Abstract Due to an expanding number of mechatronic functionalities in modern technical products, the proportion of software and electronic components is also increasing. As a result, the products are developed by different engineering domains in complex development processes. To handle the growing complexity, Systems Engineering (SE) is increasingly important for development organizations of enterprises. System Engineering (SE) is understood as an approach to network the individual engineering domains and shall lead to a collaborative development of complex systems. Model-Based System Engineering (MBSE) expands SE by using common models and software tools to describe und visualize the systems. However, MBSE is not widely established in enterprises today. On the one hand, the introduction requires a distinct and consistent system understanding and collaborative way of working. On the other hand, the application of the existing tools requires extensive tool competencies due to many possible functions and features. Therefore, this paper presents a concept and a software based tool for a lean implementation of SE/MBSE to support the collaborative development of complex technical systems in small and medium-sized enterprieses.


In this article, the performance of optical wireless technology in a monitoring context within a nursery is studied. Eight baby beds communicating simultaneously using optical code division multiple access (OCDMA) technique are considered. The study allows optimizing the parameters of the transmitters placed on the feet of the beds to guarantee the best performances. Three scenarios are proposed and the most appropriate one is determined, taking into account the fact that the transmitters are removable but also the interchangeability of the beds in the room. The performance of the OCDMA-based transmission with optical orthogonal codes and for binary pulse position modulation is evaluated in terms of error probability, data rate, emitted power and considering the impact of the reflectivity of the bed material properties.


INTRODUCTION Patients receiving red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are at risk of iron overload. Humans do not have a physiologic mechanism to excrete excess iron, and total body iron is regulated primarily by the rate of absorption. Transfusion induced Iron overload can cause significant organ damage and is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. METHODS This study was an open-label, single-arm, prospective, phase 4, multicenter clinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferasirox (DFX) in patients with aplastic anemia (AA), myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), or hematologic malignancy (HM). Eligibility criteria were serum ferritin (SF) levels ≥1000 ng/mL and ongoing transfusion requirements. For evaluation of the iron overload, SF and transferrin saturation (TFST) were measured every 4 weeks, and labile plasma iron (LPI) levels were regularly followed once every 6 months. Patients received DFX at an initial dose of 20 mg/kg/day for up to 1 year. RESULTS A total of 109 patients were enrolled. SF levels decreased significantly following treatment (from 2000 to 1650 ng/mL, p=0.003). The median absolute reduction in SF levels was -389 ng/mL (range -5428 to 3788) in AA (p=0.029), -567 ng/mL (range -3040 to 4969) in MDS (p=0.136), and -552 ng/mL (range -2899 to 5451) in HM (p=0.057). Median TFST reduction was -14.9% (range -69.4 to 71.0) in all patients (n = 65, p = 0.064). In the MDS and HM groups, TFST decreased significantly from baseline: -14.9% (range -57.4 to 52.2) in the MDS group (p = 0.040) and -16.3% (range -69.2 to 20.8) in the HM group (p = 0.005), while TFST reduction in the AA group was -7.4% (range -58.3 to 71.0) (p = 0.790). Baseline LPI levels were within normal laboratory ranges in all groups. Mean LPI levels decreased from 0.24 μmol/L at baseline to 0.03 μmol/L at 1 year in all patients (p=0.035). The mean LPI reduction in each group was -0.23±0.41 μmol/L (p=0.220) in AA, -0.26±0.51 μmol/L (p=0.110) in MDS, and -0.19±0.70 μmol/L (p=0.336) in HM. All of the AEs related with DFX were grade 1 or 2, and there were no severe AEs (grade ≥3) reported during the study period. Gastrointestinal disorders were commonly observed among groups (n=32, 29.4%), including diarrhea in 8.3%, nausea in 7.4%, and abdominal discomfort in 5.5% of patients. Overall differences in end organ function, including heart, pancreas, thyroid, and gonad, between baseline and 1-year follow up were not statistically significant. No significant differences in LVEF at 1-year after DFX treatment were seen (p = 0.103). Pancreatic dysfunction measured by FBS (p = 0.480) and C-peptide (p = 0.096) levels did not appear to be affected by iron overload during DFX treatment. The results of thyroid function tests (TFT) were not significantly different between the pre- and post-treatment periods in terms of TSH (p = 0.207), free T3 (p = 0.259), or free T4 (p = 0.654) levels. Gonadal dysfunction was not observed during the DFX treatment. DISCUSSION ICT may be an appropriate option for patients with HM or higher risk MDS. In the current study, DFX successfully reduced serum ferritin and LPI levels in HM from baseline to 1 year of treatment. The roles of ICT or DFX during treatment for HM on infection risk and survival benefits need to be elucidated in prospective studies. In conclusion, DFX reduced serum ferritin and LPI levels in patients with transfusional iron overload. Despite the relatively high percentage of gastrointestinal side effects, DFX was tolerable in all patients. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


The optically active silicon‐vacancy (SiV) center in diamonds is an excellent candidate for quantum photonics and sensing applications. To date, optimizing the photoluminescence (PL) collection efficiency of SiV centers has proven difficult. To address this issue, the current study presents a simple two‐step method for preparing single‐crystalline diamond nanoneedle arrays. In the first step, silicon‐doped (001) textured diamond films are deposited with a mixture of microcrystalline and nanocrystalline grains in a microwave plasma CVD (MPCVD) system, using tetramethylsilane (TMS) gas as the dopant source. Subsequently, air annealing is used to selectively etch nanocrystalline diamond and sp2 amorphous carbon phases, while retaining the [001]‐oriented diamond nanoneedles with a curved top surface. In comparison to the as‐deposited films, the PL emission of SiV centers in these diamond nanoneedles is enhanced by a factor of up to 12.1. The finite‐difference time‐domain simulations further demonstrate that removing the nanocrystalline diamond and sp2 carbon from the sidewall of the diamond nanoneedles results in a remarkable increase in photoluminescence collection. Therefore, the findings have established for the first time the constraint effect of sp2 carbon on the optical collection of color centers at the sidewall rather than the top surface.


In this paper, we present a negotiation framework in which the negotiation process is performed at two levels. The upper level deals with the formation of high-level goals and objectives for the agent, and the decision about whether or not to negotiate with other agents to achieve particular goals or bring about particular objectives. Negotiation at this upper level determines the rough scope of the commitment. The lower level deals with feasibility and implementation operations; negotiation at this level involves refinement of the rough commitments proposed at the upper level. The experimental work shows this two-level negotiation framework enables the agent to handle complicated negotiation issues and uncertainties in a more efficient way.


Future advanced radar systems must detect targets of diminishing radar cross section (RCS) at low radial velocity, including the detection of dismounts. Presently, a deficiency in radar detection performance exists between the capabilities of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) for fixed target indication and space-time adaptive processing (STAP) for ground moving target indication (GMTI) of vehicles with low ground track velocity. In this paper, we develop a model for STAP processing over extended dwells and apply this model to analyze the inherent diversity of targets with varying velocities and accelerations. This diversity shows potential for new matched filtering techniques leading to better slow-moving, low-RCS target detection.


Spinal anaesthesia should be ideal for perianal surgeries due to its quick onset, reliable anaesthesia with minimal supplies making it cost-effective technique with rapid turnover time. 90 patients of ASA grade I-II scheduled for perianal surgeries divided into three groups of 30 each according to intrathecal dose of local anaesthetic: Group LB (Low dose bupivacaine): 0.6 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (3mg), Group ULBF (ultralow dose bupivacaine plus fentanyl): 0.4 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (2 mg) + 0.2 ml of fentanyl (10 µg) and Group ULB (ultra low dose of bupivacaine): 0.4 ml of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine (2 mg) + 0.2 ml of normal saline. Three groups were compared in terms of success of block, time to first rescue analgesic from time of block, total rescue analgesic (tramadol) needed in 8 hours since time of block, visual analogue score (VAS) and patient satisfaction score. Successful saddle block was achieved in all patients in Group ULBF, 27 patients in Group LB and none in Group ULB. Group ULBF showed significantly lower mean VAS score when compared to Group ULB and Group LB, and Group LB when compared to Group ULB. Thus the group using fentanyl intrathecally had significantly lesser pain, so the requirement for the first dose of rescue analgesic was significantly earlier in Group ULB and delayed in Group ULBF. Patient satisfaction score was significantly higher in Group ULBF as compared to Group LB and Group ULB and in Group LB as compared to Group ULB. Use of hyperbaric bupivacaine in dose of 3 mg and 2 mg with fentanyl (10 μg) in saddle block are an effective method of achieving successful surgical anaesthesia in patients undergoing perianal surgeries. Hyperbaric bupivacaine (2mg) with fentanyl (10µg) is better than other in providing postoperative analgesia.


This article presents a mapping and analysis of the thematic tendencies of the Brazilian scientific production around the System of School Performance Evaluation of the State of Sao Paulo (SARESP), regarding the period from 1996 to 2011, systematizing 42 theses and selected dissertations, starting from the following categories: area of expertise, the timeline of the scientific production (chronology), institutional origin, regional distribution, the guiding principles, axes and thematic tendencies. A disposition was verified on the part of the researchers in analyses related to the students' results of the SARESP examinations, concerns for the technical aspects of the constitution of these evaluations and the students' productions, especially in the Portuguese and Mathematics fields, as well as analyses of the impacts of this evaluation format in the school context. It was found a predominance of an epistemic community, hegemonic in the discourse-theoretical terms, and anchored in the paradigm of the conflict.


The field of composite materials is both old and new. It is only since the early 1960s have engineers and scientists exploited seriously the vast potential of fabricated fibrous composite materials. Development of new composites and new applications of composites is now accelerating. This project is a study of how the critical load changed if
we varying the length of strut. Besides that, we need to design the test rig that hold column during the buckling test with using fixed-fixed as the boundary condition.
Comparison between the buckling test method and theoretical from resin burn-off test data will be analysed and determine the suitable length that valid through compression or buckling. Any error occurs between theoretical and experimental will be minimize by modify the original equation of Euler Equation. Here, the aspects that we will see is the factor which contribute to the effect of buckling whether the length, geometry, Young's modulus or the volume fraction of fibres ,etc.


This report is based on the experience and reflection of the development between the relationship between theory and practice, which is shown as a necessary foundation for the training of future education professionals. Therefore, it is intended to expose how it was applied and the results achieved with the Pedagogical Residency Program by the State University of Minas Gerais (UEMG), coordinated by CAPES, in a public school in the state of Barbacena / MG, in the classes of 4th year of elementary school, with the main objective of training university students from the 6th to the 8th


.— A new deer fern hybrid, B. corralense x B. mochaenum subsp. mochaenum, is described on the basis of macro-and micromorphological characters. Previous reports of this hybrid combination are excluded. In addition, new data on the distribution of 7?. corralense are reported, including ils presence in Argentina.


Spacecraft subsystem level EMC tests have revealed that the conducted emissions at the input of DC/DC converters tend to go above the relevant MIL-STD-461C/D/E limits. A low pass fourth order input filter is required at the input of the DC/DC converter for reducing this conducted emission to a level that is below the MIL-STD limits. The filter is a bilateral network. It not only cuts off the noise emanating from the DC/DC converter but also enhances the immunity of the converter to input power line transients and other noise voltages on the bus. This paper presents the immunity response characteristics of the fourth order input EMI filter without and with parasitic elements. Simulation was done by the circuit simulator SPICE.


Introduction ........................................................ 189 Historical ........................................................... 190 Thepresentstatus .................................................. 192 Conditions of formation of the complex acids.. ...................... 194 Preparation of the complex acids .................................... 195 Phospho-24-molybdic acid. .......................................... 196 Phospho-1%molybdic acid ........................................... 196 Phospho-24-tungstic acid ............................................ 197 Phospho-1%tungstic acids ........................................... 198 Phosphomolybdictungstic acids ...................................... 206 Reduction of the complex acids ...................................... 209 Reduction experiments.. ............................................. 213 Application of the complex acids in analytical chemistry ............. 216 Summary ........................................................... 219 Bibliography ........................................................ 220


Vibration energy harvesting is an attractive technique for potential powering of low power devices such as wireless sensors and portable electronic applications. Most energy generator developed to date are single vibration frequency based, and while some efforts have been made to broaden the frequency range of energy harvester. In this work, The effect of energy harvesting were investigated at various vibration frequencies, vibration beams, vibration point and test masses. The maximum output voltage of the bimorph piezoelectric cantilever was shifted according to vibration point. Vibration frequency with maximum output voltage decreased with the increasing length of vibration beam and increasing test mass. The sample with vibration beam length 0.5 L generated a peak output voltage of 32 and shows a 45 % increase in voltage output in comparison to the corresponding original bimorph. It was found that a piezoelectric bimorph has a possibility to be as the energy harvesting cantilever, which is successfully tuned over a vibration frequency range to enable a maximum harvesting energy.


Spore formation by Bacillus subtilis is a primitive form of development. In response to nutrient starvation and high cell density, B. subtilis divides asymmetrically, resulting in two cells with different sizes and cell fates. Immediately after division, the transcription factor (cid:1) F becomes active in the smaller prespore, which is followed by the activation of (cid:1) E in the larger mother cell. In this report, we examine the role of the mother cell-specific transcription factor (cid:1) E in maintaining the compartmentalization of gene expression during development. We have studied a strain with a deletion of the spoIIIE gene, encoding a DNA translocase, that exhibits uncompartmentalized (cid:1) F activity. We have determined that the deletion of spoIIIE alone does not substantially impact compartmentalization, but in the spoIIIE mutant, the expression of putative peptidoglycan hydrolases under the control of (cid:1) E in the mother cell destroys the integrity of the septum. As a consequence, small proteins can cross the septum, thereby abolishing compartmentalization. In addition, we have found that in a mutant with partially impaired control of (cid:1) F , the activation of (cid:1) E in the mother cell is important to prevent the activation of (cid:1) F in this compartment. Therefore, the activity of (cid:1) E can either maintain or abolish the compartmentalization of (cid:1)


The present paper, which is part of the implementation of the Project "Evaluation of the Groundwater Resources of Peru", reports methodologies and techniques developed for on-site artificial tracer aided measurements of groundwater flow velocities. Horizontal flows are computed through labeling of the whole water column which is coated with a holed pipe in its entire length, below the piezometric level. Concentration monitoring inside the well, is performed prior to the experiment. The injection of a tracer in a borehole located in the influence area of the project, allowed the determination of velocity of ground water flow. The basis of the technique relates to the application of a relationship existing between the observed concentration decreases of a tracer solution released into the borehole. Changes in the position of the tracer as a function of time, allow us to draw some conclusions about the direction of flow as well. Satisfactory results show that techniques applied herein are cheap, simple and rapid methods for the determination of groundwater flow characteristics.


This issue of Tourism and Hospitality Research appears with the anniversary of the terrorist attacks in the USA on September 11th, 2001 fresh in our minds. Few events have had such a dramatic effect upon the world's consciousness as the hijacking of the four planes, and such negative effects upon the economic systems of many of the developed countries. Because the weapons used were aeroplanes, the effects on tourism and travel were immediate and severe. Even without the enforced closure of US airspace and the immediate cessation of flights to, from and within the USA for a short period, air travel was bound to be severely affected. The fact that some of the events were seen on live television, that they occurred in the largest tourist market in the world and at the centre of the world's media meant that coverage was immediate, global and repetitive. Perhaps because of that, and because the USA tends to overemphasise its importance in world affairs, the prognostications for travel and tourism were dire. A year later, we may look back at those awful events and note that perhaps the effects were not as entirely negative or as severe as initially pronounced. Even as soon as October 2001, opinion was not unanimous as to how significant the effects would be. At the World Tourism Convention in Hobart, Australia, in that month, representatives of WTO and WTTC made impassioned statements about how calamitous the effects would be on world travel and tourism. A few doubting Thomases, this writer included, went on record that the impacts were being overstated, possibly because of the needs of US airlines in particular for support from their government. A representative of Australia noted that the collapse of Ansett Airlines earlier that year Tourism and Hospitality R,•••roh Volume 4 Number 2


Abstract . Leadership refers to one's capacity to change another party's behavior as he wishes. Regional leadership has significant influence to build a better quality regional bureaucracy. Bureaucracy reform is a demand that needs to be met to improve bureaucracy's quality and performance which from time totime suffers stigma from the public. This research applies qualitative datacollection through in-depth interview with local government, parliament (DPRD), NGO, business people, and public leaders. The result in general indicates that HerryZudianto's leadership role as seen from Mintzberg theory has been performed well, particularly as seen from dimension of interpersonal roles, informational roles, and decisional roles. Keywords: leader, leadership role, bureaucracy reform Abstrak . K e p e mi m p i n an m e n g a n d un g m a kn a k e ma m p u a n y a n g d i mili k i o l e h s e s e o r a n g un t uk dap a t m e n g u b a h p e r il a ku p i h a k l a i n s e p e r t i y a n g d i i n g i n k a nn y a . K e p e mi m p i n a n d a e r a h memil i ki pe n ga ru h y a n g s i g n i f i k a n u n t u k m e m b a n g u n tat a n a n b i r o kr a s i d a e r a h a g a r s e m a k i n b e r ku ali t a s . Re f o r m a si b i r o k r a s i m e r u p a k a n s u a t u t un t u t a n y a n g h a ru s d i p e n u h i d a lam r a n gkame m pe r ba i ki k ualit a s d a n k i n e r j a b i r o k r a s i y a n g s e l a m a i n i s e r i n g k a l i m e mili k i s t i g ma n e g a ti fdi k ala n g a n m a s y a r a k a t . Peneli t ian i n i m e n g g u n a kan metode campuran k u an t ita t if d an k u alita t if. M e t o d e k u an t ita t if dil a kukan d engan p e n e l u s u ran data statis t ik m e ngen a i laporan kinerja pemerintah aerah dan Indeks K e puasan Ma s yar a k at y a ng selama ini diperoleh Pemer i ntah Daerah, sedangkan metode k u alita t if di l ak u k a n lewat waw a nca r a m e n d ala m d e n g a n p i hak p e m e r int a h d aer a h, D P RD, LSM, pengus a ha, d an tok o h ma s ya r a kat. Hasil penelitian sec a ra umum menunjukk a n bahwa peran kepemimpinan Her r y Zudianto berdasarkan teori Mintzberg sudah berjal a n dengan baik dilih a t dari dimensi interpersonal rol e s , informational roles , d an decisional role s . Ke y word s : pemimpin, peran k epemim p i n an, reformasi b irokrasi


The effects of the Coulomb repulsion between electrons in single and multiple, vertically stacked quantum boxes are studied. We model the single electron states in quantum boxes as two-dimensional harmonic oscillator states and construct two-electron wavefunctions by the configuration interaction technique. Strong correlation effects determine the electronic structure of two electrons in a single quantum box. Based on the ground state two-electron wavefunction a variational trial function is constructed to examine the interaction effects between electrons in two, three, four, and N vertically stacked quantum boxes, each populated by a single electron. It is shown that the electron-electron interaction can lead to interesting polarization effects in multiple quantum boxes, if the relative strengths of the Coulomb interaction and the electron confining interaction are not too small. Numerical results based on GaAs materials parameters are presented.


In the seventh conference of the Disciplinary Commission of CPC, a report on "extending the work of anti-corruption from the source, further promoting to build a clean and honest government and in the struggle against corruption" was deliberated and adopted. Its promulgating and implementing, is the focus and new measure in building clean and honest government and in the struggle against corruption, and laid a solid political foundation for the construction of harmonious society.


In this article many factors which restricted peasant to increase incomes: the low quality of peasant,weak in rural infrastructure,high in the price of agriculture production and low level of industrialization were analyzed.Based on the analysis mentioned-above the following countermeasures: to adjust and optimize the industrial structure of agriculture,to promote the industrialization of agriculture actively and improve the whole quality of farmers,to develop the rural human resources,to strengthen infrastructure construction and establish information technology platform and to develop the service economic strongly and accelerate the process of urbanization were proposed.


There are some reasons concerning the effect of moral education of colleges and universities in the perspective of society,school and student.The problems arise from the inefficiency in mainbody-functioning,the implementation of moral education far from real life and the emphasis on target other than process.To improve moral education,we should take the countermeasures,such as: penatrating moral pactors into curricular comprehensively,emphasizing the development and management of hidden curriculum,and making moral curriculum guide everyday life,cultivating students' self-taught ability.


The article aims to revisit the relationship between inequality and education, a theme that accompanies education in modern societies. Despite access to data on inequality in society and education, as well as many analyzes of the origins and trends that provoke real social apartheids one has the impression that the metaphor of the labyrinth, common in Latin American literature, applies to education. The article is divided in two parts. The first seeks to situate the theme of inequality as a problem of education and for education, with a brief reference to classic works and the identification of some pedagogical places that can serve to perpetuate inequality or resist it. The second part, based on thoughts from the beginning of the second half of the last century, revolves around the question of whether we are facing yet another unfinished revolution in Latin America. Two themes are discussed: updating the notion of awareness and the pedagogical nuances of concepts such as liberation, social exclusion and (de) coloniality. In the conclusion, Paulo Freire's centrality is emphasized to understand the relationship between inequality and education, and to create untested feasibilities in education and through education to promote a less unequal and more just society. Keywords: Inequality. Democracy. Awareness. Liberation. (De)coloniality.


This report describes the development of a robot that follows a transmitter within a chosen distance using ultrasonic technology. The purpose of the report is to investigate how the chosen distance ...


The common television antenna in our college belongs in the distant transmission. The underground cable couldn't be used because it has a low cut-off friequency. We solved this problem by setting three forth-ends. The great transmission slope was regulated bJ making use of multichannel amplifier. By means of the above methods the double shado- ws in high and low end of the very high frequency were eliminated.


Summary Background: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors treatment is accosiated with several side effects. The most common are injection side reactions, headache, nausea and infections. The more rare are development of systemic autoimmune diseases. Case Report: We describe two patients, who developed ANCA associated vasculitis during Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by appropriate tissue picture, CT scan and laboratory findings. Conclusions: Our case series are unique, because vasculitis appeared after many years of the treatment and during complete patient's remission of there main illness.


Gamete cryobanking has been widely incorporated in present assisted reproductive technology (ART). Preserving male gametes for future fertility is considered to be an easy and accessible way to insure one's reproduction. Despite the fact that the method could not secure success, sperm freezing could be the only chance to father biological offspring. In cases when severe male factor (SMF) infertility is diagnosed (retrograde ejaculation, virtual azoospermia, obstructive azoospermia, cryptozoospermia) and providing fresh semen samples for assisted reproduction may alter chances to achieve pregnancy, rare sperm cryopreservation could contribute for conceiving. Isolation, selection and cryopreservation of single sperm cells from semen samples is a challenging procedure. Different approaches and devices could be used in order to extract utmost spermatozoa. Aiming to highest cryosurvival rates sperm freezing protocols should be carefully considered. For some men, rare sperm cryopreservation might be the only alternative for parenting biological offspring. Thus, the latter technique should be widely discussed, developed and practiced in assisted reproduction.


Superconductivity is realized by opening a gap in the superconducting state. The gap symmetry is crucial in understanding the underlying superconductivity mechanism. The magnitude and the phase are essential in fully characterizing the superconducting gap. Angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) has played a key role in determining the gap symmetry in unconventional superconductors. However, it has been considered so far that ARPES can only measure the magnitude of the superconducting gap but not its phase; the phase has to be detected by other phase-sensitive techniques. Here we propose a new method to directly detect the superconducting gap sign by using ARPES. This method is successfully validated in a cuprate superconductor with a well-known $d$-wave gap symmetry. When two bands are nearby in momentum space and have a strong interband interaction, the resulted electronic structures in the superconducting state are sensitive to the relative gap sign between the two bands which can be captured by ARPES measurements. Our present work provides a new way to detect the gap sign and can be applied to various superconductors, particularly those with multiple orbitals like the iron-based superconductors. It also makes ARPES more powerful to determine both the gap magnitude and the phase that are significant in understanding the superconductivity mechanism of unconventional superconductors.


In this study, synthetic aqueous CuSO4 solution was prepared at various concentrations. Chevreul's salt was precipitated by passing SO2 through these solutions. Chevreul's salt, a mixed valence copper sulfite, Cu2SO3·CuSO3·2H2O, was characterized by XRD and SEM. The effects of parameters such as initial solution concentration, SO2 feeding rate, reaction time, and initial solution pH on precipitation of Chevreul's salt were investigated. 2n factorial experimental design and orthogonal central composite design methods in the precipitation experiments were used. It was observed that the effective parameters on the precipitation of Chevreul's salt were initial solution concentration, SO2 feeding rate, and initial solution pH. The optimum conditions obtained for maximum copper precipitation were: initial solution concentration 1.14 M, SO2 feeding rate 329.35 L.h.−1, reaction time 25 min, and initial solution pH 8.5. Constant parameters chosen at the initial stage of the reaction were: temperature 62°C, stirring speed 600 rpm, and reaction pH 3 (Çalban et al., 2006). Under these optimum conditions, the percentage of precipitated copper from synthetic aqueous CuSO4 solutions was 99.95.


Type 2 diabetes tratment: is there still place for sulfonylureas? The incidence of type 2 diabetes is growing worldwide. The disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Its treatment comprises life-style changes and the use of antihyperglycemic drugs. Sulfonylureas have been available for a long time. Although they are effective in reducing plasma glucose levels, there are data indicating they may have unfavorable effects, such as hypoglycemia, weight gain, increased cardiovascular risk, pancreatic beta cell exhaustion and increased cancer risk. Due to the development of novel therapeutic options for type 2 diabetes, one questions whether there is still a need for sulfonylurea use in diabetic patients.


The effect of two levels of rumen undegradable nitrogen (7 and 10 g UDN / kg DM ) fed with two levels of Nigella sativa (0 and 7.5 g NS / kg DM) on the diurnal patterns of plasma growth hormone (GH) , serum sugar (SS) , serum uric acid (SUA)serum urea nitrogen (SUN) concentration during 24 h post morning feeding were investigated . Twenty four individual Karadi male lambs were used .They were weighing approximately 34+1.22 kg and 7 months of age. The diets were formulated to be given a 40 parts NaoH-treated barley straw DM to 60 parts concentrate DM. All diets were associated with post- prandial decreases in SS, GH, SUA and SUN concentration during the first 6 h post morning feeding . Lambs fed high level of UDN significantly reduced blood sugar (BS) and increase blood urea nitrogen (SUN) as compared with those fed low level of UDN. Whereas ,level of UDN had no effect on GH and SUA. The results also indicated that the lambs fed diets supplemented with NS significantly increased SS, GH and SUA and reduced SUN as compared with those fed diets without NS .


The Arab news channels are interested in presenting different media messages based on differing opinions and viewpoints by presenting news programs that occupy a time space within the programmatic map of satellite channels, in order to inform the public of what is happening locally, regionally and internationally, in terms of dealing with controversial issues by analysis, interpretation and identification Their causes and who is responsible for their creation, since these programs are directed to the public in general, but they are directed primarily to the academic elite (the elite), due to their influence over the content of these programs and because of their pivotal role in creating public opinion in terms of actively dealing with events, positions and visions related to current events.


Electroporation, a method for increasing the permeability of membranes to ions and small molecules, is used in the clinic with chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer treatment (electrochemotherapy). Electroporation with calcium causes ATP (adenosine triphosphate) depletion and cancer cell death and could be a novel cancer treatment. This study aims at understanding the relationship between applied electric field, calcium concentration, ATP depletion and efficacy.


Nonlinear averaging methods are applied to analyze reduced-order adaptive controllers. An adaptive control system with two adjustable parameters and arbitrary unmodeled dynamics is studied. It is shown that when the reference input consists of only one sinusoid, the averaged system almost always possesses a unique equilibrium. When the input consists of several sinusoids, the averaged system may possess several equilibria, which may or may not be stable. It is shown that the adaptive system may be unstable, even If it is stable for the frequency components separately.


[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the mid Sixties, St. Stephen's School in suburban Washington, D.C., ranked in the area's Top 10 in football and was known for its complicated defenses. A tall skinny guy with dark hair, who was a better basketball player than football player, had a knack for reading the other team's offense. The coach made him defensive captain so he could call the plays. The player was Edward L. Yingling and, thanks in part to a family pedigree heavy on lawyers and lobbyists, he did not pursue a career as a defensive coordinator, despite his obvious talents. He may be available now. After 25 years as chief lobbyist for ABA, the last five as president and CEO as well--Ed Yingling is retiring from the trade group. Interested football teams need to move quickly, however, as his intention is to return to work at a Washington law firm. Yingling's defensive acumen in football emerged during a discussion reflecting on his 25 years with the association. Asked at one point about his much-better-known abilities as a political strategist, he said strategy was something he had always been good at. He is able to see patterns--whether on the gridiron or dealing with the changeable offense of the U.S. Congress. Being good at defense is a very useful trait for the head of the largest and strongest banking trade group. Though the ABA has won on offense several times--notably the Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking Act of 1994 and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999--the fact is, in Yingling's words, "a lot of what we do is defense, and there's been a lot of defense to do in my career." Offense or defense, the complexity, scope, and range of issues ABA deals with is staggering--ranging from deposit insurance, to Basels I through III, to debit card interchange, to credit union common bonds...the list fills pages. And while Yingling relies on the association's deep bench of staff experts, he is amazingly fluent in communicating key issues. "He's a linear thinker and communicator," observes Richard Davis, CEO of U.S. Bank, and a former ABA board member. "I never heard anyone say, 'Could you repeat that'," after Yingling spoke," says Davis. "He can synthesize the minutiae into what it is, what it means, and what to do about it. That's a real talent." You want humor? Try golf Ed Yingling has always been a pretty serious guy and a very hard worker, say those who have worked with him for many years. A smile is not usually his default expression, which initially causes some people to regard him as a bit aloof. Until they get to know him better. Those who do will tell you that Yingling has a very good sense of humor, often self-deprecating. It's just that, as one banker put it, you have to be patient to see it. Until recently. Since announcing his retirement in July, the normally reticent Yingling has become almost loquacious at times, and quite funny. His farewell speech at ABA's Annual Convention in October is a perfect example [hear it at http://tinyurl.com/eyfarewell]. It offered a humorous look at events in his career. Well aware of his reputation as being something less than "warm and fuzzy," Yingling poked fun at himself in the speech, saying that "our crack communications staff has worked tirelessly to give me a personality makeover. They have succeeded after many years in making me, as one media coach said, 'almost human'." In truth, he really has been working on it, taking early cues from his predecessor, Don Ogilvie, who headed the association until 2005. One example was that Yingling made efforts to get out of Washington more often, especially to state bankers association conferences. Another was golf. When he joined ABA, tennis was his game, but Floyd Stoner, executive vice-president, Congressional Relations and Public Policy, and Gary Fields, senior vice-president, convinced him that if he wanted to become better known among the state association executives in particular, golf was the way to do it. …


Aesthetic is a pragmatic term that got scholars intention from a long time. This study emphasis on proposing a conceptual framework for aesthetic features of caricature art in order to examine how the use of digital tools affect those features. The proposed framework classify the features into three dimensions; micro-objective, macro-subjective, and interaction-psychology. Techniques of caricature such as reversing and assimilation are unique to this art and form the macro dimensions. Information dimension includes the overall message of caricature drawing and the emotional perception of the audience. Micro dimension includes the traditional color, texture, compositions, and salience features. In future, the proposed conceptual framework will be validated by experts then designing a tool for quantifying the features measure.


Purpose
Floaters are localized vitreous opacities that are products of vitreous degeneration or posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Usually, observation was the only solution, however some patients are suffered from floaters. This study reports the clinical results of YAG laser vitreolysis for the treatment of floaters.

Methods
The patients with floaters were involved who visited Pureun eye hospital between January and March 2015. The patients were involved who met the following criteria; the floaters caused by localized vitreous opacities or PVD; patients suffered from floaters and strong desire for cure. The patients with diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachment, severe media opacity and young age were excluded. Patients had pre and postoperative examinations including visual acuity, tonometry, wide fundus photography, slit lamp and fundus examination. Patients were examined 1, 4 and 8 weeks after treatment. The floater scores were measured with survey paper for the evaluation of subjective change. The wide fundus photography was used for the objective change.

Results
The 47 eyes were involved (27 cases:male and 20 cases:female). The mean age was 69.5 ± 14.3. Informed consent was obtained in all cases. The floater scores were significantly improved after treatment (preoperative: 73.6 ± 10.5, postoperative: 8.2 ± 4.6, P < 0.001). The visible floaters disappeared in 43/47 cases (91.5%) in wide fundus photography. There were no significant changes in VA and IOP. Other side effects such as retinal detachment or hemorrhage and cataract were not developed during follow up period.

Conclusions
The clinical outcome of YAG laser vitreolysis using Ultra Q Reflex showed favorable results in subjective and objective measurement. There were no significant complications after procedure. We think YAG laser vitreolysis could be the excellent treatment option for the floaters.


People suffering from diabetes mellitus are dependent on exact blood glucose concentration information. This information is vital for their successful treatment and protection against life threatening extremely low or high blood sugar levels. Solution described in this paper integrates blood glucose evaluation and treatment recommendation, where all the information like body sensitivity to insulin and carbohydrate to insulin ratio is used to calculate recommended amount of next insulin dosage or food. This solution also supports strip with damaged insertion signal line. Device prototype had been developed and successfully tested on three subjects with diabetes I and two with diabetes II. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eee.19.1.3251


Damascus steels are related to composites which combine the properties of diverse steel qualities. By forging steel plates with different compositions, in particular differences in the carbon content, a multilayered workpiece is manufactured. Forging of cast iron has not been common because of its low melting point and brittleness at lower temperatures. Wolfgang Scheiblechner, a blacksmith from Palfau in Austria, combined ductile cast iron and soft iron to a unique composite material, which was investigated by means of metallographic methods. The intersections of cast iron and iron are of high interest, where carbon diffusion from ductile cast iron (graphite 100 % C) to soft iron (0 % C) takes place. In this case, all the microstructures characteristic for cast irons, steels, and soft iron were present. The microstructures were additionally influenced by forging and quenching. The cast iron region was dominated by nodular graphite and bainite; ledeburite was observed occasionally. The soft iron regions showed coarse equiaxed ferrite and grain boundary cementite. In the transition areas, ferrite showed a wide variety of shapes, and the microstructure changed from hypereutectoid to hypoeutectoid steel. The various microstructures were characterized by light optical microscopy and confirmed by Vicker's microhardness measurements.


We prove that the average size of the 3‐Selmer group of a genus‐2 curve with a marked Weierstrass point is 4. We accomplish this by studying rational and integral orbits in the representation associated to a stably Z/3Z ‐graded simple Lie algebra of type E8 . We give new techniques to construct integral orbits, inspired by the proof of the fundamental lemma and by the twisted vertex operator realisation of affine Kac–Moody algebras.


In production, packaging is an essential factor. Especially if the product is in the form of food, the function of the packaging is to protect it from sunlight, dust, and other damage. There are still many who use the manual method in the home industry. The process still requires many human resources.For this reason, the design of an automatic powder packaging device based on the Atmega 16 microcontroller was made. This tool serves to package flour (flour, sugar, and coffee) packaged automatically using a microcontroller as the brain of the device. The initial packaging method was to put the powder in each container. Then the powder will come out automatically according to the input of the type of powder and the desired weight of the operator via the keypad. Then the powder enters the dose that Loadcell has installed as a weight detector displayed on the LCD. After the weight reaches the set point, the powder will enter the package. The package that has been filled with powder will be pressed using a sealer. From the tests carried out, the percentage of success reached 70%.


An accelerated test for susceptibility to intergranular corrosion has been applied to a number of aluminium-copper alloys whose service corrosion behaviour is known. In all cases, where intergranular corrosion occurred in service, the samples showed the same type of corrosion in the test solution. There was good correlation between the type of attack in the test solution and the K value (ml./cm.2/min.2) relating the volume of gas evolved in the test and the square of the time of effective attack. Factors which affect service performance are discussed.


Objective To study the etiology,pathogenesis,and diagnosis of small bowel volvulus in adults.Method The clinical data of 43 cases of small bowel volvulus admitted to Hassan Ⅱ Hospital of Settat from October2009 to October 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Results There were 11 cases of spontaneous small bowel volvulus.There were 32 cases of secondary small bowel volvulus,of which 19 cases due to postoperative abdominal adhesions.Clinical manifestation:early persistent severe abdominal pain was in 40 cases,frequent vomiting was in 29 cases,intestinal pattern or abdominal mass was in 28 cases. All 43 patients were received surgery,22(51.2%)cases were diagnosed by preoperative ultrasonography,small bowel necrosis was found in 16 cases during operation,37(86.0%)patients were cured and 6(14.0%)patients died. Conclusions Secondary small bowel volvulus is main small bowel volvulus,postoperative abdominal adhesion is major causes of small bowel volvulus,the value of abdominal X-ray in diagnosing is limited. However,ultrasonography and CT are helpful in diagnosing these diseases. Small bowel volvulus and intestinal obstruction can reinforce each other. Early small bowel volvulus is characterized by clinical conditions such as severe abdominal pain,early vomiting signs,and signs not matching the symptoms. Acute onset and rapid progression are the features of small bowel volvulus,surgery should be intervened in early stage.


ABSTRACT The beginning of the Amazigh cultural movement is often traced to the Berber Spring of 1980 which was triggered by the cancellation of Mouloud Mammeri's lecture on ancient Berber poetry at the University of Tizi Ouzou in Algeria. But the intellectual foundation of the movement can be traced to the discourse of an Amazigh cultural nationalism which developed since the 1930s in the articulation of anti-colonial sentiments. From Si Amar Saïd ou Boulifa to Mouloud Mammeri, several writers from Kabylia have been identified as having contributed to the construction of a Kabyle Berber identity in their articulation of colonial subjectivity. But in this list of cultural nationalists from Kabylia, Fadhma Amrouche's name is conspicuously absent despite the rich legacy of Kabyle oral poetry and songs she left behind and her autoethnography My Life Story: The Autobiography of a Berber Woman ([1968] 1988). This essay seeks to situate Fadhma Amrouche in the above-mentioned list by arguing that her eternal sense of alienation and exile as a Berber Christian colonised subject, is also a story about her adherence to her Kabyle identity. This shall be done by examining the relationship between her exile, quest for identity, and cultural revival as expressed in her autobiography.


A soil plant atmosphere model for corn (Zea mays L.) together with the scaling theory for soil hydraulic heterogeneity are used to study the sensitivity of spatial variation of canopy temperature to field averaged soil texture and crop rooting characteristics. The soil plant atmosphere model explicitly solves a continuity equation for water flux resulting from root water uptake, changes in plant water storage and transpirational flux. Dynamical equations for root zone soil water potential and the plant water storage models the progressive drying of soil, and day time dehydration and night time hydration of the crop. The statistic of scaling parameter which describes the spatial variation of soil hydraulic conductivity and matric potential is assumed to be independent of soil texture class. The field averaged soil hydraulic characteristics are chosen to be representative of loamy sand and clay loam soils. Two rooting characteristics are chosen, one shallow and the other deep rooted. The simulation shows that the range of canopy temperatures in the clayey soil is less than 1K, but for the sandy soil the range is about 2.5 and 5.0 K, respectively, for the shallow and deep rooted crops.


Long-wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting semiconductor lasers are investigated and heating effects on the light vs. current characteristics of VCSELs are analyzed by thermal-electric, optical, and electronic modeling. The model includes nonuniform current injection, carrier diffusion, stimulated emission, distributed heat sources, and active material band structure calculations. Device parameters such as threshold current, and external quantum efficiency are evaluated. Simulated power vs. current characteristics exhibit the typical thermal roll-over in continuous wave operation. The model is applied to two specific optimized underetched structure designs in order to provide an understanding of the current-funneling mechanism and the thermal limitations of such devices.


The present invention relates to an aqueous, buffered pharmaceutical composition comprising adalimumab; a buffer comprising histidine only; and a stabilizer consisting of an amino acid selected from glycine, arginine, methionine; wherein the composition is free of polyol and has a pH from 5 to 6. The invention further relates to an aqueous, buffered pharmaceutical composition comprising adalimumab; a buffer consisting of histidine only; and a stabilizer consisting of polyol; wherein the composition is free of an acid other than histidine and has a pH from 5 to 6. The invention also relates to an aqueous, buffered pharmaceutical composition comprising adalimumab; a buffer consisting of histidine only; and a stabilizer consisting of: (a) an amino acid selected from glycine, arginine and methionine, and (b) polyol, wherein the composition has a pH from 5 to 6.


Time and space conception was born in the practice of mankind, and has been being deepened in the process of practice. The history of time and space conception development is outlined, innate characteristics of each stage is discussed: empirical time and space conception in the ancient natural philosophy, substantial evidence in the modern natural sciences, and scientific in contemporary sciences, systematic in modern social economy. The systematic time and space conception integrating time, space, matter and motion into an organic whole marks the highest stage of human time and space cognition.


This paper first describes an empirical model to characterize the deactivation of a catalyst used in the production of a specialty chemical based on actual plant data. This model is then used in a novel multiperiod MINLP optimization formulation that incorporates the empirical model in order to determine the optimal catalyst replacement policy and meet time varying product demand.


Most cases of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) exhibit extensive molecular heterogeneity, presenting challenges in developing targeted therapies. Despite extensive efforts and incremental successes in developing targeted drugs and immunotherapies for other cancers, chemotherapies continue to be the most used treatment of ovarian cancer. Although seemingly simplistic, identification of drugs targeting cellular machinery independent of genomic and genetic status continues to be a strong clinical need. Previously, we performed an RNAi-based screen of the druggable genome across a diverse histological panel of EOC cell line representing both platinum-sensitive and -resistant tumors (PMID: 23056589). This screen elucidated KIF11 as essential in maintaining EOC cell viability. KIF11, a mitotic spindle assembly motor protein, has been targeted clinically. Although drugs are well tolerated, potent, and specific, the objective response rates to KIF11 inhibitors in clinical trials were commonly less than 10%. The efficacy of KIF11 inhibitors is blunted via a compensatory motor kinesin, KIF15. The overexpression of KIF15 has been shown to compensate for absent KIF11 in the formation of the bipolar spindle apparatus during mitosis. Silencing KIF15 significantly sensitizes cells to KIF11 inhibitors and resensitizes resistant cells to KIF11 inhibitors. We developed a high throughput screening approach using Alpha technology to identify compounds that inhibit the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between KIF15 and TPX2, a unique approach to inhibiting KIF15 from previous efforts. Of the nearly 200,000 compounds screened, 177 compounds were selected to be further characterized based on assay performance and chemical properties. These compounds were screened for TPX2 or KIF15 binding by STD-NMR and waterLOGSY. Three compounds across two chemotypes were confirmed to bind KIF15. No compounds were found to bind TPX2. Additionally, 168 of the 177 compounds were screened for drug synergism in vitro. The synergism assay yielded 32 strongly and 8 weakly synergistic hits. The lead compound in each of the two chemotypes revealed by NMR were classified as strongly synergistic (max. bliss score of 8.0 and 29.9). To expand the potential lead compounds identified for further development, an antibody-free cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) is being completed with 168 compounds. Preliminarily, CETSA has shown that the two lead compounds significantly stabilize KIF15 (ΔTm = 5.6 °C and 9.6 °C). These two lead compounds behaved in a dose-dependent manner in the AlphaScreen (IC50= 2 µM and 6 µM), a favorable characteristic for further development. To date, two chemotypes have been identified as KIF15 inhibitors uniquely targeting the KIF15-TPX2 PPI. The data indicates KIF15 inhibition in combination with KIF11 inhibition is synergistic, thus demonstrating a potential novel treatment approach for people with EOCs.
 Citation Format: Benjamin K. Gibbs, Justin T. Douglas, Rebecca J. Wates, Peter R. McDonald, Amy M. Whitaker, Cornelius N. Ndi, Harsh B. Pathak, Laurie A. Harned, Sarah A. Neuenswander, Melinda A. Broward, Bret D. Freudenthal, Anuradha Roy, Frank J. Schoenen, Andrew K. Godwin. Targeting the KIF15-TPX2 PPI to overcome KIF11 inhibitor resistance in epithelial ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 5334.


FIELD-TO-FRAME TRANSCODING WITH SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL DOWNSAMPLING Susie J. Wee, John G. Apostolopoulos Hewlett-Pa kard Laboratories Palo Alto, CA USA Ni k Feamster Massa husetts Institute of Te hnology Cambridge, MA USA ABSTRACT We present an algorithm for trans oding high-rate ompressed bitstreams ontaining eldoded interla ed video to lower-rate ompressed bitstreams ontaining frameoded progressive video. We fo us on MPEG-2 to H.263 trans oding, however these results an be extended to other lowerrate video ompression standards in luding MPEG-4 simple pro le and MPEG-1. A onventional approa h to the trans oding problem involves de oding the input bitstream, spatially and temporally downsampling the de oded frames, and re-en oding the result. The proposed trans oder a hieves improved performan e by exploiting the details of the MPEG2 and H.263 ompression standards when performing interla ed to progressive (or eld to frame) onversion with spatial downsampling and frame-rate redu tion. The trans oder redu es the MPEG-2 de oding requirements by temporally downsampling the data at the bitstream level and redu es the H.263 en oding requirements by largely bypassing H.263 motion estimation by reusing the motion ve tors and oding modes given in the input bitstream. In software implementations, the proposed approa h a hieved a 5x speedup over the onventional approa h with only a 0.3 and 0.5 dB loss in PSNR for the Carousel and Bus sequen es.


Ambient Intelligence creates scenarios in which the reality is modified by devices that augment the possibilities of social interaction. In this paper we propose an approach based on institutions to model the virtual reality created by an application of Ambient Intelligence. Starting with our previous results that give a model of institution in terms of the relations of power and dependence, defined by means of a description of goals and skills of a single agent, our aim is to show with this framework, thanks to the help of an example, how to model the social structures developed in a system of Ambient Intelligence thanks to the notion of institution.


Abstract Does decentralisation promote clientelism? If yes, through which mechanisms? We answer these questions through an analysis of India's (and the world's) largest workfare programme, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), in two Indian states: Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh (AP). The two states adopted radically different implementation models: Rajasthan's decentralised one stands in contrast with Andhra Pradesh's centralised and bureaucracy-led model. Using a mixed method approach, we find that in both states local implementers have incentives to distribute MGNREGA work in a clientelistic fashion. However, in Rajasthan, these incentives are stronger, because of the decentralised implementation model. Accordingly, our quantitative evidence shows that clientelism is more serious a problem in Rajasthan than in AP.


This is the second edition of the immensely successful international text Poverty and Development in the 1990s. Each chapter introduces the student to a key topic, and is written by a specialist in the field. learning aids include: chapter questions summaries key concepts photographs, cartoons, and maps lists of acronyms, abbreviations, and organizations Contributors to this volume - Tim Allen, Lecturer in the Development Studies Institute, London School of Economics Jo Beall, Lecturer in Social Policy and Planning in Developing Counrtries, Department of Social Policy, London School of Economics Henry Bernstein, Professor of Development Studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Janet Bujra, Senior Lecturer and Director of Postgraduate Research, Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford Susan Carr, Lecturer in Systems, The Open University Joanna Chataway, Lecturer in Development Management, The Open University Ben Crow, Assistant Professor of Sociology, University of California, Santa Cruz John Eade, Reader in Sociology and Anthropology, Roehampton Institute, London John Harriss, Reader in Development Studies Institute, London School of Economics Richard Heeks, Senior Lecturer in Information Systems and Development, Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester Tom Hewitt, Senior Lecturer in Development Policy and Practice, The Open University Andrew Kilmister, Senior Lecturer in Economics, School of Business, Oxford Brookes University Les Levidow, Research Fellow, Faculty of Technology, The Open University Anthony McGrew, Professor of International Relations, Southampton University Melissa Parker, Lecturer in Social Anthropology in the Department of Human Sciences, Brunel University Ruth Pearson, Professor of Development Studies, University of Leeds David Potter, Professor of Political Science, The Open University Ines Smyth, Policy Advisor, Gender and Learning Team, Oxfam GB Alan Thomas, Senior Lecturer in Development Policy and Practice, The Open University David Wield, Professor of Innovation and Development, The Open University Gordon Wilson, Senior Lecturer in Development Policy and Practice, The Open University Philip Woodhouse, Senior Lecturer in Environment and Rural Development at the Institute for Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester


ANUMBER OF experiments have been published in 1934 from this laboratory showing the relation between the function of the ovarian follicles and the development and endocrine activity of the corpus luteum (1). The investigations performed on rabbits led to the following main observations. (a) If a mature follicle is allowed to remain after coitus while the surrounding ovarian cortex is destroyed by electro-coagulation, a normal corpus luteum does not develop from the follicle. There appears either a follicular or luteal cyst or a more or less atrophic corpus luteum. (b) If the ovarian cortex around a mature corpus luteum is burned away in the same way, the growth and function of the corpus luteum is disturbed. (c) If the experimental animal is treated with estrogen during these conditions, the development of the corpus luteum proceeds in a normal manner. It was concluded from these experiments that the action of a certain amount of estrogen is necessary for the function of the corpus luteum.


In this issue Drs Turturro, Hass and Hart discussed the biological responses of laboratory rodents to caloric restriction (CR) as an example of hormesis, and its implications for toxicological testing. Hormesis is referred to as a beneficial biological effect of lower doses of a factor or agent that is known to be detrimental at higher doses. This common phenomenon has been extensively discussed in past issues of the BELLE Newsletter and the concepts of hormetic dose-response relationships and chemical hormesis were recently reviewed.",2 Controlling food intake to


In pre-clinical studies Ad26 has shown increased protective efficacy compared to Ad5. We hypothesize this is due, in part, to differences in phenotype and function of the elicited CD4 and CD8 T cell responses. Thus, our goal is to elucidate the phenotypic differences of the CD4 and CD8 T cell repertoire following Ad5 or Ad26 vaccination and the underlying mechanism. B6 mice vaccinated with Ad5 upregulate PD1 and Tim3 (p<0.01) expression on both CD4 and CD8 T cells 10 days post-immunization. On day 60, high PD1 and low CD226 expression (P<0.01) was observed following only Ad5 immunization. Ad5, but not Ad26, induced a population of regulatory CD4 T cells that co-produce IFN-γ and IL-10 (p<0.01). In Ad5 vaccinated non-human primates we also observed elevated expression of PD-1 and production of IL-10 (p<0.01), and less IL-2 expression by CD4 T cells. Mouse DCs stimulated in vitro with Ad5 showed a four-fold increase on Il27 mRNA compared to Ad26 stimulated cells. Immunization of IL-27ra KO mice with Ad5 resulted in downregulation of IL-10 (p<0.01), and up-regulation of IL-2 and CD226 (p<0.01) by CD4 T cells compared to WT. CD8 T cells from KO mice exhibited increased TNF-α and IL-2 polyfunctionality (p<0.01). These data demonstrate that Ad5 vaccination induces greater IL-27 production that drives inhibitory molecule expression and dysfunctional cytokine secretion by CD4 and CD8 T cells. These data suggest a mechanistic explanation for one reason why Ad5 is a suboptimal vector.


This paper is concerned with the nonlinear strongly damped wave equation
\begin{eqnarray*}
u_{t t}-\Delta u_t-\Delta u+f(u_t)+g(u)=h,
\end{eqnarray*}
with Dirichlet boundary conditions and a time-independent external force $h$.
In the presence of nonlinearities $f$ and $g$ of subcritical and
critical growth, respectively, the existence of a global
attractor of optimal regularity is established.


Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSAS) in children with Down syndrome (DS) is now well recognized, but other forms of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in this population are less well described. Anecdotally, respiratory support for SDB treatment in this population is not easily tolerated. We aimed to characterize the types of SDB in children with DS referred to a tertiary respiratory center and to assess the effectiveness and adherence to respiratory support.


Increases in fuel prices, combined with the deep downturn in the economy, have raised concerns about the burdens of transportation costs on low-income families. In this paper, the authors estimate the financial burden of housing and transportation for households in Los Angeles County. In particular, the authors examine how the Housing + Transportation expenditure burden varies by the poverty rate, racial composition, and local access to opportunities for neighborhoods in Los Angeles. The authors' analysis draws on a number of data sets, including vehicle registration data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles, Smog Check data from the California Bureau of Automotive Repair, fuel economy information from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, property value data from the Los Angeles County Assessor's Office, as well as demographic and economic data from the 2005-2009 American Community Survey of the U.S. Census. The authors find that absolute housing and transportation costs are lowest in the poorest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, but the burden of these costs measured as a percent of household income is highest in these same neighborhoods. There are, however, some illuminating differences between the housing and transport cost burdens. Specifically, it is clear that while housing costs are closely linked to incomes, vehicle transport costs depend on a combination of neighborhood incomes and the accessibility of the neighborhood.


The potential of using tissue culture technique for the production of some bioactive compounds since it allows the manipulation of the biosynthetic routes to increase the production and accumulation of specific compounds. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of vitamins (pyridoxine and nicotinic acid), thiamine-Hcl at different cocentrations (0.5, 1.0 & 2.0 mg/l) and myo-inositol at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100mg/l) at different cocentrations supplemented in MS basal nutrient medium of embryogenic callus of date palm on the production of secondary metabolites of amino acids and indoles. Tow egyption cultivars (Sakkoty and Bartamuda cultivars) of date palm were used. Pyridoxine concentration at 0.5mg/l was the most effective concentration in the production of amino acids and indoles from embryonic callus of the tow studied cultivars of date palm. Nicotinic acid at 0.5mg/l showed also the best results of production of amino acids and indoles from embryogenic callus of two cultivars. Acording to thiamine at 2mg/l concentration was the most effective in inducing the highest significant value of amino acids and indoles from embryonic callus of two cultivars of date palm. Myo-inositol concentration at 25mg/l produced the highest significant value of amino acids and indoles. Introduction Many higher plants are major sources of natural product used as pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, flavor and fragrance ingredients, food additives, and pesticides [1]. The search for new plant derived. In the search for alternatives to production of desirable medicinal compounds from plants, biotechnological approaches, specifically, plant tissue cultures, are found to have potential as a supplement to traditional agriculture in the industrial production of bioactive plant metabolites [2]. Date palm tree Phoenix dactylifera L. is a multipurpose tree from whole tree, the cultivation of this crop was distributed in North Africa and Middle East specially in Arabian Peninsula. Date palm tree can accumulate many chemicals in their tissues, as primary metabolites containing carbohydrates and proteins, and secondary metabolites which are produced from primary ones [3,4]. The yield of secondary compounds in plants cells can be enhanced by precursor feeding in culture medium it has been a normal and a popular approach to increase this bioactive compounds [5]. secondary metabolite formation has shown that the media components have an influence on metabolism [6]. Vitamins, myoinositol and thiamineHCl are considered important copmonents which induce plant cell growth also thier role in stimulated the bioactve metabolites as precursors has been reported [6-9]. The aim of this work is By-Products of Palm Trees and Their Applications Materials Research Forum LLC Materials Research Proceedings 11 (2019) 244-252 doi: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644900178-20 245 to study the effect of some vitamins (Pyridoxine hydrochloride, Nicotinic acid, Thiamine hydrochloride, Myoinositol ) on (free amino acids content, total indols content) in embryogeinic callus stage of in vitro date palm (Sakkoty and Bartamuda cultivars). Materials and Methods Callus explants of two cultivars Bartamuda and Sakkoty were produced from indirect protocol of date palm micropropagation discribed by [10,11]. In this study received embryonic callus explants for both cultivars were cultured on basic nutrient medium for callus formation which composed of MS basal medium [12], supplemented 30 g/l sucrose and 3.0 g/l activated charcoal with 40 mg/l adenine – sulfate, 200 mg/l glutamine, 100 mg/l myo-inositol, 0.1 mg/l biotin, 170 mg/l NaH2PO4,0.1 mg/l thiamine HCl 0.5 mg/l pyridoxine, 0.5 mg/l nicotinic acid, 3.0 mg/l 2isopentenyl adenine (2iP) + 10.0 mg/l 2,4 –D dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4 – D). Callus explants of tow cultivars Bartamuda and Sakkoty were produced from indirect protocol of date palm micropropagation discribed by [10,11]. In this study recived embryonic callus explants for both cultivars were cultured on basic nutrient medium for callus formation which composed of MS basal medium [12], supplemented 30 g/l sucrose and 3.0 g/l activated charcoal with 40 mg/L adenine – sulfate, 200 mg/l glutamine, 100 mg/l myo-inositol, 0.1 mg/l biotin, 170 mg/L NaH2PO4,0.1 mg/l thiamine HCL 0.5 mg/l pyridoxine,0.5 mg/l nicotinic acid, 3.0 mg/L 2isopentenyl adenine (2iP) + 10.0 mg/l 2,4 –D dichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4 – D). The studied treatments were added as followed:1. Effect of vitamins Effect of Pyridoxine hydrochloride concentration on secondary metabolites in embryogenic callus. Pyridoxine hydrochloride concentration: a) 0.5 mg/l b) 1.0 mg/l c) 2.0 mg/l. Effect of Nicotinic acid concentration on secondary metabolites in embryogenic callus. Nicotinic acid concentration: a) 0.5 mg/l b) 1.0 mg/l c) 2.0 mg/l. Effect of thiamine hydrochloride concentrations on secondary metabolites in embryogenic callus. 2. Effect ofThiamine-Hcl concentrations: a) 0.5 mg/ b) 1.0 mg/l c) 2.0 mg/l. Effect of Myoinositol concentrations a) 25 mg/l b) 50 mg/l c) 100 mg/l. 6.0 g/l agar were used to solidified culture medium which were distributed in culture jars (250 ml); each jar contained 25 ml of culture nutrient medium. Culture jars were immediately capped with polypropylene closure autoclaved at 121°C at 1.05 kg/cm for 20 min. The cultured jars were incubated under total darkness at 27±1°C and data were recorded every (6 weeks) for three subcultures on total steroids (mg/g dry weight). Callus sampels were collected from all studied treatments of the micro elements compounds, manganese sulfate (), zinc sulfate ( MnSO4.4H2O) heptahydrate (ZnSO4.7H2O) and copper sulfate (CuSO4.5H2O) for both Bartamuda and Sakkoty cv. for the following assay. 1. Determination of free amino acids Total amino nitrogen or free amino acids were determined according to Rosein [13]. For assay, one ml of sample was pipetted out into a series of test tubes, and then total volume made up to 4 ml with distilled water. One ml of ninhydrin reagent (4 %, 4 g ninhydrin was dissolved in 50 ml By-Products of Palm Trees and Their Applications Materials Research Forum LLC Materials Research Proceedings 11 (2019) 244-252 doi: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644900178-20 246 acetone and 50 ml acetate buffer) was added to each tube, mixed well, and the tubes were kept in a boiling water bath for 15 min. Then, the tubes were cooled and the volume was made up to 10 ml in measuring flask with ethanol 50 %. The pink color developed was measured using a spectrophotometer at 570 nm DL-alanine. The concentration of total amino nitrogen as DLalanine were calculated from the standard curve. 2. Extraction of Indoles and Phenols One gram of fresh samples in three replicates were sectioned into minute pieces and extracted with 5 ml cold methanol 80 % and stored in cold condition for 24h. The combined extracts were collected and filtered. Then, the volume of sample was raised up to known volume with cold methanol. A-Determination of Total Indoles The total indoles were determined in the methanolic extract using p-dimethyl amino benzaldehyde (PDAB) reagent, 1 g was dissolved in 50 ml HCl conc. and 50 ml ethanol 95 %) test according to Larsen et al. [14]. One ml of aliquot methanolic extract was pipetted into a test tube, then 4 ml of PDAB reagent was added and incubated at 30 – 40 °C for 1 h. The intensity of the resultant color was spectrophotometerically measured at 530 nm. A standard curve was established which refer to the relationship between different concentrations of IAA and their corresponding absorbance values. B-Determination of Total Phenols Phenols determination was carried out according to Danial and George [15]. For estimation of total phenols, 1 ml of the methanol tissue extract was added to 0.5 ml of Folin-Ciocalteu's Phenol Reagent and shaken 3 min. Then, 1 ml saturated Na2CO3 (25 % w/v) plus 17.5 ml distilled water added. The mixtures were left for one hour at 3040 °C. Optical density of these samples was measured by a colorimeter using wavelength 730 nm. Concentrations of total phenols in different samples were calculated as mg phenol/100g FW. Amount of total phenolic compounds was calculated according to standard curve of pyrogalol (99.5 %). Statistical analysis The obtained data were subjected to analysis of variance. The mean values were compared using LSD test at the 5% level of probability. The data were tabulated and statistically factorial analysed according to the randomized complete block design with three replicates Snedecor & Cochran [16]. Results and Discussion 1. Effect of PyridoxineHCl on total amino acids content (mg/g fresh weight). Data in Table 1 clearly showed that no significant differences were found between the two cultivars under investigation (0.99, 0.94 mg/g fresh weight respectively),the pyridoxine concentration (0.5mg/l) was the most effective as it induced the highest significant value (1.65 mg/g fresh weight), concerning the interaction between cultivars and pyridoxine concentrations, these results illustrated that the highest significant value (1.65 mg/g fresh weight) was for Sakkoty and Bartamuda cultivars embryogenic callus grown on medium contained( 0.5 mg/l) pyridoxine. The lowest value (0.47 mg/g fresh weight) was for Bartamuda cultivar embryogenic callus grown on medium contained (1.0 mg/l) pyridoxine. By-Products of Palm Trees and Their Applications Materials Research Forum LLC Materials Research Proceedings 11 (2019) 244-252 doi: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644900178-20 247 Table 1: Effect of Pyridoxine -HCl on total amino acids content (mg/g fresh weight). 2. Effect of PyridoxineHCl on total indoles content (mg/g fresh weight). Table 2: Effect of Pyridoxine HCl on total indoles content (mg/g fresh weight). Data in Table 2 clearly showed that, significant differences were found between the two cultivars under investigation (0.30, 0.35 mg/g fresh weight respectively), the p


The essential oils of the Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. were extracted by simultaneous distillation extraction. The chemical components were separated and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The content of essential oils extracted from Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. was 2.73%. The identification of the volatile compounds was confirmed by comparing the retention indices with standard values of authentic samples. The relative content was calculated from the peak area normal-ization method. The results indicated that there are thirty-three volatile compounds identified in Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. The major chemical components from Eupatorium fortunei Turcz. are: 2H-1-benzopyran-2-one(12.58%), thymol (4.38%),2,4,5,6,7, 8-hexahydro-1,4,9,9-tetramathyl-3H-3a,7-methanoazulene(4.50%), caryophlleneoxidase(5.27%), 1-methyl-4-(1-methylethyl)-phenol(3.97%) and 1,1a,4,5,6,7,7b-octahydro-1,1,7, 7a-tetramethyl-2H-cyclopropa[a]naphtha (3.62%).


The neutral sphingolipid ceramide has been implicated in the apoptotic death of cells by a number of different mechanisms and we now present evidence that one of its actions is to activate the tumor supressor protein PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10). PTEN is mutated in multiple advanced cancers, is absent from many tumor cells such as gliomas, and functions largely as a polyphosphoinositide phosphatase. PTEN with a red-fluorescent protein (RFP) tag was overexpressed in both a human cell line derived from oligodendroglioma (HOG) and a rat pheochromocytoma cells line (PC12) by means of an inducible promoter system (tet-OFF). Induction of the gene by removal of doxocycline showed a generalized (cytosolic) distribution of PTEN which was changed to a more membrane-associated pattern following treatment with C2-ceramide. Activation of the cell death pathway with either staurosporine, wortmannin or C2-ceramide was facilitated by PTEN expression while lowering PTEN expression with antisense constructs partially blocked cell death. The staurosporine-induced increase in ceramide was localized to the Raft (detergent-resistant-membrane fraction) where active PTEN is also found. We propose that formation of ceramide during apoptosis results in the translocation of PTEN to the plasma membrane, where it can hydrolyze the polyphosphoinositides which normally activate the key antiapoptotic protein, phospho-Akt (protein kinase B). Since ceramide may also activate a Phospho-Akt phosphatase, this may further explain the high pro-apoptoic potential of ceramide.


In view of the present status of teaching of applied writing at higher vocational colleges,this thesis insists that the teaching should stimulate the students' study interest and arouse their learning motivation,starting from thinking,psychology and methodology.Adoption of case teaching enables the students to master writing norms and implementation of module teaching enables them to grasp the writing knowledge firmly and quickly.Practicing the style of systematic training will help to improve the students' writing ability.


The dimensions precision and the radius reducing thickness of the tubeless wheel's rimare higher required,the quality of it lies on the rim's production facilities and the rationalizattion of the die design,and the crux of the rim roll forming die design is to control the radius reducing thickness as the dimensions precision is guaranteed.The dies designed based on the method this paper gives not only makes the rim manufactured with the dies having higher dimensions precision,less radius reducing thickness,but also has in common use on every type rim,dies designed,so it has larger practical significance.


SUMMARY

Many populations of Heterodera rostochiensis mostly from the main potato growing areas of England and Wales, were tested with eelworm-resistant potato varieties (andigena hybrids). Except in the Eastern Region, where resistant varieties were planted alongside commercial varieties in infested fields, tests were done in pots inoculated with a standard number of cysts extracted from a single soil sample from each field. The tests showed that England and Wales could be divided into areas according to the percentage of cysts( 70%) produced on the resistant compared with a commercial non-resistant variety. On the peat soils of the East Anglian fens and in Bedfordshire, Essex and Kent (area A) most populations produce few cysts on resistant varieties. In much of the East Midlands and Yorkshire (area D), populations produce many cysts on resistant varieties which behave much as ordinary susceptible potatoes. Populations in the rest of England and Wales (areas B, C) vary and in many districts every field must be tested separately.

If the pathotypes occurring in Britain had separate origins in South America, the present distribution in England and Wales is probably due to chance introductions dispersed with seed and following the patterns of trade in seed potatoes. As all commercial varieties, before the release of eelworm-resistant ones, were about equally susceptible to the different pathotypes, the varieties themselves probably played little part in determining the present distribution of pathotypes.


The fundamentals Primary process during collisions Adsorption and desorption Metallic structures and bonding Low energy electron diffraction Electron emission Surface potentials and vibrational spectra General background to heterogeneous catalysis and its application to the reaction o hydrogen isotopes The catalytic oxidation of carbon monoxide on palladium and platinum.


The OpenFlow network architecture overcomes the problem fossilization in traditional Internet architecture, and becomes the current developing emphasis of network technology. In order to effectively study the composition, function and information flow of OpenFlow network architecture, in this paper, the Mininet underlying network simulation software and Floodlight control software are used to realize the OpenFlow network environment. This paper introduces the principle of OpenFlow technology, proposes the construction method of OpenFlow network environment, implements the simulation modeling of OpenFlow network by Mininet and Floodlight software, and simulates the network architecture and related functions. This research provides the effective method for implementation of OpenFlow network.


Protection against infections with Streptococcus pneumoniae is mediated by antibodies against the capsular polysaccharides (caps‐PS). Here we show that in in vitro experiments CD4+ T lymphocytes stimulate and CD8+ T lymphocytes inhibit the human anti‐caps‐PS antibody response. Using antagonistic anti‐CD40 and antagonistic anti‐CD40 ligand (CD40L) monoclonal antibodies, we showed that the CD4+ T lymphocyte‐mediated stimulation is dependent on the CD40‐CD40L interaction. The role of CD40L was further illustrated by the observation that CD4+ T lymphocytes obtained from a patient with hyper‐IgM syndrome were unable to enhance the immune response to caps‐PS. Furthermore, CD4+ T lymphocytes from cord blood, which did not express CD40L in response to stimulation with caps‐PS, failed to stimulate the antibody response of adult B lymphocytes to caps‐PS. These in vitro findings were confirmed by in vivo experiments in which SCID/SCID mice were reconstituted with human mononuclear cells. Furthermore, we showed that caps‐PS induce production of IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, and IFN‐γ, and that thisenhanced production was inhibited by blocking the CD40‐CD40L interaction. This is the first demonstration that the human immune response to caps‐PS, which is markedly regulated by T lymphocytes, is dependent on the CD40‐CD40L interaction.


The Handmade paper industry has been an integral part of the Indian economy for centuries. This paper analyses the impact of the Handmade Paper industry, critically examining its contribution to employment, exports, and GDP on the Indian economy. The study discusses the eco-friendly nature of Handmade Paper and also briefs about the various products that can be made from it. Combining both primary as well as secondary data sources, the findings reveal that the Handmade Paper industry provides substantial employment to individuals of diverse skill levels and contributes significantly to India's exports as well as GDP. The study also delves into the challenges faced by the handmade paper industry, such as the high cost of raw materials, lack of access to credit, etc. The study highlights the importance of government policies to support the industry and suggests recommendations for expanding the handmade paper industry in India. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes the historical trajectory of the Industry over the past few decades.


The serum immunoglobulin response was studied in 30 children with infectious hepatitis, MS-1 type and in 28 children with infectious hepatitis, MS-2 type. MS-1 is typical infectious hepatitis (IH) and MS-2 resembles serum hepatitis (SH). IgG, IgM, and IgA levels were determined during the incubation period and acute and convalescent phases of the disease. Infectious hepatitis was characterized by a high increase in IgM levels occurring three to four days after the first evidence of abnormal serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) activity. The elevated IgM levels returned to normal 5 to 35 days later. In contrast, SH was usually characterized by only slightly elevated to normal IgM levels during the acute stage of the disease. These studies indicate that the results of serial determinations of immunoglobulin levels performed in conjunction with serial SGOT and thymol turbidity determinations should provide useful data for the differentiation of IH from SH.


LiDARs are one of the key sources of reliable environmental ranging information for autonomous vehicles. However, segmentation of 3D scene elements (roads, buildings, people, cars, etc.) based on LiDAR point clouds has limitations. On the one hand, point- and voxel-based segmentation neural networks do not offer sufficiently high speed. On the other hand, modern labeled datasets primarily consist of street scenes recorded for driverless cars and contain little data for mobile delivery robots or cleaners that must work in parks and yards with heavy pedestrian traffic. This article aims to overcome these limitations. We have proposed a novel approach called DAPS3D to train deep neural networks for 3D semantic segmentation. This approach is based on a spherical projection of a point cloud and LiDAR-specific masks, enabling the model to adapt to different types of LiDAR. First of all, we have introduced various high-speed multi-scale spherical projection segmentation models, including convolutional, recurrent, and transformer architectures. Among them, the SalsaNextRecLSTM architecture with recurrent blocks showed the best results. In particular, this model achieved the 83.5% mIoU metric for the SemanticKitti dataset with joint categories. Secondly, we have proposed several original augmentations for spherical projections of LiDAR data, including FoV, flip, and rotation augmentation, as well as a special T-Zone cutout. These augmentations increase the model's invariance when dealing with changes in the data domain. Finally, we introduce a new method to generate synthetic datasets for domain adaptation problems. We have developed two new datasets for validating 3D scene outdoor segmentation algorithms: the DAPS-1 dataset, which is based on the augmentation of the reconstructed 3D semantic map, and the DAPS-2 LiDAR dataset, collected by the on-board sensors of a cleaning robot in a park area. Particular attention is given to the performance of the developed models, demonstrating their ability to function in real-time. The code and datasets used in this study are publicly available at: github.com/subake/DAPS3D.


Objective To explore the relationship between tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-β gene polymorphism and bladder tumor.Methods TNF-β gene polymorphism of the +A252G nucleotide was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism.The correlation between the polymorphism of the TNF-β genotypes and bladder tumor was analyzed.Results TNF-β genotype showed a correlation with the occurrence of bladder tumor,and in the bladder tumor patients,the relation of the tumor grade with the TNF-β genotype was statistically significant(P0.01).Conclusion The polymorphism in the TNF-β appears to be associated with the occurrence and disease status of bladder tumor.It is helpful to providing a new thought about the occurrence and progression of bladder tumor


The important speech made by comrade Jiang Zemin on July 1, 2001 completes the ideological system of "Three Represents". This system is the latest theoretical achievement on Marxism made by comrade Jiang Zemin on the basis of his probe into the essential problem of "what kind of party should the Chinese Communist Party be built into and how to build the Party" under new historical conditions. Meanwhile, the formation of the ideological system is the necessary demand of our socialist reform and opening up and the modernization construction. This system is a summary of positive and negative historical experience about communist administration in international communist movement, thus conforming to the essential reguirements of the social and historical development of mankind. Therefore, the formation of the ideological system of "Three Represents" has its internal and objective historical necessity.


The aim of the study was to develop a score scale for assessing the high risk of establishing chronic heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), based on echocardiography (EchoCG) evidence.Materials and methods. A clinical and instrumental study of 175 patients, of which 108 (61.7%) women and 67 (38.3%) men, aged 71 [64; 78] years was performed in the 1st City Clinical Hospital in Minsk in 2017–2018. In order to validate the score scale for assessing the risk of HFpEF establishment in 2019–2020 a reproductive clinical and instrumental study of 129 patients was performed at the Minsk Scientific and Practical Center for Surgery, Transplantology and Hematology, of which 55 (42.6%) were men and 74 (57.4%) women aged 65 [58; 70] years. Inclusion criteria: sinus rhythm, essential arterial hypertension, chronic coronary heart disease: atherosclerotic heart disease, past myocardial infarction of left ventricle (LV), after which at least six months have passed, necessary to stabilize the structural and functional parameters of the LV, HFpEF, informed consent of the patient. Exclusion criteria: primary mitral regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral valve repair or prosthetics, congenital heart defects, acute and chronic diseases of the kidneys, lungs. EchoCG was performed on ultrasound machines Siemens Acuson S1000 (Germany) and Vivid E9 (GE Healthcare, USA).Results. The developed scale for assessing the risk of establishing HFpEF in a patient with sinus rhythm including the criteria: LV diastolic dysfunction type II – 47 points, deceleration time of peak E of the transmitral blood flow DTE ≤171 ms – 25 points, the speed of early diastolic movement of the septal part of the mitral fibrous ring e'septal ≤7 cm/s – 25 points, LV early diastolic filling index E/е'septal >7.72 – 20 points, index of the end-systolic volume of the left atrium >34.3 ml/m2 – 24 points, has high diagnostic reliability (AUC 0.96, sensitivity (S) 96.6%, specificity (Sp) 83.2%) and reproducibility of results in an examination cohort of patients (AUC 0.99, S 98.8%, Sp 98.0%). A total score > 45 indicates a high probability of HFpEF. If the total score is ≤45, it is recommended to perform 2D Speckle Tracking EchoCG. The leading patho-functional mechanisms for the development of HFpEF are a decrease of LV global systolic longitudinal strain GLSAVG > −18.9% (S 94.9%, Sp 98.0%), GLS of the right ventricle (RV) > −19.9% (S 76.5%, Sp 88.5%), mechanical dispersion with LV mechanical dispersion index > 54.69 ms (S 70.7%, Sp 90.2%), RV mechanical dispersion index > 50.29 msec (S 78.1%, Sp 73.9%) and ventricular dyssynergy with LV global post systolic index >5.59% (S 82.6%, Sp 87.5%), RV global post systolic index > 2.17% (S 84.5%, Sp 69.9%).Conclusions. The use of the developed scale will improve the efficiency of ultrasound imaging of HFpEF.


Research background: Bankruptcy shouldn´t be considered only as negative phenomena although its impact is for companies in most cases more than devastating. This change of point of view is invoked by the needs of contemporary socio-economic evolution. If society wants to reach sustainable development, the bankruptcy should be perceived as an immanent part of normal cyclical economic development. Moreover, if the view of bankruptcy is changed in a positive way, it can be a stimulus for innovations, investment and global welfare. But it is not possible without an increase in the effectiveness of national and international bankruptcy law. Purpose of the article: The goal of this study is to analyse the position of a creditor in the case of a debtor´s bankruptcy on the basis of comparative law in the Slovak Republic de lege ferenda. It is because we assume that continuous attention should be given to the issue of the creditor's position with regard to a debtor´s bankruptcy to achieve sustainable economic development. Methods: The potential consideration de lege ferenda should be based not only on performed legal analysis, but also on performed economic analysis. So, selected countries have been evaluated according to specific economic and legal indicators. We used the interdisciplinary approach based on selection analysis and legal comparative analysis applied to international comparison of the status of creditor and the effectiveness of bankruptcy law from his point of view. Findings & Value added: The applied approach has led us to the detection of the most important insolvency laws, specifically the insolvency laws of the United States and Austria. These legislations were further applied in the context of consideration de lege ferenda over the position of a creditor in the case of a debtor´s bankruptcy in the Slovak Republic.


Agricultural informatization can narrow the gap of urban-rural informatization,the construction of its is an important measure of promoting urban-rural integration effectively. On the base of the current conditions of Chongqing agricultural informatization, this paper analyses the relationship between the construction agricultural informatization and urban-rural integration in Chongqing.lastly this paper provides some constructive suggestions to improve the rural agricultural informatization and promotes the process of urban-rural integration in Chongqing.


Both research and practice have shown that while some comments on L2 writing lead to substantive revision, others go unattended, failing to achieve their anticipated instructional effect. It is therefore crucial to determine how learners perceive different commentary types, so that teachers can enhance the efficacy of their feedback. The present study shares practical suggestions on making written comments more effective, based on the results of an examination of the effects of four different commentary types on ESL students' essays: statements (stating students' problems), imperatives (directly asking students to change, delete, and add), questions (showing elements of doubt and uncertainty), and hedging (avoiding directness by implying or suggesting). While hedging comments were associated with substantive and effective revisions, stimulated recall interviews revealed that challenges may exist for ESL writers in interpreting hedging comments appropriately because of the difficulty in understanding their pragmatic function.


Resource of local history culture is of very importance in constructing theoretical courses on ideology and politics at vocational colleges.There is rich resource of history culture in Guangzhou such as historical resource in modern times,patriotic celebrity culture,the simple profound and pioneering traditions of the culture of south of the Five Ridges traditional culture,act.It is a good way for promoting teaching effectiveness theoretical courses on ideology and politics at vocational colleges,to excavate them and introduce into classroom teaching and construct teaching practice bases and carry out the subject activity.


Objective To study the differences of the cartilage with and without the perichondrium after autologous ectopic transplantation in healthy rabbits,in order to offer theory reference for clinic to make the best use of cartilage.Methods 6 rabbits at the age of six weeks.Each of them the sixth,seventh,and eighth costal cartilages with perichondrium were removed,and divided into two segments at the even length,one segment with perichondrium and the other non-perichondrium.They were buried under the skin of the back at bilaterally symmetrical parts.Two different groups of cartilages were took out after 12 weeks and removed the perichondrium of the cartilages that had it previously.Tensile,compressive and flexural tests were conducted by using SHIMADZU material testing machine.Results The average maximum strength and the strain of tension,compression and flexion of the perichondrium group were higher than those in the non-perichondrium group(P0.05).Conclusion Biomechanics of costicartilage with perichondrium are superior to those without it after autologous ectopic transplantation.


The purpose of this study is to find the empirical relationship among information system quality, users' satisfaction and business productivities in hotel industry. This study set out the research model of influencing factors and the performance of the hotel information system. The respondents included 140 volunteers who were worked at hotel in Busan. The result of empirical study revealed that the system quality is major determinant to influence on the users' satisfaction and business productivities of hotel information system.