Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 8 million people in the United States and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, hospitalization and death. Diagnosis is usually made with blood and urine tests, and imaging is used primarily to rule out obstruction or determine size. Blood and urine tests are also used to follow disease progression with imaging used only for specific situations. In this ongoing clinical study, we evaluate the feasibility of using microbubble contrast agents to perform contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and develop qualitative and quantitative measures of perfusion in patients with CKD. CEUS imaging may provide information about kidney perfusion that will aid in early diagnosis, disease progression and response to therapy.


Iron loss is traditionally neglected in the dynamic analysis of induction motors. Nowadays, however, with more emphasis on improving efficiency in machines and torque control in variable speed drives, the inclusion of iron loss in the machine model needs to be re-addressed. This paper presents a novel model for use in the design and analysis of 3-phase induction motors that incorporates iron losses as well as rotor parameter variations. Simulation results are confirmed by comparison with the conventional steady-state model, measured steady-state performance and measured dynamic machine performance. The correlation between the measured performance and predicted performance is excellent. The error introduced by neglecting iron loss is also shown.


Economic solution of transmission problems in a new coaxial-carrier system required limitation of excursions of sensitive characteristics from the design center. Basic quality-control techniques were utilized in developing a pattern of distribution requirements for the key characteristics of the critical electronic components. A description of the statistical techniques is presented with several illustrative factory applications.


Hypothesis / aims of study Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urinary incontinence occur together about 60% of the time [1]. It is imperative that patients presenting for one problem are also evaluated for the other. When surgery is done for both incontinence and prolapse concurrently, it is important to note how this concomitant surgery affects surgical outcomes for sling procedures. Our objective was to compare continence and lower urinary tract symptoms after placement of midurethral slings with and without concurrent repair for prolapse. Study design, materials and methods We performed a cohort study of women who underwent midurethral sling (MUS) procedures between April 2002 and October 2005. The exposed group had concurrent repair for prolapse and the unexposed group had MUS only. Medical records were reviewed for patient characteristics, history, physical examination, urodynamic test results and operative reports. Outcomes were assessed from responses to mailed validated questionnaires including the Incontinence Severity Index (ISI) and the Urogenital Distress Inventory-6 (UDI-6), as well as review of the electronic medical record. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival free of any, severe, and stress-specific incontinence. These outcomes were defined as any report of urinary leakage on the followup survey, an ISI score ≥ 6, or leakage associated with activities, respectively. Patients who required repeat surgery for incontinence were counted as having all three outcomes. Associations between incontinence and concurrent repair were evaluated by fitting Cox proportional hazards models. Patients were considered to have lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) at follow-up if they indicated on the UDI-6 that they experience, and if so, are moderately or greatly bothered by frequent urination, urine leakage related to a feeling of urgency, or difficulty emptying the bladder. Associations between the presence of each LUTS and concurrent repair were evaluated by fitting logistic regression models, adjusted for duration of follow-up. Results A total of 285 (90%) of the 317 women who had a MUS between April 2002 and October 2005 completed a postoperative survey. Of these 285 women, 122 (43%) had concurrent repair and 163 (57%) had only MUS. Of the women with concurrent repair, 74 (61%) had anterior or apical prolapse stage 3 or greater, and 30 (25%) had a preoperative diagnosis of occult incontinence. During the follow-up period (median 2.7 years), 93 were noted to have any incontinence, 38 had severe incontinence and 42 had stressspecific incontinence. After 3 years, survival free of any, severe, and stress-specific incontinence between the repair group and MUS only group was similar overall and after adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI) (Figures 1-3 and Table 1). Furthermore, there was no increased risk for any of the incontinence outcomes between the subgroups of women with stage 3 or greater anterior or apical prolapse or with preoperative occult incontinence. The odds ratios for frequent urination, urge urinary incontinence, and difficulty emptying the bladder among those with versus without concurrent repair were 1.48 (p=0.13), 1.04 (p=0.90), and 1.83 (p=0.06) respectively (Table 2). When looking specifically at the group with concurrent repair for advanced prolapse, there was a trend towards increased difficulty emptying the bladder among those with concurrent repair and a significant difference for frequent urination (OR 2.00, p=0.02). Similarly, there was an overall trend for increased risk of requiring urethrolysis among those with repair (OR 4.17, p=0.08), which achieved statistical significance in the group with advanced anterior and apical prolapse (OR 6.12, p=0.03). Figures 1-3: Survival curves for overall outcomes


Dr. Meyers is Director of the Meyers Clinic in Los Angeles, a community psychiatric service handling large numbers of cases referred by the courts and Probation Department. He has been a member of the Psychiatrists' Panel of the Criminal Division of the Superior Courts of Los Angeles since 1946. In addition to the M.D. degree, Dr. Meyers holds the Ph.D. degree in Psychology and is a member of the California and American Medical Associations, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the Medical Correctional Association, and the International Society of Criminology. He has served as consultant to the Los Angeles Municipal Courts and was formerly Professor of Psychiatry at the College of Osteopathic Psysicians and Surgeons, now the California College of Medicine. Prior to the M.D.-D.O. merger in California, Dr. Meyers was Chairman of the Advisory Board for Osteopathic Specialists of the American Osteopathic Association. The following article is a companion to one entitled "The Psychiatric Examination," which appeared in Volume 54 of this Journal at page 431, in 1963. Observing that the psychiatrist's opinion in a case involving a charge of sexual psychopathy is of utmost importance to both the defendant and society, Dr. Meyers discusses the problems presented in an attempt to make a diagnosis and the procedures he considers most fruitful in examining the individual suspected of being a sexual psychopath.-EDITOR.


Summary A Roman male statue from the time of the Republic. In the course of excavations organized by La Societa delle Cartiere Tiburtine in the founda‐tions of the so‐called Temple of Hercules at Tivoli, there was discovered some years ago, in a parti‐ally fragmentary condition, a Roman male statue, which now stands in the Museo Nazionale in Rome (fig. 1). To judge from the support (in the form of armour), the mantle, and the heroic style in which the statue is presented, it would appear to be the portrait of a Roman commander, manifestly con‐nected in some way or other with the procincial town of Tibur. So far the statue has not been very closely studied, but a brief account of it has been published, inter alia, by L. Curtius (Die Antike VII, 1931), who dates it about 100 B. C.; moreover, J. Sieveking has included it in Winckelmann's Pro‐gramm der arch. Gesellschaft zu Berlin, 1931, p. 30, amongst a group of portraits from the time of Tra‐jan. The design of the armour, however (Figs. 2 & 3), which is Hel...


Packaging bag body of the fitting sphere attachment, in the possible fitting sphere fitting together with the male part and the female part, with the joint portion of the front end are joined the male side and a female non-opening side flange portion of the end side, of the joint minutes flange portion has a protrusion-like materials between, and at least the thickness of the joint 10㎛ 100㎛ or less, the thickness of the material of the projection is less than 200㎛ 2㎜, also the thickness of the joint portion is thinner than the thickness of the flange portion, the thickness of the material of the projections is a packaging bag body and a fitting sphere fitting sphere and fusing the fitting sphere in the packaging bag body, the formed for attachment, characterized in that thicker than the thickness of the flange portion.


Aim. To investigate the relation of different genotypes and alleles of PAI-1 gene with the course of coronary artery disease. Methods. We observed 80 patients with coronary artery disease (51 males and 29 females) aged 39 to 65 years living in the city of Baku. Genotyping of a polymorphic marker 4G(-675)5G was performed by means of polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length analysis. Genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from venous blood leukocytes. To determine the frequency distribution of genotypes and alleles of PAI-1 in ischemic heart disease all patients were divided into 6 groups depending on the course of the disease and its outcomes. Results. In the population of Baku genotype 44 of PAI-1 gene is significantly more common in people with coronary artery disease compared to individuals without coronary artery disease and is a risk factor for this disease. Genotype 55 of PAI-1 gene is more common in people without coronary artery disease and thus is a protective genotype against this disease. Allele 4 of PAI-1 was statistically more frequently recorded in patients with ischemic heart disease, and allele 5 was significantly more frequently observed in patients without this pathology. Therefore, allele 4 is a risk factor for the occurrence of coronary heart disease and allele 5 is protective against this disease. Alleles 5 and 4 are not associated with the course and outcomes of ischemic heart disease. Conclusion. According to the results of the study on the population of Baku, genotype 44 of PAI-1 gene is a risk factor of ischemic heart disease, genotype 55 of PAI-1 gene is protective against this pathology, allele 4 is characteristic for people with coronary artery disease (a risk factor), allele 5 is characteristic for people without it (protective role) whereas the named genotypes of PAI-1 are not connected to the course and outcomes of this disease.


We present a flexible framework for empowering mobile access to Internet content. It utilizes Internet Content Adaptation Protocol (ICAP) as a common communication platform for improving performance and reducing latency. ICAP is an open protocol and extends a caching server to provide value-added services at the edge of the network. Our adaptation framework provides higher scalability, reliability and performance for content adaptation and enables efficient caching for transcoded content. Comparison of the adaptation results generated by our system is presented.


As a case of women`s reading and writing, I focused in a literary life of Sin-Sodang(申蕭堂), who had contributed to several newspapers six times in 1898 to 1909. She was an active woman who eagerly participated with the Patriotic Enlightenment Movement in 1905~1910, leading women`s organizations such as Jinmyeong-buinbye(진명부인회) and establishing a school. Looking into her genealogy, I found a few important information about her private life. She was born in 1853 or 1869 and died in 1930. She was a second wife of the upper class statesman and had four sons. I doubt she had been a concubine before her marriage. Her contribution on November 5, 1898 in Jeguk-sinmum(제국신문) was the first that women`s writing was published in a readers column in modern newspapers. In that contribution, Sin-Sodang announced her opinion about political affairs, when the late Choseon Dynasty was like a chaos politically at that time. The six contributions to newspapers seemed to be her another practice of the Patriotic Enlightenment Movement. It was an important event in women`s literary history that women readers like Sin-Sodang had begun announcing their opinion in public by readers columns in the 1900s.


In Japan, it is very important for structures to maintain their stability against earthquakes.This reports discusses result of a vibration test on the dynamic behavior of the embankments reinforced by geotextiles, and for their mechanism of dynamic displacement and failure.According to the results, sections of the embankments reinforced by the geotextile did not fail internally by dynamic loading.The longer the length of reinforcement, the smaller displacement.The smaller displacement was observed when the light weight block was used for the embankment slopes.


The National Marine Fisheries Service's Alaska Fisheries Science Center uses the NOAA Technical Memorandum series to issue informal scientific and technical publications when complete formal review and editorial processing are not appropriate or feasible. Documents within this series reflect sound professional work and may be referenced in the formal scientific and technical literature. Public Law 103-238 was enacted allowing significant changes to provisions within the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Interactions between marine mammals and commercial fisheries are addressed under three new Sections. This new regime replaced the interim exemption that has regulated fisheries-related incidental takes since 1988. Section 117, Stock Assessments, required the establishment of three regional scientific review groups to advise and report on the status of marine mammal stocks within Alaskan waters, along the Pacific Coast (including Hawaii), and the Atlantic Coast (including the Gulf of Mexico). This report provides information on the marine mammal stocks of Alaska under the jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Each stock assessment includes a description of the stock's geographic range, a minimum population estimate, current population trends, current and maximum net productivity rates, optimum sustainable population levels and allowable removal levels, and estimates of annual human-caused mortality and serious injury through interactions with commercial fisheries and subsistence hunters. Under the new regime, these data will be used to evaluate the progress of each fishery towards achieving its goal of zero mortality and serious injury. This is a working document. Each stock assessment report is designed to stand alone and will be updated as new information becomes available. The authors wish to solicit any new data or comments that would serve to improve future stock assessment reports.


This two-part document summarizes and analyzes the implications of a national study of adult literacy in Canada that included home interviews with a rei7resentative sample of 13,571 Canadians between the ages of 16 and 69. Part 1 summarizes the study's objectives, methodology, and findings. Among the main findings are the following: (1) 16% of adult Canadians have reading skill limitations that prevent them from facing most of the demands encountered daily; (2) most functionally illiterate Canadians are either persons with limited school attainment or first-generation immigrants; (3) 22% of those surveyed are able to understand simple, well-organized text; and (4) 62% (.! the 22% of Canadians capable of understanding simple texts have had at least some secondary education. The bibliography contains 18 references. Appended are discussions of the study methodology and interview questions. Part 2 contains the following examinations of the study's findings/implications: "An International Review of the Concepts, Definitions and Measurement Approaches Underlying Literacy Statistics" (Satin); "Literacy and International Competitiveness: The Relevance of Canada's Survey" (Hirsch); "Implications for Adult Education" (Morrison); "Literacy and Health in Canada: Contribution of the Survey of the LSUDA (Literacy Skills Used in Daily Activities)" (Rootman); "Literacy and Old Age in Canada: The Results -f the LSUDA Survey" (Ross); "Functional Illiteracy: Economic Costs and Labour Market Implications" (O'Neill, Sharpe); "Workplace Literacy: The Results of the LSUDA Survey" (Hawrysh); "Literacy for Workers: A Labour. Perspective on Basic Skills" (MacLeod); "Gender, Nativity, and Literacy: Proficiency and Training Issues" (Boyd); and "Literacy Programming and the Survey of Literacy Skills Used in Daily Activities" (Jones). Sixty-two tables/figures are included. (MN)


A reaction between solids and liquids and/or gases is conducted in the liquid phase in a reactor A full of liquid wherein the reactor is divided by means of screening plates X with perforations of such a size that at any given speed of gas stream, gas-buffers are formed underneath the screening plates, resulting in the liquid being impeded in its path from the solid/liquid inleg g through the reactor, maintaining a uniformly distributed solid in the reaction space. An inert gas or an inert liquid may be used to provide the liquid/gas buffer in reactions in which the phase would normally be absent. A solution of iron pentacarbonyl in petroleum, free from iron particles, can be produced by circulating carbon monoxide through the reactor with finely divided iron suspended in petroleum.ALSO: Aluminium is reacted with olefins and hydrogen to produce aluminium trialkyls, the reaction being conducted in the liquid phase in a reactor (A) full of liquid wherein the reactor is divided by means of screening plates (X) having perforations of such a size that at any given speed of gas stream, gas-buffers are formed underneath the screening plates, resulting in the liquid being impeded in its path from the solid/liquid inlet (g) through the reactor and maintaining a uniformly distributed solid in the reaction space. An inert gas or an inert liquid may be used to provide the liquid/gas buffer in reactions in which the liquid phase would normally be absent. Exemplified products are aluminium tri-isohexyl, aluminium triethyl, aluminium di-ethyl hydride. In Example (4) finely divided magnesium in di-isobutyl ether is reacted with bromobenzene to yield phenyl magnesium bromide.


e19204 Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is used in high doses for the treatment of ALL, lymphoma, and metastatic breast cancer with CNS involvement. To avoid drug accumulation and mitigate toxicities caused by delayed clearance, patients (pts) are usually admitted to the hospital and standard supportive care with IV hydration, urinary alkalization, and leucovorin is provided and adjusted based on daily levels. Historically, a serum methotrexate level ≤ 0.05 µmol/L has been used to declare clearance and an ideal level for discharge based on studies conducted in the 1970s. We conducted a retrospective review in 2018 to identify frequency of supportive dose escalations required with MTX levels > 0.05 µmol/L. In 69 pts, 4 patients demonstrated delayed renal clearance and required supportive care escalations but all occurred at MTX levels > 0.3 µmol/L. This led to a proposed pilot discharge process once MTX was < 0.3 µmol/L to confirm the safety of earlier discharge. Methods: A retrospective chart review of pts with baseline CrCl ≥60 who received HD MTX between 07/2018 – 08/2019. Data collection included diagnosis, MTX discharge level, supportive care at discharge including PO Leucovorin and PO sodium bicarbonate and number of days supply, post-discharge complications (AKI, mucositis, fever, others). Primary outcome was the number of patients who required inpatient or outpatient supportive care for acute complications after being discharged with a methotrexate level ≥ 0.1 µmol/L. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: A total of 41 pts were included. Median age was 55 yrs (32-78), 25% were male. 73% were treated for DLBCL, median dose of MTX was 3500 mg/m2. Median MTX level at the time of discharge was 0.16 µmol/L (0.1-0.3 µmol/L). 12 pts were discharged with PO Leucovorin and 15 pts were discharged with both Leucovorin and PO Sodium bicarbonate with an average of 2 day's supply. 1 acute complication of neutropenic fever requiring admission for inpatient antibiotics occurred which was felt to be unrelated to MTX level at discharge. Conclusions: This pilot suggests that pts can be safely discharged with MTX levels upto 0.3 µmol/L without acute complications. Results of this study will be used to a develop a standardized protocol outlining criteria for early discharge in select pts with MTX levels < 0.3 µmol/L to reduce length of stay, cost of hospitalization and improve patient satisfaction. [Table: see text]


The study covered 6 sites located in the Vistula glaciation area in north-western Poland, where the Holocene calcareous (gyttja) deposits occur. Three types of such calcareous deposits were isolated: marly (groundwater calcretes) (CaCO3 > 80%, loss of ignition < 20%, non-carbonate fractions < 20%), calcareous gyttja (CaCO3 50–80%, loss of ignition < 40%, non-carbonate fractions < 40%), and clay calcareous gyttja (CaCO3 20–50%, loss of ignition < 30%, non-carbonate fractions < 60%). The content of major and trace elements was determined in different horizons. Several parameters of Holocene calcareous deposits were determined, namely carbonate status, total organic carbon, non-carbonate mineral fractions and several major and minor components. Close correlations between CaCO3 and Ca, Mg contents, between non-carbonate fraction and K, Zn and Cu contents, as well as between ignition loss and Zn and Cu contents were observed in the sediments. The sediments exhibit vertical variability which relates to the genesis of sediments and soils. The highest content of macroelements was recorded in the uppermost layers for Ca, Mg, Na, and Mn and for microelements (trace elements) in bottom layers for S, P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, Pb, and Ni.


Managing customer relationships electronically has become one of the most crucial activities organizations are undertaking so as to remain competitive in business. This is more critical, especially for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that have limited resources compared to large corporations. However, many Electronic Customer Relationship Management (e-CRM) information systems have failed to achieve their objectives due to adoption problems. This is partly attributed to the lack of appropriate e-CRM adoption frameworks. A few frameworks that exist are too broad and general to cater for the unique adoption requirements of developing countries such as poor regulations, poor and/or lack of internet connectivity, and poor infrastructure including software and hardware. This study developed a framework for the adoption of e-CRM information systems in developing countries. A cross-sectional research approach involving design science and survey research methods were used. Primary data were gathered from SMEs located in 30 districts of Uganda. A self-administered questionnaire was the main data collection tool. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data and refine the requirements for adoption of e-CRM information systems. The key findings from the study indicate that for successful adoptions of e-CRM information systems, there should be user sensitization, training and well established infrastructure. The findings also indicate that there is a need for e-CRM Policy in addition to establishment of organizational websites on which the system should run. Management support and establishment of adequate data security measures were also highlighted as key factors. The most important features of e-CRM information systems were identified as the ability to ensure customer privacy, presence of a Frequently Asked Questions tool, and high speed. In addition, the findings revealed that e-CRM information systems should provide quick ordering services and have bulletin boards. The above requirements were merged with those from empirically tested adoption theories and/or frameworks to develop the e-CRM framework. The physical structure of the framework was borrowed from the Technological Organizational Environment and Management adoption theory. Four contracts of Technological Organizational Environment and Management (TOEM) adoption theory, from which the four constructs of Technological, Organizational, Management and Environmental factors were expounded and incorporated into the new e-CRM framework.


The state of the oil-paper insulation is a key factor for assuring a reliable operation of power transformers. Recovery voltage measurement is one of the methods utilized to estimate the polarization spectrum. Analysis of the polarization spectrum is used to evaluate the condition of the insulation with respect to moisture content and aging. In this paper, the elements which represent a polarization process are determined from recovery voltage measurement test results by using a new method based on genetic algorithm. The method was successfully tested on a simple circuit and then applied to two power transformers located in hydropower plants.


This paper presents the design criterion and evaluation of a new package system designed to ship fresh strawberries and raspberries. the study describes the evaluation of the new package systems for pre-cooling after field picking. in addition data is presented describing damage to berries in the form of bruising and cutting owing to vibration in shipment. the paper compares this new concept to the traditional polyethylene injection moulded baskets used in the usa for the past 30 years.


The accounting for employee stock options has long been a subject of debate among executives, regulators, and standard-setters. The accounting standard passed by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in 2004 allows for more creative design of these types of options. In this case, students learn about employee stock options with service, performance, and market conditions. They also learn how to value options with these conditions, and how to report them on company income statements under the new accounting guidance.


Results of selected experimental work on the biomineralization of gold are reviewed against the background of historical accounts. The intrinsic ability of certain plants, and of micro-organisms in particular, to bind metals, functions in diverse ways to dissolve, immobilize, transport, or precipitate gold under a wide range of geological conditions. In exceptional cases, ore deposits may be formed, examples of which may be the phenomenal concentrations of gold in the Witwatersrand paleoplacers of South Africa. These deposits originated on early Earth under atmospheric conditions which may have promoted microbial activity in a continental setting more efficiently and on a larger scale than at present. A complication is that bacterioform gold in mineral deposits may be imitated in every detail by inorganic processes. However, there is now compelling evidence that microorganisms play key roles in influencing the geochemical behaviour of gold, and effecting its precipitation. This is provided by the results of laboratory experiments designed to simulate natural occurrences of gold, and to examine the metal absorption, gold-binding affinities and properties of specific microbes.

 Resume

 Le present article passe en revue les resultats de certaines experiences dans le domaine de la bio-mineralisation aurifere et considere leur applicabilite aux vues des donnees historiques de gisements connus. La capacite de certaines plantes et de certains microorganismes en particulier, de mobiliser des ions metalliques peut expliquer la dissolution, l'immobilisation, le transport ou la precipitation de l'or sous une grande diversite de parametres geologiques. Et, dans certaines conditions particulieres, des gisements mineraux peuvent ainsi se constituer; l'extraordinaire concentration d'or du gisement de Witwatersrand en Afrique du Sud pourrait bien en etre un exemple. Ces gisements se sont constitues au debut de l'histoire de la Terre, dans des conditions atmospheriques qui pourraient avoir favorise une activite microbienne continentale plus efficace et sur une plus grande echelle que dans les conditions actuelles. Cependant, les formes bacteriogeniques auriferes peuvent etre imitees dans leurs caracteres les plus fins par sa contrepartie inorganique ce qui en complique d'autant l'identification. Il demeure cependant qu'on a maintenant des indications convaincantes de l'importance cle du role des microorganismes sur la precipitation et le comportement geochimique de l'or. Ces indications nous viennent de resultats d'experience en laboratoires visant a simuler les formes naturelles des mineralisations auriferes et a etudier les phenomenes de l'absorption des metaux, les affinites de l'or et les caracteristiques de microbes particuliers.


Research has been undertaken to investigate the use of artificial neural network (ANN) techniques to improve the performance of a low bit-rate vector transform coder. Considerable improvements in the perceptual quality of the coded speech have been obtained. New ANN-based methods for vector quantiser (VQ) design and for the adaptive updating of VQ code book are introduced for use in speech coding applications.


This paper describes a method for estimating and correcting for errors that are induced by the grid. Since grid-induced errors can be generated at one location and then transported elsewhere, the method is based on the discrete-error-transport equation (DETE), which can track the generation and the evolution of grid-induced errors. This paper also presents two models for estimating where grid-induced errors are generated. One model generates the residual entirely from the CFD solution for which an error estimation and correction are sought. The other model generates the residual from several CFD solutions of the same problem generated on several different grids.


The laboratory tests are described which were conducted on new and damaged bearings to determine the feasibility of using high-frequency vibration as a diagnostic tool. A high-frequency band pass filter and demodulator was assembled to permit field measurements of the high-frequency vibrations. Field tests were conducted on an actual truck and on an axle assembly run in a grease test rig. These field tests were directed toward demonstration of the suitability and capabilities of the high-frequency technique for field application. Two specific areas of field application were identified as being cost effective for railroad use. One area is the examination of railroad roller bearings at a derailment site, and the second is as a wayside detector to supplement present hot box detectors for defective roller bearings. (Author)


A new fluorescence quenching method for rapid determination of trace copper ions in natural water is developed based on the fluorescence quenched of 2-salicyloylhydrazone propionic acid(SHPA) by Cu2+.The experimental results showed that the linear relationship between the fluorescence quenching effect of SHPA and the concentration of Cu2+ is good in neutral aqueous solution.The correlation coefficient(r) and the linear range are 0.997 4 and(0.7-9.3) μmol/L respectively with the detection limit of 0.36 μmol/L.The method has been applied to determination of Cu2+ in the simulated natural water samples with 2.41% RSD.


At the beginning of 2010,International Maritime Organization (IMO) has completed the comprehensive review to STCW 78/95 which last 5 years. The final draft of the amendments to STCW 78/95 has been adopted by the Diplomatic Conference in Manila in June 2010. The paper introduces several major amendments to the Convention,which would affect the implementation of the industries as well as administration as whole. Based on the analysis,suggestions to implementation to the revised Convention in 2010 have been raised accordingly.


A supply-side voltage source rectifier(VSR) in doubly-fed induction generating(DFIG) system is designed based on the operation characters of the DFIG.The mathematic model of the VSR is analyzed and decoupled control,feed-forward control and the dual-close-loop control are adapted in the system.The theory analyses and experimental results show that the designed VSR with dual-close-loop can restrain fluctuant DC voltage effectively and it has excel-lent steady-state and dynamic performance.


Abstract Mobile robot control education is a motivating subject due to the practical work that it involves. For this reason it is very important the platform chosen for the laboratory activities with the students. This work will present different activities based on Lego NXT developed for teaching Control Engineering. The Lego tools have been used for the last 5 years for the practical works of "Mecatronica", a course of the last year of Computer Science Faculty of the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain). The tasks that the students must do during this course deal with system identification, dynamic control of the robot's wheels, kinematic control of the mobile robot, path generation etc. At the end of the Mecatronica course, the students must fill an opinion poll about the work of the course, the tools used, etc. The paper will also describe the student's opinions, and they will verify that the Lego NXT is a very interesting and motivating tool. In addition, it is a very good platform for promoting the team work due to its multidisciplinary nature


Chemical dependency among adolescents continues to present significant challenges to helping professionals. This article discusses the variety of approaches used to treat chemical dependency. An adolescent program that integrates the strengths of different perspectives and techniques is described.


Competent professional consultants can have a role in the development of programs for both government and private agencies. They can efficiently supplement an engineering staff, contribute new ideas and do so, when properly administered, in an economical and efficient manner. However, it takes good management by both consultant and client to consistently achieve quality results. Among the factors to consider are: preparing the scope of work in sufficient detail to insure that all consultants do indeed propose the same project, preparing adequate proposals which will take into account all overhead (e.g. the cost of preparing the proposal itself, liability insurance), and whether or not to use competitive bidding. (Some projects with a very clearly defined scope lend themselves to it, but most should employ the cost plus net fixed fee approach to avoid compromise in quality).


In this study, we synthesised a photo-alignment material of PM4Ch(poly(4-methacrylylloxy chalcone)). The electro-optical (EO) characteristics of photo-aligned twisted nematic (TN)-liquid crystal display (LCD) with linearly polarized ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation on PM4Ch surface were investigated. We had the uniform alignment of NLC with polarized UV light irradiation on PM4Ch surface was achieved. The reduction DC voltage of photo-aligned TN-LCD on PM4Ch surfaces were obtained. Also, the fast response time of photo-aligned TN-LCD on PM4Ch surfaces was achieved. The reduction DC voltage of photo-aligned TN-LCD decrease with increasing the UV light irradiation time on PM4Ch surface.


The Chinese tradition lunar New Year's painting is the beginning of folk art. It has a history for more than 2000 years. The creator is the working people. And it has the richest mass as its base. The expression fits for the culture of New Year and it expresses people's love and hope for better life. It mainly adapted historical stories and operas. So it serves for multi-functions. And it spreads the knowledge of history and functions as moral educator because it is the reading material for folk people. Lunar New Year's painting's beautiful image and wonderful color promote populace's esthetic formation,disseminate the esthetic thought and it has formed its unique modeling color view.


Even more the needs of efficiency and productivity are required in industrial processes. Medium and high voltage inverter topologies are used in high scale industrial processes to achieve these goals. This work presents two variants of a modified hybrid symmetrical multilevel inverter topology based in [8] using Half Bridge commutation cells, proper to use in medium voltage levels. These topologies are able to create a 7-level phase-voltage waveform and a 13-level line-voltage waveform. A reduction in the number of switches and isolated sources is achieved when compared to traditional multilevel topologies, specially the cascaded topologies. A low power prototype was assembled using a programmable device (FPGA) and a modular platform developed to test new topologies.


Iron deficiency and excess are worldwide public health problems. Studies suggest that carbohydrates such as fructose, and oligo-and polysaccharides (prebiotics), increase iron bioavailability, but results are inconclusive. There is also interest in whether iron and fructose contribute to the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Intake of sugars has increased in the past three decades, as has the prevalence and incidence of HCC and AFLD, while CRC remains one of the top three occurring malignancies in the developed world, making these questions particularly relevant at this time. The aims of this thesis were to study iron-carbohydrate effects on: non-haem iron bioavailability, and on the expression of genes and proteins related to CRC, HCC and NAFLD. The principal carbohydrates investigated were fructose, the related sweetener high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), and fructo- and galacto-oligosaccharide prebiotics (FOS&GOS, respectively).

It was hypothesised that fructose, HFCS, and FOS&GOS would increase non-haem iron bioavailability, and that iron and fructose would alter expression of genes and proteins related to the pathogenesis of CRC, HCC and NAFLD.

Two human in vitro cell lines were used to investigate these questions: Caco-2 and HepG2 cells, models of the small intestine and liver, respectively. The Caco-2 in vitro digestion model was used to examine fructose, HFCS, and FOS&GOS effects on iron bioavailability with ferritin formation as a surrogate marker for iron uptake. Ferritin formation was also utilised to assess iron uptake in HepG2 cells. Expression of iron homeostasis proteins was analysed by Western Blot and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to explore biological mechanisms underlying observed effects on iron bioavailability. Lastly, Caco-2 and HepG2 cells were treated with iron and fructose, and the effects on selected genes and proteins involved in CRC, HCC and NAFLD development were evaluated through microarray, PCR and Western Blot analysis.

Results indicated that fructose in a water-based matrix with added ferric iron (FeCl3) significantly increased ferritin formation in Caco-2 and HepG2 cells by 40 and 35 %, respectively, in comparison with iron alone treated cells; this effect was negated in the Caco-2 cell line by phytates and polyphenols at 1:5 and 1:1 iron:inhibitor molar ratios, respectively. Fructose treatment alone did not significantly increase ferritin formation in either cell line. Fructose combined with FeCl3 in a pH 7 water-based matrix significantly increased ferrozine-chelatable ferrous iron levels by 320 % in comparison with FeCl3 alone. Two liquid ferrous iron supplements with added fructose had significantly higher ferritin compared with dissolved ferrous sulphate tablets; Spatone Appleâ, the supplement that had the highest fructose to iron molar ratio (62:1), had the highest iron bioavailability with ferritin levels 610 % higher compared with ferrous sulphate alone, although it is important to note that it also had the highest concentration of ascorbic acid. Fructose added to ascorbic acid and FeCl3 in a water-based matrix had an additive effect on ferritin formation in Caco-2 cells, significantly increasing ferritin two-fold compared with FeCl3 and ascorbic acid alone. A high-fructose containing sweet potato (SP) infant complementary food with 240 % more fructose compared with a low fructose SP food had significantly higher ferritin levels by 30 %, but ferritin was still relatively low compared to a commercial weaning food (50 % less), possibly secondary to high levels of phytates and polyphenols in the SP-based foods. Lastly, a mixture of exogenous FOSG increased HepG2 mRNA expression of cell cycle related genes, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin D2, and the proto-oncogene Skp2; decreased mRNA expression of HNF4A, a key liver transcription factor, but with increased HNF4A protein expression; increased HepG2 mRNA and protein expression of the "cancer chaperone" Heat Shock Protein 90; and significantly decreased mRNA expression of the tumour suppressor gene APC by 1.3 fold in iron alone treated Caco-2 cells.

In conclusion, fructose, HFCS, and a mixture of prebiotics increased iron bioavailability as assessed by ferritin formation in an in vitro intestinal cell model. The observed effects were negated by phyates and polyphenols in a water-based matrix, and also in a complex food matrix (sweet potato-based) containing high levels of these inhibitors, indicating that these carbohydrates would not increase gut iron uptake when eaten as part of a mixed diet containing polyphenols and phytates. Iron/mineral supplements with added fructose and ascorbic acid in a water-based matrix were associated with higher available iron in comparison with ferrous sulphate alone; fructose had an additive effect with ascorbic acid suggesting that iron supplement bioavailability could be improved with the addition of fructose. In a milk-based food matrix added prebiotics FOS&GOS significantly improved available iron suggesting that a mixture of FOS&GOS prebiotics could improve the nutritional benefits of YCF in relation to iron deficiency. Fructose added to iron solutions also increased ferritin in an in vitro hepatocyte cell model. Fructose-induced ferritin increases did not appear to be secondary to altered expression of iron homeostasis molecules, but rather to changed iron oxidation state to the more bioavailable ferrous form. Changes observed in genes and proteins associated with CRC, HCC and NAFLD with iron and fructose treatments related to multiple pathways implicated in these diseases, and require further study. All of the above were obtained in vitro, therefore in vivo confirmation of these findings is required for further evaluation of their impact on human health and disease.


We consider the direct limit and inverse limit of operator spaces, and use it to define the infinite Haagerup tensor product of operator spaces. It is shown that the definition of infinite Haagerup tensor product of Hilbert colunm spaces is compatible with that of infinite tensor product of Hilbert spaces.


The complex microbial system constructed through acclimatization that degrading cellulose and lindane was added into compost. Then the influences of microbial inoculation treatment on the change of microflora and the substance conversion efficiency of compost in compost process were discussed. The results indicated that the degradation of inoculated complex microbes on cellulose and lindane mainly occurred in high-temperature anaphase of compost; this complex microbial system had obvious promoting effect on degradation of cellulose,hemicellulose and lindane. The total bacteria of microbial inoculation treatment were obviously more than that of CK and different treatments had different influences on the quantities of fungi and actinomycetes.


Context. The SLAM problem solving for an autonomous mobile robot requires efficient technical means for surrounding terrain scanning with the purpose of its mapping and obstacles detecting. As such means, laser scanning systems are widely used both independently and in combination with other tools as a part of a uniform technical vision system of a mobile robot. One of the problems with a technical vision systems operation is the ability to detect relatively small obstacles, which requires scanning of a limited sector within the field of view or even focusing on a specific point of space. This study is devoted to the issue of improving the reliability of obstacles detecting within the robot field of view by improving the laser actuator of the technical vision system. Objective. The objective of the work is to the reliability increasing of obstacles detection within the robot technical vision system field of view due to the robust control of the actuators of the positioning system of the laser. Method. The classical PD-controller for the laser positioning actuator, which meets the requirements for the quality of the transient process, has been synthesized. The evaluation of robust properties of the obtained control system showed both a significant dependence of the actuator dynamic properties on the variation of the values of the actuator model parameters and the potential possibility of its time response increasing. With the help of the MATLAB Robust Control Toolbox, the controller gains have been redefined to ensure the robust properties of the control system. The analysis of the influence of parametric uncertainties of the actuator model on the system dynamic properties is conducted. Results. A robust PD-controller for the laser beam positioning system actuator for the technical vision system has been synthesized. It combines the simplicity of the implementation of a classic controller with a weak sensitivity to the uncertainties presence. Conclusions. The using of the controller at the mobile robot laser technical vision system will increase the reliability of obstacle detection and, as a result, the accuracy of mapping of a limited sector within the robot field of view under the conditions of the parametric uncertainty of the actuator model.


Among the forms of mental pathology that are found in childhood, a special place is occupied by mental retardation, which makes a significant contribution to the rates of morbidity and disability. In order to establish the patterns of the clinical-phenomenological structure and age-specific course of the disease in adolescence with mild mental retardation, on the basis of the Kryvyi Rih neuropsychiatric dispensary, a two-stage clinical-epidemiological, clinical-psychopathological and psychodiagnostic study of 154 people born in 2003—2008 with mild mental disorders was carried out. According to the results of the study, it was found that the presence of mental retardation in most cases was diagnosed in the period of 7—10 years (29.8 % of cases), and in almost a third of all examined (29 %) this diagnosis was combined with concomitant psychiatric, neurological or somatic pathology, which just led to a deterioration in the general course of the disease. In 63 % cases there was a burdened family history, in 81 % — obstetric. In addition, a direct correlation (r = 0.498) was found between the level of development of social skills and the preservation of the intellectual level. Thus, it is possible to identify risk factors for the occurrence of mild mental retardation: male sex, family history (primarily addiction states), parents' age over 30, their low educational level, pathological period of pregnancy and delayed psychomotor development in the first year of life. The level of social adaptation of patients depends on the depth of the intellectual deficit, long-term treatment and rehabilitation interventions, psycho-educational activities for parents and relatives, the organization of assistance in finding a job and medical support can increase the level of social adaptation of this contingent.


The United States Army (USA) under the auspices of the Medical Research and Material Command (USAMRMC) and the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) sponsored several major efforts to develop an effective medical countermeasure against botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT). This review focuses on the U.S. Army's research and development efforts for a BoNT therapeutic over the period from 1975–2007. Two antitoxin preparations: Human botulism immunoglobulin (BIG) and Botulism Immune Globulin F(ab')2 Heptavalent Equine (BIGHE) were administered to humans and shown to possess acceptable efficacy and safety levels. BIGHE was deployed in Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield. BoNT/A monoclonal antibodies were developed and are currently undergoing clinical evaluation with funding from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID). The development of small molecules for the treatment of BoNT has also been supported. Efforts have focused on molecules to inhibit nearly every aspect of BoNT pathogenesis. This would include toxin binding, translocation, catalytic activity, and recovery following intoxication. Several compounds capable of inhibiting toxin activity or mitigating the severity of paralysis have been identified. To date, none of the compounds possess the appropriate properties (safety, efficacy, solubility) to be considered for clinical studies. Drug Dev Res 70:266–278, 2009. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


A kinetic spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric method for the determination of trace formaldehyde has been proposed for formaldehyde can catalyze the decoloring reaction of KClO_(3) and butyl rhodamine B in sulfuric acid. The linear ranges are 0.02~0.27 μg/mL and 0.01~2.45 μg/mL and the detection limits are 1.2×10~(-8)g/mL and 3.8×10~(-9)g/mL, respectively. The procedure has been used to determine formaldehyde content in lake water, beverages and painting.


Private information retrieval (PIR) allows a user to download one of K messages from N databases without revealing to any database which of the K messages is being downloaded. In general, the databases can be storage constrained where each database can only store up to µKL bits where $\frac{1}{N} \leq \mu \leq 1$ and L is the size of each message in bits. Let t = µN, a recent work showed that the capacity of Storage Constrained PIR (SC-PIR) is ${\left( {1 + \frac{1}{t} + \frac{1}{{{t^2}}} + \cdots + \frac{1}{{{t^{K - 1}}}}} \right)^{ - 1}}$, which is achieved by a storage placement scheme inspired by the content placement scheme in the literature of coded caching and the original PIR scheme. Not surprisingly, this achievable scheme requires that each message isbits in length, which can be impractical. In this paper, without trying to make the connection between SC-PIR and coded caching problems, based on a general connection between the Full Storage PIR (FS-PIR) problem (µ = 1) and SC-PIR problem, we propose a new SC-PIR design idea using novel storage placement schemes. The proposed schemes significantly reduce the message size requirement while still meeting the capacity of SC-PIR. In particular, the proposed SC-PIR schemes require the size of each file to be only L = NtK−1 compared to the state-of-the-art $L = \binom {N} {t} {t^K}$.


Differential cross sections obtained for the momentum range 7 to 17 Bev/ c and the 4-momentum-transfer squared range of 0.2 to 0.1 (Bev/c)/sup 2/ failed to show the shrinkage with increasing center-of-mass energy squared that was predicted by Regge-pole theory. Similar results were previously obtained for pi /sup -/-p scattering, while shrinkage was observed in p-p cross sections. These results contradict the dominance of the vacuum pole or three-pole models. (D.C.W.)


Service learning has evolved as a primary experience-based curriculum for undergraduate students. But much of what universities put forward as service learning is not a genuine engagement with community partners to help advance meaningful social change to address social problems. In this paper, we outline our preliminary attempt to do just that—what we call The Bridge Model. The discussion that follows occurs in the context of a semester-long project between undergraduate students at a Midwestern University (MU) and incarcerated participants from the university's prison education program. First, we briefly situate the partnership in terms of its theoretical background in experiential learning and focus on critical service learning. Second, we explain the nature of our collaboration in terms of its aims and framework. Third, we position our Bridge model as a helpful alternative on a continuum with another prominent form of alliance—the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program. Fourth, we provide project samples that typify our model. Fifth, we outline the value of our approach to service learning using data derived from student reflection papers and lay out some of the challenges we faced in the project's implementation. Finally, we contemplate the road ahead.


Over the last years, with the increasing use of telemetry techniques, the extraction of data from video games became a much easier and reliable task. Among many types of video games, MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) are one of the most widely played and, consequently, the analysis of game events has received attention of players, spectators, coaches and analysts to assess the performance of players. This data can range from players' position, to more specific events, such as, the position of a player's death. Our main goal is to get a better understanding of which techniques are more adequate to handle the visualization of this type of spatio-temporal information data, associated to player performance analysis in video games. This paper addresses this problem presenting a user study to evaluate the adequacy of animated maps and the analytical strategies followed by players when using spatio-temporal data to analyse player performance. To support the user study, we developed the VisuaLeague prototype for the visualization of in-game player trajectories and events during a match in the MOBA game League of Legends. The results support the adequacy of using the animated maps technique to convey information to users in this context. Moreover, they also point out towards a high degree of importance given to the spatio-temporal components of the data for player performance analysis.


This article describes the state-of-the-art and preliminary Electromagnetic (EM) simulations related to the design of a contact lens for health monitoring of cattle or other animals. This project is part of the SFI center Vistamilk as part of the work program associated with the "Cow cluster" which is focused on research in the Dairy industry sector. In this article, we propose to use NFC (Near-Field Communication) technology to be integrated in a contact lens to measure biomarkers in the tear fluid of a cow's eye for health monitoring. The feasibility of such an approach is described and documented. The EM simulations described show that the design of a contact lens for cows, with integrated sensing capability, is feasible and will inform future research in this area in the implementation of such a system.


Former BBC reporter Michael Cole takes issue with the corporation for allowing the partially paralyzed correspondent Frank Gardner to report from Afghanistan. Gardner, who is dependent on a wheelchair after being shot in Saudi Arabia in 2004, would have been incapable of protecting himself if the Taliban had attacked. Cole writes: "Gardner is clearly a very brave man. But it is crazy, beyond irresponsibility, for the BBC to put a man who is partially paralyzed into the line of fire."


Mobile communication terminal comprising a plurality of lights, means for controlling the activation of the lights, means for storing a number of sequences of activation of the lights, and means for assigning one of the stored sequences of the activation of the lights to a particular event in the mobile communication terminal. The activation of the lights can also be related to an audio signal in order to obtain a so-called light organ functionality. Preferably the plurality of lights are integrated on a removable cover.


Linear arrays along radiating (E-plane) and nonradiating (H-plane) edges are designed for broadside radiation pattern at 5.8 GHz using U-shaped series- and corner-feed configurations, respectively. U-shaped feedlines are used to reduce the interelement spacing and size of the array. A 25-element radiating edge linear array provides 19.9 dBi gain with sidelobe level (SLL) and cross polar (X-pol) level of less than −15.3 and −33.8 dB, respectively. Nonradiating edge linear array is designed up to 31 elements using the corner-feed configuration to achieve 18 dBi gain with SLL and X-pol level of less than −15.2 and −22.5 dB, respectively. Furthermore, a planar array is designed using the series and corner feeds in E- and H-planes. A <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$15 \times 15$ </tex-math></inline-formula>-element array is designed to achieve 24.4 dBi gain with SLL and X-pol level of less than −14.7 and −18.8 dB, respectively, in both the E- and H-planes. This array eliminates the need of complex-, multilayer-, and lossy-feed network and improves SLL and X-pol level. A planar array of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$9 \times 9$ </tex-math></inline-formula> elements is fabricated, and the measured results are in agreement with the simulated results.


The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for administering carbon monoxide (CO) to a patient. It allows the safe and effective use of carbon monoxide as a medicament.


The starting point for this research was the belief that the Klein ball, or the gym-ball,being a teaching means accessible to any P.E. teacher, can be successfully used for attainingdifferent objectives of the physical education lesson. A thorough study of this problem will helpus to improve the primary and secondary school physical education lesson.Improving the didactic process is about a maximal capitalization of the usage possibilitiesof the teaching methods. The gym-ball is a modern teaching tool, present in most schools withnormal material conditions, offering a large number of ways in which it can be used during thephysical education lesson. The variety of uses chases the monotony, and increases the pupils'interest, and also increases the lessons' level of enjoyment.


Recent advances in sequencing technologies have improved contiguity of de novo genome assemblies. Nevertheless, the genomes of all eukaryotic organisms which are polyploid remain unfinished, limiting understanding of genetic and structural variation in diploid or polyploid organisms. Herein, we report the methodology and analysis of a 100% complete, gapless, phased, telomere-to-telomere diploid genome assembly of the eukaryote, Scenedesmus obliquus UTEX 3031 (DOE0152Z). Analysis of the fully assembled and resolved haplotypes revealed significant genomic rearrangements. Inter-haplotype heterogeneity was significant on most chromosomes yet one chromosome pair (Chromosome 15) was found to contain nearly no heterozygosity. Analysis of the 5mC methylation patterns revealed divergence in active gene content across haplotypes. Assembly of fully resolved chromosome pairs enabled complete resolution of genomic rearrangements and heterogeneity of haplotypes, the genomic basis of trait gain/loss, and evolutionary divergence across chromosome pairs. Further, when combined with 5mC methylation patterns, the assembly provides critical annotation information for genetic engineering approaches to achieve full knock-outs in allelic pairs.


Contact address: Mihai Ursu, MD Clinicco Hospital, Brasov, Romania. 1 Clinicco Hospital, Brasov, Romania 2 Vascular Surgery Department of Medicine, University of Siena, Italy INTRODUCTION Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) represent a common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, becoming more frecvent with ageing of the population. Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) represents a minimally invasive therapeutic alternative to treat AAAs, and in the last decade represent the standard of care in this pathology1. One of the most important condition to perform EVAR is a suitable aortic, renal, iliac and femoral artery anatomy and also the aneurysm location. Available devices have evolved continuously from the initial handmade stent grafts manufactured by vascular surgeons to the fi rst commercially available devices released in 1994 and fi nally to the fourth generation of endografts currently available2. Continuous evolution and improved redesigning of AAA endografts allows for the inclusion of more complex anatomies in EVAR's indications. The Ovation Abdominal Stent Graft System (Endologix., Santa Rosa, CA) is a modular endograft designed for the treatment of AAAs. It is a new device intended to overcome the limitations of currently available stent grafts and to accommodate a different aortic morphologies by addressing the two most important issues in EVAR: access and seal3. This is a trimodular endoprosthesis consisting of a 14-Fr outer diameter aortic body and two iliac limbs. It uses a unique Oring sealing mechanism to deal with challenging aortic necks in the same time that it can navigate through complex iliac and femoral access1. CASE REPORT A 65 year old man was admitted in our hospital for cardio-vascular evaluation. In his medical history he was underwent to aortic biological valvular prothesis


The present invention, more particularly, is capable of wireless data communication with the tray by using the induced electromotive force to recharge the battery pack for a mobile terminal to the power supplied from the outside in non-contact charging device (A) on the non-contact battery pack configured to, and to transmit data with a communication and power supply, do not have a contact failure of the contact transfer provides a solid state battery pack constituting the signal transmission to be improved. Wireless data communication, transmission power, solid state battery pack


The invention relates to a method for booting up an update software (22) in a writable memory area (20) of a boot sector of a programmable control device (1) of a vehicle. The inventive method comprises the following steps: providing a boot-up software (121, 122, 123) that can be booted up in a writable memory area (1) of the programmable control device (1) that is located outside the boot sector, said boot-up software being capable of controlling in the control device (1) installation of the update software (22) in the writable memory area (20) of the boot sector, booting up the boot-up software (121, 122, 123) and the update software (22) in the writable memory area (10) that is located outside the boot sector, and executing the boot-up software (121, 122, 123) in the control device in order to install the update software (22) in the writable memory area (20) of the boot sector.


. This study considers the welfare effects of line-of-business (LOB) reporting by firms operating in imperfectly competitive markets. The analysis is based on a two-period model in which a multisegment firm, labeled the incumbent, operates as a monopolist in two markets in the first period and then competes against an entrant in each of the two markets in the second period. The incumbent obtains private information in the first period. LOB reporting fully reveals that information to the entrants; aggregate reporting only partially reveals the incumbent's information. The second-period consequences on firms and consumers parallel results previously available from the information-sharing literature. These results serve to explain why some firms opposed the imposition of LOB reporting by accounting rule-making bodies. The incumbent may distort first-period production in an attempt to influence entrant beliefs. However, such distortions lower the incumbent's expected first-period profit and result in no gains in the second period. Nonetheless, in equilibrium, these distortions cannot be avoided unless the entrants observe the incumbent's first-period production or prices, suggesting a role for nonfinancial disclosures in accounting reports.

Resume. Les auteurs se penchent sur l'effet «protecteur» de la communication d'informations relatives au secteur d'activite par les entreprises qui exercent leurs activites sur des marches imparfaitement concurrentiels. L'analyse est fondee sur un modele comportant deux periodes, dans lequel une entreprise oeuvrant dans plusieurs secteurs d'activite-designee sous l'appellation d'entreprise installee—exerce un monopole dans deux marches au cours de la premiere periode et doit ensuite livrer concurrence a un nouveau venu dans chacun des deux marches au cours de la seconde periode. L'entreprise installee obtient de l'information privilegiee au cours de la premiere periode. L'information sectorielle livre integralement cette information aux nouveaux venus, mais l'information consolidee ne revele qu'une partie de l'information dont dispose l'entreprise installee. Les resultats de la seconde periode pour les entreprises et les consommateurs s'apparentent a ceux qui ont ete exposes jusqu'a maintenant dans les ecrits relatifs au partage d'informations. Ces resultats viennent expliquer pourquoi certaines entreprises se sont opposees a ce que les organismes de reglementation comptable fassent de la presentation de l'information sectorielle une obligation. L'entreprise installee peut «biaiser» l'information relative a la premiere periode dans l'intention d'influer sur les convictions des nouveaux venus. Ces distorsions diminueront cependant le profit espere par l'entreprise installee au cours de la premiere periode et se traduiront par des gains nuls au cours de la seconde periode. Neanmoins, en situation d'equilibre, ces distorsions ne peuvent etre evitees, a moins que les nouveaux venus n'observent la production ou les prix de l'entreprise installee au cours de la premiere periode, ce qui permet de croire que la presentation d'informations non financieres dans les rapports comptables a un role a jouer.


Following the ever increasing trend in social media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, automatic analysis of peoples conversations and languages have become a problem of great significance for businesses and governments in attempt to understand and analyze peoples habits, thoughts, and patterns towards different subjects of interests. Within the field of natural language processing, sarcasm detection has always been a difficult challenge for sentiment analysis. Recent years, there has been great interests shown by researchers towards sarcasm detection. Neural networks achieve huge success and advancements surrounding this topic, but reviews for this task are very limited and theres a lack of comprehensive review of the development of sarcasm detection so far. Thus, this paper aims to summarize and present the various methods directed towards sarcasm detection, the progress it has made, and examination of potential problems and availability for further improvements.


Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which emerged in Wuhan, China and is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO) in January 2020 [1]. The basic reproductive rate for SARS-CoV-2 was estimated to be around 2.5 (ranging from 1.8 to 3.6), compared with an estimate of 2.0 to 3.0 for SARS-CoV and the influenza pandemic of 1918, 0.9 for Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and 1.5 for the influenza pandemic of 2009 [2]. Thus, SARS-CoV-2 is a highly contagious disease, especially in healthcare settings [1,3]. In Egypt, the number of cases had grown to approximately 158,000 cases and 8,696 deaths as of January 20, 2021 [4]. As a result, quarOBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders among Egyptian healthcare workers (HCWs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.


Abstract Background Membrane bioreactor (MBR) systems used for wastewater treatment (WWT) processes are regarded as clean technologies. Degradation capacity of the predator bacterium, Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus, was used as a cleaning strategy for reducing membrane fouling. Method Wastewater with different sludge age and hydraulic retention time were filtered through Poly(ether)sulphone (PES) membranes using dead end reactor. Change in filtration performance after cleaning of membrane surface by B. bacteriovorus was measured by comparison of flux values. Bacterial community of the sludge was determined by 16SrRNA sequence analysis. Community profile of membrane surface was analyzed by fluorescent in situ hybridization technique. Results After cleaning of MP005 and UP150 membranes with predator bacteria, 4.8 L/m2·h and 2.04 L/m2·h increase in stable flux at steady state condition was obtained as compared to the control, respectively. Aeromonas, Proteus, and Alcaligenes species were found to be dominant members of the sludge. Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus lysed pure cultures of the isolated sludge bacteria successfully. FISH analysis of the membrane surface showed that Alfa-proteobacteria are the most numerous bacteria among the biofilm community on the membrane surface. Conclusion Results suggested that cleaning of MBR membranes with B. bacteriovorus has a potential to be used as a biological cleaning method.


New iron(III) complexes containing quadridentate Schiff bases, [Fe(L)AB]n+, were prepared, where H2L represents a quadridentate Schiff base, and A and B, unidentate ligands, such as imidazole, pyridine derivatives, and cyanide ions. The magnetic moments of the complexes are in the range of 1.9–6.0 B.M. at room temperature. Based on the magnetic susceptibilities at various temperatures (90–295 K), these compleses were classified into four types: (1) high-spin (S=5⁄2), (2) low-spin (S=1⁄2), (3) intermediate spin (S=3⁄2), and (4) cross-over complexes, the last of which have a ligand-field strength near the cross-over point of high-spin and low-spin types. From the ESR spectra obtained, the existence of a spin-equilibrium was established for the cross-over complexes.


Five individual coals with varying ash content and volatile matter and a series two-component coal were selected. An experimental investigation on slagging behavior of selected samples has been conducted. The slagging degree of coal blends mixed with two coals of similar reactivity and slagging potential was similar to that of the individual coals. However, when one coal was blended with another coal with widely different reactivity or slagging potential, the slagging degree of coal blends changed significantly. Ash fusion temperatures for various percentages of two different coal blends illustrate the non-arithmetic averaging. The changes of coal blend viscosity were influenced by the fusion slag types of base coals. Temperature and atmosphere affect mineral species evaporation. An overall gray clustering model was used to evaluate the slagging degree of the coals. The prediction results were in agree with those by practical slagging experiment.


Pinellia hunanensis, a new species from China, is described and illustrated. A key for the identification of all Pinellia species in China, Korea and Japan is included. A detrended correspondence analysis identified 6 groups of taxa including the new species. From the 20 samples, analyzing 38 morphological characters. A discriminant function analysis was used to rigorously test the classification of specimens provided in the cluster analysis. DNA barcoding provided phylogenetic support using NJ and Bayesian methods to distinguish all six taxa including the putative new species. This study provides preliminary evidence of morphometric variation within and among species of Pinellia, which allows further development of hypothesis concerning species boundaries. Discussions concerning medicinal product substitution within the genus Pinellia are presented in the context of conservation initiatives of species in China.


In this volume, a number of tried and tested suggestions are presented to teachers who wish to realise a school in motion as a cross-sectional task and who wish to embark on a journey with fellow colleagues towards the profile of a certified "Elementary School in Motion".
 As way of introduction, the importance of movement in child development is highlighted and discussed, and the concept of an Elementary School in Motion is presented with opportunities and limits alike.
 The most comprehensive part of the volume consists of partial aims, content suggestions and methodological-organisational ways of implementation, as well as recommended reading. The final part of the volume consists of suggestions for education and training regarding the topic of School in Motion.


Abstract Acute brain infarct is an uncommon complication of electrical injury, and only a few cases have been reported. A young man sustained a high-voltage electrical injury followed by a fall from height. Imaging revealed right hemibrain infarct. He was operated for that, but did not make much progress. Electric shock injury with the high-voltage current even for short period of contact may cause massive infarction of brain, and prognosis remains dismal.


Clustering is an established data mining technique for grouping objects based on similarity. For sensor networks one aims at grouping sensor measurements in groups of similar measurements. As sensor networks have limited resources in terms of available memory and energy, a major task sensor clustering is efficient computation on sensor nodes. As a dominating energy consuming task, communication has to be reduced for a better energy efficiency. Considering memory, one has to reduce the amount of stored information on each sensor node.
 For in-network clustering, k-center based approaches provide k representatives out of the collected sensor measurements. We propose EDISKCO, an outlier aware incremental method for efficient detection of k-center clusters. Our novel approach is energy aware and reduces amount of required transmissions while producing high quality clustering results. In thorough experiments on synthetic and real world data sets, we show that our approach outperforms a competing technique in both clustering quality and energy efficiency. Thus, we achieve overall significantly better life times of our sensor networks.


It is known that the notional verb 'HAVE' can be follow by complex objects and its object complement may bare infinitives(without to),present or past participles.How to select the 3 different forms of a certain verb as abject complements is indeed a tough problem.This paper is to tackle their usages and the differences between them.


Monitoring a fraction arises in many manufacturing applications and also in service applications. The traditional p‐chart is easy to use and design but is difficult to achieve the desired false alarm rate. We propose a two‐sided CUSUM Arcsine method that achieves both large and small desired false alarm rates for an in‐control probability anywhere between 0 and 1. The parameters of the new method are calculated easily, without tables, simulation, or Markov chain analysis used by many of the existing methods. The proposed method detects increases and decreases and works for constant and Poisson distributed sample sizes. The CUSUM Arcsine also has a superior sensitivity compared with other easily designed existing methods for monitoring Binomial distributed data. This paper includes an extensive literature review and a taxonomy of the existing monitoring methods for a fraction. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In this paper,Na-bentonite is made from the modification of Ca-bentonite,then the Al-pillared-bentonite is prepared with it as material,and Al-Zn-pillared-bentonite is made for the first time.The products are characterized by XRD,XRF,IR and TG-DSC,and the results indicate that the pillar-solvent enters the layer of bentonite after the pillared reaction of Na-bentonite.And the composite oxide pillar forms after thermal treatment which is stable.It reacts with smectite and the Si-O-Zn bond or Si-O-Al bond forms.Pillared bentonite has high thermal stability which could keep layer after calcined at 600℃.


Trends in Major Occupational Injuries in Different Industrial Divisions in Taiwan during 1983‐1993: Yu‐Chen Chang, et al. Department of Family Medicine, Tainan Municipal Hospital


How to reflect energy conservation and environmental protection in the landscape of high-rise buildings is a hot topic of current research. How to use environmentally friendly materials to show the charm of high-rise building landscape is the main content of this article. Based on the colour samples of the high-rise building landscape, the thesis uses environmental protection and energy-saving light sources to simulate the lighting of the building colour samples in the laboratory. This article realizes the quantitative research on the colour authenticity performance of colour paintings under commonly used LEDs in high-rise building landscapes, and provides a reliable basis for the selection of LEDs in colour painting lighting design.


Th e authors of this publication owe credit to Petr Hlobil (CEE Bankwatch Network) for envisioning this study and to Elaine Zuckerman (Gender Action) for her invaluable help in its conceptual formulation. Th e authors would also like to thank Natalia Barannikova and Dmitry Lisitsyn (Sakhalin Environment Watch), Doug Norlen (Pacifi c Environment), Mirvary Gahramanly (Committee Protecting Oil Workers' Rights, Baku), Metanet Azizova and Azad Isazade (Women Crisis Center, Baku) for their help in the project documentation analysis and the fi eld research, and for their commitment to environmental protection and social justice. Special thanks also go to Pippa Gallop and Klara Schirova (CEE Bankwatch Network) for the much appreciated comments during the writing of the reports. We gratefully acknowledge funding support from the European Commission, DG Environment for this publication. BOOM TIME BLUES " [Sakhalin's] biggest city, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, is a boom town, a bustling mix of men in checked shirts and cowboy boots from Shell and Exxon and bewildered locals wondering how to fi nd a new niche in their fast-changing domestic economy. " " Sakhalin boom attracts white goods fi rm " , EBRD stories (from EBRD website), January 26, 2006 Introduction Extractive industries projects are renowned for their negative impacts on a number of diff erent areas, including the environment and local communities. Large-scale ex-tractive projects bring limited and short-term employment opportunities, often fail to provide promised support for local communities and fail to alleviate poverty. Th e economic 'booms' that can accompany such investments are often unsustainable, and their negative side eff ects disproportionately harm weaker social groups such as women and indigenous people. At the same time, investors in the extractive industries sector rarely assess adequately the negative gender impacts and the possibilities of compensating and empowering local women through local development programmes. Indeed the associated knock-on eff ects witnessed repeatedly – increased migration of predominantly male workers, damaged access to subsistence sources and the temporary increase of cash incomes in the investment area, combined often with social inequalities – almost as a rule increase both the burden for local women and gender inequality. Th e gender impacts which accrue from extractive industries projects are project-specifi c. Th ey range from increased poverty and dependence on men, driven or forced prostitution, to the acceleration of sexually transmitted diseases and sexual harassment. Although these harmful trends commonly accompany large ex-tractive industries projects, very often negative gender …


The research study titled "Management of Disciplinary Problems in Secondary Schools with Reference to Jalingo Metropolis" aimed at investigating the types of disciplinary problems, their possible causes and means of managing them. The study used a questionnaire titled Managing Disciplinary Problem Questionnaire (MDPQ). Four point likert rating scale was used to collect data. One thousand (1000) respondents were sampled in four (4) government owned secondary schools in Jalingo metropolis. The results showed truancy, absenteeism, fighting, stealing and drug addiction among others as typical examples of disciplinary problems experienced in the study area. The study also revealed parental/home, political, social and economic, school environment, school curriculum and peer group influence among others as the causes of disciplinary problems. Finally, the study posits that disciplinary problems can be dealt with if school staffers develop a spirit of teamwork and there must be a well spelt out code of conduct for all staff and students to follow


This study was conducted to evaluate the effects use L-arginine on production and physiological performance of rabbits. Twelve local male rabbits aged 2-3 months with an average weight of 1 kg ± 0.2 have been used in this experiment that lasted for 60 days and was divided into three groups (each group consists of 4 rabbits) a control group was injected with NaCl solution of 1 ml (Normal Saline) into the animal's muscle, a second group given the arginine was injected intramuscularly at an amount of 150 µmol / kg and a third group was drenched 150 µmol / kg of the arginine. The results have shown no significant differences in the amount of feed intake among groups. There was an effect of L-arginine injection in improving the final weight of the animals, the second and third group significantly increased in final body weight (P<0.05) compared to the control group, no significant differences between the experimental groups in feed efficiency. The results showed first and second groups were increased in the white blood cell (W.B.C) concentration compared with the third group. No significant differences between the experimental groups in the red blood cell (R.B.C) hemoglobin (Hb), cholesterol, glucose and globulin concentration. The results were significant observed (P <0.05) in the total protein level of the third group compared to the control and second group, significant observed (P <0.05) for the albumin concentration of the control and third groups compared to the second group, and the results showed a significant effect (P <0.05) in the level of testosterone hormone and growth hormone for the second group compared to the control. The results indicated a significant observed (P <0.05) for the level of the testosterone hormone in the third group when compared with the control group with no differences between the three groups in the characteristics of the carcasses, treatment with L-arginine improved the final weight of rabbits as well as an increase in the level testosterone and growth hormone, no effect of the arginine on the blood characteristics and some of the carcass characteristics Except for the differences found in total protein and albumin concentration between experimental groups.


Unikernels gained an increasing interest in the recent years because they provide efficient resource allocation and high performance for cloud services by bundling the application with a minimal set of OS services in a guest VM. Although a unikernel is by design small and lightweight, fleets of unikernels based on the same image are not necessarily more efficient than containers because the latter can rely upon OS primitives for sharing memory. Futhermore, porting POSIX applications on top of unikernels brings a new challenge: what does fork() mean in the world of unikernels where there is memory isolation within a VM? Lacking fork() support significantly reduces the applicability of unikernels in popular cloud applications. In this paper we address these shortcomings and show that cloning unikernels makes way to further improvements and enables full functionality of popular cloud applications, such as NGINX and Redis. Our solution, Nephele, extends the Xen virtualization platform and provides autoscaling capabilities to unikernel based VMs. Nephele provides 8x faster instantiation times and can run 3x more active unikernel VMs on the same hardware compared to booting separate unikernels.


The cross section of p{bar p} into charm is very high compared to e{sup +}e{sup -}-machines, but it is orders of magnitude smaller than the total cross section of {approx} 100mb. This explains the need for a good trigger mechanism. Traditionally charm physics at hadron colliders relies on a lepton signature. For example, the decay of the J{psi} into two leptons or semi-leptonic decays of D-mesons. Both detectors at the Tevatron, CDF and D0 have undergone substantial upgrades for RUN II. CDF now exploits a new trigger technique selecting more abundant hadronic decays. First charm physics results from the CDF and D0 experiments at the Tevatron Run II are presented. With the addition of the Secondary Vertex Trigger CDF has become a competitive charm experiment.


A systematic study has been made of the growth of both hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) and silicon nitride (a-SiN) by electron cyclotron resonance plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition (ECR-PECVD). In the case of a-SiN, helium and nitrogen gas is injected into the system such that it passes through the resonance zone. These highly ionised gases provide sufficient energy to ionise the silane gas, which is injected further downstream. It is demonstrated that a gas phase reaction occurs between the silane and nitrogen species. It is control of the ratio of silane to nitrogen in the plasma which is critical for the production of stoichiometric a-SiN. Material has been produced at 80 °C with a Si:N ratio of 1:1.3 a breakdown strength of ∼6 MV cm −1 and resistivity of >10 14 Ωcm. In the case of a-Si:H, helium and hydrogen gas is injected into the ECR zone and silane is injected downstream. It is shown that control of the gas phase reactions is critical in this process also. a-Si:H has been deposited at 80 °C with a dark conductivity of 10 −11 Ω −1 cm −1 and a photosensitivity of just below 4×10 4 . Such materials are suitable for use in thin film transistors on plastic substrates.


I would like to thank Prof. Pedersen for his interest in the paper that the late Dr. Bhattacharyya and I coauthored more than a decade ago.


The article analyzes the theoretical and practical aspects of the application of Article 119 of the Criminal Code (CC) of Ukraine. The objective and subjective features of the criminal offense "Murder due to carelessness" have been identified and analyzed in detail. In particular, the features of the objective side of Article 119 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine were studied: actions, consequences, cause-and-effect relationship. The signs of the subjective side expressed in the form of guilt, which in turn is expressed in the form of criminal unlawful self-confidence or criminal unlawful negligence, motive or purpose, were studied. The moment of the end of the socially dangerous act provided for by Article 119 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine has been determined.
Keywords: murder, manslaughter due to negligence, negligence, criminal wrongful confidence, criminal wrongful negligence.


When a map is drawn,if some congener linear elements intersect,it can't be settled by simple cover relation but by special treating.The traditional way adopts linear cover.It uses the method of symbol decompose drawing.This method solves the displaying problem of congener linear element intersection without linear cover.It not only decreases workers' workload but also increases the painting speed of map.


Manipulating cognitive demands on second language (L2) tasks, along with the provision of recasts and its effects on L2 development, has motivated recent inquiry within task-based research. However, empirical evidence remains inconclusive as to the impact of task complexity, and it is unknown how it may affect heritage language (HL) development. To address this issue, this study tested 81 adult HL and L2 learners of Spanish. Participants in the experimental conditions completed either a simple or a complex version of a monologic computerized task that delivered written recasts as corrective feedback but differed according to intentional reasoning demands. Participants completed three oral and written assessment tasks to measure development of the Spanish subjunctive in adjectival clauses. Results revealed that the simple group demonstrated greater gains, especially in written production. L2 learners and the HL simple group benefitted more from task-based instruction in comparison to the HL complex group. Findings have implications for the role of prior language experience and task outcomes.


We present the application of common spatial pattern (CSP) filtering to the detection of point sources in high-contrast astronomical images. The data are preprocessed in two different ways: one copy of the data set keeps the point source in the same spatial location over many images through time, while a second copy of the data set moves the point source azimuthally through the image as in angular differential imaging. The differences between these two data sets are exploited via CSP filtering, highlighting the point source. We develop a forward model for this new process, which is then used to predict the result of applying this method to data with a point source at a particular spatial location. We validate the forward model numerically and use the prediction as template in a matched filter with the actual CSP modes. We present results for multiple sets of observational data and show that the new CSP forward model matched filter (FMMF) can compare favorably to the state-of-the-art Karhunen–Loève image processing FMMF reduction in terms of signal-to-noise ratio and unfavorably in other metrics.


Objective To investigate the expression of mRNA of the glucose-6-phosphate isomerase(G6PI) in rheumatoid arthritis(RA), non-RA patients and healthy controls to preliminarily study the pathogenic mechanism of RA.Methods A real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction(RQ RT-PCR) method was established for detecting G6PI and internal reference GAPDH expression levels in 128 RA patients,32 non-RA patients and 100 healthy controls.Results The level of G6PI mRNA in RA patients 2.72±2.09 was higher than that of the healthy controls(1.25±0.73)(P0.01).In RA patients,the expression level of G6PI mRNA in the active stage(3.12±2.40) was higher than that at the stable stage(2.13±1.34)(P0.01). Conclusion The increased expression of G6PI may play a pathological role in the development of RA,and it may be correlated with the activity of RA.G6PI,which can be regarded as a marker for early detection of RA.


Objective: To evaluate the interhemispheric electroencephalographic coherence in patients with semilobar holoprosencephaly (HPE). Methods: We analyzed the interhemispheric coherence values in the frontal and parietal regions in a group of 6 semilobar HPE patients and 15 controls from age 12 months to 6 years. The coherence values were obtained for frequency bands of delta, theta, alpha, and beta. Results: In semilobar HPE patients the frontal interhemispheric coherence values in delta and theta bands were significantly higher than controls. Both groups showed age dependent increase in the frontal coherence values. No group differences were seen in alpha and beta bands. In the parietal regions the coherence values was slightly higher in the delta range for the semilobar HPE group, but similar for both groups in other frequency bands. Conclusions: The higher interhemispheric coherence values seen in the frontal regions in semilobar HPE patients may reflect the lack of interhemispheric separation in the anterior hemispheres and frequently associated thalamic nonseparation in this condition. The lack of group differences in the posterior hemispheres may reflect relative sparing of these regions in the semilobar subtype of HPE.


The delineation of flood-prone areas is one of the most important steps for flood risk assessment and mitigation. This study uses a probabilistic and DEM-based framework for the delineation of flood-prone areas based on information about the extent of historical flooding in the area of interest. This is particularly useful for the delineation of flood-prone areas in cases where more accurate hydraulic profile calculations are not available. The delineation of flood-prone areas is carried out by using the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) which allows for the delineation of a portion of a hydrographic basin potentially exposed to flooding by identifying all the areas characterized by a topographic index that exceeds a given threshold. A Bayesian updating framework is used for estimating the TWI threshold for identifying the flood-prone areas based on available information on the spatial extent of historical flooding. An application of the proposed method is demonstrated for the delineation of potentially flood-prone areas in the city of Ouagadougou, based on the observed spatial extent of the 2009 flooding event in the city.


The Brazilian economy before the First World War has been generally characterized as an economy specializing in the production of primary goods for the international market—chiefly coffee for export. The emergence of the first industrial factories has been seen as closely connected to the performance of the export sector. The first cotton mills established in one province of Brazil, Minas Gerais, were not connected to the export sector, however. Minas Gerais was different in key respects from other regions. This article describes the peculiarities of the Mineiro economy during the 1870s and investigates the establishment of the first cotton mills there. It considers the location, size, and financing of the mills, as well as the structure of ownership and relations between partners. The results show that the emergence of the textile industry in Minas Gerais was independent from the performance of the foreign sector of the Brazilian economy.


The admission credentials of 148 students admitted into the department of Microbiology, University of Port Harcourt in the 2009/2010 session were examined. They included 27 candidates admitted through the University's basic studies programme and 121 candidates selected through the Joint Admission and Matriculation Boards' (JAMB) University Matriculation Examination (UME)/post-UME screening exercise. The UME scores, the PostUME scores and the first year Cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of all candidates were analyzed for any possible relationship. Candidates admitted through the basic studies programme performed better in the first year of university with a majority (59.26%) attaining CGPA range of 2-2.99 compared to 1-1.99 for the majority (52.89%) admitted through the UME/post-UME exercises. The scores obtained in the UME showed inverse correlation with those obtained in the post-UME screening exercise (R=-0.1942) and with the CGPA obtained at the end of the first year of study (R=-0.208). A strong positive correlation was observed between post-UME screening test scores and first year CGPA (R=0.5362). All candidates with scores ≤100 in the post-UME screening test obtained first year CGPA less than 1.00 (mean, 0.48). The use of the aggregate of UME and post-UME scores for admission purposes, and concessional admissions, are largely responsible for the admission of a large number of candidates who performed poorly in the post-UME and consequently in the first year of study at the university. The consequences of admission policies and their implementation on the quality and performance of Nigerian University graduates are discussed.


We characterize the defining equation of a plane algebraic curve with exactly one rational place Q at infinity, then give a basis of L(mQ) with pairwise distinct pole orders at Q. The defining equation can be regarded as a generalization of the Weierstrass form of a hyperelliptic curve. In this informal note I give an English proof of the results of the Cab curve found by Miura [4, 5, 6]. Throughout in this note, K denotes a perfect field, and a,b denote relatively prime positive integers. For a place Q of an algebraic function field, we define


The author examines the priorities and capabilities of the latest scientific and technological developments in the field of decision-making to support rural producers. These are: purchase of land by the State and transfer it to the use of high-performance farms, reducing tax rates on income depending on the efficiency of useful economic activity in regions. The article reviews of scientific and methodological principles and algorithms for evaluation and predicting the effectiveness of agricultural enterprises