A prolonged QT interval on ECG, corrected for heart rate (QTc), is a marker for increased risk for arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death and may be a result of genetic and/ or nongenetic factors. Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS types 1–13) is caused by variants in at least 13 known genes that encode for or affect the stability of critical ion channel proteins. LQTS is characterized by a QTc >450 ms for men and >460 ms for women and can be associated with ventricular arrhythmia, syncope, and seizures. Notably, sudden death can be the first manifestation. Certain LQTS-associated variants also contribute to broader phenotypes, such as heart failure, cardiomyopathy, congenital structural heart disease, and non-LQTS arrhythmia. Although relatively rare (1:2000 people world-wide), LQTS is at least 15 times more common (≈1:125) in the Gitxsan First Nation, a remote community in Background—Long QT syndrome confers susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia, predisposing to syncope, seizures, and sudden death. While rare globally, long QT syndrome is ≈15× more common in First Nations of Northern British Columbia largely because of a known mutation in KCNQ1. However, 2 large multigenerational families were affected, but negative for the known mutation. Methods and Results—Long QT syndrome panel testing was carried out in the index case of each family, and clinical information was collected. Cascade genotyping was performed. Biochemical and myocyte-based assays were performed to evaluate the identified gene variant for loss-of-function activity. Index cases in these 2 families harbored a novel ANK2 c.1937C>T variant (p.S646F). An additional 16 carriers were identified, including 2 with structural heart disease: one with cardiomyopathy resulting in sudden death and the other with congenital heart disease. For all carriers of this variant, the average QTc was 475 ms (±40). Although ankyrin-B p.S646F is appropriately folded and expressed in bacteria, the mutant polypeptide displays reduced expression in cultured H9c2 cells and aberrant localization in primary cardiomyocytes. Furthermore, myocytes expressing ankyrin-B p.S646F lack normal membrane targeting of the ankyrinbinding partner, the Na/Ca exchanger. Thus, ankyrin-B p.S646F is a loss-of-function variant. Conclusions—We identify the first disease-causing ANK2 variant localized to the membrane-binding domain resulting in reduced ankyrin-B expression and abnormal localization. Further study is warranted on the potential association of this variant with structural heart disease given the role of ANK2 in targeting and stabilization of key structural and signaling molecules in cardiac cells. (Circ Cardiovasc Genet. 2017;10:e001537. DOI: 10.1161/ CIRCGENETICS.116.001537.)


A complete self-paced course and quick reference for hobbyists, students, and beginning-level technicians. Chapter-ending tests help readers gauge their progress. New editions include information on computerized test equipment, laser diodes, VMOS transistors, logic family interfacing, new computer microprocessors, and Digital Audio Tape (DAT).


The invention is suitable for the field of mobile communication and provides a method, a device and a mobile terminal for sending and receiving a multimedia message. The method comprises the following steps of: acquiring an operation type of a task having a highest priority in a task pool and the type of a network to which the task belongs; inquiring whether the network is available according to the operation type of the task and the type of the network to which the task belongs; and when the network is inquired to be available and the network has a dial-up connection concurrent with a multimedia message data service, receiving or sending multimedia message data by using a multimedia message connection parameter of the network, or establishing the dial-up connection with the network at first and then receiving or sending the multimedia message data by using the multimedia message connection parameter of the network. In the invention, the multimedia message can be received and sent timely by intelligently using network idle or network concurrent characteristics; and a plurality of receiving-sending tasks are allowed to be performed at the same time without mutual influence.


DOE's monitored retrievable storage (MRS) proposal to Congress shows a new sensitivity to state and local concerns. Working under the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, DOE determined that it could justify an MRS serving as an integral component of the radioactive waste transportation and storage system, and selected three alternative sites in Tennessee. With the exception of the Oak Ridge area, response was swift and negative. The question became a political issue during state and local campaigns as opponents characterized the MRS as a nuclear waste dump. Citizen advisory committees and the Clinch River MRS Task Force evaluated the environmental, transportation, and socio-economic issues. The authors summarizes their findings. While the task force identified and DOE responded to citizen concerns, the fate of the MRS remains uncertain.


Framing genre trouble (McKenzie 1998) as a decolonial methodology, this paper considers the relevance of Edwidge Danticat's The Farming of Bones (1998) for reading migrant texts against the grain of straight temporality which sustains the coloniality of power (Lugones 2007). Scrutinizing historiographic suppression, Danticat's migrant text interrupts the chrononormative portrayal of the Trujillo genocide of Haitian workers in the Dominican Republic as a reality pertaining to an obsolete past and to the geocultural margins alone. Read in the aftermath of the testimonio controversy, it may thus decenter the ongoing deflection of attention from Rigoberta Menchu's impact on the geocultural structures that sanction ongoing military intervention and genocide by refocusing on historiography as a terrain of relentless decolonial contestation rather than prescriptive narrative closure.


Anastomotic recurrence (AR), whose etiopathogenesis is attributed to intraluminal implantation of cancerous cells or metachronous carcinogenesis, is a major issue for patients undergoing colon cancer (CC) resection. The objective of the study is to throw some light on AR etiopathogenesis and to identify risk factors of AR in selecting patients to undergo early endoscopy.


During modeling ballistic impact, physical behaviors were investigated according to element formulations. In order to conduct the investigation, a simple ballistic impact simulation model was used. Several case studies consisting of FEM (Finite Element Method) and SPH (Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics) models were conducted using the LS-DYNA research/commercial code. As a result, these case studies suggest that the SPH formulation is effective to simulate interactions among particles after failures so that the penetration phenomenon of the projectile were well described. In addition, some parameters relating to the SPH formulation such as particle spacing and smoothing length constant were investigated. Finally, for the verification, 20 mm fragment simulating projectile tests to verify the protection performance of K9 Thunder grill louver were compared with the simulations applying the FEM and SPH formulations.


We study special linear systems called 'very special' whose dimension does not satisfy a Clifford‐type inequality given by Huisman. We classify all these very special linear systems when they are compounded of an involution. Examples of very special linear systems that are simple are also given.


In this paper, we describe a new GaAs‐based micromachined microstrip line, supported by an electrically supported air‐gapped microstrip line (DAML) structure and developed using RF MEMS techniques to achieve low losses at millimeter‐wave frequency bands with wide impedance ranges. The measured DAML with a 10‐μm post height shows less than 1.5‐dB/cm attenuation at 50 GHz with 20–100Ω, which agrees well with the simulated results. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 40: 6–9, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.11270


An optimal piecewise Chebyshev fitting method (OPCFM) for calibration of cryogenic temperature sensors (especially the negative temperature coefficient resistors) is presented. Compared with other common fitting equations, Chebyshev polynomials give the best fitting performances at low temperature range of 14.5-40K. Based on least squares Chebyshev fitting method, the OPCFM is good at finding the best overlapping field and optimal coefficient power to minimize standard deviation at each segment. The experimental results demonstrated that this method can minimize its standard deviation at cryogenic temperature range and keep deviation below 1mK at 18K in most cases. Using the same original data, the OPCFM shows better performances on the whole temperature range (14.5-300K) compared with original Chebyshev fitting method used in ten commercial cryogenics temperature sensors' certificates of calibration. The results prove that our proposed OPCFM can enhance the calibrated accuracy of cryogenic sensors, which has a significant promotion for improving temperature measurements at cryogenics.


The necessity to assess television programming as programming (rather than merely as a vehicle to deliver advertising audiences) is discussed against the background of commercial television's rapidly changing technology, a principal effect of which has been to fragment formerly "mass" audiences. Traditional ratings data (because they lack adequate quantitative detail, contain no qualitative information, and measure programs only after they are aired) are becoming an insufficient basis for making either programming or advertising decisions. As audiences become increasingly segmented, the necessity to understand them (exactly who they are and why they watch particular programs) becomes apparent‐whether for purposes of developing programs, scheduling them, or ascertaining whether they constitute an efficient vehicle within which to place advertising messages. Audience understanding can come only from a considerably expanded base of systematic research.


Intermediate dimensions were recently introduced to interpolate between the Hausdorff and box-counting dimensions of fractals. Firstly, we show that these intermediate dimensions may be defined in terms of capacities with respect to certain kernels. Then, relying on this, we show that the intermediate dimensions of the projection of a set $E \subset \R^n$ onto almost all $m$-dimensional subspaces depend only on $m$ and $E$, that is, they are almost surely independent of the choice of subspace. Our approach is based on `intermediate dimension profiles' which are expressed in terms of capacities.


We report the trap-assisted tunneling current and quantum efficiency (QE) loss in short wavelength infrared In0.22Ga0.78As0.2Sb0.8 photo detectors. Combining experiment data with a current–voltage model, we found that the trap-assisted tunneling current was boosted by increasing Beryllium (Be) doping in active region at room temperature. However higher Be doping level imposes no negative impacts on QE. Four traps with energy levels located at 49 meV , 60 meV , 155 meV and 199 meV below conduction band minimum in a In0.22Ga0.78As0.2Sb0.8 alloy are extracted from the fitting of I–V curves. Transparency measurement of an un-intentional doped In0.22Ga0.78As0.2Sb0.8 sample yields an absorption coefficient of 5191 cm−1 at 2.25  μm . Combining with the measured value of absorption coefficient, the QE dependence on diode length of In0.22Ga0.78As0.2Sb0.8 photo detectors is presented. Finally, by fitting quantum efficiencies of In0.22Ga0.78As0.2Sb0.8 photo detectors, we obtained that the minority electrons diffusion length is larger than 4  μm and the minority holes diffusion length is 0.2  μm . QE loss occurs at top N region of In0.22Ga0.78As0.2Sb0.8 photo detectors due to a short holes diffusion length.


Idiopathic aplastic anemia (IAA) is a rare autoimmune bone marrow failure disorder initiated by a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted T-cell response to unknown antigens. Immunogenetic patterns associated with self-antigenic presentation remain unclear. Herein we analyzed the molecular landscape of HLA complexes and T-cell receptor (TCR) repertoires of a large cohort of IAA patients and controls. We show that antigen binding sites of class II HLA molecules in IAA are characterized by a high level of structural homology, only partially explained by specific risk allele profiles, implying reduced binding capabilities compared to controls. Few amino acids within the synapsis HLA-DRB1-antigen-TCR, are identified as strongly associated with IAA phenotype. Those structural patterns may affect TCR repertoires, promoting immunological cross-reactivity and autoimmunity. These findings inform on the immunogenetic risk associated with IAA and on general pathophysiological mechanisms potentially involved in autoimmunity.


Terahertz transmission imaging has unique advantages such as non-destructive testing compared with other transmission imaging methods. However, due to the low power of terahertz laser and the obvious diffraction effect of imaging, there is usually a lot of white noise in the system in transmission imaging. Since the system uses a high-density polyethylene lens, there will be additive noise such as Newton's rings in the image. In this paper, an improved mean filtering composite denoising algorithm is used to reduce the noise of the image with a high information entropy, which solves the problem of additive noise and white noise in terahertz transmission imaging. To achieve the purpose of improving visual effects, eliminating noise interference and highlighting the imaging subject. And provide research basis for terahertz imaging image analysis, target detection and feature extraction.


Objective To study sodium disturbance and its treatment in patients undergoing total removal of craniopharyngioma. Methods Forty-six cases of craniopharyngioma surgically treated were analyzed retrospectively. The relations of the sodium disturbance to age and location of tumor was analyzed. Results Forty-two patients (91.3%) had sodium disturbance after surgery. There were three types of sodium disturbance: simple hyponatremia in 9 (19.6%), simple hypernatremia in 6 (13.0%) and mixed type of sodium disturbance in 27 (58.7%). Forty of the 42 patients with sodium disturbance after surgery recovered within 3 months. One with persistent hypernatremia recovered one year and a half after surgery. Another with persistent hypernatremia died of pulmonary embolism 2 months after surgery. Seven of the 15 child patients had seizures during perioperative period, while none of the 31 adult patients had seizures. Conclusion Blood sodium disturbance is significantly more frequent after total removal of the tumor than before surgery in patients with craniopharyngioma (P0.001). The type of sodium disturbance does not correlate with age, tumor relapse or not, solid or cystic tumor and site of tumor (P0.05). Management of sodium disturbance plays a key role in preventing seizures in children with craniopharyngioma during perioperative period.


Diverse ZnO integrated nanostructures, constructed by epitaxial nanowalls and symmetric single-crystalline nanosheets, were successfully synthesized via a strain-assisted self-catalyzed process at a low temperature of 500°C. The nanostructures started with the growth of ZnO nanowires, nucleated on a rugged ZnO single-crystalline film via a strain-assisted self-catalyzed growth mechanism. The nanowalls were then formed by the interconnection of the nanowires. Finally, the nanosheets were grown from the edges of the nanowalls. The growth mechanisms were supported by direct experimental evidence. Room-temperature cathodoluminance spectra show a relatively strong and sharp ultraviolet emission as well as a weak and broad green emission. The integrated nanostructure may be applied to develop self-inclusive nanoelectronics.


We present a numerical path integral Monte Carlo study of the global superfluid fraction and local superfluid density in cylindrically-symmetric reservoirs of liquid He separated by nanoaperture arrays. We find that in response to translations along the axis of symmetry, reservoirs separated by sufficiently small apertures exhibit suppression of global superfluid density compared to a cylinder with no intervening aperture array, for all temperatures below Tλ. Suppression is greatest when the aperture diameter is smaller than twice the empirical temperature-dependent He healing length, i.e., when the aperture has become a superfluid weak link. Increasing the diameter of a single aperture or the number of apertures in the array results in an increase of the superfluid density toward the expected bulk value. However, the total cross-sectional area of the apertures is found to not uniquely determine the superfluid density and the latter is instead seen to be dependent on the ratio of the healing length to the individual aperture radii as well as on the form of the radial atomic density. We propose and compare several different methods of estimating the length-scale of decay of superfluidity at the radial boundaries of the system through analysis of the local superfluid density distribution.


The article is focused on analysis of changes in Church-state relations, the direction of atheistic Soviet policy on the side of the religious exemptions, the organization of the activities of the spiritual administration of Muslims and the reasons for the resumption of the pilgrimage tradition of the Muslims during the war years, after a long break.


Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a unique approach to network administration with the potential to radically alter how companies approach network design, implementation, and management. By decoupling the control plane from the data plane, SDN makes it possible for businesses to centralise and automate network design, management, and optimization. Hence, the organisation gains in speed, adaptability, and scalability. This research looks into where networking is headed and how businesses may use software-defined networking to speed up digital transformation, cut costs, and boost efficiencies. The concepts and components of software-defined networking (SDN), such as the controller, southbound and northbound application programming interfaces (APIs), and network virtualization, are introduced in this article. The advantages of SDN in terms of network programmability, security, and application performance are also explored. It also draws attention to some of the challenges of putting SDN into practise, such as integrating it with existing systems, being tied to a single vendor, and a lack of adequate industry standards. Finally, this research presents case studies of businesses that have successfully used SDN and seen significant benefits as a result of this implementation. It concludes that software-defined networking (SDN) is the networking technology of the future and that companies that adopt this technology will have an advantage in the modern digital economy.


[Objective]The best preparation technology of immobilizing Kombucha with sodium alginate and gelatin was determined to provide theoretical references for the Kombucha standardized industrial production. [Method]Sodium alginate and gelatin were used for Kombucha immobilization. The effects of sodium alginate concentration, gelatin concentration and calcium chloride concentration on the mechanical strength and the total sugar utilization of immobilized Kombucha were studied by response surface analysis. [Result]The mechanical strength of the immobilized particles increased with the increase of the sodium alginate concentration and CaCl2 concentration. Along with the increase of gelatin concentration, the mechanical strength increased and then decreased. The immobilized particles' total sugar utilization first increased and then decreased with the increase of gelatin concentration and CaCl2 concentration, and decreased with the increase of the concentration of sodium alginate. [Conclusion]The optimal conditions for preparation of immobilized particles were as follows: 5.50% concentration of sodium alginate, 1.50% concentration of gelatin, and 0.51% concentration of CaCl2 . The mechanical strength and total sugar utilization of the immobilized particles were higher under the above conditions.


Purpose

Drawing on social learning and self-efficacy theories, the purpose of this paper is to examine links among perceived workgroup norms, self-regulatory efficacy, and deviant workplace behaviours.

Design/methodology/approach

Faculty members from universities located in the northwest geopolitical zone of Nigeria participated. Partial least squares path modelling tested moderation of self-regulatory efficacy on the relationship between perceived workgroup norms and deviant workplace behaviours.

Findings

Findings suggest a positive relationship between perceived descriptive norms and deviant workplace behaviours. A hypothesised effect of perceived injunctive norms on deviant workplace behaviours was not supported. Results also suggest interaction terms representing perceived descriptive norms and self-regulatory efficacy are significant. Similar results regarding moderation of self-regulatory efficacy on the relationship between perceived injunctive norms and deviant workplace behaviours were found. Findings support the view that self-regulatory efficacy overrides predispositions individuals hold to engage in deviant workplace behaviours.

Research limitations/implications

A cross-sectional design did not allow causal inferences, and self-report data associate with common method variance and social-desirability bias.

Practical implications

Individual factors should be considered during selection in Nigerian universities. Moderation of self-regulatory efficacy suggests self-regulation minimises individual engagement in deviant acts. Thus, human resources managers in Nigerian universities should consider self-regulatory efficacy as a selection criterion when hiring academicians. This can be achieved by conducting personality inventory tests to screen those whose values are incompatible.

Originality/value

Although extant research on organisational socialisation demonstrates mix findings regarding the link between perceived workgroup norms and deviant work behaviours, this study tests whether self-regulatory efficacy addresses these inconsistencies.


Since at least the late 19th century, American Christians have focused attention on the ways faith promotes (or inhibits) masculinity. 'Muscular Christians' in the late 19th century imagined Jesus as a robust, manly figure and encouraged the development of a vigorous, masculine faith on playing fields and battlefields. Subsequent generations of mainline Protestants and evangelicals also promoted American war efforts and latched on to amateur and professional athletics, even though critics pointed out how Christians ignored the violence, corruption, and scandal associated with the army and big-time sports. The alliance of evangelical Christians and masculine institutions like the military and professional football has solidified in recent decades.


To reveal the influence of residual stress releasing to the machining distortion of the LAMOST focus plate,the cutting process was simulated using the 3D oblique cutting finite element model by ANSYS/LS-DYNA,The distribution on the surface residual stress was achieved,and the influences of cutting depths on the distortion of the focus plate was investigated.The result showed that the FEM analysis is an effective method predicting the machining distortion of the focus plate.


The utility model discloses an automatic curtain machine, which relates to the technical field of a household automatic device. Aiming at solving the problems that the common curtain machine cannot automatically open or close the curtain along with the change of the intensity of the sunlight, etc., the utility model provides the following technical proposal that the automatic curtain machine includes a control circuit and an executing mechanism; the executing mechanism includes a motor, a pulling rope, a pulley, and an iron tube. The automatic curtain machine is characterized in that the control circuit includes a control box and a brightness sensor; the brightness sensor is connected with the control box through a wire. The automatic curtain machine not only can control the opening and the closing of the curtain manually, but also can open or close the curtain automatically according to the change of the intensity of the sunlight.


This paper tests the migration transition hypothesis that emigration flows first increase and later decrease with a country's economic development. Using a migration version of the gravity model, this hypothesis is tested on a global panel data set comprising 180 origin and destination countries and a 50-year timeframe (1970-2020). This is the most extensive panel data set used so far to test the migration transition hypothesis. The results confirm the existence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between development and emigration within a cross-country panel setting. Nevertheless, the migration hump cannot be interpreted as a causal relationship: for a given low-income country, an increase in economic development is not found to lead to higher emigration. For a subsample of 44 countries that have transitioned from low-income to middle-income status, emigration has rather declined with economic development. The migration transition hypothesis is therefore unfounded. Instead, the migration hump appears to be driven by an underlying cross-sectional pattern that cannot be fully controlled: middle-income countries tend to exhibit higher emigration rates than low- or high-income countries. The findings of this paper have important policy implications: development programs can simultaneously promote economic development and reduce emigration.


BACKGROUND: Peritonitis due to perforated duodenal ulcer is relatively common in our setup. Postoperative pain and morbidity remain the main concerns after conventional open approach of perforation repair. AIM& OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study is to compare the effectiveness and outcomes of laparoscopic and open methods of duodenal perforation repair in terms of Duration of surgery, Time to resume orals, Analgesic requirement, Hospital stay, Post-operative complications and Time to return to normal activity. STUDY DESIGN: prospective comparative study MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients undergoing laparoscopic or open repair of duodenal ulcer perforation in Gandhi hospital from the period of August 2012 to August 2014 were studied prospectively .A total of 69 patients, 23 in the laparoscopy group and 46 in the open group were compared. Statistical methods: Student t test (two tailed, independent) has been used to find the significance of study parameters on continuous scale between two groups. Chi-square/ Fisher Exact test has been used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale between two or more groups. P-value< 0.05 is considered as significant. RESULTS: Time to resume normal diet, analgesic requirement, duration of hospital stay and time to return to normal activity and economic burden were significantly lower in the laparoscopy group along with best cosmetic results. Post-operative complications like wound infection and wound pain were significantly higher in the open group whereas there was no significant difference in post-operative fever, respiratory infections, prolonged ileus and intra-peritoneal collections. Conclusions: laparoscopic simple closure of perforated peptic ulcer disease is safe and may be the first and suitable method of treatment up to now. INTRODUCTION1-4 Duodenal ulcer perforation is one of the common complications of peptic ulcer disease despite the use of various anti-ulcer agents and eradication therapy. It is one of the most common causes of admission in casualty worldwide and particularly more in developing nations. Important etiological factors of peptic ulcer disease are H. Pylori infection, chronic NSAIDS intake, chronic alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, intake of smoked foods, spicy foods, and irregular diet intake and in type A personalities. Common sites for peptic ulcers are the first part of duodenum and the lesser curvature of the stomach, they may also occur on the stoma after gastric surgery, esophagus and even in Meckel's diverticulum. Duodenal ulcer perforation is an abdominal emergency, and is in third in frequency, after acute appendicitis and acute intestinal obstruction. Prompt early diagnosis and early intervention are needed to decrease the still high mortality of this disease. Perforation and peritonitis are immediate threats to life, the ulcer itself is not. Thus therapeutic priorities are treatment of peritonitis and securing the closure of perforation which may be achieved with surgical procedure, open or laparoscopic. The conventional open technique deal well with the perforation and peritoneal lavage but has the disadvantages of large upper abdominal incision, wound infection, wound dehiscence, prolonged ileus and pulmonary complications and late complications of incisional hernias. PPU is a condition in which laparoscopic repair is an attractive option. Not only it is possible to identify site and pathology of the perforation, but the procedure also allows closure of the perforation and peritoneal lavage, just like in open repair but without a large upper abdominal incision. But the effects of laparoscopy in the setting of generalized peritonitis, physiological disturbances which are unpredictable need to be balanced with the advantages of faster recovery. This study is an effort to compare the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic and conventional open closure of duodenal ulcer perforation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients who presented to the emergency department in our unit in Gandhi hospital with clinical diagnosis of Duodenal ulcer perforation during the period of 2 years from August 2012 to August 2014, were prospectively non-ran-


This study aims to redress the almost complete critical marginalisation of Ann Radcliffe's post-1797 works, published in a four-volume collection entitled "Gaston de Blondeville, or the Court of Henry III Keeping Festival in Ardenne, a Romance; St. Alban's Abbey: A Metrical Tale, with some Poetical Pieces by Ann Radcliffe, to which is Prefixed a Memoir of the Author with Extracts from her Journals" (1826). I examine the major works of this collection, beginning with Radcliffe's last novel, "Gaston de Blondeville," before providing a critical analysis of her two longest narrative poems, "St. Alban's Abbey" and "Salisbury Plains: Stonehenge." In arguing for a widening of the bounds of Radcliffean scholarship to include not just her well-known Gothic romances of the 1790s, but also her later works, I contextualise Radcliffe's post-1797 texts alongside Sir Walter Scott's "Ivanhoe" (1820) and his earlier narrative poetry. Examining Radcliffe's later work in the context of Scott's historical fiction allows us to see Radcliffe's innovation as a writer post-1790s. It also highlights the striking thematic reciprocity which exists between Radcliffe's post-1797 texts and Scott's historical fiction. These works display varying responses to a larger revival of interest in Britain's early heritage, exemplified through Radcliffe's and Scott's exploration of the nature of antiquarian study and medieval romance forms. In tracking this thematic reciprocity, this study uncovers a little-acknowledged "conversation," initiated by Radcliffe's post-1797 works with Scott's oeuvre. The forthcoming chapters define the specific nature of this "conversation," in which Radcliffe first anticipates and then responds to Scott's unprecedented literary success in the field of historical fiction.


We seek an analogue for topological manifolds of closed tubular neighbourhoods (for smooth imbeddings) and closed regular neighbourhoods (for piecewise linear imbeddings). We succeed when the dimension of the ambient manifold is at least six. The proof uses topological handle theory, the results of Siebenmann's thesis, and a strong version of the Lefschetz Duality Theorem which yields a duality formula for Wall's finiteness obstruction. 0. Introduction. Let DIFF, PL, TOP denote the categories of smooth, piecewise linear and topological manifolds and, respectively, smooth, piecewise linear and continuous maps. In each of DIFF and PL, given an imbedding i. X —> Y, there is a natural class C (i), of closed neighbourhoods of i(X) in Y, namely, tubular neighbourhoods in DIFF and regular neighbourhoods in PL. C(z) has the following properties: (A) C(z') is a fundamental system of neighbourhoods of i(X) in Y. (B) If N £ c(z'), i(X) c_» N is a simple homotopy equivalence and, if codim X > 3, dN *—> N induces an isomorphism of fundamental groups. (C) There is a deformation retraction r : N —> i(X) such that Map (dN—'i(X)) = N (Map is the mapping cylinder construction). (D) If Ny, N2 £ C(i), there exists N5 £ £(i) such that N} C IntOVj O N A and an isotopy (in the correct category) Q: Y x [0, l] —> Y such that (i) for each t £ [0, l], Q( | N ̂ = 1 | N?; (ii) 20 = iy and Qy(Ny)=N2. We seek such a class C(z') when i: X —> Y is a locally flat imbedding of a closed manifold X such that i(X) O dY = 0. We succeed to the following extent. Theorem 3.6. Let i: Xx C-» Mm be a locally flat imbedding of a closed manifold X into a manifold Mm with x + 3 < m and m>6, such that i(X) n dM = 0 (X «W M being assumed only topological manifolds). Then there is a class C(z') of closed, locally flat neighbourhoods of i(X) in M satisfying properties (A) and (B) above. Moreover, any such class then automatically satisfies (D) and the following conditions: Received by the editors July 30, 1971. AMS (MOS) subject classifications (1969). Primary 5701, 5705: Secondary 5530, 1820.


Spin echo signal attenuation by diffusion is examined for coherence evolution in the course of ordinary pulsed gradient spin echoes and for nonlinear evolution in the presence of a spatially modulated demagnetizing field. It is shown, that, for given field gradient pulse widths (or equivalently for a given gradient strength), echo attenuation by diffusion is much more efficient for nonlinear echoes than for Hahn echoes. Remarkably, in the case of nonlinear echoes the refocusing process is spoiled by diffusion not only during the gradient intervals but also thereafter. The effect of displacements occurring in the gradient intervals is enhanced according to the order of the nonlinear echo the pulse sequence is adjusted for. A second attenuation mechanism takes place after the gradient pulses due to displacements in the presence of the spatially modulated demagnetizing field. This effect even occurs when the gradient intervals are too short to contribute. A complete formalism is presented describing all feat...


The a 0 0 (980)-f 0 (980) mixing intensity has been predicted to be in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 by various theoretical models, but it lacks firm experimental observation. We examine the possibility of extracting the a 0 0 (980)-f 0 (980) mixing from the J/ψ→ Φf 0 (980) → Φa 0 0 (980) reaction at the upgraded Beijing electron positron collider with the BESIII detector. While the branching ratio of this process through the a 0 0 (980)-f 0 (980) mixing is expected to be about O(10 -6 ), similar to the estimated total amount from two background reactions J/ψ → γ* → Φa 0 0 (980) and J/ψ → K*K + c.c. → Φa 0 0 (980), the peak width from the a 0 0 (980)-f 0 (980) mixing is about 8 MeV, much smaller than that from other mechanisms. With 10 9 J/ψ events at BESIII, the a 0 0 (980)-f 0 (980) mixing intensity is expected to be unambiguously and precisely measured.


A series of multistage (pressure-sensitive/hot melt) adhesives utilizing dynamic thia-Michael bonding motifs are reported. The benzalcyanoacetate Michael acceptors used in this work undergo bond exchange under ambient conditions without external catalysis, facilitating pressure-sensitive adhesion. A key feature of this system is the dynamic reaction-induced phase separation that lends reinforcement to the otherwise weakly bonded materials, enabling weak, repeatable pressure-sensitive adhesion under ambient conditions and strong adhesion when processed as a hot melt adhesive. By using different pairs of benzalcyanoacetate cross-linking units, the phase separation characteristics of the adhesives can be directly manipulated, allowing for a tailored adhesive response.


The Study Group in the Interpretation of Geophysics held seven meetings, some of which were attended by as many as twelve members. The leader, Mr. Paul Weaver, led the group with a series of fine lectures. The members of the group were at liberty to interrupt the lectures at any time to ask questions or offer discussion.


The covid-19 pandemic created fear for everyone because no vaccine was available; no treatment protocol for COVID-19 patients was foolproof. In this report, the experience of the family of Covid frontline workers is described. Dr. Madhusudana is a scientist in a Medical College in Andhra Pradesh and his wife Mrs shobharani works as Nursing Staff in the Medical College. The Hospital is declared a COVID Hospital. Thus, both are front line workers during the current COVID-19 Pandemic. This created panic in the family in the same way as in almost every individual in any other family.In this article, the treatment and prophylaxis experience of a family of COVID-19 frontline workers is reported. It is hoped that such reports help other Covid frontline workers to take preventive measures to control the COVID-19 and enhances their confidence in coping with the infection and reduces their stress.The current diagnosis for COVID-19 in India is by RT-PCR test and, Trunat Rapid test kit. Treatment procedures are different based on the severity of the patient. Mrs. Shobharani tested Covid-19 positive on 11th August 2020. Immediately she rushed to the designated covid-Out Patient Department of a COVID Hospital. After evaluation, she opted and was permitted for home quarantine with treatment as per protocol current at that time.


This paper examines the changes in real hourly wages in Colombia along the recovery phase from March 2009 to March 2014. The research starts from the fact that the distribution of wages at trough looks like translations to the left of recovery distribution. This paper sheds light on those procyclical translations through a sequential decomposition on the change of wages in 1) cyclical demand and supply factors; 2) changes in the workers' attributes; 3) changes and spillover effects of the minimum wage, and 4) residual. As the literature suggests, this paper confirms that real hourly wages procyclicality is associated, mainly, with shifts on labor demand and supply factors, and to skills updating —usually linked to the wage distribution secular trend. As a novelty, evidence suggests that there is a positive spillover from monthly minimum wage on hourly wages, explaining 25 % of the divergence between distributions.


Abstract. This research was motivated from observation during my apprentice where the teachers were still using conventional learning model in class. In this rapidly changing era, students will find it difficult to face the advances in education. For that reason, we need a model of learning that can make students to be more active in learning, so that their ability can thrive well. Collaborative learning is one of the learning models using students' cooperation as its main core and demanding the students activeness in solving problems especially math problems. Hopefully it can improve students' understanding and make them get good learning outcomes. The main problem of this research was to find whether there are differences in mathematics learning outcomes of students who acquired collaborative learning and those who acquired conventional learning on the subject of cubes and beams. The type of research used was Pseudo Experiments. This research was conducted in class VIII SMP 16 Kota Bengkulu from April 5 to April 27, 2016.  Data collection was done with learning result test. The test was conducted before and after learning. The data obtained were analyzed by statistic Z test. From the result of the research, it was found that there were differences of mathematics learning results of students who acquired collabotive learning versus those who acquired conventional learning. Collaborative learning was able to make students more active in learning so that their understanding to the material seemed to be better. For further research, it is recommended that the subject be expanded to other classes, try other lessons that can improve students' mathematics learning outcomes and it is better that improving the students' learning outcomes be supported with facilities and other supporting factors. Keywords:  Model, Differences, Collaborative Learning, Conventional Learning


Before starting the main discussion, several important points should be made regarding the concept of history. History as Geschichte means a set of hard facts with certain 'space-time coordinates' in which their uncertain future developments can be nullified. Economic history is also a succession of these historical facts which are observed in economic science. Therefore, it is a fundamental object of every economic research. In particular, theory of economic history aims to grasp at time paths of economic history from relatively long-term aspects, and to complete historical descriptions (economic history in a narrower sense) of images constructed in the space-time arena of economic activities. Economic theoreticians also objectify economic history as a starting point of their logical deduction process, but they seek an ideal image (structure) abstracted from many facts with space-time coordinates. Thus, the di#erence between economic history and theory will become very clear. However, history or historical description is not useless for economic theory. It is just the same in physical science in which, for example, the half-life (history) of an isotope can be expressed (described) by di#erential equations. We need a similar methodological attitude in discussing industrial revolutions. Their history has been incompletely treated by many historians who have no more than an amateur's knowledge of the scientific background of industrial technology. As a result, they have come to a very insu$cient image of industrial revolutions. We cannot describe any precise history of them without having considerable scientific knowledge, for example, that of thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, or other applied physics and chemistry. Moreover, we must have some knowledge of cybernetics, information and ergodic theory, the automaton, etc. to interpret the content of industrial revolutions in the twentieth century. Of course, we do not need to become accomplished experts in these sciences and technologies, but we have to understand their proper contents for our research works. From such a methodological standpoint will we try to construct a more rigid history of industrial revolutions.


We present a case of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) worsened by implantation of a vagal nerve stimulator (VNS). A 22-year-old M with PMH of autism and refractory epilepsy s/p VNS implantation was diagnosed with moderate OSA. His parents noted that his sleep-disordered breathing worsened after VNS implantation. He was started on APAP 4-12 cm H2O. Review of adherence data revealed an elevated residual apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) despite nightly usage. PAP titration study was obtained with improvement of AHI on 16 cm H2O. Despite consequent use of determined pressure settings, residual AHI remained elevated. In consultation with the patient's neurologist, VNS settings were gradually down titrated. Residual AHI improved and remained low as CPAP settings were subsequently weaned.

 The vagus nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system. Afferent fibers project to cortical regions involved in seizure activity. Vagal nerve activation leads to desynchrony, thereby decreasing seizure activity.3 VNS, an adjunctive non-pharmacologic treatment of refractory epilepsy, consists of a generator with multiple adjustable settings and a lead connected to the left vagus nerve.1 VNS activation, in conjuction with medical therapy, can lead to decreased seizures. However, VNS may cause complications such as vocal cord dysfunction, laryngeal spasm, and dyspnea.2 In this case, VNS was noted to cause OSA due to increased airway obstruction, though the pathophysiological mechanism behind this has not been clearly delineated. 3

 Based on current evidence of precipitation or worsening OSA with VNS activation, screening and diagnostic testing for OSA in patients under evaluation for VNS placement should be considered. A multidisciplinary approach between Sleep Medicine and Neurology in conjunction with patient goals can lead to a balanced optimization of both epilepsy and OSA management via adjustments of VNS settings, anti-epileptics, and CPAP.

 1. VNS therapy epilepsy. Epilepsy Foundation. https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/default/files/atoms/files/516VNS_VNS_FINAL.pdf. December 20, 2022. 2. Ebben MR, Sethi NK, Conte M, Pollak CP, Labar D. Vagus nerve stimulation, sleep apnea, and CPAP titration. J ClinSleepMed. 2008 Oct 15;4(5):471-3. PMID: 18853706. 3. Parhizgar F, Nugent K, Raj R. Obstructive sleep apnea and respiratory complications associated with vagus nerve stimulators. J ClinSleepMed. 2011 Aug 15;7(4):401-7. doi: 10.5664/JCSM.1204. PMID: 21897779.


In this article we postulate the strategic entrepreneurial and innovative nature of the EAEU and assess the effectiveness of the Eurasian governance on its institutional dimension as well as on policies for entrepreneurship and innovation. Given the fact that entrepreneurship and innovation formulate an interdisciplinary field and taking into consideration the founding objectives of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), to be a ground for the economic integration and growth of its member-states, a new case study is offered concerning the EAEU's strategic importance and interpretation. Our task is to illustrate the interaction between the strategic expediency of the Eurasian integration venture and the theories of entrepreneurship and innovation as well as to analyse the management of the EAEU decision-making and executive bodies on the adoption of harmonised legislation and the implication of strategic policies that favour entrepreneurship and innovation.


.............................................................................................................................................................. 1 RESUMO .................................................................................................................................................................... 2 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 3 MATERIAL AND METHODS............................................................................................................................... 6 STUDY PARTICIPANTS ............................................................................................................................................ 6 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS ................................................................................................................... 6 DATA ANALYSIS ...................................................................................................................................................... 7 RESULTS ................................................................................................................................................................... 8 CLINICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC DATA .................................................................................................................... 8 ORAL HEALTH AND ORAL PROTOZOA COLONIZATION ........................................................................................ 9 PD-RELATED INFECTIONS AND PD EFFLUENT PROTOZOA COLONIZATION .................................................. 10 DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 CONCLUSIONS ..................................................................................................................................................... 19 REFERENCES ....................................................................................................................................................... 20


On the data of WHO, annually in the world up to 2 mln. of fatal outcomes of acute and chronic hepatites, including cirrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are registered. Th e low frequency of revealing is marked in Northern, Western and Central Europe and Northern America. Average frequency in Southern and East Europe, Southern and Central America. Low revealing is marked in the countries of Asia and Africa. In the paper the analysis of modern views on the clinical course and medical geography of viral hepatites has been conducted.


In Mexico, chili cultivation has a long cultural tradition and is one of the main centers of origin and domestication. An average of 97,306 ha is planted annually in the north of the country. However, the productivity of the chili crop is very erratic due to biotic and abiotic factors that occur during its development. Extreme temperatures and water availability are two of the dominant abiotic stressors. The objective of this work was to know the effect of global warming, on the thermal range of the chili crop. A historical analysis was performed on the variation of the number of hours with temperature inside and outside the thermal range of chili, and a similar analysis in the climatic scenarios 2050 and 2070 in the RCPs 4.5 and 8.5. Both in the historical analysis and in the climatologies we found positive and negative effects of global warming. Global warming will favor chilli cultivation with a surface increase (22.6%) with hourly temperature within development thresholds (15 to 32 °C) and a surface increase (15.8%) within the optimum temperature range (18 to 28 °C). Chili cultivation will be limited by the increase (20.8%) in the surface area with hourly temperature above the upper threshold (32 °C) and an increase (18.5%) in the area with a night time temperature above the upper threshold of night temperature (18 °C) in RCP 4.5 and in climatology 2050. High temperature stress will have an eff ect on the yield decrease due to the negative eff ect on pollination and fruit binding processes.


An examination of Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites (AMMCs) dry sliding wear activities reinforced with reinforcements along with carbides, oxides, and nitrides. However, from the analysis, the method adopted for the composite processing plays a crucial role in achieving a uniform homogeneous composition. Preparation of base metal and reinforcement powders plays a vital role in the process of powder metallurgy, improving wettability between reinforcement particles and molten base metal in liquid metallurgy is a difficult task. AMMCs wear activity is based on different test parameters. As mechanical and tribochemical are the process involved in substance removal during dry sliding wear is subdivided into groups. The loss of reinforcement from the AMMCs through sliding wear decreases the wear rate due to abrasion by three parts. The use of solid lubricant decreases wear severity through the formation of a tribolayer between the rubbing surface. Optimizing the wear intensity is through the use of suitable replacements with optimal lubricants.


The growing deployment of Software Defined Network (SDN) paradigm in the academic and commercial sectors resulted in many different Network Operating Systems (NOS). As a result, adopting the right NOS requires an analytical study of the available alternatives according to the target use case. This study aims to determine the best NOS according to the requirements of Cloud Data Center (CDC). This paper evaluates the specifications of the most common open-source NOSs. The studied features have been classified into two groups, i.e., non-functional features such as availability, scalability, ease of use, maturity, security and interoperability, and functional features, such as virtualization, fault verification and troubleshooting, packet forwarding techniques and traffic protection solutions. A Decision support system, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) has been applied for assessing specifications of the inspected NOSs, namely, ONOS, Opendaylight (ODL), Floodlight, Ryu, POX and Tungsten. Our investigation revealed that ODL is the most suitable NOS for CDC compared to the rest studied NOSs. However, ODL and ONOS have almost similar scores compared to the rest NOSs.


In this study, biogas has been produced from fowl at between 25 and 35 °C and, between 25 and 55 °C fermentation temperatures in a 0,2 m 3 -fermentation tank having an internal heating system operating with solar energy and the results have been examined. In the studies up to now, fermentation tanks have been heated between 25 and 35 °C range and they have not been used in higher temperatures due to the increase in cost price. Thus, biogas production at higher temperature has been aimed in this study. Internal heating has been provided by means of a heater placed inside the fermentation tank in order to obtain higher temperatures. In the experiments, the data obtained from different fermentation tank temperatures has been determined and the results have been compared. As a result of the comparison, it has been determined that, throughout the experiment at between 25 and 35 °C fermentation temperature, 0,302 m 3 of biogas consisting of 58 % methane ( CH4), 42 % carbon dioxide (CO2) and between 25 and 55 °C fermentation temperature, 0,344 m 3 of biogas composed of 55 % methane ( CH4), 45 % carbon


Substance abuse is a prevalent factor in child abuse and neglect and escalates challenges present in the child welfare system. Substance-abusing parents have been found to have compromised parenting practices and an increased risk of child maltreatment. Most child welfare practitioners agree that at least one-third of referrals to the child welfare system and two-thirds of removals from the home involve substance abuse. Once in the system, children of substance-abusing families experience longer stays in foster care and lower rates of family reunification. Substance abuse treatment options are limited and, for those parents who do gain access to treatment, compliance rates are low. State child welfare systems face many challenges in meeting the complex needs of substance-abusing families. In particular, the Adoption of Safe Families Act of 1997, which aims to shorten children's stays in foster care, requires courts to make decisions about children's permanent placement within 12 months after the child enters foster care. Recovery from substance abuse addiction is often a complex, slow process, and time restrictions may not allow parents enough time to overcome their addiction. Comprehensive, effective child welfare and substance abuse programs promote treatment, sustained recovery and self-sufficiency and strive to accomplish two goals: to assist parents to gain access to treatment services to reduce alcohol and drug use, and to keep children safe.


Abstract This conceptual article employs critical race theory (CRT) as a theoretical framework to explore the importance of intersectionality in critical race parenting. In particular, I focus on intersectionality to understand better how Whiteness and racial power play out in intimate relationships within the family, particularly between White parents and family members of color. Through autoethnography, I use my own experiences as a White parent in a multiracial family to argue for an intersectional approach to ParentCrit that 'centers the uniqueness of racial oppression' as well as the myriad ways in which Whiteness is socially constructed within social relations.


With the rapid adoption of powerful computing platform in Internet of Things (IoT), such as industrial control and automotive scenarios, there is a strong demand to better utilize hardware resources while fulfilling the stringent real-time and reliability requirements regulated by certification. Embedded virtualization is an appealing technology to meet this demand through consolidating systems with different criticality levels on a single computing platform, such as best-effort systems and safety-critical systems. However, shared resource access on the consolidated platform could lead to resource contention which can easily jeopardize the timing predictability of real-time tasks for the safety-critical system. The static partitioning architecture pioneered by Jailhouse addresses the issue, but reveals limitation on resource utilization efficiency. The widely-used server grade hypervisors such as KVM and Xen have matured techniques for resource efficiency, but they were not designed with embedded constraints in mind. Meanwhile, the commercial embedded hypervisors are mature but closed-source and expensive. We argue that the main obstacle of adopting the open-source hypervisor technology in the mixed-criticality IoT systems is the monolithic hypervisor architecture, which cannot easily satisfy the requirement on stringent reliability. This paper presents GearV, a two-gear lightweight hypervisor architecture to address the above challenges. By dividing hypervisor into partitioning mechanism and scheduling policy which is implemented in Gear1 and Gear2 respectively, GearV creates a consolidated platform to run best-effort system and safety-critical system simultaneously with managed engineering effort. The two-gear architecture also simplifies retrofitting the virtualization systems, because the partitioning mechanism in Gear1 is self-contained and fixed and thus upgrading Gear2 doesn't lead to the rigorous re-certification process. We have implemented GearV on a Renesas R-CarH3 evaluation board. The result shows that the two-gear architecture reduces the code size by 1/3, the extra overhead introduced by Gear2 is negligible on CPU and memory virtualization, and 4.5% on I/O virtualization. GearV supports real-time VM with only 5% jitter overhead measured by Xenomai. We believe that GearV can serve as a reasonable hypervisor architecture for the mixed-criticality IoT systems.


To detect the SIP (session initiation protocol) flooding attack against the IP Multimedia Subsystem of 3G core network, this study proposes a double sampling and a variable sampling interval detection approach. Based on the Counting Bloom Filter for the statistical detection of characteristic information, this approach divides the detection space into five areas, namely, the normal range, interesting range, detection range, precise detection range, and attack range, and detects the statistic data falling in each of the different ranges. Simulation experimental results show that this approach has a good detection performance.


The luminescence decay curves from the 5D1 state of the cubic hexachloroelpasolite crystals Cs2NaY1-xEuxCl6 (x=0.01, 0.05, 0.10, 1) have been measured over the temperature range 12-293 K. For x=0.01, cross-relaxation processes involving odd parity phonons occur at 293 K but are quenched at 80 K. For x=0.05 and 0.10 both temperature-dependent energy migration among the donors and cross-relaxation occur. For the pure material energy transfer from the donors to the nearest-neighbour acceptors becomes dominant and the emission is strongly quenched. The multipole nature of the coupling mechanisms and the identity of the states involved is discussed.


The American Nuclear Society (ANS) winter meeting of 1988 contained an embedded topical on the cleanup of Three Mile Island unit 2 (TMI-2). At the time of the meeting, the cleanup program was still in progress. Defueling operations were completed in February 1990. In December 1993, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission gave General Public Utilities approval to put TMI-2 in postdefueling monitored storage (PDMS). With cleanup activities complete and TMI-2 in safe, stable, monitored storage, we are now able to close out and briefly summarize some of the ideas concerning worker radiation exposure that were presented during the 1988 ANS winter meeting.


BACKGROUND: Survivors of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) frequently experience long-lasting physical, cognitive and mental impairments. We aimed to characterize persisting disabilities in survivors of COVID-19-associated ARDS at three months after hospital discharge.

METHODS: Patients were assessed serially with a structured telephone interview, complete clinical chart and X-ray review and in-person visit at a follow-up clinic.

FINDINGS: Of the 93 survivors,  3 (3%) were lost to follow-up, 8 (8%) were totally dependent and 82 were independent in activities of daily living (ADL). Of these 82 patients, 25 had reached independence at hospital discharge and refused further evaluation, whereas 57 consented to participate in the follow-up visit. Two patients (3·5%) had significant muscle weakness, and 20 (35%) had critical illness neuropathy or myopathy. Median distance walked in 6 minutes, and median scores of SF-36 Physical functioning and Role limitations due to physical problems were normal. Severe fatigue was reported by 36% of patients. Thirty-six patients (63%) returned to previous work. Cognitive and mental function were normal or only mildly impaired in 96% of patients.  Median SF-36 physical and mental component scores were 86% and 100% of predicted values. Interstitial and alveolar chest-X ray abnormalities were found in 30 of 43 patients. Spirometry showed restrictive or obstructive patterns in 9 of 17 patients and altered DLCO in 10.

INTERPRETATION: Survivors of COVID-19-associated ARDS have fast recovery of physical functioning at the body level, of the whole person and as participation in a social context. Cognitive and mental function, quality of life and independence in ADL are also rapidly re-established.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04608994

FUNDING: The study was funded by FONDAZIONE ALESSANDRA BONO ONLUS, a non-profit organization - Via Fornaci 33, 25040 Corte Franca (BS), Italy https://www.fondazionealessandrabono.it

DECLARATION OF INTERESTS: All authors declare no conflicts of interest.

ETHICS APPROVAL STATEMENT: The Brescia Ethics committee approved the study (NP 2595).


Fifteen new Hevea clones which were planted in eight different sites in 1998 were studied to select stable clones for wide range of agro-climatic variability. The analysis of variance indicated the presence of significant genetic, environmental and genotype environment interaction for 5 th year girth measurement. Variance of clones over environments used as the stability index. Mean stability and the mean performance were used to categorized the fifteen clones into four groups with different levels of mean performances and stabilities. The clones RRISL 215 and RRISL 217 were shown to be highly stable over all the environments with high mean performance. Key words : agro-climatic variability; clones; Hevea brasiliensis DOI: 10.4038/jrrisl.v87i0.1808 Journal of the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka, (2005) 87 , 1-6


Objective To evaluate the mid-long term outcomes of laparoscopy-assisted abdominal microincision myomectomy.Methods Clinical data of 85 cases of laparoscopy-assisted abdominal microincision myomectomy from June 2002 to October 2006 were retrospectively analyzed.All the patients were followed up for at least 12 months(12-61 months).There were 51 cases of subserous myoma,34 cases of intramural myoma.The numbers of myomas were 1-3;diameter of myoma of 47 cases was less then 5 cm,that of 38 cases was greater than or equal to 5 cm,the largest diameter was 10 cm.Results All operation were performed under laparoscopy and no complication occurred.Myoma recurred in 6 cases(7.7%).Conclusion Laparoscopy-assisted abdominal microincision myomectomy is a safe,effective and minimally invasive operation.This operation does not increase the recurrence rate.


Abstract : This report presents the results of the initial research phase of a study aimed at developing techniques to enhance the output of a hypothetical character-recognition machine by producing solutions in those instances where the machine fails to identify a character within an English word in normal technical text material. The primary approach involves analytical processing rather than lexical look-up. Several syllable grammars are discussed, and one is specified, as bases for production of possible solutions. The study also includes investigation of various statistical approaches. An RCA 301 computer program which implements the initial correction algorithm is also discussed. (Author)


Abstract : The report documents the findings of a real-scale experimental study designed to determine the technologies and damage control (DC) doctrine that should be followed to enable major DC manning reductions on future surface combatants. The experiments consisted of a series of real-scale fire tests and technology demonstrations onboard the Navy's full-scale control RDT&E facility, ex-USS Shadwell (LSD-15). The damage scenarios consisted of peacetime tests that represented small, but growing fire events and wartime scenario that represented the damage expected from the detonation of a medium-sized warhead. Radically reduced DC manning concepts that leap-ahead DC system technologies were exercised with Fleet users during this real-scale shipboard study. The study demonstrated that the DC manpower requirements on a modern destroyer-type ship could be significantly reduced from its present manning level of 105 to 45 people with the proper integration of DC system automation and improved DC doctrine (organization and procedures).


Aging is rapidly progressing around the world. This study explore and propose a qualitative user research method to specifically understand the needs and desires of the elderly based on a human-centered design philosophy for design targeting the increasing elderly. In particular, the purpose of this study is to propose a user research method that can be easily used when designing products used by the elderly in the actual design site. For this purpose, this study examined the use and implications of using shadowing, interviews, and direct experience while actually proceeding with the walking stick design. The shadowing was organized through the AEIOU frame, and the interview was conducted by adding a significance category to reflect the recent trend of the silver generation. For the direct experience, design implications were derived by setting up four user behavior scenarios, each indoors and outdoors, and experiencing them directly by designers. This study is expected to be an important user research guideline in the current situation where the demand for design for the elderly is diversifying and increasing. ■ keyword :∣Elderly People∣Qualitative User Research∣Aging∣Human Centered Design∣Design Thinking∣ 접수일자 : 2020년 10월 07일 수정일자 : 2021년 01월 28일 심사완료일 : 2021년 01월 31일 교신저자 : 김기정, e-mail : email@example.com 고령자 대상 디자인을 위한 정성적 사용자 조사 방법 81


Multicast and broadcast service (MBS) is one of the important services for next-generation wireless systems. In WiMAX, the radio resource unit (i.e., time, frequency, code, etc.) for MBS is centralized allocated by an anchor access service network gateway (Anchor ASN-GW). In MBS, a BS can dynamically join or leave an MBS Zone due to the moving of MSs. The Anchor ASN-GW must allocate nonoverlapping radio resource units to BSs for delivering different MBS contents in overlapping MBS Zones. This paper presents radio resource allocation and reallocation algorithms to minimize the number of required resource units for overlapping MBS Zones. For a given number of MBS Zones, a resource estimation model is also presented to estimate the average number of radio resource units to be reserved by the ASN-GW. Simulation results showed that the proposed algorithms can reduce the number of reallocations, and, thus, the signaling messages exchanged in the air interface and the core network are minimized. The results also showed that the proposed model can be used as a good reference for the network operator to estimate the average number of required radio resource units for a given number of MBS Zones.


Zoonotic Surveillance Divisions (ZSDs) rescue and euthanize bats in contact with humans. The euthanasia procedure should be conducted safely for the animal and caretaker and minimal stress for the animal is important. The objectives of this study were: i. evaluate the methods of euthanasia used by ZSDs in the State of São Paulo; ii. compare the methods with national and international guidelines for animal euthanasia practices; iii. assess the methodologies considering taxonomy and eating habits of the main bat species, and iv. propose standardization of euthanasia procedures. Sixty-five ZSDs locations received an online questionnaire or were contacted by telephone and 33 ZSDs (50.8%) responded and are distributed in 11 mesoregions in the state to remain anonymous. The euthanasia methods were divided into chemical (injectable or inhalation), physical, or mixed methods. Bat specimens (n = 550) were identified and classified to evaluate the main genera found in the state. The location of the ZSD, species, eating habits, and the method of euthanasia used were analyzed. The specimens by bat families were Molossidae (n = 340), Phyllostomidae (n = 171), and Vespertilionidae (n = 39). Chemical methods were used in 25 ZSDs (75.75%), physical in 5 (15.15%), and mixed in 3 (9.09%). There is no uniformity or standardization in bat euthanasia methods used by ZSDs, although most are based on acceptable chemical methods. It was proposed an algorithm to assist the veterinarian in choosing the method of euthanasia for bats that will allow standardizing euthanasia procedures for this species, considering physiological differences, and respecting technical, bioethical, and animal welfare guidelines.


Suicide is the second leading cause of death for adolescents and has become a public health concern in the United States. In addition, certain groups of students are more at risk for suicide than others. School counselors have an ethical obligation to protect their students and are in an ideal position to educate students and staff about the risks and warning signs of suicide. Ethical issues such as counselor competence, school responsibility, and community buy in are important considerations for educators. Lastly, implications for practicing school counselors in preventing suicide are provided.


Background atmospheric levels of BTEX in the suburb of Caserta (41° 04' N, 14° 20' E), a Southern Italian city with about 75,000 inhabitants and a low level of industrialization, were measured during weekdays in 2005. The average annual concentrations (μg m) were 8.7 benzene, 26.0 toluene, 6.5 ethylbenzene, 14.4 (m+p)-xylene and 12.5 o-xylene, with higher values during summer. The average daily concentrations of the different BTEX hydrocarbons were strongly correlated (average correlation coefficients = 0.93). The (m+p)xylene/ethylbenzene concentration ratio was relatively low (2.2) and did not show statistically significant seasonal variations. In Naples, a densely populated city on the coast, 25 km from Caserta, the ratio was significantly higher (3.3). Intermediate ratios were recorded in sampling sites located between the two cities. The results suggest that BTEX tend to stagnate in Caserta area, producing relatively high levels with low X/E value, or, alternatively, that they are in greater part produced elsewhere, very likely in Naples, and are transported towards Caserta. To discriminate between these two hypotheses analysis of the patters of local winds is in progress.


The radioisotope blood pool scan has been applied to two principal kinds of problems: the differential diagnosis of midline masses (1) and, more commonly, the detection of pericardial effusions (2, 3). In the latter application, however, it has recently fallen out of favor compared with alternative roentgenographic methods which employ intravenously injected carbon dioxide or iodine-containing drugs as contrast materials. The isotope scan has languished because of the length of time required to perform it and because detection of effusions less than 250–300 ml in size was difficult even under ideal laboratory circumstances (3) and perhaps impossible in vivo. Many laboratories have investigated a number of tracer elements characterized by relatively short half-lives and low photon energies. Such tracers for any particular test will assure relatively low whole-patient and organ radiation doses, and they may therefore often be used in quantities large enough to supply good counting rates and improved scannin...


Plastic waste has been increasingly transferred from land into the ocean and has accumulated within the food chain, causing a great threat to the environment and human health, indicating that fabricating an eco‐friendly and biodegradable replacement is urgent. Paper made of cellulose is attractive in terms of its favorable biodegradability, resource abundance, large manufacturing scale, and low material cost, but is usually hindered by its inferior stability against water and poor mechanical strength for plastic replacement. Here, inspired by the reinforcement principle of cellulose and lignin in natural wood, a strong and hydrostable cellulosic material is developed by integrating lignin into the cellulose. Lignin as a reinforced matrix is incorporated to the cellulose fiber scaffold by successive infiltration and mechanical hot‐pressing treatments. The resulting lignin‐cellulose composite exhibits an outstanding isotropic tensile strength of 200 MPa, which is significantly higher than that of conventional cellulose paper (40 MPa) and some commercial petroleum‐based plastics. Additionally, the composite demonstrates a superior wet strength of 50 MPa. Adding lignin also improves the thermostability and UV‐blocking performance of cellulose paper. The demonstrated lignin‐cellulose composite is biodegradable and eco‐friendly with both components from natural wood, which represents a promising alternative that can potentially replace the nonbiodegradable plastics.


Electron runaway rates, and runaway delay time, runaway threshold energies were obtained from Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in the field domains 35-400 kV/cm and 240-400 kV/cm, respectively, for helium and nitrogen at 1 atm. MC simulations disprove all available analytical theories that ignore angular scattering of electrons, with the sole exception of Gurevich's theory for helium, in which angular scattering is relatively weak.


Abstract : A problem for the military strategic planner in the 21st century, as throughout history, is that physical defeat or even destruction of the enemies military does not automatically equal surrender of a hostile population to the will of the victor. There has been much written about the political will and national will as targets in warfare yet within our doctrine the concept of will is not adequately addressed in terms of targeting and effects, perhaps leading military planners to pursue more traditional physical destruction of our enemies while our opponents seek a protracted campaign targeting components of our will. The purpose of this paper is to provide a study of the components of will, its relationship with the concept of a Center of Gravity (CoG) and an analysis of the National Strategy for Victory in Iraq to highlight the components of and targeting of will from both the friendly and enemy perspectives.


OBJECTIVE
This study investigated the influence of muscle group location and racial background on the relationship between measures of muscle strength and power. It was hypothesized that both African American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) males would exhibit similar strength-power relationships, but these relationships would be dependent upon muscle group location.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
A cross-sectional, comparative design was used.

SETTING
The Human Performance Laboratory at the U. of Oklahoma.

SUBJECTS
Normal, healthy college-aged AA (n = 14) and CA (n = 15) males volunteered for this study.

MEASURES
Upper and lower body strength (IRM) was assessed using a Smithpress bench press and Polaris leg press, and upper and lower body power was measured with a piezoresistive accelerometer.

RESULTS
When comparing power between upper and lower body muscle groups, both AA and CA groups exhibited similar relationships (r = 0.68 and r = 0.61, respectively), however, the relationship between upper and lower body strength was relatively stronger for the AA group (r = 0.65 vs r = 0.42). When evaluating the strength-power relationship within a given muscle group, i.e., upper or lower body, there were no racial differences, but the relationship between strength and power did differ with respect to muscle group location.

CONCLUSIONS
There were stronger relationships between measures of muscular strength and power for the lower limbs when compared to the upper body indicating the importance of muscle group location rather than racial ethnicity as a confounding factor that can affect neuromuscular force production. This information is important when attempting to characterize neuromuscular function relative to specific skills or motor sport performance, thus emphasizing the principle of specificity.


This paper begins with a qualitative analysis of factors affecting the economic growth in Anhui province,resulting in the classification of these factors according to their importance and significance by using the Grey correlation analysis method;Based on the fact that the economic growth in Anhui province system is grey,this paper predicts the total and growth rate of GDP in Anhui Province during the period 2011-2015.


Although states that have developed or are developing programs of Medicaid managed mental health care often claim to be targeting severely and persistently mentally ill patients, in fact they have disrupted several significant elements of effective care. Since its beginnings, community psychiatry has demonstrated the necessity and efficacy of applying certain principles to meet the needs of this population. They include continuity of care, integration of treatment elements, integration of treatment with social and economic interventions, and provision of effective case management to facilitate continuity and integration of services. Has managed care found a way to follow these principles to meet the needs of seriously and persistently mentally ill patients? In the main, no. Capitated rates are too low to cover these needs. Continuity is impossible if, for instance, companies seek less expensive outpatient services for a patient and then, when hospitalization is required, refer the patient to a less expensive hospital unrelated to the outpatient program. Cost overrides continuity. Case management to bridge such gaps is alien to most companies bidding on Medicaid mental health contracts. Long-term rehabilitation, even if a benefit under the contract, is rarely approved. Companies consider it a nonmedical or unproven intervention. If rehabilitation is approved, the time allowed is rarely consonant with the literature, which shows that up to 18 months may be required to achieve results. Managed care companies also do not appreciate the need to incorporate economic and social interventions, such as access to entitlement programs and housing, with psychiatric care. They consider such needs nonmedical, no matter what they agreed to in order to win a contract. Some states have tried to retain control over elements of care targeted to seriously mentally ill people, such as rehabilitation and case management, but this split responsibility only further disrupts continuity of care.


In previous papers it was argued that the halogens, as flame extinguishants, act as heat sinks in the same manner as nitrogen although they do enter the combustion chemistry. Thus they act, as extinguishants, as heat sinks although, because of their fuel content, they may also add energy to the system.


Paddy (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important staple food crop in Asia. More than 90% of the world's paddy is grown and consumed in Asia, where 60% of the world's population lives. The area under paddy in India was reported 43.95 million hectares with the total production of 106.54 million tonnes, while productivity was recorded 24.249 quintal per hectare. The area under paddy in Utter Pradesh was 5.98 million hectares, and production was 14.63 million tonnes while productivity 24.479 qt/ha. Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh was selected purposively in order to avoid operational inconvenience. One block (Aspur Deosara) having highest area under paddy crop was selected purposively and from selected block 5 villages were selected randomly. The respondents were stratified into three size groups i.e., (i) marginal (blow 1 ha), (ii) small (1-2 ha) and (iii) medium (2-4 ha).


This paper is based on an address given at the Oz Child Annual General Meeting on 7 December 1998 in Dandenong, Victoria.


During the last three decades, especially 1980's, language learning specialists have been busy  discovering the nature of language learning strategies, describing them, and formulating their relationships with other language learning factors. In line with these studies, the field of translation studies has undergone a complete revolution in terms of its perspective toward its research priorities; that is, recent works tend to adopt a more descriptive rather than prescriptive approach. One of the newly emerged trends in translation studies is the quest for the nature of mental processes applied while translating a text.  Following this trend, the present study incorporates think-aloud protocols (TAPs) and retrospective interviews to probe the learning strategies employed by some university students during the translation of an expository text from English to Persian according to the taxonomy of learning strategies presented by Oxford (1990). The results show that (1) the participants tend to incorporate cognitive and meta-cognitive strategies as their dominant strategies, (2) there is no significant difference between direct and indirect strategies incorporated by the participants, and (3) the scope of the taxonomy proposed in the field of language teaching can be generalized to translation studies.


Received: Dec 07, 2018 Accepted: Feb 11, 2019 Published Online: Feb 18, 2019 Journal: Annals of Biotechnology Publisher: MedDocs Publishers LLC Online edition: http://meddocsonline.org/ Copyright: © Chávez-Olórtegui C (2019). This Article is distributed under the terms of Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License *Corresponding Author(s): Carlos Chávez-Olórtegui Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Antônio Carlos Avenue, Belo Horizonte, Brazil Tel: 55 31 3409 2625; Fax: 55 31 3409 2613 Email: email@example.com Annals of Biotechnology


This article compares the ability of nine unmixing models, including radiative transfer (RT) models as well as a new nonlinear unmixing approach called neighbor-band ratio unmixing (NBRU), to obtain mineralogical information from hyperspectral data. Their performance in estimating mineral abundances of 94 crafted mineral mixtures was first assessed. NBRU led to the best results among non-RT models with mean and median errors of 9.8% and 7.4%, respectively. Hapke's and Shkuratov's RT models obtained 6.5% and 5.6%, and 6.7% and 4.7%, respectively. In a second experiment, the mapping ability of six non-RT models and their robustness when facing endmember variability were evaluated. The assessment was performed on an AVIRIS hyperspectral image of the widely studied Cuprite area, NV, USA. Comparisons with validation maps showed that NBRU retrieved the best spatial distributions for seven of the nine minerals mapped.


The paper introduces the structure,working principle and protection function of new type automatic take-up winch for belt conveyor.The winch is in prospect of wide application and market value.


The purpose of this study is to develop a model of village good governance through strengthening the role of the Village Consultative Body (BPD). This study uses a research and development method developed by Borg (2003) which was carried out over seven months of activities covering the stage of model development, based on data obtained through preliminary research and information gathering, designing initial models, conducting trials and validating expert teams, revising models, and producing good governance models of village governance through strengthening the role of the Village Consultative Body. The village government Good Governance model has been successfully developed through the strengthening of the Village Consultative Body (BPD) which has 4 stages, namely: the preparatory stage, the analysis phase, the implementation and implementation stage, and the reporting and output stages. The preparation phase has 3 stages starting from the selection and determination of the members of the Village Consultative Body (BPD), the orientation of the elected Village Consultative Body (BPD), and the preparation of the annual work plan of the Village Consultative Body (BPD). The analysis phase is carried out through musdes. The implementation and implementation stages have 2 stages. Starting from the discussion and ratification of village regulations, and the implementation and implementation of village regulations.


INTRODUCTION Three forms of ribosomal particles are generally observed in extracts of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells: polysomes, single ribosomes and ribosomal subunits. Analysis of the functional relationship between these three classes and their role in the ribosome cycle in protein synthesis has been complicated chiefly for two reasons. First, a complete turn of the ribosome cycle—repeated passage of a ribosome over messenger RNA—requires the participation of so many components that faithful reproduction in a purified, reconstituted cell-free system is virtually impossible. Individual steps can be analyzed more precisely, but their placement within the cycle is often problematical. Second, the three observed states of ribosomal particles are stable enough to be recovered in extracts, but the existence of additional, less stable states can only be revealed by special or indirect methods. Moreover, particles in different states may not always be separated by ultracentrifugation. These complications at times have led to apparently contradictory results. To simplify the analysis of available facts, I shall present a general scheme for the ribosome cycle, discuss the evidence in support of its individual features, show how the available observations in bacterial and eukaryotic systems can be accommodated within this scheme, and finally present the alternative interpretations to which the scheme remains open. THE RIBOSOME CYCLE—A GENERAL SCHEME Several ribosomes are engaged in protein synthesis as they move along a messenger RNA molecule, forming a polysome (depicted at the top of Figure 1). At the termination codon ( t ), the completed polypeptide chain is...


In the present study, we investigate the flow of a paramagnetic fluid in a two dimensional heated channel when an external magnetic gradient is imposed. In the fully developed regime, an analytical solution shows that a flow reversal may occur; the condition of this is given n terms of the Reynolds number. Numerical simulations are then carried out for more general situations. It is shown that the analytical model gives good qualitative predictions.


We describe an image‐processing equipment designed and built to meet the specific requirements of an astrophysical experiment, but having probably useful applications in other fields of science and technology. It locates and makes the inventory of specified micrometer‐sized holes in thin metallic films. The data acquisition is made by a CCD camera looking at the film through an optical microscope. The information goes to a microcomputer through a special interface. The program and the electronics were designed for optimum acquisition speed, automatic operation, and minimum need for human intervention.


This chapter contains sections titled: Introduction Bit-Patterned Media and Discrete Track Media Fabrication of Patterned Structures Recording Systems Producing a Patterned Media Drive References


This is a preprint of an article submitted for consideration in International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education, c1997, 10(4), 487-498. Copyright Taylor & Francis; Research methodology, education and theoretical fashions: constructing a methodology course in an era of deconstruction. The definitive version is available at: http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~content=a713848498


Esophageal Cancer (EC) is a malignant neoplasm with a high mortality rate and difficult diagnosis in the early stages of the disease, and this decreases the efficiency of its treatment. Its incidence is often linked to cultural and regional factors, such as the ingestion of food and/or drinks at elevated temperatures. Due to the low detection rate, we devised an instrumental catheter made of latex, which is a biosynthetic material, containing a matrix of electronic thermometers for measuring the intra-esophageal temperature, as well as preparing an on-board electronic apparatus, which combines an electronic circuit and a computer for correct data treatment. With this apparatus, we expect to obtain the thermal and pressure modeling for healthy tissues and tissues affected by EC.


Internal electronic pressure gauge is used for artillery chamber pressure testing;the static sensitivity of the gauge directly used for dynamic measurement will bring serious errors to the measurement result.In order to reduce the effect of testing environment on the gauge,environmental factors calibration technology is proposed,the simulation chamber pressure generator is developed,and the environment of high temperature and high pressure could be obtained in the generator;environmental factors calibration system is established.The necessity of environmental factors calibration is analyzed.The real testing result shows that the data have better stability and high confidence level after environmental factors calibration.


The words "cooperation" and "collaboration" are sometimes used interchangeably. When we discuss group efforts of libraries of varying sizes, they probably should not be. As O'Connor, Wells and Collier have penetratingly suggested, "cooperation in a library situation implies that the larger cooperate with other libraries, recognising that the small will be unable to contribute to the same extent. Collaboration recognises that all libraries, large and small, are under pressure and that each can contribute to the solution in different but ultimately useful ways for the benefit of the whole." So it is, I think, with almost all joint efforts of academic libraries in Hong Kong. Thus, the word "collaboration" is preferred and used in this paper which focuses on collaborative efforts made by academic libraries in Hong Kong to support learning, teaching and research at their own institutions. 1


Debriefing has been an assumed part of the simulation process, but there has been little discussion of debriefing in simulation circles. Most discussions on debriefing have focused on experiential exercises and games (Markulis & Strang, 2002). Simulation debriefing discussions have generally been limited to statements that debriefing is important and/or suggestions on techniques, e.g., student presentations to the class or to a boards of directors. The objective of this panel is to foster discussion and hopefully research on the debriefing aspect of simulation games. It will begin with the objectives of debriefing followed by the timing of debriefing, the structure used to debrief and the processes available for debriefing.


As public institutions and seed companies incorporate soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) resistance genes into soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars, it is important to retain resistance to defoliators. This study compared Japanese beetle (Popillia japonica Newman) defoliation among rag1b and rag3 aphid-resistant lines (E06901, E06905, and E06906) with a Rag1 aphid-resistant line (LD0516060) and aphid-susceptible lines (DKB27-53, SD01-76R, and Titan RR). Under natural insect pressure, the percentage of leafl ets consumed by Japanese beetle was greater on rag1b and rag3 lines (50–86%) than LD05-16060 (11%) and SD01-76R (5%). Defoliation on the three most damaged trifoliates was higher on rag1b and rag3 lines (49–54%) and its aphid-susceptible parent Titan RR (35%) than on LD05-16060 (5%) and its aphid-susceptible parent, SD01-76R (1%). Similarly in laboratory choice and no-choice tests, greater leaf area was removed from rag1b and rag3 lines. There was more feeding on LD06-16060 under no-choice conditions than under choice conditions, suggesting LD0516060 was more attractive to Japanese beetle in the absence of a preferred line. At present, the differential susceptibility among these lines cannot be attributed to a specifi c compound or compounds until suffi cient genetic and biochemical studies are conducted. This study shows the importance of monitoring Japanese beetle defoliation in breeding programs to determine the severity of threat posed by this insect on new lines.


I read with interest the recently published report by Siddiqui et al. [1], which described the characteristics and outcomes of health and social care workers testing positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the Tayside region of Scotland. Healthcare workers can be infected in the community, and in interactions with colleagues; therefore, such infections are not always the result of acquisition from infected patients https://bit.ly/30opbTk


The present work addressed the occurrence of landslide processes as a disturbing element for some ecosystems in the Alejandro de Humboldt National Park in the northeastern part of the Republic of Cuba. A landslide inventory was carried out with Sentinel images as the main source of information. Factors such as geology, relief and soil were also considered as conditioning elements for the occurrence of landslides. The vegetation was classified according to O.J Reyes 2012 and the inventory of vertebrate species in Cuba was used, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature. A total of 206 landslides in the park were inventoried. The areas with the highest density of landslides developed mainly in a very abrupt relief, where sedimentary rocks and brown soils predominate; These areas coincide with those of low altitude rainforest development and where the largest number of vertebrate species is found.


To ascertain the reasons for the differences between stop-watch and mechanical timing of races, each of the 11 timers participating in the study underwent two tests. In the first test, the delayed reaction of the timer to the firing of the starter's gun was measured. The second test was designed to determine how nearly simultaneously the timer stops his watch with the crossing of the finish line by a runner. The most important results were that: (1) the reaction lag in the timer's starting his stop-watch averages about 0.2 sec. and (2) the timer stops his watch on the average when the runner still has about 13.5 cm. to go before breasting the tape. It is noteworthy that this result was obtained under a test situation in which the timer had no reason to hope that the runner would make "good" time. In the hope or anticipation of a record, the likelihood is that the timer's watch would be stopped distinctly sooner. (3) The tests clearly demonstrate that the reason for the differences between stop-watch and mechanical timing is the delayed reaction of the timer in starting his watch at the start of a race, a loss not cancelled out at the finish. The difference in the timing results by the two methods tends rather to increase at the finish.


Prevention: Many periprosthetic femur fractures may be prevented by: (1) good patient follow-up, (2) timely reoperation of lytic lesions if radiographs suggest fracture risk, and (3) prophylactic use of longer stemmed implants or strut grafts to bypass cortical defects at revision surgery. Treatment: Periprosthetic fractures can be treated using an algorithmic approach based on the Vancouver classification system. Fractures of greater or lesser trochanter (Type A) Nonoperative treatment if displacement acceptable and if not associated with lysis Operative treatment if displacement unacceptable or associated with progressive lysis Fractures of distal femur well distal to implant (Type C) Treat as any other femur fracture, usually operatively Fixation options: plate/retrograde nails Fractures around the implant or at its tips (Type B) These fractures almost always require surgery. Nonoperative treatment is associated with high rate of malunion, nonunion, poor results. Treatment is according to fixation status of implant and bone quality. Well-fixed stem (Type B1): ORIF with cable plate and/or strut grafts Loose stem, reconstructable bone (Type B2): revise implant to long stem; usually use uncemented, distally fixed implant; occasionally long cemented stem (avoid cement extrusion) * Principles: obtain fracture stability, implant stability, and optimise conditions for bone healing (use bone grafts, don't strip periosteum) Loose stem, unreconstructable proximal bone damage (Type B3): revise substituting for proximal femur with allograft prosthetic composite or tumour prosthesis


Objectives To provide an awareness of intraparotid facial nerve neurofibroma as a cause of parotid masses and to describe their characteristics and management considerations.