Abstract Based on a selection of papers presented at a conference hosted by the University of Durham, England, this collection of essays is a remarkable contribution to the theory and criticism of photography. Thanks to the strong editorial hand of the organizers, and the significant intellectual and literary qualities found in a majority of the texts, Phototextualities presents a new and coherent perspective on the medium of photography. In addition, the fourteen essays (not twenty-two as announced on the back cover of the book), provide the reader with a number of fascinating and innovative readings of a wide range of photographic discourses. Photography, indeed, is not taken here in the narrow sense of 'photographs', but in the larger meaning of 'discursively imbedded pictures', whose meaning cannot be separated from the social can text.


The upswing of antibiotic resistance is an escalating threat to human health. Resistance mediated by bacterial metallo-β-lactamases is of particular concern as these enzymes degrade β-lactams, our most frequently prescribed...


Convention for the mutual recognition and enforcement of judgments in civil and commercial matters. Signed at Jerusalem on 30 May 1989


The present article covers the use of speaking activities in teaching spelling from the perspective of the communicative-activity approach. This approach allows a complex of spelling and speaking skills necessary for speaking practice to be built in the course of spelling activities. Speech and spelling activities help students to develop a verbal and cogitative mechanism for choosing the correct spelling of a letter (or sign) when writing. As a result, students can rely freely on spelling rules when producing their own coherent utterances, varying in style and type of speech. The article pays a particular attention to activities aimed at developing students' speech production skills, i.e. ability to create their own coherent utterances in accordance with a specific communication task. In addition, the article demonstrates that, by enriching the vocabulary of students, it is possible to improve their spelling competence. The study results are based on personal teaching experience, literature review, observation of the learning process, conversations with students and teachers.


INTRODUCTION The pleuropulmonary complications associated with collagen vascular diseases are frequently recorded . The involvement may be subclinical, but its true extent may be masked by exercise limitation due to musculoskeletal features of the connective tissue disease. Although most pulmonary complications appear in an established case of a collagen vascular disease, in some situations, the lung disease precedes the more typical manifestations. Abnormalities of pulmonary functions have been found in children with collagen diseases even in the absence of clinical or radiographic evidence of pulmonary involvement. However, it is not known whether they represent an early sign of progressive lung disease which is not clinically evident or they are associated with disease activity. The increasing incidence of lung involvement of most of collagen vascular diseases is primarily due to increased recognition aided by the use of spirometry, lung volume measurement, bronchoalveolar lavage and computed tomography which can detect abnormalities even in asymptomatic patients. This work aimed at evaluation of the clinical and functional characteristics of the lung in children with SLE and JRA using pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest. The relation of pulmonary involvement to the type and duration of disease was also assessed. Original article


Compared with ordinary curriculum, the collated edition curriculum (CEC) has its own peculiarity. Theevaluation of CEC consists of three basic methods, i. e. the background evaluation at the preparatory stage; thesubstantial evaluation at the editing stage; and the diagnostic evaluation at the practicing stage, and three basic levels, i.e. evaluation at the school level at the users level and at the educational system Ievels, Which form the basic framework ofevaluation of CEC.


Abstract: This article want to discribe Islam views the pluralism and hardness matter. If the adherent of religion do not understand as rightly and wisdom, the pluralism of religion will appear or accumulate consequence, it is not only accumulate inter be religion muslim, but also social conflict. This research is library research which is to based on thiers viewing to the primar sources that to refers to Islam view toward pluralism issue matter and resistant to be hate of hardness spirit by analysis content. The data then will be interpreted with analysis method. The end, the result of this research stated that the religion believer can be life contiguous or side by side by appearing is to attitude tolerant. This is to effort and to build the synergy relation between pluralism, multiculturalism, and Islam. So, it will need dialogue (discourse) ideas of the modern religion to understanding or equally each other. Key Words: Islamic, Pluralisme, Multikulturalisme, Spirit, Violence


It is well known that sample correlation coefficient is a significant statistical measure of linear comovement between variables. However, the distortion that is caused by 'coincidental outliers' is fairly large. For this reason, we suggest an alternative robust measure of correlation that obtains the lowest bias. We formally call this measure the bootstrap-based correlation coefficient. We show analytically that our measure exhibits lower bias with respect to classical estimator. We compare its performance both across the classical estimator and across the robust measures of Kim et al. (2015) applying Monte Carlo simulations. The results verify the outperformance of the bootstrap-based correlation coefficient relatively to other measures, in presence of 'coincidental outliers'.


Internet security services such as confidentiality, authentication, integrity, and non-repudiation rely on the public-key cryptography services as well as on the user's identification techniques. Traditional user identification techniques such as passwords, personal identification numbers (PIN's), card keys, etc. cannot differentiate between an authorized person and a fraudulent impostor. Biometrics is an emerging technology, which identifies users by their physical and/or behavioural characteristics, inherently requiring that users to be identified are physically present at the point of identification. This paper survey biometrics-based user identification techniques, and shows how identification systems based on verification of user signature, voice, face, fingerprints, hand and palm geometry, etc. can be used to authenticate users for e-commerce applications or to restrict access to web pages.


The main focus of this workshop was on mathematical techniques needed for the development of efficient solutions and algorithms for computationally difficult graph problems. The techniques studied at the workshhop included: the probabilistic method and randomized algorithms, approximation and optimization, structured families of graphs and approximation algorithms for large problems. The workshop Algorithmic Graph Theory was attended by 46 participants, many of them being young researchers. In 15 survey talks an overview of recent developments in Algorithmic Graph Theory was given. These talks were supplemented by 10 shorter talks and by two special sessions. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 05Cxx. Introduction by the Organisers The workshop Algorithmic Graph Theory, organized by Artur Czumaj (New Jersey), Friedhelm Meyer auf der Heide (Paderborn), Klaus Jansen (Kiel) and Ingo Schiermeyer (Freiberg) was held February 12th–February 18th, 2006. This meeting was attended by 46 participants from a wide range of geographic regions, many of them young researchers. In the morning sessions survey talks providing an overview of recent developments in Algorithmic Graph Theory were presented. • Geometry and Graphs – Random triangulations of planar point sets (Emo Welzl) – Dynamic routing in graphs with applications to harbour logistics (Rolf Möhring) – Page migration in dynamic networks (Friedhelm Meyer auf der Heide) – Simple coresets for clustering problems (Christian Sohler) 380 Oberwolfach Report 7/2006 • Graph Algorithms – Parallel matching algorithms (Stefan Hougardy) – Scheduling malleable tasks with precedence constraints (Klaus Jansen) – Coloring random graphs (Lefteris Kirousis) – Faster approximation algorithms for packing and covering problems (Daniel Bienstock) – Algebraic graph algorithms (Piotr Sankowski) • Game Theory and Graphs – Graphs, Games and Algorithms (Paul Spirakis) – Learning wardrop equilibria (Bertold Vöcking) • Graph Structures – Phylogenetic Trees and k-leaf powers (Andreas Brandstädt) – Arbitrarily vertex decomposable graphs (Mariusz Woźniak) – Precoloring extension (Margit Voigt) – On exact algorithms for treewidth (Hans Bodlaender) There were 10 shorter talks and two special sessions on "Graph Algorithms" (organized by Christian Sohler) and "Graph Colouring" (organized by Ingo Schiermeyer). The contributions showed progress in the field provided in recent years. Furthermore, several open problems and conjectures were presented, some of them still far from being resolved. Beyond the program there was plenty of time for the participants to use the stimulating atmosphere of the Oberwolfach Institute for fruitful discussions.


Objective:To discuss the curative effect of focused ultrasound treatment on chronic cervicitis.Methods: 225 patients with chronic cervicitis received the focuseal ultrasound therapy,the clinical symp-toms and the changes of erosion area of focused ultrasound therapy effect were compared before and after treatment.Results: After treatment,the leukorrhea increased,the contact bleeding and the lumbosacral sick-ness obviously mitigated or disappear,the cervical morphology markedly improved,no scab and scar formed,cervical elastic was good,155 cases cured(68.89%),69 cases were effective(30.67%),1 was inef-fective(0.44%),the total effective rate was 99.56%.Conclusion: Focused ultrasound treatment is a safe and effective therapy method of chronic cervicitis,worth to clinical use.


By studying the lithology,sedimentary texture,structural attitude,logging curve features and seismicreflectance signature in Member 3 of Shahejie Formation in Huanghekou Sag,Bohai Bay Basin,we found thatthe oil-bearing sand bodies in the study area belong to slump turbidite fan deposition formed the under semideeplake and deep lake environment. Slump turbidite fan facies include inner fan,middle fan and outer fan subfacies.The inner fan is mainly composed of slumping sediments and debris flow. The middle fan is dominated by debrisflow and turbidity flow sediments. The outer fan is mainly composed of turbidity flow sediments. Based on theregional geology background,the formation mechanism and the main controlling factors of the slump turbidite fanare discussed in the paper. This kind of fan is usually surrounded by dark grey and dark mudstones formed underreduction environment of the deep lake and semideep lake,and they are more easily to form the lithologic trap. Sothe slump turbidite fan is advantageous for oil-gas migration and accumulation and is also important target of oil andgas exploration in the steep slope belt of the faulted lake basin.


The invention relates to a process for self-propagating synthesis of alpha-sialon powder with stable rare earth ion by using mass percent no less than 99.0% of silicon nitride Si3N4 powder, aluminium nitride (AlN) powder, rare-earth oxide (RE2O3, RE=Ce, Pr and Eu) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), and mass percent no less then 98.0% of aluminium (Al) and silicon (Si) powder as raw material, using alpha-Sialon general formula Re[x]Si[12-(m+n)]Al[m+n]O[n]N[16-n] as parameter for batching, wherein m=2n=3x, x=0.3-0.6, RE is doped by any one of Ce, Pr or Eu or by different proportion for composite doping with element Y.


The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of teaching the units of "Belief in Allah" and "Worship in Islam" in Religious Culture and Moral Knowledge course in the 10th grade with lesson plans and activities prepared on the basis of brain-based learning approach on academic achievement and permanence levels of students. Within this framework, the main purpose of this study is to identify to what extent the brain-based learning approach impacts the academic achievement and permanence levels of the students in Religious Culture And Moral Knowledge Course in secondary education. In the research, the design of pretest posttest control group was applied. Pretest and posttest have been used as data collection tools and after about 21 days, the permanence test has been carried out. Results have been analyzed through SPSS programme. ANOVA and ANCOVA variance analysis has been applied for data analysis. According to the findings of the study, teaching based on the brain-based learning approach has been found to have a meaningful effect in favour of the experimental group on permanence and academic achievement.


Objects in the binary images are generally detected considering their geometrical information with the raster scanning. In the raster scanning, image is scanned starting from left top point and ending with right down point. However, in the case of high-resolution images, considerable processing time is needed for detecting objects by scanning all the pixels. In this paper, an object detection approach for high-resolution binary images is proposed without scanning all the pixels in the images. Here, elliptical object detection is considered, pixels on horizontal and vertical parallel lines are scanned keeping a constant gap between each two lines. With this approach, processing time could be reduced since some of undesired objects could easily be dropped out in the scanning stage.


Poly(divinylbenzene)/poly(n-butyl acrylate) core/shell latexes were investigated using solid-state 13C-NMR. The (H)T1ρ relaxation time was found to be substantially affected by many of the seeded emulsion polymerization parameters, such as the core/shell ratio, the mode of addition of the second-stage monomer, the addition rate of the second-stage monomer, and the level of conversion of the seed latex at the time of addition of the second-stage monomer. The existence of an interphase region between the core and shell polymers was detected. Maximum interphase region thickness was achieved when the butyl acrylate was added under starved conditions. The thickness of this interphase layer was calculated to be 5–7 nm based on a model proposed by McBriety.1 Solid-state NMR was found to be an excellent spectroscopic technique to probe the interphase region in core/shell latexes. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.


The behavior of individual investors is concerned with choices regarding purchasing small quantities of securities for their own account. Investment options are also supported by decision-making instruments. It Is assumed that information structure and the market related factors systematically affect the investment decisions of individuals as well as market outcomes. The main purpose of the analysis was to identify the factors affecting individual investors' investment decisions on the Nepal Stock Exchange. The study was conducted on the 214 responses received from the individual investors based on the random sampling method Data for the research were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed to the respondents. The questionnaire constituted 35 items. The respondents were individual investors. In this study, data were analyzed using frequencies, mean scores, standard deviations, percentages, and factor analysis techniques. The study confirmed that there appears to be a certain degree of correlation between the factors defined for the average equity investor by behavioral finance theory and prior empirical evidence. The researcher explored that the most significant factors shaping individual investment decisions were: statement of the government officials, expected capital increase, firm's status in industry, diversification purpose, the attractiveness of non-stock investment, ease of obtaining borrowed funds, opinions of the firm's majority stockholders, family member opinions, recent price movement in a firm's stock, fluctuations in the stock index, rumors, expected corporate eating, stock marketability, the results of technical analysis, the dividend paid, perceived ethics of firm, the reputation of the firm's shareholders, and feeling for a firm's product and services. The results of this research will provide an understanding of the different decisions to be taken by investors on the basis of the prevailing factors and the possible consequences of each decision. The analysis would also help to recognize the most significant factors in the behavior of the company's investors as their potential policies and plans will be impacted as the investment decisions of investors will determine the strategy to be used by the company.


Over recent years early intervention in psychosis has fired the imagination of clinicians and researchers, following the publication of several studies linking a long duration of psychosis prior to receiving treatment with a poor treatment outcome: a relationship that has been cogently argued to be


An investigation of the digenetic trematodes of anurans from Agbede, a location in the derived savanna biotope in Edo state,Nigeria was conducted from August, 2007 to July, 2008. Anuran hosts examined included Sclerophrys maculata, S.regularis, Ptychadena pumilio, P. bibroni, P. oxyrhynchus, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis and Hylarana galamensis. Theanurans were collected using the Visual Acoustic Encounter Survey (VAES) method, dissected and examined for trematodeinfections. A total of 267 anurans were examined of which 33 were infected with an overall prevalence of 12.36%. Seasonalprevalence was 14.88% for the wet season and 8.08% for dry season. The difference in prevalence values was not statisticallysignificant (p >0.05). Four digenetic trematodes, namely, Mesocoelium monodi, an unidentified Mesocoelium sp.,Haematoloechus exoterorchis and an unidentified Haematoloechus sp. Haematoloechus exoterorchis was recovered from H.occipitalis while the unidentified Haematoloechus sp. infected H. occipitalis and Sclerophrys maculata. Mesocoeliummonodi infected only Sclerophrys maculata while the unidentified Mesocoelium sp. was a generalist, infecting five anuranhosts. Sclerophrys maculata is thus a new host record for the genus Haematoloechus in Nigeria. In conclusion, this studyrevealed a low trematode diversity in the anurans of the savanna-mosaic at Agbede. However, anurans from this locationharboured two new trematodes: an unidentified Mesocoelium sp and a Haematolechus sp. Sclerophrys maculata as a newhost record for the genus Haematoloechus in Nigeria. More specimens of the Haematoloechus sp. are needed for themorphological description and molecular characterization of the parasite, to establish its relationship with the cogener inH.occipitalis.
Keywords: Derived savannah, Anurans, Digenetic trematodes, new host record


The effects of neuraminidase on the embryo the uterine epithelium and on implantation was determined in Fisher strain mice. On Day 4 of gestation some uterine horns were tied off at both ends and each horn was injected with .2 ml of buffered saline containing neuraminidase (6 X 10 units). After a 30-minute period ties on the uterine horns were release d. In other animals uterine horns were flushed out with sterile saline and the blastocysts collected. Blastocysts were washed in buffered saline (pH 5) containing neuraminidase (6 X 10 units) and incubated for 30 minutes at 37 degrees C. They were then washed in sterile saline (pH 7.0) 3 times and reinstalled in the uterine horns of the females from which they had been taken. Suitable controls were treated similarly with saline only. On the 8th postoperative day animals were killed the contents of uterine horns examined. Of 20 pregnant females receiving uterine horn injections of neuraminidase only 1 showed signs of an implantation on Day 12. In this 1 there was a single degenerating implant site. The survival of embryos receiving only uterine saline injections was 45%. No animal showed untoward effects. The 12-day site s of embryos removed exposed to neuraminidase and reinserted showed only degenerating embryonic tissue and many macrophage cells. Results indicate that in pregnant mice neuraminidase is effective in preventin g the completion of pregnancy when injected directly into uterine horns on Day 4 as well as when embryos are incubated with the enzyme and replaced. It is assumed that the effects were on the embryos proper although it is possible that the uterine epithelium may also be affected by the enzyme.


According to the achievements of sequence stratigraphical study in the Bohai Bay basin in the east of China,the structure-sequence analysis in continental basins should pay attention to three aspects:(1) the controlling function of the basin-marginal faults on the sequence architecture;(2) the controlling function of the transverse transfer zone on the provenance orientation;(3) the controlling function of paleostructure and paleotopograhy on the distribution of sandstone bodies.


A practice, a technique, an expertise cannot be left unexplored by an account that can explain their basis and organization as well as their objectives. Whether the internet is understood as a practice, or seen as a journey through a space that knows no borders, or cursed as humanity overreaching itself yet again (hybris), nevertheless its reality raises questions about our experience of the world (experimentum mundi) and explores its nature, giving an exact measure, beyond assumptions, of the relationship between humans and machines. With this in mind a multicultural, multidisciplinary study was set up in the USA through the publication of Academy and the Internet, jointly edited by Helen Nissenbaum and Monroe Price (2004). The book sets out to examine the relations between the internet and economic issues, the internet and social problems of equality, politics (the question of public space), the communicative relationship in a virtual world. Interculturally speaking, only the Chinese contribution gives the debate – which is almost tribal since it is American to the core – an off-centre tone. A debate makes statements and analyses, but it also omits and may skate over other perspectives. Africa, which is absent from this debate, almost forces its way in via this paper. What is the position with the relationship between the internet and present-day African experience? Hardly coping as it is with the consequences of the recent introduction of writing, how is Africa experiencing this internet adventure, in which the status of images, words and time seems to be called into question? This brief presentation will look first at the status of technoscience – under which heading the internet is subsumed in Africa – and then at the challenges the internet throws up in the region. Our method will be to examine internet capacities from the viewpoint of oral cultures that are dominated economically.


A method for sending, transmitting and scheduling system message in long term evolution system is disclosed, said sending method includes the following steps: when a base station sends a system message, it takes a wireless frame with which system frame number is SFN-M as a wireless frame in which a main system message block MIB is sent for the first time in the repeat period of the main system message and sends a schedule information block SU-1 in a fixed sub-frame of a wireless frame with which system frame number is SFN-S1. Wherein, the remainder for SFN-M divided by 4 is 0, the remainder for SFN-S1 divided by 8 is 0. The technical scheme of the present invention can omit a schedule information bit concerning SU-1 in MIB by fixing the relative schedule relationship between SU-1 and MIB. In the same sending condition, the scheme of the present invention can increase the coverage of MIB and the reliability for receiving the MIB.


Design of high voltage insulators has always been restricted by a limited choice of materials and closely linked to development of manufacturing processes. Introducing new designs has often been complicated. Time required for engineering, preparation and new tools, has made uniformity desirable, sometimes generating rigid obedience of recommendations. The insulator of porcelain, predominant for more than a century, has been exposed to newborn interests in design and production. This has brought forth the refined conception of contemporary porcelain insulators, CPI. Recently two improvements have received special attention. Isostatic process. Although used to produce high voltage insulators since the 1960's, it endured until this decade before the complete range of advantages was adopted. Short lead-time, tight tolerances and flexible design have been exploited lately. K-value, the correct calculation of pollution performance. Creepage distance, the fundamental parameter, is easily and frequently calculated and standardized. The recognized fact, that surface resistance for currents are depending on form, not distance, has gone largely unnoticed. The complicity of a formula including circumference and length along varying profiles explains the prevailing status. However, up to date engineering can comprehend calculations impossible in the past. Pollution performance can now be optimized without sacrificing conventional recommendations.


Introduction: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop in some subjects after exposure to extreme trauma. The most common symptoms of PTSD are re-experiencing of the traumatic event(s), avoidance of trauma stimuli, numbing and persistent hyperarousal that are present for at least a month. Since not all subjects exposed to a trauma develop PTSD, and some individuals with PTSD also develop comorbidities such as major depression, panic disorder, agitation, cognitive impairment, psychosis, drug and alcohol abuse and suicidal behavior, the extent to which individuals are vulnerable or resilient depends on different psychosocial, biological, environmental, genetic and epigenetic factors, and the complex interaction between them. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) isoenzymes type A and type B degrade serotonin, noradrenaline (mostly MAO-A) and dopamine (primarily MAO-B) and other amines. There are reports of the association between altered platelet MAO-B activity and changes in mood, behavior, and various symptoms in different neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of platelet MAO-B activity and several symptoms occurring in PTSD defined with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and its subscales. Methods: Proposed study included 459 male war veterans with PTSD of the Croatian origin. The diagnoses of PTSD and comorbid psychiatric disorders have been made using Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) based on DSM-IV criteria, Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), PANSS and its positive, negative, general, excitement, psychosis, depression and cognitive subscales. MAO-B activity was determined with spectrofluorometric method, using kynuramine as a substrate, from platelet- rich plasma, obtained through series of centrifugation of whole blood samples. Due to deviation from normal distribution, non- parametric statistical analysis was used (SigmaStat 3.5). This work was supported by Croatian Science Foundation grant IP-2014-09- 4289. Results: As expected, MAO-B activity was significantly decreased in smokers, hence whole analysis was done in smokers and non-smokers separately. All subjects were subdivided into groups with moderate and severe symptoms and those with none or mild symptoms. Platelet MAO- B activity was significantly decreased in smokers with moderate and severe symptoms of agitation vs. those with mild symptoms of agitation. Platelet MAO-B activity was drastically lower in individuals with higher psychotic, depressive, positive, general and total PANSS scores than in those with mild symptoms. Symptoms listed in the PANSS cognitive and negative subscale were not significantly associated with platelet MAO-B activity. Conclusion: Since MAO-B degrades dopamine, lower MAO-B activity can lead to higher dopamine availability in the prefrontal cortex, which might be associated with elevated psychosis and agitation levels. To elucidate the role of platelet MAO-B in development and severity of different symptoms occurring in PTSD, but also in other neuropsychiatric disorders, further studies should be focused on more specific clinical measures, and should also include genetic analysis of MAO-B variants.


An abstract of the thesis of Misako Okubo for the Master of Arts of TESOL presented May 10, 1996. Title: An Analysis of Japanese Learners' Comprehension of Intonation in English. Typically, most native speakers of Japanese, who have been taught English in Japan, have had limited exposure to prosodic features of English. Consequently, their ability to understand the meaning of different intonation patterns is limited as well. Though it is generally accepted that intonation plays a crucial role in English communication, comprehensive pedagogical materials for teaching English intonation to native speakers of Japanese are not widely available or used in Japan. This is, in part, due to the complexity of English prosodic features and their abstractness. A better understanding of these barriers requires that the extent and the nature of native speakers of Japanese' understanding of English intonation be explored. The scope of this study is restricted to the examination of the following questions: (1) How well, compared with native speakers of English, can Japanese adult learners comprehend intonation patterns of English? (2) Are there any patterns in their misinterpretations of test sentences, according to three types of errors: paraphrase, categorization, or attitudinal judgments? (3) Can Japanese learners who comprehend one variation of intonation also interpret correctly the same sentence with the contrastive variation of intonation? Seventy-four native speakers of Japanese and thirty-one native speakers of English (control group) listened to twenty pairs of sentences presented with contrastive intonation. For each sentence they were asked to choose one of three different interpretations. Their responses were evaluated, at a 0.05 level of significance, using statistical tests of hypothesis (t and chi-square), and measures of correlation (r, phi and Cramers' s V). Major findings of this study are (1) the Japanese students had more difficulty with comprehending English intonation than the American students; (2) the Japanese students seemed to lack know ledge of grammar-intonation relationships; (3) they were able to understand attitudinal judgment intonation as well as native speakers. AN ANALYSIS OF JAPANESE LEARNERS' COMPREHENSION OF INTONATION IN ENGLISH


The discovery of antibiotics was a breaking scientific advance in the fight against infectious diseases, and brought hope for the control of one of the most devastating human health problems. However, the versatility of microorganisms for environmental adaptation, promoted the presence of antibiotic resistant strains in just few years. The search for new antibiotics and the adaptation of the microorganisms to those new attacks has become an endless battle that we might eventually loose. Among infectious diseases of global importance, tuberculosis and malaria are examples of the major problem of antimicrobial resistance, since there are only few therapeutic schemes and few effective antibiotics. The aim of this chapter is to revise the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Plasmodium falciparum.


Exposure assessment is an explicit and central component of the quantitative risk assessment procedures that are routinely used to formulate chemical regulatory decisions. In its purest form, an exposure assessment identifies all individuals or population subgroups that have been exposed to a chemical and assembles sufficient analytical chemistry data to allow quantitative calculation of the actual doses received by the exposed individuals or populations. The calculations quantitate separate contributions to exposure by oral, dermal, and inhalation routes and describe the time dependence of the exposure. The source of the chemical also is be identified.


An apparatus is described for delivering controlled pulses of current into an inductive load. Digital logic is utilized for control of the pulse duration, and current feedback is used to control the magnitude of the pulse. The apparatus was designed to enable NMR self‐diffusion measurements to be obtained by the pulsed gradient technique, and diffusion results are shown for number 15 white mineral oil using pulse durations of 10 msec and magnitudes of over 25 A.


This paper is concerned with families of plane algebraic curves that contain a given and quite special set of points X . We focus on the case in which the set X is formed by transversally intersecting pairs of lines selected from two given finite families. The union of all lines from both families is called a cage (this notion of cage will be made more precise later), and the intersection X consists of points at which a line from the first family intersects a line from the second. The points of X are called the nodes of the cage. This is a particular case of a more general problem. Let X be the intersection set of two plane algebraic curves D and E that do not share a common component, that is, do not contain a common irreducible curve. If d and e denote the degrees of D and E , respectively, then X consists of at most d · e points. When the cardinality of X is exactly d · e, X is called a complete intersection (complete intersections have many nice properties). How does one describe polynomials of degree at most k that vanish on a complete intersection X or on its subsets? This problem has a glorious history (see [1], [2], or [3]) and its generalizations are a subject of active and exciting research [4], [5], [6], [7], [8], [9]. When k is much larger then d · e, points of X impose independent restrictions on polynomials of degree k. However, for small k these restrictions fail to be independent. In such cases, we can look for maximal subsets of X that impose independent constraints. In this article, we deal with the special case of this classical problem suggested earlier, namely, the case in which both plane curves D and E are simply unions of lines and the union D ∪ E is the (d× e)-cage in question. Note that D is the zero set of a product of d linear polynomials, while E is the zero set of a product of e linear polynomials. Hence, the degrees of D and E are d and e, respectively. In order to simplify our terminology, we color the lines from D red and the ones from E blue.


Abstract The miscibility of melt processed blends of bacterial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) with poly(epichlorohydrin) (PEC) is investigated over the whole range of compositions by means of differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic-mechanical analysis, and hot-stage optical microscopy. PHB and PEC are miscible in the melt in all proportions. After melt quenching, PHB/PEC blends show a single glass transition that linearly changes with composition between the T gs of the pure components (PHB = 2°C, PEC = −21°C). At room temperature all PHB/PEC blends are partially crystalline, owing to crystallization of a constant fraction (58%) of the PHB present in each blend. A spacefilling spherulitic morphology develops upon blend crystallization from the melt. Isothermal crystallization measurements show that over the range of crystallization temperatures (40°C < T e < 130°C) and compositions (20% < PEC < 80%) explored, the spherulite radial growth rate (G) decreases with increasing PEC content. Biodegradation exp...


The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Technology Development (OTD) develops technologies to help solve waste management and environmental problems at DOE sites. The OTD includes the Robotics Technology Development Program (RTDP) and the Mixed Waste Integrated Program (MWIP). Together these programs will provide technologies for DOE mixed waste cleanup projects. Mixed waste contains both radioactive and hazardous constituents. DOE sites currently store over 240,000 cubic meters of low level mixed waste and cleanup activities will generate several hundred thousand more cubic meters. Federal and state regulations require that this waste must be processed before final disposal. The OTD RTDP Mixed Waste Operations (MWO) team held several robotic demonstrations at the Savannah River Site (SRS) during November of 1993. Over 330 representatives from DOE, Government Contractors, industry, and universities attended. The MWO team includes: Fernald Environmental Management Project (FEMP), Idaho National Engineering Laboratory (INEL), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Oak Ridge National Engineering Laboratory (ORNL), Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), and Savannah River Technology Center (SRTC). SRTC is the lead site for MWO and provides the technical coordinator. The primary demonstration objective was to show that robotic technologies can make DOE waste facilities run better, faster, more cost effective, and safer.more » To meet the primary objective, the demonstrations successfully showed the following remote waste drum processing activities: non-destructive drum examination, drum transportation, drum opening, removing waste from a drum, characterize and sort waste items, scarify metal waste, and inspect stored drums. To further meet the primary objective, the demonstrations successfully showed the following remote waste box processing activities: swing free crane control, workcell modeling, and torch standoff control.« less


Abstract CATCH-ON, the collaborative GWEP led by Rush University Medical Center, is working to create Age-Friendly Communities by assuring that health systems, community-based organizations, and older adults and families are educated about the 4Ms. For providers, CATCH-ON offers a monthly Learning Community that focuses on one of the 4Ms each quarter. Each session provides practical recommendations for 4Ms implementation and opportunities to share experiences in small groups. CATCH-ON also partnered with Community Catalyst, older adults, and caregivers to develop a 4Ms educational brochure. The brochure is available electronically and by paper to educate older adults and caregivers about the 4Ms and discussing them with their healthcare team. Additionally, CATCH-ON created 4M online modules for older adults and families. This session will explore the success and lessons learned in developing educational interventions for diverse audiences and how this approach strengthens Age-Friendly Communities.


This paper draws on a formative evaluation of the Engaged Action Learning pilot designed and developed in partnership between Lancaster University Management School (LUMS), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals, The NHS Leadership Centre and the Improvement and Development Agency. Firstly we provide some background to the challenge for designers in the move towards cross sector collaborative working Secondly, we address the implications for evaluators. We conclude that multi-stakeholder evaluation should move towards enabling ordinary people to get some things right and others wrong so that collaboratively we might make progress on important issues. The pilot forms part of a wider three year programme of action research with a broader range of partners aimed at deepening understanding of contemporary leadership challenges and developing effective approaches to leadership and management development. The project is not complete and the questions, reflections and initial conclusions outlined here are to be further developed in the context of the research programme


The latest mLearn Conference was a chance to assess the current state of the mobile industry. The core message was that mobile has matured, and there are real opportunities to be had. The cutting edge, however, is still a dynamic area of exploration with content architectures at the back end and wearables at the front end both are driving much excitement.


Granite processing industry now a day's faces the challenge of having to develop high precision products speed and economically than ever before. And hence, optimization is an innovative technique under certain conditions. Optimization in granite cutting process provides the determination of optimal set of machining parameters to satisfy the goals within the operational limits.


In automobiles, the main source contributing to the resulting car interior noise is the combustion engine, including gearbox, driveline, intake and exhaust system, wind, tire. Interior noise of a vehicle is usually caused by the vibration of the vehicle's body transmitted from engine und driveline through the mounting system. The vibration and sound radiation is extremely complex. The final result of interest is in any case the sound pressure in the driver's ear canals. The transferpath are separated into structure-borne and air-borne path. In oder to estimate the contribution of these components to car interior noise, the total sound pressure in car interior is estimated by using Transferpathanalysis method. In dies paper, experimental simulation has been carried out to analyze transfer characteristics for car interior noise transferred from sound source of the engine and driveline. The results from this study could be applicable for optimal design of noise reduction system in car.


This previously healthy 15-year-old girl presented witha 3-month history of recurrent headache, dizziness and inthe month preceding admission, blurring of vision. Clini-cal examination revealed bilateral papilloedema, normalvisual acuities and no other abnormal neurological find-ings. An MRI brain scan revealed triventricular hydro-cephalus associated with obstruction of the aqueduct ofSylvius due to a tectal plate lesion. Additionally, there washerniation of the cerebellar tonsils to the lower border ofthe C1 arch (fig.1).An endoscopic third ventriculostomy was performed,and following this, the presenting symptoms were re-lieved.Three months post-operatively, there was no evidenceof papilloedema and the child remained well. A furtherMRI scan at this stage demonstrated a flow void at the1


Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of sexual health program for men with rectal cancer resection based on sexual function, self-esteem, depression, and marital intimacy. Methods: Using a quasi-experiment design, the intervention group (n=32) participated in the sexual health program based on PLISSIT (Permission, Limited Information, Specific Suggestions, Intensive Therapy) model. They received the program three times between August 2014 and March 2015. The comparison group (n=30) received a general educational program for rectal cancer. Four survey questionnaires such as International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), Self-Esteem Scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depressing Scale (CES-D), Marital Intimacy were used to measure the four key variables. Results: After the sexual health program, the intervention group showed statistically positive effect for the sexual function (F=4.14, p=.046), self-esteem (F=16.71, p<.001), depression (F=12.56, p=.001), and marital intimacy (F=12.45, p=.001) than the comparison group. Conclusion: Sexual health program should be consistently provided for men with rectal cancer resection since the intervention group reported better self-esteem, less depression, more intimacy and better sexual functioning.


The focus of this article is on controlling the behavior of prisoners who, in the model studied, can choose whether to behave well or badly. Good behavior, which requires some effort by prisoners, reduces the state's cost of operating prisons. Ideally, prisoners for whom the required effort is sufficiently low will behave well. I derive the optimal sentence for the initial offense and the optimal sentence reduction if a prisoner behaves well, taking into account that the decision to commit an offense depends on the individual's behavior in prison if he is caught. The main result is that the optimal sentence reduction for good behavior in prison is always positive. This is true even though inducing prisoners to behave well leads to their bearing a shorter sentence and lessens the deterrence of crime. I also show that when the upper bound on sentence length is binding, the optimal sentence reduction for good behavior in prison decreases with the severity of the harm from the offense and goes to zero as the level of harm goes to infinity. This result reflects that the state's savings in operating prisons becomes less important relative to the deterrence of crime as the severity of the crime increases. But the motive to reduce prison costs by inducing good behavior is never completely dominated by the motive to reduce crime.


Two variants of cascade acousto-optic diffraction for the shifting the frequency of an optical beam in considerable values are described and investigated. Methods are based on the peculiarities of the anisotropic diffraction in anisotropy media and allow the points of diffraction to separate. The methods are confirmed experimentally with using of TeO2 and LiNbO3 mono crystals. A number of applications for the optical processing and pulse processing are proposed. The wavelength-division-multiplexing and the optical image compressing on the basis of the proposed diffraction are discussed.


This paper presents the experimental test campaign to calibrate a finite element model intended to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of the SS Filippo e Giacomo historical masonry arch bridge in Ascoli Piceno (Italy). The bridge was built in 14 th century and had undergone very complex vicissitudes related mainly to exceptional floods; it was partially rebuilt twice and other strengthening works were carried out over the time. The bridge, which is almost completely built with travertine blocks, has a total length of 146 m and follows a slightly curved path. Six arches, the main of which is semi-circular with span of 25 m and the others are lancet arches with span of about 8 m, support the carriageway that is about 8 m wide. The piers and abutments are founded on the bedrock and consequently some piers are deeply embedded in the sandy gravel deposit. A campaign of experimental tests was executed encompassing onsite measurements of stresses and modulus of elasticity as well as laboratory measurements on specimens taken from the structures. Vibration tests were also carried out to evaluate the modal properties of the bridge. The acquired experimental data were used to calibrate a 3D model that has been developed also including the soil deposit. A very good consistency was achieved between experimental and theoretical behaviors.


This paper examines the role of ethnicity and culture in the making of urban parks. It focuses on neighbourhood parks in three Chinatowns to explore how park design that addresses the social and cultural needs of the user groups affects park uses. The study employs a combination of field observation, personal interviews, and archival research to examine how the park is used by the ethnic community, uses which adapt or subvert the dominant forms of public space and public life. While the case studies reveal the unique cultural practices of the Chinese as an ethnic group, the analysis also provides general insight into the association between park design and the level of integration of park space into the everyday life of ethnic minorities.


In this paper the application of Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) for modeling the performance and emission parameters of a LPG-Diesel dual fuel engine with EGR is presented. Three different centre selection strategies namely fixed centre selected at random (FCSR), Fuzzy c-means Algorithm (FCM) and Conditional Fuzzy c-means Algorithm (CFCM) are used in the design of Radial Basis Function (RBF) network. The performance parameters included are Brake Power (BP), Brake Specific Energy Consumption (BSEC) and Brake Thermal Efficiency (BTE) and emission parameters included are Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT), smoke, Hydro-Carbons (HC) and Nitrogen Oxides (NOx).The results showed that there is a good correlation between the RBFNN predicted values and the experimental values for various engine performance and emission parameters with R2 value ranging from 0.90 to 0.99 and the Mean Relative Error (MRE) values are within 5% which is acceptable. A comparison with MLP modeling demonstrated that RBFNN is more efficient than Multi-Layer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) for modeling in this application.


Abstract Misfit dislocation networks at Cu-MgO and Cu-MnO {111}metal//{111}oxide interfaces were studied with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Experimental results were compared with image simulations of tentative atomic structures of the interface region derived from lattice statics calculations. The calculations take into account the two-dimensional misfit at the interface, which is necessary given the high misfit and short repeat distances at the interfaces. The lattice statics calculations use simplified potentials across the interface which capture essential characteristics that have emerged from recent experimental results and ab-initio calculations. Trigonal networks of edge misfit locations with Burgers vectors ⅙〈112〉 and line direction 〈110〉 follow from these calculations. These misfit-dislocation networks have associated strain fields in the metal, stretching out from the interface with approximately the repeat distance along the interface. These strain fields show up in image s...


Our laboratory has been interested in the patterns of synaptic plasticity after cortical stroke in animal models.1 These protein expression studies suggest that regions both ipsilateral and contralateral to the stroke are involved during the recovery period. An emerging issue of interest is whether the recovered function is indeed normal or reflects some compensatory function.2 One approach to resolving these questions is to assess different patterns of functional recovery in patients who do and do not recover function with and without therapy and compare them to normal patterns.

Investigation of the molecular mechanisms of brain plasticity after injury suggests that functional activity stimulates this recovery and guides the development of functional pathways.3,4 Several investigators postulate that recovery from stroke resembles "use-dependent" learning.5 For this report, we review pertinent literature related to this phenomenon, assess how recovery of language resembles normal language function, and provide examples from our own research on functional imaging that assess patterns of activation related to recovery. The primary treatment modality that we review is constraint-induced language therapy (CILT), in which stroke patients are restricted to using verbal communication.6

CILT is based on principles of constraint-induced therapy for other conditions.6 CILT is performed in chronic stroke …


Through‐space charge transfer (TSCT) polymers are an attractive class of luminescent polymers with spatial donor/acceptor architecture and thermally activated delayed fluorescence effect, different from conventional luminescent polymers with conjugated donor‐acceptor structure and through‐bond charge transfer emission. Their emission comes from the intramolecular charge transfer by through‐space pathway because the donor and acceptor segments are spatially proximate to each other in each repeating unit but are physically separated by nonconjugated polymer backbone. In this review, recent advances in TSCT polymers with linear, bottlebrush, and dendritic architectures are presented, with the focus on their molecular design, photophysical behavior, and device performance. We hope that this review shall provide a useful insight of new luminescent polymers with TSCT effect for use in solution‐processed organic light‐emitting diodes.


Pedersenbreen is a small valley glacier (ca. 6 km2 in 2009), ending on land, located in north-western Spitsbergen, Svalbard. Ground-based radio-echo sounding in April 2009, using a 100-MHz commercial radar and a self-made low-frequency radar, revealed a polythermal structure. The radar was coupled with a global positioning system device to geo-reference the traces. Each radar profile was manually edited to pick the reflection arrival time from the interface between ice and bedrock. Travel times were converted to ice thickness using a velocity of 0.165 m/ns, which was estimated from common mid-point measurement. Then the surface topography, bedrock topography, ice thickness contours and ice volume were derived using interpolation methods. Because it was difficult to distinguish the reflection wave from the background with the 100-MHz radar in some of the thickest areas of Pedersenbreen, we used a 5-MHz radar of our own design to fill in this gap. The maximum thickness of Pedersenbreen reaches 183±9 m, and the ice volume is 0.393±0.047 km3 in 2009. Comparing these data with the surface topographical data available for 1936 indicates a mass loss of nearly 12% during the past 73 years.


This paper deals with a multichannel audio source separation problem under underdetermined conditions. Multi-channel Non-negative Matrix Factorization (MNMF) is one of the powerful approaches, which adopts the NMF concept for source power spectrogram modeling. It works reasonably well for particular types of sound sources, however, one limitation is that it can fail to work for sources with spectrograms that do not comply with the NMF model. To address this limitation, a novel technique called the Multichannel Variational Autoencoder (MVAE) method was recently proposed, where a Conditional VAE (CVAE) is used instead of the NMF model for source power spectrogram modeling. This approach has shown to perform impressively in determined source separation tasks thanks to the representation power of DNNs. This paper generalizes MVAE originally formulated under determined mixing conditions so that it can also deal with underdetermined cases. The proposed method was evaluated on an underdetermined source separation task of separating out three sources from two microphone inputs. Experimental results revealed that the generalized MVAE method achieved better performance than the conventional MNMF method.


High‐pressure cells, using opposed diamond anvils, have become an increasingly sophisticated tool for high‐pressure research as the high‐pressure environment within th cell becomes more quantitatively established. We have used the ruby fluorescence technique for measuring pressure to obtain the radial distribution of pressure between the diamond anvils for samples of fayalite (Fe2SiO4). Precompacted specimens appeared to be in a conditon of extrusion, limited by the plastic strength of the fayalite aggregate formed. Specimens which were not precompacted were too thin to show this condition.


Background: Canine atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, genetically predisposed, inflammatory and pruritic skin disease. The variation in clinical presentations, due to genetic factors, extent of the lesions, stage of the disease, secondary infections, as well as resemblance to other non-atopic related skin diseases, can complicate a diagnosis of canine AD. A sub-group of the International Committee for Allergic Diseases in Animals (ICADA) was tasked with the development of a set of practical guidelines that can be used to assist practitioners and researchers in the diagnosis of canine AD. Online citation databases and abstracts from international meetings were searched for publications related to the topic, and combined with expert opinion where necessary. The final set of guidelines was approved by the entire ICADA committee. Results: A total of 81 publications relevant for this review were identified. The guidelines generated focus on three aspects of the diagnostic approach: 1. Ruling out of other skin conditions with clinical signs resembling, or overlapping with canine AD. 2. Detailed interpretation of the historical and clinical features of patients affected by canine AD. 3. Allergy testing by intradermal versus allergen-specific IgE serum testing. Conclusions: The diagnosis of canine AD is based on meeting clinical criteria and ruling out other possible causes with similar clinical signs. Flea combing, skin scraping and cytology should be performed, where necessary, as part of a thorough work-up. Elimination diet trials are required for patients with perennial pruritus and/or concurrent gastrointestinal signs. Once a clinical diagnosis of canine AD is made, allergy testing can be performed to identify potential causative allergens for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Reprint paper* Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification Patrick Hensel1, Domenico Santoro, Claude Favrot, Peter Hill and Craig Griffin 1 Tierdermatologie Basel, Emil Frey-Strasse 127, Münchenstein, Switzerland. Email: email@example.com Background Canine Atopic Dermatitis (AD) has been defined as a genetically predisposed inflammatory and pruritic allergic skin disease with characteristic clinical features. It is associated most commonly with IgE antibodies to environmental allergens [1]. Although this definition encompasses many aspects of the pathogenesis and clinical aspects of the condition, it is important to remember that this disease has no pathognomonic clinical signs that permit a definitive diagnosis to be made upon initial owner interview and clinical examination[2]. This is due to the diversity of the clinical presentation, which may depend on genetic factors (breed-associated phenotypes) [3, 4], extent of the lesions * This paper originally appeared in BMC Veterinary Research (2015) 11:196 (DOI 10.1186/s12917-015-0515-5). Eur J Comp An Pract (2015), Winter 25(4); p4-19 Go to http://www.ejcap.org to see the online presentation of this paper. Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification EJCAP 25(4) Winter 2015 P 5 (localised versus generalised), stage of the disease (acute versus chronic), and the presence of secondary microbial infections or other flare factors. Furthermore, some aspects of the disease can resemble other skin conditions that are not related to canine AD. For the above-mentioned reasons, the definitive diagnosis of canine AD can be difficult. A sub-group of the International Committee for Allergic Diseases in Animals (ICADA) developed, based on extensive searches in online citation databases and abstracts from international meetings, a set of practical guidelines that can be used to assist practitioners and researchers in the diagnosis of canine AD. These guidelines provide an overview of the diagnosis of canine AD that involves three distinct, but complementary, approaches. These are: 1. Ruling out of other skin conditions with clinical signs that can resemble, or overlap with canine AD. This is traditionally referred to as "the work-up". 2. Detailed interpretation of the historical and clinical features of the condition. A new tool to assist with interpretation of these findings is the application of clinical criteria known as "Favrot's criteria" [5]. 3. Assessment of skin reactivity by IntraDermal Testing (IDT) or detection of IgE by Allergen-Specific IgE Serology (ASIS) testing. This is traditionally referred to as "allergy testing". Use of any one of these approaches in isolation can result in misdiagnosis, so it is important not to rely on any of them as a sole diagnostic principle. Ruling out of other skin conditions with clinical signs that can resemble, or overlap with, canine AD. The evaluation of a pruritic dog requires a step-by-step thought-process and approach that should lead to a definitive diagnosis. The differential diagnoses and role of complicating factors (Table 1) need to be narrowed down using information derived from the history, the findings on physical examination, diagnostic tests (where necessary), and response to treatment. Basic sampling methods and diagnostic tests, which may be required to rule out most of the common differentials are flea combing, skin scraping, hair plucking and cytological examination of skin and ear samples. Depending on the complexity of the case, the following steps may be performed over a series of visits, or all at once. Step 1 – Consider the possibility of fleas While the clinical signs in a dog with flea infestation are variable, the location of skin lesions and pruritus associated with flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) are most commonly found at the lumbosacral area, tail base and caudomedial thighs (Fig. 1)[6]. A flea infestation is associated with increased flea counts, whereas in dogs with FAD this may not be the case. In addition, clinicians must be aware that many atopic dogs may suffer from concurrent FAD, which may complicate the clinical diagnosis. To exclude FAD or flea infestation as a possible cause of pruritus in a particular case, clinicians should apply the following guidelines: The prevalence of fleas and associated hypersensitivities depends on the geographical area in which the animal lives. Fleas can be a perennial problem in subtropical and tropical climate zones, seasonal in more tempered climate zones and practically non-existent in arid, high elevation, or cold climates [7, 8]. Even if fleas are considered to be absent from a particular area, clinicians should consider any recent travel history to flea endemic areas or contact with animals from such areas. In dogs with pruritus and/or lesions in areas of the body that are not primarily affected by fleas (e.g., the paws or ear canals), FAD may not be the sole cause of pruritus. Clinicians should check all pruritic dogs for fleas or flea faeces on direct examination or brushing the hair coat (flea combing). To exclude FAD when fleas or Table 1. Important differential diagnoses for pruritic skin diseases in dogs Ectoparasitic skin diseases Fleas Scabies (Sarcoptes scabiei) Demodicosis Cheyletiellosis Pediculosis Otoacariasis (Otodectes cynotis) Trombiculiasis Nasal mites (Pneumonyssus caninum) Microbial skin infections Staphylococcal pyoderma Malassezia dermatitis Allergic skin diseases Flea allergy dermatitis Atopic dermatitis Food intolerance/allergy Insect bite hypersensitivity Contact dermatitis Neoplastic disease Cutaneous lymphoma Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for diagnosis and allergen identification EJCAP 25(4) Winter 2015 P 6 flea faeces cannot be found, an effective flea control program should be initiated. Clinicians should be aware that none of the current flea preventatives have an effective repellent effect, and that the fleas in the pupal stage can survive up to 174 days [9]. Based on duration of survival it is recommended to maintain consistent flea prevention in flea endemic areas. It is also advised that fast-acting systemic adulticides are used as these may be more effective at reducing pruritus quickly compared to other topically applied flea preventatives [10]. Cases that are being entered into a study of canine AD should undergo effective flea control prior to study enrollment. Because the duration of flea control, prior to study inclusion, may influence the outcome of such trials, a recent study suggests that dogs should be on flea prevention for at least 3 months prior to study enrollment [11]. In addition, all other dogs and cats in the household need to be on effective flea control as well. Step 2 – Consider the possibility of other ectoparasites Besides fleas, other ectoparasites may be associated with pruritus (e.g. sarcoptic mange, cheyletiellosis, pediculosis, trombiculiasis, otoacariasis) or can be found as a concurrent disease (e.g. demodicosis). Although the majority of these parasites favour specific body areas (Figs. 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6), they can be difficult to distinguish clinically. Prior to an allergy investigation, every attempt should be made to rule out potential ectoparasitic skin diseases. Various sampling methods such as skin scraping, hair combing, hair plucking, ear swabbing and acetate tape impressions can be used to collect specimens. For the identification of these parasites a microscopic examination with a low-power objective (4× or 10×) and low light intensity should be used [12]. The following list indicates which sampling methods are effectively used for various ectoparasites: Fig. 1 Distribution of skin lesions and pruritus associated with FAD. Acute lesions: Erythematous macules, papules, crusted papules, hot spots. Chronic lesions: Self-induced alopecia, lichenification, and hyperpigmentation Fig. 2 Distribution of skin lesions and pruritus associated with Lice/Cheyletiella. Lice: No visible lesions, or mild scaling and excoriation. Cheyletiella: Marked dorsal seborrhea Canine atopic dermatitis: detailed guidelines for di


Travel has became one of the most popular ways of modern lifestyle. This paper mainly discusses the route planning of travel all 5A scenic spots in the China. Firstly, We establish a mathematical model and transform the limited conditions include the scenic tour time, driving time, accommodation and other aspects to the mathematical formulas. Then, we introduce the relevant variables from the basic formula and draw the flow chart of the algorithm. In some places that densely-scenic spot, we use the "postman problem" to give the solution and specific analysis some places according to the specific conditions. Specifically, according to the seven regions of the country, we find the best path. In the same area, according to the specific circumstances such as the time and route of the integration, while considering the requirements of the subject like visit time and proportion of driving time, we plan to visit scenic spots one provine by province In order to improve the utilization rate of the time, we arrange the tour attractions in different regions in one year, let the vistor feel the difference between different areas of the landscape, fully enjoy the great rivers and mountains of the motherland, enhance the overall quality of tour.


A 55-year-old woman presented with a 3-day history of progressively worsening pain, swelling and 'unpleasant crackling feeling' on her left upper limb. These complaints had begun after she noticed a small reddish lesion on her left elbow. The patient had received a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus 15 years before coming to us and was taking methylprednisolone and acenocoumarol, the last for previous deep vein thrombosis associated with protein S deficiency. There was history of neither acute or chronic trauma nor diabetes (in …


The total electronic Raman scattering spectrum, including the nonresonant, mixed and resonant components, is determined for the charge-density-wave (CDW) phase of the spinless Falicov-Kimball model at half filling within dynamical mean-field theory. Its frequency dependence is investigated for different values of the energy of the incident photons. The spectra reflect the different structures in the density of states and how they are modified by screening and resonance effects. The calculations are performed for the $B_{\rm 1g}$, $B_{\rm 2g}$ and $A_{\rm 1g}$ symmetries (which are typically examined in experiment). Our results for the resonance effects of the Raman spectra, found by tuning the energy of the incident photons, give information about the many-body charge dynamics of the CDW-ordered phase.


1. Breaking composition fracturing fluids borate structuring containing oxidizing component comprising an aqueous solution of an alkali metal chlorite or a plurality of alkali metal chlorite in the absence or in the presence of an oxidizing additive, the ester component comprising a carboxylic acid ester or a mixture of complex carboxylic acid esters, wherein the carboxylic acids have from 2 to 20 carbon atoms, and ester groups are karbilnye group having from 1 to 10 carbon volumes, wherein wherein one or more carbon atoms may be replaced by oxygen atoms, and the oxidation ratio of component to the ester component is from about 4: 1 to about 20: 1. ! 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution of alkali metal chlorites include alkali metal chlorites, water in an amount from about 0.5 wt.% To about 20 wt.%. ! 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the aqueous solution of alkali metal chlorites include alkali metal chlorites, water in an amount from about 5 wt.% To about 10 wt.%. ! 4. A composition according to claim 1, wherein the alkali metal chlorites include chlorite, lithium chlorite, sodium chlorite, potassium chlorite, rubidium, cesium chlorite or mixtures thereof. ! 5. The composition of claim 2, wherein the oxidizing component comprises an aqueous solution containing sodium chlorite in an amount from about 5 wt.% And about 10 wt.%. ! 6. The composition of claim 1, wherein the oxidizing additive selected from the group consisting of alkali metal chlorate, alkali metal chloride and mixtures or combinations thereof, wherein the alkali metal includes lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium and / and


According to this lens-centering method, a state in which a lens (7) is sandwiched at prescribed pressing force between a lens holder (4) and a lens processing dish (8) is brought about (steps ST1-3). Next, the lens-processing dish (8) is rotated at slow speed about a rotation axis (8A) that passes through the center (C) (8a) and the spherical center (O) (8a) of the lens-processing surface (8a) thereof, and is made to oscillate at a slight angle about the spherical center (O) (8a) of the lens-processing surface (8a) as the center of oscillating action. The spherical center of a first lens spherical surface (7a) of the lens (7) is guided by the spherical center of a lens-retaining surface (4a) of the lens holder (4), and the spherical center of a second lens spherical surface (7b) is guided by the spherical center (O) (8a) of the lens-processing surface (8a) (rotation/oscillation step ST4). A lens installed in the spherical center-type processing machine can be set to an accurately centered state thereby.


A58-year-old female with history of pituitary and pulmonary sarcoidosis, currently in remission, underwent routine bilateral screening mammography that demonstrated multiple new bilateral, round, illdefined, equal density masses (Fig. 1). A diagnostic ultrasound was performed on both breasts to better characterize the lesions (Fig. 2). This revealed multiple, bilateral, round, ill-defined, hypoechoic masses with hyperechoic rims associated with posterior acoustic shadowing, all equal to or less than 10 mm in diameter. The patient was also noted to have bilateral axillary adenopathy. The physical examination was unremarkable. Given that the patient's sarcoidosis was felt to be in remission there was concern that the lesions represented metastases to the breast. The patient's pulmonary function tests were recently better than her baseline and her pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had been stable. The dominant lesion in the right breast was selected for ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy. The core needle biopsy specimens consisted of dense fibrous tissue entrapping normal fat (Fig. 3). Normal breast lobules and ducts were not present in the samples. The fibrous tissue contained numerous well-formed granulomatous aggregates of discrete, monoand multinucleated histiocytes. The latter were characterized by a wreath-like ring of nuclei at the periphery of the cytoplasm. Scattered, well-formed (a)


A series of novel hybrids of indole–pyrimidine‐containing piperazine moiety were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative and tubulin polymerization inhibitory activities. The results indicated that most of these compounds possessed significant cytotoxic potency against four cancer cell lines, HT‐29, A549, MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7. Particularly, the most promising compound 34 showed more potent and broad‐spectrum cytotoxic activities with the IC50 values ranged from 5.01 to 14.36 μm against A549, MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 cell lines. Meanwhile, 34 also displayed the most potent tubulin polymerization inhibitory activity with IC50 value of 11.2 μm. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis demonstrated 34 interacts and binds efficiently with the tubulin protein at the colchicine‐binding site. It was worth noting that the compound did not affect the normal human embryonic kidney cells, HEK‐293. These results suggest that this novel class of indole–pyrimidine hybrids may have potential to be developed as new a class of tubulin polymerization inhibitors.


For understanding the formational mechanism of air cushion belt conveyor air cushion pressure fields, the nu- merical simulations on air cushion pressure fields are carried out. Based on the research on air cushion pressure fields, the mathematical model of air cushion pressure fields is derived. The distribution of air cushion pressure fields was simulated by using software FLUENT 6.1. The results show that the load-carrying capacity of air cushion belt conveyor is improved by using offset muzzles. The smaller distance of the muzzles array is,the better the uniformity and stability of air cushion pres- sure fields is. The values of the air cushion pressure are higher with higher belt velocity.


This work focuses on developing optimization models and algorithms to solve problems in electricity networks and renewable energy. The steady rise of electricity demand in the world, along with the deployment of volatile renewable energy resources in greater quantities, will require many researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders in the field of power management to understand these challenges and use new methods, approaches and technologies to modernize the electric grid. We study reliable and efficient electricity dispatch with minimum costs in power networks and efficient and economic harvesting of ocean wave energy by optimizing wave farm configuration. First, we focus on improving the use of energy storage units in electricity grids in the presence of unreliable generators. We present methods for optimizing generation and storage decisions in an electricity network with multiple unreliable generators, each co-located with one energy storage unit (e.g., battery), and multiple loads under power flow constraints. This problem cannot be optimized easily using stochastic programming and/or dynamic programming approaches. Therefore, in this study, we present several heuristic methods to find an approximate optimal solution for this system. Each heuristic involves decomposing the network into several single-generator, single-battery, multi-load systems and solving them optimally using dynamic programming, then obtaining a solution for the original problem by recombining. We discuss the computational performance of the proposed heuristics as well as insights gained from the models.


This research aimed to determine the level of panelists' preference for marinated Osteochilus hasselti fillet for five differences treatment. This research was conducted at the Laboratory of Fisheries Product Processing at the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Padjadjaran University, which began from April 2019 to May 2019. The research method was carried out experimentally consisting of 5 different soaking times as a treatment namely for 70 minutes, 80 minutes, 90 minutes, 100 minutes , and 110 minutes with 20 semi-trained panelists as examiner (replications). The observation parameters in this study were the rendement of Osteochilus hasselti fillet, the appearance of Osteochilus hasselti fillet with photograph, organoleptic test, and pH test. The method of preference analysis used Friedman and Bayes Test. Fillet rendement, the appearance and pH test were analyzed descriptively. The most preferred product by panelists was marinated Osteochilus hasselti fillet with a soaking time of 80 minutes that has a shiny grayish-white appearance with a pH value of 6,3.


Figure 2. Examples of button-to-action mappings on different interfaces. Figure 3. This figure represents a four way interaction, F(1, 26) = 4.81, p = .04, between interaction type, button configuration, working memory load and mapping congruency. The error bars show the mean standard error. Figure 1. A visual representation of previous button-to-action empirical findings (Still & Dark, 2008). The squares reflect buttons and the arrows directional response. There is a debate about whether designers need to distinguish between perceptual affordances and learned conventions (McGrenere & Ho, 2000; Norman, 1999). Because there is little behavioral evidence for either side of the debate (see Still & Dark, 2008), we investigated the impact of working memory load and mapping congruency on affordances and conventions. Our findings suggest that both sides of the debate are correct. There was a behavioral difference between acting on affordances and acting on conventions, but learned conventions influenced responses towards expected actions. Further, conditions requiring violation of an expected response, whether based on an affordance or a convention, were associated with poorer performance. We believe that after the initial learning period, conventions play a critical role in the perception of a design's available actions, just as do perceptual affordances.


In present work a test rig for cold flow test experiments on linear aerospike nozzles has been designed at Politecnico di Torino. CFD analysis was performed on 2D and 3D aerospike models in order to understand which would be the better inlet nozzle geometry able to work with the designed test-rig mass flow. A time resolved pressure measurement system for the study of flow instabilities has been designed and its dynamic response evaluated.


A potent fungus for blood-coagulating enzyme was isolated from soil during screening tests of about 1500 strains of microorganisms. The fungus was identified as a strain belonging to Cephalosporium. This enzyme could be produced effectively by solid culture on wheat bran and partially purified to about 800 fold. This enzyme was one of the alkaline proteases. It was stable over a pH range of 7~10 and was activated by Ca2+ The enzyme could not coagulate 1% fibrinogen solution. The enzyme mixed with diluted blood plasma coagulated the fibrinogen solution. The enzyme also coagulated the citrated plasma from humans, bovines, mice, goats and hens.


Abstract This paper examines whether a web-based training on English discourse intonation leads to better spontaneous speech quality for Mandarin Chinese speakers who reside in the U.S. and in China. The four-week fully online training consisted of meta-instruction videos as well as listening and speaking activities, including instant visual pitch contour feedback and individualized evaluation. The students gave a one-minute spontaneous speech on a given topic at the beginning and the end of the study via videoconferencing. Four native English speakers judged the students' speech comprehensibility, fluidity, accent, confidence and attractiveness, in addition to their intonation performance. Two-way ANCOVA test results show that the experimental group made statistically significant improvement in their speech comprehensibility and speaking confidence. In contrast, the control group did not show improvement. The participants' residence in the U.S. or in China did not affect the training effects. There was not an interaction between the participants' residence and the training. The web-based training, visualization and CMC technology provided an effective scaffolding experience and benefited both EFL and ESL students equally. This study also explores Chinese students' challenges with specific intonation features based on both the raters' judgments and the learners' self-evaluations. The results suggest they have more difficulties with thought groups and prominence than with tone choices. While the trainees gave high ratings to all the activities, they preferred individualized evaluation from the researcher to self-created visual feedback using Praat. The findings have implications for Chinese L1-specific intonation instruction and developing web-based computer assisted pronunciation training systems.


Based on the research of women's fitted running apparels in the market,the various pants of the garment sample are detailed and the performances of the fabric are detailed,with advantages and disadvantages compared.The results are applied to the structure and function design of the running sportswear,guiding the running apparel materials selection and its application.


Pittsburg State alumnus Karen Needles' Lincoln Archives Digital Project, based out of Washington, D.C., routinely finds new information on the Civil War. These new sources and analyses thereof allow us fresh perspectives on Americas most pivotal 19th-century event. Most recently, communication registers from the Headquarters of the Defenses of Washington have shed new light on interactions between the soldiers in that command and civilians who lived within its boundaries in the rural parts of the District of Columbia, nearby Maryland, and the Virginia counties of Alexandria and Fairfax. Accounts of that interaction--in an area that was neither distinctly Northern or Southern--reveal a complex set of relationships marked by tension, negotiation, and regulation by military authorities. The communication registers demonstrate that authorities faced the difficult task of regulating these relationships in order to secure the Union capital, which lay sandwiched between two slave states. Yet those challenges paved the way for alcohol and the permanent transformation of the nation's capital. As I pursued this project in 2016, people across the United States are dialoguing with their Civil War past. In September 2015, the government of Montgomery County, Maryland chose to move a 102-year-old Confederate memorial away from its current site adjacent the courthouse in downtown Rockville to a new location: a park developed on the site of a home once owned by pro-Union slave owners. The Montgomery County community, which lies on the northern border of the District of Columbia, still debates the move and how it might affect collective memory of the Civil War. While Northern Virginians and Marylanders display their Civil War history, Washingtons great marble edifices and political upheavals hide the Civil War's unique impact on the city and its people. Throughout the war, local cultural and political geography affected the war's prosecution in the Washington area. Captain William Hale of the 10th Rhode Island Volunteers wrote this to his parents in May 1862 about the small farming village of Tenleytown, situated in the District of Columbia just four miles northwest of the White House: "I find that even the residents here are uncertain as to its precise locality. The postmaster says it is in 'the District.' The oldest inhabitants say it is in Maryland, and the younger inhabitants don't care a copper where it is" (Spicer 140). Today the entire District consists of urban and suburban communities, but during the Civil War, Washington County--the municipal area within the District of Columbia surrounding the city--was a rural landscape mostly inhabited by middling level farmers. It was here that soldiers manned the earthen forts of the Defenses of Washington that circled the city. Some inhabitants owned slaves, but rarely in numbers approaching those of the large Deep South plantations. Hale's comments reflect popular belief about Washington County, which existed in a state of regional limbo. Its local farmers lived within a few miles of the Federal capital, but they identified more with Maryland politically and socially. Community opinion was not strongly pro-Lincoln or pro-Confederacy; it occupied a pacifist middle ground. In other words, Washington County's identity was not firmly Southern or Northern. Northern Virginia's identity was similarly complex. Directly across the Potomac from Washington, Alexandria-and Virginia voting records indicate that the vehemently pro-Confederate sons and daughters of the Greene family featured in PBS' new series, Mercy Street, were actually in the minority; two-thirds of Alexandrians voted against secession in Virginia's referendum. Sixteen years prior, Alexandria County and City (the former is now Arlington County) had been incorporated with parts of the District of Columbia, but a local referendum in response to abolitionist talk in the District spurred Alexandrians into seeking cession back to Virginia. …


Financial support from the Spanish 'Ministerio de Economia
y Competitividad' under projects MAT2011-24797 and
MAT2014-53437-C2-1 is acknowledged. The authors thank
D. Gomez for SEM experiments and I. Munoz for Raman
spectra. Authors thank Miguel Angel Lopez Manchado por
providing MWCNTs


ABSTRACT Measuring the proportion of variance explained () by a statistical model and the relative importance of specific predictors (semi-partial ) can be essential considerations when building a parsimonious statistical model. The statistic is a familiar summary of goodness-of-fit for normal linear models and has been extended in various ways to more general models. In particular, the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) extends the normal linear model and is used to analyze correlated (hierarchical), non-normal data structures. Although various statistics have been proposed, there is no consensus in statistical literature for the most sensible definition of in this context. This research aims to build upon existing knowledge and definitions of and to concisely define the statistic for the GLMM. Here, we derive a model and semi-partial statistic for fixed (population) effects in the GLMM by utilizing the penalized quasi-likelihood estimation method based on linearization. We show that our proposed statistic generalizes the widely used marginal statistic introduced by Nakagawa and Schielzeth, demonstrate our statistics capability in model selection, show the utility of semi-partial statistics in longitudinal data analysis, and provide software that computes the proposed statistic along with semi-partial for individual fixed effects. The software provided is adapted for both SAS and R programming languages.


As MEMS technology is inserted into more and more embedded systems, the drive to lower cost will push integration of digital and analog electronics with micromechanical sensors and actuators. There is a related market push to deliver reliable MEMS from concept to product with design cycle times comparable to mixed-signal ICs. The unique requirement of MEMS to integrate electronics with mechanics, electrostatics and other physical processes translates into new challenges and opportunities for CAD. Application engineers from industry and emerging MEMS CAD vendors are beginning to successfully blend traditional electronics IC CAD concepts with new tools tailored to MEMS. MEMS design requires simultaneous evaluation of system architecture to describe functionality, of device topology to describe geometric interactions, and of process flow to determine material properties and other mechanical characteristics. A handful of foundries now provide access to fixed MEMS processes that are capable of fabricating an important variety of systems. The foundries eliminate the need for custom process design and have motivated formation of hierarchical design methodologies and supporting representations that apply to a majority of MEMS applications and processes. Such a structured approach will lead to design reuse and core-based design of complex mixed-domain systems on a chip.
 In this tutorial, we will introduce design techniques for microelectromechanical devices and systems that are compatible with VLSI design methodologies. We will describe micromechanical design tools implemented in existing frameworks having links between physical form and function. Examples of inertial sensors and micromechanical filters will be used to demonstrate a design flow consisting of mixed electrical and mechanical schematic design entry, behavioral simulation using analog HDL, micromechanical layout synthesis, extraction and verification. We will highlight design issues specific to MEMS that have drive tool development, including mixed-domain modeling, device geometry, layout position, design rules and manufacturing variations. Our goal is to overview MEMS application areas, and enable CAD engineers to understand the primary issues involved in integrating MEMS design with traditional electronics design flows.


The working process of the switching power supply based on full-bridge topology was introduced. For characteristics of automatic current-sharing with maximum current, the principle about current-sharing control is analyzed. The current-sharing control circuit of the switching power supply by the way of the non-isolated connection using the current-sharing chip UC3907 and control chip SG3525A is designed, the high-power power supply system that has good is well stability and high accurate current sharing with multiple power modules in parallel operation has been realized. The practical control circuit and simulation results are given. The study results have reference value for the optimization design of the control system in power converters.


The present paper summarizes recent work by the authors on computational methods for nonlinear processes. Section 2 develops a complete set of ordinary differential equations for generating solutions to parameterized systems of nonlinear equations over parameter intervals of interest, Section 3 presents a simple finite algorithm for the systematic exact evaluation of higher-order partial derivatives. Section 4 obtains an exact sequential characterization for the solution 10 a general nonlinear least-squares estimation problem as the duration of the process increases and additional observations are made.


Today pharmacists are using their clinical skills to serve the community through vaccinations, emergency preparedness and response, drug education, health screenings, medication therapy management (MTM), and counseling services. This article provides a summary of why the pharmacist's role should be expanded in the public health arena. It is essential to realize the capability of pharmacists and further expand their role in the public health arena in order to improve the quality of care and control costs of the nation. Pharmacists are more accessible to patients than any other healthcare professional and are well-trained to further advance the mission of public health: to promote health, wellness and prevention. provide patients with medication information (5). The cooperation between pharmacists and other healthcare providers continues to grow and the acceptance of patient advocacy through pharmacists continues to improve. Although the pharmacist's role in public health has increased, it is important to realize that pharmacists have the ability to play an even larger role in the implementation of cost controls and efficiency to lead to better quality of care. Increasing the healthcare workforce through greater utilization of pharmacists may lead to innovative oppor- tunities to coordinate care and work towards improving the health of the entire population (6). There is extensive literature highlighting the various skills and services that pharmacists may provide, but there is little evidence summarizing the pharmacist's role in public health. This review of the literature aimed to: (1) describe reasons why the pharmacist's role within public health should be expanded and (2) identify potential changes that can be made by pharmacists to assume a greater role in different sectors of public health.


Trace element distribution patterns were determined in crude oils from onshore biodegraded reservoirs along a secondary migration trend (Potiguar Basin, Brazil). Samples were fractionated into asphaltenes, paraffins, aromatics and polars and resins for the determination of 22 trace elements by ICP-MS. Most of them are strongly enriched in the resin and asphaltene fractions, but V and Ni are also associated with the aromatic and polar fractions. V, Co, Ni and Mo were influenced by biodegrading processes and accumulate in the most affected and migrated samples. Variations of the Ni/V ratio in aromatics and polars, matching those of homohopane and gammacerane indexes in paraffin, evidenced also the influence of biodegradation. Very similar elemental distribution patterns in oil and corresponding asphaltenes were observed, suggesting that the latter fraction, more refractory than the original oil, can be used as a robust inorganic geochemical fingerprint for oil characterization.


Debates about sustainable welfare and eco-social policy cut across many fields, from environmental studies to political economy, to normative political theory, to comparative welfare state research, to active labour market policy, to income support and social protection. The key debates engaged with in this thematic section concern the relationship between eco-social policy and normative theories of wellbeing (human needs theory, capabilities approach), and the implications of such understandings of sustainable wellbeing for the provision of benefits and services. Also at issue, particularly in the latter contributions, is the intersection between eco-social policy and post-productivist theories of 'work', and what this entails for active labour market policy and the conditionality of income supports. This brings in a much larger debate about reconfiguring income supports, and the differences between universal basic income (UBI), a minimum income guarantee (Coote, this themed section), or a participation income (Laruffa et al., this themed section). The literature on UBI is vast, so only recent work articulating the relationship between UBI and the transition towards a more eco-socially sustainable welfare state has been included. The literatures on human needs theory and the capabilities approach are similarly extensive. Hence, only foundational work in those fields has been included, along with subsequent contributions that have applied those theories to issues of eco-social concern.


This article describes a problem of how stress can have a negative effect on sports competition activity. On the basis of theoretical analysis, we can determine the concept of what 'stress' is. The article also gives the knowledge about sports activity stress factors of inward and outward nature and the peculiarities of their exposure, including the specifics of competition activity in different sports. It is noticed that effective stress management is provided by a complex of methods and means aimed at developing the mental processes and qualities of an athlete's identity, psychological assistance which involves psychodiagnostics, psychoprophilaxis and psychocorrection. There are some ways which can help the athletes to generate stress resistance. They include: endurance and stamina training, self-esteem boost, development of creative abilities and implementation of different types of psychic self-regulation.


As the workload of the hospital business expansion and growth surface,switching to upgrade information systems will gradually become an important system maintenance work.This article describes the new hospital information system project's overall objectives,combined with practical,brief introduction of information systems implementation process and strategy switching.


This study investigated the role of students' skills in their career decisions while preparing for university education. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The study's population comprised 5,656 Senior Secondary class three (SS III) students distributed across 101 public secondary schools in Ikom Education Zone, Cross River State. A sample of 1,135 SS III students was selected (representing 20% of the population) using the simple random sampling technique. "Skills and Career Choice Checklist (SCCC)," designed by the researchers, was the instrument used for data collection. Frequency counts, percentages, and the Chi-square test of independence were used for data analysis. Findings revealed that many prospective university students had exposure to different skills. The career decisions of prospective students varied according to their skill sets. It was established that the extent to which students' career choices depend on their exposure to skills is significant. It was concluded that prior exposure to skills determines prospective university students' career choices. This study has counselling implications for the proper guidance of students seeking to make career decisions. Career counsellors can use the results of this study to guide students in taking courses related to their skills or the other way around.


The energy of the ${\mathrm{O}}^{17}$ 0.871-MeV gamma ray was measured with a lithium-drifted germanium detector using the ${\mathrm{O}}^{16}(d, p){\mathrm{O}}^{17}$ reaction to populate the first excited state of ${\mathrm{O}}^{17}$. A result of 870.81\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.22 keV was obtained using various radiactive sources for energy calibration. Using this line and various others for energy calibration, the energies of gamma rays from transitions in ${\mathrm{B}}^{12}$ were measured and excitation energies of 953.14\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.60 and 1673.65\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.60 keV were deduced for the first two excited states of ${\mathrm{B}}^{12}$. Strong but nonconclusive evidence is presented for an excitation energy of 2618.5\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}3.5 keV for the third excited state of ${\mathrm{B}}^{12}$.