Introduction: Emerging scientific and clinical evidence suggests that blood transfusion might be risk factor for acute kidney injury. Hypothesis: Blood transfusion is independently associated with contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients undergoing PCI. Methods: Retrospective cohort study from the NCDR CathPCI Registry (2009-2014) (n=1,756,864). Primary outcome was CIN defined as rise in serum creatinine peak post-procedure ≥ 0.5 mg/dl or ≥ 25% above baseline. Results: CIN developed in 9.0% of the cohort; these patients were older (66.0 vs. 64.0 years; P<0.01), more often female (43.2% vs. 31.9%; P<0.01), and had more baseline comorbidities including DM (46.1%), hypertension (85.1%), and lower baseline GFR. Blood transfusion was utilized in 38,626 (2.2%) of patients. The adjusted OR for the risk of CIN with transfusion in the overall sample, patients with major bleeding, and patients with no bleeding were 4.87 (4.71-5.04), 2.21 (2.12-2.31), and 4.80 (4.40 - 5.24) respec...


Emerging postmodern theories of gender and sexuality frame the terms in which society has understood these concepts in an evolutionary way throughout history. The last century has witnessed the radical changes carried out mainly by feminist and LGTB movements. On the other hand, the theater, a subversive space where it is possible to experiment with different forms of subjecthood and communication, has been the laboratory in which it has been tried to give a plastic form to these new currents of thought. In this sense, the work of Split Britches is remarkable for the innovative ways of bringing the abject to the political forefront. From the lesbian body to drag representation, Belle Reprieve (1991) is developed under the queer premise, to dismantle heteropatriarchal hegemony and the binary gender system.


Two different implementations of negative correlation learning with λ > 1 are discussed in this paper. In the first implementation, every learner is forced to learn to be different to the ensemble on every data point no matter what have been learned by the ensemble and itself. In the second implementation, every learner is selectively to learn to be different to the ensemble on every data point. It is to hope that such selective learning could balance well between the learning accuracy and the low correlations among the ensemble. Experimental results were carried out to show how the correlation penalty should be enforced in order to achieve the better generalization.


In the field of financial economics, many researchers have developed optimal portfolio selection models. Unfortunately, those models cannot be implemented directly by investors since the coefficient of risk aversion is an exogenous variable. However, even if investors have no idea about their attitudes toward risk, investors might specify a maximum probability of failing to reach a specific portfolio threshold. According to this argument, we regard stop-loss level as portfolio threshold and penetrate the attitude towards risk through the stop-loss level. Then, we can achieve investor's optimal life-time portfolio selection model.

 Key words: Dynamic asset allocation, portfolio optimization, value-at-risk, stop-loss.


Background: Ethiopia, like most Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, is experiencing rapid population growth. The
 rapid growth prevents national development effort and affects maternal and child health. Different factors influence
 family size at different levels in different Societies. This Study assessed factors affecting family size preferences in
 Assela town where data was not available in this regard. Objective: To determine desired family size and identify factors influencing family size among residents of Assela
 town, Ethiopia. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in Assela town, between March 25 and
 April 4, 2013. A total of 428 residents were included in the study. The age of women ranged from 15 to 49 years and
 men above 15 years. The desired family size was determined using mean score. Respondents were asked to
 determine which factors were influential on their desired family size. Descriptive analysis, 95% CI and multiple linear
 regressions were used to see relationship between the independent variables and desired family size. After recoding
 the variables, logistic regression was used to see association between family size preference and predictor.
 Results: Mean desired family size for the study population was 3.8. The factors which had got higher magnitude
 and rank included household income and gender preference. In linear regression, statistically adjusting for the
 effects of socio-demographic variables, respondents who had primary education desired higher family size than
 respondents who had more than secondary education (B=2.04, 95% C1=1.33, 2.70) at P-value<0.01. Logistic
 regression shows, women who had good knowledge of fertility awareness method of contraception were found to be
 1.7 times more likely to prefer small family size compared to women who had poor knowledge of fertility awareness
 method of contraception (AOR=1.71, 95% CI=1.08-2.72). Conclusion: It is quite possible that increasing educational level and age at marriage might influence couples to
 desire lower family size. Women prefer small family size than their husbands. Educational level and knowledge of
 family planning affected family size preferences. Special effort to inform uneducated couples about knowledge of
 family planning should be focused. Fertility and family planning policies should aware of gender differences in family
 size preference and consider counseling couples about family size. In addition to quantitative research qualitative
 methods should be used to identify other factors influencing family size.


3 theoretical premises provide the basic guildelines for the Population and Development Project (PDP) implemented by the Population and Family Planning Board: there is a strong relationship between comprehensive development and population problems; the local people are the basic foundation for any attempt to cope with population problems in Egypt; and the population problem in Egypt should be addressed comprehensively to cope with its interrelated 3 dimensions of population growth distribution and characteristics. The PDP experiment was initiated in 12 governorates in 1977 in the effort to produce a model for comprehensive rural development based on local participation and to realize the population goals through social cultural and economic activities. At this time the PDP covers 525 village councils with 2915 satellite villages and serves around 14 million people or 70% of the total rural population in Egypt. The project is supported by the UN Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The PDP as a strategy aims to achieve population objectives through the introduction of institutional changes at the village level. These population objectives are in terms of population growth population characteristics and population distribution. The primary objective of the PDP is to reduce population growth rates through improvements in family planning services to increase contraceptive use and to promote small family norms by means of work plans developed by the Advisory Committees of village councils. The project aims at improving population socioeconomic characteristics by reducing illiteracy rates by raising the educational levels of the people and particularly women by raising the health status of mothers and children by improving the social status of women and by increasing individual and family productivity. To ameliorate the rural-urban flow of migration the project attempts to improve living conditions in villages and improve linkages with urban centers. A variety of local development projects have been implemented through the PDP in villages. The number of these projects classified by type is given. PDP concentrates on the transfer of all responsibilities to local grassroots levels. Preliminary results indicate that after 2 years of project implementation the percentage of the target population using contraceptives increased from 14-42.1%. Non-PDP villages did not achieve similar changes. A survey was conducted in 1979 to evaluate the impact of PDP. The following were among the survey results: in PDP villages more wives and husbands approved of family planning practice than in non-PDP villages; and 90% of female respondents in PDP villages had heard of oral contraceptives as compared to 85% in non-PDP villages.


Modern market has become a new shopping trend for society. Although the traditional market has occupied an important role for a long time in the life of the community as a place to shop daily products. The purpose of this study to determine the existence a difference of customer dissatisfaction and behavioral factors displacement between a modern market and a traditional market. This study is a causal study, because the questionnaire as a tool to collect data and analysis. Research hypothesis is that there is a difference from the customer dissatisfaction and displacement factor of shopping behavior of modern markets of traditional markets. The observed population is the customer who shopped at Hypermart Mantos and Markets Pinasungkulan Karombasan city of Manado with a sample of 100 respondents. This study analyzed the average of the comparison with independent samples t-test between the modern market to traditional markets. The results showed the average differences between traditional and modern market in terms of consumer dissatisfaction factor and customer behavior occurs displacement from traditional markets to modern market significantly. The seller in traditional markets should improve the quality of products and services to consumers, so as to reduce the displacement. Keywords : poor service, consumer dissatisfaction, consumer consideration, consumer switching behavior


Over 40 years' development, it has entered the later stage of high watercut in the central Saertu Oilfield. Thus fine reservoir description is required to study the complicated geological conditions. Based on mapping the sedimentary facies belts of No. 1 Sandstone Group of the chief Putaohua Oilfield, this paper got the detailed map of the interunited interlayers in the chief zone using the computerized layer database resulted from the fine geological research, which led to carrying out the integrated description of sedimentary characteristics of interunited interlayers in the central Saertu Oilfield. Meanwhile, it indicatee that the development and distribution of interunit interlayers were controlled by the development positions of overlying sedimentary units of fluvial facies which provided another new reservoir maps for further developing and integrated adjusting at the later stage of high watercut.


PKI (Public Key Infrastructure) is a system to secure procedures on the Internet with a digital signature using the public key cryptosystem. In this system, a trusted certification authority enables the authentication of communicators and/or signers using digital certificate published from the certificate authority. The digital certificate contains information such as names or addresses, etc., which can be used to identify the individual, although a common opinion is it is a privacy problem to disclose such information. In this paper, therefore, we propose a digital certificate system using the revised sumi-coated signature to solve the privacy as well as the security problems. We also report the evaluated results on the function and the performance using a partially implemented system.


The authors of the article present a comprehensive study of doctrinal approaches concerning the problem of the correlation of international and domestic law, based on multilevel, non-linearity of legal norms. The object of the article is the traditional doctrines of dualism (pluralism) and monism, an assessment of the circumstances of their emergence, the essence of approaches and subsequent transformation under the influence of globalization and integration processes. The authors analyze the theoretical foundations of the methods and conditions for integrating the norms of international law into the national legal system and the role of international law for the modern legal order. The authors were based on the methods of theoretical synthesis, induction and generalization, the principle of historicism. Among the special-legal - method of comparative jurisprudence, the main conclusions of the study are the assessment of traditional doctrines from the modern perspective of globalization and the integration existing in the modern international community. The practical situation continues to provide the ground not so much for the "improvement" of the doctrine, but for its revision and modern assessment, which makes it possible to designate the role of the international legal order for national jurisdictions.


Balikpapan's economic growth is predicted to rise to 4.94% in 2022 from 4.56% in 2021. The Business Field for Providing Accommodation and Food and Drink has performed well, helping the city's economy. In Balikpapan, 23% of the creative economy is in the culinary sector. Culinary tourism is popular in the city, although finding gastronomic information, especially for foreigners, can be difficult. As a result, there is a need for a culinary application that can provide information about Balikpapan's different culinary delights. Prior to developing a culinary application, the initial step entails the creation of a user flow. This user flow aims to establish a development team for the purpose of creating culinary apps that align with user requirements and customer satisfaction. The process of developing a user flow encompasses multiple steps, including literature research, understanding context of use, specify user requirements, and design user flow solution.  Several elements and processes that can be included in a culinary application have been identified through research conducted with 30 entrepreneurs and 30 food enthusiasts. Ratings, delivery services, promotions, menus, favorite menus, best seller menus, payment options, order services, training, reports, maps, and other features are available. By displaying the user flow and offering step-by-step instructions for users, this research serves as the first stage in constructing the culinary application. The user flow will aid in communication and demonstrating how the culinary application functions. The findings will also be used to develop a culinary application prototype that demonstrates the user interface and user experience.


It is obvious that our students live in a very different world to the one in which we were educated, and whilst Hamish and Andy's comments are humorous, they also point to a cultural gap where young people today are far more engaged in visual and media texts than we ever were. Given the different world of our students, it is important to find ways to engage them in their learning; using a variety of visual and popular media in the curriculum is a powerful way to achieve this.


Following estimation of effects from a linear mixed model, it is often useful to form predicted values for certain factor/variate combinations. The process has been well defined for linear models, but the introduction of random effects into the model means that a decision has to be made about the inclusion or exclusion of random model terms from the predictions. This paper discusses the interpretation of predictions formed including or excluding random terms. Four datasets are used to illustrate circumstances where different prediction strategies may be appropriate: in an orthogonal design, an unbalanced nested structure, a model with cubic smoothing spline terms and for kriging after spatial analysis. The examples also show the need for different weighting schemes that recognize nesting and aliasing during prediction, and the necessity of being able to detect inestimable predictions.


The decision of the Library of Congress to adopt AACR 2 and to automate its catalogs in 1981 has been perceived by many members of the research library community as a crisis of considerable proportions. Librarians are compellingly pre occupied with the possibility of closing card catalogs. Re porting the results of an informal survey by the Association of Research Libraries, Richard Dougherty stated that "the majority of respondents see no alternative to closing card catalogs and adopting AACR 2 in concert with the Library of Congress."1 (Italics ours.) This inability to perceive other alternatives no doubt re flects the reaction to LC's plans announced at ALA's Midwin ter Meeting in 1978. Then LC estimated the combined effects of adopting AACR 2^and desuperimposing would change 37 percent of existing MARC headings and 49 percent of existing MARC records.2 Later decisions by LC have moderated this impact considerably. The alternative of continuing existing card catalogs for after 1981 now appears to be a viable approach to code adoption, and may be the best approach. Until recently the suggestion that adopting AACR 2 need not require the closing of card catalogs in research libraries has not been treated as a serious alternative in the literature.


Under the conditions of clinical hospital the estimation, of efficiency of anesthetizing effect of naropin has been spent. In an efficiency estimation such, indicators as CVP, FS, MAP, SI, HI, FB, Sat.02, stress of a simulating hormone a cortisol, glucose, a scale YOURS and. Bromage P.R. were applied. On the spent researches naropin is one of the most safe and. effective preparation of last generation.


We investigated a silicon nitride (SiN x ) film prepared by catalytic chemical vapor deposition as a gas barrier for further improving stability of mixed-cation-halide perovskite (PVK) Cs0.05FA0.85MA0.1PbI2Br under dark air conditions. The SiN x film can be formed on the PVK capped with carrier transport layers such as 2,2′,7,7′-tetrakis[N,N-di(4-methoxylphenyl)amino]−9,9′-spirobifluorene (Spiro-OMeTAD) and phenyl-C61-butyric-acid-methyl-ester (PCBM)/aluminum-doped-zinc-oxide (AZO) with less degradation in its optical transmittance property and crystal structure. The PVK/Spiro-OMeTAD encapsulated by SiN x exhibits a slower reduction in average carrier lifetime after storage for 330 h at room temperature with ∼65%RH. The PVK/PCBM/AZO covered with SiN x shows a small blue-shift (8–10 nm) in the absorption band-edge of PVK and with less decrease in the transmittance in the long wavelength range for ∼500 h at 85 °C with ∼2%RH. These results demonstrate the effect of SiN x in preventing the degradation of PVK due to the interactions with moisture and oxygen in the air.


A similar proportion of beef cows and heifers exposed to estrous synchronization (ES) and artificial insemination (AI) became pregnant during the breeding season, compared with females bred via natural service breeding. Females in a breeding system that included ES and AI calved earlier in the calving season, compared with females bred with natural service, but no advantage was present for weight of calves at weaning.


Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) is a type of RAM used in various electronic applications that we use in our day to day life which includes toys, automobiles, digital devices and computers etc. Apart from its various usages in the household equipments, it is widely used in controller & processor memories. SRAM holds its data without external refresh, for as long as power is supplied to the circuit and it supports high speed implementation in comparison to DRAM. The SRAM exhibit a major problem called negative bias temperature instability while storing the data "0" so large amount of energy is wasted. Hence in this paper, an attempt to minimize the negative bias temperature instability and to modify the SRAM circuit using Recovery Boosting that provides significant improvement in the static noise margins of the register file and issue queue followed by removing the leakage current in the read circuitry by the use of read error control circuit.


Time-of-flight techniques have been used to investigate the electron-impact dissociation of H/sub 2/, HD, and D/sub 2/ in order to determine the effect of isotopic mass variation in the target molecule on the dissociative excitation process. At incident electron energies near 100 eV, the time-of-flight spectrum produced from each molecule was found to consist of atoms in the metastable 2s state and in high-lying, long-lived Rydberg levels. The individual time-of-flight distributions, kinetic-energy spectra, and relative differential cross sections for these two species resulting from each molecule have been measured. In several instances these results were found to vary significantly between the three isotopic forms. In particular, the kinetic-energy spectrum of the Rydberg atoms produced from dissociative excitation of H/sub 2/ was notably dissimilar in shape from the corresponding distributions produced from HD and D/sub 2/. Also the 2s and Rydberg production cross sections differed between the three molecules, being less in both cases for HD and D/sub 2/ than for H/sub 2/. In the dissociation of the heteronuclear HD molecule, it was found that the ratio of fast H(2s) atoms to D(2s) atoms was about 1 to 1, while the same ratio comparing the Rydberg atoms was nearly 2 tomore » 1. These differences indicate the influence of the mass variation on the position of the Franck-Condon region in the production of 2s atoms and on the competition between autoionization and dissociation in the formation of Rydberg fragments.« less


The axial flux machine has higher power density than conventional radial flux machine, so it is widely applied to various industrial area, for instance, low speed wind power generator. This paper deals with the performance characteristic of axial flux machine according to magnetizing pattern. For the conventional radial flux machine, 2D finite element method (FEM) is generally applied, but axial flux machine has to employ 3D FEM with long analysis time due to its own structural characteristic. This paper introduces the analytical method to analyze its characteristic to overcome the disadvantage of 3D FEM, and performs the comparative analysis on two types of magnetizing patterns, which are vertical and Halbach patterns.


The emerging and fast growth of multimedia services have created new challenges for network service providers in order to guarantee the best user's Quality of Experience (QoE) in diverse networks with distinctive access technologies. Usually, various methods and techniques are used to predict the user satisfaction level by studying the combined impact of numerous factors. In this thesis, we consider two important multimedia services to evaluate the user perception, which are: video streaming service, and VoIP. This study investigates user's QoE that follows three directions: (1) methodologies for subjective QoE assessment of video services, (2) regulating user's QoE using video a rate adaptive algorithm, and (3) QoE-based power efficient resource allocation methods for Long Term Evaluation-Advanced (LTE-A) for VoIP. Initially, we describe two subjective methods to collect the dataset for assessing the user's QoE. The subjectively collected dataset is used to investigate the influence of different parameters (e.g. QoS, video types, user profile, etc.) on user satisfaction while using the video services. Later, we propose a client-based HTTP rate adaptive video streaming algorithm over TCP protocol to regulate the user's QoE. The proposed method considers three Quality of Service (QoS) parameters that govern the user perception, which are: Bandwidth, Buffer, and dropped Frame rate (BBF). The BBF method dynamically selects the suitable video quality according to network conditions and user's device properties. Lastly, we propose a QoE driven downlink scheduling method, i.e. QoE Power Escient Method (QEPEM) for LTE-A. It esciently allocates the radio resources, and optimizes the use of User Equipment (UE) power utilizing the Discontinuous Reception (DRX) method in LTE-A


It is often sufficient to study fluids (Moin & Mahesh, 1998) and solids (Holzapfel, 2002) in isolation to gain fundamental insights into a physical problem, as other factors may play a secondary role and can be neglected. On the other hand, there are certain phenomena or situations where the stresses on or by a fluid or a solid can lead to large deformations, and the interaction between fluids and solids are essential (Le Tallec & Mouro, 2001). Computational fluid-structure interaction (FSI) is an active field of research with much focus on numerical accuracy, stability, and convergence rates. At the same time, there is also a sweet spot in between these areas of research where there is a need to experiment with FSI without having an in-depth, bottom-up mathematical understanding of the problem, but where a physical insight might suffice. Therefore, the aim was to develop a fully monolithic and robust entrylevel research code with ease-of-use targeted towards students, educators, and researchers.


The climate characteristics of the Tibet area were analyzed.Compared with the inland climate,it was thought that the common characteristics of low temperature,low humidity,and large daily temperature difference would produce unfavorable effects on the storage of ammunition.These characteristics require to be taken into consideration.The purpose was to provide reference for scientific and reasonable management of ammunition storage.


Perez, Geronimo; Solórzano, Ivan Guillermo (Advisor). Production and Characterization of Magnetite Structures: Nanoparticles, Thin Films and Lithographed Arrays. Rio de Janeiro, 2011. 140p. Doctoral Thesis Departamento de Engenharia de Materiais, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro. This work can be divided into three main steps: synthesis of nanoparticles, thin film deposition and electron beam lithography. The magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation method from iron II sulfate (FeSO4), ferric chloride (FeCl3) and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) at room temperature. A small amount of sodium nitrate (NaNO3) was added to avoid the cluster formation, which was very efficient. Then the magnetite thin films were produced using the sputtering RF (radio frequency source) system. The targets were produced by compression of magnetite nanoparticles previously produced in the first step. The thin films were deposited on a silicon substrate. The formation of the magnetite after the deposition was confirmed by x-ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometer. The arrays of magnetite were made once the deposition parameters were controlled. The electron beam lithography has been produced on silicon substrate covered of PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) resist 250 nm thick. Were produced periodic arrays of basic forms a way to test the technique of lithography, a square micron circles 1 μm, 500 nm and 250 nm in diameter formed of a magnetite film 80 nm thick. The film thickness, shape, size and separation of the figures which comprise standards lithographed can influence the ease with which the mask is withdrawn from PMMA.


Part of Speech (POS) tagging can be described as a task of doing automatic annotation of syntactic categories for each word in a text document. This paper presents a POS tagger for Bengali using the statistical Maximum Entropy (ME) model. The system makes use of the dierent contextual information of the words along with the variety of features that are helpful in predicting the various POS classes. The POS tagger has been trained with a training corpus of 72, 341 word forms and it uses a tagset 1 of 26 dierent POS tags, dened for the Indian languages. A part of this corpus has been selected as the development set in order to nd out the best set of features for POS tagging in Ben- gali. The POS tagger has demonstrated an accuracy of 88.2% for a test set of 20K word forms. It has been experimentally veried that the lexi- con, named entity recognizer and dierent word suxes are eective in handling the unknown word problems and improve the accuracy of the POS tagger signicantly. Performance of this system has been compared with a Hidden Markov Model (HMM) based POS tagger and it has been shown that the proposed ME based POS tagger outperforms the HMM based tagger.


Twenty-four consecutive patients with rectal cancer were evaluated by pelvic computed tomography. The purpose of the study was threefold: First, we sought to assess the accuracy of preoperative CT staging. We were able preoperatively to judge correctly the extent of local disease in 22 of 24 patients. Second, we studied whether CT yielded significant new information, not obtainable by other diagnostic methods. In most patients this was the case. Finally, we assessed the extent to which this knowledge influenced patient management; i.e., decisions concerning how to treat the patient. CT findings influenced the treatment in fewer than one-half of the patients. Preoperative knowledge of the exact extent of the disease allows a rational decision as to what type of surgery, if any, is best suited to the patient. We concluded that the accuracy in staging, and the addition of new and unique information justified the routine use of CT prior to surgical intervention, in all patients with known invasive rectal cancer.


For at least three decades, a tiny number of Canadian church congregations have provided sanctuary to failed asylum seekers. For even longer, many faith-based groups (among others) participate in resettling refugees through a government program called private refugee sponsorship. Both sanctuary and sponsorship practices arise as specific responses to practices of exclusion and inclusion under national migration regimes. Each may be understood as modes of hospitality. Sanctuary engages members of individual church congregations in oppositional politics, whereby they confront and challenge state authority to exclude. Refugee sponsorship embodies a form of collaborative politics, in which sponsorship groups partner with government in settlement and integration. Through interviews with individuals who participated in sanctuary and in sponsorship, we explore the perceptions of people who provide both. We observe how the state's perspective on asylum versus resettlement structures the form of hospitality and the character of the relationship between citizens and the state, and between citizen and refugee.


This paper issues a kind of angle measuring tracking method for conical scan without hollow motor in moving carrier satellite communication system.In the paper,it formulates the structure arrangement of the rotating sub reflector,and also the principle of the angle measuring through conical scan,it analyzes the influence of carrier position variance to the angular error calculation,based on the result,it introduces several relevant measures of anti-noise detection in the angle measuring system.The system test has verified that this low cost,simple,stable,feasible proposal is practical.


G We got the mother and the kids. We got the guy and his date. We all get mad, we all get late. Looks like somebody forgot about us, Standin' on the corner, waitin' for the bus. CHORUS: C Say, Hey Mr. Driver Man, don't be slow! G 'Cause I got somewhere I gotta go. C Say, Hey Mr. Driver Man, drive that thing fast! G My precious time keeps slippin' past. Let's call the mayor. Let's complain. Looks like the city's done to us again. Tied up in traffic, whaddya know? The damn city bus moves so slow.


In our paper [Ann. Phys. (NY) 395, 326 (2018)] we calculate the Casimir stress on a sphere immersed in a homogeneous background, assuming dispersionless dielectrics. Our results appear to challenge the conventional picture of Casimir forces. The paper [arXiv:1909.05721] criticises our approach without offering an alternative. In particular, the paper [arXiv:1909.05721] claims that we have made an unjustified mathematical step. This brief comment clarifies the matter.


Several business schools from around the world have joined a movement called Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiated by the United Nations to reform the teaching of business towards emphasizing social responsibility and sustainability. De La Salle University (DLSU) became a signatory to PRME in 2008. A key commitment to PRME is expressed in Principle 3, i.e., "Method: We will create educational frameworks, materials, processes and environments that enable effective learning experiences for responsible leadership." Business simulation games have been used for more than 40 years. More recently, business faculty have been actively using computer-based games as part of their teaching methodology. In fact, the trend has been for the simulator to be the main activity in the business course, especially in strategy courses. Despite the substantial literature on educational business games, little mention has been made on how it can be used to teach socially responsible business practice. This paper addresses this research gap by describing the use of the Capitalism 2 computer-based business simulation to teach socially responsible strategic management in the undergraduate level in De La Salle University. The simulation has been used both within class and through an inter-class tournament. The intended learning outcome is that students will be able to pursue business strategy which will deliver quality products to customers, create jobs and continuously invest in the development of employees while achieving superior long-term financial returns. Student feedback on the experience is reported and recommendations for future educational use are given.


Provided is a technique that enables bases in nucleic acid to be indirectly labeled at a high labeling rate, while preserving base sequence information for the nucleic acid. Provided is a base-supporting labeling method that involves indirectly labeling the bases in a single-stranded nucleic acid while preserving base sequence information for said nucleic acid, and includes a procedure for inserting an oligonucleotide (L), which has been labeled in a specific and highly-precise manner according to the type of base constituting a nucleotide, in the 3'-terminal or 5'-terminal of the nucleotide. According to the base-supporting labeling method, each base in the single-stranded nucleic acid can be identified with high precision according to the inserted oligonucleotide (L). Therefore, by identifying the oligonucleotide (L) label under an electron microscope, for example, highly-precise base sequence information about the single-stranded nucleic acid can be acquired.


Based on the phase characteristics of the credit crisis of China's timesharing, the paper makes an analysis of the legal relations and liabilities of timesharing parties. The essay also puts forward the resolving methods: determining the purchasing contract as the legal periodical contract; defining the qualification of timesharing developers by tourism administrative departments and establishing corresponding cash deposit and insurance system; raising legislative proposals on completely eradicating fictitious promises and rationally solving visa risks.


Purpose: A long spinal fusion across the thoracolumbar region is sometimes applied in scoliosis. Adjacent level degeneration below these constructs has been documented. Treatment with an artificial disc replacement below the fusion has been proposed to prevent degeneration there. There is currently little data detailing the expected biomechanics of this situation. The objective of this study was to evaluate range of motion (ROM) and helical axis of motion (HAM) changes due to one- and two-level Maverick total disc replacement adjacent to a long spinal fusion. Method: A multidirectional flexibility testing protocol with compressive follower preload was used to test seven human cadaveric spine specimens (T8-S1). A continuous pure moment ±5.0 Nm was applied in flexion-extension (FE), lateral bending (LB) and axial rotation (AR), with a compressive follower preload of 400 N. The motion of each vertebra was monitored with an optoelectronic camera system. The test was completed for the intact condition and after each surgical technique: T8-L4 fusion and facet capsulotomy at L4–L5 and L5-S1; L4–L5 Maverick; L5-S1 Maverick. Maverick total disc replacement and fusion with the CD Horizon system was performed. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze changes in ROM and HAM of the L4–L5 and L5-S1 segments. Results: Following L4-L5 Maverick replacement, L4-L5 ROMs tended to decrease slightly (on average from 6.2°±2.8° to 5.1°±3.8° in FE, 1.1°±1.1° to 0.9°±0.5° in LB and 1.3°±0.9° to 1.0°±0.6° in AR). With two-level Maverick implantation, L5-S1 ROMs tended to increase slightly in FE (from 6.6°±2.6° to 7.1°±3.9°), and to decrease slightly in LB (from 1.5°±0.9° to 1.0°±0.3°) and AR (from 1.5°±1.5° to 1.1°±0.6°), compared to the fused condition. As a trend, HAM location shifted posteriorly in FE and AR, and inferiorly in LB following Maverick replacement. However, neither ROM nor HAM at these two segments showed any significant change due to the implantation of one-or two-level Maverick total disc replacement in any of the three directions. Conclusion: The present results suggested that lower lumbar segments with Maverick disc replacement exhibited intact-like kinematics in both extent and quality of motion.


An application of a probability density function (PDF), or Lagrangian stochastic, approach to the case of high-Reynolds number wall-bounded turbulent flows is presented. The model simulates the instantaneous velocity and dissipation rate attached to a large number of particles and the wall-boundary conditions are formulated directly in terms of the particle properties. The present conditions aim at reproducing statistical results of the logarithmic region and are therefore in the spirit of wall functions. A new derivation of these boundary conditions and a discussion of the resulting behavior for different mean variables, such as the Reynolds stress components, is proposed. Thus, the present paper complements the work of Dreeben and Pope [Phys. Fluids 9, 2692 (1997)] who proposed similar wall-boundary particle conditions. Numerical implementation of these conditions in a standalone two-dimensional PDF code and a pressure-correction algorithm are detailed. Moments up to the fourth order are presented for a...


The invention discloses a girth welding technology for a vacuum container, which comprises the following steps: processing beveled edges, assembling and welding. In the step of processing the beveled edges, a 14mm thick 0Cr18Ni9 austenitic stainless steel material is selected as a cylinder base material, X-shaped beveled edges are adopted, an inside beveled edge is processed for 10mm with a single-side angle of 32.5 degrees, an outside beveled edge is processed for 4mm with a single-side angle of 35 degrees, and no truncated edge is left. In the step of assembling, reserved clearances of 2.0-2.5mm are assembled, argon tungsten-arc welding is adopted to position, a positioning welding length is 10-15mm, an interval is 200mm, and then a 'strut having a shape of Chinese character 'mi' which is used for adjusting the roundness of a cylinder is welded in the cylinder. In the step of welding, an argon arc welding double-gun butt-welding method is used for bottoming the interior of the cylinder, two layers are filled in an inner welding bead of the cylinder in the manner of manual arc welding, an external welding bead is covered in the manner of submerged-arc welding, and finally, the inner welding bead is covered in the manner of manual arc welding. The girth welding technology can be used for controlling the welding deformation and has the advantages that the method is simple and is easy to realize.


Using the framework of the reformulated learned helplessness (RLH) model of depression, this study examined the nonachievement of self-expectations of primigravidas desiring natural childbirth in terms of their attributional style and the possible resulting depression. The RLH model predicts that individuals who have a depressive attributional style experience a sense of helplessness when faced with situations which seem difficult or out of their control and are more apt to fail and become depressed. Natural childbirth is an experience which has the potential of appearing out of control to women involved in the birth process. Using a before and after design, the study was based on a sample of forty-one married primiparas who had an uncomplicated pregnancy, attended Lamaze childbirth classes, and anticipated an uncomplicated, unmedicated vaginal delivery. Sixteen subjects stated they did not meet their self-expectations during childbirth and twenty-five stated they did meet their self-expectations. The hypothesis were tested using two matched groups of sixteen each. Data from all subjects were used for post hoc analysis of the hospital data.


With the development of China's market economy and the deepening of educational system reform,funds from projects have become an important source of educational resources in colleges and universities apart from the government financial allocation,thus to build up an information system of managing the projects is an inevitable demand to standardize the sources of funds in colleges and universities.This paper introduces the demand background of the project audit system,and analyzes its function.


Today, social media provide the means by which billions of people experience news and events happening around the world. However, the absence of traditional journalistic gatekeeping allows information to flow unencumbered through these platforms, often raising questions of veracity and credibility of the reported information. Here we ask: How do the dynamics of collective attention directed toward an event reported on social media vary with its perceived credibility? By examining the first large-scale, systematically tracked credibility database of public Twitter messages (47M messages corresponding to 1,138 real-world events over a period of three months), we established a relationship between the temporal dynamics of events reported on social media and their associated level of credibility judgments. Representing collective attention by the aggregate temporal signatures of an event's reportage, we found that the amount of continued attention focused on an event provides information about its associated levels of perceived credibility. Events exhibiting sustained, intermittent bursts of attention were found to be associated with lower levels of perceived credibility. In other words, as more people showed interest during moments of transient collective attention, the associated uncertainty surrounding these events also increased.


Element space partially adaptive STAP is introduced and compared to fully adaptive STAP and cross-correlation as a means of forming functional brain maps from real human brain data undergoing asynchronous finger tapping and visual stimulus. Results of fully and partially adaptive STAP are in close agreement to those of cross-correlation.


To understand the contribution of bamboo fibers in a composite system, the characteristics of the fiber should be comprehensively evaluated. One of the major issues regarding the use of natural fibers in the polymer composite industry is the incompatibility between the hydrophilic fibers and the hydrophobic polymer resin, which renders weak the interfacial adhesion, leading to ineffectiveness of load transfer from the matrix resin to the reinforcing fibers. One of the most recent and effective technique for improving interfacial adhesion between natural fibers and polymer matrices is alkali treatment, which involves the immersion of fibers in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution. Although several studies have shown the potential of using bamboo fibers as reinforcement in natural composites, limited work is conducted to comprehensively study the influence of the NaOH on the structural, physical, and tensile characteristics of bamboo fiber. Such studies are essential to understand these important characteristics of bamboo fibers, leading to their mechanical improvement, producing compositeswith enhanced properties and, eventually, expanding the use of bamboo fibers in the polymer composite industry. This chapter aims at evaluating the effect of alkali treatment on the structural, physical, and tensile characteristics of bamboo fibers, as well as the interfacial and tensile properties of the corresponding bamboo fiber/polyester composites. The morphological changes of the fibers and the impact they have on the interfacial adhesion of the fiber/matrix interface were studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the mechanical behavior of the composites. Single fiber tensile test (SFTT) and single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT) were used to study the tensile and interfacial behaviors of the fibers, respectively.


Lisa Del Torto is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in the Bobbie & Stanton Cook Family Writing Program at Northwestern University. She teaches and coordinates Northwestern's first-year design course, Design Thinking & Communication, a collaboration between the Cook Family Writing Program and the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science. Del Torto completed her PhD and MA in Linguistics at the University of Michigan and her BA in Linguistics and Spanish at New York University.


Simple Summary The efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin-based regimens in late-care settings have been poorly reported. In 119 mCRC patients, the oxaliplatin retreatment response rate (RR) was 21.6%. The median progression-free survival was 5.1 months. A total of 34/119 (28.6%) discontinued treatments were due to toxicities. Oxaliplatin retreatment produced further RR, but one-third of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Thus, translational studies that improve patient selections are warranted. Abstract Background: oxaliplatin with fluoropyrimidine is a "mainstay" regarding the upfront treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). In contrast, the efficacy and safety of oxaliplatin-based regimens in late-care settings have been poorly reported. Methods: we identified a real-world mCRC patient cohort who were re-treated with oxaliplatin, and in which clinicopathological features were retrospectively analyzed to identify efficacy–predictive determinants (RETROX-CRC study). Results: of 2606 patients, 119 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Oxaliplatin retreatment response rate (RR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 21.6% (CI 14.4–31.0%), and 57.8% (CI 47.7–67.4). A trend towards better RR and DCR was observed among patients who had first oxaliplatin in an adjuvant setting; a poorer outcome was observed if two or more intervening treatments were delivered. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 5.1 months (95%CI 4.3–6.1), reducing to 4.0 months (95%CI 3.07–5.13) if oxaliplatin was readministered beyond third-line (HR 2.02; 1.25–3.25; p = 0.004). Safety data were retrieved in 65 patients (54.6%); 18.5% (12/65) and 7.7% (5/65) had G3–4 toxicities. Toxicities led to discontinuation in 34/119 (28.6%). Conclusions: oxaliplatin retreatment produced further RR in around one-fifth of patients and DCR 57.8%. Efficacy decreased in more pre-treated patients and around one-third of patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Translational studies improving patient selection are warranted.


Objective
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of fenestrated endovascular aortic repair(fEVAR) using physician-modified stent grafts(PMSGs) to repair aortic dissection aneurysm .

Methods
Nine consecutive patients who underwent fEVAR using PMSGs from Jan 2018 to Jun 2018 were retrospectively reviewed.

Results
Nine PMSGs (6 Ankura stent grafts, 3 COOK Zenith stent grafts) were deployed. Initial technical success rate was 97.0% (32 of 33). Mean operative time was (303±51) min. There were no in-hospital death and no perioperative neurology complications. All the patients survived at a median follow-up of 6.1 mouths (ranging 3-10 months). During follow up, no postoperative complications occurred, all target vessels remained patent and no fenestration-related type Ⅰ endoleak were observed. There are 3 cases of type Ⅱ and 2 cases of type Ⅲ endoleaks respectively.

Conclusions
FEVAR using PMSGs may be a viable alternative for patients with post aortic dissection aneurysm.

Key words:
Aortic diseases; Stents; Treatment outcome


Chlorfenvinphos is a widespread organophosphorous (OP) insecticide and it is a reported hazardous chemical for aquatic nontarget organisms. This study intended to evaluate the effects of sublethal concentrations of Quirlan® (commercial formulation of chlorfenvinphos) on several behavioral parameters of the mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. The insecticide showed high toxicity to G. holbrooki by significantly impairing all the behavioral responses (location in the test vessel, activity/excitability, swimming, and feeding), exhibiting a time‐dependent pattern. Behavioral EC50s, after a 96‐h exposure, ranged from 5.2 to 9.0 μg L−1. As OP pesticides are acutely neurotoxic, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was also selected for use as a biomarker in this study for the establishment of a relationship with the observed behavior abnormalities. A strong inhibition of AChE was observed in fish exposed to chlorfenvinphos (IC50 = 3.55 μg L−1). Behavioral impairment was registered in fish with >40% AChE inhibition levels, while mortality was only observable in fish exhibiting AChE inhibition levels >80%. Additionally, significant correlations were found between behavioral impairment and AChE inhibition, suggesting a mechanistic link. These results show the usefulness of integrating biochemical and individual endpoints in a small‐sized model species, and confirm a potential hazard of chlorfenvinphos to nontarget aquatic organisms. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 194–202, 2007.


Professor Ito, in his draft titled "Regionalism in the Asia-Pacific" and U. S. Interests", points out how regionalism has evolved in East Asia, followed by the contrasting patterns of regional order-making in East Asia, which he argues to be all subject to and susceptible to U. S. interests in East Asia. In doing so, he draws a conclusion that a more assertive role is desired of Japan in the "New Asia." Although his draft is at its incipient stage, I am dazzled with the scope and magnitude of his probing into contrasting perspectives on regional order in East Asia, in particular, and its ramifications in the Asia-Pacific. I am eagerly anticipating that his final draft will shed some innovative insights into the new era in which China, Japan, South Korea and U. S. are respectively faced with a mission to cope with a multitude of issues, both old and new. To improve the main logic behind his arguments, he will undoubtedly streamline the structure of arguments which are rather scattered. It will be my utmost privilege if some of my comments can somehow assist him in refining his writing in the process. Professor Ito starts with a typology of regionalism in Asia. He first divides regionalism into the one that grew out of economic cooperation and bloomed into political and/or security one like the APEC, and the other whose initial political and/or security needs spread into subsequent economic demands for cooperation like ASEAN, including the ASEAN plus Three. He then contrasts two subregional frameworks in the region, namely between the ASEAN in consultation with China, Japan and South Korea, which has been promoted since the 1997 financial crisis, and ASEAN-based cooperation such as the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) or the ASEAN Security Community (ASC), which the ASEAN countries persistently prioritized over the East Asian imperative. He also distinguishes the statist or institutionalist tendency to emphasize the importance of formal institutions in strengthening integration from the so-called "soft" trend to steer clear from the self-guarding state institutions and instead concentrate on building informal networks. Yet it still remains an evasive issue how these intricate configurations of region are interrelated. Nesadurai (2005), for instance, distinguishes three distinct types of regionalism: an Asia-Pacific trans-regional one centered on APEC, a Southeast Asian-led regional one centered on ASEAN and its derivatives like AFTA and AEC, and an East Asian-led regional one centered on the ASEAN plus


Objective: Supervision needs typically increase following moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research assessing the impact of TBI residential rehabilitation programmes on supervision needs is limited. Research design: Prospective cross-sectional study. Methods and procedures: Ninety-four participants with moderate-to-severe TBI admitted to a post-acute brain injury rehabilitation programme (PABIR) were administered the supervision rating scale (SRS) at admission and at 1 month post-discharge. To account for spontaneous neurological recovery, patients were separated into those who were less than 1 year (L1Y, n = 55) or greater than 1 year (G1Y, n = 39) post-injury. Experimental intervention: None. Main outcomes and results: A mixed factorial design yielded a significant interaction (F(1, 92) = 18.2; p < 0.0001) with post-hoc results revealing that the L1Y group improved more dramatically in terms of supervision needs than the G1Y group. Using reliable change methodologies, 52.7% of the L1Y demonstrated decreasing scores on the SRS vs 20.5% of the G1Y group. Conclusions: Decreases in supervision needs following PABIR can be found, even after accounting for the impact of spontaneous neurological recovery both at the group and individual level.


Creep and stress relaxation are two important phenomena observed in viscoelastic materials. In this study creep and stress relaxation properties of two Iranian apples varieties (Shafi Abadi and Golab Kohanz) was investigated. A model based on generalized Maxwell model (contain of a single Maxwell model in parallel with a free spring) was used for determination of relaxation model and a model based on Burger model which is the series combination of the Kelvin and Maxwell models was used to fit the measured creep data. The decay modulus, the equilibrium modulus, time of relaxation, and specific viscosity in the relaxation model and instantaneous elastic modulus retardation time and coefficient of viscosity associated with Newtonian flow in creep model were determined.


Empirical tests of theoretical propositions necessitate quantitative estimation of qualitative firm level attribute. The challenges of such estimation are nowhere more pronounced than it is the context of estimating firm growth as evinced from the multiplicity of proxies used. However in using or theorizing about the validity of these alternative proxies in their quest to measure a common intangible called 'firm growth', the issue of inter-relationship between these variables and the dimensions of growth, it is capable of capturing has never been explored. This research paper is an attempt to address this issue. This paper uses a sample of 459 listed manufacturing firms for the period 2004-05 to 2010-11, and employs correlation analysis as well as a panel data model to reach its conclusion. Findings of this research suggest that the alternative financial statements based measures of firm growth are not correlated to an extent that can warrant substitution or interchangeable use. And in certain cases correlations are stronger with time lags than without. Furthermore, it is also observed that financial statements based measures of growth have limited explanatory power when it comes to explain variations in market-to-book ratio of firms. Findings of this paper coupled with studies on the linkage between macroeconomic and capital market conditions with equity prices, provides indirect evidence that market-to-book ratio factors in the forward looking perspective of growth that the other alternative measures are not capable enough to capture, given their historical nature.(ProQuest: ... denotes formulae omitted.)INTRODUCTIONThe seminal work of Modigliani and Miller (1958) on the irrelevance of capital structure choice in determining firm value remains the genesis of the most enduring debate in corporate finance literature; how do firms determine their (optimal) capital structure? However, even after five and a half decade of theoretical and empirical research and the emergence of a plethora of theories (based on agency costs, asymmetric information, product/input market interactions, corporate control consideration, taxes, market timing, etc.), the question is still largely unanswered and continues to puzzle, both theoreticians and prac titioners alike. The problems associated with objectiv ely estimating firm level attributes (Titman and Wessels, 1988) and, the qualitative and non-exclusive nature of alternative theories (Barclay and Smith, 1999 and 2005), are viewed as biggest stumbling blocks in solving this puzzle. While several research papers have explored the issue of non- exclusivity (for instance, Cotei and Farhat, 2009; Serrasqueiro and Nunes, 2010; and Mukjerjee and Mahakud, 2012), not many have focused attention on the challenges involved in choosing proxies for firm level attributes even when these problems are omnipresent in almost all empirical studies. This research is primarily motivated at highlighting problems of this latter category; and focuses on the attribute 'firm growth'. Objectively identifying the proxy for this attribute for estimation purposes has enormous implications not just in the field of applied corporate finance, but also for economic policy making; identifying the appropriate variable is the first most important step in understanding how the same can be influenced by micro management of firms and macroeconomic management of the economy. And the context of a developing nation further compounds its importance.The rest of this paper is organized as follows. The next section provides a brief review of the alternative measures of firm growth, issues related to leading and lagging as well as the problems of avai lability, relevance and estimation, alon g with the propositions to be tested in paper. The methodology for this research is discussed next, followed by the findings and their analysis. The last section discusses the implications, before discussing the limitations of this paper before concluding. …


Abstract The record of adjudicating the socio-economic rights in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 reveals a judicial and academic retreat into administrative law and the occasional, mechanistic application of international law. The Constitutional Court has been reluctant to impose additional policy burdens on government or exercise supervision over the executive. This approach has its source not only in the restrictive legal repertoire employed by the Court, but also in the political and economic context in which current legal practice is located. The Constitution invites a transformation of legal concepts. This requires breaking down the division between negative and positive rights, in addition to the adoption of different remedies. The focus should move from ss 26, 27 and 28 of the Constitution towards the distributional implications of all constitutional rights. There is already a small but significant body of decisions of the Court which support the development of more fused conception of rights, including the recognition that the concept of legality may impose positive obligations on the state.


This paper examines whether childhood deaths elicit an explicit, conscious and intentional fertility response using the 1998 Demographic and Health Survey
data for Ghana and Kenya . Using multivariate hazard models, childhood
mortality experience was found to have long term fertility implications beyond the short term physiological effects. In both countries, women who have experienced childhood mortality were found to have significantly higher number of additional children than those without. The death of the first child in particular was found to be associated with the risk of a higher order birth
consistent with recent findings in Cameroon. The policy implications of the
findings are discussed.


A pin is disclosed to be mounted on a shuttle unit of a bale ejector of a rectangular baler. The pin (222) has two pointed ends, and at least one mounting means (223) with which the pin can be pivotally mounted on the shuttle) unit. The pin (222) is symmetrical so that it selectively in two orientations can be applied to the shuttle unit in order to extend the life of the pin.


Recent mammal collecting in Kentucky has resulted in the acquisition of a few specimens of some species whose distribution in the state is poorly known. In an effort to bring up to date the knowledge of these species in the state, the literature has been surveyed and data pertinent to the specimens appended. Credit is due to The Research Fund Committee of the University of Kentucky for financial assistance in the collection of certain of the specimens; Charles O. Handley of the United States National Museum for verifying my identification of the specimens of Corynorhinus and for other courtesies; and to many of my students for assistance in the field.

Nomenclature of Corynorhinus follows that of Handley (Jour. Wash. Acad. Sei., 45(5): 147–149, 1955), wherein C. rafinesquii = C. macrotis , and C. townsendii = C. rafinesquii . Most of the specimens are deposited in the zoological collection of the University of Kentucky; a few are in the United States National Museum. Measurements are expressed in millimeters; averages are given first, followed by extremes in parentheses. …


Recombinant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was associated with exchange of sex for money, ≥1 sex partner within the prior 6 months, and decline in CD4 cell count in this Thai cohort study. These findings suggest that recombinant HIV infection may have implications for HIV disease progression, safer sex practices, and vaccine development.


Objective: To study the effect of intrathecal injection of carbenoxolone on the rat paw withdrawal thermal latency. Methods: Experimental rats were intrathecally injected with carbenoxolone(CBX), a special gap junction blocker, and the control rats with the saline. Before and 2 h after intrathecal injection,each rat was examined for the paw withdrawal thermal latency(PWTL).Afterwards,the corresponding serial sections of spinal cord were processed for anti Fos, anti GFAP immunohistochemistry staining. Results: The PWTLs were 14.42 s±1.16 s in the experimental group and 14.58 s ±1.37 s in the control group before the injection. After the treatment with CBX or saline the PWTLs changed to 27.78±2.53 and 16.84±1.74 respectively ( P 0.05). The immunohistochemical staining results were that the GFAP LI astrocytes presented similar expression in the animals with or without the CBX injection, while the expression of Fos LI neurons significantly decreased than that of the control. Conclusion: The hindpaw thermal latency significantly ascended and the threshold of pain obviously went up. The gap junction may play an important role in process of pain induced by the peripheral injury,and astrocytes may be involved in modulation of pain via the gap junction. \[


SOCIETY FOR INTEGRATIVE AND COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY MEETINGTORONTO-- About 1100 researchers from all walks of biology met here 4 to 8 January to discuss organisms ranging from hawk moths to crocodiles and swap results. An analysis of the skins of almost 30 species of birds from 15 families reported at the meeting found that different colors are produced by variations in how collagen proteins are arranged.


During much of the 20th century, the national party systems of Western Europe remained largely unchanged. However, beginning in the 1970s, these frozen party systems slowly started to melt. As the ...


Objective: Evaluate the impact of a care bundle on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Study Design: Retrospective, single-center, population comparison of patients diagnosed with NEC before and after implementing an NEC care bundle utilizing standardized feeding protocol, donor milk program, transfusion protocol, early antibiotic protocol, and restricted indomethacin use.

Result: Incidence of NEC fell from 1.92 to 0.83% (P <0.0001). Incidence of NEC in the 23-27 weeks gestation group decreased from 14.21 to 6.09% (P = 0.0009). In the 28-30 weeks gestation group, NEC incidence decreased from 5.56 to 2.10% (P = 0.0096). Significant reduction of recurrent NEC and transfusion-associated NEC was observed.

Conclusion: Implementation of an NEC care bundle reduced NEC incidence, with the greatest impact seen in the most vulnerable preterm and very preterm infants.


Augmented Reality (AR) is a technique which seamlessly integrate virtual 3D models into the image of the real scenario in real time. Using the QR code as the identification mark, an algorithm is proposed to extract the virtual straight line of QR code and to locate and track the camera based on the hybrid features, thus it avoids the possibility of failure when locating and tracking only by feature points. The experimental results show that the method of combining straight lines with feature points is better than that of using only straight lines or feature points. Further, an AR (Augmented Reality) system is developed.


The formaldehyde sulfoxylate of food by using tacetylacetone ethod,chromotropic acidmethod and phenylhydrazine hydrochloride method was studied.The result indicated that the acetylacetone method picked out limits was 0.08 μg·mL-1,specification curve's linearity range was 2.5~3.5 μg(r=0.999 2),colored stability to be good,the accuracy was 2.5%.The method was used to examine the formaldehyde content of rice flour in Heilongjiang area to judge the formaldehyde sulfoxylate existence according to formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide content.


In this work we present a finite volume method (FVM) used to solve the relevant coupled equations for electroosmotic flows (EOF) of viscoelastic fluids, using the Upper-Convected Maxwell (UCM) and the simplified PhanThien—Tanner (sPTT) models. Studies were undertaken in the cross-slot geometry, to investigate the possible appearance of purely-elastic instabilities, by considering the effect of the electric field. We found that even for pure electro-osmotic flow, i.e., in absence of an imposed pressure gradient, we were able to capture the onset of an asymmetric flow above a critical Deborah number, which is lower than the corresponding value for pressure gradient forcing.


Measurement is an important process for companies to evaluate their production systems. The purpose of this study is to create a model which will help to companies if they want to measure effective ...


Particulate matter emissions from transportation have a significant contribution on ambient air pollution in urban area. In 2002, PM2.5 emissions by on-road vehicles contribute 11% to the total PM2.5 emissions in Los Angeles County (EPA, 2002). In metropolitan cities, vehicular emission sources are in close proximity to pedestrian and residences. Hence, the arising traffic related concentration hotspots are of high concern for air quality study and health impact assessment.


Based on the lower long-distance protective seam mining under huge key layer was introduced,the extreme span of huge key layer was theoretically analyzed. Applying numerical simulation,the paper simulated stress condition and swelling deformation degree of the protected seam before and after the fracture of the huge key layer,the results show that, after the exploitation of lower long-distance protective seam,the protective effect on the protected seam ming is not satisfyingbecause of the huge key layer,which shields the protective effect on the protected seam. And if the protected seam is thin,the interval between seams is large,the protective effect could be influenced.


DOI:10.1097/YCO.0000000000000500 Urban living, with increasing urbanization is a reality of contemporary life. Although the elucidation of direct causation for psychiatric illness remains a challenge, at a biological level, social/environmental factors appear more amenable to exploration that yields information of immediate utility. One such factor is urban living. Certainly at face value it would appear so. The collection of articles for the current section on urbanization and mental health brings together content that takes a predominantly illness-based approach to understanding the possible relationship between mental illness and urban life [1–8]. Notwithstanding the conclusions in each article, it would appear intuitive to ascribe, or more realistically infer, a link between urban living and mental illness. Of interest is that despite the diverse range of illnesses/conditions reviewed, there is one common theme – quality of data. More specifically the inconsistency of findings that relate as much to methodological issues as true differences between studies. Aside from potential methodological issues contributing to the findings – with comparisons difficult to make – the differences themselves raise issues that require further study. Clearly methodological issues will require careful consideration in terms of further study, specifically design. However, based on the data, such as it is, there are a number of recurring themes identified. The most obvious one is 'green space' and 'exposure to nature'. Aside from an association between these variables and mental illness (with greater exposure associated with less illness – broadly speaking), there is a suggestion that a treatment package incorporating such exposure has therapeutic benefit as noted in the article by Lecic-Tosevski [2]. The role of urban design in mitigating effects is also a further common theme between the articles and this speaks to another emergent theme, policy (and ultimately government). Orderly, planned urbanization is clearly most desirable, and whilst this may characterize urban settings in the developed world it does not necessarily mitigate putative risks. In fact the article by Ventimiglia and Seedat [8] raises the possibility of microbial exposure in urban environments impacting on immune response to psychosocial stressors.


The objective of the study was to determine the potential effects of Naomaili granules on rats subjected to ischemia and reperfusion. With the exception of animals in sham group,all animals in treatment groups were subjected to ischemia and reperfusion by middle cerebral artery occlusion( MCAO) with thread technique. The ability of anti-cerebral ischemia,relieving cerebral edema and antioxidation was evaluated by the measurement of neurological deficit score, ratios of infarction area, brain water content, histopathological score and biochemical indexes related to oxidative stress in brain tissue. Significantly reduction of infarction area, histopathological score,contents of H2O2 and MDA were observed at 6 g / kg and 3 g / kg Naomaili granules compared to animals in the model group; the capacity of inhibition of superoxide anion radical( O-·2) and hydroxyl radial( 爛OH) were also found to have increased. Additionally,Naomaili granules( 6 g / kg) improved neurological function,reduced brain water content,and increased the level of GSH,GSH-Px and SOD compared with model group. The result suggested that Naomaili granules exhibited obvious protection against cerebral ischemia and reperfusion-induced injury due to its antioxidating effect.


A method for configuring a sequence set and a random access method using the same are provided to increase a sequence reuse factor and maximize a cell coverage which can be assisted. The whole sets are configured as candidate sets according to the number of random access signals which can be simultaneously assisted per cell(S101). A sequence set is configured by selecting a set, which satisfies one of a condition for minimizing the number of route index sequences used in a specific cell, and a condition for maximizing a supportable cell coverage, from the candidate sets(S102-S104).


Over the past decade, many operating modifications have been proposed for simulated moving bed (SMB) processes, including three-zone, VARICOL, and PowerFeed. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to find the most efficient operating scheme for a particular application. In this study, we generalize the standard SMB operation by considering a superstructure optimization problem with time-variant flow rates. The optimization problem, constrained by a partial differential algebraic equations (PDAEs) model, is fully discretized both in temporal and spatial domains. The resulting nonlinear programming (NLP) problem is handled by IPOPT 3.0, an interior-point solver. In case studies of linear and bi-Langmuir isotherms, our approach successfully finds the optimal operating scheme and parameters. Moreover, through the formulation and solution of a multi-objective optimization problem, we confirm that our approach has the potential to find more advantageous operating schemes than the standard SMB or PowerFeed operati...


Carbapenem-resistant Gram negative bacteria in healthcare setting is an important medical problem and a major threat. These Gram negative bacteria are rapidly spreading worldwide. Clinical bacteria isolates were obtained from clinical samples Urine, High Vaginal Swab (HVS), Wound Swab (WS), Stools, Ear Swab (ES), Endocervical Swab (ECS), Sputum and Blood, from two tertiary hospitals. Environmental samples were also collected from both hospitals using standard sampling techniques. Multiple drug resistant (MDR) patterns were determined using disc diffusion technique. Biochemical tests were used in the identification. Antibiotics sensitivity of clinical and environmental isolates was verified using disc diffusion method. Detection of carbapenemase producing bacteria was done using double disc synergy test and modified Hodge test. Data obtained were analysed using descriptive statistics. Clinical bacteria (403) obtained were distributed 271 Federal Medical Centre(FMC) and 132 Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH) out of which 299 were confirmed Gram negative, 218 (FMC) and 81 (BSUTH), respectively. Thirty-nine Gram negative bacteria were also isolated from the environmental samples. A higher percentage of carbapenemase producers (12.8%) were found in environmental Original Research Article Omoregbe and Fagade; JAMB, 20(3): 11-20, 2020; Article no.JAMB.54854 12 isolates compared to 2.7% in clinical isolates. Any levels of resistance to carbapenems calls for the need to reduce the indiscriminate use of this group of antibiotics and monitoring both in the hospitals and environment.


In the given article we substantiate the urgency of using computer technologies while studying the technical disciplines. We presented the expediency of using developed computer program on descriptive geometry. The perfecting of the study process make it possible to develop the spatial intellectual thinking of pupils.


Oneoftheobjectives ofgenetic regulatory net- workmodeling istodesign intervention approaches foraf- fecting thetimeevolution ofthegeneactivity profile ofthe network. Theintervention strategies proposed inthecontext of Probabilistic Boolean Networks(PBNs) assumeperfect knowl- edgeofthetransition probability matrixofthePBN.This assumption cannotbesatisfied inpractice duetoestimation errors ormismatch between thePBN modelandtheactual genetic regulatory network. Inthis paper, wedevelop arobust intervention strategy thatisobtained byminimizing theworst- casecostovertheuncertainties intheentries ofthetransition probability matrix. I.INTRODUCTION Sincesystems biology isfocussed onunderstanding the detailed molecular interactions thatcontribute tothefunc- tioning ofacell, agenetic regulatory network designed for facilitating suchanunderstanding mustnecessarily mimicthe actual biological interactions inasmuchdetail aspossible. On theother hand, intranslational genomics thefocusis ondeveloping therapeutic interventions, andthenetwork usedforthis purpose canbeacoarse representation ofthe biological phenomena occurring atthemolecular level as longasithasthecapability tofaithfully capture theoverall effects ofintervention that aremanifested atthephenotypic (observational) level. Sucha coarse modelcanthenbe usedtodevelop andevaluate suitable (control) strategies fortherapeutic intervention. Probabilistic Boolean Networks (PBNs), whichconstitute oneclass ofcoarse models, have beenusedinrecent yearstocarry outsuchintervention studies (1), (2). Inorder tosetthestage forintroducing this problem, we nextpresent abroadoverview ofthesteps involved inthe modeling andcontrol ofgenetic networks. Thesesteps are showninFig.1.Thefirst stepconsists ofdataextraction, whichbasically involves signal acquisition, thesignals inthis casebeing theexpression levels ofvarious genesofinterest. Thenextstepdenoted byA1 involves thediscretization ofthese geneexpression levels. Obviously, this stepisnot required ifweareinterested inarriving atacontinuous model suchasadifferential equation model. Ontheother hand, this stepwouldbecrucial fordiscrete models suchasBoolean Networks (BNs)(3), Probabilistic Boolean Networks (PBNs) (4)andBayesian Networks (5), allofwhichhavebeen proposed asmodelsforgenetic regulatory networks. The Thisresearch wassupported inpartbytheNational Science Foundation under Grants ECS0355227 andCCF0514644 andinpartbytheNational Cancer Institute under GrantCA90301. I TexasTechUniversity, Lubbock, TX,79409. bTexas A & M University,


A fair statement of the objectives of this book is found in the Preface: &dquo;This book considers chiefly the public-welfare activities, the idealogy and constitutional principles of Mr. Justice Brandeis. No formal biography is attempted.&dquo; The key to the point of view of the author in his analysis of the judicial opinions of Justice Brandeis is found on p. 86 where he says: &dquo;In our generation no man has come to the Supreme Court so versed in problems peculiarly our own as Louis D. Brandeis.&dquo; His judgment as to the Justice's own point of departure is that &dquo; the pivotal point in the Brandeisian analysis of our economic and social ills is the power of the business corporation in our modern life&dquo; (p. 4f) . Justice Brandeis came to the Supreme Court with no experience whatever as a public official, if we except occasional service as special government counsel. His experience at the bar, however, was of such a character as to make him familiar as are few judges with corporate practices and business ethics. To years of close contact with the doings of bankers and promoters were added extraordinary ability to master the intricacies of corporate finance, and a passion for individual rights which he saw being crushed under the weight of what Mr. Mason calls corporate aggregates. These contacts produced the judge able brilliantly to illustrate the ancient maxim,


Hypothesis Sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in children. Early goal directed therapy (EGDT) has been shown to improve patient outcomes and its principles have been adopted into global best practice initiatives. The New York State Department of Health mandated that all hospitals develop and implement protocols incorporating EGDT. To fulfill this mandate, all health care providers have been required to complete a sepsis education program. The hypothesis of this study is simulation will improve knowledge and adherence to sepsis protocol. Methods This is a multicenter, prospective educational intervention study for the 2013-2015 academic years. Consenting pediatricians at two academic teaching hospitals will participate in a sepsis simulation exercise and complete 4 serial assessments of their knowledge of and adherence with the NY State mandated sepsis protocol. Three items were identified as key content: tachycardia as the most important sign of shock; the ability to list systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) criteria, and knowledge of antibiotic timing. Patient outcome measures include time to: IV access, collection of blood cultures, first dose of antibiotics, and first fluid bolus. Outcomes will be collected before and after protocol implementation and the simulation education intervention. Results At one hospital, 41 of 59 resident trainees were enrolled. The number of residents correctly identifying tachycardia as the most important sign of shock increased from baseline to pre-simulation (47% vs 82%; p<.01), and from baseline to post-simulation (47% vs 87%; p<0.001); however, there was no difference between pre- and post-simulation (82% vs 87%). The proportion of residents able to list three SIRS criteria was no different from baseline to pre-simulation (63% vs 66%) but increased post-simulation when compared to pre-simulation (95% vs 66%; p < .01). Similarly, knowledge of antibiotic timing did not change from baseline to pre-simulation (53% vs 55%) but increased post-simulation when compared to pre-simulation (76% vs 55%; p < .05) and baseline (76% vs 53%; p < .001). At baseline, only 21% of participants correctly answered all three key content questions, increasing to 33% (NS) pre-simulation, and 60% post-simulation (p<0.05). Conclusion Our results indicate the simulation-based education can be an effective tool for increasing knowledge surrounding SIRS and EGDT. Ongoing data collection is planned to evaluate knowledge retention over time, as well as the impact on quality of care as evidenced by adherence to state mandated sepsis protocol. References 1. Goldstein B, et al. International pediatric sepsis consensus conference: definitions for sepsis and organ dysfunction in pediatrics. PediatrCrit Care Med. Jan 2005;6(1):2-8. 2. Dellinger RP, et al. Surviving Sepsis Campaign: International guidelines for management of severe sepsis and septic shock: 2008. Crit Care Med. Jan 2008;36(1):296-327. 3. ACCP. American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine Consensus Conference: definitions for sepsis and organ failure and guidelines for the use of innovative therapies in sepsis. Crit Care Med. Jun 1992;20(6):864-74. 4. Brun-Buisson C, et al. Incidence, risk factors, and outcome of severe sepsis and septic shock in adults. A multicenter prospective study in intensive care units. French ICU Group for Severe Sepsis. JAMA. Sep 1995;274(12):968-74. Disclosures None


On the basis of analyzing three theories of definite descriptions proposed by Russell,Strawson and Donnellan with different emphasis on propositions,context and use,the paper accounts for their differences in viewpoints on ontology,meaning,context and function.In this way,the philosophical and linguistic significance of probing into definite descriptions becomes self-evident.


Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is an increasingly recognized cystic neoplasm of the pancreas, histologically classified by the degree of epithelial atypia and by the presence or absence of invasion of the cyst wall. To the authors' knowledge, the cytologic features of this neoplasm are poorly characterized, especially with respect to tumor grade.


its young men for the slaughter that would be their reward for back-breaking toil. Using the magnificent collection of letters and diaries and official records of the Australian War Memorial Library, Welborn, following Gammage, shows the effect of war on individuals. Her research is extensive and she has the ability to choose the story or phrase that makes the greatest impact. The outlines of her story provide few surprises. The men enlisted in a spirit of adventure and endured military training of a most rudimentary kind. They played up in Cairo, almost as if aware of the fate awaiting them. Innocents, they rushed ashore at Gallipoli and awoke immediately to the reality of slaughter. From that first day, few of them expected to see their beloved Western Australia again. The author acknowledges that she is not writing military history but is examining what her subjects wrote and thought about war. Reliance on the viewpoint of the individual soldier alone may give the story an overly senti mental, unbalanced presentation as men struggled to say something sensible to people at home who simply could not understand what was going on. Further more the men made mistakes and were misinformed or simply exaggerated to build up the reputations of some of their heroes. Catholic chaplain John Fahey was one of these heroes and many of the men, anxious to claim him as one of themselves, told stories of him leading charges and taking the place of fallen officers in Gallipoli and France. Welborn records these inventions without comment. Myths are repeated to the detriment of history. Regional studies of the Australian response to the Great War will answer the questions that still perplex historians of that period. Lords of Death is not, in that sense, a regional study but an evocation of place and a recreation of the story of many of the war's victims. It is a moving, emotional book that will leave readers yet again lamenting the senseless carnage of that most dreadful conflict.


In this paper, we intend to present an interpretation of the Plotinian´s theory of time, examining the ontological aspects of this theory. Elements of time such memory, time, eternity and ecstasy are explained. The article shows that, interpreted in this way, the time´s analysis may contribute to clarify neoplatonic´s system in Cirne Lima.


Copper-doped diamond-like carbon (Cu-DLC) film was deposited using dual magnetron sputtering to develop an antimicrobial coating. The Cu content in the DLC film ranged from 0.3 at% to 40 at% by varying the duty ratio of the pulsed voltage applied to the copper target. The graphite structure (sp2 bond) in the Cu-DLC film increased with increasing Cu content. The antimicrobial effect of Cu-DLC on Escherichia coli was examined by the colony-count method. E. coli was inactivated at a Cu content of 0.3 at% and the inactivation rate increased with increasing Cu content. This antimicrobial effect was obtained while maintaining hardness at a low Cu content using dual magnetron sputtering.


8:00am PS2+TF-ThM1 Fluorocarbon Assisted Atomic Layer Etching of SiO2 and Selectivity over Si Using Cyclic Ar/C4F8 Plasma, Dominik Metzler*, University of Maryland, College Park, S.U. Engelmann, R.L. Bruce, E.A. Joseph, IBM T.J. Watson Research Center, V.A. Godyak, University of Michigan, G.S. Oehrlein, University of Maryland, College Park There is great interest in establishing directional etching methods capable of atomic scale resolution for fabrication of highly scaled electronic devices. Recently, controlled etching of SiO2 at the Angstrom-level based on steadystate Ar plasma, periodic injection of a defined number of C4F8 molecules, and synchronized plasma-based Ar ion bombardment has been shown [1]. Controlled etching is based on deposition of a thin (~ several Å) reactive fluorocarbon (FC) layer on SiO2 enabled by precise C4F8 injection. For low energy Ar ion bombardment conditions, the physical sputter rate of SiO2 vanishes, whereas SiO2 can be etched when FC reactants are present at the surface. In this work, plasma conditions have been characterized in real time during cyclic exposure using a Langmuir probe. Changes in plasma potential, electron density, and electron temperature are measured throughout each cycle and compared to continuous precursor addition. Continuous precursor addition has a higher C4F8 concentration than periodic injection. The C4F8 injection has a short, significant impact on the plasma properties within each cycle and a small impact for longer time scales, i.e. from cycle to cycle. Observed trends in plasma properties agree with continuous precursor addition. Additionally, this cyclic approach was used to investigate the transition from SiO2 to Si etching employing SiO2-Si-SiO2 layers. Si etching and the selectivity of SiO2 over Si is investigated as a function of FC surface coverage, ion energy (20 to 30 eV), and etch step length using in situ ellipsometry. Time-dependent etch and deposition rates are compared for Si and SiO2. The etch behavior during the cyclic approach is compared to continuous precursor addition etching of SiO2 and Si. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is used to investigate surface chemistry at various stages of the cyclic etching and will be reported.


The spin-resolved Auger decay of the Ar 2p−11/2 3d state was measured at moderate energy resolution and compared with the decay of the 2p−11/2 4s. The former shows a lower transferred spin polarization and a similar, if not higher, dynamical spin polarization, supporting the statement that a fully resolved spectrum is not a necessary condition for observing dynamical spin polarization. An interpretation of the spin polarization as configuration interaction induced effect in the final ionic state leads to partial agreement with our relativistic distorted wave calculation utilizing a 36 configuration state function basis set. Comparison of the experimental and numerical results leads to ambiguities for at least one Auger line. A hypothetical, qualitative interpretation is discussed.


Daniel Pavuk, Advisor Few studies have been performed on coleopteran (beetle) biodiversity in mountain ecosystems and relating them to multiple environmental factors. None of the studies have examined geologic influences on beetle communities. Little coleopteran research has been performed in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. The main objectives of this study were to catalog the coleopteran fauna of a subalpine meadow in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado and investigate the role geology had in the community structure of the Carabidae (ground beetles). The study site, a 160,000 m plot, was located near Sultan Creek and Molas Lake in San Juan County, Colorado. Five sites were in each bedrock formation: Molas, Elbert, and Ouray-Leadville. Insects were collected via pitfall trapping in 2006 and 2007, and identified by comparison with museum specimens, museum and insect identification websites, and by taxonomic experts. Biological and physical factors were recorded for each site: detritus cover and weight, plant cover and height, plant species richness, aspect, elevation, slope, soil temperature, pH, moisture, and compressive strength, and sediment size distribution. Quantitative analyses were performed on the Carabidae community and its relationship to bedrock formations and environmental factors measured, and on the entire coleopteran abundance and its relationship to the environmental factors. I sampled 7,316 coleopteran individuals in 27 families and nearly 100 species (61 completely identified). Coleopteran abundance was influenced by plant cover, plant height, soil moisture, aspect, slope, collection site, and week collecting took place. A total of 1,236 carabid individuals representing 30 species were collected. Elevation, detritus cover, and soil temperature were significantly distinct


A diverse group of economists and policymakers gathered in Woodstock, Vermont, in October 1999 to discuss the conduct of monetary policy in a low-inflation environment. The conference was held at a time when many countries had successfully reduced their inflation rates to the low single digits, an outcome without recent historical precedent that raises important questions about the conduct of monetary policy.


A core mission of higher education is teaching, and so improving teaching quality is the key to promoting the reform and development of universities. The establishment of a scientific teaching quality evaluation system is an important means by which to strengthen the management of teaching and improve teaching quality in universities. In the research reported in this article, a systematic and comprehensive university teaching quality evaluation system was developed using a new method of teaching quality assessment: a grid search of a least squares support vector machine. The grid search is used to optimise the regularisation and kernel width parameters of the least squares support vector machine. A teaching quality evaluation model based on the proposed algorithm was built. Case results analysis showed that the mean absolute percentage error of the evaluation method was 0.44%. Hence, the method can be applied to evaluate the teaching quality of teachers at universities.


The author reviews health and safety information regarding the use of diesel equipment in underground coal mines and concludes that, from the available evidence, it appears that properly-operated diesel equipment does not subject workers to health risks.


Micro–mesoporous ZSM-5 with different Si/Al ratios (MZ-X, X = 27, 80, 150) were synthesized by adding microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) as co-template into the hydrothermal synthesis process of zeolites. The resultant ZSM-5 were used for catalytic cracking of high density polyethylene (HPDE) and polypropylene. It was found that introduction of MCC significantly enhanced the formation of mesopores and strong acid sites. MZ-27 achieved the highest oil yield: 21.5% for HPDE and 32.1% for polypropylene, and the light aromatics (BTEX) selectivity therein were 87.6% and 79.7%, respectively. HZ-150 (MCC-free ZSM-5, Si/Al = 150) achieved the highest gas yield: 85.4% for HDPE and 76.7% for polypropylene, and the light olefins (C
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 2–4) selectivity therein were 44% and 48.3%, respectively. The dense acidic sites and mesoporous structure of MZ-27 were responsible for its better activity for producing aromatic products. The moderate acidity and microporous structure of HZ-150 were helpful for producing light olefins from catalytic cracking of polyolefin plastics.


The synthesis of agents which hinder or prevent interbreeding between species into a complex known as isolating mechanisms (Dobzhansky, 1937) opened positive approaches to an analysis of the intricate problem of phylogenetic relationships. Interspecific isolating mechanisms are well known in animals and have been discussed in detail by Muller (1942), Dobzhansky (1951 ), and Mayr (1963). Dobzhansky (1940) hypothesized that it would be selectively advantageous for related species in sympatry to reinforce their isolating mechanisms in order to conserve their gametes. Studies demonstrating evidence of sympatric reinforcement include those of Koopman (1950) working with two species of drosophilid flies, Blair (1955) with microhylid frogs, Blair (1958) with hylid frogs, and Hubbs and Delco (1962) with poeciliid fish. The multitude of isolating mechanisms fall into two distinct classes (Mayr, 1963): a) premating mechanisms or those that prevent interspecific crosses, and b) postmating mechanisms or those which reduce full success of interspecific crosses. The importance of vocalization as an ethological premating isolating mechanism in anurans has been suggested by the studies of W. F. Blair on microhylid and hylid frogs (op. cit.) and on two allopatric populations of Pseudacris (Blair and Littlejohn, 1960). Fouquette (1960) found that mating call was the most prominant premating isolating factor in three sympatric Hyla in the Canal Zone. Recent laboratory experiments involving only recordings of calling males have suggested that vocalization may be a sufficient source of stimuli for bringing the sexes together once they were in the breeding area (Martof and Thompson,


In order to study the propagation of electromagnetic signals in the atmosphere and the relationship between ionospheric disturbances and seismic latency, electromagnetic wave sources are used to detect changes in underground structures. However, on the one hand, there is a lack of valuable observation materials, and on the other hand, the current abnormal electromagnetic detection methods have low sensitivity. This paper studies earthquake prediction methods based on electromagnetic spectrum detection algorithms. We propose to monitor the characteristics of electromagnetic spectrum signals based on I/Q data, detect abnormal electromagnetic wave phenomena, and study the feature extraction method of abnormal electromagnetic spectrum before earthquakes. Combined with the distribution characteristics of the original radio frequency I/Q data, we modify the parameters of the earthquake prediction model based on the changes in the abnormal electromagnetic spectrum monitoring data. This article focuses on estimating the distribution distance parameters from the I/Q data collected by the software radio module, and analyzing the corresponding relationship between the I/Q distance and the seismic detection information. Experiments show that electromagnetic waves will fluctuate significantly during the seismogenic process, and the I/Q distance monitoring method can clearly record the state of abnormal electromagnetic waves.


Abstract Studies of the spin-glass phase transition in the presence of magnetic fields are reviewed. Most of the theoretical results on the existence of such a transition and its properties are derived from the mean-field theory of spin glasses, which describes infinite-range systems. In this limit, there exists a line T c(H) which separates the region (T > T c(H)) of a unique equilibrium paramagnetic state and the region (T > T c(H)) where ergodicity is broken and the system is frozen in one of many equilibrium spin-glass states. The singularities in both equilibrium and non-equilibrium quantities at the finite-field transition are described. In vector spin glasses this transition is associated with the freezing of transverse degrees of freedom. However, weak random anisotropy may induce a cross-over to Ising behaviour if it is sufficiently strong compared to the magnetic field. In two-dimensional systems with short-range forces, and perhaps in three-dimensional systems as well, the spin-glass transition...