Ambient environments are characterized by an ever increasing amount of information that needs to be selected and organized in order to make correct assumptions about users, entities, etc. within a specific context. This issue can be addressed by using ontologies that meet the specific requirements of such environments. In this paper, we survey ontology engineering methods that represent an adequate approach to creating adequate ontologies. Because unprecedented, we introduce a Pattern-based Ontology Building Method for Ambient Environments (POnA) and exemplify this method through the development of a domain-specific ontology for cosmetic products within ambient shopping environments.


on admission. He rapidly developed respiratory failure with fltiffy shadowing on the chest X-ray.''^ Tt was possible that his previous heavy alcohol intake contributed to his demise. However, although his liver function tests were abnormal on admission, there was no evidence of an alcohol-related cardiomyopathy which might have precipitated the terminal event. The unexpected finding of a raised CVP was compatible with right heart failure secondary to capiilary leak syndrome. He also had a proven staphylococcal septicaemia, but his sepsis was treated promptly, and after the initially positive blood cultures no further organisms were grown from any source. When he was in the intensive care unit he was treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The S, aureus grown from the hlood cultures did not react with normal phages but reacted strongly with phage types 90 and 932. These have no special association with pathogenicity, in particular endotoxin production or toxic shock syndrome.


Liver is the main organ of detoxication. However, detoxication enzymes are present in the intestinal mucosa. We studied the activities of these enzymes in relation to mucosal structure.Activities of different detoxication enzymes were measured in 194 samples of peroral small intestinal capsule biopsies from children in whom the biopsies were taken as a part of gastrointestinal investigations for various reasons. Alkaline phosphatase was used as reference and its activity was 161±9, 118±17, and 61±10 nmol/min/mg protein in samples with normal mucosa, partial villous atrophy, and total villous atrophy, respectively. Aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase and ethoxycoumarin O-deethylase activities did not vary in relation to mucosal structure. On the contrary, glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly decreased in villous atrophy: 27.3±2.1, 21.4±4.0, and 4.8±1.6 pmol/min/mg protein in normal, partially atrophied, and severely atrophied samples, respectively. Also epoxide hydrolase was diminished in relation to mucosal structure: 43.6±2.0, 39.2±4.0, and 26.3±4.5 pmol/min/mg protein in the same order as above.Changes in villous structure alter mucosal capacity to detoxify ingested foreign compounds and potentially toxic products of imetabolism.


We show that a contact $(+1)$-surgery along a Legendrian sphere in a flexibly fillable contact manifold ($c_1=0$ if not subcritical) yields a contact manifold that is algebraically overtwisted if the Legendrian's homology class is not annihilated in the filling. Our construction can also be implemented in more general contact manifolds yielding algebraically overtwisted manifolds through $(+1)$-surgeries. This gives new proof of the vanishing of contact homology for overtwisted contact manifolds. Our result can be viewed as the symplectic field theory analog in any dimension of the vanishing of contact Ozsv\'ath-Szab\'o invariant for $(+1)$-surgeries on two-component Legendrian links proved by Ding, Li, and Wu.


With the advancement of Internet technology, the operating and competitive environment of China's banking industry has undergone radical changes. Some of the traditional banking businesses and functions are increasingly weakened, and the bank's business forms and profit models are facing unprecedented challenges. Based on Internet technology, vigorously expanding online financial services is the key strategic way out for financial sector. From the perspectives of the basic concepts and main characteristics of Internet finance, this study designs the pricing model of Internet financial products in commercial bank based on the factors such as customer comprehensive contribution and bank profit target. This study can provide scientific guidance for the pricing of commercial banks' Internet financial products.


The current technological innovations in the offices have rendered the professional competencies of secretaries obsolete. The secretaries must acquire the necessary skills needed in automated offices in order to be relevance and functional in their professional endeavour. The main purpose of this study is to determine professional competencies required of secretaries in modern automated offices in the tertiary institutions in Anambra State of Nigeria. The design of the study was survey. Three research questions and three null hypotheses were formulated for the study. An instrument which consisted of twenty-four items was distributed to 94 supervisors of secretaries in the tertiary institutions in Anambra State. The entire population was studied. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Three experts carried out face and content validity. The instrument were established using Crombach alpha and it yielded co-efficient of 0.82, 0.84 and 0.86 respectively. The data generated in the course of the study were analyzed using mean ratings and t-test inferential statistics. The results of the study revealed the manipulative, technology and communication competencies that are required of secretaries in the modern automated offices. It was recommended among others that curriculum used for the training of secretaries be reviewed to integrate modern technologies and secretaries should be encouraged to keep abreast of new technologies by availing themselves regularly of short training programmes .


We have developed an approach for predicting the soil hydraulic conductivity curve (HCC) of soil using soil particle-size distribution (PSD) data and one single measurement of the hydraulic conductivity in the wet range of the HCC. Unlike other models, our approach does not need a prior determination of the soil moisture characteristic curve. The development was motivated by the fact that PSD data are often available or can be inferred from soil maps and also that the hydraulic conductivity at low matric suction can be determined easily with field infiltrometer devices. The HCC prediction was good at low matric pressures, but the model performance diminished at high matric pressures. The RMSE ranged from 0.165 to 2.016, the average being 0.755 (log-transformed hydraulic conductivity [cm d−1]).We propose to improve the accuracy of prediction models in the dry range of the HCC in future studies.


The design of positioning and detecting for all parts in a checking fixture for an automobile front bumper assembly was analyzed,especially the design of positioning and detecting for the fender on both sides.The structure can simulate the fender function and can be manufactured properly.


This dataset contains the Land use land cover and raw satellite imagery files of Barmer of Rajasthan state of India. Spatial Metadata: Projections/coordinate reference system/projection/datum: UTM-43, WGS84; Name of the satellite : IRS; Image acquired from : USGS; Sensor: LISS III/ LISS IV Date of pass ( satellite data captured): 13th October, 2012/8th October, 2012 File format: .img ( ERDAS); Spatial resolution : 23.5/ 5m Number of bands : 4/3; Data processed by : ICRISAT; Agriculture season: Kharif Online Visualization Links: LULC Map of Dirrasar LULC Map of Dhok LULC Map of Kahariya


The use of prestressing of geosynthetics allows accelerate their inclusion in work, reduce deformations and gaining bearing capacity of artificial foundation. The article presents results of research of two methods of construction reinforced sand cushions. In the first case, the effect of prestressing is achieved due to a certain order of layer-by-layer soil compaction of the cushion, in the second - by laying of the swellable material between the contours of the foundations. The experiments were carried out in a laboratory tank with a pneumatic loading device. There are three stamps united by a common frame on the surface of the cushion. To assess the stress-strain state of the soil foundation, the non-contact digital tracer imaging method was used. The experimental results are presented in the graphs form of the dependence of the stamp settlement on pressure and vector fields of particle movements. Modeling has confirmed the high efficiency of prestressing. The ultimate pressure on the soil foundation with two-layer horizontal reinforcement and prestressing of the reinforcing layers in the first method was 195 kPa, in the second method - 165 kPa, whereas in the absence of prestressing this value was 110 kPa. Foundation deformations also decreased significantly.


Clinical and pharmaceutical applications of primary hepatocytes (PHs) are limited due to inadequate number of donated livers and potential challenges in successful maintenance of PHs in culture. Freshly isolated hepatocytes lose their specific features and rapidly de‐differentiate in culture. Bipotent hepatoblasts, as liver precursor cells that can differentiate into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes (Alb‐ and Ck19‐positive cells, respectively), could be used as an alternative and reliable cell source to produce enough PHs for drug discovery or possible clinical applications. In this study, growth factor‐free coculture systems of prenatal or postnatal murine liver stromal cells (pre‐LSCs or post‐LSCs, respectively) were used as feeder cells to support freshly isolated mice hepatoblasts. DLK1‐positive hepatoblasts were isolated from mouse fetuses (E14.5) and cocultured with feeder cells under adherent conditions. The hepatoblasts' bipotent features, proliferation rate, and colony formation capacity were assessed on day 5 and 7 post‐seeding. Immunofluorescence staining showed that the hepatoblasts remained double positive for Alb and Ck19 on both Pre‐ and Post‐LSCs, after 5 and 7 days of coculture. Moreover, application of pre‐LSCs as feeder cells significantly increased the number of DLK1‐positive cells and their proliferation rate (ie, increased the number of Ki‐67 positive cells) on day 7, compared to Post‐LSCs group. Finally, to address our ultimate goal, which was an extension of hepatoblasts ex vivo maintenance, 3D spheres of isolated hepatoblasts were, cultured in conditioned medium (CM) derived from pre‐LSCs until day 30. It was observed that the CM derived from Pre‐LSCs could successfully prolong the maintenance of hepatic progenitor cells (HPCs) in 3D suspension culture.


With the ever-increasing usage of biometric systems in today's scenario, there's a need for accurate identification of fingerprints. The fingerprint data is associated with various important services in today's scenario like aadhar verification, mobile unlocking, biometric attendance and the security aspects of the devices and accounts. To utilize the fingerprint data, it needs to be analyzed efficiently. The fingerprint identification process needs to look at various challenges like even if the fingerprint is rotated, altered, or not completely available still a correct prediction is required. Many deep learning algorithms like Convolution Neural Network (CNN), Inception V3 and Capsule Network have been implemented in this segment still there is a need to design the algorithm for the same with higher accuracy. In this work, a Modified Capsule Network is proposed for effective fingerprint identification. The experiments were performed utilizing the biometric Sokoto Coventry Fingerprint (SOCOFing) dataset extracted from Kaggle. The proposed model achieves better accuracy than the state-of-the-art models in this segments. It approaches more than 99 % accuracy for classifying fingerprints into fingers, hands, and gender class category.


In recent decades, many institutions of higher education have responded to community and student learning needs through the development of service-learning programs (Sapp & Crabtree, 2002). Community colleges have been noted as leaders in the establishment of service-learning programs. The purpose of this study was to better understand the service-learning experiences and subsequent outcome of nontraditional age students at a community college. The study utilized the three commonly noted best practices in service-learning as a guide in the exploration of literature and data: (a) connection between course material and the service experience through reflection; (b) the extent to which it is perceived that participation in service-learning had an impact on the community; and (c) the training or orientation activities incorporated into the service-learning experience. Using case study methodology, multiple data sources were collected and analyzed, including faculty member surveys, course syllabi, agency surveys, student surveys and semistructured interviews. Findings of the study revealed a number of implications for practice, as well as recommendations for future research. This study revealed the critical importance of postreflective assignments in helping students connect their service experience to course content and better understand community needs, yielded an understanding of how appreciative agency representatives and working with others at the agency enhanced the service-learning experience, explained how informal means by which to receive an orientation to the service agency are of value, and confirmed previous research that suggests intention to volunteer after graduation can be attributable, at least in part, to students' participation in service-learning.


It is sometimes claimed that Nietzsche's primary focus was the problem of suffering. Against this, the central contention of this chapter is that Nietzsche's focus was on the existential lack of meaning, which he took to be particular apposite to modern times. Thus, in contrast to Schopenhauer, for Nietzsche suffering as such was never the fundamental objection to life. The authors locate this position in the third essay of the Genealogy where Nietzsche remarks that 'the meaninglessness of suffering, not suffering itself, was the curse thus far stretched over humanity' (GM, III, 28), and argue that this is also the position of Nietzsche's first published work, The Birth of Tragedy. The continuity between the early and later Nietzsche's view is thus constituted in the import he gives to the question of meaning.


The trend in medical radionuclide and radiopharmaceutical research and development is toward the use of short-lived neutron-deficient nuclides. Biomedical generators that deliver positron-emitting nuclides will be an important source of these nuclides. The /sup 44/Ti-/sup 44/Sc generator (/sup 44/Ti(t/sub 1/2/ = 4 years), /sup 44/Sc (t/sub 1/2/ = 3.93 h)) has been suggested previously. Titanium-44 produced by the /sup 45/Sc(p,2n)/sup 44/Ti reaction is commercially available only in very limited quantities. The authors have found that /sup 44/Ti can also be produced by the /sup 51/V(p,2p6n)/sup 44/Ti nuclear reaction by irradiating a vanadium target with high-energy protons. A new separation method was required in order to recover /sup 44/Ti without added carrier. The authors have developed a new method for the separation of titanium from vanadium.


About the Authors Shlomo Maital is senior research associate at the Samuel Neaman Institute for Advanced Studies in Science & Technology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, and professor (emeritus). He was the academic director of TIM-Technion Institute of Management, Israel's leading executive leadership development institute and a pioneer in actionlearning methods, from 1998 2009. He was summer Visiting Professor for 20 years in MIT Sloan School of Management's Management of Technology M.Sc. program, teaching over 1,000 R&D engineers from 40 countries. He is the author, co-author or editor of 14 books, including Cracking the Creativity Code (SAGE India, 2014); The Imagination Ladder (Mandarin edition: Hangzhu Books, 2014); Mapping National Innovation Ecosystems (Elgar, UK, 2014); Technion Nation (2012), Global Risk/Global Opportunity (SAGE 2009), Innovation Management (Sage, 2007; 2nd edition, 2012); and Executive Economics (The Free Press 1994), translated into seven languages. He was co-founder of SABE – Society for Advancement of Behavioural Economics and was an early proponent of behavioural economics. His on-line course Cracking the Creativity Code – Part One is offered by Coursera and had over 11,000 students enrolled in its initial run. Two more such "MOOC"s are in preparation. Shlomo Maital is married, with four children and 13 grandchildren. He completed the New York marathon in 1985 in 3 hours and 51 minutes, and in April 2006, completed the Boston marathon in about 5 hours. In 2014 he and his wife Dr. Sharone Maital did a four-month 'trek' that took them to South America, North America, Europe, Vietnam, China and New Zealand, visiting innovative schools in several of these countries.


This paper explores an extension of a risk analysis procedure used in many United States (US) government agencies (e.g. DOT, DOE, FAA, and DOD) and by commerce to perform program management, particularly in software development. The approach takes the analysis beyond the subjective and qualitative, into a more rigorous and quantitative procedure that can be flexibly used as parameters change when evaluating the alternatives envisioned. Further, the paper will show how this rigorous analysis approach was used in transportation related studies for the United States Air Force (USAF) and for the United Kingdom (UK) British Ministry of Defense (MOD), Royal Air Force (RAF).


Article 153 EC In order to promote the interests of consumers and to ensure a high level of consumer protection, the Union shall contribute to protecting the health, safety and economic interests of consumers, as well as to promoting their right to information, education and to organise themselves in order to safeguard their interests.


While natural gradients have been widely studied from both theoretical and empirical perspectives, we argue that a fundamental theoretical issue regarding the existence of gradients in infinite dimensional function spaces remains underexplored. We therefore study the natural gradient induced by Sobolev metrics and develop several rigorous results. Our results also establish new connections between natural gradients and RKHS theory, and specifically to the Neural Tangent Kernel (NTK). We develop computational techniques for efficient approximation of the proposed Sobolev Natural Gradient. Preliminary experimental results reveal the potential of this new natural gradient variant.


The pore structure of gas-bearing shale is very complex. NMR is a key means to detect pore structure of shale both in laboratory and in downhole. Porosity measurement is fundamental for NMR application. In the paper we collected eighteen shale samples in Sichuan Basin to investigate NMR porosity. T2 measurement under three conditions, dry, water-saturated, and desaturated, was made. Otherwise the gas porosity with helium and the water porosity with the weight method were obtained. The results show that NMR signal in the dry shale sample is induced by the bound water. The water porosity is greater than the gas porosity because of clay mineral absorbing water. T2 distribution of shale is narrow and T2 is also short. Water-saturated NMR porosity is greater than the water porosity, but the difference between NMR porosity of the water-saturated and the dry sample is well correlated with the water porosity. With comparing of the saturated and the desaturated, the NMR porosity changes little. Less bound water is unable to move or evaporate to produce NMR signal in the dry shale sample.


Some critical considerations on the models of "extended irreversible thermodynamics" are given. By developing a methodology ("invariance of the generators") based both on the ideas of the "extended irreversible thermodynamics" and the "entropy principle" in its general formulation of "rational thermodynamics", a theory for a newtonian thermoviscous fluid is proposed. The theory has the following properties, new when compared with previous ones: a) the system of equations is hyperbolic for any value of the field variables, provided that the usual thermodynamic stability condition (maximum entropy at equilibrium) holds; all wave-propagation speeds are then real and finite; b) the system is conservative and it is possible to seek for weak solutions and, in particular, for shockwaves; moreover, the system is symmetric-hyperbolic in the sense of Friedrichs; special properties hold therefore for weak solutions and shocks; c) the only thermodynamic variables at non-equilibrium, modified with respect to the corresponding ones at equilibrium, are the entropy density and chemical potential; consequentely, there exists only a single absolute temperature, playing an important role in relaxations; d) the entropy principle is automatically satisfied.


Self compacting concrete(SCC) is able to compact itself without any additional vibration or compaction. SCC provides an efficient solution to the problems of inadequate compaction of concrete which would result in large number of voids, affecting performance and durability of structures. This project involves an experimental study to investigate the properties of stainless steel and polypropylene fibres g and discusses the suitability of those properties to enable stainless steel and polypropylene fibres to be used in the concrete. The test results of fresh and hardened properties of SCC incorporating Stainless Steel and Polypropylene at 0 %, 0.5 %, 0.75 %,1.00 by weight,are compared. Mix proportion of the SCC is determined by fixing the water to powder ratio at 0.55 and the ratio of paste volume to void volume of compacted aggregate phase at 0.5. The flowability or workability of fresh concrete mix are assessed with slump flow test, v-funnel test and L-box tst . The 28th day compressive strength of concrete specimens, in which addition of stainless steel and polypropylene fibres are practiced and compared with that of standard specimen.Still SCC is used as special concrete because of its economical viability. Incorporating stainless steel fibre , the economical SCC is arrived. In a Hybrid Fibre Reinforced Concrete (HFRC), two or more IJSER International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, Volume 7, Issue 4, April-2016 104 ISSN 2229-5518 IJSER © 2016 http://www.ijser.org different types of fibres are rationally combined to produce a cementitious composite that derives benefits from each of the individual fibres and exhibits a synergistic response. The main aim of the present experimental investigation was to combine different fibres namely crimped stainless steel fibre, glass fibre and polypropylene fiber to produce HFRC and thus to evaluate its performance under compression, tension and flexure types of loading. Based on I.S. Code method of mix design, proportion of different ingredients was obtained to get M30 grade concrete. Samples were prepared by varying the volume fraction of fibres from 0 to 1% for each fibres individually and then the optimum percentage of fibres were combined to obtain HFRC. Total 12 different types of FRC matrices were considered for performance evaluation. The experimental test results demonstrated that addition of stainless steel, and polypropylene fibers at 1% ,0.75% and 1% Vf respectively showed considerable gain of strength of 22.12N/mm , 2.45N/mm and 2.78N/mm in compression, tension and flexure at 7 days respectively. The behavior of concrete under loads was found to be consistently improved compared with reference mix design. Thus, the improvement in mechanical properties of a matrix having volume fraction hybridization of 1% stainless steel, and 1% of polypropylene fibres was found to be the best.


Bridge networks are major capital assets which require continuing investment in order to maintain the bridges within acceptable limits of safety and serviceability. Capital budgeting decisions at the network level are commonly based on ranking procedures to define priorities for the distribution of available funds among the different projects in a network. Ranking and prioritizing procedures have been widely used by several departments of transportation to evaluate and select bridge projects as these procedures provide the insight needed for the decision making process. This paper presents the main ranking procedures currently used by transportation agencies and proposes an alternative innovative ranking method for bridge networks, based on the Multi-Attribute Utility Theory (MAUT). The theory enables the decision makers to include multiple and conflicting criteria and to incorporate qualitative and quantitative measurements in the ranking process. In addition, the theory provides flexibility for the decision makers in expressing their degree of satisfaction with each bridge attribute and captures the decision makers' attitude toward risk. The proposed framework includes the development of a hierarchy structure, defining the objectives and the decision criteria, and presenting an innovative technique to develop the necessary utility functions. A case study is used to demonstrate the applicability and the validity of the proposed ranking procedure.


The anodic oxidation of niobium has been studied in a variety of electrolytes at temperatures of 20° and 90°C under conditions of constant current density. Although thin films exhibiting interference colours are produced in all electrolytes studied, it has been established that with weak electrolytes (e. g. acetic acid) the film thickens with continued passage of charge resulting in the formation of a thick grey absorbing coating. The ionic efficiency, [i+]/i+ +i- has been studied by gravimetric methods and also determinations have been made of the V/t (i constant) and -1/C /t (i constant) relationships. As acetic acid gave a higher efficiency than other electrolytes, studies have been largely confined to this electrolyte. A characteristic of V/t relationship of niobium in acetic acid is the change in slope of the curve at 20-30V and the formation of a pronounced plateau at 70-90V. It has been established by x-ray and electron diffraction and electron microscopy that although the oxide surface is amorphous below the plateau it crystallises at the plateau. The phenomenon is considered to be an example of field crystallisation where an amorphous oxide can crystallise when subjected to a high electric field; this phenomenon was first observed for tantalum. The change in the slope at 20-30V may be significant and may indicate a change in the chemical or physical nature of the amorphous oxide. The plateau has been discussed and is considered to be due to field crystallisation which commences at the metal/oxide interface, the amorphous Nb[2]O[5] being transformed to the crystalline state with consequent rupture of the overlying amorphous oxide. A comparison has been made between the results obtained in the present work and the results obtained by other workers on the high temperature oxidation of niobium.


The term risk is often elusive, because its interpretation is commonly based on the specific aspect and goal of its utilization. Therefore, there are many definitions and approaches to cover this term. However, the situations in which we perceive risk have certain common elements. The first one is that we do not know what will happen. The second one is that specific interests are exposed to consequences in such situations [1]. Thus, there are essentially two components needed for risk to exist – an uncertain event and its adverse consequences (see Fig. 1). Risk can be defined as an uncertain event that, should it occur, will have an effect on the achievement of objectives. A risk is measured by a combination of the probability of a perceived threat and the magnitude of its consequences on objectives [11].


An extracting technology of total flavonoids from Mongolian medicine "Loulu flower" was studied with orthogonal test L9(34).The factors of ethanol concentration,reflux duration,ethanol quantity and extracting times were evaluated for their effects on extracting process.Spectrophotometry is adapted to detect the total flavonoids of the samples with rutin as the reference substance.The results of the experiment show that the optimum extracting process of total flavonoids was determined.The condition that adding 90% C2H5OH with the quantity of 14 times of the medicine,then the solution is extracted 1h and 3 times was the best.


The identification of mercury in the urine, stomachcontents or feces of persons supposed to be suffering from poisoning by this metal is often a matter of great diagnostic importance, and is of especial significance owing to the fact that if the proper eliminative treatment is begun without delay the patients' lives can be saved in a considerable proportion of the cases. The newspaper notoriety given to recent cases of poisoning with mercuric chlorid, the ease with which the substance may be obtained, and the mistaken but prevalent idea that the death caused is rapid and without discomfort, have procured for this agent a wide vogue among those attempting suicide; while its popularity as a household antiseptic causes accidental poisonings to occur with considerable frequency. The history to be obtained from such patients or their friends, however. is often extremely unsatisfactory, and there is nearly always room for doubt whether or


We present a theoretical study of the substrate influence on the electrical and magnetic properties of a one-dimensional multiferroic. We used a one-dimensional axial next-nearest neighbor Ising model (1D ANNNI model). The effect of the substrate was modeled using the periodic Frenkel–Kontorova potential. It is shown that the periodic potential of the substrate reduces the polarization of the multiferroic at low temperatures. The substrate potential significantly affects the structural changes near the magnetic phase transition temperature.


Activated charcoal and soluble starter nitrogen were added to fresh and aged pine bark prior to use as a container growth medium. All test plants grew equally well in either fresh or aged pine, reg...


In this work the bone density distribution in the vicinity of femoral implants is predicted using a topology optimization model, based on deformation energy methods. The bone tissue is an efficient and optimized anisotropic biological material, capable of maximizing the structural stiffness by itself. In this work, the mechanical behaviour of the bone tissue is determined using a continuous anisotropic mathematical phenomenological law developed based on experimental data available in the literature. Thus, this law permits to correlate the bone density with the obtained level of stress. In order to obtain the displacement and stress fields a numerical meshless technique is used: the Natural Neighbour Radial Point Interpolator Method (NNRPIM). The NNRPIM presents various advantages in the topologic analysis comparing with other discrete numerical methods such as the Finite Element Method.


Abstract 2D polymer sheets with six positively charged pyrylium groups at each pore edge in a stacked single crystal can be transformed into a 2D polymer with six pyridines per pore by exposure to gaseous ammonia. This reaction furnishes still a crystalline material with tunable protonation degree at regular nano‐sized pores promising as separation membrane. The exfoliation is compared for both 2D polymers with the latter being superior. Its liquid phase exfoliation yields nanosheet dispersions, which can be size‐selected using centrifugation cascades. Monolayer contents of ≈30 % are achieved with ≈130 nm sized sheets in mg quantities, corresponding to tens of trillions of monolayers. Quantification of nanosheet sizes, layer number and mass shows that this exfoliation is comparable to graphite. Thus, we expect that recent advances in exfoliation of graphite or inorganic crystals (e.g. scale‐up, printing etc.) can be directly applied to this 2D polymer as well as to covalent organic frameworks.


An integrated control system for vehicle control, comprising at least three subsystems operating autonomously and in parallel, and that can dispense a hierarchical system for a level higher than said subsystem, said control system comprising integrated detection means for detecting and storing information relating to a vehicle state, wherein a first subsystem of said subsystems provides a function basic control and comprises first request means for calculating a first control quantity based on at least part of the sensed information received from the sensing means, first arbitration means for arbitrating said first control quantity received from said first request means and at least a second control quantity received from a second arbitration means of a second subsystem of said subsystems, and output means for controlling an actuator of the vehicle based on the result of arbitration of said first arbitration means, wherein said second subsystem provides a stabilization function control and comprises a second request means for calculating a third control quantity based on at least part of the information detected received from the detecting means, and said second means arbitration for arbitrating said third control quantity and a fourth control quantity received from a third arbitration unit of a third subsystem of said subsystems in order to output the second control quantity the arbitration means of said first subsystem, wherein said third subsystem provides a support function drive, and comprises third request means for calculating a fifth control quantity based on at least part of the sensed information received from the detecting means, and said third arbitration means for arbitrating r said fifth control quantity received from the third request means in order to output the fourth control quantity to the second arbitration means of said second subsystem.


A method of characterising deep centres in the space-charge region of diodes is described, which combines Fourier transform spectroscopy with techniques used in conventional spectroscopy of optically induced transients. This method is demonstrated by a spectrum recorded for the 0.3 eV selenium donor in silicon.


Security is a major concern in today's developing era of communication. Security has been implemented in a number of ways to overcome the issues of authentication and identification of the user credentials which are the major pillars of security. Considering these , the book has been designed to bring a brief scenario to the reader regarding upcoming technologies in the field of security in the past decade and introduces a new mechanism to enhance the existing security methods. Also two applications of such implementation are discussed to bring a brief idea to the readers regarding the technical discussion.The objectives of this book includes detailing the methods used to develop a new technique using biometric features to enhance security to overcome the drawbacks of traditional authentication techniques, to facilitate the development of methods for utilizing unique features of palm vein in cryptographic key development infrastructure, to incorporate authenticated palm vein features along with other biometric traits for enhanced security using watermarking technique.


The effect of nanolayered interlayers Ti/Al, Ni/Ti and Ni/Al on structure of the diffusion bonds made in vacuum on γ-TiAl base alloy was studied. It is shown that when using the nanolayered interlayers of a composition differing from that of the base alloy it is necessary to conduct homogenising annealing to lower the degree of chemical heterogeneity in the bonding zone.


This paper investigates metamaterial functionally graded plates with quasi-zero stiffness resonators. This way, the governing equations of free vibrations and the mode shapes are obtained using the assumed mode method. The free vibrations analysis of the metamaterial functionally graded plates is then performed using finite element analysis. The objective of the current paper is to present an FG metamaterial plate structure to attenuate its mode shapes. Various resonators' arrangements on the FG plate evaluate the best arrangements. This paper shows that the proposed metamaterial attenuates the corresponding shape modes for the first nine natural frequencies.


Significance Misfolding and accumulation of the protein α-synuclein (αS) inside nerve cells characterize Parkinson's disease (PD) and related brain diseases, for which no disease-modifying therapies exist. Robust cell models are needed that recapitulate abnormal αS folding/accumulation in real time, especially for compound screening. We took advantage of the engineered αS "3K" (E35K+E46K+E61K) mutation, which amplifies the familial PD-causing E46K and readily forms round inclusions. We rescued the inclusions with known αS modulators and then screened a ∼2,000-compound library. We identified the potential therapeutic target stearoyl-CoA desaturase; its inhibition cleared αS inclusions, in accord with the effects of conditioning in saturated fatty acids. We propose a model for how fatty acids serve as key modulators of cellular αS homeostasis. Microscopy of Lewy bodies in Parkinson's disease (PD) suggests they are not solely filamentous deposits of α-synuclein (αS) but also contain vesicles and other membranous material. We previously reported the existence of native αS tetramers/multimers and described engineered mutations of the αS KTKEGV repeat motifs that abrogate the multimers. The resultant excess monomers accumulate in lipid membrane-rich inclusions associated with neurotoxicity exceeding that of natural familial PD mutants, such as E46K. Here, we use the αS "3K" (E35K+E46K+E61K) engineered mutation to probe the mechanisms of reported small-molecule modifiers of αS biochemistry and then identify compounds via a medium-throughput automated screen. αS 3K, which forms round, vesicle-rich inclusions in cultured neurons and causes a PD-like, l-DOPA–responsive motor phenotype in transgenic mice, was fused to YFP, and fluorescent inclusions were quantified. Live-cell microscopy revealed the highly dynamic nature of the αS inclusions: for example, their rapid clearance by certain known modulators of αS toxicity, including tacrolimus (FK506), isradipine, nilotinib, nortriptyline, and trifluoperazine. Our automated 3K cellular screen identified inhibitors of stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) that robustly prevent the αS inclusions, reduce αS 3K neurotoxicity, and prevent abnormal phosphorylation and insolubility of αS E46K. SCD inhibition restores the E46K αS multimer:monomer ratio in human neurons, and it actually increases this ratio for overexpressed wild-type αS. In accord, conditioning 3K cells in saturated fatty acids rescued, whereas unsaturated fatty acids worsened, the αS phenotypes. Our cellular screen allows probing the mechanisms of synucleinopathy and refining drug candidates, including SCD inhibitors and other lipid modulators.


Objective This analysis was intended to learn about the trait of epidemic situation by virtue of assaying accumulative AIDS cases in Dalian city so as to afford valuable basis for the institution of local working direction of prophylaxis and control of AIDS. Methods Statistic analysis was conducted in light of AIDS monitoring and epidemiological management data in Dalian city. Results There was an accumulation of 84 cases of AIDS infectors/patients detected, of which there were 7 cases of death. 58 males and 26 females were implicated, with the youngest of 9 and oldest of 54 years old. Before 1997, 100.00% of the detected were males, 91.00% of which were through blood infection and 82.00% of which were from floating populations; in the current epidemic situation, 30.95% were females, 46.43% were infected by sexual pathways and 39.28% were permanent residents. Conclusion The situation of AIDS in Dalian has experienced a change from introduction period to transmission period with sex as a predominating pathway, indicating that high-risk behavior intervention of AIDS should be carried out in this region, including the use of condoms to decelerate the transmission of AIDS.


For investigating the mechanism of high power microwave flashover and breakdown on output window inner surface with outgassing, firstly, the theoretical modeling is put forward, including dynamic equations, particle-in-cell (PIC) method, secondary emission, Monte-Carlo collision (MCC) method and outgassing model. Secondly, based on the theoretical modeling, the 1D3V (one dimension and velocity with three directions) PIC-MCC code is programmed by authors. By using this code, the flashover and breakdown on dielectric inner surface with weak and strong outgassing course under different gas moving velocities are studied numerically. The numerical results are concluded in the following. The flashover and breakdown on dielectric inner surface are caused by continuous increase of deposited power. For weak outgassing, multipacting is dominant. With the increase of outgassing coefficient, multipacting is promoted by ionization collision. The typical phenomena are the increases of space-charge field, the number and average energy of surface-collision electrons. Here, the surface-collision electrons are caused by multipacting mostly. With the increase of gas molecule velocity, ionization course is suppressed by gas pressure decreasing near to the dielectric inner surface. For strong outgassing, ionization collision is dominant. With the increase of outgassing coefficient, the number of ions increases exponentially with ionization frequency increasing, multipacting is suppressed by ionization collision. The typical phenomena are the negative value of space-charge field on dielectric surface, the decrease of average energy of surface-collision electrons, and the exponential increase of surface-collision electrons caused by ionization collision near to dielectric surface. Here, the surface-collision electrons are caused by ionization mostly. With the increase of gas molecule velocity, the depth of gas is enlarged, thereby promoting the ionization collision.


An algorithm for generation of trees of a connected, non-oriented, and simple graph is presented in this paper. The space complexity of the algorithm is independent of the number of trees and the time complexity is drastically reduced compared to the brute-force technique. The algorithm is easily programmable. Experimental results for several graphs are presented.


Objective:To explore the therapeutic compliance of the patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD) and the influential factors.Methods:The information of 89 patients with CKD were investigated using the self-designed questionnaire.Results:The investigation showed that the factors affecting therapeutic compliance in the patients with CKD included the mode of payment,economic status,family conditions and trust between patients and medical staff.Conclusion:The therapeutic compliance of patients greatly affects the treatment of chronic kidney disease,and multi-pathway intervention can improve their therapeutic compliance.


Polyethoxylated tallow amine (POEA) surfactants in glyphosate formulations are understudied. They may constitute greater health risks than glyphosate itself. Lack of validated biomarkers of exposure and metabolism, as well as analytical methods for measuring POEA, limit the study of a formulation's toxicity and associated risk.


State-specific estimates of1 urrent and future prevalence of Alzheimer disease (AD) are necessary for state planning because states vary greatly in population age structures, which determine disease prevalence.1 We calculated prevalence rates using AD incidence estimates from a population study2 of a geographically defined biracial (black and white) community of Chicago, National Center for Health Statistics data,3 and US Census Bureau Data. We used data from the 2000 census4 for 2000 estimates and state-specific mortality and population projections5 corresponding to middle-series estimates for the national population for future years. This approach is similar to that used for previous estimates and projections of nationwide prevalence of AD.6,7⇓

Current numbers of people with AD in each state depend strongly on total population size and proportion of the population affected. The latter, in turn, depends on the proportion of the total population in older age groups. Of seven states with ≥200,000 persons affected by AD …


This letter reports measurements of a new type of double alignment channeling process which simultaneously uses the ``channeling effect'' and ``blocking effect'' in a relatively simple geometry. Results for the case of 500‐keV He ions impinging on ZnO single crystals are shown to be in fair agreement with a calculation of the magnitude of this effect based on the Lindhard model of particle channeling. It is shown that the sensitivity of this measurement to the detection of atoms not on normal lattice sites is a factor of 10–50 greater than in the usual channeling experiment.


This study aims to identify travel motivations and typologies of tourists without the intention to revisit. The study sample has yet to be studied in the national and international literature, making this study original. In this study, 3000 tourists visited Istanbul Atatürk Airport in August 2017, and 405 tourists who did not intend to visit again were identified. The study used a mixed-methods exploratory approach. The study found that curiosity and discovery were the main travel motivations. Other motives for travel were recreation, recognition and learning, and alternative tourism activities. Tourist typologies were identified as explorers, recreationists, intellectuals, and diversity seekers. As tourism ambassadors, satisfied tourists may influence potential tourists with zero-cost marketing.


INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) with erectile dysfunction (ED) has been investigated in a few studies. However, previous studies are limited by having a small participant number or minimal adjustment for potential confounding factors including testosterone and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, the current data are insufficient to support routine screening of ED in men with CP/CPPS or CP/CPPS in men with ED. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted that included 8,261 men. The National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF) were used for assessment of symptoms. Symptoms were classified as a "mild prostatitis-like symptom" if respondents reported perineal or ejaculatory pain and had a NIH-CPSI pain score of ≥4 and <8; the symptoms were classified as "moderate to severe" if the pain score was ≥8 according to previous reports. Moderate to severe ED was defined as IIEF <12. A full metabolic work-up and serum testosterone level checks were also performed. We then investigated the relationship using statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.4±5.5 years. The mean testosterone level was 613 ng/dL (21.3 nmol/L). In total, 2,205 (24.9%) men had prostatitis-like symptoms (NIH-CPSI pain score of ≥4 and perineal or ejaculatory pain), and 618 (7.0%) men had moderate to severe symptoms (NIH-CPSI pain score of ≥8). Additionally, 1,041 men (12.6%) were classified as demonstrating moderate to severe ED (IIEF < 12). The IIEF score was found to have a significant negative correlation with the NIH-CPSI pain domain score (correlation coefficient = -0.198; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, metabolic syndrome status, and testosterone level, there was no change in the negative correlation between the NIH-CPSI pain domain score and IIEF score (Beta = -0.395; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, testosterone level, and metabolic syndrome, the odds ratio (OR) for moderate to severe ED significantly increased with the severity of pelvic pain (mild prostatitis-like symptoms, OR for moderate to severe ED: 2.557, 95% confidence interval: 2.092-3.125; moderate to severe symptoms, OR for moderate to severe ED: 5.164: 95% confidence interval: 4.433-6.016). CONCLUSIONS: ED and chronic prostatitis-like symptoms are significantly and independently correlated with each other. The severity of prostatitis-like symptoms is also related to ED. Based on our data, we suggest routine screening for CP/CPPS in men with ED and ED in men with CP/CPPS. Source of Funding: none.


We investigated two pion condensed phases in the frame of two flavor Nambu‐Jona‐Lasinio model at finite baryon density: the homogeneous and isotropic Sarma phase and inhomogeneous and anisotropic LOFF phase. At small isospin chemical potential μI, the Sarma state is free from the Sarma instability and magnetic instability due to the strong coupling and large enough effective quark mass. At large μI, while the Sarma instability can be cured via fixing baryon density nB to be nonzero, its magnetic instability implies that the LOFF state is favored than the Sarma state. In the intermediate μI region, the stable ground state is the Sarma state at higher nB and LOFF state at lower nB.


In Sri Lanka even though women represent more than half of the population, their labour force participation rate is less than men. Men's participation in the labour force is twice as women's. In recent years women and gender issues have become a major area of concern. Even seminars, workshops and conferences are being held over the world to discuss women issues and women advancement in all spheres of life, still it exists the barriers for women career development.
This study was entirely design by centering the focal problem of impact of glass ceiling on career development. This study also attempts to identify the contribution factors which create the glass ceiling effect on women career development. The study was conducted to find out the impact of glass ceiling on women career development of executive level female employees in Financial Sector in Kandy district and hypotheses were developed to find out whether there is a significant impact of individual, family, organisational and cultural factors on women career development. The data were collected from 144 executive level female respondents out of 157 executive level female employees in Financial Sector at Kandy district with a structured questionnaire. For presenting and analysing the data both descriptive and inferential statistics were used through SPSS 19.0 version and the results were derived.
The major finding of this study revealed that the glass ceiling and women career development has small negative relationship and individual, family and cultural factors have a significant impact on women career development while organisational factors have an insignificant impact on women career development. Further, in this study Adjusted R2 of women career development is 0646. It is explained that 64.6% of women career development is explained by glass ceiling. The conclusion was finally made that there are significant impact of the glass ceiling on women career development of executive level female employees in the financial sector at Kandy district.


In this paper a software architecture perspective is taken to designing reusable software applications. An application domain is defined as a family of systems that have some features in common and others that differentiate them. During domain engineering, reusable specifications, architectural design patterns, and component types are developed, which capture the similarities and variations of the family of systems that compose the application domain. This paper describes the composition of software architectures from reusable feature based domain specific architectural design patterns.


Universities are an important part of Chinese national innovation system.The success of universities technology transfer depends on intellectual property institutional arrangement.The essence of technology transfer,creativity of technology licensors,and interests of technology licensees are intertwined with intellectual property rights.Intellectual property rights are the logic premise,legal foundation,safe margin and balancing mechanism of technology transfer.Universities technology transfer shall be grounded in market demand,perfect reward system,create transfer institutions and fulfill social service function under the guidance of intellectual property tactics.


287 Background: Preserving quality of life (QoL) is an important therapeutic aim in advanced prostate cancer (PCa). The effects of treatment on QoL were studied in a non-interventional study performed from 2010 until 2012 evaluating 1 year of treatment with a LHRH agonist, triptorelin pamoate 6-month depot (TP 6M). Methods: Data of 564 patients with advanced PCa treates in 129 German urology outpatient clinics were analysed. Data on QoL were collected by EORTC questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and -PR25) at baseline, 6 months and 12 months. The QLQ-C30 assesses functional QoL, global health and symptoms of disease, the QLQ-PR25 covers PCa specific symptoms and sexual activity. A clinically relevant improvement, i.e. increase of ≥10 points in the QLQ-C30 global health status/QoL scale, defined treatment responders. Response at month 6 compared to baseline was the primary study endpoint. Results: GlobalHealth Related (HR) QoL was similar over the 1 year follow-up period with a mean (± SD) score of 60.9 (±21.8) at bas...


In § 2 of this paper these equations are abstractly formulated as functional equations. In § 3 it is proved that any function satisfying Equations I and II also satisfies HI, provided certain underlying conditions A and B are fulfilled. In § 4 a number system Sft is introduced whose elements are the numbers [£? r] where £ and r are real numbers. Two operations, addition and multiplication, are introduced, and it is shown that these operations obey all the ordinary laws of algebra except the associative law of addition. This number system J£ is then used in the discussion of the complete independence t of Equations I, II and III.


In the article the structure of transport and logistics cluster in the cross-border cooperation in the context of regional development. The author determined that the regional transport and logistics cluster in the cross-border cooperation will be a two-level structure. In particular, the first level is internal is proposed to build at the expense of the consumer market of the region, namely industry, transport, Commerce, organizations and population of the region, as well as the elements and links in the transportation and logistics cluster. The second level is external – is formed by similar facilities in various regions of Ukraine, CIS and far abroad. The author noted that in the implementation of cross-border cooperation, the establishment and integration of regional transport and logistics cluster is one of the primary tools of implementation of the state regional policy aimed at improving the lives of citizens of border areas, ensure the competitiveness of the economic system, the introduction of innovative-investment model of development, and harmonization of regulatory and socio-economic conditions for the development of industrial and agricultural enterprises, cooperatives, scientific-technical and other types of cross-border cooperation, particularly in the field of business, services and technology transfer.


Abstract The nondestructive characterization of citrus varieties (Egyptian sweet orange, Lane Late navel orange, Australian orange, and Blood orange) was developed based on near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRDRS) together with principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher linear discriminant analysis (FLDA). An experiment for the penetration of NIRDRS into the peel was designed and the effects of different spectral acquisition points were investigated. Pretreatments were used to eliminate the spectral interferences. As an unsupervised pattern recognition method, PCA was used to establish the characterization models. Furthermore, supervised pattern recognition based on PCA and FLDA was employed to enhance the accuracy. The results of the penetration experiments show that near-infrared light enters the citrus peel and is able to characterize the internal composition. Even with the optimized spectral pretreatment, accurate characterization of citrus varieties was not achieved by PCA. However, the accurate characterization of citrus varieties was provided by PCA-FLDA. The accuracies of four spectral acquisition points are 95%, while the characterization accuracies of six spectral acquisition points are 100% combined with optimized spectral pretreatment. Therefore, NIRDRS with PCA-FLDA is suitable for the rapid and nondestructive characterization of citrus varieties.


This study examined the relationships between team factors, namely functional diversity, trust and coordination and the moderating effect of top management support on product innovation performance. A total of 512 team members in various industries within the manufacturing companies in Peninsular Malaysia participated in this study. This figure comprised of 53 participating companies and 120 teams. The results found the difference in impact of independent variables (team factors) on different dependent variables (task-outcomes and psychosocial-outcomes). The R 2 value is higher for psychosocial-outcomes (R 2 =.67) as opposed to task-outcomes (R 2 =.28). Regarding the direct relations between independent variables and dependent variables, only coordination was found to directly relate to both task and psychosocial-outcomes. Affective trust has direct relations with psychosocial-outcomes only but not on task-outcomes. Regarding the indirect relations between the independent and the dependent variables when moderating variable (top management support) was incorporated in the relationships, it was found that top management support act as an independent for psychosocialoutcomes, i.e. quasi moderator but not for task-outcomes. Top management support moderates the relationship between functional diversity and coordination on task-outcomes, and affective trust on psychosocial-outcomes. Field of Research: Functional diversity, trust coordination, product innovation performance, top management support


Climate change and its impacts on the physical environment have received increased attention in recent years, spurring debates on its global and local dimensions. While a common ground has been reached on its causes, manifestations and options for mitigation, its human security implications remain poorly understood. Links between climate change and social con lict is one of the most controversial issues in the climate change impacts assessment literature as priorities diverge between generalised scienti ic validity (pedagogy) and context-based security analysis (policy). This paper examines climate change-con lict linkages drawing upon experiences of migrant pastoralists and arable farming host communities in Nigeria. It found a strong causal linkage between exposure to impacts of climate change and growing incidence of con lict over renewable natural resources. It recommends contextualised analyses of the linkage as well as the integration of climate-related con lict into Nigeria's security policy frameworks particularly, its climate change impact assessment and intervention strategies.


In this paper,we used the literature analysis method,questionnaire survey method to carry on the investigation about students of school extracurricular sports teams in Fuzhou.We analyzed and summarized the relationship between each family factor and the school extracurricular sports training and the reason of contradiction and offered a proposal in this foundation which made the school extracurricular sports teams develop in a healthy and vigorous way.


One of the principal reasons the North Atlantic has had both for studying 'other cultures', and for reifying these as absolutely and insurmountably different, has been: to allow North Atlantic civilisation to construct itself on the basis of a claim of a rationality and science incomparably superior to the thought processes engaged in by humans in other continents. One of the tasks of intercultural philosophy is then to explode such hegemonic projection from the North Atlantic. Intercultural philosophy can do so by taking seriously the human thought processes elsewhere, by approaching in their own right the belief systems based on them, and particularly by exposing the geopolitical, class, gender, racial, and other collective interests that have imposed the violence of boundaries between subsets of humankind in the first place. Clearly, here lie enormous problems that a substantial literature on belief, rationality, and interculturality has helped us to appreciate. To this literature I add, as my personal contribution culminating in my new book Intercultural encounters: African, anthropological, and historical lessons towards a philosophy of interculturality,1 of which the present paper is chapter 7 in a revised version: • my own extensive and painful confrontation as an anthropologist with non-Western world views in a number of fieldwork settings; • my long-standing practice (as from 1990) of one non-Western knowledge system as a sangoma, i.e. a spirit medium/ diviner/ healer/priest in the Southern African tradition; • my extensive evidence that knowledge sources not recognised by North Atlantic science can yet yield valid knowledge; • my attempt to formulate a non-relativist unitary epistemology; • and my long-ranging historical and comparative analyses that help establish the empirical conditions which underpin my claims that 'cultures do not exist', that all human knowledge production is interconnected and therefore subjected to a converging epistemology. The argument of my paper seeks to unfold the epistemological problems that sangomahood poses. It presents an argument in which 1 To appear mid-2003 with Lit Verlag, Berlin.


A fusion protein (713 aa, ~77 kDa) encoded by the EWSR1/PATZ1 fusion gene long A isoform. This protein is comprised of the transactivation domain of the RNA-binding protein EWS fused to the C-terminus of POZ-, AT hook-, and zinc finger-containing protein 1 containing one C2H2 zinc-finger DNA binding domain.


Background: Lifestyle change through diet and exercise is first line therapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is associated with increase in risk of cardiovascular disease. Therefore the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training and low calorie diet on levels of homocysteine and plasma lipid profiles in men with NAFLD. Methods: 70 patients with NAFLD [weight 89.6±5.8 , age 39.2±0.5 years, body mass index (BMI) 29.4±1.9 kg/m2] were randomly assigned into four groups(training, diet, combined of training & diet, and control). The endurance training program included moderate intensity training with 55-75% of maximal heart rate for 45 min/session, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Low calorie diet with an energy deficit of 500 calories of daily energy intake was calculated from 3-day food records of the patients. Blood samples were measured before and after intervention. Homocysteine levels and lipid profiles were measured before and after intervention. Results: Fifty out of the 70 of the participants completed the trial. There were no serious adverse effects. Result exhibited that interaction of endurance training and low calorie diet decrese blood LDL-C (P=0.001), TG (P=0.006), TC (P=0.011) and homocysteine (P=0.001), whereas increased HDL-C (P=0.001) levels significantly. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that endurance training and low calorie diet interventions are effectiveness in reducing lipid profile and homocysteine levels among patients with NAFLD. However, combined interventions specifically improves NAFLD and has a better effect.


Medical image fusion techniques are extensively used to aid medical diagnosis by combining features of two or more images of various modalities such as Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Image (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) into a single output image that contains salient features from all inputs. This paper proposes a hybrid fusion algorithm and is applied on a CT and MRI images. The largest Eigenvalue of the covariance matrices of each image are used to obtain weights for next stage image by Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and different frequency components of the input image are separated by Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT), noise in output images from first two stages. Performance evaluation of CT-MRI image fusion with the hybrid algorithm by Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) improves the image quality compared to established methods. Overall, the non-linear fusion rule holds strong potential to help improve image fusion applications in medicine and in other fields.


In the realm of photovoltaics, a common technique towards achieving high solar energy conversion efficiencies is to concentrate sunlight on a multi-junction monolithically stacked solar cells. This approach is most suitable for cells made of materials that have the same lattice constant, because this results in less defects, and hence, a high efficiency. If the cells do not have the same lattice constant, then more complex and costly growth techniques are used. Alternatively, the non-lattice matched cells can be kept apart (i.e. not stacked) and integrated in an optical system that splits the sunbeam into several sub-beams and direct each towards one cell. In this study, we are demonstrating this last approach consisting of an optical system with beam-splitting features, encompassing two solar cells: AlGaAs and Ge.


The paper describes the results of literature study about the researches on symbols for tourism maps, as well as, some issues about the design of these maps due to the changes from new technologies and the evaluation and design of this type of map. We conducted a survey of national and international journals, and master dissertations and doctoral theses developed during 1971 to 2009.


Three problems in compressive sensing, namely, recovery of sparse signals from noise-free measurements, recovery of sparse signals from noisy measurements, and recovery of so called block-sparse signals from noisy measurements, are investigated.

In Chapter 2, the reconstruction of sparse signals from noise-free measurements is investigated and three algorithms are developed. The first and second algorithms minimize the approximate L0 and Lp pseudonorms, respectively, in the null space of the measurement matrix using a sequential quasi-Newton algorithm. An efficient line search based on Banach's fixed-point theorem is developed and applied in the second algorithm. The third algorithm minimizes the approximate Lp pseudonorm in the null space by using a sequential conjugate-gradient (CG) algorithm. Simulation results are presented which demonstrate that the proposed algorithms yield improved signal reconstruction performance relative to that of the iterative reweighted (IR), smoothed L0 (SL0), and L1-minimization based algorithms. They also require a reduced amount of computations relative to the IR and L1-minimization based algorithms. The Lp-minimization based algorithms require less computation than the SL0 algorithm.

In Chapter 3, the reconstruction of sparse signals and images from noisy measurements is investigated. First, two algorithms for the reconstruction of signals are developed by minimizing an Lp-pseudonorm regularized squared error as the objective function using the sequential optimization procedure developed in Chapter 2. The first algorithm minimizes the objective function by taking steps along descent directions that are computed in the null space of the measurement matrix and its complement space. The second algorithm minimizes the objective function in the time domain by using a CG algorithm. Second, the well known total variation (TV) norm has been extended to a nonconvex version called the TVp pseudonorm and an algorithm for the reconstruction of images is developed that involves minimizing a TVp-pseudonorm regularized squared error using a sequential Fletcher-Reeves' CG algorithm. Simulation results are presented which demonstrate that the first two algorithms yield improved signal reconstruction performance relative to the IR, SL0, and L1-minimization based algorithms and require a reduced amount of computation relative to the IR and L1-minimization based algorithms. The TVp-minimization based algorithm yields improved image reconstruction performance and a reduced amount of computation relative to Romberg's algorithm.

In Chapter 4, the reconstruction of so-called block-sparse signals is investigated. The L2/1 norm is extended to a nonconvex version, called the L2/p pseudonorm, and an algorithm based on the minimization of an L2/p-pseudonorm regularized squared error is developed. The minimization is carried out using a sequential Fletcher-Reeves' CG algorithm and the line search described in Chapter 2. A reweighting technique for the reduction of amount of computation and a method…


This paper presents four event types of the BA resultatives which involve metaphorical extensions of FORCE relative to COMPULSION. This paper further proposes constructional analyses of event types of the BA resultatives in the framework of Construction Grammar. Keywords Resultative, Force, Event, Mandarin


We describe a simple axiomatic system by means of which exactly those sentences can be derived that are rated non-tautologous in classical sentential logic. Since the set of all tautologies is also specifiable by means of syntactic systems, the resulting picture would appear to give a fairly good account of that logic, let alone semantic considerations. The picture can then be completed by developing related systems adequate to specify the set of all contradictions, the set of all non-contradictions, the set of all contingencies and the set of all non-contingencies respectively: systems of this kind, which provide additional examples of paraconsistent calculi with a classical background, are also presented.


Abstract. Many Rumex species show similar seed dormancy characteristics but there is more information concerning R. crispus and R. obtusifolius than other species. These species respond positively to red or white light. Far-red light applied for short periods may promote or inhibit germination depending on the timing of the irradiation in relation to temperature change; but long periods of far-red inhibit germination. Seeds may also be stimulated to germinate in the dark by low-temperature stratification at 15°C or less providing the temperature of the seeds is subsequently raised to a minimum of about 15°C. Seeds can, however, germinate at lower temperatures providing they have received other appropriate stimulatory treatment. Seeds also respond to alternating temperatures. In a diurnal cycle the minimum upper temperature required is about 15°C and the maximum lower temperature is about 25°C. The optimum period spent at the upper temperature is about 8 h when it is 15–25°C but the optimum period decreases as the upper temperature is increased above this range so that at 45°C, for example, it is only about 30 min. The period spent at the lower temperature in a diurnal cycle is not critical. Providing these criteria are met, the percentage germination increases with the number and amplitude of the cycles. The warming part of the cycle is necessary for the response but so far there is no convincing evidence that cooling itself is important. Secondary dormancy is induced at constant temperatures at a rate dependent on temperature, but apparently only in the presence of oxygen. This feature affects the optimum timing of a temperature change or exposure to light. Strong positive interactions are shown between stimulatory temperature treatments and white or red light. Unlike many other weed species the seeds respond only slightly to nitrate ions. The implications of these responses are discussed in relation to field behaviour.


Prostate cancer initiation and progression to a lethal metastatic castration-resistant (mCRPC) phenotype remains largely dependent on the function of the androgen receptor (AR) (1). Recently, however, more potent androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) regimens that target the AR and the androgen biosynthesis pathways have led to the emergence, in a subset of cases, of resistance mechanisms independent of AR activity (CRPC-AI). These lethal mCRPC appear to adapt to ADT via lineage plasticity rather than as a result of the emergence of resistant mutations, and adopt a phenotype no longer reliant on AR expression and signaling. These tumors may display neuroendocrine features, a stem or basal cell-like phenotype, altered kinase signaling, and characteristic epigenetic alterations (2⇓⇓–5) (Fig. 1).

Fig. 1.
As therapeutic targeting of the AR becomes more precise, a growing number of patients are emerging with resistance mechanisms to AR blockade independent of AR activity. Clinical and preclinical evidence highlights that these patients exhibit low AR activity, independent of AR expression, with increased activity of epigenetic modifiers that drive cellular reprogramming, resulting in lineage plasticity, independent of their canonical catalytic function. This insight provides new understanding and rationale targeting epigenetic modifiers, irrespective of their canonical enzymatic function, providing potential to reverse resistance, or prolong durability of ADT. DNPC, double-negative prostate cancer.

The lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1), a histone demethylase also known as KDM1A, is a regulator of gene expression in stem cells. Prior literature demonstrated that LSD1 acts by demethylation of both H3K4me1/2 and H3K9me1/2, providing dual functionality of gene repression and activation, respectively (6). The latter includes AR target …

[↵][1]1To whom correspondence may be addressed. Email: Leigh_Ellis{at}dfci.harvard.edu or massimo_loda{at}dfci.harvard.edu.

 [1]: #xref-corresp-1-1


Surveys of almost 1,500 members of three professional societies that do risk analysis (e.g. environmental economics, epidemiology, exposure assessment, industrial hygiene, toxicology) found that 3 in 10 respondents had observed a biased research design, 2 in 10 had observed plagiarism, and 1 in 10 observed data fabrication or falsification. Respondents with many years in risk analysis, business consultants, and industrial hygienists reported the greatest prevalence of misconduct. These respondents perceived poor science, economic implications of the research, and lack of training in ethics as causes of misconduct. They supported the teaching of ethics but the vast majority did not support government auditing of their work.


In recent years, India has become one of the select few emerging economies to feature in the list of the world's top services exporters. However, given similarities in demography, resource endowments and comparable shares in world services exports, India faces potential competition from China in this sector. Using a theoretically founded, regression-based measure of revealed comparative advantage, we contrast India's revealed comparative advantage vis-à-vis China in disaggregated services sectors between 2005 and 2018. India, we find, has a comparative advantage in sectors, such as 'telecommunications, computer, and information services' and 'other business services'. However, China's advantage lies in 'manufacturing services' and 'transport'. Notably, the sectors of India's comparative advantage are also the sunrise sectors within services, displaying high growth rates and an increasing share in world services trade. A related measure—the trade elasticity index—reveals that, due to sectoral differences in comparative advantage, China does not pose a major threat to India in most of the latter's major export destinations. Our finding implies that even if China were to enter free trade agreements with India's major services export partners, the trade diversion losses for India would be small. JEL Codes: F11, F14


This report presents the results of an investigation undertaken by The Metal Properties Council Subcommittee 6 on Nuclear Materials and ASTM Subcommittee E10.02 on Behavior and Use of Metallic Materials in Nuclear Systems to determine the feasibility of establishing standard design curves for the purpose of predicting changes in the toughness properties of reactor pressure vessel materials as a result of exposure to neutron irradiation. It is based on a statistical treatment of irradiation data available as of November 1977. One of the important products of the MPC-ASTM effort is the computer data bank. It has been carefully scrutinized by members of the MPC and ASTM and its applicability for the present study was unmatched. The periodic updating and expanding the data bank should be considered for future analyses involving revisions to the present study or in conjunction with studies aimed at determining the response of the Charpy upper shelf energy to neutron radiation exposure or both. This report represents the opinion of MPC Subcommittee 6 concerning the predictability of the shift in the brittle-ductile transition temperature based on data available as of November 1977. The data are presented as three sets of curves: total data base, experimental data, andmore » surveillance data.« less


Proton exchange membranes were synthesized from the copolymer of styreneacrylic ester which was loaded (% w/w) with inorganic charge of vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) in amounts of 2% and 4% to evaluate its application as an electrolyte in a proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The physicochemical and mechanical properties were characterized. The results show that the addition of vanadium pentoxide was favorable for the water retention test due to the hydrophilic character of the load, improving this property until 75% for load percentage of 4%. Oxidative stability and mechanical properties were also improved with the addition of load since due to the difference in pore size it became a ceramic filler restricting the mobility within the polymer matrix, however the ion exchange capacity was affected by this same reason, therefore it is necessary to improve this last property for possible use in a fuel cell.


Thermal ramping rate is the key parameters to determine the performance of portable PCR. In this work, a portable PCR system was developed with two different dimensions of Aluminium block. The dimensions of the blocks were 30 mm × 30 mm × 8 mm (portable-8) and 30 mm × 30 mm × 15 mm (portable-15). The thermal ramping rate of the block was evaluated by heating up and cooling down the block between 50°C to 95°C. Commercial portable PCR systems like OpenPCR, Slim PCR cycler and miniPCR™ were used as a benchmark to determine the thermal ramping rate of the developed system. The results show the portable-8 had better thermal ramping rate performance and shorter heating period.


Recommendation systems and the decoy effect are two popular marketing techniques that have been used for facilitating decision making. Practitioners often use decoys to help drive demand for specific items, and prior research has shown the decoy effect to be robust in traditional choice settings, with consistent reporting of an overall positive impact. Recommendation systems are also increasingly being used to present item choice sets to customers and users, assisting users in their decision-making process. However, previous work has not examined the decoy effect in the context of recommendations. The decoy effect may facilitate consumer decision making and positively impact user behavior when used with recommendation systems. However, in the recommendation context, customers often have different expectations for the reliability and quality of the presented information. Hence, a decoy as a recommendation could signal issues in system reliability, resulting in a negative effect. Our study demonstrates that depending on the recommendation context, the decoy effect can be beneficial or counterproductive. Specifically, we find in the personalized context, including a decoy minimizes the demand for the target option and pushes consumers to opt out of purchase, which deviates from the traditional decoy effect. However, a decoy increases the target item's demand in the nonpersonalized context, following the conventional decoy effect.


Government efforts in the war torn country of the Laos Peoples Democratic Republic are directed primarily toward rebuilding the country economically. Family Planning programs are not included in the countrys development plans and the government opposes the use of contraceptives. Large families are not discouraged and child care facilities are provided for working mothers. Population density in Laos is only 13 persons/square kilometer. 3.3 million people live in Laos and the population is growing at an annual rate of 2.4%. The 5 Year Development Plan for 1980-1985 is concerned primarily with settling individuals displaced by the war and with efforts to develop self-sufficiency in food production. Laosmust import 80000 tons of rice each year as only 8% of the countrys land is presently cultivated. A large proportion of the farmlands cannot be cultivated due to the unexploded bombs which are buried in the fields. Efforts are underway to resettle displaced persons on unused lands and to remove bombs from other lands. New settlers are encouraged to establish farm co-operatives and 90 co-operatives are now functioning. Another problem facing the country is the loss of over 210000 persons who fled to other countries since the revolution. Those who fled included 1/3 of the countrys physicians as well as many other skilled and professional workers. Most of the refugees fled across the border to Thailand. In August 1979 the border patrols were increased and since that time the monthly flow of refugees decreased from 6000/month to 3000/month. The country welcomes back refugees who choose to return.


Fault accommodation for unknown nonlinear systems based on adaptive fuzzy basis function network (AFBFN) is presented in this paper. It is proposed that the unknown nonlinearity is approximated by a fuzzy basis function network trained offline, whilst an AFBFN is trained online to model the unknown fault. Another AFBFN is used to compute the control for accommodating the fault, such that the output of the closed-loop system with the proposed fault accommodation method can still track the output of the reference model after a fault has occurred. The training algorithms for these networks are presented. The performance of the proposed method is illustrated by a simulation example involving the microwave landing system of an aircraft. Keyword: Fault accommodation, fuzzy basis function networks, nonlinear systems, microwave landing system


In this paper a complete set of estimates of long-run production functions for 20 regions and 17 sectors in Italy is provided over the period 1970-1994. Our approach features two important aspects. First, this paper represents the first attempt to provide such a comprehensive set of estimates for the Italian economy. Moreover, we allow the estimated production functions for heterogeneity across sectors and regions. This is particularly appropriate when analysing the Italian economy since the Italian regions have been experiencing fairly different and, in certain cases, divergent development paths. Secondly, on the basis of specific panel tests, we show that there is a considerable empirical evidence which suggests the presence of unit roots in our series; therefore, we apply panel cointegration tests to guard against the spurious regression problem and to detect long-run relationships. Evidence of long run relationships is found for most of the regions and the sectors on the basis of the cointegration tests; thus, the problem of spurious regressions is ruled out allowing us to offer rigorous inference on the estimation of regional production functions. We find that factor elasticities highly differ across regions and sectors. This is an important result since most previous studies by employing unique national elasticities introduce a serious bias in the productivity comparisons.


Noise Mapping according to the EC directive about environmental noise and for the purpose of land development has become a valuable tool in all procedures of community and city planning. It is indeed a fascinating process for all noise experts to handle noise problems not on a microscopic scale with silencers, damping materials and sound stop windows but facing large scale problems with motorways, airports and other noise relevant constructions taking into account the consequences for hundreds, sometimes for thousands of km2. For traditional acousticians this approach may be a bit suspicious because of the lack of knowledge about uncertainties – nevertheless the approach has proved it's capability in large projects that led to real noise reduction programs in the last years.


Working party of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Physicians

Gaskell £9.50 pp 291

ISBN 1 901242 44 7

Eds David Shewan, John B Davies

Harwood Academic, £19, pp 256

ISBN 90 5823 004X

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Illicit psychoactive drugs agitate minds and arouse passions even among non-users. The public debate is dominated by high emotions, strong simplifications, and immutable views. It is therefore refreshing to read Drugs: Dilemmas and Choices , a lucidly written book summarising major research findings which discusses various policy options, ranging from trying to keep the status quo to different degrees of legalisation, and which keeps an open mind.

> The drug problem is likely to be with us for some time

The content of the book mirrors the multifaceted nature of the drug problem. After a brief presentation of the most important drugs, there is a historical overview of the recreational use of drugs and efforts to control their use, spanning from …

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The invention discloses a system, a device and a method for repairing an integrated circuit embedded memory. The system comprises an embedded memory device and a memory self-checking and repair device, wherein the embedded memory device and the memory self-checking and repair device are connected with each other. The memory self-checking and repair device can carry out a self-checking process on the embedded memory device and the embedded memory device is controlled by repair control signals outputted by the memory self-checking and repair device to replace a self-checked and defective memory with a redundant memory. The memory self-checking and repair device can carry out self-checking of the embedded memory device, produce repair coding information according to a defective memory which is self-checked, save the repair coding information by an embedded nonvolatile memory, and output repair control signals to the embedded memory device simultaneously. Through the system, the device and the method for repairing an integrated circuit embedded memory, under common work conditions of an integrated circuit, automatic and efficient repair of an embedded static memory is realized.


THE BELIEF in a "constant relationship between auditory discrimination and reading achieve ment" is alive and thriving, as a cur rent book on the psychology of read ing enthusiastically reports. According to this source, auditory discrimination is one of the "impor tant areas, directly related to reading instruction" (Robeck and Wilson, 1974). This recent reiteration of a commonly held notion of the close linkage between a child's reading success and his abilities in auditory discrimination is phrased in the most forceful of terms. It is stressed here that "the ability to discriminate sound parts of words is comparable to, or more important than, IQ scores in first grade reading success." According to Robeck and Wilson, "auditory discrimination is the proc ess of comparing similarities and dif ferences in auditory stimuli." Or more specifically, "auditory dis crimination separates one [speech] sound from another." The child dem onstrates powers of auditory dis crimination, these writers explain, when he can a) say whether words in a pair spoken to him are the same or different, b) match a word spoken to him with a picture this word repre sents, c) hear the so-called "pho nemes" spoken to him at one-second intervals in the serial order they oc cur in a word, and then "blend" these sounds to say a word, and d) tell whether a particular phoneme occurs at the beginning, middle or final posi tion of a word spoken to him. Robeck and Wilson are typical of writers on this subject who vouch that the case in favor of a significant cause and effect relationship between auditory discrimination and reading is so open and shut there is little need to question it further. These writers


Intracerebral MPNST (Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor) is an unusual and a highly malignant tumor. Only 19 cases have been reported so far in the world literature. The prognosis of the tumor is extremely poor. The conventional histopathology and immunohistochemistry is of value to make the exact diagnosis. Of 19 cases which have been reported so far, only 3 cases are above 60 years, whereas ours patient is 65 years and is the 2 nd oldest patient.


Modern legal theory has abandoned the strict concept of party entity.The right to appeal can be separated from the substantive rights,which has laid a theoretical foundation for the labor union to participate in the civil litigation on behalf of the interests of the workers.The labor unions have litigation interests on the case of the damage to the interests of their own and the damage to the collective interests of workers.The labor unions do not have legal interests in the litigation on the damage of interests of the individual worker.They should take an identity to assist here.Because of the lack of autonomy,the labor unions rarely participate in civil litigation in China.The key to solve this problem is to take measures to strengthen labor unions,and raise the capacity of labor unions to defend the rights.


This work investigates through numerical simulations a novel device that improvesdynamic range and linearity. The standard DC SQUID can increase in linearity by adding athird junction, changing to a device known as the bi-SQUID. It is known that the dynamicrange can increase by connecting SQUIDs in series, and it has been shown that nonuniformityin the loops sizes in arrays of SQUIDs can produce a unique 'anti'-peak at thezero magnetic flux (device know as a SQIF). Thus, combining these ideas we can improvethe dynamic range and design a highly linear device with a unique 'anti'-peak. Hence, this device can be referred to as a bi-SQIF or non-uniform bi-SQUID array. Results have shown that the maximum voltage swing increase proportional to N, where N is the number of loops connected in series. The spur free dynamic range also improves as N increases, which is directly related to the linearity of the device. Therefore, we have designed a device which can lead to improvements which can be applicable to low no...


Arc welding is one of the mostly used fabrication process in the industry due to its potent applications. During manual metal Arc Welding heat is transferred to the joint by melting an electrode. During welding process, the thermal stresses are generated in the specimen causing distortion and change in the shape. This problem of residual stresses and distortion of welded plates has become a major issue of research on shipbuilding and machine tool bodies. In the present work a corner welded joint has been used to simulate the Arc Welding process for the purpose of estimation of distortion and residual stresses. The simulation has been carried using a numerical technique Finite Element Method and with the commercial software ANSYS 11.0. The FEM has been carried in two stages. In the first stage, the pure thermal analysis is carried to estimate the time dependent temperatures. The temperatures obtained in thermal analysis are given as input in the second stage i.e. The Structural Analysis. The output of this thermo mechanical analysis involves estimation of Von mises Stresses, Strains and deformation.


BACKGROUND
Atorvastatin belongs to the group of statins, which is leading drugs for hypercholesterolemia treatment. Meanwhile, its anticancer effect is emerged and highly appreciated, but the properties are still unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the underlying anticancer mechanisms induced by atorvastatin and enlarge the potential target in non-small cell lung cancer.

METHODS
Target genes of atorvastatin were collected in the DrugBank database. Prediction of interaction between primary targets and secondary targets was performed, and protein-protein interaction network was constructed though the STRING. Then, KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was performed with WebGestalt and ClueGO, which including the pathways in non-small cell lung cancer. Furthermore, a genomic alteration analysis of the selected seed genes of atorvastatin benefit and in non-small cell lung cancer pathway was made by cBioPortal. Finally, a survival analysis with the selected seed genes in lung cancer (lung adenocarcinoma, lung squamous cell carcinoma) was conducted using Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter.

RESULTS
Totally, to identify seed genes, 65 potential candidate genes were screened as targets for atorvastatin using STRING with DrugBank database, while the KEGG pathway was enriched to get the overlap match of pathways in non-small cell lung cancer. Then 4 seed genes, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2 (ERBB2), AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and tumor protein p53 (TP53), were selected and their genomic alternation were evaluated in cBioPortal. Survival analysis found that TP53 and EGFR showed a significant correlation (log rank P = 3e-07 and 0.023) with lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma, according to KM analysis.

CONCLUSION
Gene-phenotype connectivity for atorvastatin in non-small cell lung cancer was identified using functional/activity network analysis method, and our findings demonstrated that TP53 and EGFR could be the potential targets in cancer patients with atorvastatin therapy.


The main purpose of this paper work is to reduce leakage power and to produce stable output at lower supply voltages for SRAM circuits in 180*10-9m. Generally the power dissipation in conventional SRAM circuits will be high. In order to overcome that problem, a new SRAM circuit based on Schmitt trigger (ST) is introduced which consumes very less power than conventional SRAMs. Here SOI-DTMOS (Silicon on insulator-dynamic threshold MOS) are utilized in order to have low supply voltage and stability during operations.


The year 1951 also saw the appearance of Kanamatsu's "Goodness and Naturalness,". Kanamatsu had published an English-language booklet on a similar subject shortlybefore, entitled Amitabha: The Life of Naturalness (1949). These two publications were followed in turn by his influential writing entitled quite simply Naturalness(1956) which, published in California by The White Path Society, evidently struck a significant chord in the American reception of Buddhism.


Organisationally and physically separating operations activities into different factories-within-a-factory is a widely ignored research field in operations management. We empirically investigate the relationship between the degree of focus and the performance of a factory-within-a-factory. Despite suffering from small sample size, the results indicate that focus is positively associated with financial performance only. Furthermore, a separate organisational structure positively moderates the focus-performance relationship. Surprisingly, physical separation through separate buildings or otherwise has no significant moderating effect. Same applies for other means of separation.


Accessible information is defined as '... information which is able to be read or received and understood by the individual or group for which it is intended' .1 Many GP practices already have mechanisms in place such as auditory loops for the hard of hearing or the provision of interpreters for non-English speaking patients. However, there may be many patients with whom we could communicate more effectively but, currently, we do not meet their needs.

The Equality Act 2010 requires that all service providers make 'reasonable adjustments' to enable disabled people to access their services. It defines a person with a disability as someone that has a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on the person's ability to carry out day-to-day activities.

By introducing The Accessible Information Standard (AIS), NHS England aims to improve the provision of accessible information and communication support to patients, service users, carers, and parents with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss. This includes those with learning disabilities,2,3 those who are blind or with a visual loss, those who are deaf, or have significant hearing impairment, or are deafblind. However, this list could be much broader and include, for example, those affected by stroke.

As set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, compliance with information standards is mandatory upon NHS and adult social care bodies, …


This wide-ranging examination of Arab society and culture offers a unique opportunity to know the Arab world from an Arab point of view. Halim Barakat, an expatriate Syrian who is both scholar and novelist, emphasizes the dynamic changes and diverse patterns that have characterized the Middle East since the mid-nineteenth century. The Arab world is not one shaped by Islam, nor one simply explained by reference to the sectarian conflicts of a "mosaic" society. Instead, Barakat reveals a society that is highly complex, with many and various contending polarities. It is a society in a state of becoming and change, one whose social contradictions are at the root of the struggle to transcend dehumanizing conditions. Arguing from a perspective that is both radical and critical, Barakat is committed to the improvement of human conditions in the Arab world.