outside the junction region, with intermediate or strong binding capacities to these HLA class I molecules contrasting with only six junction peptides with a moderate binding capacity to HLA‐A3/A11, ‐B8, or ‐B44 molecules. Moreover, cytotoxic T lymphocyte lines specific for various peptides outside the junction were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HLA‐A2 or ‐B7 healthy donors and from one CML patient. These results contribute to evaluation of immunity to the BCR‐ABL chimeric protein. Further studies are required to investigate whether such epitopes are correctly processed and presented by leukemic cells.


This aim of this study is to investigate the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of a multinational enterprise (MNE) in Malaysia that received an award from the Government, the "Prime Minister's CSR Award" ( a well-recognised CSR award in Malaysia), due to its outstanding CSR practice.We chose this company because of prior literature finding that MNEs in developing countries were more involved in philanthropic acts.In our case, we found that the CSR initiatives are embedded in the company's business daily activities.As explained by its CEO: "To us, corporate responsibility is part of [a] company's DNA; it's very driven notion.We strongly adhere to the business philosophy of "doing great while doing good", that is, keeping the principles of responsibility on our radar screen as we strive for excellence in our business".


Conventional energy absorber usually employs stubby thin-walled structures. Compared with the limited number of stubby thin-walled structures, an equipment has a large number of slender thin-walled structures that has the potential to be used for energy absorption purpose as well. Therefore, improving the energy absorption capacity of these slender thin-walled structures can significantly benefit the crashworthiness of the equipment. However, these slender structures are inclined to deform in Euler buckling mode, which greatly limits their application for energy absorption. In this paper, kirigami approach combined with welding technology is adopted to avoid the Euler buckling mode of a slender cruciform. Both finite element simulations and experiments demonstrated that the proposed approach can trigger a desirable progressive collapse mode and thus improve the energy absorption by around 155.22%, compared with the conventional cruciform. Furthermore, parametric studies related to the kirigami pattern and global slenderness ratio (GSR) are conducted to investigate the improvement of this proposed approach on the energy absorption and the maximum critical value of GSR.


Brazilian quilombos are rural semi-isolated remnant communities of former black slaves and their descendants who traditionally maintained themselves through archaic subsistence livestock and agriculture practices and historically lacked specific public health policies. Although such individuals and their dogs may be exposed to zoonotic pathogens such as Toxoplasma gondii, no study to date has assessed these human-animal populations together. Populations in four different Brazilian quilombos in southern Brazil were evaluated. Overall, 93/208 people (44.7%) and 63/100 dogs (63.0%) were seropositive for IgG anti-T. gondii antibodies by indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT), 4/208 (1.9%) human samples seropositive for IgM anti-T. gondii antibodies, with a human-dog seropositivity ratio for IgG of 0.71. Quilombola individuals ingesting game meat were 2.43-fold more likely (95% CI: 1.05–5.9) to be seropositive. No risk factors were associated with seropositivity among dogs, thus suggesting that their exposure to T. gondii was random. Surprisingly, our research group had previously found an inverted human-dog ratio for T. gondii seropositivity of 2.54 in the urban area of a nearby major city. Because consumption of raw/undercooked game meat by quilombola individuals may have contributed to higher exposure, higher overall seroprevalence among dogs may have also indicated interaction with wildlife. Although these dogs may hunt wildlife without their owners' awareness, the higher dog seropositivity may also be related to feeding from discarded food in the community or backyard livestock animals and drinking surface water contaminated with oocysts. Thus, wildlife cannot be singled out as the reason, and future studies should consider sampling water, soil, wildlife, and livestock tissues, to fully establish the source of infection in dogs herein.


In this research paper the play Probocių sesėliai [The Shadows of Forefathers] written by famous Lithuanian philosopher Vidunas is analysed in details. Besides classical critical analysis of the text, deconstruction as the method is used as well, making the meanings intended by the author reversible. The innovation of the research is the third methodical part of it – the hermeneutic-phenomenological protocol. The results and the process of the research are described concerning the dynamics of time and problem solving. What is most often left undisclosed in a real research – its temporal duration, findings and disappointments, here is very strongly put on the surface of the consciousness. The researcher in this way is disclosed as the embodied and the embedded agent in the process of research. Analysis of the direct object of the research – the play Probocių sesėliai – along these methodical lines of structural deconstruction and hermeneutic-phenomenological protocol clarifies the figure of Visuomis as a non empathic philosopher. This predicate might be projected to the whole spiritualistic philosophy of Vidunas. Much discussed philosophy of the body developed by Vidunas is strongly questioned, analysing a few examples from the life of Vidunas himself: the early childhood and the turningpoint event of his falling from the ship. The whole body of Vidunas in this event was shocked, as he describes himself, and Vidunas understood in the new light the relevance of the body in the experience of the world. Does this event might be considered as the "Lithuanian version" of the collision of God of the Philosophers and God of Abraham, Jacob and Isaac?


The usage of virtual processor is a key aspect for isolating real-time applications. A typical interface of virt ual processor is expressed by the bandwidth and the delay. After formulating the overall consumed bandwidth as a function of the bandwidth and the delay that accounts also for the context switches, we proposed an algorithm that find the least consuming interface that is capable to guarantee the deadlines of a set of tasks scheduled by EDF. The proposed algorithm is inspired by the dual simplex algorithm.


This study deals with an interweave cognitive-radio (CR) system, where an uplink orthogonal frequency-division multiple access system is considered for the primary users (PUs). Our purpose is to estimate the PU carrier frequency offsets (PU-CFOs) as well as the channels to estimate the transmitted symbols. However, in wideband wireless communications, the PU received-signal spectrum usually exhibits a localised fading because of the multipath propagation channel. When the PU faded frequencies are used by the CR system, the PU system is contaminated by a CR narrowband interference (CR-NBI). In that case, if a Kalman filter (KF)-based approach is used for the estimations of the CFOs and the channels, the state-space representation does not necessarily take into account the CR-NBI; this hence has a negative impact on the algorithm performance. Therefore the authors propose to make this solution more robust to the CR-NBI by detecting when it appears and disappears to avoid using the data disturbed by the CR-NBI. The authors' contribution is to assume that the CR-NBI is because of the transmission of contiguous blocks and to propose various criteria based on the covariance matrix of the KF innovation.


This study presents a background estimation for the CubeSats Applied for MEasuring and LOcalising Transients (CAMELOT), which is a proposed fleet of nanosatellites for the all-sky monitoring and timing-based localization of gamma ray transients with precise localization capability at low Earth orbits. CAMELOT will allow us to observe and precisely localize short gamma ray bursts (GRBs) associated with kilonovae, long GRBs associated with core-collapse massive stars, magnetar outbursts, terrestrial gamma ray flashes, and gamma ray counterparts to gravitational wave sources. A fleet of at least nine 3U CubeSats is proposed to be equipped with large and thin CsI(Tl) scintillators read out by multipixel photon counters (MPPC). A careful study of the radiation environment in space is necessary to optimize the detector casing, estimate the duty cycle due to the crossing of the South Atlantic Anomaly and polar regions, and minimize the effect of the radiation damage of MPPCs.


The resuspension rates of particulate chemical species have been estimated using aerodynamic surrogate surfaces (symmetrical airfoils) at a mixed deciduous forest site, and also using throughfall sampling at a loblolly pine forest site. The airfoils were placed above, within, and below the crown of the deciduous canopy to determine the vertical variation of deposition and resuspension. The resuspension rates of SO 4 2- , C 2 O 4 2- , and Ca from the airfoils are estimated to be on the order of 10 -6 -10 -5 s -1 .


Traversing the page table during virtual to physical address translation causes pipeline stalls when misses occur in the translation-lookaside buffer (TLB). State-of-the-art translation proposals typically optimize a single aspect of translation performance (e.g., translation sharing, context switch performance, etc.) with potential trade-offs of additional hardware complexity, increased translation latency, or reduced scalability. In this article, we propose the partial sharing TLB (PS-TLB), a fast and scalable solution that reduces off-chip translation misses without sacrificing the timing-critical requirement of on-chip translation. We introduce the partial sharing buffer (PSB) which leverages application page sharing characteristics using minimal additional hardware resources. Compared to the leading TLB proposal that leverages sharing, PS-TLB provides a more than 45% improvement in translation latency with a 9% application speedup while using fewer storage resources. In addition, the page classification and PS-TLB architecture provide further optimizations including an over 30% reduction of interprocessor interrupts for coherence, and reduced context switch misses with fewer resources compared with existing methods.


The H-mode regime is the operational scenario foreseen for ITER, DEMO and future fusion power plants. It is favorable to operate a fusion power plant at high density to maximize its fusion power. However, the achievable H-mode density in tokamaks is limited by a back transition to L-mode, which occurs at line-averaged densities corresponding to Greenwald fractions of about 0.8−1 [1]. The present work gives an overview of recent studies of the H-mode density limit at ASDEX Upgrade. Several discharges with neutral density ramps at various plasma parameters were performed, which all have several effects in common that lead to the back transition to L-mode. As the density is increased, the fueling limit is reached. The electron density profile in the SOL forms a plateau which heightens slowly. Meanwhile, the density in the confined plasma region does not change significantly, but the electron temperature and pressure at the pedestal top decrease. Also, the radial electric field (Er) well weakens and the confinement deteriorates. The plateau of the electron density in the SOL increases up to about half the pedestal top density. Then the density evolution stops while the electron temperature decreases further, leading to a drop in confinement. The Er well is still pronounced during this phase and we conclude that the edge transport barrier still exists. This suggests that the loss of confinement and stored energy is due to an additional energy loss channel. The mechanism of the loss channel is not yet known, however charge exchange losses at the edge and increased transport in the SOL are under investigation. Fluctuations, which are correlated to divertor detachment, appear in the Xpoint region. The plasma is back in L-mode confinement as soon as the temperature pedestal is completely eroded and the depth of the Er well reduced to typical L-mode values. In this work, it is shown that the H-mode density limit, as well as the Greenwald limit, are determined by edge parameters. The central density in a stable H-Mode can be increased by pellet fueling, establishing peaked profiles, and exceeding the Greenwald limit by at least 50% [3]. This proves that tokamaks can be operated above the Greenwald limit, given that the density profile is peaked [2]. This gives good prospects for future fusion power plants.


Summary In 1918, Henry de Dorlodot—priest, theologian, and professor of geology at the University of Louvain (Belgium)—published Le Darwinisme au point de vue de l'Orthodoxie Catholique (translated as Darwinism and Catholic Thought) in which he defended a reconciliation between evolutionary theory and Catholicism with his own particular kind of theistic evolutionism. He subsequently announced a second volume in which he would extend his conclusions to the origin of Man. Traditionalist circles in Rome reacted vehemently. Operating through the Pontifical Biblical Commission, they tried to force Dorlodot to withdraw his book and to publicly disown his ideas by threatening him with an official condemnation, a strategy that had been used against Catholic evolutionists since the late nineteenth century. The archival material on the 'Dorlodot affair' shows how this policy 'worked' in the early stages of the twentieth century but also how it would eventually reach the end of its logic. The growing popularity of t...


While governmental bodies are beset by major, growing worries regarding low birth rate in the country, it is important to formulate and adopt deliberate and sensible policies to address the issue. Policies enforced during 1370s (19912000) aiming at population decline decreased replacement level fertility to lower than 2.1, and despite reconsidering the policies to encourage population growth the rate has not reached satisfying levels yet. Replacement level fertility is the total fertility rate—the average number of children born per woman—at which a population exactly replaces itself from one generation to the next, without migration. This rate is roughly 2.1 children per woman for most countries, although it may modestly vary with mortality rates. Population growth will lead to economic development in the country, while currently the country's population is rapidly aging. Hassan Salmannejad, head of the secretariat national council of the elderly said in late December 2018 that older person's population will grow three-fold within the next 30 years in Iran, as some 700,000 people are added to the aging population of over 60 each year. He also added that the population of senior citizens currently exceeds 8 million in Iran and the annual growth rate of the country's aging population is about 3.8 percent. Hamed Barakati, an official with Ministry of Health, has also said that over the years 1395-1396 (March 2016-March 2018) the number of births decreased by 40,000. Additionally between the Iranian calendar years of 1376 (March 1996-March 1997) to 1395 (March 2016-March 2017), the average age at first marriage for females increased from 19.8 to 23.0 and for males increased from 23.6 to 27.4, so that on average each couple has 11 years to have children. Normally couples wait 5.2 years to have their first child and this is while women are most fertile and have the best chance of getting pregnant in their 20s and some studies suggest that it is fine is to have a last baby before age 35. 1 2 Understanding the Israeli occupation of Palestine


This report discusses the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), which are standards that define what EPA considers to be clean air. Their importance stems from the long and complicated implementation process that is set in motion by their establishment.


In this paper, a novel variational Bayesian (VB)-based adaptive Kalman filter (VBAKF) for linear Gaussian state-space models with inaccurate process and measurement noise covariance matrices is proposed. By choosing inverse Wishart priors, the state together with the predicted error and measurement noise covariance matrices are inferred based on the VB approach. Simulation results for a target tracking example illustrate that the proposed VBAKF has better robustness to resist the uncertainties of process and measurement noise covariance matrices than existing state-of-the-art filters.


The book provides an in-depth analysis of the Banking sector as it is one of the most vibrant and evolving sectors of the Indian economy. It provides readers very useful inputs in developing an understanding of the value and importance of competency mapping in the banking sector. The term competency is employed to clarify any underlying characteristics needed for performing a given task, activity or role with success. Competencies are the yardstick for motivating workers, directional systems, and processes and guiding the enterprise towards common goals that enable the organizations to extend its worth. The book highlights how the competency level of all the employees is correlated. It is an effective guide both for bankers as well as researchers and enables them to understand how competencies help an individual in enhancing and improving employee's skills which help them in achieving professional excellence as well as achievement of Corporate goals.


Therapeutic angiogenesis would be clinically valuable in situations such as peripheral vascular disease in diabetic patients and tissue reperfusion following ischemia or injury, but approaches using traditional isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF) have had little success. The isoform VEGF165 is both soluble and matrix‐associated, but can cause pathologic vascular changes. Freely diffusible VEGF121 is not associated with pathologic angiogenesis, but its failure to remain in the vicinity of the targeted area presents therapeutic challenges. In this study, we evaluate the cellular effects of engineered VEGF variants that tether extracellular VEGF121 to the cell membrane with the goal of activating VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) in a sustained, autologous fashion in endothelial cells. When expressed by primary human retinal endothelial cells (hRECs), the engineered, membrane‐tethered variants eVEGF‐38 and eVEGF‐53 provide a lasting VEGF signal that induces cell proliferation and survival, increases endothelial permeability, promotes the formation of a cord/tube network, and stimulates the formation of elongated filopodia on the endothelial cells. The engineered VEGF variants activate VEGFR2, MAPK/ERK, and the Rho GTPase mediators CDC42 and ROCK, activities that are required for the formation of the elongated filopodia. The sustained, pro‐angiogenic activities induced by eVEGF‐38 and eVEGF‐53 support the potential of engineered VEGF variants‐overexpressing endothelial cells as a novel combination of gene and cell‐based therapeutic strategy for stimulating endothelial cell‐autologous therapeutic angiogenesis.


The shared epitope (SE), carried by the vast majority of rheumatoid arthritis patients, is a 5-aa sequence motif in the third allelic hypervariable region of the HLA-DRβ chain. We have recently demonstrated that the SE acts as an allele-specific ligand that triggers NO-mediated pro-oxidative signaling in opposite cells. The identity of the cell surface molecule that interacts with the SE is unknown. Using affinity chromatography purification, cell-binding assays, surface plasmon resonance, and time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer techniques, we have identified cell surface calreticulin (CRT) as the SE-binding molecule. SE-triggered signaling could be blocked by anti-CRT Abs or Abs against CD91 and by CRT-specific antisense or small-interfering RNA oligonucleotides. Embryonic fibroblasts from crt−/− or CD91-deficient mice failed to transduce SE-triggered signals. Exogenously added soluble CRT attached to the cell surface and restored SE-triggered signaling responsiveness in crt−/− cells. These data indicate that cell surface CRT, a known innate immunity receptor, which has been previously proposed as a culprit in autoimmunity, plays a critical role in SE-triggered signal transduction.


Sepsis remains one of the biggest problems of modern medicine throughout the world. Timely determination of the phenotype of the patient's immune response will be critical to making early therapeutic decisions. Analysis of the content of Treg and TNF-α, IL-6, IL10, TGF-β in patients with sepsis, depending on the severity of organ dysfunction in the dynamics of the disease was carried out. There was a direct correlation of moderate strength between the blood levels of IL-10 and Treg (R = 0.54, p<0.05). High levels of Treg, IL-10 content reflect the immunosuppressive phenotype of the immune response in the late stages and is a prognostic criterion for an unfavorable outcome in sepsis.


Overloaded heavy vehicles decrease the life span of the road structure with added costs for maintenance and rehabilitation of the road pavement. The management and protection of the road network is necessary, while maintaining the economic base of the freight industry. While hauliers profit from weak law enforcement, overloaded vehicles are damaging roads, the annual road budget in real terms is diminishing and the condition of roads is deteriorating. The premature deterioration of infrastructure inevitably compromises road safety, and adds to the high fatality rate on South African roads. As this continues, the long-term consequences are serious and its impact on the economy is the irony. Pavement Management Systems data for the City of Tshwane revealed significant deterioration of the road infrastructure, considerably at the road freight generators such as industrial areas. In 1998, the pre-feasibility study on the Strategy of Freight Transport Impact Management in the Greater Pretoria Metropolitan Council Area GPMC (now Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality) was completed. Twenty-two sites were identified to function as heavy vehicle overloading control points. In 1999 a pre-feasibility study on the Construction and Operation of Truck Control Stations in the GPMC Area on a Public Private Partnership basis was completed. It was initially intended for the feasibility and implementation phases to be carried out on a publicprivate partnership basis. However, the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Unit advised that without the feasibility study the project was not financially viable. The paper discusses the way forward which includes the administration of the feasibility planning, and a strategy to optimise the existing infrastructure and resources. The paper then describes the procurement procedure as stipulated in the Procedural Guidelines for Implementation and Processing of Municipal Service Partnerships for the GPMC.


This paper introduced the composition and principle of marking system of Tisco′s Hot Rolling Mill stainless steel plate production process,and made a specific description of automatic control system through the system implementation,it has made great improvement in steel plate logistics and steel plate surface quality,strengthened the enterprises competition among the different markets.


Filial piety is the basic moral of person.In the higher education,filial piety is ignored which leads to the faint awareness of majority students.We should critically inherit the tradition of chinese,getting rid of the draffs and absorbing the essence and at the same time we should endowing filial piety with now contents by the time to enhance college students' filial piety education.


The everyday petrol station is in a state of demise. With the introduction of the electric car and the oligopoly that regulates our petrol market, the empty petrol station forecourt has become an increasingly popular fixture in our communities worldwide. The sites of former petrol stations are alarmingly toxic, and as a result they are often left unwanted and completely empty. At best, they're converted into simple car parks or partially occupied by small retailers.
Closed in 2014, Newtown's former Caltex station typifies the neglected petrol station typology: a large canopy standing over a forecourt, complimented by a small pavilion, the former shop. The site, like most others, sits distinctly in the centre of its community, within a suburb that is considered one of the most diverse and cosmopolitan populations in the Wellington region.
This research aims to develop a new use for this Newtown site by transforming it into a public space that can accommodate various types of people, activities and events. Common Ground proposes that by using the ideas and techniques of spatial agency and tactical urbanism, the former Newtown petrol station can be transformed into a great public space that is vibrant and dynamic while also being affordable.
The result of this research sees a proposal for the former Newtown petrol station that has been developed using the voices of the Newtown locals. The designed outcome is a flexible, multi-use community facility that grows sequentially as it responds to the social and political conditions of the site. While a transformation plan has been developed, the scheme remains malleable to allow for community change and growth. This research has consequently provided an insight and method that not only addresses the former Newtown petrol station, but petrol stations and empty public spaces more widely.


In the dense plasma focus (PF) device, the dynamics of the current sheath is an important parameter for good focusing or pinching. In this paper, we present the effect of preionization on current sheath dynamics, its pinching evidence and details of its filamentary structure by measuring the axial run-down velocity, confinement time and focus amplitude in a miniature PF device using a Rogowskicoil and high-voltage (HV) probe. For this purpose, the discharge is produced in deuterium gas with deposited energies lying in the range of 3.3 kJ. The Rogowski coil and HV probe signals reveal the formation of an axisymmetric parabolic current sheath propagating down the coaxial tube, and longer confinement time of it during the collapse phase and increase in focus amplitude with preionization source. The axial run-down velocity of the current sheath is increased from 2.1 to 3.2 cm/μ s. The focus duration is from 45 to 72 ns and the focus amplitude is from 1.8, which increases to 2.9 with preionization at the optimum pressure. The effect of the working pressure on the current sheath dynamics and its spatial evolution are also studied.


This paper describes experimental results on the arc‐quenching properties under the condition of being surrounded by plastic found in low‐voltage circuit breakers. The alternating current used is from 500 to 1100 A(rms) with 60‐Hz frequency. The plastic materials investigated here are polymethylpentene (C3H5), polymethylmethacryl‐ate (C5H8O2), polybutyleneterephthalate (C12H14O4), polycarbonate (C16H18O3), and PTFE (C2F4). In conjunction with the usual arc current and voltage measurements, two images of spectrum intensity of 511 and 522 nm emitted from copper electrode vapor are detected simultaneously by using two bandpass filters. A high‐speed digital video technique (4500 frames per second) is used for analyzing the transient space movement of copper vapor.


With the recent growing number of cyber-attacks and the constant lack of effective and state-of-art defense methods, cyber risks become ubiquitous in enterprise networks, manufacturing plants, and government computer systems. Cyber-insurance has become one of the major ways to mitigate the risks as it can transfer the cyber-risks to insurance companies and improve the security status of the insured. The designation of effective cyber-insurance policies requires the considerations from both the insurance market and the dynamic properties of the cyber-risks. To capture the interactions between the users and the insurers, we present a dynamic moral-hazard type of principal-agent model incorporated with Markov decision processes which are used to capture the dynamics and correlations of the cyber-risks as well as the user's decisions on the local protections. We study and fully analyze a case where the user has two states, and two actions and the insurer provides linear coverage insurance. We show the Peltzman effect, linear insurance policy principle, and zero-operating profit principle of the optimal cyber-insurance policy. Numerical experiments are provided to verify our conclusions further and extend to cases of a four-state three-action user under linear coverage insurance and a threshold coverage insurance.


Aims:  To perform an international trial to derive alert and action levels for the use of quantitative PCR (qPCR) in the monitoring of Legionella to determine the effectiveness of control measures against legionellae.


Objective:To investigate the role of statistical parametric mapping method in Alzheimer' s disease PET imaging.Method:11AD patients and12controls were studied with brain PET and the data were analyzed using SPM.The characteristics of AD PET imaging were summarized.Result:SPM results showed that cerebral metabolic rate of glucose decreased in parietal lobe,temporal lobe,frontal lobe and post cingulate bilaterally in AD patients,and right/left hemispheric asymmetry was found.The hypometablism was spared in basal ganglia and other regions.Conclusion:SPM method can show hypometablism area in AD patients objectively and accurately,which offers a practical tool in investigating brain function of rehabilitative treatment.


The proposed system enables the control of sound sources in a large auditorium both in direction and distance. Reproduction of 3D sound fields over loudspeakers where distance coding is taken into account is a rather difficult goal, because different simple and complex properties of a sound event contribute to the perception of distance. Similar to the perception of pitch, the perception of distance is bounded in both directions. Small deviations concerning far and very short distances can hardly be distinguished. Furthermore, caused to be the associated memory, the impression of distance is always biased and relative. Therefore, similar to the visual sense, the auditory sense can be easily confused. To overcome these problems the reproduces sound field should be identical to the natural one as much as possible. As will be shown below, the presented approach is based on the construction of the wavefront curvature in a defined listening area in order to perceive the desired distance. The subject of this paper is to find out and validate objective description, which correlates with subjective perception. Based on this correlation, optimization criteria can be evaluated to maximize the reconstruction performance in order to control the desired spatial auditory stimuli of perception.


One kind of aqueous UV-curable urethane acrylate coating resins, primarily with the aromatic diisocyanate, polyethylene glycol, polyhydroxy acids, trihydric alcohols, hydroxyethyl methacrylate (or hydroxypropyl methacrylate), tris triethylamine, etc. made of a raw material, polyethylene glycol was added dropwise to the first aromatic diisocyanate, a polyurethane prepolymer obtained by reacting I; polyhydroxy acid is then added to the polyurethane prepolymer I, was added dropwise two yuan alcohol, to give a polyurethane prepolymer reaction II; and then added with a polymerization inhibitor hydroxyethyl methacrylate (or hydroxypropyl methacrylate) was added dropwise to a polyurethane prepolymer II, a urethane acrylate oligomer obtained by reacting thereof; oligomer was added to the triethylamine salt-forming reaction, water was added, with stirring, emulsified waterborne UV-curable urethane acrylate coating resin, which coating resin having excellent water solubility, good flexibility, a faster curing speed, and good emulsion stability after dilution with water.


Despite considerable advances made in face recognition in recent years, the recognition performance still suffers from insufficient training samples. Hence, various algorithms have been proposed fo...


Different choices and actions are rooted in values which define what an individual considers good or beneficial to his well being. The necessity of making choices cause conflict and it is very natural, it arises when two or more incompatible goals are active at the same time. Modern era is characterized by technological development and economic prosperity on one hand and cut-throat competition and value erosion on the other. This paradoxical situation affects adolescent's ability to decide between sets of values which in turns may or may not associated with value conflict. The present study is an attempt to investigate the relationship between adolescents' attitude towards modernization and extent of value conflict among them. This study also reveals the contribution of modernization as a determinant in value conflict in terms of gender and locale. For the present study a sample of 400 adolescents was taken from six government and private colleges situated in urban and rural areas of Ludhiana district. Value conflict scale by Bhardwaj and Comprehensive Modernization Inventory by Ahluwalia and Kalia were used to collect the data. Results revealed that attitude of adolescents was significantly negatively correlated with value conflict among rural and urban girls and boys. On the basis of regression analysis there was a significant positive contribution of different dimensions of modernization on positive value assumption among adolescents. Adolescents with positive attitude towards different aspects of modernization had greater inclination towards positive values.


Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) captures a densely sampled spectral response of a scene object over a broad spectrum including invisible spectra such as ultra-violet (UV) and near-infrared(NIR). In this paper, we propose a new Expectation-Maximization (EM) classification approach for
hyperspectral images. The new approach is based on Haar discrete wavelet and histogram equalization. The performance of the proposed method was assessed by carrying out experiments on the AVIRIS dataset. The results show a significant improvement in classification accuracy and time when compared with the results obtained by the conventional EM algorithm.


Trimolecular condensation of N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl)-N'-aryl ureas 2 with aqueous formaldehyde and primary amines under microwave irradiation in ethanol leads to 5-alkyl-1-(5-methylisoxazol-3-yl)-3-aryl-[1,3,5]triazinan-2-ones 3 in excellent yields. The intermediates, N-(5-methyl-3-isoxazolyl)-N'-aryl thioureas 2, have been obtained by reaction of 3-amino-5-methylisoxazole 1 with arylisocyanates in toluene under microwave irradiation.


This article reviews the history of the femtosecond laser in ophthalmology and its subsequent introduction into the field of cataract surgery. It discusses the innovations that this technology has brought to the field. The article also describes the current system of teaching cataract surgery to ophthalmology residents in the United States and then examines how femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) can be a beneficial part of residency education.


Several studies have described the effectiveness of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). However, in the majority, biochemical tests, clinical features, and pathologic results were used rather than radiologic tests to compare treatment outcomes. A 57‐year‐old male visited a stem cell clinic with a diagnosis of LC attributed to hepatitis B virus. This patient took tenofovir and diuretics at the initial presentation and was administered bone marrow‐derived MSCs twice via hepatic intra‐arterial infusion. Subsequently, the patient's clinical symptoms and biochemical tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, albumin, total bilirubin, international normalized ratio, creatinine, alpha‐fetoprotein) improved. Computed tomography findings showed loss of ascites, reduced nodularity, and especially increased liver volume, which suggested that MSCs have meaningful effects on liver volume, as well as improving liver function.


Purpose – This study aims to examine the impact of perceived risks and the overall destination image on tourists' behavioural intentions. Design/Methodology/Approach – A questionnaire was prepared drawing from the scales in literature, and it was applied in a form of a self-administered questionnaire on European tourists who visited Jordan in 2018. Multiple regression analyses were applied to test the hypotheses on a data set of 339 completed questionnaires. Findings – The findings identified that two dimensions of perceived risks (financial risk and performance risk) had significant impact on the overall destination image and on tourists' behavioural intentions, however, physical, time, and socio-psychological perceived risks were neither important to the tourists' revisit intention nor to the overall image. Research limitation/implications – The findings solely reflect the perceived risks, the overall image, and behavioural intentions of the European tourists who visited Jordan. The focus should be placed on reducing implemented taxes on the touristic services and products in order to make Jordan more price competitive. The research originality – This study establishes an empirical relation between risk dimensions, overall image, and tourists' behavioural intentions; therefore, the findings have implications on tourism industry, especially for the key players in the Jordanian tourism board. It also serves as a reference to destinations with similar risk background.


After more than a hundred years of development,Chinese normal university has set up a complete teachers 'cultivation methods,patterns and system.But with the development of Chinese fundamental education,primary and secondary schools have underwent new changes both in requirement structure and grade,and the previous directional and unitary teachers' cultivation pattern lags far behind the fast development of our times.This paper mainly gives an introduction of the situation,problems of cultivation patterns for normal university teachers and analysis of the causes.


This report has three objectives. First, to provide a concise summary of the current state of mandatory reporting legislation on nosocomial infection rates. Second, to identify and briefly summarize the evidence-based patient safety practices shown to reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections. And, finally, to demonstrate the significant cost benefit hospitals may achieve by undertaking programs to prevent these device-associated infections. Specifically, the following topics are addressed: public policy, prevention strategies and their clinical impact, role of technology, and economic implications.


Studies are reported on workers in the radium luminous dial industry who incorporated radioactivity 20 to 45 years ago by ingestion and inhalation of Ra/ sup 226/ and Ra/sup 228/. The present observations are based upon the results of 104 individuals, the average age of which is 64 yr, with a range of 41 to 82 yr. Estimates of body burdens extend from the lowest measurable quantity of 0.0042 to 1.67 mu C Ra/sup 226/ Extensive laboratory and physical examinations revealed few striking deviations from those expected in individuals of this age group. An increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate and some alterations of serum globulin pattern were frequently found. There was one case each of myeloid leukemia, myelosclerosis, and agnogenic myeloid metaplasia. In addition there were 2 cases of osteosarcoma of tibia; body burdens of 1.67 and 0.6 mu C Ra/sup 226/ were present in the cases. Other pathologic findings associated with fairly high body burdens were: osteoarthritis, cortical thinning of bone, fractures, and areas of bone resorption. Changes were most frequent in calvarium and the long bones of the forearms and legs. It was estimated that the body burdens are presently < 1% of the original levels. Dental examinations alsomore » showed evidence of bone resorption. Some of the pathologic changes, including tumor formation, occurred at low as weli as high burden levels. (H.H.D.)« less


We conducted an interlaboratory comparison of critical current (I/sub c/) measurements on Bi/sub 2/Sr/sub 2/Ca/sub 2/Cu/sub 3/O/sub 10/ tapes (2223). This study includes measurements from six participating US laboratories, with NIST as the central, organizing laboratory. A number of specimens were prepared with different degrees of instrumentation to isolate sources of variability. Most of the specimens were pre-measured by NIST to reduce uncertainties due to sample variability. Different specimen routing patterns among the laboratories were implemented to isolate sources of variability due to the specimen's measurement history. This study is similar to other VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards) intercomparisons being performed in Japan and Europe and is the first internationally cooperative interlaboratory comparison of HTS (high temperature superconductors) I/sub c/ measurements. These are the first steps towards developing standard measurement procedures for HTS.<<ETX>>


The article summarizes the main results of the large-scale international exhibition "Metalworking 2021". Machine tool construction and metalworking technologies have reached a new modern level, based on the automation of production and the use of measurement technologies in the process of manufacturing parts of complex geometric shapes. Brief information about companies specializing in measurement technologies and non-destructive testing of finished products is provided.


During yield operations, the materials within the National Ignition Facility (NIF) cryogenic target positioner will be exposed to high fluences of high-energy neutrons. If left unchecked, these neutrons could deposit unacceptably high amounts of energy within the cryogenic fluids. In addition, these neutrons will induce residual radioactivity within the target positioner and may lead to intolerable dose rates for maintenance personnel. Through careful design and selection of materials, however, these effects may be mitigated. The present work uses nominal design characteristics for the cryogenic target positioner to show that traditional cryogenic and structural materials will not produce an acceptable design. Further, the authors develop an alternate design that addresses the issues of neutron shielding and activation.


Inhalational anesthetic is important clinically, especially for surgical operations. However, the molecular mechanism of their action has not been completely clarified, because these anesthetic molecules are small, and hence, difficult in labeling in cells. To visualize their distribution in the cell and to examine in-vivo behavior of such a halogenated anesthetic, label-free biomedical imaging with molecular specificity is required.


In this paperwe considersolutionsto the static dictionary problemon RAMs,i.e. randomaccessmachines wheretheonlyrestrictiononthefinite instructionsetis that all computational instructionsare in . Our mainresult is a tight upperand lower boundof "! #%$ &('*)+#,$-&.#,$-&('0/ on the time for answeringmember ship queriesin a setof size ' whenreasonablespaceis usedfor the data structurestoringtheset;theupperboundcanbeobtainedusing 1 2'0/ space, and the lower boundholdseven if we allow space30465"7 897 5 :<; . Several variations of this result are also obtained. Amongothers,weshowa tradeof betweentimeandcircuit depthunder the unit-costassumption:any RAM instruction setwhich permitsa linear space, constantquerytime solutionto the static dictionary problemmusthavean instructionof depth=> 2#%$ &@?>)A#,$-&(#%$ &(? / , where ? is theword sizeof themachine(and #%$ & thesizeof theuniverse). This matchesthe depthof multiplication and integer division, usedin the perfecthashingschemeby Fredman,Komlós andSzemeŕ edi.


Islamic philosophy emerged and has been developed in a particular political and theological context, and its historical and present role cannot be examined independently of political and theological discourse. It is characteristic that some of the same questions that Muslims discussed in the early Middle Ages – the limits of human knowledge, the relationship between the divine and the human, the relationship between falsafa, kalām and fiqh, the role of political philosophy – have been taken up again, but in a new context. As in the past, relations between Muslims and non-Muslims, and especially inter-philosophical relationships, play a crucial role in present-day discussions too. This article seeks to shed light on the (post) modern possibilities and perspectives for Islamic philosophy within Islam and relating to contemporary Islamic discourse. It includes reference to the views of modern Muslim thinkers, including Arkoun, Soroush, al-Attas and Wadud.


Ideonella sakaiensis produces an enzyme, PETase, that is capable of hydrolyzing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. We demonstrate that although I. sakaiensis can grow on amorphous plastic, it does not grow on highly crystalline plastic under otherwise identical conditions. Both amorphous film and amorphous plastic obtained from commercial food containers support growth of the bacteria, whereas highly crystalline film and the highly crystalline body of a plastic water bottle do not support growth. Highly crystalline PET can be melted and rapidly cooled to make amorphous plastic which then supports bacterial growth, whereas the same plastic can be melted and slowly cooled to make crystalline plastic which does not support growth. We further subject a plastic water bottle to a top-to-bottom analysis, finding that only amorphous sections are degraded, namely the finish (threading), the topmost portion of the shoulder which connects to the finish, and the area immediately surrounding the center of the base. Finally, we use these results to estimate that the percentage of non-degradable plastic in plastic water bottles ranges from 52 to 82% (depending on size), demonstrating that most of the plastic found in PET water bottles will not be degraded by I. sakaiensis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.


Monday 15 January I was amazed today on opening The Mail to find that Rothermere has gone Fascist. I hope this doesn't mean trouble, for I shan't truckle to the devil, and I am too much of a democrat to be a Fascist, though too much of a disciplinarian to be a democrat in any but the vague Walt Whitman sense. Thursday 25 January On the 16th Jan the children were at John Simon's house for a party. I collected them on a dank wet night and J.S. was himself on his doorstep, looking dangerously like his own butler. We exchanged words and I took my bairns home. On the way I said to a sleepy Edward 'Well, how did you like the Foreign Secretary?' 'Which was the foreign secretary?' 'The bald headed gentleman.' 'Oh, I didn't notice the bald headed gentleman, but I liked Felix the cat that the conjuror brought.'


Septic embolic actinobacillosis caused by Actinobacilhs eqzluLi (Shigella equirzllis, Shigella uiscosum equi, Bacterium uiscosum equi, Bacillus ncphritidis equi) is common in foals and also occurs in mature solipeds 4* 7, 8. There are several manifestations of A. eyuuli infection in horses: an acute embolic suppurative nephritis or polyarthritis of foals, a fulminating septicemia, and septic abortion. Widespread bacterial emboli and associated microabscesses are characteristic histopathological features of the disease in horses. In addition to solipeds, A. eyuuli has been associated with septicemia in swine and granulomatous arthritis in rabbits 2. 8, 9. We found no report of A. equuli infection in primates. The listing of this organism as the cause of death in 3 primates in a zoo is apparently a typographical error and should refer to solipedse. This report describes a spontaneous disease in new world monkeys associated with A. eyuuli infection.


Abstract Based on the powerful tool of variational inequalities, in recent papers convergence rates results on ℓ1-regularization for ill-posed inverse problems have been formulated in infinite dimensional spaces under the condition that the sparsity assumption slightly fails, but the solution is still in ℓ1. In the present paper, we improve those convergence rates results and apply them to the Cesáro operator equation in ℓ2 and to specific denoising problems. Moreover, we formulate in this context relationships between Nashed's types of ill-posedness and mapping properties like compactness and strict singularity.


Solid-state fermentation (SSF) has been applied as a promising and alternative technology for enzyme production. Compared with submerged fermentation, SSF has some attractive advantages, such as low risk of contamination, increased yield, low-cost substrate utilization, process simplicity, lower energy requirement, and decreased wastewater production. The processing of raw materials results in the generation of agroindustrial wastes that can be used as substrates in SSF. The production of industrial enzymes, such as lipases, proteases, cellulases, and α-amylases, is an example of the potential application of wastes in SSF (Thomas et al., 2013; Martins et al., 2011).


The article start with the meaning of scientific development concept,introduce the definition and characteristic of harmonious academic library.What's more,it analysis the internal relationship between the scientific development concept and constructing harmonious library.Finally,the essay give the suggestions of constructing harmonious library from librarians,hidings,establishments,management and service aspects to meet the target of library's allround development,harmonious development and sustainable development.


Tomatidine is the aglycon of tomato saponin β-tomatine implicated in host plant resistance against phytopathogens. Evaluation of the level of tomatidine in root, shoot and fruit of nematode resistant and susceptible tomatoes by liquid chromatography following root infection with root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita in a plant growth chamber revealed a higher concentration of tomatidine in resistant cultivars (Hisar Lalit and PBNR-7) than the susceptible cultivar (Pusa Ruby). The tomatidine concentration in root and shoot decreased with increase of nematode inoculum from 2 to 4 J2 per gram growth medium and on maturity of fruit from green to red stage. Nematode infection in root triggered a decrease of tomatidine level in shoot as well. This might provide plant defense vide elevated synthesis of tomato defense glycoalkaloid a-tomatine.


ABSTRACT Changing business models in scholarly publishing means that researchers have increased choices as to where to submit their articles. Choices are made on the basis of perceived quality of the journal, the speed of publishing, and how close a match there is between the journal scope and the article topic. Additionally, there is an increasing concern as to whether the journals are predatory. This paper reports on a study which sought to understand how health researchers go about selecting where to publish and the support that they receive in this regard from librarians and related staff. The research confirms that knowledge of a specific journal is still the predominant factor for researchers and that they prefer to rely on their own judgment. Librarians are providing the tools such as databases and whitelists by which better choices can be made whilst exploring new roles in advising and training researchers. Predatory journals are being selected by some, chiefly as a consequence of a lack of awareness amongst researchers and the need for some to publish swiftly and at low cost.


The article overviewed the different preparation methods of Licochalcone A,including column chromatography,preparative chromatography,high-speed countercurrent and biosynthesis method,and research progress of Licochalcone A in anti-inflammatory,anticancer,antibacterial,antimalarial,and metabolism in vivo pharmacological direction at home and abroad.


MORE NURSE-LED schemes will help Labour deliver its preelection pledge to cut hospital waiting lists, health secretary Frank Dobson has claimed.


1 Introduction Background Our Approach Modern Approach Plan of Campaign Modern Europe in Vital Statistics 2 Constitutions, Judges, and Politics European Constitutions Judicial Review The Appointment of Judges Judges and Law-Making Conclusion Box 2-1: Constitutions Box 2-2: The Courts and Politics 3 The Executive The Head of State The Prime Minister The Cabinet The Making and Breaking of Governments Putting it all Together Box 3-1: Executives and Heads of State 4 Parliaments Parliaments and Governments The Roles of Parliaments Parliaments and Parties Parliamentarians and Constituency Representation European Parliaments: One Chamber or Two? The Significance of Parliaments: An Assessment Box 4-1: The Power of Parliament 5 The European Union and Representative Government The Development of European Unity How the European Union Works What does the European Union do? The European Union: Intergovernmental or Supranational Organization? The Future of the European Union Representative Government in the European Union Box 5-1: The European Union 6 Levels of Governance Politicians and the Civil Service Levels of Governance Federal Government in Modern Europe The Growing Importance of Regional Government Local Government Conclusions: Federal Government, Local Politics and Decentralization Box 6-1: Regional and Local Government 7 Patterns in Party Politics and Party Systems Seven Western European Party Systems Uniformity and Diversity 8 Party Families Families of the Left Families of the Center and Right Other Parties Overview: Party Families and Party Systems Box 8-1: The Left Box 8-2: The Center and Right 9 Cleavage Structures and Electoral Change The Traditional Cleavage Structures in Western Europe The Persistence of Cleavages and the Freezing of Party Systems From Persistence to Change Change in European Cleavage Structures and Electoral Behavior Change Toward What? Evaluating Change and Stability Box 9-1: Traditional Cleavage Structures Box 9-2: Trends in Electoral Volatility 10 Inside European Political Parties What do Parties Do? Basic Party Organization Party Membership Power Within Parties The Future of European Parties Box 10-1: Membership of Political Parties Box 10-2: Selection of Parliamentary Candidates 11 Elections, Electoral Systems, and Referendums Elections in Europe Types of Electoral Systems Plurality Systems Proportional Representation Why Electoral Systems Matter Referendums Conclusions Box 11-1: Electoral Systems Box 11-2: The Impact of Electoral Systems Box 11-3: The Referendum 12 Building and Maintaining a Government Government Formation Types of Government in Modern Europe The Allocation of Cabinet Portfolios The Stability of European Governments Conclusion Box 12-1: Cabinet Types Box 12-2: Government Stability 13 From Governments to Public Policy Party Manifestos and Government Policy Programs Redeeming Campaign Pledges Party Government and Public Spending Beyond Public Spending Overall, Does Politics Make a Difference? Box 13-1: Patterns of Spending in Public Finances 14 Politics Outside Parliament Corporatism Pluralism The New Pluralism? Politics Networks Conclusion Box 14-1: Economic Policymaking 15 Building Representative Government in PostCommunist Europe The Rules of the Game: Making New Constitutions Parties, Voters, and Electoral Alignments East vs. West, or east and west? Appendix Keeping Up with Changes in European Politics Index


Objective To explore the clinical value of different dosage of valsartan in treatment of chronic heartfailure (CHF). Methods 99 patient s with CHF were randomly divided into three groups: benazepril group (group A, 10 mg/d), conventional dose valsartan group (group B, 80 mg/d) and high dose valsartan group (groups C, 80 mg/d, 2 times per day). Levels of Angiotensin II (Ang II), aldosterone (ALD) and brain nat riuretic peptide (BNP) were detected, and the changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were measured before and 6 months after treatment. Results BNP, ALD, Ang II were decreased significantly in 3 groups (p<0.05), while LVEF increased significantly (p<0.05) after the treatment. Compared with those of group A and B, BNP and ALD were significantly decreased while LVEF was significantly increased after treatment in group C (p<0.05). ALD in group B decreased significantly compared with that of group A (p<0.05), while the other indexes were not significantly changed. Conclusions Valsartan, similar to benazepril, reverses ventricular remodelling and improves cardiac function, high dose valsartan reverses ventricular remodelling and improves cardiac function more effectively than benazepril and conventional dose valsartan.


This paper proposes color restoration techniques in underwater images using polynomial equation techniques and dehazing techniques. Discoloration and light scattering are the two primary factors that produce distortion in underwater images. Loss of contrast and loss of color variation can result from either of these variables in underwater photography. This research contributes to improving the quality of underwater reef images with effective and accurate solutions. A comprehensive verification using MATLAB is carried out to determine the effectiveness of the Polynomial Equation and DeHazing techniques combination. The results of this method get a color quality that is close to the color of the image on the surface. According to the experimental findings, the combined Polynomial Equation and DeHazing technique yields better PSNR results than the other methods used as a benchmark. The PSNR for the Polynomial Equation method is 13.29. The PSNR for the CLAHE method is 12.58. The PSNR for the Dehazing method is 13.72. As well as the combined method of Polynomial Equations - Dehazing get a PSNR value of 14.72. The quality of the image produced by this technique increases with increasing PSNR values. This research expected to be able to get underwater image results that are close to the original color.


Real-world usage of electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensors are constrained by challenges like nonlinearity, sensor-to-sensor output variations, and multidimensionality. Machine learning (ML) can help resolve these challenges effectively. This study used closed ECL systems with luminol/H2O2-based electrochemistry to accurately measure the concentration of biomarkers such as cholesterol, choline, lactate, and glucose. A smartphone-based ECL detection for cholesterol, choline, lactate, and glucose was carried out by achieving a linear range from 0.5 to 10 mM, 0.01 to 1 mM, 0.1 to 5 mM, and 0.5 to 10 mM with limit of detection (LoD) values of 0.49, 0.01, 0.09, and 0.3 mM, respectively. Moreover, to prove the practical functionality of the ECL device, an anti-interference capability, stability, and reproducibility analysis was done. In addition, the smartphone assisted with ML approach was introduced to fasten ECL imaging. Various regression ML models (ordinary least-square regression, Huber regression, random sample consensus (RANSAC) regression, and Theil-Sen regression) were used to predict biomarker concentration and to improve accuracy. Finally, real blood serum analysis was carried out and achieved encouraging results. Based on the quantitative analytical performance with the inclusion of ML, the ECL device has the potential to be used for real-world applications.


We describe nuclear orientation experiments performed on dilute alloys of $\mathrm{Pd}\mathrm{Co}$. Assuming the proportionality between the hyperfine field and the magnetization, we show that the Co impurity is in a Kondo-like state at low temperatures ($Tl100$ mK). We discuss the link between the Co positive hyperfine field and its weak Kondo coupling.


The National Szechenyi Library (NSZL) has developed a program that makes it possible to convert UDC numbers of old catalogue records into subject terms. The outcome of the project will be that records of the retrospective catalogue will become searchable both by UDC numbers and with the thesaurus of the National Szechenyi Library. The conversion is based on the data included in the publicly accessible NSZL thesaurus, supported by the RELEX thesaurus management system. This thesaurus already contains a significant quantity of related data (descriptors and UDC numbers as well as UDC indexes and UDC numbers). The conversion is carried out by the JAVA-based program using these relations. This project proves that the UDC numbers of records in retrospective catalogues can be converted into subject terms automatically, without major intellectual investment.


©2017 All right reserved by the Turkish Society of Cardiovascular Surgery. Deşer SB, Yücel SM. Giant celiac axis aneurysm. Turk Gogus Kalp Dama 2017;25(4):670. Cite this article as: Aneurysms of the celiac axis account for 4% of all splanchnic aneurysms.[1,2] Patients are usually asymptomatic and the aneurysms are detected incidentally. A 35-year-old male patient presented with epigastric pain and nausea for three months. He had no personal or family history of vascular disease. He denied any history of trauma or infection. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiogram revealed a 51¥30 mm saccular aneurysm arising from the celiac axis and a 31¥24 mm saccular aneurysm arising from the inferior vena cava. Unfortunately, he refused the intervention.


With the rapid development of the Internet, the transmission and acquisition of information is becoming more and more convenient, and the problem of information overload is becoming more and more serious. The birth of the recommendation system effectively alleviates the problem of information overload, which can recommend potential interests to the users according to the user characteristics and project characteristics of the system. So far, the recommendation system has been widely used in business, but it is still immature in the field of online learning. Time transfer as one of the important influencing factors of recommendation system, its influence mode still needs further research and experimental investigation. To solve this problem, we analyze the users' behaviors, and propose time migration model based on different behaviors of users: short-term behavior model and long-term behavior model. With the data of online learning system, modeling the relationship between learners, problems and learners-problems, we propose a knowledge recommendation algorithm based on time migration (KRBTM). Our approach involves four steps: (1) creating the time migration model, (2) adjusting the model of learners and learners-questions with time migration model, (3) computing ratings similarity of questions based on time migration model, (4) applying KRBTM to recommend the top-N questions to learners. In this paper, we test the time migration model on Movielens with a good result. We also apply KRBTM to the real datasets of TJU ACM-ICPC Online Judge from Tianjin University, and the experiments show that KRBTM has a higher recall and F value than traditional algorithms.


We analyze the gamma ray emission from nine high latitude, translucent molecular clouds taken with the Fermi Large Area Telescope between 250 MeV and 10 GeV. Observations of gamma rays allow us to probe the density and spectrum of cosmic rays in the solar neighborhood. The clouds studied lie within ∼270 pc from the Sun and are selected from the Planck all-sky CO map. Gamma rays in this energy range mostly result from cosmic-ray interactions with the interstellar medium, which is traced with three components: H i, CO, and dark gas. Every cloud is detected and shows significant, extended gamma ray emission from molecular gas. The gamma ray emission is dominated by the CO-emitting gas in some clouds, but by the CO-dark gas in others. The average emissivity and gamma ray power law index from H i above 1 GeV shows no evidence of a systematic variation. The CO-to- H 2 ?> conversion factor shows no variation between clouds over this small spatial range, but shows significant variations within each cloud. The average CO-to- H 2 ?> conversion factor suggests that the CO-dark gas is molecular as opposed to optically thick H i.


A recent paper by Amiraslani, Corless, Gonzalez-Vega and Shakoori studies polynomial algebra by values, without first converting to another basis such as the monomial basis. In this talk I expand on some details from that paper, namely the method we used to divide (multivariate and univariate) polynomials given only by values. This is a surprisingly valuable operation, and with it one can solve systems of polynomial equations without first constructing a Grobner basis, or one can compute Grobner bases if desired. Introduction This paper discusses algorithms for division of polynomials given by values. For the context and philosophy of this approach, see [1]. 1 Univariate division The univariate case is substantially easier than the multivariate case, in that remainders are (however computed) automatically unique, in any basis. We wish to divide the polynomial A(x), given by its values aj , 1 ≤ j ≤ N on the ordered grid xj by the polynomial B(x) given by its values bj on the same grid. We assume deg (A) = n and deg (B) = m are known, and n ≥ m, else the problem is trivial. We seek the values Qj and Rj such that aj = Qjbj + Rj 1 ≤ j ≤ N, (1) where the Qj are the values of a polynomial of degree n−m, whilst the Rj are the values of a polynomial of degree at most m − 1. We have 2N unknowns, and only N equations. We now impose the degree constraints. We could require that derivatives Q(n−m+1)(xj) = 0 and R(xj) = 0 for all xj , which gives us 2N more equations, overconstraining the system. By using the techniques of [1], we may express these derivatives as a linear combination of the values Qj and of the values Rj . However, we may also impose these degree constraints by using differences, which makes the result simpler in the case of equally spaced grids.


Three years practice on national academies of Chinese medicine pathology website(http://www.zyyxblx.net) shows that web-based instruction,as an important auxiliary means of pathology education,has greatly changed traditional education mode on pathology.It has also changed and promoted the educational ideas,contents,means and methods on modern pathology education.This article emphasizes on the setup and functions of different formats on national academies of Chinese medicine pathology website and also emphasizes on the thinking about building a website of professional learning.


This paper proposes a new method of 3D object classification based on statistical feature and Markov model.It spatially divides the 3D model of objects into different parts and then extracts statistical feature from each part.The different parts in spatial domain are observed as a certain sequence,pseudo time series of Markov model composed of different parts statistical features are acquired.The model parameters are learned for different class from the training data.In recognition,the output class label of a 3D model is the one that maximizes the joint likelihood.The experiment achieves better results in most cases with accuracy of 90%.


Although the idea of evaluating students' mathematical knowledge with fuzzy logic is not new in the literature, few studies have explored the possibility of assessing students' mathematical knowledge by combining teacher-assigned grades (i.e., school grades) with students' achievements on standardized tests (e.g., national assessments). Thus, the present study aims to investigate the use of fuzzy logic to generate a novel assessment model, which combines teacher-assigned mathematics grades with students' results on the Italian National Assessment of Mathematical Knowledge (INVALSI). We expanded the findings from previous works by considering a larger sample, which included more than 90,000 students attending grades 8, 10, and 13. The results showed that the tested model led to a lower assessment score compared to the traditional grading method based on teacher's evaluation. Additionally, the use of fuzzy logic across the examined school levels yielded similar results, suggesting that the model is adequate among different educational levels.


The urinary tract is sometimes affected by localized light chain (AL) amyloidosis [1], which is ascribed to focally proliferated monoclonal plasma cells [2]. Amyloid deposition in the ureteric wall...


Six populations of three bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) crosses namely 1) Giza 168 x Sids 6, 2) ACSAD 925 x Gemmeiza 10 and 3) ACSAD 935 x Line 1 were grown during 2009/2010, 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 at the Experimental Farm, Fac. Agric., Zagazig Univ., Egypt. The six populations were evaluated in two adjacent experiments, one with 30 ppm cadmium (Cd), and the other without, to assess some breeding parameters for Cd stress tolerance, flag leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, proline content, and grain yield/plant. Results indicated that, F 1 exceeded the better parent for low Cd concentration in all crosses; flag leaf area and grain yield/plant in most studied crosses under both conditions. Positive and significant heterobeltiosis was detected for proline content in 3 rd cross under control and leaf chlorophyll content in 1 st and 2 nd crosses under Cd stress. The lowest amount of Cd has been accumulated by Giza 168 and Sids 6 and their BC 1 and Gemmeiza 10 and their BC 1 , which were bellow or equal the critical concentration, 0.2 mg/ kg suggested by CAC (2010). Cd sensitivity index revealed that F 2 population in 1 st cross; Gemmeiza 10 and their BC 2 in 2 nd cross as well as ACSAD 935 and Line 1 and their F 1 , F 2 , BC 1 and BC 2 in 3 rd cross expressed as tolerant to Cd stress . Genetic system and gene expression differed greatly from the control to Cd stress treatment in most cases. Where, scaling 1 cross; proline cross; nd 3 rd crosses chlorophyll in three leaf chlorophyll in 2 nd cross; proline content in 3 rd cross Cd concentration in 1 2 nd crosses under Cd stress. proline content in 1 st and 2 nd crosses and grain yield/plant in all crosses under both conditions, and flag leaf area in all crosses; leaf chlorophyll content in 1 st and 3 rd crosses and Cd concentration in 3 rd one under Cd stress. Additive gene effect (d) significant for leaf chlorophyll content in all crosses; Cd concentration in 2 nd and 3 rd crosses; flag leaf area in 1 st cross and proline content in 3 rd one under the control, and Cd concentration in 1 st and 2 nd crosses under Cd stress condition. Both additive (d), dominance (h) and their interaction types, additive × additive (i) and dominance × dominance (l) were involved in the genetics of flag leaf area and grain yield/plant in 2 nd and 3 rd crosses under control as well as flag leaf area in 2 nd and 3 rd crosses under Cd stress condition. Additive (d), dominance (h), additive x additive (i), additive x dominance (j) and dominance x dominance (l) were highly significant for proline content in 1 st and 2 nd crosses and grain yield/plant in all crosses under Cd stress. Additive (D) and dominance (H) significant for flag leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content and Cd in all crosses under both and proline under Cd stress in proline content and Cd concentration in most cases and ranged from low to moderate for grain yield/plant under both conditions. Expected response from selection was high for praline content and Cd concentration, while it varied from low to moderate for the remaining characters under both conditions.