Real local government spending in the United States has increased by 240% between 1972 and 2012, faster than can be explained by population growth (a 48% increase), growth in median household income (a 32% increase), or changes in other economic, demographic, and institutional variables typically used to explain the pattern in local government spending. In this paper we examine the role of other potential drivers of local government growth such as growing income disparity, the increasing number of single female-headed households, increasing number of household living in mobile homes, rising healthcare costs, and diminishing health such as increasing in obesity (and associated physical health problems) as well behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, and violence associated with the changing diet of the American people. Since the 1970s, the obesity rate in the United States has increased from 12% to 35%. Using the obesity rate as a proxy for changing health, we find that increasing mental/emotional/physical health problems accounts for a significant portion of increased local government spending growth, particularly in human services such as education that require behavioral management. We also find that as local government spending in other spending categories decline with obesity. These findings suggest that deteriorating mental/ emotional/physical health resulting from dietary changes and other factors has increased local government spending and shifted spending priorities.


Based on the investigation of the lines and 30typical quadrats,the situation of the plant species diversity on the road green space in Guangzhou was systematically analyzed.The results showed that 485kinds of plants were recorded, which belonged to 111families and 322genera.The recorded plants accounted for 23.3%of the total ornamental plants of Guangzhou,in which the ratio of trees,shrubs and herbs was 1.0∶1.0∶1.5,and the shrubs was limited.Furthermore, the native plants had 286species(59%of the total number of species),which were more than the species of the exotic plants(199species),but less widely used than the exotic species.Another important observation was that invasive plants had 28species and some invasive herbaceous plants had a high importance,which leaded to some harmful impaction for the ecosystem.The floristic geographical elements study showed that the plants had clear tropical and subtropical characteristics.Finally,based on the observations concluded from this study,some suggestions were presented to improve plants landscape for road greening in Guangzhou.


Multiple myeloma is a disease characterized by monoclonal proliferation of plasma cells, the most differentiated stage of B-cells. Primary manifestation of multiple myeloma in the jawbones is rare. In the case reported here, a 29-year-old woman who presented with a right mandibular swelling after extraction of a mobile painful tooth turned out to have multiple myeloma. Current diagnostic criteria and management strategies of the disease are discussed.


The paper examines the question of the limits of tax planning and its relation with the legal concept of sham. The objective is to present the doctrinal controversies about the concept of sham, and to verify if brazilian courts adopt the restrictive conception of sham (which lies upon an isolated analysis of each transaction and tries to identify the real will of the parties) or the broader conception of sham, informed by economic, operational and corporation aspects which go beyond the formal and isolated analysis of each one of the transactions embedded in complex tax planning. We have examined decisions from Tax Administrative Federal Court, Judicial Federal court of 4th Region and Supreme Judicial Court concerning Rexnord and Josapar cases, which can be seen as paradigmatic ones. The conclusion is that courts have been showing a tendency to apply a broader conception of sham, and to deny protection to tax schemes based on artificial transactions, with no economic or business rationale.


needed during bolus injection of 10 ml 10% NaCl to eliminate the interruption from cyclic breath. The conscious patients were required to hold their breath at the end of expiration for 8 seconds or longer. Although the shorter the apnea, the more feasible for conscious patients to hold their breath, it needs imperative time to allow blood mixed with saline to travel through the whole pulmonary circulation. Slutsky and colleagues (2) found that mean pulmonary transit time ranged from 4.3 to 12.6 seconds (mean 7.76 1.5 s) in humans. Moreover, acute PE can lead to an increase of pulmonary vascular resistance, which would remarkably prolong pulmonary transit time (3). In this context, it is questionable that a period with a lower level of 8 seconds is enough for saline to pass through the lung in patients with PE. On the other hand, for those intubated, holding breath for even 8 seconds might be challenging as dyspnea is common among patients with PE; manual expiratory hold is likely to trigger spontaneous breath, which would dramatically impact the intrathoracic electric impedance. To avoid spontaneous breath, sometimes neuromuscular relaxant is needed, which was not detailed in this article. Recently, Mauri and colleagues published a study exploring the _ V/ _ Q ratio in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in which a lower concentration (5%) of saline and end-inspiration occlusion for 20 seconds were implemented for determination of pulmonary perfusion (4). Compared with breath hold at the end of expiration, inspiratory hold might be more tolerable for patients with dyspnea and seems more practicable owing to the HeringBreuer deflation reflex. A maximal inflation of lung during inspiratory breath hold can suppress respiratory drive through activation of the pulmonary stretch receptors. Vice versa while holding breath after an expiration. In addition, CO2 accumulation contributes more to the urge to breathe than O2 through chemoreceptors; therefore, a larger lung volume is conducive to dilute the increase in metabolically derived CO2 levels (5). Finally, because of the low spatial resolutions, EIT is prone to detect large emboli. On the condition that embolism occurs in segmental branches of pulmonary arteries or lower, EIT might be insensitive to such redistribution of local blood flow. To improve the sensitivity of EIT on PE, Nguyen and colleagues (6) assessed the right lung to left lung perfusion ratio of peak value, maximum uptake, maximum washout, and area under the curve of the averaged contrast dilution curve in each lung. It was concluded that the right lung to left lung perfusion ratios of area under the curve and peak value of the averaged contrast dilution curve are the most promising and reliable in assessing PE, suggesting that EIT might detect the difference between normal and embolized lungs with a unilateral perfusion defect as small as 8% of the lung with a bolus of hypertonic saline. In general, contrast-enhanced EIT is potentially a promising bedside approach in PE diagnosis. However, numerous issues in regard to feasibility, efficacy, and safety need to be addressed before its clinical application. n


promising anti-inflammatory agents by inhibiting 3αhydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. 1-4 also possess a remarkable selective activity towards bacterial hyaluronate lyase while not affecting bovine hyaluronidase. Anti-inflammatory compounds can interfere with many steps of pathophysiological processes. For example, a compound might block the biosynthesis of proinflammatory mediators by direct interaction with a key


There are provided an information processing system which constructs an operation screen using data present in an information processing apparatus without transmitting the data to a server apparatus when the server apparatus provides the operation screen of the information processing apparatus, and a control method thereof. To accomplish this, in the information processing system, when a Web server constructs the operation screen of an external application using data stored in an MFP, only storage destination information of the data is transmitted/received between the Web server and the MFP without transmitting/receiving the data.


The increasing longevity of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) has raised new issues for families. Individuals with I/DD who face difficulties in achieving full independence might remain dependent on family members such as aging parents, who may be unable to provide continued support. Therefore, reliance on siblings for the future care can be an adaptive action for many families. Sibling caregiving is a universal phenomenon and requires rigorous examination and exploration. Like other carers, siblings require support and services to fulfill their role's expectations. Nonetheless, the degree and kind of support and services needed by them remains undetermined owing to the lack of research. The author reviewed variables that can enhance and complicate sibling caregiving of individuals with I/DD through the application of the Push-Pull model. The Push-Pull model can help in understanding that the role and interaction of multiple influences can have methodological and pedagogical implications for sibling caregiving research, support programs, social law, and policy change. The author notes that the review can provide a foundation for future studies, and she recommends inclusion of siblings in family policies.


Shallower regions in the oceans can act as lenses, focusing the energy of tsunamis, typically onto cusp points where two caustic lines meet. Diffraction theory enables calculation of the profile of a tsunami wave propagating through a cusp. The wave elevation depends on position, time and two main parameters M and B: the large parameter M is the distance of the cusp from the lens, divided by the local wavelength of the tsunami without focusing, and B quantifies the spatial extent of the initial disturbance. Focusing amplifies the wave by a factor A proportional to M1/4 and can potentially multiply the tsunami energy (proportional to A2) 10-fold over a transverse range of tens of kilometres.


Global-scale monitoring of sea level change is a key component of the U.S. Global Change Research Program. The NOAA Global Sea Level program incorporates state-of-the-art satellite and in situ technology to support national and international oceanographic and climate research programs, and provide for long term monitoring of sea level from interannual to centennial and longer time scales. The scientific and instrumentation requirements for the program are discussed, including the new technologies that make absolute sea level monitoring possible. These include the Global Positioning System (GPS) and Very long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), and altimeter satellites including GEOSAT, ERS-1, and TOPEX/POSEIDON. Absolute sea level stations will provide sea level records free of local and regional land movements, thereby improving estimates of true sea level change, and make possible absolute calibration of altimetric satellite data and accurate combinations of data from different missions.


The formation and evolution of (normal) fault affect the formation and preservation of some reservoirs, such as fault-block reservoirs and faulted reservoirs. Strain energy is one of the parameters describing the strength of tectonic activity. Thus, the formation and evolution of normal fault can be studied by analyzing the variation of strain energy in strata. In this work, we used physical simulation to study the formation and evolution of normal fault from a strain energy perspective. Based on the similarity principle, we designed and conducted three repeated physical simulation experiments according to the normal fault in the Yanchang Formation of Jinhe oilfield, Ordos Basin, China, and obtained dip angle, fault displacement, and strain energy via the velocity profile recorded by high-resolution Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). As a result, the strain energy is mainly released in the normal fault line zone, and can thus serve as channels for oil/gas migration and escape routes connecting to the earth's surface, destroying the already formed oil/gas reservoirs. One might need to avoid drilling near the fault line. Besides, a significant amount of strain energy remaining in the hanging wall is the reason why the normal fault continues to evolve after the normal fault formation until the antithetic fault forms. Our findings provide important insights into the formation and evolution of normal fault from a strain energy perspective, which plays an important role in the oil/gas exploration, prediction of the shallow-source earthquake, and post-disaster reconstruction site selection.


Purpose To explore the significance of cyclin E and p53 expression in breast cancer and their correlations.Methods The expression of cyclinE and p53 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (SP method) in 82 cases of breast cancer,15 cases of benign breast tumor and 15 cases of normal breast tissue.Results The positive rates of cyclin E and p53 in breast cancer were 56.1% and 60.98% respectively,while no expression of cyclin E and p53 were detected in normal breast tissue and benign breast tumors (P0.05).The expression of cyclin E and p53 was closely correlated with clinical stage (P0.05).There was significant correlation between the expression of cyclin E and p53 in breast cancer (P0.05).The 5-year survival of patients with coexpression of cyclin E and p53 was significantly poorer (P0.05).Conclusions The co-expression of cyclin E and p53 might contribute to the progression of breast cancer,and could be a useful prognostic indicator of breast cancer.


Nations in the global South tend to embrace ideas, practices, and trends from the global North as the standard. This is in many instances at the expense of their suitability in the current situation and environment of the global South. For instance, issues revolving around the Fourth Industrial Revolution is a typical example. In recent times, the adjustments in the education and other sectors in the Global North to accommodate practices of the Fourth Industrial Revolution are beginning to flood the Global South where many basic and necessary infrastructures are lacking. Issues such as curricular review are being raised and considered, while conferences, workshops, seminars, amongst others are being organized to ensure that learning institutions are positioned to suit the demand of Fourth Industrial Revolution. For instance, coding is fast becoming a major subject to be considered even from primary schools, though not necessarily meeting the local demands.


To increase the efficiency of the high-temperature installation (HTI), several design options for air-permeable insulation in the outer furnace body are considered, differing in the location of heat-exchange intensifiers(HEI) - dimples in the form of spherical segments. As a result of a computational experiment, an option was established in which the heat losses are minimal, and the temperature of the heated air directed to combustion is maximum.


Review(s) of: Jungle warriors: From Tobruk to Kokoda and beyond, how the Australian Army became the world's most deadly jungle fighting force, by Adrian Threlfall, Allen and Unwin, Crows Nest, 2014, IBSN 9781742372204, Softcover, 309 pages, RRP $32.99 AUD.


Nias Architecture arose and grew along with Megalithic Era in Nias. In the future, it will encounter obstacles regarding principal changes in the future. The changes occur as the impact of various influences e.g. 1). Activity, 2). Social and Cultural Movement, 3). Education Economic and 4). Construction Material. These changes had already happened in former periods, yet it seemed to be rocketing after the 2005's Earth Quake where numerous national and international humanitarian organizations made handfuls of reconstruction and rehabilitation programs in Nias Island. One of the examples is the Hiliamaetaniha traditional village, located in South Nias District. The research methodology is qualitative inductive with the result of study shows the buildings physical and the rooms insides changes, which had altered the function of traditional houses' rooms itself, directly or indirectly. The conclusion is there are physical changes and modifications in the under, rear, and/or in the upper part of the houses, even the function of the rooms inside the traditional houses itself do not permanently change. However, along with the addition of rooms inside the house and the addition/shift of function in several rooms as the effect of the of rooms' function alterations, emerge a similar function from one to another. Basically the physical and function of the room changes in the traditional houses are the representative of the community's effort to fulfill the residential needs and nowadays way of life, along with the adaptation of the lack of natural construction material and the available construction materials on the today's modern market.


The ecological buildings complex is located in Będzin, on the estate of Małobądzka, between Jesionowa and Lipowa streets. The buildings complex consists of semi-detached and free-standing units. The buildings are adapted for disabled people who move around in a wheelchair. The proposed buildings in a belt system on the east–west axis are shaped in such a way as to make full use of solar energy. The buildings are set, so that the residence rooms have a southern exposure. Blocks of designed houses are composed of several volumes connected by glass segments which enable communication. The main component is the core of a two-storey residential building with the attic referring to the archetype of a detached house. In accordance with the requirements of energy-saving construction, large windows and a three-storey winter garden to the south have been designed. The northern elevation is characterized only by necessary openings. A buffer system of rooms is used and the location of residence spaces from the


This paper provides new data on strontium isotope stratigraphy applied to the Miocene heterozoan shelfal carbonates of the S. Marino Fm. (Marecchia Valley, northern Apennines). Sr isotopic analyses were carried out on oyster shells, bryozoans and bulk-rocks from the lower-middle carbonate portion of the section. In the upper part of the succession that shows evidence of detrital influx, 87 Sr/ 86 Sr analyses were performed on foraminifera tests, separating planktonic and benthic forms. Results were compared with calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic data from the same levels, in order to test the reliability of Sr dating in mixed carbonate-siliciclastic sediments. Mean ages obtained from oysters range between 16.9 Ma and 16.3 Ma. Very similar results are obtained using bryozoans (16.5 Ma to 16.1 Ma) and bulk-rocks (16.8 Ma to 16.2 Ma). These results allow to better constrain the age of the massive carbonate shelf, referable to the upper Burdigalian. In the upper carbonate-siliciclastic portion of the shelf, numerical ages obtained from planktonic and benthic foraminifera are in good agreement with nannofossil biozones (mean ages respectively around 15.3 Ma and 14.5 Ma) although they display wide confidence intervals. These wide age uncertainties depend on the slow rate of change of marine 87 Sr/ 86 Sr through time that characterizes the interval between ~15 and ~13.5 Ma.


Through the pre-grouting engineering practice of F1 fault fracture zone in People's Hall Station of Qingdao Metro Line 4, the research on the pre-grouting Strengthening Technology of shallow and large section metro tunnel through fault fracture zone is carried out, and the effective means to control the crossing fault fracture zone of the shallow and large section metro tunnel are explored. The results show that it is an effective method to treat the collapse of fault fracture zone by using the combined grouting method of first detection and grouting, and the combination of surface grouting and tunnel grouting in the shallow and large section metro tunnel. For the fault fracture zone near the sea, in order to prevent the continuous erosion of seawater ions to fault fracture zone and station structure, the cement-water glass and sulpho-aluminate cement materials can be considered on both sides of the station, and ordinary portland cement and sulpho-aluminate cement can be used in the middle of the station to ensure the safety and stability of the station, which also could reduce the cost of construction as much as possible.


This work presents comparative stress analysis in a switching element of coupling mechanism of on board winch for especially purpose. The form of switching element is compounded and consists of circular plate and conical shell. The experimental 3D photoelastic frozen stress method has been used. The experimental results have been compared with the results of performed analytical solution based on the theory of thin plates and the moment theory of shells of revolution, and the analysis was done.


In this work we have addressed oxide and interface degradation as the mechanisms affecting MOSFET performance in terms of transconductance (g/sub m/), saturation current (I/sub ds,/SAT) and threshold voltage (V/sub th/) before SB (soft breakdown) and HB (hard breakdown). We focused our attention on three points: 1) how interface and oxide trap generation modify the DC MOSFET characteristics; 2) the drain current noise during stress; 3) the correlation between the degradation of DC and noise characteristics and the traps commonly related to SILC (stress induced leakage current) conduction.


Background

The Researching Effective Approaches to Cleaning in Hospitals (REACH) study will evaluate the impact of a novel environmental cleaning bundle in 11 hospitals around Australia. In each trial site we will collect a range of data, including healthcare associated infection rates, associated costs and changes in the thoroughness of cleaning. While these data will assist in determining the overall effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the cleaning bundle it is important to understand what aspects of the practice change process worked, under what conditions, and why.

Methods

The project team will systematically document and review the implementation process at each hospital site. To frame this process evaluation we have developed a logic model to identify what assumptions are being made and what expectations there are about how the process will work at each trial hospital.

Results

The model outlines a proposed link between trial processes and intended trial outcomes. It shows the flow of activities and potential impact of local context and external factors in implementing change.

Conclusion

The process of developing a logic model – a pictorial representation of key trial inputs, outputs and outcomes – has clarified the underlying assumptions involved in improving hospital environmental cleaning. This will inform a systematic evaluation of the change process in each of the participating hospital sites, which will assist with translation of trial outcomes to other hospital settings and to the environmental services workforce.


Introduction: Self-massage is an ancient practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which was incorporated into the Unified Health System of the Distrito Federal in 1988. Since then, its philosophy is helping to strengthen primary care. Objective: To evaluate the integrative practice of self-massage from the perspective of health education, as perceived by the participants during the process of instrumentalizing the group with social and educational technologies. Methodology: Qualitative critical action-research in three steps: participative observation, intervention, and focus groups with users of the activity. The data were recorded, literally transcribed, and analyzed with Bardin's categorization. Results/Discussion: These were described in three categories - The role of selfmassage in the health care and quality of life of the user: subjective report of improvement in high blood pressure, depression, pain, closer ties, and empowerment; Changed view of the health-disease process: users share the broad concept of health; Group organization and planning: music, small groups, and focus are some suggestions. Conclusion: Although self-massage does not present the expression of knowledge through verbal communication as a main characteristic, it consists of educational practice demonstrated by the integration and the fostering of autonomy, thus contributing to reaffirm and consolidate the assumptions of popular education.


Objective: This study was designed to assess the feasibility of gasless abdominal wall-lifting laparoscopic myomectomy. Methods: This retrospective study evaluated 183 patients without infertility who underwent gasless lifting laparoscopic myomectomy between April 1, 2005 and August 31, 2014. Data were extracted from patients' electronic health records and hospital charts. Results: The mean age of the 183 patients was 37.9 ± 0.38 years. Mean surgery time was 135 ± 3.7 min, and mean intraoperative blood loss was 329.3 ± 41.4 g. Only eight patients (4.37%) required conversion to laparotomy. Almost all patients required 400–800 ml of autologous blood transfusion, but only four (2.18%) required additional transfusion. Conclusion: Gasless lifting laparoscopic myomectomy is minimally invasive compared with abdominal myomectomy, and is associated with fewer complications than laparoscopic myomectomy with CO2 gas.


Impulsion energy is the most important of work capacities of a hydraulic impulsion tool, and impulsion energy is related to impulsion frequency. At first, according to the work principle of self feedback hydraulic tools, the dynamic equation of the to_and_fro movement of the impulsion tools' cylinder rod was obtained through the movement of the tool. Then according to the variable step_size fourth order Runge-Kutta method, some displacement values which correspond to times on the movement course of the cylinder rod were obtained. Finally the frequency of the hydraulic impulsion tool was obtained theoretically. All this can make parameters more accurate and improve work efficiency in design work.


As UK medical students, we recently completed 3 months of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, before taking online end-of-the-year exams. We are now entering our final year of medical school. Based on our experiences and our understanding of others' experiences, we believe that three key lessons have been universal for medical students around the world. The lessons learned throughout this process address the need for a fair system for medical students, the importance of adaptability in all aspects of medical education, and the value of a strong medical school community. These lessons can be applied in the years to come to improve medical education as we know it.


Today, industrial companies have one of the highest numbers of accidents and occupational diseases annually in Colombia. This is due to various risk factors that accompany industry practices. however, these factors are born to counter the Joint Committee on Safety and Health at Work COPASST, which are designed to monitor, control and promote practices addressed to safeguard the rights of employees and with them, their wellness. This study is structured as a qualitative methodology under proposed by Taylor & Bogdan (1990) analysis approach which is based on three stages: discovery, coding and relativization, from which you can achieve understanding in depth of the subject being studied. One of the most important conclusions of the research is that industrial companies should structure their processes of planning, organization, development and evaluation related to the training of COPASST to ensure safety and health at work.


Results are given of the sorption of methyl bromide by 15 different commodities at three different moisture contents fumigated under intermittent recirculation. The CL-50 was obtained by noting the time required for a concentration loss of 50% of the dosage applied for each commodity. The c. t. (concentration-time factor) was determined by calculating the mean average concentration in mg./l.× time in hours. The rate of sorption of methyl bromide by commodities such as barley, rice, and whole kernel wheat was much less in comparison with commodities such as flax and milo. Correlated mortalities of adult Tribolium confusum Jacquelin duVal and Sitophilus oryzae (L.) are given. Under the conditions of these experiments complete mortality of T. confusum adults could be expected regardless of commodity present if c.t. was greater than 75, or if the concentration remained above 50% of the dosage applied for more than 4 hours (CL-50= > 4 hrs.). Similarly complete mortality of S. oryzae adults could be expected if c.t. was greater than 31 or if the CL-50 was>; 2.5 hours.


Membrane fats take part in functioning cellular formations not only as structural elements, but also as the major regulators of essential displays of ability to live of a cell. Studying structure fats erythrocytes in group of newborn children and in group of adults was spent. Concentration of the basic structural fats cellular membranes in erythrocytes newborns was considerably below similar parameters erythrocytes adults. Certain in erythrocytes newborn children the level of ethers of cholesterol considerably exceeded similar parameters at adults.


A range of cardiovascular risk factors associated with stroke are known, but they do not explain all cases of stroke. Genetic factors can be responsible for certain forms of stroke, and are further investigated in this thesis. The aims of this thesis were to study the occurrence of familial clustering of stroke, compile known stroke-associated genetic conditions for diagnostic and research genetic testing, and examine patients and families with apparently hereditary forms of stroke, focusing on patients who developed stroke at younger age.Based on data from Lund Stroke Register (LSR), patients with a first stroke episode before age 56 years were investigated regarding familial history for stroke and familial clustering of stroke compatible with possible monogenic disease (Paper I). The Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database was used to systematically compile known stroke related genes, and for all these genes the clinical type of stroke was retrieved from original literature. Stroke gene panels for new generation sequencing were created (Paper II), and were applied to investigate 23 stroke families for known genetic causes of stroke (Papers III and IV). Detailed genetic investigations of larger families with seemingly hereditary stroke by whole exome sequencing (WES), whole genome sequencing (WGS) and conventional Sanger sequencing (Sg) were performed. Pathology of brain and skin vessels was analyzed.Paper I: Ten percent of 4,103 LSR patients were younger than 56 years. Of these, 47% (159 probands) reported a positive family history for stroke. Results revealed that 18% of the patients who were under 56 years at their first stroke episode, and with a positive familial history of stroke, did not have any of the usual vascular risk factors.Paper II: Stroke gene panels for use in clinical diagnostics and for research purposes were compiled. A total of 214 genes documented in OMIM were identified. One hundred-twenty genes were associated with clinically documented episodes of stroke (stroke gene panel 1). Sixty-two additional genes related to stroke, but without a reported case of a stroke episode in humans, were compiled for stroke gene panel 2. We included in stroke gene panel 3 stroke-related genes previously detected by genome-wide association studies. Clinical descriptions for the phenotypes associated with each gene were collected, to facilitate correct interpretation of the ample data generated by new generation sequencing analyses.Papers III and IV: WES of 23 probands and validation by Sg in affected and unaffected relatives identified pathogenic or possibly pathogenic genetic variants in 6 of the families, but the pathogenicity of only one was proven beyond doubt. For two larger families with embolic stroke of undetermined source at before 46 years of age and without any suspected variation in known stroke genes, we identified variants in genes not previously associated with stroke; GPR142 for one of the families and in PTPRN2, LRRC1, SLC7A10, IKBKB, and OXGR1 for the other family. In one large kindred with a novel entity with autosomal dominant small vessel disease, stroke, and tremor, a variant in the MAP3K6 gene was identified. Also this gene had not previously been associated with stroke. Pathology showed abnormalities in blood vessels of the brain and the skin and we suggest a pathomechanism involving vascular endothelial growth factor, based on what presently is known about the function of MAP3K6.WES of stroke patients 55 years or younger has presently a low diagnostic yield, but remains a practical method for clinical diagnostics of known stroke related disease. In research, whole exome or genome sequencing analyses of families may identify novel disease genes and new mechanisms for stroke. (Less)


The confidentiality and security of electronic records have become topics of increasing importance to libraries and archives over the past few years. The confidentiality of borrowing records has been debated at national forums such as the American Library Association because of the need to balance national security with intellectual freedom. Meanwhile, as the world becomes more dependent upon computers and networks, much attention has been paid to communications security, intrusions into computers, the compromises of confidential data, and to attacks designed to shut down computers on the network. Meanwhile, online access to library catalogs and archival finding aids has become a service expectation. While sophisticated software packages for archival automation, such as Quadra's Star systems have long been available, archivists wishing to create online finding aids have also used smaller database packages such as FileMaker Pro with great success. In this issue, A. Neil Yerkey, who teaches networking and database management systems in the School of Informatics, University at Buffalo, explores FileMaker Pro's functionality, pointing out potential security issues. With much current attention being paid to computer viruses and worms, we may overlook some simpler techniques which are just as effective to intruders and demand no programming expertise. In this issue, Samuel T. C. Thompson discusses "social engineering" attacks which involve persuading bona fide users of computer systems into giv-


Accusations concerning the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic are mounting between Western and Eastern countries, where Russia is far from being an exception Division lines exist even within blocs of countries having very similar political, socio-economic and cultural identities There are as many ways to handle the COVID-19 pandemic as governments, international organisations etc , but the necessity of at least some forms of lockdown is almost universally agreed Unfortunately, instead of abandoning previous conflicts and maximising international cooperation to successfully contain the pandemic, minimising casualties and social stress, virtually all aspects of the pandemic become over-politicised and used to advance competing interests Russia is an important part of the "blame-game" Having a culture of strong presidential power, harsh measures had been introduced meeting compliance of most of the society As of November 2020, the number of newly infected people was still rising quite rapidly and systematically Thus, the effectiveness of Russian countermeasures to tackle the pandemic was debated not only in Russia, but around the world


Impact to the charging platform was increased due to increasing of the green body, as a result the charging platform often break down. Modify steps has been taken by using twelve pieces of M30 Reamer Style bolts to link up the anchor points, the main shaft has been modified from grade 45# to grade 42CrMo, the life-span for this lifting device system was extended, able to comb-out all hidden problems ,stand-by duration has been reduced and saved up a lot of maintenance expenses.


— The aim of the work was to attenuate the vibration amplitude in CESNA 172 airplane wing by using Functionally Graded Material instead of uniform or composite material. Wing strength was achieved by means of stress analysis study, while wing vibration amplitudes and shapes were achieved by means of Modal and Harmonic analysis. Results were verified by applying the methodology in a simple cantilever plate to the simple model and the results were promising and the same methodology can be applied to the airplane wing model. Aluminum models, Titanium models, and functionally graded materials of Aluminum and titanium results were compared to show a great vibration attenuation after using the FGM. Optimization in FGM gradation satisfied our objective of reducing and attenuating the vibration amplitudes to show the effect of using FGM in vibration behavior. Testing the Aluminum rich models, and comparing it with the titanium rich model was an optimization in this paper. Results have shown a significant attenuation in vibration magnitudes when using FGM instead of Titanium Plate, and Aluminium wing with FGM Spurs instead of Aluminium wings. It was also recommended that in future, changing the graphical scale to 1:10 or even 1:1 when the computers' capabilities allow.


Fulminant hepatic failure from herpes simplex virus (HSV) in immunocompetent individuals has been reported but is quite rare. We present an unusual case of acute HSV infection transmitted anally causing fatal hepatitis in a young individual with no apparent immunosuppressive illness. A 44 year-old previously healthy female with a past history significant only for asthma and shingles presented with a five day history of diarrhea, anorexia, arthralgias, diffuse abdominal pain and high grade fever (105F). Three days prior to her becoming ill the patient had anal intercourse with her boyfriend who had active genital herpes. Her primary care physician started the patient on oral ciprofloxacin. Her symptoms worsened and she was admitted. Diagnostic work-up revealed WBC of 5.0 103/ul, ALT- 221 IU/L, AST-527 IU/L, total bilirubin of 2.3mg/dl, alkaline phosphatase (ALK) of 189-IU/L, Albumin of 2.5g/dl, INR of 1.7, negative serologies or titers for hepatitis A, B, C; CMV, HIV, syphilis and ANA. Microbiologic work-up was unremarkable. The patient began to deteriorate clinically and developed acute respiratory distress syndrome as well as abdominal ascites. Transjugular liver biopsy was performed which revealed subacute hepatocyte necrosis involving 15–20% of the submitted tissue with marked polymorphonuclear infection and inclusion bodies. The patient was transferred to our facility. On examination, the patient was tachypneic and was found to have a scattered discrete vesicular rash on her face/torso/extremities as well as a protuberant abdomen with percussion tenderness in the right upper quadrant. Labs revealed a total bilirubin of 8.8 (direct 8.7), AST- 296, ALT-430, ALK- 190, creatinine of 4.2mg/dl and an INR of 2.3. The liver biopsy was re-evaluated and immunostains for HSV I and II were positive. The patient was intubated and aggressive supportive care in the ICU was initiated including therapy with acyclovir. She developed multi-organ failure and expired after 2 weeks. Thus we present an unusual case of acute fulminant hepatic failure secondary to genital herpes infection after anal exposure. Hepatitis caused by HSV infection carries a very high mortality, which is unchanged with institution of acyclovir (except if it is started very early) and even worsened by liver transplantation, which is therefore contraindicated.


The use of forensic markers (often known as 'tags' or taggants) as authenticity agents in currency, document and product provenance protection is gaining increased acceptance. There is now a wide choice to be made from a variety of technologies available from a number of suppliers. What criteria should be employed to aid the selection of the most appropriate technology? This paper will identify by type the range of technologies available. The use of tags and identification markers in all forms of authenticity test is highly dependent upon criteria such as the method used to deliver the marking component and the equipment needed to identify and extract the marking agent during the authorisation process. For instance, the type of marking system that can be effectively used in currency protection will require different attributes to that of a marker that identifies the authenticity of say a pharmaceutical product or the provenance of a precious stone. Such marking systems offer quality results to potential users, all of whom posses their own distinctive needs. However the correct choice will be driven by a decision making process that involves cost, speed of application, ease of recovery and low risk of compromise as well suitability for purpose. This paper will briefly identify the way forensic markers can be utilised in protecting users from various risks such as counterfeiting, dilution and refilling. This paper will also explore the technical aspects of each process with regard to characteristics and components involved in the system and then analyse the suitability of a range of available technologies to address risks on a sector by sector basis.


The advent of double effect absorption chillers has created new opportunities for gas cooling in regions where gas prices are relatively low compared to electric prices; however, consideration of fuel price, efficiency, maintenance, and first-cost may encumber the opportunity with only slight fluctuation. A hybrid central cooling plant generally consists of two types of chillers--chillers that make use of natural gas, and electric-driven chillers. In a hybrid plant, peak cooling load requirements are met by using a combination of the two types of chillers.


One kind of a TV receiver is provided with a cover and a body portion, the body portion has a display to display the received image of the digital terrestrial broadcasting and operation buttons for various operations, the cover portion by a hinge pivotally mounted on the body. The hinge cover has a support portion connected to the lid portion, the opening and closing mechanism is rotated by a shaft mounted on the body and a hinge shaft rotatably supported support portion and a lid opening and closing rotation mechanism. Bypassing the closing lid portion and the hinge shaft mounting shaft means rotatable relative to the body, said two shafts are parallel to the vertical and horizontal axes of the display portion.


The arrest of former Bosnian Serb leader Radovan Karadžic in July 2008 triggered wide-spread international interest and provided the opportunity for the Serbian public and its media to reflect upon the role of Serbia in the Yugoslav wars of the 1990s. Karadžic was a Bosnian-Serb president of the self-proclaimed Serbian republic within Bosnia and Herzegovina, and was indicted for genocide and crimes against humanity in 1995. On the basis of critical discourse analysis, we argue that Television Serbia, while covering Karadžic's arrest, constructed a nationalistic discourse by invoking nostalgia for Greater Serbia in ways that suppressed or concealed any connection between Karadžic specifically, the Serbs in general, and especially the current government with war crimes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. At the same time this discourse celebrated Serbia as a superior nation as it progressed toward inclusion in the European Union.


. Almost-Einstein real hypersurfaces of quaternionic projective space, as defined in [3], can be characterized by a condition involving their curvature and Ricci tensors.


D6-α-Farnesene (3,7-dimethyl-11-2H3-methyl-12,12,12-2H3-dodeca-1,3E,6E,10-tetraene) has been synthesised by two routes. Thermolysis of 2-geranyl-3-methylsulpholene (5) yielded unlabelled α-farnesene (93%) which was epoxidized at Δ10 in 31% yield. Oxidative cleavage of the epoxide (42%) and Wittig elaboration of the resultant trienal with d6-isopropyl triphenylphosphorane gave d6-α-farnesene (73%). Alternatively, selective epoxidation of (5) gave the terminal 6′,7′ mono-epoxide in 74% yield. Oxidative cleavage (73%) and Wittig elaboration of the resultant aldehyde yielded deuterated 2-geranyl-3-methylsulpholene (46%). Thermal elimination of sulphur dioxide afforded the title compound in 91% yield.


This article employs a new "spatial ordering index" to describe and explain changes in the degree of income clustering and centralization within U.S. metropolitan areas during the 1990s. The results suggest that while the spatial pattern of household income became more decentralized and less clustered during the 1990s, the patterns established as of 1990 were highly persistent over the decade. Factors associated with metropolitan area size and growth affected changes in both the degree of centralization and the degree of clustering. Although traditional determinants of suburbanization were associated with increases in income decentralization during the 1990s, densely developed cities with an increase in the percentage of white residents saw increases in income centralization during the decade. Furthermore, changes in the patterns observed were shaped by various policy influences, including the number of Low Income Housing Tax Credit units, urban containment policies, and the degree of local government fragmentation.


The title compounds (III), obtained by methanolothermal reaction as represented in the scheme, are isotypic and crystallize in a hitherto unknown structure type (C2/m, Z=4).


Municipal construction enterprise is a special enterprise.In the market economy,human resource management is an important part of enterprise management,which directly relates to the survival and development of an enterprise.Analyzing the status quo of human resource management,and innovating the ways of human resource management are the important ways to promote enterprise s healthy development.


3D stereoscopic film has inherently the problem of large frame size that many 3D images compression algorithms already investigated for exploiting complex method, outputting poorly displayed frame, and takings a long processing time. Consequently, this paper presents the development of a unique technique of clipping the redundant areas from the frames that do not appear in 3D stereoscopic film which delivered side-by-side (SbS) format over a conventional packet-based network. This implies reducing the size of the 3D film with natural depth perception.


OBJECTIVE
To prepare tea pigments.

METHODS
Tea pigments are prepared by solvent extraction from Sri lanka black tea.

RESULTS
Tea pigments contains the components as follows: caffeine 1.77%, epigallocatechin 1.37%, catechin 1.20%, epicatechin 9.55%, epigallocatechin gallate 10.52%, epicatechin gallate 9.94%, theaflavin 10.34%, theaflavin monogallate 9.57%, theaflavin digallate 4.81%, thearubigin about 40.93%.

CONCLUSION
The best proportions of the compound that are obtained with HPLC analysis.


This article provides an overview of similarities and differences of local and regional indicator systems for sustainability. While there is a high degree of correspondence in basic matters (e.g., the definition of sustainable development), there are differences regarding the substance dealt with and the choice of indicators. A table presents characteristics of existing indicator systems and contains valuable information for local actors who plan to introduce such a system. Finally, it is concluded that currently indicator systems at the local level fall short of expectations and lag behind their possibilities. The article discusses reasons and presents a modular structure of indicator systems taking into account target groups and functions.


Macroscopically, cellular foods including agricultural products are regarded as the eleclrical systems in which cell membranes isolate inUacellular elec~oly~es from exmacellular eleeuolfles. Moisture movement in the materials during drying cam the changes in moisture of the iouaccllular and extracellular elecIrolytes. Therefore, the moisrure movements can k detected by an elecuical measurement. The authors measured the impedance of carrol roots during drying by a FIT (fast Fourier uansform) noise imoedance method at frmuenni of 40 Hz to 100 kHz The eauivalent circuit As a result, it was found that thc increase in the extracellular resistance showed a gwd wrrelation uilh a dec- in moisture wnlent belwn 200 and 400% db (dry basis) and that the mcmbranc capacitance had lhc maximum near the second critical moisture cantcnt. It was concluded that the FFT noiw impedance method was ;lpplicable lo the moisturc mcasuremcnl of agricultwal produrn during drying.


Very recently, the Pierre Auger and Telescope Array collaborations reported strong evidence for a correlation between the highest energy cosmic rays and nearby starburst galaxies, with a global significance post-trial of $4.6\sigma$. It is well known that the collective effect of supernovae and winds from massive stars in the central region of these galaxies drives a galactic-scale superwind that can shock heat and accelerate ambient interstellar or circumgalactic gas. In previous work we showed that, for reasonable source parameters, starburst-driven superwinds can be the carriers of ultra-high-energy cosmic ray acceleration. In this paper we assess the extent to which one can approach the archaeological ``inverse'' problem of deciphering properties of superwind evolution from present-day IR emission of their host galaxies. We show that the Outer Limits galaxy NGC 891 could provide ``smoking gun evidence'' for the starburst-driven superwind model of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays.


iv 1. Definition, Origins & Selected History of the CoSG 1 2. Academic Responses 16 3. Kenneth Burke: Ranging Rhetorician and Social Critic 32 4. Methods: categorized discourse, rhetorical analysis & survey 68 5. Estimating the "congregation" via survey and other measures – 78 6. Burke's Rhetoric Applied: Hour of Slack and Revelation X 114 7. Practical Contributions of the Comic Frame & Critic 171 8. Play & Protest: SubGenius Rhetorical Ripples of Resistance 181 9. APPENDIX A: Glossary of Common SubGenius Terms 194 10. APPENDIX B: Hour of Slack Listener survey & results 195 11. APPENDIX C: List of radio stations that play Hour of Slack 197 12. APPENDIX D: SubGenius Neologisms & Key Slogans 200 13. APPENDIX E: Transcript of personal Interview with Rev. Stang 202 14. APPENDIX F: Transcripts of emails exchanged with Rev. Stang – 211 15. Permissions – 226 16. Works Cited and Consulted 228


Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted medical training. Here we assess its effect on head and neck surgical education. Methods: Surveys were sent to current accredited program directors and trainees to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the fellow's experience and employment search.  Current fellows' operative logs were compared with those of the 2018-2019 graduates. Results: Despite reduction in operative volume, 82% of current AHNS fellows have reached the number of major surgical operations to support certification.  When surveyed, 86% of program directors deemed their fellow ready to enter practice.  The majority of fellows felt prepared to practice ablative (96%), and microvascular surgery (73%), and 57% have secured employment to follow graduation.   Five (10%) had a pending job position put on hold due to the pandemic. Conclusions: Despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, current accredited trainees remain well positioned to obtain proficiency and enter the work-force.


By single-spore isolating method,32 strains of Cercospora zeina were isolated from the diseased maize leaves from 10 prefectures of Yunnan province to test their size and ultraviolet radiation resistance(URR) and their genetic diversity was analyzed using SSR markers.Their conidial germination rates were 89.96 %,74.15 %,66.99 % and 46.36 % when they exposed in 7.5KJ/m2 of UV-B light.Their spore lengths were 58.92,54.68,55.69 and 52.37 μm,and their spore widths were 9.11,7.82,7.13 and 6.54 μm with average size 41.78-67.04 μm×5.76-9.43 μm for the strains collected from 2000-2300,1800-2000,1600-1800 and 1000-1600 m altitudes above sea,respectively.The results showed that the altitude was most significantly and positively related to URR and spore width with relation coefficients of 0.5812(P≤0.01) and 0.7485(P≤0.01),but not significantly to spore length.The pathogen had diverse genetic background unassociated with its collection sites.


In this paper, water content from celery, corn, and sour cherry were removed through tunnel, fluidized bed, and fluidized bed with microwave dryers. One day before performing the experiments, the fruits were put into a refrigerator and were ground into slices with average dimensions of 5×8×8 mm. For each experiment, 40 g of the samples were inserted in dryers. Moisture content in the samples was determined by weighting the samples using a balance. Experiments were accomplished in the air flow rate of 1 to 3 m/s, the temperature of 40 to 60 oC, and the microwave power of 180 to 540 w. Influences of these operating conditions on the drying yield were presented and discussed. This study evidenced that the fluidized bed with microwave field resulted the highest drying rate among the applied drying methods. The optimum temperature and air velocity for attaining the maximum drying performance were 60 oC and 1 m/s. In addition, the Exponential and Page's models were used to fit the experimental data. The results showed that Page's model had a good agreement with the experimental data.


A study was made of cumulation of optothermoacoustic pulses in the course of interaction of light with a concave surface of an absorbing medium. Strong ejection of a liquid from the focus was observed and measurements were made of the amplification of shock pulses on approach of a detecting sensor to the focus. An analysis was made of various types of active mirrors capable of simultaneous generation and focusing of shock pulses. Possible mechanisms of generation of sound by an absorbing layer were considered, including heating, boiling, pulsed sublimation, exothermal combustion, etc. Potential applications were considered.


This bachelor's thesis is focused on the last creative period of composer Ludwig van Beethoven. It deals not only with work but also the fate of the artist's life since 1812 till his death in year 1827. It points not only to the sad conclusion of Beethoven's life, but also to the beauty and transcendence of his compositions, which he wrote in this difficult time.

My work is divided into three main chapters. The first chapter was included for better orientation in the biographical dates, briefly describes Beethoven's life until 1812. The second chapter is devoted to the composer's life and the changes since 1812. The last chapter is focused on the piano works, which I devote to this work primarily.


Reduction of readmissions in heart failure (HF) patients is a main goal of HF programmes. Establishing a discharge planning for the patient and coordinating it with primary care teams are key aspects for their success.

 Evaluate whether a double check discharge planning based on adding face-to-face joint weekly sessions with primary care managers to the conventional electronic communication of care plan reduces 6-month readmission and 6-month mortality.

 We evaluated all patients discharged from hospital with HF as primary diagnosis between September 2017 and January 2019. We compared outcomes between patients discharged during Period #1 (single check; September 2017 - April 2018) and those discharged during Period #2 (double check; May 2018 - January 2019).
 Primary endpoint was the combined endpoint of all-cause death or all-cause hospitalization 6 months after discharge from the index hospitalization.

 The study enrolled 317 patients: 182 in Period #1 and 135 in Period #2.
 Mean age was 76±9 years. There was a higher proportion of patients with diabetes and COPD in Period #1, with no differences in other baseline characteristics.
 The combined endpoint of all cause-death and all-cause hospitalization at 6 months was significantly reduced in patients in the double check discharge planning group (27% vs. 16%, p 0.021).

 In a HF programme, the addition of a double check discharge planning based on having joint weekly sessions with primary care managers on top of the conventional electronic communication of care plan reduces 6-month readmission and 6-month mortality.

 Type of funding source: Public hospital(s). Main funding source(s): Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge


The objective of the research was focused on analyzing the prevalence of haemoparasites in dual-purpose cattle in the Pallatanga canton, Chimborazo Province, Ecuador. Based on the laboratory analysis, the Capata farm had the highest incidence of hemoparasites 38.46%, the Lugmapata farm had the lowest parasitic incidence with 14.29%, defining that the highest hemoparasitic incidence corresponds to animals older than 2 years of age and the lowest from 6 to 12 months. Animals under 2 years of age were the most affected and those under 1 to 2 years of age, while Brahman and crossbred cattle were not affected. Of all the farms investigated, only one keeps records and the respective identification in the animals, making data collection difficult.


Deka value logical gate is basically electrocircuit of Deka value digital system comprised.The circuit constructure and operational principle of Deka value TTL"NOT"gate and "AND" gate are introduced,a deka value TTL "NOT AND"gate circuit is pushed out.


High mobility group box chromosomal protein 1 (HMGB‐1) is a widely studied, ubiquitous nuclear protein that is present in eukaryotic cells, and plays a crucial role in inflammatory response. However, the effects of HMGB‐1 on human synovial fibroblasts are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the intracellular signaling pathway involved in HMGB‐1‐induced IL‐6 production in human synovial fibroblast cells. HMGB‐1 caused concentration‐ and time‐dependent increases in IL‐6 production. HMGB‐1‐mediated IL‐6 production was attenuated by receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) monoclonal antibody (Ab) or siRNA. Pretreatment with c‐Src inhibitor (PP2), Akt inhibitor and NF‐κB inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and L‐1‐tosylamido‐2‐phenylenylethyl chloromethyl ketone) also inhibited the potentiating action of HMGB‐1. Stimulation of cells with HMGB‐1 increased the c‐Src and Akt phosphorylation. HMGB‐1 increased the accumulation of p‐p65 in the nucleus, as well as NF‐κB luciferase activity. HMGB‐1‐mediated increase of NF‐κB luciferase activity was inhibited by RAGE Ab, PP2 and Akt inhibitor or RAGE siRNA, or c‐Src and Akt mutant. Our results suggest that HMGB‐1‐increased IL‐6 production in human synovial fibroblasts via the RAGE receptor, c‐Src, Akt, p65, and NF‐κB signaling pathways. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 2006–2015, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


An increasing number of small businesses are seeking customers in foreign countries. At this time, however, our knowledge of small business successful export practices is limited. To increase our export understanding, it has been suggested that research should examine in more depth the relationship between export planning and performance.   Based on a sample of eighteen small firms in the electronics industry, weak support was found for the hypothesis that the level of formal export planning is positively related to export performance. Areas for future research and limitations of the study are also discussed.


Greenhouse production is the main production mode of strawberry cultivation in current,and extremely easy to salinization in greenhouse soil.Physiological and ecological performance of strawberry under salt stress had important significance for strawberry cultivation.The results showed that the growth of strawberry had been inhibited by the condition of salt stress,physiological and ecological response were wilting,the content of chlorophyll decreased,activity of SOD and POD changed and the content of MDA and proline increased.There were many ways to improve the salt tolerance of strawberry,the main methods included mutation screening and application of exogenous and physiological active substance and mycorrhizal fungi and so on,and the nutrient regulation was also a feasible method.


Usually template matching algorithm is utilized to deal with the floating and orientation of the picture.But it easily creates strenuous disturbance,when using it in the war to anti-tremble,because of panzer video tracking system is influenced by the land form and the ground object.It is inevitably to generate matching mistakes.This paper founds the image moving model firstly,then improves the template matching algorithm according to the gray character of the image.It uses the characteristic points to correction and remove the pseudo-characteristic points.This method can cancel the wrong-matching and meet the need of the quality of the war-image.


This is an important, revealing study by a knowledgeable, provocative stimulating scholar. Constructed on the basis of unprecedented and extensive interviews of students in representative Chinese universities in widely different locations within Greater China, the study provides an invaluable indicator of the thinking of young intellectuals in China today.


Activated carbon adsorption and microwave regeneration were investigated and evaluated for removing the high concentration phenol from ship washing wastewater in this paper.The results show that activated carbon adsorption is effective to remove the high concentration phenol and microwave regeneration can not only recover the activated carbon capacity but improve it.The adsorption capacity is increased from 196.4 mg/g to 271.1 mg/g,surface area is increased from 746.1 m2/g to 888.4 m2/g,and the cumulative pore volume is increased from 0.37 cm2/g to 0.42 cm2/g respectively by microwave regeneration.In addition,the number of carboxyl groups is significantly reduced after regeneration and makes the phenol more easy diffuse to the micro-porous by prevented the formation of water clusters effectively.


The usefulness of cost-benefit models for analyzing the individual's educational and occupational choice is discussed, with the choice after high school graduation as an example. As a background, the economic approach linked to the human capital concept is described as well as the use of cost-benefit analysis within this framework. Cost-benefit analysis is then discussed as a possible model within the area of educational and occupational choice. First, the traditional, strictly economic model is analyzed and criticized. A psychological economic alternative is proposed which, in contrast to the economic model, is based on the individual's perceptions and expectations regarding costs and benefits. As a third step, a purely psychological cost-benefit model is suggested, where the cost and benefit concepts are broadened to include all types of personal sacrifices and rewards. This model is regarded as more realistic for the individual's career choice than the economic prototypes.


We analytically derive a one-dimensional map from an ODE which produces a double scroll very similar to the Chua double scroll. Our analysis leads us to suggest a generalization of the Chua circuit to an n-dimensional system of ODEs that we will call the generalized Chua equations. The third order system of ODEs in this class contains the Chua equations as a special case. Parallel to the generalized Chua equations we define the generalized Chua maps. An important feature of these equations and maps is that the source of their nonlinearity is a sigmoid function, and functions very similar in their properties to the sigmoid function. We show that this class of equations contains examples of maps that reproduce the Lorenz and Rossler dynamics. We suggest that a general theory of these equations and maps, and their relationship to one-dimensional maps, is possible. A benefit of our analysis shows that the dynamics of the maps of Rossler, Chua, and Lorenz maps can be traced to a common set of building blocks, and we conclude that the Chua map is the simplest of the three maps and therefore understanding the complexity in the Chua map provides a foundation for understanding chaos in a large class of n-dimensional equations that includes the maps of Rossler and Lorenz.


This paper begins with a discussion of what constitutes corporate welfare, then proceeds to apply the corporate welfare concept to the steel industry in the United States. A review is made of the various government supports that the steel industry has enjoyed since 1969. Studies have estimated that support to the steel industry has totaled between $90 and $151 billion. The paper concludes with a discussion of the 30 percent tariff that George Bush imposed on foreign steel producers and suggests that the steel industry should be taken off welfare and allowed to sink or swim on its own.


I imagine that roost of you would agree that it is a very difficult task to conclude what the military services-the Army, Navy and Air Force--have established as their major NDE requirements toward which research projects could be focussed. What we are going to try to do in the next few minutes, then, is present a short view of what, in our best judgement, these requirements are and what are the long range capabilities that we would like to see developed. We hope that by doing this, you will get a better picture of the key NDE research objectives within the DoD.


mately 70% of patients report fatigue as a particularly prominent and disabling feature associated with reduced health-related quality of life. 2–4 Other key patient-reported extraglandular symptoms include arthralgia, myalgia, and Raynaud's phenomenon. 5–8 This article reviews these patient-reported features, their relationships with objective assessment of the disease, potential therapies for these symptoms, and how measurements of these symptoms are relevant to outcome assessment in clinical therapeutic trials. While some of these features are also relevant to secondary


To the Editor.— As I read the "Comment" section of the case report of Drs Campo and McDonald, which was entitled "Treatment of Acrodermatitis Enteropathica With Zinc Sulfate" ( Arch Dermatol 112:687-689, 1976), an interesting thought occurred to me. The physicians point out that among many other treatments, penicillamines have been used for treatment. That being the case, and if their theory is correct, the penicillamine-treated babies should have gotten worse, since penicillamine is a nonselective chelator and it would, therefore, surely have chelated the zinc in an already presumably zincdeficient baby. I hope that we hear from the penicillamine-users as to whether their patients did get worse, because it would be excellent indirect evidence of the correctness of the theory of Drs Campo and McDonald. In my own experience, there was a child with Wilson's disease who, on long-term penicillamine therapy, developed a very severe dermatitis that responded very nicely


Casting is a widely used manufacturing process for complex shaped-parts with high stiffness due to the monolithic integrity. An added value to these demands is high dimensional precision which casting cannot achieve in most cases. To ensure defect-free products and dimensional precision like side walls, radii, the cast has to be cooled according to material type, product size, filling rate and mold design. Nowadays, the cooling control is based mostly on empirical knowledge. To avoid product quality deterioration it is necessary to have an intelligent control system, which adjusts the cooling parameters according to varying casting conditions. To play with the casting parameters, their influence on the cast part is needed to be scientifically known in order to predict it. Numerical simulation is the suitable tool for getting different influences of the casting parameters on the final part shape and dimensions. Instead of costs of test and trials, numerical simulations needs computation time. The present work focuses on the determination of the heat transfer coefficient at the part/mold and part/core interfaces in permanent mold casting, by a gradient extrapolation method. Using adequate equipment, temperature field was monitored during solidification and cooling of a hollow cylinder cast part made of Al-7%Si alloy. By varying the thermocouples positions, the optimal locations of the measurement points were determinad in order to calculate a very accurate heat transfer coefficient.


This retrospective study aimed to investigate the correlations between phenotypes of fetal renal abnormalities on prenatal ultrasound and genetic aetiologies detected using chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) and whole‐exome sequencing (WES).


This paper discusses the problems existed in the management of library simply, and then pays more attention to the innovations in different functional department of library management from the angle of business.


Despite the contemporary public's discourse regarding the embrace of human diversity within the United States, Black males still are perennially brutalized, killed, and negatively stereotyped. Rece...


This report describes the results of a case study to evaluate the quality management of asphalt mixtures using equipment developed as part of the Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP). The final product of SHRP was a collection of products known as Superpave (Trademark) (SUperior PERforming asphalt PAVEments). SHRP research involved the development of the Superpave system. While much asphalt mixtures work was performed in the laboratory, very little had been attempted in practice. This case study focused on the testing and field quality control of an intermediate course mixture on an interstate highway in Lexington, Kentucky. Specifically, a field sampling and testing plan was initialized to examine the sensitivity of the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) to changes in materials components. In addition to evaluating the SGC, Marshall specimens were produced and analyzed. In this manner, both compaction techniques were directly compared. Test results indicated that the SGC procedure is highly sensitive to changes in materials components, particularly asphalt content and dust content. In addition, the SGC procedure resulted in specimens with reduced variability within a set. The testing time was not significantly increased using the SGC procedure compared to the Marshall procedure.


We designed and simulated a 1 GHz planar dipole antenna that is cloaked in a band around 10 GHz. Relative to an uncloaked antenna it has a reduced extinction cross-section for the co-antenna polarization, at the cost of an increased cross-polarization. This reduced extinction cross-section characterizes a reduction in scattering and absorption, and so reduced interference to electromagnetic waves in the frequency of cloaking. The dipole antenna element is cloaked by the introduction of sub-wavelength capacitive strips surrounding its length. The cloaking results were obtained using full wave simulations, showing for the realistic, lossy design a reduction of at least 5 dB in the extinction cross-section over a bandwidth of more than 1.5 GHz in comparison with the uncloaked antenna.


Base on the investigation statistics of sediment and its phosphorus reserves in Hongfeng and Baihua lake reservoirs,integrated with frequent water pollution in recent years,this article has discussed emphatically sediment total phosphorus burden of Hongfeng and Baihua lake reservoirs to its eutrophic contribution.The results indicated,started from the 1990's,phosphorus in sediment of Hongfeng and Baihua lakes is astonishing.The average values of total phosphorus in dry sediments are up to 0.163% and 0.174% respectively.By 2006,Hongfeng Lake had 3924t of TP and Baihua Lake had 1284t.Results indicated that sediment was too great and its concentration of phosphorus too high.With outside force,sediment will be agitated and numerous phosphureted salts will be released to produce frequent water pollution.


Most daily rainfall time series data are too short and/or possess missing records hindering them to perform reliable and meaningful analyses. Robust locally weighted scatter smoother non-parametric regression approach (NPR), with tricube weighting function was used to estimate missing daily rainfall data in the upper reaches of Nzhelele and Luvuvhu River Catchments in Limpopo Province of South Africa. The approach proposed in this study has not yet been widely applied for estimating missing rainfall data. Model performance ranged from acceptable to excellent. Graphical fits of observed and estimated rainfall data showed a general agreement. Scatter plots indicated that there was no definite pattern of underestimation and overestimation of peak rainfall events. Scatter points for low rainfall values were closer to the best fit line showing good agreement between observed and simulated rainfall values for most of the stations. The study showed that NPR effectively estimated missing rainfall data.


To investigate effect of booking status and other parturient characteristics on pregnancy outcome. A retrospective case controlled study of unbooked and booked women. Case notes and ward registers were sources of data. The unbooked had less education and higher teenage pregnancy than the booked (Primary education; unbooked 41.7% and booked 9.4%. Teenage pregnancy; unbooked 4.1%, booked 0.6%) P 7 times less in the booked compared to the unbooked. Low social class of unbooked women influenced their not booking; this in turn resulted in poorer pregnancy outcome such as higher interventions, obstructed labour, perinatal and maternal mortality. Low education, husbands occupation and social class of unbooked women influenced their not booking; this in turn resulted in poorer pregnancy outcome such as higher interventions, obstructed labour, perinatal and maternal mortality. Public enlightenment, education of the girl child and women empowerment will improve booking for orthodox ANC and delivery. Keywords: Booked, Unbooked, Pregnancy Complications, Maternal Mortality, Maternal Morbidity, Educational Status, Social Class


The characters of the women's hair ornaments in Tang dynasty, China, are studied from the material, form, colour, craft and so on.It can be concluded that the style of women's hair ornaments in Tang dynasty was affected by the open society and Hu minority at that time, and has the characters of elegance, splendour and opening. The origination of this style is coincided with the whole society atmosphere.


Significance
 A majority finding by the ICJ declared the excision of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius shortly before its independence illegal and suggested that UN member states should debate the issue of sovereignty at the earliest opportunity. The FCO insists that the Islands, one of which hosts a US military base, are of key strategic importance for anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations.

 Impacts
 Issues related to the Islanders' resettlement and compensation could prove more fraught than the process of transferring sovereignty.
 Chagossian representative groups will likely push for certain guarantees from the leading Mauritian political parties ahead of 2019 polls.
 The return of the Islands to Mauritius could prompt the rapid exploration of fish stocks and mineral resources and oil finds around Chagos.


In this paper,an embedded wireless-access VoIP gateway based on IEEE802.15.4 wireless personal area network is presented.This gateway took 32bit microprocessor MCF5234 as the core chip,and MC13192 as the wireless transceiver.The whole soft-ware architecture was realized by way of modules,which has the advantage of more flexibility and expansibility.The MAC layer of wireless network was designed optimally,which makes the wireless transmission more stable and efficient.This solution has been applied to the realization of VoIP gateway under eCos platform and it well meets the requirement of two channels of audio.


We intend to create a Distance Learning Resource for Plastic Surgeons using all the capabilities of the Internet including video Internet. In order to assess the suitability of current plastic surgery teaching methods for adaptation for use on the Internet we were obliged to ask the fundamental question 'how do surgical trainees learn plastic surgery?' Although plastic surgery training methods are well documented there appears to be no published data on surgeons and learning. A search of the last 10 years of Medline data reveals nothing about surgeons and their learning styles. However, we know that surgeons are educated formally for a relatively long period and then are supposed to continue learning from experience. It is clear that some do this well and become regarded as expert and successful. Others presumably will do less well. How, for instance, could we explain the best ways of learning to a new surgeon working entirely on their own in a hospital in Uganda. If we wanted to set up some kind of a 'distance learning resource' what would it have to provide in addition to information? These are the questions we were posing ourselves at the start of this research.


Resveratrol is a well‐known potent activator of sirtuin‐1 (SIRT1). We investigated the direct effects of hypoxia and resveratrol on SIRT1/ peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α) pathways, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hypoxia‐inducible factor (HIF)‐1α, and mitochondrial quantity in a steroidogenic human ovarian granulosa‐like tumor cell line (KGN) cells.


With the higher demands of speed and accuracy for automatic mechanism, the diversified parameters and kinematics issues have been paid much more attention in the field of cam research. This paper introduced a special cam-based intermittent linkage mechanism that would produce an ideal application in high speed motion. On the basis of analyzed and compared the basic standing kinematics cam curves, from the point of view of kinematic characteristic, analysis the curve characteristic (the units of kinematics eigenvalue, such as displacement, speed, acceleration and so on), the 5th polynomial profile curve is established. In this paper, kinematic analysis of this cam-based linkage mechanism was done by separate the system into two parts for its one kind of closed-chain structure.


Objective To explore the relationship between the sudden change of platelet and leukocyte counts and prognosis in dying patients with malignant tumors of digestive system. Methods The changes of platelet and leukocyte counts were observed on 1~3 days before death and 4~7 days before death in 175 patients with malignant tumors of digestive system.The result data were statistically analyzed with SPSS 11.0 software. Results The PLT count on 1~3 days before death was significantly lower than that on 4~7 days before death in the patients,and the difference was statistically significant(P0.05).The WBC count on 1~3 days before death was significantly higher than that on 4~7 days before death in the patients,and the difference was statistically significant(P0.05). Conclusions The rapid decrease of PLT and rapid increase of WBC on 1~3 days before death in the patients with digestive system cancer are the signs of rapid deterioration of condition.These signs indicate the poor prognosis and the increasing risk of death.


The trajectories of electric sail(ES) in space are seriously influenced by the solar wind due to the special working mechanism of ES. In this paper, a guidance law fit for ES is presented, by changing the potential of wires, only adjust the magnitude of the acceleration to track the reference trajectory. We firstly linearize the ES motion equation about the reference trajectory, then use the LQR optimal control algorithm to synthesize the tracking controller. To model the solar wind environment, we use the observation dates from national space science date center. The simulation in the Matlab under different solar wind environment, show that the guidance law presented in this paper is effective and can track the reference trajectory well, which is also robust to the various solar wind environment.


Observational measurements of cloud base, top, thickness, fraction, and liquid water path (LWP) are analyzed to study the macro‐ and micro‐physical properties of stratus and stratocumulus over the eastern Pacific. It is found that the increase in liquid water content with height in cloud is significantly less than the adiabatic rate. The variations of cloud base and top both contribute to the variation of cloud thickness that approximately fits a normal distribution better than either cloud base or top. Because the distribution of LWP depends on the intervals of cloud fraction (or other environmental variables, for example, relative humidity), the determination of cloud fraction from the mean LWP alone would introduce large uncertainties particularly when LWP is large.


Spectroscopic apparatus comprising: an optical beam amplification system, each comprising a second prism having a first and second pair of surfaces inclined to each other being constituted by a plurality of light containing wavelength components passing through the respective first and second prism surface, thereby widening the light; and a spectroscopic element, which light beam enlarging optical system is widened light for each wavelength component and a plurality of wavelength components is emitted at different diffraction angles. Enlarging optical system of the light beam emitted by the light emission angle of the direction of temperature change change change, change the direction of light emitted from the spectral element for each wavelength component of the diffraction angle due to temperature change can be suppressed to.


The paper argues that integrated evaluation of natural capital factors and socio-economic development in the coastal areas is of a great significance for promoting the carrying capacity of natural capital factors and sound and stable development of the society and economy.On the basis of taking a comprehensive consideration over the feasibility of remote sensing information extraction,the paper puts forward the comprehensive evaluation index system,which is suitable for regional large-scale natural capital factors and socio-economic development;and provides references for changing the study into practical phase.


Topical application of L‐arginine, the precursor of nitric oxide, reduces resting anal pressure without significant side‐effects and may therefore be of benefit in the treatment of anal fissure. This in vitro study investigated the effect of L‐arginine on sheep and human isolated internal anal sphincter (IAS) to ascertain the role played by nitric oxide and guanosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate.


We showed in the last chapter that the learning problem is NP-complete for a broad class of neural networks. Learning algorithms may require an exponential number of iterations with respect to the number of weights until a solution to a learning task is found. A second important point is that in backpropagation networks, the individual units perform computations more general than simple threshold logic. Since the output of the units is not limited to the values 0 and 1, giving an interpretation of the computation performed by the network is not so easy. The network acts like a black box by computing a statistically sound approximation to a function known only from a training set. In many applications an interpretation of the output is necessary or desirable. In all such cases the methods of fuzzy logic can be used. 11.1.1 Imprecise data and imprecise rules Fuzzy logic can be conceptualized as a generalization of classical logic. Modern fuzzy logic was developed by Lotfi Zadeh in the mid-1960s to model those problems in which imprecise data must be used or in which the rules of inference are formulated in a very general way making use of diffuse categories [170]. In fuzzy logic, which is also sometimes called diffuse logic, there are not just two alternatives but a whole continuum of truth values for logical propositions. A proposition A can have the truth value 0.4 and its complement A c the truth value 0.5. According to the type of negation operator that is used, the two truth values must not be necessarily add up to 1. Fuzzy logic has a weak connection to probability theory. Probabilistic methods that deal with imprecise knowledge are formulated in the Bayesian framework [327], but fuzzy logic does not need to be justified using a proba-bilistic approach. The common route is to generalize the findings of multival-ued logic in such a way as to preserve part of the algebraic structure [62]. In


The central goal of The Oxford Handbook of Terrorism is to systematically introduce scholars and practitioners to state-of-the-art approaches, methods, and issues in studying this vital phenomenon. This Handbook attempts to give structure and direction to the fast-growing but somewhat disjointed field of terrorism studies. The volume locates terrorism within the wider spectrum of political violence instead of engaging in the widespread tendency to treat terrorism as an exceptional act. Moreover, the volume makes a case for studying terrorism within its socio-historical context. And the volume showcases the theoretical insights that various fields—including political science, political economy, history, sociology, anthropology, criminology, law, geography, and psychology—have provided. In doing so, the volume seeks to engage in honest reflection about the analytical advancements and challenges that remain since the evolution of the field in the early 1970s.


A new wave energy test site, Pacific Marine Energy Center-South Energy Test Site (PMEC-SETS) - is being proposed for construction off the coast of Newport, Oregon, U.S. The intermittent nature of wave energy presents a unique challenge for the transmission system operator, as the integration of a wave energy farm onto the electrical grid creates the potential for disturbance to the operation and stability of the grid. Consequently, this paper assesses the PMEC-SETS development and the impact of its connection to the Oregon (and the rest of the Western Interconnection) network, in terms of steady-state, dynamic, and transient characteristics. The electrical infrastructure analysis is implemented using two power system simulation tools: 1) PowerWorld and 2) DIgSILENT PowerFactory. Power-World is used to create an equivalent model of the transmission system, and DIgSILENT PowerFactory is used to examine the impact of the wave farm at the point of connection, under normal and faulted conditions. A case study of 20 wave energy converters is used to illustrate the results.


Low temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy is widely used to image and manipulate individual atoms and molecules on surfaces, as well as to investigate surface molecular processes such as diffusion, desorption, and configuration switching, at the atomic scale. The aim of this contribution is to highlight our recent progress in understanding the interface between small organic molecules and different substrates, focusing on two model systems: copper hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (F16CuPc) on HOPG, Ag(1 1 1), Bi/Ag(1 1 1), and copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) on perylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxylic-3,4,9,10-dianhydride (PTCDA) and C60 pre-covered surfaces. The influence of the underlying substrates on the molecular packing is discussed.


Purpose: To describe the use of the Pack-PD® Kinetic Modeling Software program for the optimization of peritoneal dialysis (PD) adequacy and the minimization of albumin loss. Methods: Pack-PD® is a tool to assist the clinician with accurately determining both the peritoneal transport characteristic and predicting the adequacy of a PD prescription The peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and the 24-hour batch data are entered into Pack-PD®. The transport type is determined and the peritoneal and renal clearances of urea and creatinine are measured. The Rx Modeling function allows the user to choose CAPD or any form of cycler therapy, input a variety of treatment parameters, and then view the predicted therapy outcome. The user can also enter any number of established treatment parameters and Pack-PD® will compute multiple prescription options. Results: All PD patients were modeled using the Pack-PD® Kinetic Modeling Software program. In April, 2007 66% of patients were meeting Kt/V goal of ≥1.7 and 33% met the albumin goal of ≥3.6. Changes were made to their prescriptions as necessary, to ensure that adequate clearance guidelines were met, with every effort to minimize resulting albumin losses. Patients were retested in July, 2007 with 100% of patients meeting both Kt/V and albumin goals. Conclusion: The Pack-PD® Kinetic Modeling Software program is a valuable tool for determining peritoneal transport capability, and PD prescription adequacy/optimization, resulting in a more effective patient therapy.


This paper addresses the analysis of probabilistic corrosion time initiation in reinforced concrete structures exposed to ions chloride penetration. Structural durability is an important criterion which must be evaluated in every type of structure, especially when these structures are constructed in aggressive atmospheres. Considering reinforced concrete members, chloride diffusion process is widely used to evaluate the durability. Therefore, at modelling this phenomenon, corrosion of reinforcements can be better estimated and prevented. These processes begin when a threshold level of chlorides concentration is reached at the steel bars of reinforcements. Despite the robustness of several models proposed in the literature, deterministic approaches fail to predict accurately the corrosion time initiation due to the inherently randomness observed in this process. In this regard, the durability can be more realistically represented using probabilistic approaches. A probabilistic analysis of ions chloride penetration is presented in this paper. The ions chloride penetration is simulated using the Fick's second law of diffusion. This law represents the chloride diffusion process, considering time dependent effects. The probability of failure is calculated using Monte Carlo simulation and the First Order Reliability Method (FORM) with a direct coupling approach. Some examples are considered in order to study these phenomena and a simplified method is proposed to determine optimal values for concrete cover.


The purpose of this study was to investigate undergraduate students' knowledge in the implementation of the Investigation Project during their teaching practice. Investigation Project is one of the approaches adopted from the Project Approach. This approach included in the National Preschool Standard Curriculum. In this study, data were collected using questionnaire and interview protocol. The survey was used to obtain information on the students' knowledge of implementing the Investigation Project. At the same time, the interviews were conducted to find out the implementation of the Investigation Project for students undergoing teaching practice using the Teacher's Guide. The study sample is purposive sampling. One hundred seven students answered the questionnaire, and the interview protocol administered to 5 students who are implementing the Investigation Project in their teaching practices using Teacher Guidelines. The findings of the study indicate that the level of knowledge of the Early Childhood Education students in the Investigation Project is at a moderate level with an overall mean value of 2.69. The findings from the interview protocol found that the Teacher Guidelines provided to them helped them to implement the Investigation Project more effectively. The conclusion, this study showed that postgraduate students need a practical guide in assisting them to achieve this approach as they are less exposed to this approach while studying. The implications of this study have provided beneficial exposure to potential TADIKA teachers in Malaysia.


Atmospheric polarization has broad application prospects in navigation and other fields. However, due to the limitation of the physical characteristics of the atmospheric polarization information acquisition device, only local and discontinuous polarization information can be obtained at the same time, which has an impact on the practical application. In order to solve this problem, by mining the continuity of atmospheric polarization mode distribution, this paper proposes a network for generating atmospheric polarization mode from local polarization information. In addition, polarization information is often affected by different weather conditions, geographic environment and other factors, and these polarization data are difficult to collect in the real environment. To solve this problem, this paper mines the diversity relationship between the few-shot data under different weather and geographic conditions, by which the generated atmospheric polarization mode is generalized to different conditions. In this paper, experiments are carried out on the simulated data and measured data. Compared with other new methods, the experimental results prove the superiority and robustness of this proposed method.


Pyrotechnics components and subsystems are employed for ignition, valve operation, separation systems and many other functions on both launchers and satellites. Other technologies exist, for example thermal or magnetically driven initiators and electric initiators. The choice of technology is mainly driven by application, cost and the environmental requirements to be met, such as shock and thermal requirements. The bulk of the initiator functions on board, including neutralization, are driven by the pyrotechnic chain.


Subject
 Federal National Council election.

 Significance
 Women won seven out of 20 available seats in what is being promoted as the 'largest election to date' in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The country on October 7 held the fourth-ever vote for membership of its only elected body, the Federal National Council (FNC), with results announced on October 13.

 Impacts
 The new Council will be a mechanism to cement the dominance of Abu Dhabi and -- to a lesser extent -- Dubai in national decision-making.
 The FNC's success may serve as a model for states like Qatar and Saudi Arabia to hold elections without direct accountability.
 Any push to expand the FNC's role beyond its current advisory status will be shut down and may prompt reprisals.


The Mesopotamian marshes are a group of water bodies located in southern Iraq, in the shape of a triangle, with the cities Amarah, Nasiriyah, and Basra located at its corners. The marshes are appropriate habitats for a variety of birds and most of the commercial fisheries in the region. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) has been derived using observations from various satellite sensors, such as the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Advanced Very-High-Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR), and Landsat over the Mesopotamian marshlands for the 17-year period between 2002 and 2018. We have chosen this time series (2002–2018) to monitor the change in vegetation of the study area since it is considered as a period of rehabilitation for the marshes (following a period when there was little to no water flowing into the marshes). Statistical analyses were performed to monitor the variability of the maximum biomass time (month of June). The results illustrated a strong positive correlation between the NDVI derived from Landsat, MODIS, and AVHRR. The statistical correlations were 0.79, 0.77, and 0.96 between Landsat and AVHRR, MODIS and AVHRR, and Landsat and MODIS, respectively. The linear slope of NDVI (Landsat, MODIS, and AVHRR) for each pixel over the period 2002–2018 displays a long-term trend of green biomass (NDVI) change in the study area, and the slope is slightly negative over most of the area. Slope values (−0.002 to −0.05) denote a slight decrease in the observed vegetation index over 17 years. The green biomass of the marshlands increased by 33.2% of the total area over 17 years. The areas of negative and positive slopes correspond to the same areas in slope map when calculated from Landsat, MODIS, and AVHRR, although they are different in spatial resolution (30 m, 1 km, and 5 km, respectively). The time series of the average NDVI (2002–2018) for three different sensors shows the highest and lowest NDVI values during the same years (for the month of June each year). The highest values were 0.19, 0.22, and 0.22 for Landsat, MODIS, and AVHRR, respectively, in 2006, and the lowest values were 0.09, 0.14, and 0.09 for Landsat, MODIS, and AVHRR, respectively, in 2003.


A standard method for controlling a phase-shifted full bridge converter is the voltage-mode PWM. In this case the switching signals are based on an internal ramp generator and the control voltage affects the phase shift directly. With such control method it is not guaranteed that the transformer flux density remains within specified boundaries for both static and dynamic (transient) control behavior as the positive and negative pulse widths are not linked in any way. This paper presents an alternative approach which uses a reconstructed flux signal as the basis for generating the control signals, assuring the flux stays within the control boundaries even for very fast transients, with superimposed interference etc. Also, it requires no internal ramp generator as the reconstructed flux waveform itself is used as the reference ramp. Such control allows for construction of high-quality converters with a very fast dynamic response, finding use in welders, plasma arc supplies etc.