The technical progress obtained for this time frame consisted of the awarding of two contracts for determination of metallurgical parameters for heat treatment of strapping and strip which are unavailable from current technology and/or published data in this field. The two contractors were Bricmont, Inc. and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Technological Institute of Northwestern University, Evanston, IL. Phase 1 of the two stage contract with Bricmont, Inc. which provided a computer analysis of the cooling rates of a typical range of thickness' of strapping was completed. This study was developed for the purpose of determining the time parameters for quenching low carbon steels to a martensitic microstructure within the time frame of the design of the proposed process. It also provides design criteria for cooling to ambient for the total process. This data is required for Phase 2 of the Bricmont proposal which completes the design and specifications of the total heat treating and cooling system for the process. This becomes the basis for developing the cost and space requirements for this component of the production line. The authors do not intend to award Phase 2 until the work done at Northwestern University discussed hereafter is completed. On or about May 1, 1999 a contract for a project entitled ``Effects of Steel Composition and Quench Rate on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Strapping'' to be performed at the Department of Materials Science and Engineering was awarded. The delay in initiating this project was due to the legal interpretation and final agreement of the intellectual provisions of the award by the author's attorneys, Northwestern's attorneys and the legal representative in the Chicago office of the DOE. The work to date includes rapid quenching of a number of different steel compositions and microstructure on an existing drop quench test apparatus. It was initially assumed that this procedure would simulate proposed processing line conditions however variations in test results have necessitated further investigations into the nature of cold rolled steel vs. hot rolled steel and electric furnace steel vs. basic oxygen furnace steel as it may apply to heat treating procedures and selection of appropriate steel chemistry for the process.


Liquid metal assisted cracking (LMAC) and so‐called microcracking are limiting the application of hot‐dip galvanized boron steels in the direct press hardening process. This study addresses the role of steel hardenability on the microcracking behavior of ZnFe‐coated (galvannealed) boron steels 22MnB5 and 22MnMoB8. Several soaking times and forming start temperatures in the range of 800–520 °C are examined using a laboratory press hardening equipment with a hat‐profiled forming tool. The results indicate that the penetration depth of microcracks can be reduced by improving the hardenability of steel, which enables hot forming in austenitic state at exceptionally low temperatures even without accelerated cooling procedures. The austenite decomposition of 22MnB5 leads easily to heterogeneous microstructure (ferrite + austenite/martensite) below the coating/steel interface, which promotes the penetration of microcracks. The crack depth is generally reduced with a conversion‐delayed 22MnMoB8 steel; however, a crucial reduction is attained only at lowest hot forming temperatures of 550 and 520 °C. The results of 22MnMoB8 uncouple the effect of high‐temperature ferrite formation from the microcracking mechanisms and suggest that the embrittling effect from zinc or zinc‐rich intermetallic phases plays a crucial role at conventional hot forming temperatures of 800–600 °C.


We propose a test structure for an easy visual check of the progress of a MEMS dry release process. The release process of MEMS on a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer is done by plasma etching of the silicon substrate (SOI handle). The Si MEMS movable structure is protected from etching by the underneath buried oxide (BOX) layer and by a Teflon layer on the walls. Improper etching conditions, however, damage the Teflon layer and harm MEMS structure. Therefore, a check method of the progress of process is essential to release MEMS structure successfully. The test structure has two purposes. First, it enables the detection of the completion of the release process. Second, it helps determining the undercut speed according to the opening sizes and plasma conditions.


Herbal products, which comprise a wide variety of bioactive molecules, have been used as remedies for different diseases throughout history. Lagenaria siceraria, a fruit vegetable, is employed in f...


The aim of this work is to examine the quality of digital terraintype classification using 3-bands multispectral data from the Landsat and SPOT satellites. The resulting classifications are compared with each other using different verification methods based upon ground truth data from field studies and infrared aerial photographs. The results from the verifications indicates that it is possible to achieve a accuracy of about 88-96% correct classified pixels, where the best results are obtained using Landsat TM as input for the vegetation classification.


Abstract : The report describes the technical features of systems used in the CHURCH GABBRO exercise during November - December 1972, critiques their performance and recommends future design and operational modifications. Systems discussed include acoustic measurement (ACODAC, MABS, TABS, VLAM and Sonobuoys), environmental instruments (XBTs, AXBTs, STD, current measurement systems, laser wave profiler) and the ships and aircraft involved. Forty-six recommendations are set forth for design improvements or operational procedures.


The use of good electro-active polyaniline at high pH for immobilizing glucose oxidase is reported. The response current increased with increasing potential from 0.35 to 0.70 V. The maximum response current occurred at about pH 7.0. The relationship between response current and the glucose concentration was linear from 0.005 to 10.0 mmol dm−3. The Michaelis–Menten constant Km', maximum response current imax and the apparent activation energy (Ea) were 31.59 mmol dm−3, 21.28 µA and 32.58 kJ mol−1, respectively. The response currents of the biosensor increased with increasing temperature. The biosensor was characterized by FTIR, UV-Vis spectra and AC impedance.


Bit-error-rate degradation of the 64QAM signal due to clipping distortion caused by overmodulation at the laser diode is compensated for by preclipping for subcarrier-multiplexed AM/64QAM optical transmission. The worst composite distortions of CSO < –60 dBc and CTB < –65 dBc have been achieved in the 40-channel AM signal band. It has also been confirmed that preclipping is more effective than Reed-Solomon (204, 188) error correction against clipping distortion.


through Unit 31, a locked ward in the men's section of Kew Residential Services, Melbourne. Known popularly as Kew Cottages, and built in the grounds of Kew Hospital for the Insane in the 1880s, this was Victoria's largest institution accommodating people with intellectual disability. The men died where they had lived out most of their lives, in an institution established 110 years before, and still used to house more than 600 people. Kew Cottages was an anachronism, a relic of long-forgotten policies, retained by successive governments as a place of last resort for intellectually disabled men and women, as other institutions were closed and their residents moved out mostly into homes in the suburbs. As seems to have happened frequently in the history of Kew Cottages, the fire caused but a brief frenzy of interest and was soon forgotten. The fire raised four immediate issues. What caused the fire? An


A project is considered a collection of builds, and each build is a collection of nodes. Nodes are averaged to obtain a final predicted value for the build. For each node in a build, multiple neural networks are constructed and the best performing neural network is used as that node's predictor. Using multiple nodes allows a build to learn from multiple learning and validation sets, reducing the build's error.


the notion of spirit itself. Hegel radically recast the Cartesian conception of the and building on Kant reformulated the idea of the self act rather Thus Hegel articulated a characterisically modern understanding of spirit as self-production which attains its telos in mediated self-knowledge achieved a necessary process of self-objectification. The developmental aspect implied this dynamic understanding of consciousness as an activity which is its own object and which evolves as it undergoes experience explains why Hegel turns to history as the domain in which spirit first becomes what it is in this formative process.


The utility model discloses a short circuit protection circuit and a power supply circuit provided with the same. The short circuit protection circuit comprises a comparator and a control element. The comparator can be used to compare a voltage across a sampling resistor serially connected with a load and a reference voltage, and can be used to output a short circuit protection signal, when the short circuit of the load occurs, in addition, an input end is connected with the sampling resistor and the load. The control element can be used to cut off a transmission channel between an input power supply and the load, when the short circuit protection signal is received. An enabling end of the control element is connected with the output end of the comparator, and a control end is connected with the transmission channel between the input power supply and the load. By using the short circuit protection circuit provided in the utility model, the damage on elements of the circuit caused by the short circuit current can be effectively prevented, when the short circuit of the load occurs. The short circuit protection circuit has advantages of simple structure, low realization costs, and wide applicability in various power supply circuits having topological structures.


Objective: check patients' adherence to medication in clinical trials. Method: this is a descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional study with 80 patients who participated in 6 multicenter trials conducted by an integrated research center by means of a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the statistical tests Student's t and Fisher's. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Faculdade de Medicina de Sao Jose do Rio Preto (Famerp), under the Opinion 4007/2007. Results: we found out that there was a statistically significant relationship between education level and the issue of failing to take medication for some reason. We observed an association between those who stopped taking the study medication for any reason and the need for help to use the medication, showing that the person who says to need no assistance is that presenting the worst compliance with treatment. Conclusion: the nurse, as coordinator of clinical trials, must reinforce guidance to patients with low education level and stay tuned to reports of people who say they need no help. Descriptors: Adherence To Medication; Clinical Trial; Nurse.


Abstract A method of determining body volume by means of monophotogrammetry is described. Comparisons of volume determined by this method with that by water displacement resulted in a difference of 1-79 per cent. This represents ' substantial agreement ' and, in addition, the monophotograminetric method eliminates the major disadvantages of the water displacement, hydrostatic weighing, and formulae methods.


Intracellular binding of cisplatin to proteins has been associated with acquired resistance to chemotherapy. In our previous study we established an analytical method for the identification of intracellular cisplatin‐binding proteins. The method used a fluorescent carboxyfluorescein‐diacetate‐labeled cisplatin analogue (CFDA‐cisplatin), two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and mass spectrometry, which allows detecting and identifying intracellular CFDA‐cisplatin‐containing protein adducts in the acidic pH range (pH 4–7). Based on this analytical method we extended the identification of intracellular cisplatin‐protein adducts to the alkaline pH range (pH 6–10) giving chance to discover new important binding partners. 2DE analysis of alkaline proteins is challenging due to the difficult separation of basic proteins during the isoelectric focusing (IEF). The establishment of an optimized IEF protocol for basic proteins enabled us to identify several intracellular CFDA‐cisplatin‐binding proteins including enzymes of the glucose and serine metabolism like alpha enolase and D‐3‐phosphoglycerate 1‐dehydrogenase.


SUMMARY Acrylonitrile was polymerized by an insertion process on being added to solutions containing the adduct of the reaction of tetrakis(dimethy lamino) titanium (T4)and azobisisobutyron itrile (AIBN) .The obtained azo-linked polyacrylonitril e has appropriate initiating functionality for a subsequent vinyl polymerization.


We have developed a local probe technique in order to realize photoluminescence maps with submicron resolution at temperatures as low as 25 K. To this end a closed cycle He cryostat has been modified in order to damp mechanical vibrations to avoid spatial resolution losses. Both the optical laser pump and the collected signal are fiber-optic coupled. Photoluminescence maps are provided by a motorized X-Y translation stage that scans the microscope objective over the sample surface. The overall resolution of the microphotoluminescence (μ-PL) system is ∼500 nm, by considering the contributions of the laser focused spot size (λ=325 nm), the cryostat vibrations, and the motorized stage resolution. The system is described and two low temperature μ-PL experiments on quantum wires and quantum dot nanostructures are presented and discussed.


Effects of nitrogen application rates and mepiquat chloride(DPC) sparing doses on content of chlorophyll and SPAD value in leaf of earlier-middle spring cotton variety Yuza 35 and short-season one Yinshan 1 were studied.The results showed that content of chlorophyll and SPAD value in leaf of two cotton varieties increased with enhancing nitrogen application rates or DPC sparing doses.There were significantly positive correlations between SPAD value and content of chlorophyll in leaf in most growth stages.But content of chlorophyll in leaf decreased more quickly than SPAD value in later growth stage,i.e.,the content of chlorophyll in leaf in boll opening stage decreased significantly than that in full bolling stage,and the SPAD value in boll opening stage decrease slightly than that in full bolling stage.Therefore,SPAD value is still efficient to conduct leaf color threshold when DPC is applied to cotton,but attention should be paid to the different tendency of content of chlorophyll and SPAD value in later growth stage of cotton.


In this paper,except fishy for fish products by rice-wine yeast is studied.Sensory evaluation serves as standard.At first,observe deodorization effect through three single-factor experiments( yeast concentration,soaking temperature,soaking time),then get the best deodorization process by orthogonal experiment.The results show that : best deodorization rice-wine yeast concentration of 25%( the amount of bacteria was 8.56 × 108/mL),120min,38 ℃.Under the same experimental conditions except fishy rice-wine yeast is better than active dry yeast.


The polycrystalline samples of (Pb0.90Ba0.10) [(Zn1/3Nb2/3)0.20-(Zr0.51Ti0.49)0.80]O3 [PBZN-PZT] compositions ceramics have been synthesized by substitution of barium in PZN-PZT by precipitation method and finally by modified columbite method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of (Pb0.90Ba0.10)(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PBZN) and PBZN-PZT shows a cubic and mixed phase of tetragonal and rhombohedral pure perovskite structure at room temperature. The dielectric dispersion of the solid solutions of PBZN-PZT has been studied as a function of temperature for the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz. The temperature (T) variation of the real components (ϵ′) at different frequencies of the dielectric permittivity shows a broad maximum. The diffuse peaks in permittivity versus temperature confirm the relaxor behaviour of PBZN-PZT. The frequency dependence of maximum temperature (T m) in these compounds with barium substitution is modeled using Vogel-Fulcher relation.


Marketing media products as goods is of significant importance to companies. The cultural industry has a vested financial interest in media products being made available to users. This is facilitated by the Internet. However, the legal framework involved in this process must be observed. The authors of the second volume in this series comprehensively inform readers of the content and extent of protection of media products. In addition to explaining the categories of work under copyright law, such as works of film and music as well as software and photograph protection, information is provided regarding the creation of computer games and contracts.


In this paper, An Average Differential Transmitted Reference (ADTR) Ultra-Wideband impulse radio (UWB IR) system is proposed. The proposed scheme has low complexity and is no need to waste resources for transmitting reference signal. The performance of the proposed system conditioned on a multipath channel is analyzed and simulated. The results show that the proposed system gives a better performance than that of Average TR (ATR) system and Differential TR (DTR) system.


Catch rates are often used to index the abundance of marine organisms, but catch saturation (i.e. declining catch rate as fishing time increases) can decouple catch and abundance. Researchers have struggled to account for saturation when using trap catch to infer population dynamics. We used the underwater video to document entries and exits of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) from chevron traps (n 1⁄4 26) to quantify catch saturation. Black sea bass catch varied between 3 and 188 individuals for soak times of 90 min. Overall, 3564 black sea bass entered the traps and1826 exited; therefore, over half (51%) of black sea bass entering traps exitedbefore trapswere retrieved. Black sea bass catch rateswerenon-linear and asymptotic formost (81%) trap samples, despite short soak times.Moreover, catch saturation occurred at 50 min, when the entry rate declined and the exit rate increased to a pointwhere their confidence intervals overlapped. Several lines of evidence suggest that the level of black sea bass catch once saturation occurred may be positively related to true abundance, but additional research is needed to more fully test this hypothesis.


To improve the performance for identifying the block sparse system, a block sparse reweighted zero-attracting normalised least mean square algorithm (NLMS) (BS-RZA-NLMS) is proposed in this Letter. The proposed algorithm is derived by applying block sparsity constraint on the cost function of the NLMS, which is a log-sum penalty of adaptive tap weights with equal block partition sizes. The convergence behaviour of the BS-RZA-NLMS is analysed in terms of the zero attraction and block partition. Simulation results demonstrate the performance advantage of the proposed algorithm in the context of block sparse system identification.


Does order of test item difficulty have an effect on achievement test scores? On students' perceptions of test difficulty? Certainly there is no conclusive answer to either question. The studies reported in the last 25 years have yielded inconclusive and, sometimes, conflicting results. Most studies of the relationship between item difficulty, item order and total test score fail to show an effect. In an early study, Brenner (1964) provided the prototypic item arrangement by determining item difficulty levels and presenting students with easy-to-hard (E-H), hard to easy (H-E), and random (R) orders. No significant differences in mean test scores were found. Four years later Smouse and Mung (1968) presented the same item arrangements to the ubiquitous student subjects from introductory psychology classes and obtained the same results. Other investigators, using various E-H, H-E, and R test item orders, also reported no significant relationships between item order and test score (Marso, 1970; Klosner & Gellman, 1973; Barcikowski & Olsen, 1975; Gerow, 1980). Plake (1980) also reported no significant differences in test scores of students presented with E-H, R, and spiral cyclical item arrangements. The spiral cyclical arrangement involved subtests of 5 items arranged easy-to-hard sequentially presented with each subtest of increased difficulty. One year later, Plake, Thompson, and Lowry (1981) administered E-H, spiralcyclic, and R test forms to undergraduate students half of whom were informed about item arrangement. Three measures of anxiety were also administered to all subjects. Neither anxiety condition, knowledge of ordering, nor item arrangement had significant effects on test scores. Huck and Bowers (1972) generated a number of tests with identical items in differing orders and failed to find a sequence effect when hard items were preceded by easier ones. One of the earlier of the few studies that do show relationships between item order and test scores was reported by MacNichol (1960). Both E-H and R item arrangements yielded significantly higher total test scores than did the H-E ordering. In a study employing high school students as subjects, Hambleton and Traub (1974) ordered mathematics test items into E-H and H-E arrangements and found the first sequence to provide a significantly higher mean test score than the second. Also employing H-E, E-H, and R arrangements of mathematics test items, Towle and Merrill (1975) found college and university students to score significantly higher on the E-H arrangement than on the other two. More recently, Spies-Wood (1980) administered E-H and R versions of a test of numerical progressions to second year


Chronic atypical neutrophilic dermatosis with lipodystrophy and elevated temperature (CANDLE) syndrome is a recently recognized chronic autoinflammatory disease, first described by Torrelo et al. in 2010. To date, approximately 20 cases have been reported in the literature, mostly in children, with the majority having mutations in proteasome subunit beta type 8 (PSMB8). A 25-year-old white woman presented in 2005 with lesions on trunk and thighs, which had been occurring periodically since her early childhood, and were accompanied by fever without an apparent infectious focus. She had no relevant family history. On physical examination, erythematous–oedematous plaques were seen on the patient's trunk and thighs (Fig. 1a), She was also found to have progressive generalized lipodystrophy, more evident on her cheeks, contrasting with her prominent eyes and persistently violaceous and swollen eyelids (Fig. 1b). She also reported having morning stiffness and arthralgia in the metacarpophalangeal and proximal interphalangeal joints. Histological examination of a skin biopsy revealed interstitial and perivascular infiltrate in the dermis with predominance of mononuclear cells, immunohistochemically positive for CD68 and myeloperoxidase. Two years later (when the patient was aged 27 years), blood samples were taken for analysis. Laboratory investigations revealed raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate (65–140 mm/h; normal < 15 mm/h) during the episodes of fever; microcytic hypochromic anaemia (haemoglobin 9–10 g/dL; normal range 11.5–16.0 g/dL) (which had been present since the first month of life, and for which she had previously received blood transfusions), discrete polyclonal hypergammaglobulinaemia [20.8 g/L (26.7%) normal ranges 6.62–16.0 g/L (10.5–19.5%)] and combined hyperlipidaemia (total cholesterol 325 mg/dL and triglycerides 335 mg/dL; normal levels < 190 and < 50 mg/dL, respectively). Abdominal sonography revealed mild hepatic steatosis. Bone marrow aspiration biopsy and testing for autoimmune diseases did not show any abnormality. At the age of 32 years, the patient developed bilateral diffuse enlargement of the parotid glands. No cognitive impairment was observed. Together, the histological and clinical characteristics were most consistent with an autoinflammatory syndrome, particularly CANDLE syndrome. The patient provided signed informed consent for genetic study. This study (performed at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA) revealed a homozygous PSMB8 (c.224C>T) gene mutation, considered pathogenic in this condition. The patient received therapy with low-dose corticotherapy and colchicines, which achieved successful control of the fever and cutaneous lesions, as well as normalization of the haemoglobin values. CANDLE syndrome is an autoinflammatory disease related to proteasome/immunproteasome dysfunction, involving dysregulation of intracellular protein degradation and induction of excessive interferon signalling, resulting in increased cellular stress. Clinical features include lipodystrophy, recurrent fever, purpuric skin lesions, swollen eyelids with periorbital erythema, and arthralgia, as observed in our case, but there are other reported clinical features that may be variably linked to this syndrome: low weight/height, acanthosis nigricans, basal ganglia calcifications, hypertrichosis, alopecia areata, perioral swelling and inflammatory visceral involvement of various organs. All reported affected individuals had hypochromic anaemia and persistent elevation of acute phase reactants. The histological Correspondence: Dr Katarina Kieselova, Department of Dermatology, Centro Hospitalar Leiria, Rua das Olhalvas Leiria, 2410-196, Portugal E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


The effects of insecticides on the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L)., and its parasitoid, Diadegma insulare (Cresson), were evaluated in the field. Insecticides applied for control of the ...


Driver distraction is at the forefront of public discussion concerning safety on America's roads and highways. Understanding the risks of distracted driving and finding ways to prevent it has been the goal of Federal, State, and private organizations for decades. The objective of this study was to address the identified gaps in the literature by conducting applied research to better quantify the dangers of distracted driving. Using state-of-the-art driving simulators in realistic traffic, this project focused on the performance of commercial driver's license (CDL) operators while experiencing distractions in several driving scenarios, combined with various attention-stealing distractions. A research design was created to account for real-world phenomena, using touchscreen devices, cell phones, and external distractions while commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers drove a motion-based truck-driving simulator. These actions and the level of distraction inflicted were quantified by simulator, observation, and electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) data. Overall, both performance and physiological measures showed evidence of driver distraction. Performance measures suggested that the largest performance deficiencies came from actively using a touchscreen Mp3 player. Physiological measures (e.g., EEG) showed that both Mp3 players and cell phones increased workload and decreased attention. After the experiment, drivers provided testimonials that were recorded on video for use in outreach activities to communicate the extreme risks of distracted driving.


Recent epidemiological studies have reinforced the link between short and long-term exposure to air pollutants and adverse effects on public health especially over the weaker part of the population, like children and older adults. The creation of simple tools to locate sensible areas as well as of dedicated Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) to improve the management of pollution risk areas system is strongly advised. The aim of this work is to develop a SDSS methodology, based on easy to find data and usable by decision makers, to assess and reduce the impact of air pollutants in a urban context. To achieve this goals I tested the exploitability of a set of low-cost sensors for outdoor air quality monitoring, I characterized the urban micro-environments and the spatial variability of air pollutants using remote sensing compared to field data and eventually I developed a SDSS to improve the public health designing and comparing different scenarios. The city centre of Edinburgh has been used as study case for the purposed methodology. To test the reliability and applicability of low cost sensors as proxies for remote sensed data, we conducted a measurements campaign to compare the observed data between an official measurements station (OMS) in Trento (Italy) and electrochemical and thick film sensors respectively of Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Ozone ($O_3$). Due to data quality and availability we decided to characterize the urban micro-environments of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK) in eight main classes (water, grass, vegetation, road, car, bus, buildings and shadow) combining the Geographic Object-Based Image Analysis (GEOBIA) with Machine Learning algorithms to process the high resolution (0.25m x 0.25m) RGB aerial ortho-rectified images. This land-use characterization combined with other geographical informations, like the classification of the roads and the urban morphology, were compared with 37 Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) concentration data, collected using passive tubes during a six week campaign of measurements conducted by the school of Chemistry of the University of Edinburgh.
I developed a new open-source GIS python library (PyGRASS), integrated in the stable release of GRASS GIS, to speed-up the prototyping phase and to create and test new GIS tools and methodologies. Different studies on SDSS were carried out to implement procedures and models. Based on these models and data all the factors (land-use, roads and geo-morphological features) were ranked to identify which are driving forces for urban air quality and to help decision makers to develop new policies. The sensor tested in Trento revealed an evident drift in measurement residues for CO, furthermore the measurements were also quite sensitive to external factors such as temperature and humidity. Since these sensors required frequent recalibration in order to obtain reliable results, their use was not as low-cost as expected. The characterization of urban land-use in Edinburgh with GEOBIA and machine learning provided an overall accuracy of 93.71\% with a Cohen's k of 0.916 using a train/test dataset of 9301 objects. The $NO_2$ data confirm the assumption that air concentration is strongly dependent on geographical position and it is strongly influenced by the position of the pollutant's source. Using the results of the tests and remote sensing analysis, I developed an SDSS. Starting from the current situation, I designed three scenarios to assess the effect that different policies and actions could have on improving air quality at on the local and district level. The outcomes of this work can be used to define and compare different scenarios and develop effective policies to reduce the impact of air pollutants in an urban context using simple and easy to find data. The GIS-based tool can help to identify critical areas before deploying sensors and splitting the study area in homogeneous micro-environments clusters. The model is easy to expand following different procedures.


Economie and physical simulation models were utilized to evaluate the effect of alternative soil and agricultural chemical management systems, implemented under the Conservation Reserve and Conservation Compliance Programs, on pesticides' leaching, and returns to fixed farm resources. Findings of the study show that the selection of appropriate soil and chemical systems may not only increase farm returns but may also result in a significant reduction in leaching and hence ground water degradation.


The vaporization mechanism of was studied in 1 atm of atmospheres over the temperature range of 600 to . It was found that the weight loss of is attributed to the reduction of and the vaporization rate is controlled by diffusion of oxygen through the stable surface layer composed of , and CaO which is formed on the sample surface due\; to the incongruent vaporization of . It was observed that the increase of water vapor pressure in the atmosphere enhances the vaporization rate of .


This paper proposes a novel human face detection algorithm based on real Adaboost algorithm.Policy that calculates in advance the partitioning of Haar-like feature weak classifiers in sample input space and updating training face samples' weights dynamically is adopted.This algorithm reduces training time cost greatly compared with classical real-Adaboost algorithm.In addition,it speeds up strong classifier converging,reduces the number of weak classifiers and decreases detecting time.


Nowadays, completely protect a network from attacks is being a very hard task. Even heavily protected n tworks are sometimes penetrated, and an Intrusion Detection Sy stem (IDS) seems to be essential and is a key compo nent in computer and network security. Several researchers worked on comparison between Bay esian Network (BN) and Possibilistic network (PN). Bu t, in this paper we are interested by comparison between BN and PN network in Intrusion Detection. Comparison crite ria covered detection rate and false alarms rate. Experimentati on process used DARPA'99 experimentation data. Compar ison results show a superiority of PN versus BN when detecting in trusion.


The book presents the proceedings of the annual Perspectives Conference. The 2002 event covered issues on Singapore like its politics, its international role, its economy and trade policy, and discussed the effects of globalisation and about nurturing thinking out of the box.


Through our smartphones, the access to information is higher than ever before. Social media has revolutionized the communication landscape in how we share information and communicate to each other. ...


There is a growing demand for probiotics among consumers based on perceived health benefits. Refrigerated dairy products are the major delivery form for probiotic foods. The colder storage temperatures and rich growth media assist retention of viability for conventionally used probiotic bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species. However the ability of Bacillus species to form spores that can withstand harsh conditions encountered during processing, storage and gastric transit without affecting its viability has propelled its incorporation into a wider range of functional food products. Bacillus probiotics have been applied for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, vaginal infections and lactose intolerance but mechanistic understanding of action is limited. In this study, Bacillus coagulans MTCC 5856 spores were characterised for potential probiotic attributes of survival during digestion, adhesion to gastro intestinal lining cells and immunostimulation. Such attributes could account for their claimed probiotic properties and therefore support its incorporation into functional foods B. coagulans showed excellent survival (over 90%) during a simulated in-vitro digestion with high tolerance to acidic pH and digestive enzymes. Probiotic spores adhered to two human epithelial colonic cell lines HT-29 and LS174T at significant adhesion rates of over 80%. The probiotic spores were shown to be non-cytotoxic towards these cell lines and to exert a pronounced immunomodulatory effects in response to LPS-stimulated inflammation in HT-29 cells. The excellent gastric stability, adhesion and immunomodulatory properties of B. coagulans spores demonstrated here warrant further efficacy studies. An in-vivo evaluation of effectiveness for ameliorating intestinal ulceration in the spontaneous colitis Winnie mouse model will be undertaken.


Vector radiative transfer theory based on independent scattering can be invalid for certain cases of vegetation canopy where the scatterers can scatter collectively. Collective scattering effects include correlated scattering and the mutual coherent wave interactions between scatterers in close proximity of each other. The authors perform Monte Carlo simulations of scattering by vegetation with clustering structures. Two cases are considered. The first case is scattering from a large number of trees with clustering branches and leaves. The location and orientation of each branch and leaf is generated by using the stochastic Lindenmayer system (L-system) which is a technique of computer growth of vegetation and plants. The second case is vertical dielectric cylinders placed randomly on a dielectric surface. Results of both cases are compared with independent scattering.<<ETX>>


To investigate the fatigue crack growth of surface cracks in steel welded joints, a three-dimensional surface fatigue crack growth life assessment model considering both the surface crack growth period and the following through crack growth period is proposed. The fatigue crack growth life of a standard steel butt joint specimen is predicted considering the effect of welding residual stress and it is compared with fatigue test results. An example of a welded beam-to-column connection in a steel high-rise building under wind is selected to demonstrate the improvement of the model to make it applicable to stochastic loading and real engineering structures. The life results are compared with those obtained by other fatigue assessment approaches. The mesh sensitivity analysis is made and the effect of extreme welding imperfections and corrosion environment are both discussed. Guidance to select the fatigue life assessment approaches is also proposed. The results show that the growth shape of the edge crack remains a quarter of a circle while that of the center crack remains a quarter of an ellipse during the growth; When the surface crack grows through the plate thickness and becomes a through crack, the remaining fatigue crack growth life is unneglectable for real engineering components especially for the ones with a large plate width; The effect of welding residual stress on the fatigue crack growth life of real engineering component is complex and it depends on the distribution of the residual stress itself; The proposed three-dimensional surface crack engineering model can acquire accurate life results and is applicable to stochastic loading and engineering structures.


Cancer overview investigation and staging radiotherapy - principles and practice cytotoxic chemotherapy - principles and practice other treatments cancer of the lung and mediastinum breast cancer alimentary tract cancer head and neck cancer cancer of the genitourinary tract haemopoietic and lymphoreticular malignancies childhood tumours tumours of the central nervous system tumours of the bone and soft tissue skin cancer paraneoplastic (non-metastatic) and hormonal syndromes associated with tumours oncological emergencies supportive care communicating with patients and relatives palliative care education, screening, prevention and surveillance.


A curable powder composition comprising: (a) at least one material having the structure of Formula (I): ** ** Formula wherein R1 is an organic radical having 6 to 25 carbon atoms; each R2 is independently a hydrocarbon group multivalent having 1 to 20 carbon atoms; Y is Formula ** ** each R3 and R4 is independently alkyl or aryl having 1 to 8 carbon atoms groups; each Z is independently oxygen or nitrogen; R5 is absent when Z is oxygen and R5 is hydrogen, an alkyl or aryl po gru10 having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, or (Y) a-R2- when Z is nitrogen; a it is at least 1; b is 1 to 3; and (b) an epoxy / hydroxyl resin is comprised of at least one epoxy resin and at least one hydroxy resin that have been combined, wherein the hydroxy resin is selected from polyesters, polyethers, polyurethanes and acrylic functional hydroxyl.


The three dimensional electron-positron momentum density in niobium has been reconstructed from measurements of two dimensional angular correlation of positron annihilation radiations (2D-ACAR) followed by the image reconstruction technique based on a direct Fourier transformation. We determined the position of the Fermi surface sheets; Γ-centered hole octahedron, multiply connected jungle-gym arms and N -centered hole ellipsoids. The Fermi surface topology is in good agreement with the theory.


Until recently, the scholarly writing on EU–Russia relations has remained a woefully atheoretical exercise. Most of the existing works on the topic have either consciously eschewed theorizing or used theories implicitly in the analysis and argumentation often without being entirely clear of the underlying theoretical assumptions that in fact informed their 'contemporary policy commentary'. It is in this respect that two recent books, Pami Aalto's European Union and the Making of a Wider Northern Europe and Sergei Prozorov's Understanding Conflict between Russia and the EU: The Limits of Integration are to be welcomed as important and long overdue conceptual openings that should give our discussion about EU–Russia relations badly needed conceptual depth and scientific rigour. Having said this, it is worth pointing out that both books suffer from certain shortcomings — and in the case of Prozorov serious flaws — that in my view merit further discussion and debate. My commentary and critique comes in two parts, dealing with the two offerings in succession. I start by discussing Aalto's work, suggesting some ways through which it can be expanded to allow for a more dynamic view of actual EU–Russia interaction. This is then followed by a critique of Prozorov's book that follows three main tracks: the (underlying) theoretical assumptions are questioned, a host of methodological problems are brought to light, while the normative side of the issues at stake is raised prominently into the debate.


The purpose of this study was to know the impact of waste bank program toward the communities' economy before and after the waste bank program. The type of this study was comparative study which used descriptive qualitative methods. The data used in this study was primary data. The tool used to collect data was questionnaire.The number of samples in this study were 49.The technique used to analyzed data was the average difference test using SPSS version 16.00. Based on the data analysis, it was concluded that there was positive impact toward economic income of communities in Nijang Village after the existence of Waste Bank program.Based on the results of the Paired Sample T-Test, it was shown by the decision making, it was known that the significance value (2 tailed) was 0.000 <0.05, with the average difference test results before the waste bank program of Rp.27,875 and after Rp.2,694,532 then we can conclude that there was a significant difference between customer income before and after the Waste Bank program.


According to the data from1978 to 2009,Agriculture GDP has a Long-run equilibrium relationship with the agricultural loans by cointegration test,then,We buid a VAR modle to research their dynamic relationship.The results show that.in the short term,the agricultural growth has two reasons:one is Short-term investment in agricultural credit,the other is the adjustmen from Error correction of short-term deviation to the long-run equilibrium of a balance,in the long term,Investment in agricultural GDP and agricultural credit has a long-term stability but GDP of agriculture inputs to the greater impact of agricultural credit,so,if you want to develop agriculture better,you must have a stronger government's intervention and have more financial support.


Background : There have been many studies and efforts about quality management in health services, but these were not focused on the thinking ability of the personnel. In this study, We planned to define the relationship between Quality Management(QM) and thinking skill, and analyzed critical thinking skill and problem solving ability of the nurses for QM in healthcare. Methods : We surveyed 260 nurses in 3 hospitals by using questionnaires about thinking skills and QM from November 18 to 28, 1998. The response rate was 76.9%. We described and analyzed the data by descriptive statistics, t-test, ANOVA, Pearson correlation, and non-parametric Friedman test using SPSS Win 7.5. Results : This study revealed that 1) understanding level of QM concepts was very low and insufficient, 2) willingness to practice QM in healthcare was relatively high and affirmative, but the positive attitude taking part in the program of QM is very low(4.5%), 3) even though the necessity of QM was recognized, actual application of critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities is lacking, 4) the production of idea for QM was the most insufficient, and so the next of the problem solving process(QA cycle) was the same. Conclusion : Based on the above results, we can conclude that understanding the concepts of QM is very important to solve problems about QM in healthcare. For development of thinking skill to promote critical problem solving ability for QM in healthcare, it is necessary to improve curriculum of nursing education and teaching-learning methods of QM strategy and technique.


The utility model belongs to the technical field of gas pressure regulation equipment and discloses a gas pressure regulator. The gas pressure regulator is technically characterized by comprising a valve body, wherein an inlet and an outlet are formed in the valve body; the valve body is provided with valve seats, a spring, a diaphragm, and valve rods with valve cores; the valve seats comprise an upper valve seat and a lower valve seat; and the valve cores comprise an upper valve core and a lower valve core, which are matched with the upper valve seat and the lower valve seat. The valve seats of the gas pressure regulator comprise the upper valve seat and the lower valve seat, the valve cores comprises the upper valve core and the lower valve core, the same valve rod moves to drive the upper valve core and the lower valve core to synchronously move, the lower valve seat and the lower valve core are in a flow-to-open type, and the upper valve seat and the upper valve core are in a flow-to-close type. The upper valve seat and the lower valve seat have the same size, and the unbalanced forces of the upper valve core and the lower valve core are same in amplitude and opposite in direction, so that the unbalanced forces can be counteracted mutually, the total unbalanced force is zero, the regulation sensitivity is improved, the stability of outlet pressure is high, and the flow capacity is improved.


Shows high polarization separation ability in the visible light region, provides a method of wire-grid polarizer transmittance in the short wavelength region is improved, the wire-grid polarizer can be easily manufactured. A light-transmitting substrate 14 having a plurality of ridges 12 are formed in parallel to and a predetermined pitch from each other on the surface, present in at least the top portion of the convex strip 12, a base layer 22 made of a metal oxide, lower wire grid polarizer 10 and a metal thin wire made of a metal layer 24 which is present in at least a top portion of the formation 22 on the surface a and the ridge 12.


The classical rough set theory is based on complete information systems.In order to process incomplete information systems,the classical rough set theory needs to be extended.In this paper,several extension relations based on rough set under incomplete information are discussed.A constrained similarity relation as a new extension of rough sets theory is introduced,and the concepts of the positive region,accuracy of approximation,quality of approximation and dependency of attributes defined on constrained similarity relation are proposed.


This chapter examines the interactional priorities of police interviews with suspects and discusses the utilization of linguistic theory to enhance the interview model. To borrow from Austin (1962), this chapter will consider how police and suspects 'do things with words' and demonstrate the value of linguistic perspectives on the development of ethical, non-coercive models of investigative interviewing. Prior research (Clarke and Milne, 2001) has demonstrated that interviewing is a skill that officers must acquire through evidence-based training programs, practice in the field, and ongoing review and evaluation. In particular, the development and management of topics in a police interview is a complex task that requires specific training and skill to accomplish successfully (Griffiths & Milne, 2005; Heydon 2005). This chapter aims to unpack the structure of interviews from a linguistic perspective and demonstrate that choosing the right strategy when changing the topic in a conversation can impact the rapport between interactants, their capacity to volunteer reliable information and the admissibility of evidence. Topic management in police interviews will be analysed using linguistic methods primarily drawn from Conversation Analysis (Sacks, Schegloff & Jefferson, 1974). The results will be applied to the dominant international interviewing models in order to explain the relevance of linguistic perspectives to the practice of police interviewing. Finally, this chapter will discuss the opportunities and challenges around introducing linguistic insights to police officers during their interviewing training courses.


Objective
To examine the effects of a functional polymorphism of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene on spontaneous brain activity in healthy male adolescents.

Methods
Resting-state fMRI was performed on 31 healthy male adolescents with the low-activity MAOA genotype (MAOA-L) and 25 healthy male adolescents with the high-activity MAOA genotype (MAOA-H). The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) of the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal was calculated using REST software, and was compared between two genotype groups. The region ROIs showed significant difference. The ALFF data in ROIs were related to BIS scores.

Results
Compared with the MAOA-H group, the MAOA-L group showed a significant decrease of ALFF (P<0.001) in the pons (MNI coordinates: –6, –19, –23; 6, –16, –17; –6, –25, –32). In addition, the BIS scores were positively correlated with ALFF in pons in the MAOA-L group (r=0.398, P=0.02), but not in the MAOA-H group.

Conclusions
There exists relevance between the polymorphism of MAOA and the spontaneous brain activity in pons.And the lower activity of spontaneous brain activity in pons may be a key risk factor for impulsivity and aggression.

Key words:
Monoamine oxidase A gene; Amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation; Functional magnetic resonance imaging


An Easter bunny trail, ugly duckling day and wildlife-themed day are all lined up at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery.


Water samples were collected from sites on the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers, California and were analyzed for dissolved organic pesticides. This data collection and analysis are a part of an ongoing project by the U.S. Geological Survey Toxic Contaminants Hydrology program to determine the fate and transport of organic pesticides that enter the Francisco Bay Estuary, Concentrations of selected pesticides were measured in filtered water samples using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry at the U.S . Geological Survey organic chemistry laboratory in Sacramento.


The significance of strong motion observation,the history of strong motion seismograph,the differences between strong motion observation and common seismological observation,the situation of strong motion observation,both domestic and abroad,and its applications are overviewed. Furthermore,Shanxi Digital Strong Motion Network,built in period of "the tenth five year",is briefly introduced.


The sections in this article are

1
Introduction

2
MRI: Test Parameters and Protocols

3
MRS: Test Parameters, Test Objects, and Protocols

4
Acknowledgements

5
Biographical Sketches

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Eva Stenram's practice revolves around making manipulations to photographic images, so that they invert, undermine, or contradict their original or intended meanings. Stenram reworks the different genres with which we classify photographic images, and the different uses to which the medium is put, in order to create visual paradoxes. Rather than taking the recent history of art as her primary starting point, the artist most often draws upon vernacular or 'found' imagery – that is to say, she investigates what photography is at the service of, in the wider world. Accordingly her diverse subjects have included 'trick' photography, travel photography, family mementoes, pornography, and tourist postcards. In each of these cases she intentionally bends or breaks their rules: our expectations of how they function are frustrated or inverted. To put it another way, in each of her bodies of work to date, she has tested the nature of our investments in the medium.


Background Nasal air conditioning (ie, heating and humidification of inspired air) is an important function of the nasal cavity. This function may be reduced in cases of aggressive nasal surgery. Future virtual surgery planning tools may be used to design surgical approaches that preserve the nasal air conditioning capacity while decreasing airflow resistance. However, it is unclear whether there is a threshold below which impaired nasal air conditioning is associated with negative health consequences. Objective This study aims to review the literature on the clinical impact of reduced nasal air conditioning and its implications for nasal surgery outcomes. Methods A literature search was performed on PubMed and Scopus databases for articles that investigated the effect of air temperature and humidity on mucociliary clearance, respiratory epithelial structure, and the prevalence and severity of respiratory diseases. Results Inspiration of cold, dry air has direct effects on the respiratory epithelium, such as reduced mucociliary clearance and loss of cilia. Nasal surgeries do inflict some changes to the nasal mucosa and geometry that may result in decreased heating and humidification, but it is unclear how long these effects last. Laryngectomy patients serve as a human model for the absence of nasal air conditioning. The heat and moisture exchangers that many laryngectomy patients wear have been shown to improve lung function and reduce pulmonary symptoms associated with breathing unconditioned air, such as increased coughing and thickened mucus. Conclusion Nasal air conditioning is an important mechanism to maintain mucociliary clearance and prevent infection by inhaled pathogens. Preservation of nasal air conditioning capacity should be considered in the implementation of future virtual surgery planning tools. However, a threshold for the onset of negative health consequences due to impaired nasal air conditioning is not yet available.


To provide a dyeing and printing process of textile fiber materials using reactive dyes. A textile fiber material (a) at least one compound to reduce at least one reactive dye (b) ionic character of the anionic group containing at least one anionic group, and (c) at least one dyeing or printing method of the fiber material of comprising contacting a nucleophilic compound results in dyeings or prints having deep hues and very good durability. .BACKGROUND


Tourism is one the main branches of the economy of Armenia. It is accepted as the prior direction in all official levels. Tourism directly and indirectly has influence on the development of many economic spheres of the country. In the article the author did an analysis of tourism in Armenia and offers some important suggestions for solving the problems in that sphere and notifies.


This research was conducted to determine the effect of ratio of aloe vera with swe e t corn and Carboxy Methyl Celulose concentration on quality of aloe vera jam. This research was using a completely  factorial randomized design with two factors: ratio of aloe vera with swe e t corn (P): 90%:10%, 80%:20%, 70%:30%, 60%:40%, and CMC concentration (K): 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2.0%. Parameters observed the water content, fiber content, protein content, total acid, total soluble solid, vitamin C content, spreadness value organoleptic color, aroma, and taste. The results showed that the ratio of aloe vera with sweet corn had highly significant effect on water content, fiber content, protein content, total soluble solid, color, aroma, and taste, and had no different effect on the total acid, vitamin C content and spreadness value. CMC concentration had highly significant effect on water content, fiber content, protein content, total soluble solid, and spreadness value, and had no different effect on the total acid, vitamin C, color, aroma, and taste. Interaction between ratio of aloe vera with sweet corn and CMC concentration had no different effect on all parameters. The ratio of aloe vera with sweet corn of 60%: 40% and 1.0% CMC concentration produced the best aloe vera jam. Keywords: Aloe vera, sweet corn, CMC, jam


Objective To discuss the clinical efficacy of thalidomide combined with VAD in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM).Methods First,we chose the treatment group: using thalidomide 100 mg/d at first,and increased by 100 mg/d each week until the largest dose of 400 mg/d,or intolerance.The continuous use of this medicine was combined with VAD chemotherapy.Then,we built up the control group.This group was treated by the conventional way of VAD chemotherapy and its efficacy was analyzed.After the study,the results were compared.Results In the treatment group,there were 3 cases of nearly complete remission(nCR),20 cases of partial remission(PR),with the overall respanse rate(ORR) of 6.7%,while in the control group,there were 1 case of nCR,8 cases of PR,with ORR of 45.6%.The treatment group was superior to the control group with statistical significance(P0.05)。Conclusion Thalidomide combined with VAD treatment protocol is more efficient with fewer side effects for treating MM,which means this method is worth to be popularized.


Through many factors such as demand,investment,employment,economic structure, knowledge diffusion,capital inflow,and economies of scale,export can affect economic growth.This effect means the export fluctuation can cause economic growth risks.Empirical results indicate that export fluctuation in China has a great effect on economic growth,but this risk is latent and usually has not taken place in practice for being counteracted by other factors stablizing economic growth.When economic growth risks accumulate to a certain degree,the abrupt decline of export may fuse and magnify the risks.


INTRODUCTION: Essential hypertension (EHTN) accounts for 95% of all cases of hypertension affecting approximately one billion individuals worldwide. Alteration in trace elements like calcium, magnesium and copper can be helpful in knowing the elemental involvement in the pathophysiology of EHTN and its associated complications. AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1.To estimate serum levels of calcium, magnesium and copper in patients of EHTN and compare it with normotensive healthy subjects. 2.To find the correlation of serum levels of calcium, magnesium and copper with systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in patients of EHTN. MATERIALS & METHODS: The study was conducted in 100 subjects, out of which 50 were essential hypertensive patients (cases) and 50 were normotensive healthy subjects (controls), within the age group of 25-65 years. Serum calcium and magnesium were measured by using the auto analyzer Beckman Coulter DXC 600. Serum copper was measured by modified spectrophotometric micro-method using BCDS. The results were analysed by using students 't' test and pearson's correlation. RESULTS & OBSERVATIONS: Our study found a significantly (p<0.001**) increased levels of serum calcium & copper, and significantly (p<0.001**) decreased levels of serum magnesium in cases as compared to controls. Our study also revealed a significant positive correlation between serum calcium with SBP (r= 0.842, p<0.001**) and DBP (r= 0.403, p= 0.004**); and between serum copper with SBP (r= 0.560, p<0.001**) and DBP (r= -0.395, p= 0.005**); and a significant negative correlation between serum magnesium with SBP (r= -0.805, p<0.001**) and DBP (r= -0.395, p=0.005**) among essential hypertensives. CONCLUSION: The patients of essential


1557 Background: Peripheral neuropathy (PN), a common and intrusive side effect of chemotherapy in clinical trials, has been assessed via the clinician-rated common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) and/or patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures (Morton, ASCO, 2005). We assessed the relative sensitivity of CTCAE and PRO measures for evaluating interventions for preventing and ameliorating CIPN. Methods: Data from285 patients in two prevention trials (N05C3, N04C7) and 432 patients from three intervention trials (N00C3, N01C3, N06CA) were analyzed separately. CTCAE version 3.0 item for neuropathy was compared to 2 NCCTG numerical analogue CIPN items, 6 EORTC CIPN20 individual items, 2 McGill Pain Questionnaire items, and one Brief Pain Inventory item. The sample size provided over 80% power to detect a true Spearman rank correlation of 0.15 assessed the relationship between CTCAE and PRO measures. Results: Results from both the prevention and treatment trials were similar in terms of the rela...


The total particulate matter(TPM) pH of cigarette in different smoke condition was tested.The results indicated that puff alternation and butt length were the main factors affecting the TPM pH.Puff duration and smoking curve had little influence on the TPM pH.The sucking quality of cigarette can be controlled by changing puff alternation and butt length.


The method of measureing telescope's enlargement rate with the image formation formula,in order to increase the accuracy of a measure.


This report describes an application of and the procedures for developing a web-based interface on a Unix server, using a simple guestbook program. The advantage of the guestbook platform is that it is commonly available on college campuses and can be secured. The application facilitates problem-based learning and other active-learning goals in an undergraduate seminar in environmental law. This report provides an example of the application and reviews the programming necessary to accomplish the learning goals. The computer code for this project was posted to the following web address: http://www.udel.edu/learn/jwhisler/code


Arsenic is a naturally occurring metalloid element that is found in soil, air and water. Environmental arsenic exists in both organic and inorganic states. Organic arsenicals are generally considered non toxic, whereas inorganic forms are toxic. The most acutely toxic form is arsine gas. Inorganic arsenic exists predominantly in trivalent (As3+) and pentavalent (As5+) forms, where trivalent compounds are more toxic than pentavalent ones. Human activities have also intensified arsenic accumulation in the environment. Organs most susceptible to arsenic toxicity are those involved with absorption, accumulation or excretion, including the skin, circulatory system, gastrointestinal tract, liver and kidney. Arsenic is associated with multiple health effects, including Blackfoot diseases, diabetes, hypertension, peripheral neuropathy and multiple vascular diseases. Other effects include anemia, liver damage, portal cirrhosis, hematopoietic depression, anhydremia, sensory disturbance and weight loss. In addition to acute toxicity, long-term exposure to inorganic arsenic is associated with certain forms of cancer of the skin, lung, colon, bladder, liver and breast. Understanding the ecotoxicological effects of arsenic in the environment is paramount to mitigating its deleterious effects on ecological and human health. This paper is therefore a review of the ecotoxicological effects of arsenic on human and ecological health.


An extensive programme of deflection testing of a typical highway section is being conducted since 1989 by the authors in co- operation with the Research and General Services, Roads Service of the Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland. This paper describes the technique developed for the quantification of variations in pavement structural condition due to environmental (seasonal) effect. Monthly collection of deflection data, water-table variation and temperature distribution in bituminous layer have been carried out on 200 metres in-service flexible pavement test section. In current pavement design and maintenance methods, the elastic moduli of subgrade and granular base or sub-base are determined using standard laboratory methods. These quantities are assumed to maintain constant values over the life of the pavement. Preliminary analysis of the data collected indicate that seasonal variations on pavement unbound layers have a major effect on pavement condition. It is observed that the most desirable time to conduct a deflection survey for the purpose of pavement structural evaluation is during the spring thaw period when the pavement would be in a critical condition. However, it is not practical for highway authorities to take deflection measurements for the overlay projects during that short period. This study suggests values of the seasonal correction factors for base or sub- base granular material and subgrade soils to be applied as non- dimensional multiplication factors in order to account for seasonal effect. Similarly factors are developed to account for temperature effect on the bituminous layer behaviour. These factors will be incorporated into a developed structural evaluation and maintenance management subsystem to allow for deflectograph continuous survey in all seasons of the year. (A) For the covering abstract of the seminar see IRRD 850684.


The concept of heat unit or degree days for a seasonal crop is calculated from the planting until harvest. Heat unit analysis can help in determining the optimum harvest time. The purpose of this paper was to determine the harvest time for tomato, chili, cucumber, and shallot based on the accumulation of heat unit in different altitudes, such as 8 m (low), 207 m (low), 517 meters (medium) and 920 meters above sea level (high). The heat unit (HU) = (Tavg -Tbase ) *age of each phase. The reference cumulative value of the heat unit at harvest as follows; tomato is 1,661°C days, chili is 1,690°C days, cucumber is 979.8°C days and shallot is 945.8°C days. Based on the analysis, it is known that in the lowlands the harvest is faster than in the highlands because heat accumulation is achieved more quickly. The harvest time in lowland and highland was vary, as follows; around 41-66 days on tomatoes, 41-66 days on chilies, 30-37 days on cucumbers, and 29-36 days on shallots. By knowing the span of harvest time, it is hoped that the planting schedule for these vegetables will be adjusted to the needs and location.


Master Student, Queen's University Belfast ----------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------Abstract Autonomous vehicles are expected to play a key role in the future of urban transportation systems, as they offer potential for additional safety, increased productivity, greater accessibility, better road efficiency, and positive impact on the environment. Research in autonomous systems has seen dramatic advances in recent years, due to the increases in available computing power and reduced cost in sensing and computing technologies, resulting in maturing technological readiness level of fully autonomous vehicles. The objective of this paper is to provide a review and recent development in the domain of autonomous vehicle.


Background: Although the development of next-generation antiandrogens has significantly extended the survival time of patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), drug resistance inevitably developed over time. Therefore, the identification of novel therapeutic strategies targeting mCRPC is urgent. RB1 deficiency is a common genetic event and contributes to the development of therapy resistance and poor prognosis in prostate cancer. However, effective therapies against RB1-deficient lethal prostate cancer remain elusive. Here we determined how RB1 regulates the sensitivity of prostate cancer cells to ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, and whether we can exploit ferroptosis for the treatment of RB1 deficient lethal prostate cancer.
 Methods: To determine how RB1 regulates ferroptosis in prostate cancer, we generated RB1 stable knockdown prostate cancer cell lines using lentivirus-delivered shRNAs. We compared cellular sensitivity to ferroptosis and associated lipid peroxidation between control and RB1 stable knockdown prostate cancer cells. Using western blotting, qPCR, and ChIP analyses, we examined the regulation of ferroptosis by RB1. We also evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of ferroptosis inducers in cell-derived xenograft, patient-derived xenograft, and genetically engineered mouse models.
 Results: Our studies revealed that RB1 deficiency sensitizes prostate cancer cells to ferroptosis. Mechanistically, we found that the E2F family of transcription factors directly binds and activates the ACSL4 promoter and that RB1 inhibits ferroptosis by suppressing E2F-mediated ACSL4 transcriptional activation. More importantly, our preclinical studies demonstrated that induction of ferroptosis by JKE-1674, a recently discovered ferroptosis inducer, significantly blocks RB1 deficient prostate tumor growth and metastasis, and improves the overall survival of mice in the absence of obvious toxicity.
 Conclusions:
 Our findings uncover an RB1/E2F/ACSL4 molecular axis that governs ferroptosis and also suggest a new approach to the treatment of RB1-deficient lethal prostate cancer.
 Citation Format: Mu-En Wang, Jiaqi Chen, Yi Lu, Jinjin Wy, Jianhong Ou, John Asara, Andrew Armstrong, Qianben Wang, Lei Li, Yuzhuo Wang, Jiaoti Huang, Ming Chen. Ferroptosis is a novel therapeutic target for RB1 deficient lethal prostate 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 1723.


Design guidelines for a controller of a half-bridge DC-DC converter employed in active power factor correction circuits are developed. An average modeling method is used to derive control rules for the current shaping stage. Some practical approximations allow significant simplification of the control scheme and omit sensing of input voltage.


Aiming at the three-phase unsymmetrical distribution network, this paper proposed a threesequence components decoupled power flow method based on the node-branch incidence matrix. The three-sequence decoupled models were established based on symmetrical component theory by utilizing the weakly coupling feature of three-phase unsymmetrical distribution networks. The algorithm simplifies the complexity of the distribution network and reduces the dimensions of the matrix, so the calculation process is relatively simple. Moreover, a new approach deal with the PV nodes was developed based on the assumption that the positive-sequence voltage magnitude of PV node is sustained at a given fixed value. The formula to calculate the reactive power increment for each PV node was derived based on Thevenin equivalent circuit theory. The test results show that the proposed method and PV nodes processing approach have better convergence and faster calculating speed.


With a profound knowledge of how physico-chemical parameters affect these communities, microbial communities could be used as indicators for environmental changes and for risk assessment studies. We studied aquatic hyphomycete communities in ponds from sites shaped by intense human activities (namely the "Mansfeld region") and Urmil river, there are no sources of man made effluents in Chhatarpur district. Environmental stress factors such as high concentrations of chloride and calcium as well as low concentrations of oxygen significantly reduced the diversity and biomass of hyphomycetes in the investigated samples. Fungi were negatively correlated with nutrient concentrations. We propose that aquatic hyphomycete communities can be used as sensitive and integrative indicators for freshwater quality.


A leaf disk assay for photorespiration has been developed based on the rate of release of recently fixed "'CO., in light in a rapid stream of CO,.free air at 300 to 350. In tobacco leaves (Havana Seed) photorespiration with this assay is 3 to 5 times greater than the ' "CO, output in the dark. In maize, photorespiration is only 2 % of that in tobacco. The importance of open leaf stomata, rapid flow rates of CO.,-free air, elevated temperatures, and oxygen in the atmosphere in order to obtain release into the air of a larger portion of the 14iCO, evolved within the tissue in the light was established in tobacco. Photorespiration. but not dark respiration, was inhibited by a-thydroxv.2-,pyridinemethanesulfonic acid, an inhibitor of glycolate oxidase, and by 3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1,l-dimethylurea (CMU), an inhibitor of photosynthetic electron transiport, under conditions whieh did not affect the stomata. These experiments show that the substrates of photorespiration and dark respiration differ and also provide additional support for the role of glycolate as a major substrate of photorespiration. It was also shown that at 350 the quantity of '4CO released in the assay may represent only 33 ', of the gross "CO., evolved in the light, the remainder being recycled within the tissue. It was concluded that maize does not evolve appreciable quantities of CO., in the light and that this largely accounts for the greater efficiency -of net photosynthesis exhibited by maize. Hence low rates of photorespiration may be expected to be correlated with a high rate of CO., uptake at the normal concentrations of CO., found in air and at higher light intensities. The stuggestioni that CO. evolution in the light in photosnlthietic ti-sues, kinowvin as photorespi ration. may be considerably greater than the easily measured dark respiration was clearlstated by Decker (2, 5) and was based upon observations of the rapid postilluminationi hturst of CO2. in several species. This view wvas recently supported 1)w the findinig that wihenl photorespiration in tobacco leaf disks va.; inihibited witlh an a-hvdroxvsulfonate. whichi inhibits -lvcolate oxidase activity (22), net photosynthesis w%-as greatly enhanced (26). Under the sale conditions disks of maize leaves were uinaffected. Maize has a much greater net photosynthesis thani tobacco ait high light intenisities atnd normial concentrations of CO. lpresent in the air ( 19) and possesses an app)arelntly negligible photorespiration (71, 13'). These results suggested that if the rate of photorespiration wvere decreased by genetic or biochemical means, a greater net photosynithesis may be expected in those species where photorespiration occurs. The studies described here have beeni carried out in orider to learin more about the natnrle of this plhlotorespiration process and to develop ani assay helpful in selecting genetic material w-itlh a hiigher photosvntlhetic efficiency such as is ex.hibite(d bymaize. Several methods ha've already been tise(l by investigators in attempts to obtain some measure of the CO., released by photosynthetic tissues in the light. Since some photosynthetic CO.. fixation must always. take lplace while measurenm,ent of the released CO., is being 1nid(le. it is apparent that no method will l)ermit a measure of the gross photoresl)iratioin even when the directioni of the CO., flux is reverse(d 1)v providing a CO.-free itmosl)here ('15). The qluantity of CO., released fronii a leaf in the light will depen(l on the magnitude of the photorespiration, which increases greatly at elevated temiiperatures anl concentrations of oxygen exceedilig 2 O/( to 33 % ill those slecies possessing this reaction (6, 18l). In aIdditioIl it will depenld oIn what proportion of the evolved CO., diffuses to the atmosphere in comparisoIn to the amiouint that is refixed in the chloroplasts. Thus the magniitude of the (liffusive resistance from the site of CO., evolutionl to the atmosphere (including stomiiatal and leaf to air resistance) as well as the gross photosynthesis by the chloroplast (photos;ynthetic efficiency) will affect the amilotunit of CO.. released from the leaf (1). In order to minimize the turniover of CO. inside the leaf and tlhus permit a greater fraction to be released, it is therefore essential to have the stomata as widely openi as possible and to have ,i rapi(d airflow over the leaf tissue. Some of the earlier examinations of l)llotoreslirationl have been made by observing factors that influenice the l)ost-illumiination burst of COC. (2. 4, 18). by plotting the rate of net photosynthesis at atmospheric CO.. concentrationis above the CO., compensatioin point and extrapolating to 'zero CO.." concenitration (3, 6). 'by observing the 'CO., released in air from tissue supplied with glycolate-l-14C (26). -anld 1o measurin, the evolution of CO., in the light 1829 www.plantphysiol.org on April 30, 2019 Published by Downloaded from Copyright © 1968 American Society of Plant Biologists. All rights reserved.


A new electrolytic production process for solar-grade Si has been proposed utilizing a liquid Si– Zn alloy cathode in molten CaCl2. The process consists of three major processes: electrolysis, precipitation, and refining. One of the advantages of the process is the attainability of high purity by application of a solidification refining from the liquid Si–Zn alloy. The residual zinc is easily removed afterwards due to its high volatility. To establish this process, the behavior of liquid Zn metal in molten CaCl2 at 1123 K was investigated. Evaporation of Zn metal was largely suppressed by immersion into the molten salt, which enabled the use of a Zn electrode despite its high vapor pressure. Based on the results of cyclic voltammetry, the reduction of SiO2 on a liquid Zn cathode was conducted by potentiostatic electrolysis at 0.9 V vs. Ca2+/Ca. Precipitated Si particles were recovered in the solidified Zn matrix. Introduction The rapid growth of photovoltaic (PV) industry has dramatically changed the industrial structure of high-purity polycrystalline Si. High-purity Si used for PVs is called as a solar-grade Si (SOG-Si; 5N~7N purity). SOG-Si was used to be supplied from an off-spec product as a product of semiconductor-grade Si of 11N~12N purity manufactured by the Siemens process utilizing the H2 reduction/thermal decomposition of SiHCl3. Nowadays, SOG-Si is manufactured as a main product in the Siemens plants, as a result of the increased demand for PV industry. For a next stage process of SOG-Si production, various types of production or refining processes of Si which can overcome the low productivity of the Siemens process are being investigated. We have studied the direct electrolytic reduction of solid SiO2 to Si in molten CaCl2 at 1123 K as a new type of electrochemical reaction [1][2]. In this method, electrochemical reduction of insulating SiO2 proceeds by the use of a SiO2 contacting electrode which gives a three-phase interface between conductor/SiO2/molten salt. SiO2 (s) + 4 e− (through conductor) → Si (s) + 2 O2− (1) We also proposed that the combination of the electrolytic reduction of purified SiO2 and a directional solidification refinement is a potential method to realize the low-cost production of SOG-Si [3]. Further, in order to increase the productivity of the process, we have studied the electrochemical reduction of SiO2 granules set on the bottom cathode in molten CaCl2 on the analogy of the Hall-Héroult Al production process [4]. However, washing treatment using water or acid is necessary to recover the produced powdery Si from molten CaCl2 and the residual SiO2. Since the separation between product and molten salt is an inherent problem for molten salt processes, in the practical manufacture of Li, Na, Mg, and Al metals, and rare earth alloys, the products are always produced in the liquid state for the easiness of the subsequent recovery. Thus, we recently proposed an electrolytic process for SOG-Si production utilizing liquid Si–Zn alloy cathode as shown in Figure 1 [5]–[7]. The overall process is composed of three major processes: an electrolysis process, a precipitation process, and a refining process. In the electrolysis process, solid SiO2 is reduced to form Si–Zn liquid alloy on the cathode. SiO2 (s) + Si–Zn (l, low Si conc.) + 4e− → Si–Zn (l, high Si conc.) + 2O2− (2) Metallic Si is recovered in the precipitation process by lowering the temperature and the solubility of Si in the alloy. Si–Zn (l, high Si conc.) → Si (s) + Si–Zn (l, low Si conc.) (3) The produced Si is further purified to SOG-Si by leaching, vacuum refining, and directional solidification. After the precipitation process, the Si–Zn alloy with low Si concentration is recycled for the cathode of the molten salt electrolysis. In this study, fundamentals on the electrolysis process, namely, the evaporation of Zn metal in molten CaCl2 and the electrochemical reduction of SiO2 on Zn cathode were investigated at 1123 K. Figure 1 A schematic drawing of solar-grade Si production utilizing the electrochemical reduction of SiO2 powder on liquid Si–Zn alloy cathode in molten CaCl2 [5]–[7]. COX P.S. Purified SiO2 powder


K. Scherer, Neuroscience Projections to Current Debates in Emotion Psychology. G. Parrott, J. Schulkin, Neuropsychology and the Cognitive Nature of the Emotion. J. Le Doux, Cognition vs. Emotion Again-This Time in the Brain. G. Parrott, J. Schulkin, What Sort of System Could an Affective System Be? A Reply to Le Doux. G. Gainotti, C. Caltagirone, P. Zoccolotti, Left/Right and Cortical/Subcortical Dichotomies in the Neuropsychological Study of Human Emotions. E. Ladavas, D. Cimatti, M. Del Pesce, G. Tuozzi, Editorial Evaluation: With and Without Conscious Stimulus Identification. R. Davidson, Cerebral Asymmetry and Emotion.


Invasive alien plant (IAP) species pose a major threat to biodiversity in the Western Cape Province. A typical example of an area facing this pressure is the Klein Swartberg mountain where the endangered fauna is particularly threatened. As the clearing of these species is very costly, the mapping of IAP species can assist in understanding the extent of the problem and the costs of clearing. The use of the Satellite Pour l'Observation de la Terre 6 (SPOT 6) pansharpened images was tested for the mapping of IAP species, in particular Pinus spp. trees, using supervised classification based on decision rules. The study area was burnt in early 2012 and therefore the classification was tested on only a small site (172.4ha) where the trees survived and where some recovery of the natural veld had already occurred. The accuracy assessments performed on the resulting thematic map had an overall accuracy of 84% with a kappa coefficient of 0.68. This finding suggests that mapping Pinus spp. in mountainous areas using the traditional supervised classification is possible using SPOT 6 images.


There is crack onЩBM370/850 type ball mill entrance cover end equipped in No.3 unit of certain power plant.The paper introduces the method to replace carbon arc gouging with specialized G01-300 type oxygen-acetylene gouging to gouge large crack and make groove,and the execution of cover end crack repair welding technology.The paper can be used as reference for the repair of other similar ball mill cover end.


Abstract The interaction of equatorial Rossby waves with a western boundary perforated with one or more narrow gaps is investigated using a shallow-water numerical model and supporting theory. It is found that very little of the incident energy flux is reflected into eastward-propagating equatorial Kelvin waves provided that at least one gap is located within approximately a deformation radius of the equator. Because of the circulation theorem around an island, the existence of a second gap off the equator reduces the reflection of short Rossby waves and enhances the transmission of the incident energy into the western basin. The westward energy transmitted past the easternmost island is further reduced upon encountering islands to the west, even if these islands are located entirely within the "shadow" of the easternmost island. A localized patch of wind forcing was also used to generate low-frequency Rossby waves for cases with island configurations representative of the western equatorial Pacific. For ...


PURPOSE: A flexible container for improved storage of oxygen sensitive parenterally administrable agents comprising an inner container enclosed in a substantially oxygen impermeable outer envelope is provided which essentially maintains its characteristics after being subjected to sterilization by steam or radiation. CONSTITUTION: A flexible transparent container for improved storage of oxygen sensitive parenterally administrable agents comprising an inner, primary container(30) enclosed in a substantially oxygen impermeable outer envelope(10) with an oxygen absorber, capable of consuming essentially all residual oxygen after the outer envelope(10) is sealed, and for sufficient period also the oxygen penetrating the envelope is described. The inner container(30) is made of a polypropylene containing flexible polymeric material compatible with lipophilic agents capable of forming both permanent and peelable seals, while the envelope(10) is made of a substantially water impermeable flexible multi-layered polymeric material comprising a first outer substantially water impermeable polymeric film with oxygen barrier forming capacity, assembled with a second, inner polymeric film with a supplementary oxygen barrier forming capacity. The container essentially maintains its characteristics after being subjected to sterilization by steam or radiation.


This work presents results from a qualitative study on mothers and fathers with alternatively few (one) and many (three or more) children, aiming to analyse in-depth the mental processes that build up the reproductive choices of couples. The study particularly focuses on some dimensions: lifestyles, parenthood, costs and benefits of children, and policies supporting parenthood.
Results suggest that parents are burdened with an excess of costs, especially of psychological kind, deriving from the delay of Italian society in conforming to the changes, occurred in the last decades in industrialized countries, regarding values and women's role.


We prove the existence of the thermodynamic limit of the magnetic Thomas-Fermi energy and its density functions. In (LS1), where the Thomas-Fermi theory is studied, Lieb and Simon proved the existence and property of the thermodynamic limit (namely, the energy per volume of solids) of the Thomas-Fermi energy and discussed its application to the screening problem. In this paper, we will study the analog of this in the magnetic Thomas-Fermi(MTF) theory. Let us recall about MTF energy(FGPY, LSY2, Y). This comes from seeking the ground state energy of the atomic Hamiltonian in a magnetic field:


Osteoporosis is a skeletal disease resulting in a reduction of bone mineral density and bone mass with disorganization of trabecular bone architecture, leading to an increased incidence of bone fracture. Nearly all spinal cord injury (SCI) persons will develop osteoporosis following injury, and further up to 50% of all persons with SCI will sustain a fracture during their lives. The mechanism driving osteoporosis following SCI is elusive. The cannabinoid system modulation of bone metabolism through CB1/2 has been increasingly of interest for the preservation of bone mass and density in models of osteoporosis. Here we used early and sustained treatment with selective cannabinoid 2 receptor (CB2) agonist, HU‐308, in a mouse model of SCI to prevent and reverse SCI‐induced osteoporosis. First, we determined the efficacy of acute treatment with CB2 agonist, HU‐308, to stave off osteoporosis with treatment for 40 days post‐injury. In thoracic‐complete transected mice, the bone density was significantly reduced in comparison to injury‐naïve mice. In the distal tibia, HU‐308 was effective to preserve trabecular bone density as measured by Micro‐CT in comparison to SCI mice treated with vehicle (VEH) (P < 0.05) but less so in the proximal tibia. In the femur, 40 days post‐injury, there was no efficacy of HU‐308 to preserve bone density in SCI‐HU‐308 treated mice in comparison to VEH‐treated SCI. Histologic inspection supports substantial loss of trabecular bone. In order to determine if HU‐308 could reverse bone loss, we treated SCI mice with HU‐308, CB2‐agonist significantly after the onset of SCI‐induced osteoporosis (i.e., 3 months post‐injury) for 40 days; this resulted in profoundly improved bone mineral density in SCI mice treated with HU‐308 in the tibia and trends in the femur. Additionally, increased periosteal bone formation was observed in the femurs of SCI‐HU‐308 treated animals following the delayed treatment (P < 0.05) and absent in the SCI‐VEH treated animals. We also sectioned undecalcified bone and stained with Alizarin to demonstrate preservation and rebuilding of bone with HU‐308 in the acute and delayed treatment paradigms. Acutely, there appears to be preservation of the cortical bone and not the trabecular bone; the VEH‐treated mice showed loss of mineralization in both trabecular and cortical bone. Delayed treatment with HU‐308 shows bone formation with a higher degree of trabecular and cortical mineralization in comparison to VEH‐treated SCI mice. Taken together these data suggest that the cannabinoid system contributes to the pathophysiology of SCI‐induced osteoporosis and that CB2 agonism may be a viable therapeutic strategy to prevent or slow osteoporosis in SCI patients.


The acylation of the rare sugar, D-allose (the C-3 epimer of D-glucose), with fatty acid vinyl esters was successfully carried out using Candida antarctica lipase in acetonitrile at 45 °C to give D-allose 6-alkanoates with high regioselectivity in good yields.


Thermodynamics with internal variables provides a framework for constitutive modeling of elasto-plastic deformations. Within the scope of the theory, constitutive and evolution equations for ductile, elasto-plastic materials with mixed (isotropic and kinematic) hardening and anisotropic damage have been developed. Postulates within continuum damage mechanics were used in order to incorporate damage as an internal variable. Owing to this, and to a simplified definition of the inverted damage effect tensor, a general expression for degradation of the elastic properties in materials has been obtained. The corresponding numerical algorithm for integration of the constitutive equations is based on an elastic predictor – plastic/damage corrector procedure. The plastic/damage corrector is uncoupled, which further simplifies and expedites the corrector procedure.


Retailers increasingly advocated mobile devices to improve and ultimately transform business performance. This study examines (1) the different effect of Mobile visits from desktop visits in affect...


This paper aims to demonstrate the compliance of the proposed modeling approach with the aids of experimental validations. 3D multi scale simulation of both bonding process and wire pull test is carried out. Using a previously validated homogenization procedure to include pad structure description even at the global scale, stress fields acting in the copper/low-k stack are evaluated. The modeling strategy also includes an in-house developed energy based analysis. For the experimental part, a wide range of wire bond trials have been performed in order to qualify the 65-nm technology node. On behalf of that, several bond pad architectures have been implemented and wire bonded on a test vehicle. It was found a significant effect of the copper/low-k design on peeling failure rates, in particular with severe bonding conditions. In this paper, typical modeling results are presented. Contrary to stress based one, the energy based analysis shows a better ability to forecast the observed failed interface. From simulation results obtained, it is confirmed that the bonding process plays major role in the peeling failure, despite the fact that most of them are observed during the wire pull test. Failure mechanisms are also proposed. Then, the implemented pad structures are evaluated and analyzed. Both general trends and architecture ranking are provided. Simulations are then faced to experimental results and a full agreement is found. The complementary nature of the energy based failure criteria is again highlighted through a clearer discrimination of the tested structures. Finally, the simulation procedure with confirmed experimental results demonstrates its ability in design and process optimizations by providing a better understanding of pad peeling failure mechanisms.


This article describes safety measures taken by the Northern Ireland railway operator both on trains and around the track. The introduction of new trains posed new safety issues as they are quieter and faster than earlier ones. Train protection warning systems are being installed on the railway network and on all passenger trains to prevent over-runs and hazardous train movements. Level crossings have been upgraded in several locations where misuse had been identified. Closed-circuit television (CCTV) is used to monitor crossings and identify offenders. Many private or user working crossings have been closed, and all crossings undergo a condition survey twice per year. Emergency telephones and warning lights are being installed at some private crossings. A public relations safety campaign has been introduced to illustrate safety measures and highlight the possibility of prosecution. Passenger safety on trains is implemented with co-operation from a private security firm and the police service: use of CCTV, and a no-alcohol policy, help to deter anti-social behaviour on trains.


The leveling data of the network covering the Tokai district and its neighborhood, central Japan, are analyzed in order to study the vertical crustal movement in this area. Analysis is performed on the leveling data obtained during 1965 to 1985, together with the sea level data at the tidal stations along the coast within the network. In the least square adjustment of the leveling network, a new velocity model in which time change of crustal movement is taken into consideration was adopted. A comparison between the results of leveling data and of tidal data shows that the mode of vertical crustal movement at the tidal stations deduced from sea level data coincides well with that from leveling data


The hydrogen-bonding interactions and the crystallinity of biodegradable polymer poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) blended with poly(4-vinylphenol) (PVPh) were studied on the as-cast films as a function of the blend composition wPVPh by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The intermolecular hydrogen bondings between the C═O groups of PHB and the OH groups of PVPh (designated as inter) were explored not only in C═O stretching vibration region but also in OH stretching vibration region. The bands in OH stretching vibration region were assigned. The spectra in the C═O stretching vibration region were decomposed into component spectra attributed to inter, the free C═O groups, and the intramolecularly hydrogen-bonded C═O groups between the C═O groups and one of the C−H groups in CH3 of PHB (designated as free and intra, respectively) to determine the respective fractions, finter, ffree, and fintra. We found that fks (k = intra and inte...


The study develops an approach to the classification of economy sectors according to the degree of their potential technogenic danger to the population. The article provides a brief analysis of the history of the RF legislation in the field of industrial safety, and a review of current regulatory legal documents. The existing classifications of hazardous facilities were analyzed based on domestic and foreign studies. Industries and types of economic activity were classified according to the degree of their potential danger. The sectors with the highest hazard class include coal mining; production of coke and oil products; chemical products; rubber and plastic products; metallurgical production; provision of electricity, gas and steam; air conditioning. The sectors with the middle class of danger are the extraction of oil and natural gas, metal ores; production of foodstuff, drinks, tobacco products; production of paper; production of medicines and materials used for medical purposes; production of other non-metallic mineral products; sub-sectors of mechanical engineering, water supply and sanitation, transport, scientific research, etc. The proposed approach was tested in Moscow and it became clear that there are 635 enterprises operating in the city that have a type of economic activity classified as medium or high hazard class, they employ about 241 thousand people (as in 2020), and most of them (more than 90%) work at enterprises belonging to medium-hazardous industries. According to mobile operators' data it was find out that up to a quarter of the Moscow population is daily concentrated in the areas of potential technogenic danger, which is significantly higher than indicated in official documents. Increased actual concentration of population in places of greatest danger is a serious problem from the point of view of ensuring the safety of citizens, and organizing rescue and evacuation measures in case of emergencies.


Although boundary control of linear partial differential equations has become an important research area, there is still no readily available simulation tool to help researchers analyze and design. In this article, a simulation method for some typical boundary control problems, combining symbolic math and a numerical method, is presented with application examples. In the intermediate steps of the simulation, an important by-product, transfer function of the controlled system, can be obtained, which makes the design of more advanced boundary controllers possible and much easier.