AbstractIn this paper, the author discusses the elliptic type gradient estimate for thesolution of the time-dependent Schro¨dinger equations on noncompact manifolds.As its application, the dimension-free Harnack inequality and the Liouville typetheorem for the Schro¨dinger equation are proved.Keywords: Gradient estimate, Schro¨dinger equation, Liouville type theorem.Mathematics Subject Classification (2000): 58G11, 53C21. 1. Introduction In [3], Cheng and Yau proved the classical gradient estimate for harmonic functions.Later Li and Yau [10] obtained the following parabolic type gradient estimate for theheat equation u t = △uand where the subscript tdenotes the partial differentiation withrespect to the t-variable, △ is the Laplacian operator on M.Theorem 1.1. (Li− Yau) Let M be an n-dimensional complete manifold with Riccicurvature bounded below by −K, K≥ 0. Suppose that uis any positive solution to theheat equation u t = △uin B(x 0 ,2R)× [t 0 −2T,t 0 ], then for ∀α>1,|∇u| 2 u 2 − αu


We report a one-pot synthesis of tetracyclic ketones via PtI2-catalyzed hydrative cyclization of trialkyne functionalities. These triyne substrates bear an electron-rich aryl group at the outer alkyne to direct the initial hydration occurring at the adjacent alkynyl carbon. This tandem catalysis is proposed to comprise two alkyne hydrations, an alkyne insertion and an intramolecular aldol condensation.


This news is adapted from viXra log ( http://blog.vixra.org ) and contains LHC updates through May 28, 2012. LHC has now passed the milestone of delivering 1/fb in one week to ATLAS and CMS.


e22211 Background: Sirtuins (SIRT) are NAD+ dependent class III histone deacetylases (HDACs), and share extensive homology with yeast silent information regulator 2 (Sir2). In mammals seven sirt2homologues (SIRT1-7) have been identified, which target histone and various non-histone proteins. SIRT1 and other sirtuins were found to regulate cell survival via deacetylation of key cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory proteins, (p53, Ku70 and FOXO). Elevated HDAC enzyme activity is associated with cancer, including leukemia and solid tumors. HDAC isoenzymes, including class III HDACs, SIRT1 and SIRT2 are significantly increased in CLL. Herein, we describe the role of SIRT1 and SIRT2 in promoting cell survival in CLL cells. Methods: CLL cells were purified from peripheral blood obtainedfrom CLL patients (after informed consent) and normal lymphocytes obtained from normal donors through the NU Pathology Core. CLL cells, normal lymphocytes and B-prolymphocytic cell lines (JVM-3 and MEC-2) were lysed followed by We...


The fund allocation in the construction of information resources is the economic base for the construction and development of academic libraries.Its allocation method,mode and proportion directly relate to the development of academic libraries.Its allocation process is influenced by history data of fund allocation,changes of readers' need,development goals of academic disciplines,and the reasonable growing of literature cost.Universities should consider all the influent factors and choose the right way to allocate the fund properly,maximize the benefits of the fund,cater for the needs of university readers and promote the positive development of university information resources.


Advances in structural biology, such as cryo‐electron microscopy (cryo‐EM) have allowed for a number of sophisticated protein complexes to be characterized. However, often only a static snapshot of a protein complex is visualized despite the fact that conformational change is frequently inherent to biological function, as is the case for molecular motors. Computer simulations provide valuable insights into the different conformations available to a particular system that are not accessible using conventional structural techniques. For larger proteins and protein complexes, where a fully atomistic description would be computationally prohibitive, coarse‐grained simulation techniques such as Elastic Network Modeling (ENM) are often employed, whereby each atom or group of atoms is linked by a set of springs whose properties can be customized according to the system of interest. Here we compare ENM with a recently proposed continuum model known as Fluctuating Finite Element Analysis (FFEA), which represents the biomolecule as a viscoelastic solid subject to thermal fluctuations. These two complementary computational techniques are used to answer a critical question in the rotary ATPase family; implicit within these motors is the need for a rotor axle and proton pump to rotate freely of the motor domain and stator structures. However, current single particle cryo‐EM reconstructions have shown an apparent connection between the stators and rotor axle or pump region, hindering rotation. Both modeling approaches show a possible role for this connection and how it would significantly constrain the mobility of the rotary ATPase family. Proteins 2014; 82:3298–3311. © 2014 The Authors. Proteins: Structure, Function, and Bioinformatics Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


It is generally believed that the Palmaz-Schatz stent maintains a strong radial force, preventing stent recoil. However, the capacity to prevent recoil is largely governed by the hardness or resistance of the lesion. We report two cases of "acute Palmaz-Schatz stent recoil," documented by intravascular ultrasound, and suggest a novel treatment of this unusual problem.


Background On October 20, 2017, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Shingrix, a new recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV; GlaxoSmithKline), for the prevention of herpes zoster.1 On October 25, 2017, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended RZV for use in immunocompetent adults aged ≥50 years (Box). The other herpes zoster vaccine, Zostavax or zoster vaccine live (ZVL; Merck and Co., Inc.), was first recommended by ACIP in 2008 for use in immunocompetent adults aged ≥60 years.


There has been a rapid growth in the social enterprise sector since the early years of the 21st century. This is evident in many countries and is widely regarded as a very positive humanitarian development, though it is not easy to explain exactly what the sector involves. Accordingly, as well as discussing defnitional issues, this article draws attention to factors operating to prevent the social enterprise sector from achieving its full potential, and considers strategies that need to be followed to empower social enterprises and ensure their sustainability.


ABSTRACT Vasectomy and castration are the most preferred surgical methods to control reproduction in males. While sexual functions are terminated reversibly in vasectomy, they are removed irreversibly in castration. After these processes, changes are observed in hormones and oxidative stress parameters. In this study, we investigated the effects of vasectomy and castration operations on blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in rats. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that FSH, LH, NO, and MDA levels increased (p<0.05) and testosterone levels decreased (p<0.05) in the castration group compared to the sham and vasectomy groups. Considering the data obtained from the present study, when the two operations (vasectomy and castration) are compared in rats, which are preferred for the control of reproduction, it is thought that vasectomy is a healthier method because it is reversible, does not affect hormone levels, and does not increase oxidative stress.


The article describes the information technology for recognition of the number on the hot metal transfer ladle. Processing stages have been identified and described: preliminary processing, localization and number identification. The filtration and incomplete thresholding by means of global binarization with an automatic choice of a threshold have been analyzed. Localization is executed by a single linkage (the nearest neighbour) method with the modified windowing search algorithm. After localization area has been identified, a segment is generated. Identification is accomplished by means of a unique method, which is based on an indistinct representation of images and their comparison with indistinct standards. Combining in a characteristic point the segment which is being analyzed with a prototype segment kernels are formed. Those are then fractured into blocks. Based on these blocks two fuzzy sets are obtained – one for the segment that is being analyzed and one for the prototype. For these sets the relative Hamming distance is then calculated. The calculated value shows the degree of similarity of the segments. During the tests it was proved that the Hamming distance for the segments with identical numbers is 0,01÷0,16, whereas for the segments with numbers of different ladles it is 0,26÷0,49, which is enough for a successful identification of a ladle by the image of its number.


The need for a method of standardizing periapical radiographs became evident when a study of changes in the roots of teeth during orthodontic treatment was being planned. The occurrence of apical resorption during orthodontic treatment is widely accepted following papers by Ketcham (1927, 1929) but the prevalence of such resorption is not agreed. Thus Ketcham's figures for the percentages of patients showing radiological evidence of apical resorption were 19% in the case of orthodontic patients and 1 % in patients who had not been subjected to orthodontic treatment. Massler & Malone (1954), however, found evidence of apical resorption in all patients irrespective of whether they had received orthodontic treatment. In order to obtain objective evidence of apical resorption, it was thought to be desirable to


In the third part of our work dedicated to Liassic (Sinemurian) ammonites of Tenango de Doria (Hidalgo, Sierra Madre Oriental, Mexico) we describe the members of the family Echioceratidae. Additionally to the Mexican specimens some specimens from North America (Queen Charlotte Islands) and the lectotype of Paltechioceras rothpletzi (BOSE) are illustrated for comparison.


This paper reports the preliminary results of questionnaires distributed to University of Delaware students in 11 English classes that required the use of a computer. We gave the surveys to students in composition, advanced composition, business writing, and technical writing classes. Over 200 students responded to the first questionnaire; as of this writing, 176 responses to the second questionnaire have been returned.


Even in Ancient Times, Aristotle, basing the empirical facts, sought the basis to find the explanation for phenomena and regulatory processes ocurring in living organisms. The key concept in explaining in bio-philospohy of Stagirite was the concept of the soul (ψυχή), which was to integrate the developmental processes and explain the specific dynamics of the various living beings. The original ideas and timeless questions of Aristotle became the groundwork on the basis of which the contemporary researchers developed their theories in the overall development of living organisms. German embryologist and philosopher Hans Driesch (1867-1941) took scientific attempt to consolidate and explain a factor responsible for development that is described by me as the parameter of nature. That specific parameter was responsible for entirety of regulating processes in live forms, especially for the totiopotential processes during embryogenesis and regeneration. Despite an attempt of consolidating the mentioned parameter had failed, nevertheless Driesch formed relevant question relating to a way of eventual explanation of specific relationships and mutual interactions of particular structures and integral parts of process in progress of the entire development. Driesch's method of scientific research brought him eventually to areas of metaphysical explanations which in consequences are not situated in frameworks of strictly scientific explanations, whereby his category of entelecheia remains just as an empty verbal expression requiring new content and fresh methodological solutions. Methodological way of research in range of complementary of scientific explanations related to development of organism should lead to final resolution of the overall course of organic processes by analyzing different research methods. Pyotr Kuzmich Anokhin (1898-1974) was extraordinarily thinking researcher who presented certain scientific alternative in the range of explaining complex regulating processes based on functional systems and their mutual dynamic relationships to reach overall organismal results. Not only his specific statement can be the way of translating morphological regeneration but also it can be scientific method in translation of different complex regulatory processes across each live structure. Perspective of Anokhin proves that methodology of scientific researches may be led on field of pure science without digressions in range of metaphysics often referring to pluralistic method in assigning specific value explaining outer factors to perform a function of being the initiator and regulator in live forms. Author considers a relevance of mentioned problem hence, this short summary is just indication of research scope that requires further solutions and scientific amendments as well as profound philosophical generalization. 1 Independent researcher, Łańcut, POLAND. 2 See: Hans Driesch, Pyotr Anokin, Rudolf Klimek, etc.


This study aimed to analyze the effect of competency and work motivation on employee performance remained PT. Bank Bukopin, tbk. The population in this study are permanent employee at the PT. Bank Bukopin, tbk. The sampling method used is purposive sampling, sampling on the overall population of 127 people. Methods of collecting primary data in the form of a questionnaire using Likert scale and interview.Validity and reliability testing using the test Pearson product moment and statistic Cronbach Alpha. Analytical methods to answer hypotheses using multiple linear regression. The results showed competency and work motivation simultaneously had a significant positive impact on performance. In partial competency does significant positive impact the performance of the employee, while the work motivation had significant positive impact on employee performance. Correlation between the dimensions of the highest of the Skill dimensions on the competency variables to dimensions of productivity work on performance variables. Employee skills in order expected that a given task can be increase their productivity guaranteed according to plan and the applicable rules..


Ratna Asmarani.2004. The dialogues of Cangik and Limbuk: a Feminist Perspective. Kajian Sastra, 3 (XXVIII): 192-201. Cangik and Limbuk are additional figures in a leather puppet show and their dialogues do not belong to Pakem (the core story). The dialogues and the figures of Cangik and Limbuk are presented to entertain and to evoke laughter from the audience. The scene of Cangik and Limbuk, because it interests a large number of the audience, is often used to convey messages from the government or sponsors. This paper attempts to analyse Cangik and Limbuk using a feminist perspective. The reason for this are twofold. First of all the creator of Cangik and Limbuk are a group of dalangs (the persons who make the leather puppets alive). Secondly, dalangs function as the conveyor of the norm/values of the society in which they live, which are Javanese and patriarchal at the same time. Findings show that the dialogues and the figures of Cangik are used as a media to convey how society wants its women to behave. BY positioning the women as such in a Javanese-patriachal society can control the women. Indeed it is argued that this ensures that this ensures that order will be maintained and the power of Javanese-patriarchal society will not be questioned and will be accepted as status quo.


A substrate holding apparatus for holding a substrate such as a semiconductor and presses the substrate against a polishing surface. Substrate holding apparatus the top ring body 2, a plurality of pressure chambers top ring body within the defined fluid (22, 23, 24, 25) a plurality of fluid passages (33, 34, 35, 36 for supplying for holding a substrate ), for detecting a flow state of fluid flowing through the fluid passage, it comprises a plurality of sensors that are provided within each of the fluid passages (S1, S2, S3, S4).


The present work aims to study according to the mai n criteria of dental implant using three-dimensiona l umerical analysis by finite element method, the effect of masticatory efforts a nd distribution of the Von Mises equivalent stress generated in the bone and the elements that constitute dental prosthesis. We prove that th is level is higher on the bone-implant contour cont act. This work was carried out in an attempt to answer s ome questions, particularly those regarding the loc alization and risk quantification in and around the implant unit. The system under study is composed of five parts: f eldspar ceramic crown, the abutment and titanium al loy implant, jaw composed of cancellous and cortical bone. the latter is subject ed to a mechanical load simulating the operation of the tooth in the three directions: corrono apical, distomesiale and buccolingual. The materials used are biomaterials, they are meant to be in contact with biological systems. The mode ling of the dental implant and the different components is ensured by the SolidWorks s oftware. We studied the static mechanical behavior of the im plant using the finite element method through softw are numerical analysis Abaqus. keywords: Dental Implant; Mechanical Behavior; Modeling; Finite Ele m nt.


The valve is provided at least one SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY DEVICE ACTIVE IN CASE OF OPENING ACCIDENTAL BUTTERFLY sealing of the valve (1), device comprising a ball (20), PLACED INSIDE THE HOSE PLUG (13) VALVE "AU tromblon" (3), AND AT LEAST ONE DEVICE SAFETY PASSIVE TRAP (18), comprising a protective cap (7) which is shaped like a shell DOUBLE WRAPPING valve fully TIMING IS PROVIDED AND LIGHT (23) THAT MAKE INSIDE THE HOOD CONTACT THE EXTERIOR. APPLICATION TO CO2 extinguishers.


The objective of this research was to develop a liquisolid (LS) formulation of clozapine with improved dissolution properties and evaluate its robustness to excipient modifications as well as its stability. Propylene glycol (PG), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and sodium starch glycolate (SSG) were employed as non-volatile liquid vehicle, carrier material and disintegrant respectively for preparing LS compacts. Colloidal silicon dioxide (CSD), calcium silicate (CS) and magnesium aluminometasilicate (MAMS) were selected as coating materials. Complete characterisation of the blends and tablets was performed. The drug release rates of LS compacts were distinctly higher as compared to regular tablets. The specific surface areas of coating materials had an effect on the flow properties of the blends and the particle sizes of coating materials affected the dissolution rate. The carrier : coating ratio of the powder system (R value) was an important parameter for LS systems and had to be larger than 20 to obtain enhanced drug release. The selected formulation demonstrated stability for a period of at least 12 months. The LS technique was an effective approach to prepare clozapine tablets with enhanced dissolution properties. Orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) constitute an innovative dosage form that overcomes the problems of swallowing and provides a quick onset of action. In view of enhancing dissolution properties an attempt has been made to study LS technique in formulation of ODT of clozapine. PG, MCC, CSD and crospovidone (CP) were employed as non-volatile liquid vehicle, carrier material, coating material and superdisintegrant respectively for preparing orally disintegrating liquisolid tablets (OD-LST). Mannitol was selected as a carrier material and sweetening agent. Sodium saccharin (SS) was employed as a sweetening agent. Complete characterisation of the tablets was performed. The drug release rates of OD-LSTs were distinctly higher as compared to regular ODTs. The selected formulation demonstrated stability for a period of at least 6 months. It was concluded that the ODT of clozapine can be successfully prepared using LS technology in order to improve disintegration and dissolution rate of clozapine in oral cavity.


To investigate how the interactions between the closely related sponge species Aplysina cauliformis and Aplysina fulva and their symbiotic microbial communities vary under changing environmental conditions, we conducted a manipulative shading experiment with treat- ments spanning a gradient of 6 irradiances. In A. cauliformis, there was a tight coupling of sym- biont and host metabolism across treatments, and changes in growth rate were correlated more with shifts in symbiont δ 13 C and δ 15 N values than with shade treatment. In contrast, symbiont and host C metabolism were weakly coupled in A. fulva, and the growth of this species was not corre- lated with shifts in symbiont δ 13 C and δ 15 N values. In addition, although photosymbiont meta - bolism was an important driver of shifts in holobiont C and N metabolism of both host species, host and photosymbiont C metabolism were only correlated in A. cauliformis. Thus, although both species host stable, abundant, and similar photosymbiont communities, each host forms a unique mutualism with its symbionts. These 2 host species may be on different evolutionary trajectories, potentially allowing each to exploit novel niche space in coral reef ecosystems. This study pro- vides data in support of the hypothesis that these symbioses represent a dynamic balance of costs and benefits and provides evidence that, because these costs and benefits are highly species - specific, not all species will respond similarly to environmental fluctuations.


The most common helminthic infestation of the brain worldwide is neurocysticercosis (NCC). When a woman presents with seizures during pregnancy, eclampsia is the go to provisional diagnosis. NCC may be misdiagnosed because of its symptoms like headache, vomiting and nausea, neurological and visual disturbances, and seizures. Hence, radiological findings help to diagnose NCC. Treatment is with antiepileptics and antihelminthic agents. We reported the cases of three Indian women in our tertiary care center, aged 19, 20, and 22 years, respectively, with NCC, one of whom presented with seizures in the first trimester of pregnancy and other two during the postpartum period. All patients were normotensive with urine albumin nil and no history of increased blood pressure in the past. The confirmation was done on the basis of MRI brain, which showed spherical ring-enhancing lesions that were calcified in the brain. In the first patient aged 19 years, pregnancy was terminated on patient request and she was discharged on albendazole and levetiracetam. The second and the third patients whose antenatal period was uneventful with postpartum convulsions were also put on levetiracetam and albendazole for 21 days.


Athlete's constitution serves as an integral indicator of morphofuctional characteristics of a sportsman's physique that affects directly such body indices like strength, speed and endurance. There is a need for complex analysis of somatotype as a morphological manifestation of body constitution in representative of various kinds of sport using modern anthropological methods. The purpose of the study is to compare constitution parameters of the sportsmen practicing different ball games. Methods of research were as follows: somatotype identification according to Heath-Karter, anthropometry, caliperometry, methods of mathematical statistics, literary sources analysis. The values of constitution of volleyball players, basketball players, tennis players and footballers have been analyzed according to Heath-Karter. Distribution of somatotypes among the representatives of each sport was investigated and average somatotypes of the above mentioned sportsmen were compared. It has been observed that volleyball players average somatotype is 3,09–4,54–3,08, and in tennis players it makes up 3,60–4,62–3,27 that attributes them as well-balanced mesomorph. Basketball players average somatotype is 3,10–4,77–4,36 meaning mesomorph-ectomorph and footballers could be reckoned among endomorphic mesomorph approximating to balanced mesomorph (3,75–4,34–3,16).


Zero net energy (ZNE) definitions focus on metered fuel and electricity use. This is due in part to simplify the calculation, but also due to a lack of understanding and accepted methodology for calculating other energy-related impacts. This paper compiles the best approaches to assess a meaningful measure of true net zero energy, which includes, along with fuel and electricity used on-site, transportation energy related to the building location, material usage and its embodied energy, and water consumption and its embedded energy. If ZNE goals are to reduce absolute energy consumption, then this broader scope will assure ZNE implementation doesn't inadvertently shift building energy usage onto other sectors. To assess the impact of building location on energy use there needs to be a method for calculating transportation energy use related to occupants, employees and visitors. Methods for reviewing residential transportation energy use, i.e., location efficiency, exist at the census tract level. Commercial building related travel requires different calculations factoring: business type, labor and customer distribution, taxes and competition. Buildings use materials that require energy due to extraction and processing. The reuse of existing materials or structures can prevent the creation of new materials. Energy simulations can predict the materials' impact on operational energy, while life cycle analysis can appraise the materials' embodied energy. Buildings use water for potable and process functions. Water requires pumping, filtration, treatment and disposal. The paper will review methods to determine water consumption and its embedded energy, which is likely regionally dependent. This paper will assess gaps in data needed to conduct this type of complete analysis for commercial or residential projects and make recommendations for filling these absences in data.


Abstract We derive the new infinite Sasa–Satsuma hierarchy of evolution equations using an invariant densities approach. Being significantly simpler than the Lax-pair technique, this approach does not involve ponderous 3 × 3 matrices. Moreover, it allows us to explicitly obtain operators of many orders involved in the time evolution of the Sasa–Satsuma hierarchy functionals. All these operators are parts of a generalised Sasa–Satsuma equation of infinitely high order. They enter this equation with independent arbitrary real coefficients that govern the evolution pattern of this multiparameter dynamical system.


A method that has been shown to be effective for removing pollutant heavy metals from water systems is the process of adsorption. Adsorption involves the addition of a particulate colloidal substrate to the aqueous system containing the metal ions, and this can reduce the pH at which the metal ions can be removed from solution compared to precipitation processes. In this study, a commercially available bacterial adsorbent, which consists of pure cultured bacteria on a cereal support, was studied for its potential as a heavy metal adsorbent. The pH-dependent adsorptive properties of Zn(II), Ni(II) and Cr(III), three metals often found in waste water streams, were measured using this adsorbent. As a comparison, the removal profiles were also determined using the cereal support component of the adsorbent alone, without the bacterial component. It was found that both substrates removed these metals from solution more efficiently than precipitation processes, however, it was found that the adsorption efficiency was principally due to the cereal component of the adsorbent rather than the presence of the bacteria. The extent of removal by adsorption onto this substrate was found to be competitive with other substrates used in conventional water treatment processes.


Summary The economies of Central and Eastern Europe have an urgent need to boost entrepreneurial activity at all levels, but particularly in relation to small businesses. However, this is a significant challenge, as it must be done against a background of very scarce resources, poverty, an inefficient financial services sector, poor infrastructure and an undeveloped entrepreneurial culture. This paper addresses five dimensions of the policy challenges confronted by the governments in South Eastern Europe, namely institutional development, regulatory reform, simple taxation, access to finance and services for developing businesses and start-ups. Enterprise development is rapidly increasing in policy importance in the South Eastern European (SEE) region. There is an urgent need to raise productivity and competitiveness and to tackle high levels of unemployment and poverty. In addition there is a high political imperative in all countries to achieve membership of the European Union as quickly as possible, which has brought enterprise development even higher up the policy agenda. By signing the European Charter for Small Businesses in


In this paper, we formulate an SEIRS model for the transmission of malaria as a system of non-linear ordinary differential equations. This model considers the human interaction coefficients as a constant as well as a function of the mosquito population. The equilibrium points were calculated and the local and global stability of the points were studied. The stability of the endemic equilibrium point has been shown using numerical simulation. Simulations were also performed by varying some parameters of the model. It was also found that the number of exposed and infected humans depended on the interaction coefficients.


Abstract. For large-scale hyperspectral image data, how to retrieve the satisfied information quickly and accurately is critical. As hyperspectral images are one of the important fundamental and strategic information resources, it is necessary to ensure data security during the retrieval process. A secure retrieval method of hyperspectral images in an encrypted domain is proposed. The main contributions are fourfold: (1) for accurately describing the hyperspectral image content, spectral words are created to represent the spectral feature of hyperspectral image and the gray level cooccurrence matrix is computed as the texture feature; (2) the hyperspectral images are protected using a hybrid domain encryption method; (3) an order preserving encryption method is utilized to encrypt the spectral words and texture feature for secure retrieval; and (4) the retrieval results are obtained by matching Jaccard distance in the encrypted domain and then further optimized by the user's relevance feedback. The experimental results show that our secure retrieval method can effectively improve the retrieval accuracy of a hyperspectral image as well as guarantee the security of the image content.


In this paper, we show relations between the zero‐free region and the universality for the Euler–Zagier–Hurwitz type of multiple zeta‐functions. Roughly speaking these relations imply that we can obtain the universality for the Euler–Zagier–Hurwitz type of multiple zeta‐functions by their zero‐free property, and vice versa. Moreover, we obtain the non‐trivial zeros, joint denseness and functional independence for the Euler–Zagier–Hurwitz type of multiple zeta‐functions.


Mental Handicap has occasionally published items of this nature in the past and the Editor would welcome such contributions for consideration for future issues. Readers who would care to write in this vein, or who can persuade any consumers with whom they are in contact to do so, should contact the Editorial Office (Tel. (0562) 824933) for guidelines.


Interest in ferroelectric devices is increasing due to the extremely various applications involving sensors and actuators with a ferroelectric core. In particular, the hysteretic behavior of these devices is a key-point in many fields of application and the need of a deep characterization of such a behavior occurs. Industrial equipment for producing this kind of characterization is expensive and complex systems are needed for specific tasks. In this work a fully-automatic tool for addressing the properties of ferroelectric capacitors is proposed, with high flexibility and low cost features.


A 38 year old male doctor presented to a radiology center for cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and the working maxillofacial radiologist spotted a very peculiar finding - There was a large piece of metal in the mandible (size 0.5 cm X 0.5 cm). Unfortunately this patient couldn't be followed up and the reason for referral is not known. Here in we would like to provide a commentary on CBCT artifacts seen in this case along with an explanation for his case. Based on our observation the object in the mandible is certainly a metallic filling (See figure). This finding is based on the artifacts (acquisition artifacts) that were produced around the suspected material. Two types of artifacts were seen: 1. Scatter and 2.Beam hardening artifacts. Scatter occurs due to the diffraction of original beam after interaction with material. Scatter causes streak artefacts in the reconstruction (Blue arrows in panel A and C). Beam hardening artifacts were also found; they are more common. The lower energy rays suffer significant absorption when passing through the object. Higher the density and atomic number (metals) greater is the absorption. In the reconstruction image they are seen as darks streaks (Between blue arrows in panel B). Materials that often cause beam hardening include metallic restorations and titanium implants? Yes, even light metals such as titanium cause massive beam hardening and amalgam which is the material suspected in this case causes even greater hardening of beam. We strongly think that the metal must be amalgam. Some metal must have got displaced during the stage of condensation of filling in the tooth (most likely 36) just above the large radiolucent lesion. This is the most probable explanation.


The compatibilizer of the present invention comprises a mixture of a poorly water-soluble inorganic compound and an additive, and comprises (a) 0.03 ≦ P ≦ 30, (b) 3 ≦ Q ≦ 800, and (c) 0.5 ≦ Q / P ≦ 1000 [P: Average particle diameter (μm) by SALD 2000A laser particle size distribution meter, Q: BET specific surface area (m 2 / g) by nitrogen adsorption method]. The additives of the present invention are safe for the human body, have high adaptability to deflection timings, and have a high accumulation effect. Accumulating agent, fruit water, poorly water-soluble inorganic compound, phosphoric acid, additive


Summary A survey of book reviews pertinent to the Rorschach Test published in the Mental Measurements Yearbook series reflects the changing attitudes which can explain the Test's declining popularity and indicate what the future holds. A major shift from optimism to pessimism was seen; authors were criticized for not reacting to the research literature or altering their systems, for their overemphasis on scoring, for their ignoring of rival Rorschach schools, and for their lack of links with theoretical psychology. Considerable controversy surrounds the issue of content analysis. Also indicated is a growing methodological sophistication and increased attention to non-projective determiners of the response. It is concluded that regarding the Test as a standardized interview may presage the future utilization of the Rorschach.


The characteristics of water environmental chemical in the Three Gorges reservoir were determined by cruise during 8th to 15th September 2003 with 11 sites, after it became dam. The results indicated concentration of main iron was more high than before dam. The main cation was calcium and main anion was SO_4~(2-). The pollution of heavy metal was different. Concentration of Cu, Zn, Ni, Co were low and Pb, Cd were high, which only can reach the national surface water body quality standard Ⅴ(GB3838-2002).The restes of heavy metal were excelled water body quality standard Ⅱ.Concentration of nutrient was high. The concentration of nitrogen was exceed the national surface water body quality standard Ⅲ. After dam, chlorophyll a ranged from 1.58 to 7.53 mg/m~3.The average concentration of chlorophyll a was 4.69 mg/m~3 at surface layer. Which was increased than before. Water body was the degree of mesotropher. Using the method of system cluster, it showed there was distinct area distribution characteristics which could dispart three clusters.


GYNECOMASTIA is known to occur in conjunction with a variety of diseases, including testicular tumor, hepatic cirrhosis and hepatitis, bronchogenic carcinoma, lung abscess, carcinoma of the adrenal cortex, transverse myelitis, hyperthyroidism, and chronic ulcerative colitis. 1 In addition, gynecomastia is a common manifestation of puberty and starvation, and it can be produced by the administration of certain hormones, including estradiol, diethylstilbestrol (Stilbestrol), methyltestosterone, desoxycorticosterone acetate, adrenal cortex extract, and chorionic gonadotropin. 2 The purpose of this paper is (a) to report seven patients in whom gynecomastia developed in conjunction with generalized dermatologic disorders, (b) to discuss briefly the etiology of gynecomastia, and (c) to consider the significance of gynecomastia when it occurs in association with generalized cutaneous diseases. REPORT OF CASES Case1.— Generalized Atopic Dermatitis This patient, a white man, had atopic dermatitis during the summer months only when between the ages of 9 and


The measures of improving the converting rate of strontium and removing the Ba 2+ ,Fe 2+ ,Al 3+ ,Ca 2+ ,Mg 2+ etc.impurities by one-step method are introduced.


In the present study, a microneedle device (Dermaroller ®) with different needle lengths (1 and 1.5 mm) were used to enhance the transport of a model macromolecular compound (FITC-Dextran 4.4 kDa) across the skin tissue.

 Transport studies were followed by tape stripping method, to monitor the drug distribution in the stratum corneum.

 The impact of dermarollers on morphology of the skin surface was examined by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed a reduction of diameter of the induced skin pores caused by the dermarollers as a function of time, while optical microscopy studies revealed a disorganization to the lower part of the dermis. Modelling shown that an exponential, rather than a linear, dependence of the steady-state concentration on the thickness can qualitatively describe the tape-stripping data.

 The transport of the macromolecule across skin was significantly enhanced proportional to needle length.


The turbo Pascal 5.5 system elements of software design components of a Pascal program fundamental input and output processing numeric data and testing systems procedures functions selection structures iteratin structure arrays records searching and sorting data file techniques an introduction to advanced pascal structures turbo pascal 5.5 hot keys turbo Pascal 5.5 editor commands turbo Pascal 5.5 reserved words ascil code summary of Pascal 5.5 instructions summary of Pascal 5.5 functions and procedures.


In this chapter, we present and validate an effi cient hybrid method to compute high-frequency electromagnetic fi eld coupling to long loaded lines, when the transmission line approximation is not applicable. The line can contain additional discontinuities (either a lumped impedance or a lumped source) in the central region. In the proposed method, the induced current along the line can be expressed using closed form analytical equations. These expressions involve current waves scattering coeffi cients at the line non-uniformities, which can be determined using either approximate analytical solutions, numerical methods (for the scattering in the line near-end regions), or exact analytical solutions (for the scattering at the lumped impedance in the central region). The proposed approach is compared with numerical simulations and excellent agreement is found.


Objective To explore diagnostic value of MSCT for small bowel volvulus.Materials and Methods The prefabricating items by MSCT before the opration of 20 cases of small bowel volvulus is analyzed with operation findings.Results The exact rate of prefabricating items by MSCT before the opration of 20 cases as follows:The small bowel volvulus,The ileus extent and The celiac liquid accumulation was all 100%;The local,direction and degree of the Small bowel volvulus respectively was 90%,90% and 65%;The mesenteric ischemia,The peritoneum adherent and etiology diagnosis respectively was 76%,25% and 11%.Conclusion MSCT can preferably reveal configuration of small bowel volvulus,and"Three whirls in the tree with enwinding trunk"sign suggesting by the text considerably possess specific diagnostic value for small bowel volvulus,but is finite for the etiologic diagnosis of small bowel volvulus.


This paper describes the development of medical information concentrator to be used for a telemedicine unit in a mobile telemedicine system. The concentrator contains of an interface array which function to obtain biosignals coming from several medical instruments, such as ECG monitor, NIBP device, etc. The number of medical instruments connected to the concentrator can vary, though there must be a swap between the user's requirement and the design complexity to optimize the design implementation. This concentrator provides connection of low-priced medical instruments which previously are incapable of directly link up to the necessary computer in a telemedicine unit. Hence, the cost for building a mobile telemedicine can be more economically. Comprehensively test of the concentrator has been conducted in a whole mobile telemedicine system. Results show recorded biosignals can be displayed by parts or collected beforehand as a medical record which may be sent to the doctor who stays alert in the hospital as the base unit.


Research on symbiosis between cleaner fishes and their hosts has focused on the benefits gained by the host fishes and cleaners. Little attempt has been made to compare these benefits to quantitative measures of concomitant costs accrued by cleaners and hosts. During the summer of 1994, over 120 manhours of observations were spent investigating cleaning stations of Gobiosoma evelynae on the coral reefs of southwestern Puerto Rico. We found that during cleaning events significant predation risks were incurred by host fishes and perhaps cleaners. Fish being cleaned allowed observers to approach much more closely than when they were not being cleaned, and cleaner fishes entering the mouth of piscivorous fish may be at rish of predation since results from a feeding preference study indicated that Gobiosoma evelynae is not distasteful to predators.


A crossed-beam coincidence technique has been used to determine cross sections for single and double ionisation of lithium by H+ and He2+ impact within the range 22-2100 keV amu-1. There have been no previous measurements and the results provide as assessment of theoretical predictions based on first Born, close-coupling and classical calculations. Estimates of the separate contributions to single ionisation from electrons in the L and K shells have been obtained from the measured cross sections. Cross sections for one-electron capture have also been determined together with cross sections for transfer ionisation.


Shell-model calculations have been performed for positive parity levels in 25Mg with the fitted interaction of Preedom and Wildenthal (see Phys. Rev. C, vol.6, p.1633 of 1972). All possible sd-shell configurations are included. Calculated electromagnetic decay properties and level energies are compared with recent data for levels up to about 6 MeV. The agreement achieved is in general good.


Includes a historical note plus an advertisement featuring George H.W. Bush supporting sailing / competition. Also includes an insert of the race course and welcome packet.


Roof problems, especially roof leaks, not only disrupt building operations, but can also contribute to the occurrence of severe internal Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) problems (Oliver 1997; Rivin 2001; Haverinen, Vahteristo et al. 2003). One of the well-accepted causes of roof leaks is the lack of roof maintenance (Lounis, Vanier et al. 1998a). The out-of-sight, out-of-mind nature of a roof's location, misjudgment regarding roof warrantees, and a lack of relevant roof maintenance information are typical reasons. The goal of this paper is to provide facility managers with critical information and proposes the move towards proactive roof maintenance. The findings give building owners a holistic view of a required roof maintenance methodology and a rationale to establish a proactive roof maintenance strategy.


Truffaldino – servant of two stomachsAbstractThe article treats about the relationship between one of Carlo Goldoni's first plays – Servantof Two Masters – and the tradition of commedia dell'arte. The key to the search for commonpoints was the character of a servant Truffaldino whose constant hunger links him to hispredecessor zanni. Thanks to a never-before carried-out analysis of Brighella's zibaldoni andzanni and Goldoni's comedy in the context of vocabulary, metaphors and lazzi referring tofood and hunger, it can be observed how much the contemporary plays of the Venetian writerare related to the old theatrical tradition.Keywords: Carlo Goldoni, comedy, hunger, commedia dell'arte, settecento


A simple ray-based 3D modeling program specifically designed to model zero-offset GPR data of pipelines is presented. The program was developed as a tool to illustrate the effect of antenna directivity, wave polarization, acquisition line geometry and pipeline orientation on the pipeline response. The modeling algorithm assumes a one-layer earth with no topography. The acquisition line can be any curve on the earth's surface that can be defined by a differentiable function ( ) f x . The pipeline is assumed to be in the far-field of the antenna. The program allows for any pipeline orientation. The medium in which the pipeline is embedded is considered to be lossy, but non-dispersive. Its magnetic permeability is taken to be that of free space.


Single-phase modular impedance measurement unit (IMU) is a promising solution to power system stability analysis. Yet, existing designs only have modularity at the power-stage level other than the control-platform level, which restricts the scalability of modular IMUs. As such, this article proposes a distributed communication and control system (DCCS) for high-frequency large-scale modular IMUs with tight synchronization and low latency to enhance the controller-level modularity and scalability. The new architecture is realized on a widely adopted DSP+FPGA control platform that can be adapted from most existing centralized control systems (CCSs) of modular converters. In this article, the influence of synchronization accuracy (SA) on converter harmonics under carrier-based PWM is first investigated, followed by the study of communication latency's impact on the system control frequency. Subsequently, the synchronization method of a combined oversampling clock and data recovery (CDR) plus precision time protocol (PTP) method is presented. Furthermore, a communication protocol to maximize control frequencies and a system-level control strategy are elaborated. Finally, controller- and converter-level experimental results are demonstrated on a 520-V, 20-A, SiC-MOSFET-based IMU prototype at 120-kHz equivalent switching frequency, achieving a well-performed ±12.5-ns SA and 60-kHz control frequency.


This paper introduces the design, calculation and cold calibration of wing - type air flow measurement device in No. 4 boiler, Weihe Power Generation Co. Ltd. The character of wing is elaborated in detail. Comparison is conducted for the effect by adopting different type of wings in the boiler of power plant.


Large propagation losses in the order 600-1000 dB/cm were reported in the past for planar line-defect photonic crystal waveguides with a weak vertical refractive index contrast (substrate-type). Loss-relevant factors are a well-suited design of the photonic crystal pattern and a high-quality fabrication technology. Here, the focus is on the latter. Two methods—a thermally driven mass transport process and an ultra-slow, selective wet-etching process—are assessed with respect to their capability of enabling low-loss waveguides. With the resulting hole shape, we experimentally demonstrate record-low propagation losses of 154 dB/cm for W1 photonic crystal waveguides in the InP/InGaAsP system.


To present the Danish Stoma Database Capital Region with clinical variables related to stoma creation including colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy.


Human activity detection in indoor environments is an attractive research field that can assist the elderly and disabled live independently. To detect human activity, various technologies have been proposed, including the use of sensors, cameras, wear-ables, and contactless radio frequency (RF). With applications in localization, smart homes, retail, gesture recognition, intrusion detection, etc., RF sensing has the potential to become a universal sensing mechanism due to the omnipresent of electromagnetic signals. Recently, there has been a lot of interest in RF sensing's ability to solve the discomfort of wearables and the privacy concerns with cameras using Channel State Information (CSI). This study reports the findings of an experiment to locate activity in an indoor environment utilising Universal Software-Defined Radio Peripherals (USRP) devices. A single subject is observed while performing seven distinct activities. Additional CSI is also collected while the monitored area is empty for further comparison. Machine learning and deep learning techniques are used to classify data more accurately, and convolutional neural network (CNN) has a 97.43% accuracy when it to locating seven distinct activities.


We describe the design and fabrication of 3D chip that enables the cell co-culture under continuous flow perfusion and repeated in situ observation by light microscopy. Thin polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane was etched to create an array of through-holes, and sandwiched between two PDMS channels to form an upper chamber and lower chamber. In the upper chamber hepatocytes (HepG2) and fibroblasts (3T3) were co-cultured to mimic the liver whereas in the lower structure endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were cultured to mimic the vascular system at the cellular scale for providing nutrients to the in vitro liver mimicked in the upper channel.


Abstract : Water tunnel studies of a model helicopter which entailed a visualization of the main and tail rotor wakes, the inflow patterns, and their subsequent interactions as the wind velocity and wind heading were changed resulted in a significant gain in knowledge ultimately applicable to direction control of helicopters. Of significant interest was the impingement of the main rotor wake with a ground plane, its subsequent spreading outward in a radial manner and the roll-up of the wake into a standing vortex at the outer edge of this radial expansion of the wake.


A classical Michelson inteferometer with a CO/sub 2/ laser has been developed for measuring plasma densities. Since there is no inherent laser--interferometer feedback, it is possible to achieve a time resolution tau approx. 30 nsec for the interferometer. This time resolution is governed by that of the detector. The detector is a Ge:Au photoresistance, cooled with liquid nitrogen. The range in which the interference signal (deltaJ) is a linear function of the electron density (n/sub e/) is found for small phase shifts. The linear relation n/sub e/1=3.4 x 10/sup 15/ J/J/sub 0/ is derived. Here J/sub 0/ is the signal amplitude at the interference maximum. This equation holds for phases from 0.2..pi.. to 0.7..pi... The interferometer and the single-mode CO/sub 2/ laser are described in detail. Measurements of n/sub e/ in the GOL-1 device are reported. The sensitivity of the interferometer is found to be n/sub e/1approx. =10/sup 12/ cm/sup -2/.


This paper discusses the experience with introduction of delivery according to Leboyer and delivery in presence of the father in the Czech Republic. The project was launched in 1981, when the deliveries according to Leboyer with the following rooming-in care started to be carried out. There is total silence in the delivery room and it is shaded. The newborn's umbilical cord is cut off only after the baby has started spontaneous pulmonary ventilation and then the newborn is placed for a while in a little bath tub with warm water. There has been an overall excellent experience with this course of delivery, the mothers accept the rooming-in without problems. After several years of practice with this kind of delivery, the couples were enabled to give birth together. About 10 per cent of the couples decided to chose this possibility. Our experience shows that this kind of care does not increase the risk of either the mother or the baby and is almost without exception regarded as much more pleasant. The mothers feel that they are not being manipulated and also feel much safer. The limits of this method lie in its increased emotional requirements for the staff and thus it is necessary to put the working team together according to more demanding


Purely deterministic derivations are reported regarding the internal, network chain structure that contributes to rubber elasticity in polymerizations of A2−A2+B2 monomers. The A2−A2 monomer originally contained two primary sites. Upon reaction, secondary sites and ultimately tertiary moieties form. Therefore, the A2−A2 chain link becomes a fourth-order branch node. Reaction rate constants for primary and secondary sites were assumed to be distinct. The B2 monomer was assumed to be independent of similar first-shell substitution effects. Kinetic reaction analysis based on Smoluchowski type equations yielded analytical descriptions of the molar concentration of molecules in the sol fraction as described by their chemical composition, including the number of primary sites reacted, the number of secondary sites reacted and unreacted, and the number of unreacted B moieties. Chemical reactions within the sol and between the sol and gel are explicitly described in deterministic methodology; reactions within the...


Epileptic and psychogenic seizures usually have similar symptoms and present particularly difficult problems in differential diagnosis and treatment. Coincidence of these two disorders in the same patient is not rare. In this case study, two famale adolescent patients aged 13 and 17 who were referred to child psychiatry and consulted with pediatric neurology because of seizures were discussed in terms of symptomatology ant treatment in the light of literatures.


The cure behavior, rheological property, and tensile strength of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) compounds containing different sizes of rubber powder vulcanizates (RPV) were investigated by varying the loading from 0 to 40 phr. Six different sizes of RPV were selected to see the effect of particle size. A typical reclaimed rubber powder was also used to see the reclaiming effect. The average particle size of the RPVs ranged from 70 to 2,000 μm. In the cure characteristics, as the powder loading was increased, the maximum torque, scorch time, and optimum cure time decreased, while minimum torque increased. At lower shear stresses (or shear strains) the viscosity of the rubber compounds increased noticeably with the addition of RPV. This increase was diminished at higher shear stresses. However, the die swell decreased when RPV was added. With increased powder loading the tensile strength decreased dramatically at lower powder concentrations, ∼ 10 phr, and then the rate of this decrease became slower at higher concentrations. A power-law relation was observed between the tensile strength reduction and the particle size of the RPV.


Optimization of the measurement condition for positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is discussed from the viewpoint of non-destructive "on-site" material inspection. Numerical analysis based on a least-squares estimation and experiments with various sizes of BaF2 scintillators by conventional PALS suggested that the use of relatively large BaF2 scintillators enables on-site material inspection by PALS with reasonable accumulation time and time resolution.


The production of prefabricated structures implies following certain regulations and applying certain work management in order for the process to proceed within the framework of the set requirements (deadline, costs, building and process quality). The application of inappropriate technology and management eliminates the advantages offered by prefabricated construction. Since the process is a complex one and is, from the mathematical point of view, poorly structured, the proposed solution for defining actual possible assembly methods, process flow and effect modeling, as well as selecting the optimal solution, is the application of an expert system as a comprehensive model. An expert system set in this way yields decisive information, essential to assembly management as a part of the construction process. The paper gives an outline of the possibilities of the PRIMATES designed and tested expert system for the selection of the optimal method of concrete hall assembly.


Iran's political and economic situation is less known in Georgia. Our seclusion in Russian Empire and isolation from the outer world during decades was the reason of unawareness of these processes. Despite Georgia's independence witnessed in recent years, the situation has not improved. This article serves as filling of the mentioned gap.

Iran's political and economic history of 20th century nbriefly can be considered according to the following stages:

Issuing of the concession on the extraction and processing of oil deposits to the Great britain, which was against Iran's interests; Emerging of the renting economy with the elements of colonialism; Moderate growth of the economy between 30s and 50; Decrease of the economy during the Second World War and political conflicts; Nationalization of assets; Reform of 1953-1978; White revolution and depen- dence on foreign capital and oil; Fast growth of iran's econo- my from the mid 50s to mid 70s. Starting from 1978 the state economy is determined by oil and gas.


A large number of investigations have been carried out to explain the reasons for the formation of pores in welded joints in titanium and its alloys. In Reference 2, the results were used for formulating the main relationships governing the formation of pores in fusion welding titanium and its alloys. In Reference 3, the experimental results confirm the absence of pores in the metal in penetration of a sheet with the artificial increase of the concentration of gas (hydrogen) in the solid solution. Efficient nuclei for the gas phase in melting include the defects of the end surface of weld edges in the presence of adsorbed gases in the volume, together with the presence of water vapour and contamination, capable of dissociating with the formation of pores. It has been confirmed by experiments that in heating in welding, the edges move and surface defects, filled with molecular hydrogen and vapours, form closed pores. In melting, gas bubbles form in these cavities and dissolved hydrogen may diffuse into the cavities. In Reference 4, it has been established on the basis of experimental results that if the distance of the arc from the measurement point is less than 60 mm, the effect of thermal strains results in closing of the joint and in subsequent stages the edges exert pressure on each other. At elevated temperatures, the mutual pressure of the edges results in the plastic flow of the metal in the joint in front of the weld pool and this leads to the formation of suitable conditions for fusion welding. In References 5 and 6 it was shown that in welding thick metal with edge preparation, the surface roughness of filler wire may create suitable and favourable conditions for the nucleation of gas bubbles as a result of the presence of adsorbed moisture. The closed gas cavities in this case form either at the moment of melting of the wire (in consumable electrode welding) or at the moment of immersion of the electrode into the weld pool (in non-consumable electrode welding). Investigations were carried out on sheets of OT4 and VT14 alloys with the thickness of 4 and 8 mm, respectively, using a filler wire of VT1-00 alloy. The defects in the form of scratches, grooves, and delamination are the almost unavoidable type of drawing effects in the treatment of titanium alloys without special Effect of the quality of filler wire on the formation of pores in welding of titanium alloys


In this work, a sample-reusable sequential approximate optimization (SAO) procedure is suggested. The suggested sequential approximate optimization procedure utilizes a newly proposed sample-reusable meta-model along with the trust region algorithm. Domain of design is sequentially updated to search for the optimal solution through the trust region algorithm, and the system response in the updated design region at each sequential stage is approximated by the proposed sample-reusable meta-model. The proposed sample-reusable meta-model is based on the moving least squares(MLS) approximation scheme. Thanks to the merits of moving least squares scheme, the proposed meta-model can fully utilize the previously sampled responses as well as the currently sampled responses of the system, and consequently it makes it possible to enhance the accuracy and robustness of meta-model (often called response surface) for system response. Through the typical optimization problems, the performance of proposed approach is investigated. After the investigations, a preliminary optimal design of compound helicopter is carried out by using the proposed sample-reusable sequential approximate optimization procedure as a practical example of design optimization.


Applications and services emerged in the Internet of Things era are introducing new challenging requirements to the current communication technologies. Since a high number of devices are intentioned to sporadically send small data packets, the transmission speed goes at a secondary level of importance. Instead, more attention is devoted to coverage, computational complexity, and energy constraints. In this context, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project is complementing existing mobile systems with a novel technology, namely NarrowBand Internet of Things (NB-IoT), which is expected to be more suitable for Internet of Things scenarios. While it is getting more and more attention from academia and industry, there is an increasing need to have flexible instruments for designing and testing protocols and algorithms for the NB-IoT stack. To this end, the work discussed herein proposes an open source simulator for NB-IoT, conceived starting from the well-known LTE-Sim tool. At the present stage, it implements uplink transmission with both Single-Tone and Multi-Tone configurations, random access procedure, and baseline scheduling, while offering the support for multi carrier, stand alone, in band, and guard band operating modes. The tool has been used for evaluating the performance of reference NB-IoT scenarios. Obtained results highlight the impact of traffic load and system configurations on network performance.


Legally, the investigational product (IP) can be used only in the clinical trial (CT) since its safety and effectiveness are still under investigation. Nevertheless, on the humanitarian grounds and in the exceptional cases, IP can be used legally for the patients with life-threatening critical illne...


Background—Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is intended to provide a framework for increasing health care access for vulnerable populations, including the 1.2 million who experience homelessness each year in the US. Objective—We sought to characterize homeless persons' knowledge of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), identify barriers to their ACA enrollment, and determine access to various forms of communication that could be used to facilitate enrollment. Methods—At an urban county Level 1 trauma center, we interviewed all non-critically ill adults who presented to the emergency department (ED) during daytime hours and were able to provide consent. We assessed access to communication, awareness of the ACA, insurance status, and barriers preventing subjects from enrolling in health insurance and compared homeless persons' responses with concomitantly enrolled housed individuals. Results—Of the 650 enrolled subjects, 134 (20.2%) were homeless. Homeless subjects were more likely to have never heard of the ACA (26% vs 10%). "Not being aware if they qualify for Medicaid" was the most common (70%) and most significant (30%) barrier to enrollment reported by uninsured homeless persons. Of homeless subjects who were unsure if they qualified for Medicaid, 91% reported an income under 138% of the federal poverty level, likely qualifying them for enrollment. While 99% of housed subjects reported access to either phone or internet, only 74% of homeless subjects reported access. Corresponding Author: Peter Mazanec, BS, 2124 37th St. NW, Washington, DC 20007, firstname.lastname@example.com, (510) 673-4860. Publisher's Disclaimer: This is a PDF file of an unedited manuscript that has been accepted for publication. As a service to our customers we are providing this early version of the manuscript. The manuscript will undergo copyediting, typesetting, and review of the resulting proof before it is published in its final citable form. Please note that during the production process errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain. Beyond this funding, the authors have no conflicts of interest to declare regarding this research. Author Contributions: RMR and LF conceived and oversaw the study. LF and PM interviewed patients and contributed to survey instrument design. LF managed and finalized the data including quality control. LF assisted with the background research for the project and drafted the manuscript and RMR contributed substantially to its revisions. RMR takes responsibility for the paper as a whole. HHS Public Access Author manuscript J Emerg Med. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2016 November 01. Published in final edited form as: J Emerg Med. 2015 November ; 49(5): 755–762.e2. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2015.06.005. A uhor M anscript


Soybean is one of the most important crops for the Brazilian economy, as it is one of the most consumed oilseeds in the world. It is currently one of the fastest growing crops in Brazil, with an increase in the area produced and productivity. However, for this to occur, it is necessary for producers to acquire seeds of high physiological quality, free of pathogens, and with high germination and vigor, ensuring adequate stands in the field. Diseases are one of the main aggravating factors in the decrease in the quality of soybean seed lots. Thus, this work aims to collect soybean seeds cultivar BRASMAX BÔNUS IPRO - 8579 RSF to determine the sanitary quality of different batches of seeds, in addition to collecting information on the actions of producers in Marcelândia-MT. To carry out the sanitary analysis, the blotter test method was used, using filter paper in transparent acrylic boxes (gerbox). Sample 3498 was the one with the highest number of diseases among the lots analyzed with the presence of Penicillium sp., Cercospora kikuchii, Fusarium spp., Bacteria and Colletotrichum truncatum. Sanity analyzes showed that all seed lots had some type of pathogen.


Welcome to Vienna—the "city of music," where more famous composers have lived, including Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Johann Strauss, than in any other city. We are pleased to venture into this city for the 216th ECS Meeting, the 17th European Conference on Chemical Vapor Deposition (EuroCVD 17) and the 11th Symposium on Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC XI). This major international conference will be held at the Austria Center Vienna, and will include 44 topical symposia consisting of 3,196 technical presentations. You are invited to participate not only in the technical program, but also in the other social events planned for the meeting.


Representing the developing direction of regulated power supply, the switching power is praised as the energy efficient power. This paper expatiates emphatically some representational new technique and typical application, which belongs to the study and development of the switching power.


Transfer learning in Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) is performed by transferring some or all the layers of neurons from within an already learned source ANN, to a target ANN which is then made to learn a new domain. Though such transfers are known to accelerate the convergence of the target ANN, there is no hard and fast method to ascertain which of the neurons or layers need to be transferred. While most methods advocate the transfer of complete layers of neurons, this paper describes an Immuno-inspired transfer learning paradigm that aids in ascertaining the pertinent or Hot neurons which when transferred facilitate faster convergence of a target ANN. The method uses the concept of an Idiotypic Network to evolve the temperatures associated with neurons within the various layers of the source ANN. Temperatures of those neurons which contribute more to the learning, increase making them hotter. This paper also presents results obtained from experiments performed on dissimilar datasets using this method, which clearly authenticate its efficacy.


Aprepitant, a neurokinin 1 receptor antagonist, is an effective antiemetic drug in the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Aprepitant co-administration increases plasma concentrations of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone by inhibiting cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 [1], whereas pharmacokinetics of cyclophosphamide, which is also metabolized by CYP enzymes including CYP3A4, is not significantly changed by aprepitant [2]. Thus, aprepitant co-administration provides different effects on pharmacokinetics of CYP substrates; however, it is unknown whether aprepitant affects pharmacokinetics of prednisolone, another CYP3A4 substrate. We aimed to evaluate the effect of aprepitant on pharmacokinetics of prednisolone, and the safety and efficacy of aprepitant when administered together with rituximab, cyclophosphamide (Shionogi, Osaka, Japan), doxorubicin (Adriamycin) (Sandoz, Tokyo, Japan), vincristine (Nippon Kayaku, Tokyo, Japan), and prednisolone (R-CHOP) in patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. We conducted a nonrandomized, open-label, single-group before/after design study between courses 1 and 2 of R-CHOP. This study was approved by the institutional review board of the University of Tsukuba Hospital. Patients received 100 mg of oral prednisolone from days 1–5 in divided doses of 60 mg at 8 am and 40 mg at 1 pm. Aprepitant was added orally for 3 days (125 mg on day 1, and 80 mg on days 2 and 3) at 7 am during the course 2. In each course, 3 mg of granisetron was given twice on day 1. Ten patients (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in seven and follicular lymphoma in three) completed the study. Antiemetic CR (defined as no emetic episodes and no use of rescue medication) without and with aprepitant was observed in 8 and 10 out of 10 patients, respectively. A series of serum prednisolone concentrations in eight patients were measured. The mean AUC of prednisolone from 0 to 5 h was not different between the courses 1 and 2 (2200 ± 490 and 2178 ± 794 ng h/ml, respectively; P = 0.932) (Figure 1), although areas under the curve of prednisolone were increased in four patients and decreased in other four patients by the co-administration of aprepitant. The median (range) Tmax [2 (0.5–2) and 2 (0.5–5) h, respectively] and the mean Cmax (646 ± 191 and 634 ± 285 ng/ml, respectively; P = 0.88) were not affected by aprepitant. There was no significant difference in blood glucose concentration and blood pressure level between the courses 1 and 2. Previous studies have shown that CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as ketoconazole and itraconazole, do not affect the metabolism of prednisolone [3, 4], whereas they increase plasma concentration of dexamethasone and methylprednisolone [1]. Consistent with these reports, our results indicated that aprepitant had virtually no impact on prednisolone pharmacokinetics. Hepatic metabolism for prednisolone is different from those for dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, in that 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase plays a role in addition to CYP3A4 only for prednisolone, through the conversion of the hydroxyl group to ketone on the 11th position of C-ring. Therefore, the contribution of CYP3A4 to the metabolism may be lower in prednisolone than in dexamethasone and methylprednisolone [5]. We concluded that aprepitant could be safely administered when strengthened antiemetic treatment is required, without serious drug interactions with prednisolone in R-CHOP.


Staphylococcus aureus is a fascinating pathogen residing on skin and mucous membrane of domestic animals and man. A total of 92 clinical samples (milk, nasal swab, wound swab) from cattle (n = 36), goat (n = 29) and dog (n = 27) of West Bengal, India were examined by conventional and molecular methods for S. aureus. Screening for methicillin resistance was determined phenotypically by cefoxitin disc diffusion and genotypically by mecA PCR. A total of 41 isolates of S. aureus from cattle (n = 20), goat (n = 13) and dog (n = 8) were confirmed by S. aureusspecific thermonuclease (nuc) gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of 41, two (4.88%) isolates, one each of cattle and goat, were found to be methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Antimicrobial susceptibility of all the 41 isolates of S. aureus was determined in Bauer-Kirby disc diffusion tests. They were found to be highly sensitive to amikacin (95.12%), linezolid (100%), vancomycin (100%) and highly resistant to ampicillin (39.02%) followed by tetracycline (24.39%), azithromycin (17.07%), ciprofloxacin (17.07%) and sparfloxacin (17.07%). Prevalence of MRSA was found to be low in clinical isolates of S. aureus from domestic animals and isolates were resistant to several classes of antimicrobials.


Objective. Objective To determine the level of work engagement in workers from Tarma chicken sops,
Methods: The research was of a basic type, descriptive level and simple, transversal descriptive design, the specific methods were observational, inductive and deducti ve; the technique was the survey and the instrument was the Uwes Scale of work engagement; the results were processed on a scale from 1 to 4, where 1 was equal to never, 2 almost never, 3 almost always, and 4 always; then ranges were established based on the method of maximum and minimum of scales, recoding the variable in three levels of assessment and interpretation high, medium and low, the sampling was intentional non- probabilistic, the study units were 10 poultry from Tarma and the 80 collaborators of such organizations, Results: The level of engagement in collaborators of establishments of gastronomic consumption of Tarma is medium, as are the dimensions of vigor, dedication and absorption Conclusions: the collaborators are relatively satisfied with their current job, until they find a better opportunity, since they consider that this type of work is temporary in relation to their life projects.


It is not possible to correlate the survival of Escherichia coli strains ${\rm B}/_{{\rm r}}$ and ${\rm B}_{{\rm S}\text{-}1}$ with the general inhibition in the whole population of the rate of thy...


Residents and pharmaceutical representatives The article' on teaching family medicine residents to deal with pharmaceutical sales representatives (PSRs) presents some interesting and, I hope, positive findings. However, as the authors point out, the long-term effects of their initiative have not been evaluated. Unfortunately, methodologic problems with the program mean that its actual value in improving knowledge about medications is uncertain. In almost all cases, after meeting with PSRs, residents could explain consistently the use of the products and their cost. But how much of that knowledge was acquired during the interaction? Because no pretest regarding knowledge about the medications was done, we don't know. One point about the survey of residents' attitudes bears comment. The authors state that, in both the preliminary and final surveys, residents reported that journal advertising seldom influenced their decisions about pharmaceuticals. This finding is attributed to the critical appraisal skills of the residents, making them skeptical of journal ads. It is also likely that residents are unaware of how much ads influence them. Avorn and colleagues2 surveyed 85 doctors in the Boston area on where they acquired their knowledge of medications. Most of the respondents cited professional sources, such as colleagues and scientific literature, and downplayed commercial sources, such as ads. However, when this same group was asked about two groups of drugs where the information from scientific sources was diametrically opposed to the information in the commercial literature, the opinions of most of the doctors reflected the information from the commercial literature. Finally, the article avoids the question: what is the value in seeing PSRs? As noted by the authors, information supplied by PSRs is sometimes inaccurate and biased. In fact, detailers selectively transmit only positive information about their companies' products. Categories such as side effects or contraindications are rarely mentioned, and the information that detailers give to physicians is frequently inaccurate.3 How many new important drugs appear on the Canadian market in any given year? According to the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board, fewer than half a dozen.4 There are surely better, more objective places to go for information about this small group of drugs-places where physicians do not have to sort out accurate from inaccurate information. What about the samples that PSRs give out? These are invariably samples of their companies' newest medications, not necessarily the ones that would be most valuable to family physicians. They are often more expensive than equally effective older, less costly medications (eg, the cost of a new cephalosporin compared with the cost of amoxicillin for treating otitis media). Does the initial use of one of these medications put pressure on physicians to use them a second time when the sample has run out? Some residents will see PSRs once they go into practice. Therefore, there is a value in teaching residents how to interact with them. Should residents be encouraged to see PSRs? Is it time well spent? My answer obviously is no. -Joel Lexchin, MD, CCFP(EM), DABEM Toronto


Antibiotic have been know since 1929 by Fleming. According to Fleming antibiotic is a potential subtance namely Penicilline. Antibiotic is a subtance because grew by mold or a special bacteria or made by of a Subtance use semi Synthesa/Synthesa methode, who is inhibit of other grown micro organisme beside result of this self micro organisme. Indonesia still import Antibiotic raw material namely : Penicillin salt and derivat's, Streptomycine salt and derivat's Tetracycline salt and derivat's, Chloramphenicol salt and derivat's, Erythrornycine salt and derivat's. Indonesia has been imported 12 I, l 05 Kg and 13 7 ,641 Kg Testracycline salt in 1984 and 1985. This type is the most quantity import.


In neuronal cell deaths, oxidative stress is normally implicated with a most of these deaths occurring in neurodegenerative disorders such as the Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In this study, the neuroprotective effects of Schisandra chinensis (SC) and Ribes fasciculatum (RF) extracts on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative stress in neuroblastic cell line were investigated. For an hour, hydrogen peroxide of 100 μM concentration, was induced on neuroblastic cells, causing apoptic cell death. For the neuroprotection, a sample of neuroblastic cells had been pre-treated with SC and RF extracts for 24 hours before application of the hydrogen peroxide. No neurotoxic effects were observed in the cells that had been treated by SC and RF. This prove that the treatment of SC and RF extract prevented apoptotic cell death of neuroblastic cell line exposed to oxidative injury. In addition, applying both SC and RF extracts at a 7:3 ratio increased the neuronal cell survival rate, compared to individual treatments of SC and RF extract. This study suggests that SC and RF extracts may be potential therapeutic agents for the prevention of neuronal cell death.


A block copolymer of polyethylene glycols and poly (amino acid) or a salt thereof, wherein impurities, which are polyethylene glycols and poly (acidic amino acids), have a content of not more than 10% by weight.


This work aimed to evaluate the use of traditional models, profile and relative height method, for estimating the commercial volume of Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan. Data were obtained from scaling of separate lengths of the stem of 22 trees, using Smalian's method. Tree stems were measured 0.1m, 0.30m, 0.70m, 1.0m, 1.30m above the ground and then every 1m. For purposes of method assessment and comparison, statistics were used that include percent standard error, bias, standard deviation of differences, in addition to graphic interpretation of residuals. Assessments showed that Stoate's model is the most accurate, followed by Schumacher's model. They also showed that the linearized Schumacher's model reduced accuracy by an average 0.32% and that the relative height method was biased in this study.


The lifetimes of nine states in 46Ti and fourteen states in 50Cr have been measured through the Doppler-shift attenuation method. The states were populated by the 46Ti(p, p'y) and 5oCr(p, p'y) reactions at Ep = 7 MeV. Thick targets (x 300 keV) were used to provide adequate averaging over many compound-nucleus levels. Singles y-ray spectra were obtained with 33 and 55 cm3 Ge(Li) detectors at Or = O", 90" and M 160", and lifetimes were extracted from the observed centroid shifts. An alternative method of analysis, involving a simulation of profiles of Doppler-shifted peaks with six free parameters gave considerably more accurate results. Both methods were tested by measuring known lifetimes in 58Ni. In addition, the lifetimes of three states in %r were determined. A comparison of the energy spectra and electromagnetic decay properties of these nuclei to shell-model calculations revealed the failure of the simple (f# picture. A startling example of this failure is the fact that the 22+(E2)21+ rate in 46Ti appears to be a factor of 2 25 faster than that in the cross-conjugate nucleus 50Cr. NUCLEAR REACTIONS 46Ti, 50* 52Cr, E 58Ni@, p'y), Eli = 7 MeV; measured Doppler-shift attenuation. 46Ti, 50* %r, 58Ni levels deduced T3, B(Ml), B(E2). Enriched targets, Ge(Li) detectors.


Mobile telecommunication is evolving rapidly. People no longer only communicate with each other regardless of time and place, but also share other information that is important for tasks with which they are involved. In response to this growing trend the MediaSense framework addresses the intelligent delivery of any information to any host, anywhere, based on context-aware information regarding personal preferences, presence information, and sensor values. This includes another challenge to achieve seamless delivery, especially of multimedia content, and multimodal services via heterogeneous connections.


ABSTRACT This study examined whether individuals with preferences for certain military recruitment slogans can be identified by characteristic factors for motivation, needs, and involvement. Inasmuch as there appears to be no consistent theory of motivators and needs incorporated into the design of military recruitment campaigns, this study was designed to determine whether individual preferences for, and responsiveness to, certain military recruitment slogans may be related to the individual's motivators, needs, and sense of involvement with a given slogan. The data on motivators and needs demonstrates that a relationship exists between the factors of motivation, needs, and involvement, on the one hand, and preference or lack of preference for one or more military recruitment slogans on the other hand. The study suggests that military recruitment slogans should be designed to appeal to potential recruits who exhibit characteristics that suggest they are likely to find military service suitable. The broad implication of this study is that, in the planning and execution of any "commitment/sign up" campaign, care should be taken to ensure that the slogan used appeals to the needs of the desired target group.


We would like to thank Markides and Fiedler for their thoughtful remarks on our paper "Pathways to Medicine Use." Because of a number of office moves, our original computer printouts have been lost, but we ran the correlation between age (15 through 99+ years) and Medicare and this time we got .63, which is, of course, far more reasonable than .02. We conclude that there was some programming or typographical error, or that the correlation became confused with the indirect effect. As we noted, in path analysis the total effect of one variable on another is made up of three components: direct effects, indirect effects, and correlation due to common or correlated (spurious) causes. Our analysis followed the model of Wan and Soifer (1974). We agree that our column in Table 2 labeled "Indirect Effect" also includes the spurious effects and that breaking out the spurious effects greatly enhances the interpretation. We agree with the respecification for decomposing the determinants for prescribed drug use, and have done the same for nonprescribed drugs (Table 1). The indirect effects in the model are small in the case of the prescribed drugs and negligible for nonprescribed drugs. Moreover, the direct effects are not very impressive either. R2 is only .29 for prescribed and .06 for nonprescribed drugs. Clearly much more needs to be known about why people use drugs than is revealed by the usual social variables.


Background: How psoriasis disease characteristics, management, and outcomes each vary across the US is not fully understood. Objective: Assess regional disease characteristics for patients enrolled in CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry, report biologic initiations by class over the period, and evaluate regional outcome data for initiations with 6-month follow-up. Methods: Participants included new biologic initiations in CorEvitas Psoriasis Registry from 2014-2019 categorized into 7 different geographic regions: Northeast, East North Central, Mountain/West North Central, South Atlantic, East South Central, West South Central, and Pacific. Baseline demographics and disease characteristics are described by region. For participants with 6-month follow-up data, we report treatment patterns and treatment outcomes. Results: 7520 biologic initiations from 6320 patients were available. Over time, biologic initiations in most US regions within the Registry resulted in a pattern where IL-17 inhibitors were used most frequently, followed by IL-12/23 and IL-23 inhibitors, and lastly by TNF inhibitors. Baseline disease severity varied among regions with the East South Central reporting the largest proportion (25.1%) of very severe disease by body surface area. Frequencies of metabolic comorbid diseases varied between regions (obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, each P < .001; hypertension P < .019), with the East South Central reporting the largest proportions. Rates of achieving PASI75 and IGA 0/1 varied at 6-months (P = .008 and P = .001, respectively), with the East South Central reporting the lowest frequencies. At 6-months 28.2% of biologic initiations in the East South Central were discontinued, of which 22% had switched to another therapy. Conclusion: Providers should be aware of regional trends in disease characteristics to improve overall care of psoriasis patients.


There has been a push toward higher efficiencies in the petrochemical industry. This can be seen in the revisions of IEEE 841, which is expected to promote NEMA Premium as the standard, sometime in the near future. Leading motor manufacturers have been motivated by these industry-driven efficiency improvements to investigate the optimization of manufacturing processes and designs to further improve the efficiency of three-phase induction motors. It is very important to make the industrial users fully understand how losses are generated and identify the factors that reduce these significantly, at an acceptable cost for the investment of the motor. Life-cycle costs should also be investigated. This article focuses on the new technologies, designs, and processes being introduced to improve the efficiency of three-phase induction motors.


We present the concept of phonon-blocking electron-transmitting structures, desirable for high-performance thermoelectric devices, with the measured properties of p-type Bi/sub 2/Te/sub 3//Sb/sub 2/Te/sub 3/ superlattice materials. Transmission electron microscopy data indicate that these superlattices are structurally nearly ideal; this is also supported by the in-plane carrier transport measurements which suggest that superlattices offer higher mobilities compared to alloy films. The cross-plane carrier transport has been evaluated by a transmission line model technique, adapted to measure the electrical conductivities normal to the plane of the thin films. From a phonon-transport point of view, the superlattices offer significantly reduced lattice thermal conductivities compared to that of alloys. Prototypal thermoelements have been prepared with these superlattice films and other reference materials. Peltier-effect differential temperatures in the range of 2 to 4K are inferred across the thermoelements during quasi-steady state current flow. Figure of merit (ZT), from isothermal cross-plane electrical resistivities and adiabatic Peltier voltages, in bulk, thin-film alloys, and superlattice thermoelements were /spl sim/1, /spl sim/0.4, and 1.6 to 3, respectively.


The impact of cars on underrun prevention equipment was examined. The level of the underrun protection beam had a great effect on total deformation and the impacting forces. A comparison of dynamic collision tests with quasi-static deformations of underrun protection equipment indicated the strength of the underrun equipment required for static tests. (TRRL)


AT&T has been mass producing optical fiber since 1980 using the MCVD process. This process has proved to be very adaptable to changes in fiber design, and has shown continued improvement in productivity and product quality. Further enhancements are being actively pursued by AT&T and AT&T Bell Laboratories to make optical fiber an even more cost-effective alternative for future telecommunications needs.


[dismal seven years] with which the reign of Nicholas I closed (pp. 12-13, p. 215). Slavophiles and liberals were without a forum for political expression, were discredited by their legality in the face of political radicalism, and were commemorated by a slight and often unoriginal literature. The intrepid reviewer can always pose unanswered questions. For example, how did the liberal view of Peter the Great compare with the much more dynamic opinions on the same subject held by Aleksandr Herzen and Petr Chaadaev? When this issue was raised, it was not deftly handled because no account was taken of the transformation occurring in Chaadaev's opinion of the tsar reformer. Was liberalism extinguished by the scathing criticisms of Chernyshevskii and Nikolai Dobroliubov, or did it become exhausted like its epitomizers: "We have died . . . only there hasn't been a funeral," as Annenkov once lamented (p. 138). Although, as Offord himself concedes, there may be little in this volume for scholars of the period, in our opinion, undergraduate and graduate students should be encouraged to consult this thoughtful and fact-filled treatment of a neglected group of thinkers.


Electrolytically polished samples of a heterogeneous copper-beryllium alloy have been examined by electron diffraction. Patterns of the γ phase were always obtained although this is the minor constituent of the alloy. It has been shown by electron diffraction, by optical and by electron microscopy that this γ phase forms minute asperities on the surface of the alloy.


Abstract Complex developmental systems are constructed, the different parts of which develop simultaneously due to parallel programming of their respective developments.


Hydrophilic carboxyl-containing fluoromembranes were obtained by preirradiation grafting of acrylic acid onto ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene film. The dependence of the grafting reaction on temperature, monomer concentration, nature and concentration of inhibitor, crosslinking agent, solvent, and on the preirradiation dose was investigated. The grafting rates increase with temperature, whereas the saturation degree of grafting (SDG) decreases. Addition of inhibitor minimizes homopolymerization and at the same time hinders the grafting reaction. The SDG increases markedly with monomer concentration until it reaches a maximum and thereafter decreases. The grafting rates increase with preirradiation dose. Addition of crosslinking agent initially decreases the SDG, and thereafter increases. The highest grafting rates are obtained using water as solvent followed by methanol and ethanol. The results are discussed on the basis of various parameters : interaction between monomer diffusibility and the viscosity of the monomer bath, the mutual reactivity of monomer, and the crosslinking agent. An agreement is observed between the values of the electrical resistance and the saturation degree of grafting.


ABSTRACT Internationalisation policies introducing English as a lingua franca (ELF) have been initiated by the Taiwan Ministry of Education and executed from a top-down level without taking into consideration the competence and needs of administrative staff. This article begins by describing the ideology of ELF within the macro context of Taiwanese tertiary education and then takes one micro context as an example of how a learner-based communicative ELF-wise curriculum was co-developed and successfully implemented to provide university administrative staff (n = 20) with the ELF training needed to perform job functions. The quantitative and qualitative analysis centred on the teacher's reflection report and students' knowledge about the reality of their willingness and competence in speaking ELF gathered through an open- and closed-ended questionnaire. Data revealed in spite of the teacher's native speaker background, his teaching methods empowered students to become fully involved in the development of learning texts, learning material evaluation, and a lingua franca ideology of communication. Students' increased communicative competence and willingness to speak lingua franca English resulted in a reduction of 'language deficit' ideologies and increased second language security. This article offers insights into implementation actions for institutes facing similar difficulties in the internationalisation of higher education.


This study is going to determine whether the sentiments in Twitter discourse about Bitcoin have an influence on the overall market and pricing of Bitcoin trades. The study aims to reveal the correlation between the volatility of the price of Bitcoin and how it relates to the sentiments in Twitter discourse. A large dataset of tweets mentioning Bitcoin has been amassed from the Twitter API between the months of February and July 2021, which will then be analysed against the Bitcoin trade performance. For this study, different predictive and descriptive models were applied that are equally important for data analysis. The sentiment for overall daily discourse has been categorised into three polarities, i.e., positive, neutral and negative using the VADER sentiment analysis. The overall polarity is then derived from a compounded and normalised dataset of each of the above-mentioned valencies for any given day. By utilising this study, it is hoped that potential Bitcoin buyers may make better and informed decisions about their purchases and that this study could be generalised to a broader analysis of social media discourse and how such means of communication could be used to drive consumer choice. Our results unequivocally prove that Twitter sentiments have a slight impact on the price and trading volumes of Bitcoin but the cryptocurrency has a unique way of sailing the storm of negative sentiments


People with disabilities, especially within the African context, really do have a raw deal in this life. Not only do we usually have to navigate the medical terrain of our disabilities, but we also have to deal with the physical and social barriers that our society imposes on us. I use the word "we" because I myself am partially-sighted and I unashamedly identify as a person with a disability. This notion of "identifying as disabled" is an interesting one and one that in many ways highlights the complex and fluid nature of disabilities as well as the difficulties associated with trying to have a united disability movement. And perhaps this very notion of identification is exactly why African policy-makers have, until now, stayed significantly far away from addressing disability in a more concerted and integrated fashion.


The implementation of VAT reduced the tax burden of enterprises and ensured the state's tax security. But there are still some political issues that need to be solved in the process of policy implementation. This paper uses SWOT analysis method to analyze the advantages and disadvantages existing in the process of tax reform, and puts forward a series of suggestions. Keywords—SWOT analysis; business tax reform; value-added tax; political issues