This paper discusses the relationship between SAR and optical data for an Amazonian test‐site with different land cover types. L‐band HH JERS‐1 SAR and Landsat TM images acquired few days apart from each other in 1994 and 1997 were analyzed. Landsat TM fraction images (vegetation, soil, and shade) were used to characterize the terrain features in the study area. Based on 220 samples randomly distributed over different land cover types in the fraction and SAR bands, a regression analysis was performed. Consistent results between SAR data and fraction images suggest that L‐band SAR data may be a complementary source of information for mapping land cover changes in Amazônia, especially to monitor deforestation in areas frequently blurred by cloud cover in optical images.


Previous experimental investigations of embryonic kidney development with in vitro organ culture techniques have been limited by the short duration of explant viability. Utilization of chick chorioallantoic membranes for transplanting undifferentiated murine kidney rudiments has allowed vascularization of the grafts with advanced maturation and the appearance of early nephron units.


A report commissioned by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has warned that there is an 'urgent need' to regulate assistant practitioners.


The present invention discloses morphine base, morphine hydrochloride, the method for preparing purified of heroin hydrochloride standard substance for forensic science illicit drugs inspection, comprises the following steps:(1) purity of Heroinhydrochloride in heroin sample is captured in detection, the raw material captured heroin sample and morphine base, morphine hydrochloride, heroin hydrochloride standard substance are prepared as purifying for selecting Heroinhydrochloride mass fraction to be more than or equal to 60wt%;(2) morphine base, morphine hydrochloride, heroin hydrochloride standard substance are prepared using high performance liquid chromatography.The present invention prepares morphine base, morphine hydrochloride, the heroin hydrochloride that purification process obtains and confirmed through nuclear magnetic resonance, Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry combination, infrared spectrum analysis, its purity confirms definite value through liquid chromatogram, gas-chromatography, and chromatogram is measured without response impurity;Required according to Developments of certified reference samples, the estimation of its stability, uniformity, definite value, overall uncertainty meets relevant regulations, reaches expectation index.


Purpose To report a case of retinal capillary hemangioma treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Methods A 15-year-old female presented with metamorphopsia in the left eye for 7 days. Examination showed peripheral endophytic retinal capillary hemangioma, macular edema, and a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50. The hemangioma and macular edema were treated with verteporfin photodynamic therapy and intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. Results After 5 months of follow-up, involution of the hemangioma, reduction of macular edema, decrease of the feeder and draining vessel diameter, and improvement of best-corrected visual acuity to 20/25 was seen. Conclusions This verteporfin photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide appeared to cause involution of the hemangioma with reduction in macular edema and improvement in visual acuity.


We develop aframework foranalog-to-information conversion thatenables sub-Nyquist acquisition andprocessing of wideband signals thataresparse inalocal Fourier representation. Thefirst component oftheframework isa randomsampling systemthatcanbeimplemented inpractical hardware. The second isanefficient information recovery algorithm tocompute thespectrogram ofthesignal, whichwedubthesparsogram. A simulated acquisition ofafrequency hopping signal operates at 33xsub-Nyquist average sampling ratewithlittle degradation insignal quality. I.INTRODUCTION Sensors, signal processing hardware, andalgorithms areun- derincreasing pressure toaccommodate everfaster sampling andprocessing rates. Inthis paperwe study theacquisition andanalysis ofwideband signals thatarelocally Fourier sparse (LFS)inthesensethat ateachpoint intimetheyare well-approximated byafewlocal sinusoids ofconstant fre- quency. Examples ofLFSsignals include frequency hopping communication signals, slowly varying chirps fromradar and geophysics, andmanyacoustic andaudiosignals. LFSsignals aresparse inatime-frequency representation like theshort-time Fourier transform (STFT). Indiscrete time, theSTFTcorresponds toa Fourier analysis on a sliding windowofthesignal 00


Compilers for programming languages such as Standard ML are able to nd many programming errors at compile time, however the diagnostic messages from the type inference algorithm do not always clearly identify the source of type errors. We argue that an extended type definition , which assigns types to open expressions as well as closed expressions, can serve as the basis for a programming environment that helps programmers debug type errors. We present such a type deenition, which is closely related to the Damas/Milner deenition, but which in addition provides principal typings for open expressions. We present an algorithm that performs type inference with respect to our type system and give a simple direct proof of its correctness. Finally we describe a prototype implementation.


The government has always played an important role in the
Russian society. One of the reasons why its influence was felt in different areas
of social life was its exclusive position of power, which has been both
celebrated and condemned in Russian literature. The shortcomings and
negative features of the Russian government have also been portrayed in the
hyperbolic and dystopian narratives of
The Slynx
 by Tatyana Tolstaya and
Day
of the Oprichnik
 by Vladimir Sorokin. However, far from being only imaginary
dystopian visions of a perverse totalitarian future, thes
e works are rooted in the
Russian historical experience.


Abstract Variability of the subtropical gyre in the South Pacific Ocean was investigated using high-resolution expendable bathythermograph sections along a repeated track between New Zealand and Hawaii. The southern part of the section sampled most of the zonal flow in the subtropical gyre with the eastward flowing branch between New Zealand and Fiji and the westward branch extending north of Fiji to approximately 10°S. The time series began in September 1987 and extended through 1994, averaging four cruises every year. The geostrophic shear field was calculated, relative to 800 m, with the aid of a mean T − S relationship. Variability was present at a broad range of spatial and temporal scales but annual fluctuations were particularly prominent. The authors conclude that 30 snapshots of temperature, measured over a period of seven years, are sufficient to resolve the annual cycle of the gyre-scale circulation along the transect. The shape and intensity of the gyre varied seasonally throughout the water c...


The incidence of acute leukemia in children with Down's syndrome has been reported to be as high as 30 times that of the general population. 1 A disorder with a hematologic picture indistinguishable from congenital leukemia also has been reported in newborns with Down's syndrome. 2-4 However, complete, long-term remission was observed in these patients without any specific treatment. 2-4 The following case illustrates a patient with Down's syndrome in whom acute leukemia developed one year after spontaneous remission of transient congenital leukemia. See also p 310. Report of a Case .—A newborn boy with Down's syndrome was transferred to Cardinal Glennon Memorial Hospital for Children, St Louis, because of an abnormal blood cell count. His blood cell count revealed a hemoglobin level of 18 g/dL, corrected WBC count of 23,000/cu mm, with 11% blast forms, 140 nucleated RBCs per 100 WBCs, and a platelet count of 124,000/cu mm.


disciplinary field of causal inference methodology. Many of us have built and will continue to build our research on his foundational work. Personally, I had the plea sure of working with Judea as co-editor of Journal of Causal Inference over the last several years. I also learned a great deal from Judea's work on causal mediation in many occasions, including our lively exchanges in a journal [Imai et al. 2014, Pearl 2014]. In this chapter, I would like to briefly describe the impact Judea's work has had on social science research and then illustrate it with two examples from my own recent research. Finally, I will briefly discuss how Judea's work may advance the future of causal research in the social sciences. Causal Diagram and Social Science Research


The ability of eighteen isolated ruminal fungi to degrade highly fibrous substrates was evaluated by fermentations lasting 120 hours. The graminea Bothriochloa pertusa was used as the unique carbon source. The experiment involved isolates belonging to the Neocallimastix, Orpinomyces and Piromyces genera. According to the Gompertz model, the establishment phase of the isolated fungi was on average 23,8 h ± 4.20, and reached a gas production level of 195 ml/g DM ± 7,52. The half gas production was achieved between 35 and 55 hours and varied with each ruminal fungi. The highest value of the maximum gas production rate from all the isolated fungi was 5,7 ml/h; this was produced by an isolated of Orpinomyces genus. The degradability of dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) of al the isolated fungi was on average 58% ± 2 and 46 % ± 2, respectively. With regard to volatile fatty acids (VFA) production all of the isolates were on average 22,04 mM ± 1,5; with an acetic acid proportion of 93% ± 0,01. The highest values of fibrolytic activity for carboxymetyl cellulase, microcrystalline cellulase and xylase were 9,56, 1,39, 303,12 international units (UI), respectively; this confirmed preferences toward hemi-cellulosic substrates by ruminal fungi. Five isolated fungi with the most diversity in the evaluated parameters, principally in terms of degradability of DM, NDF and enzymatic capacity were selected by principal component analysis (PCA), followed by grouping clusters. These isolates were one Neocallimastix, two Orpinomyces and two Piromyces genera.


A new process was developed for synthesizing tungsten-doped vanadium dioxide VO2(M) from ammonium metavanadate. The process includes obtaining V2O5 by pyrolysing NH4VO3, doping tungsten in V2O5 by sol-gel method, and reducing V2O5 to VO2(M) with hydrazine by hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were applied to characterizing the product. The experimental results indicated that tungsten doped VO2 (M) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized. The product VO2 (M) presents mainly rod-like and block-like morphology. The phase transition temperature decreases with tungsten doped amount increasing, the phase transition takes place over the range from 36.23°C to 62.16°C and the largest enthalpy of the phase transition is 16.24J/g.


This study aims to measure the effectiveness of the Sales Information
System in PT.Karya Eternal Love Palembang on the performance of employees.
The research data were collected through questionnaires with respondent
employees PT.Karya Eternal Love Palembang. The analytical method used was
multiple linear regreri analysis. In the Sales Information System, there are two
variables to be studied, namely, the variable (X) Reliable (X1), Relevant (X2),
Timely (X3), Complete (X4), Understandable (X5) and Employee Performance
variable (Y) Capability (Y1 ), Personality (Y2), Motivation. Based on the result
showed that the variables Reliable (X1), Relevant (X2), Timely (X3), Complete
(X4) in the Sales Information System have an influence on employee
performance, while Understandable (X5) on the Sales Information System does
not have an influence on employee performance .


Twenty years ago, extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) combined with oral bile acid dissolution therapy was introduced as a non-invasive and safe treatment for selected patients with symptomatic gallbladder stones.The success rate of ESWL, defined as a stone-free gallbladder, decreases with the number and size of the stones, impaired gallbladder motor function and the presence of calcifications.The risk of stone recurrence is the major drawback of ESWL of gallbladder stones.Today, laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard procedure for the treatment of symptomatic gallbladder stones while ESWL has kept its role only in the treatment of bile duct stones not amenable to endoscopic extraction. Twenty years ago, in January 1985, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) was first applied successfully in a patient with gallbladder stones. In the following years, the conditions which influence the success rate of ESWL have been extensively investigated. It was shown that the characteristics of the stones, gallbladder emptying and the degree of stone fragmentation are the most important factors which determine the clearance of all fragments from the gallbladder after ESWL. Severe side effects, such as biliary pancreatitis and liver haematoma, were found to be rare and no deaths related to the procedure have been reported. One or more episodes of biliary pain were observed in about one third of patients within the first 3–4 months after ESWL. Follow-up studies after successful treatment, however, have shown that stone recurrence is considerable, limiting the use of ESWL as a non-invasive therapeutic option. Stone recurrence varies between different subgroups of patients indicating that gallbladder motor function and other less well defined factors may be of importance. The recurrence of stones after ESWL is one of the reasons why laparoscopic cholecystectomy has become the standard treatment of symptomatic gallbladder stones today. ESWL has kept its role only in the treatment of bile duct stones resistant to endoscopic extraction. Unless stone recurrence can be decreased by better patient selection and/or other measures to prevent gallstone recurrence, ESWL of gallbladder stones has little chance of surviving.


The development of catalysts with improved stability and efficiency is increasingly important for both economic and environmental reasons. Herein, Fe3O4/PANI/m-SiO2 hybrid core/shell spheres have been successfully synthesized as novel and robust reactive catalyst supports to produce highly stable and recyclable noble metal nanocatalysts. Specifically, Fe3O4/PANI/m-SiO2 hybrid core/shell spheres were firstly fabricated, followed by the addition of noble metal ions to initiate the redox reaction between PANI and noble metal ions to yield noble metal nanoparticles on PANI surfaces. The Fe3O4 core and mesoporous SiO2 shell of the Fe3O4/PANI/m-SiO2 hybrid supports can significantly improve the recycling efficiency and greatly reinforce the stability of catalyst nanoparticles against coagulation, respectively. Various parameters, such as the thickness of the PANI coating and the etching time of the SiO2 dense shell, were considered in optimizing the catalyst supports. Furthermore, the high stability and recyclability of Fe3O4/PANI/Au/m-SiO2 hybrid catalysts involved in liquid phase reactions were established, implying their potential applications in the field of catalysis.


A semi-classical self-consistent integral theory was extended to inhomogeneous pumping area and the lowest pumping thresholds were calculated for the inhomogeneous one-dimensional edgeemitting semiconductor.The calculated results showed that the lowest pumping was inversely proportional to pumping region x0 and lasing intensity was constant outside semiconductor,namely light flux conserves.


In order to solve the problem that Siemens RGJ ramp generator function block is only available on T400 or S7_400 with FM458 configured.In this paper,a speed ramp generator with rounded corners is presented.Based on PLCSIM,the SIMATIC simulate software,which realizes the communication between STEP7 and WINCC,in order to build the software simulation testing platform to complete the design and simulate of the speed ramp generator.The output value of this generator can be hold or rounded start,slope up or down,rounded reach,rounded corner to reach the input set value.


We designed and implemented an automated system, named Pierse for pattern recognition of single cell transcriptomics (SCT) data. The Pierse system takes sparse matrices and corresponding metadata as input to generate SCDC profiles (SCT gene expression profiles characteristic of types or subtypes of cells). These profiles can be used for profile comparison, feature extraction, and differential gene expression analysis. Hierarchical clustering is used for similarity analysis between SCDC profiles and resulting heatmaps are produced. We performed a demonstration study to test functional modules in the Pierse system. To improve efficiency, we deployed parallel programming scripts and implemented efficient matrix analysis functions in the demonstration study.


Professor Dodd was a prophet crying in the wilderness when he argued in 1932 that corporate directors were trustees for the public's interest as well as for shareholders'.' Since then, however, it appears that all Jerusalem has gone out to confess and be baptized. Today, even a conservative Republican President calls for corporations to increase dramatically their contributions to the arts, human welfare, and the social good.2 This growing acceptance of corporate social responsibility is a result of many factors, including: the professionalization of management;3 the corporate legitimacy debate of the 1970's;4 and, most recently, the influence of the Japanese corporate style.5 As the demand for corporate altruism increases, so does the need for an examination of the legal bases of and limits on corporate ethical behavior. Corporate ethical conduct, the subject of this Comment, includes more than ethically motivated decisions to make charitable contributions to philanthropic causes. All business decisions motivated by corporate officials' ethical mores, rather than their desire to benefit the


In this paper we investigate the quasi-invariance property of fractional Poisson measures with respect to the diffeomorphism subgroup and we construct spaces of test and generalized functions associated to the corresponding fractional Lebesgue-Poisson measures.


Stress is non-ended problem associated with learning. Coping styles are the only approaches that helpstudents to overcome the stress and enhance the educational success. The study aimed to identify stress areas and coping styles of nursing students. A descriptive research design was used. 118 nursing students wereasked to fill out the questionnaire. The highly learning environment stressors were coming from assignmentsand workload (12.14+4.19) and taking care of patients (10.14+4.19). The highly used coping styles werereligion (3.28 + 1.0), Acceptance (3.06 + 0.89) and active coping (2.92 + 0.68).. It can be concluded that theclinical workload found in the courses is the common stressor for last year students.


The present paper,starting with the theories on forming the image of a country,explores how the CCTV-led national media contributed to the improvement of China's image in the world through their news reports on the earthquake that recently hit Sichuan.The paper points out that,in order to do a perfect job in this respect,the following three factors are essential: respect for universal values,emphasis on truthfulness,and improvement of creditability among the public.It argues that only with a better understanding of the relationships between the media and the image of a country can the Chinese media play greater roles in forming a favorable image of China in the international community.


of payments for international trade have in general dampened the effect of exchange rate movements on the trade balance, which is a further argument against currency manipulation as a way to stimulate aggregate demand. The essays in this volume are academic exercises focusing on a diverse set of narrow topics. Very little of the discussion will be of interest to general readers, and that is buried in a mass of esoteric jargon, mathematical expression, and statistical analysis. A comprehensive and accessible account of Japan's Great Stagnation has still to be written.


This paper reports on the development of WeBuild, a mobile learning game designed to engage learners difficult to reach with IT learning. The development is based on a mobile game engine for the Android smart phone that was devised to support the required multiplayer and location based services. We played and tested the mobile learning game in a training facility of the building industry. The results indicate that the learners accepted the game for the low entry barriers and were motivated to use the game in an educational context. This paper describes the WeBuild prototype and the underlying game engine. Eventually, it presents results from the game session that was carried to assess interface and gameplay usability, technical functionality and motivational aspects of the game design.


In this testimonial essay, the author recounts how, encouraged by his parents to paint, he discovered his love of painting early in life. This later led him to abandon a banking career and dedicate himself entirely to art. He explains how childhood memories of the East haunt him and dictate his themes and style. Through his paintings, he strives to make up for the daily suffering and ugliness portrayed on TV screens by offering his alternative vision of a happier world. He paints cities and villages--some real; others imaginary--where tolerance is practiced, and where humans live, work, and play in peace and harmony. ********** When I first came face to face with critics and criticism, and started to read reviews of my work, and hear comments at exhibitions, I used to cringe and react to the comparison of my style to that of children with hurt and indignation. Terms describing my paintings as 'childish,' 'primitive,' or 'naive' used to offend me and place me on the defensive. Since then, not only have I learnt to accept these terms, but have also come to consider them as compliments to be gracefully received. I am finally reconciled to the fact that clinging to a childhood spirit and retaining its experiences vividly is what fuels my artistic imagination and drives me to fashion and refashion these experiences in all my paintings. I constantly remind myself that what is simple, childlike, or primitive is not necessarily inferior. My understanding is that we expect from a work of art a certain personal element, and I sincerely hope to achieve this goal and succeed in presenting my own vision of the world. Though I am not a philosopher, I take pride in counting myself a disciple of the great poet and philosopher William Wordsworth (1770-1850), father of the English Romantic Movement. William Wordsworth divided a person's life into stages, considering infancy and childhood the purest and most precious phases in a person's life. He described our arrival into this world as infants in the following verses from his famous "Ode on Intimations of Immortality": But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God who is our home. With time, and as we leave childhood behind us, Wordsworth claims that our innocence eventually disappears "And fade[s] into the light of common day.'" I remember the poet Wordsworth whenever this nostalgia for childhood with its innocent and happy memories overtakes me, and I gladly return to them, allowing them to dominate my work which I decorate with dreamlike visions of cities, villages, places, and even folktales. Some of these places I actually visited as a child, while others I heard about, saw pictures of, or even imagined from a long time ago when stories from The Arabian Nights were being read aloud to me and my sister. In fact, I treasure my childhood memories, and have the urge to share them with others--both adults and children--in the firm belief that there remains a child in all of us, one who continues to appreciate expressions of purity and innocence. My mother tells me that when I was a child, I would express myself with pencil and paper before I began to use words. She claims that in order to express my simple childish thoughts or convey my tales to adults, I used to fetch a pencil and paper and proceed to draw whatever I was incapable of verbalizing. Today, I find that whenever I do not wish to talk, or when at a loss to articulate my feelings or thoughts, I frequently escape to my art and try to convey what words fail to express. Art remains my preferred means of communication. I think I am right in saying that almost all children are naturally attracted to colored pencils and paper. We have all seen and admired brilliant examples of painting by children. UNICEF greeting cards, annually drawn by children all over the world, illustrate my point. Once again, I resort to a quotation from William Wordsworth's "Ode on Intimations of Immortality": Behold the Child among his new-born blisses, A six years' Darling of a pigmy size! …


The scheduling problem in a job shop production environment is characterized by containing n jobs to be processed by m machines, where each job is represented by a specific sequence of operations with an established precedence order. The aim of this work is to perform a comparative analysis of the mathematical formulations for this environment by minimizing the makespan, i.e., the total time to complete all n jobs. Popular models and a proposed model are compared and evaluated through computational tests using cases from the literature. In addition, resolution strategies are proposed. Computational experiments using a well-known commercial software package indicate that the proposal strategies can promote a reduction of the optimality gap.


Given a complex function F(ω) = |F(ω)| exp [jΔ(ω)] of a real argument ω, the extrema of its magnitude |F(ω)| and phase Δ(ω) as functions of ω are determined simultaneously by finding the roots of one common equation, lm[G(ω)] = 0, where G = (F'/F)
 2
 and F' = ∂F/∂ω. The extrema of |F| and Δ are associated with ReG ᐸ 0 and ReG ᐳ 0, respectively. This easy-to-prove theorem has a wide range of applications in optics and electrical engineering. We offer at least one example of attenuated internal reflection (AIR). In AIR the complex reflection coefficient for the p polarization R
 p
 (ϕ) and the ratio of complex reflection coefficients for the p and s polarizations, p(ϕ) =R
 p
 (ϕ)/R
 s
 (ϕ), are considered as functions of the angle of incidence ϕ. It is found that the same (cubic) equation1 that determines the pseudo-Brewster angle of minimum |R
 p
 | also determines a new angle at which the reflection phase shift δ
 p
 = argR
 p
 exhibits a minimum of its own. Likewise, the same (quartic) equation2 that determines the second Brewster angle of minimum |
 ρ
 | also determines angles of incidence at which the differential reflection phase shift Δ = argρ experiences a minimum and a maximum. Angular positions and magnitudes of all extrema are exactly calculated for a specific case that represents light reflection by the vacuum —Al or glass—aqueous dye solution interface.


It is well known that during the past two decades, TiO2 has become an important subject. 1 But its separation and recollection have limited its further commercial applications, especially in photoelectro-chemistry field. Thus, its preparation has become a key problem in its recent study. Tetrabutyl titanate has been used as materials in many TiO2 synthesis methods, 3 but obviously, it is too expensive comparing with titanium tetrachloride we introduced and employed in this paper. To the best of our knowledge, for the preparation of TiO2, there is no paper reporting the method carried out in liquid phse and ambient pressure, where titanium tetrachloride was utilized to low down the cost. The aim of this paper is to show a low cost method of preparing different structures TiO2 nanometer particles, which was performed in liquid and ambient pressure. Encouragingly, the novel TiO2 nanoporous film electrode produced from these TiO2 nanometer particle exhibited satisfactory results in the photo-electro oxidation of methanol, which is meaningful to widen TiO2 application.


In sub/near-threshold operation, SRAMs suffer from considerable bitline swing degradation when the data pattern of a column is skewed to `1' or `0'. The worst scenarios regarding this problem occur when the currently read SRAM cell has different data compared to the rest of the cells in the same column. In this work, we overcome this challenge by using a column-based randomization engine (CBRE). This CBRE circuit randomizes data stored to SRAM. This makes distribution of "1" and "0" in each column close to 50%, significantly increasing bitline swing. To further improve the bitline swing, we employ bitline boost biasing and dynamic bitline keeper schemes. Based on the mentioned techniques, we fabricated a 256 rows × 128 columns (32 Kb) 8T SRAM array in 65 nm CMOS technology. In our silicon measurement, the SRAM array shows successful 200 mV operation at room temperature, where energy consumption and access time are 1 pJ and 2.5 s, respectively.


Let p be a prime number; K a Henselian discrete valuation (cid:12)eld of characteristic 0 such that the residue (cid:12)eld is an in(cid:12)nite (cid:12)eld of characteristic p . Write G K for the absolute Galois group of K . In our previous papers, under the assumption that K contains a primitive p -th root of unity (cid:16) p , we proved that any almost pro- p -maximal quotient of G K sat-is(cid:12)es certain \anabelian" group-theoretic properties called very elasticity and strong internal indecomposability. In the present paper, we generalize this result to the case where K does not necessarily contain (cid:16) p . Then, by applying this generalization, together with some facts concerning Hilbertian (cid:12)elds, we prove the semi-absoluteness of isomorphisms between the pro- p (cid:19)etale fundamental groups of smooth varieties over certain classes of (cid:12)elds of characteristic 0. Moreover, we observe that there are various sim-ilarities between the maximal pro- p quotient G pK of G K and nonabelian free pro- p groups. For instance, we verify that every topologically (cid:12)nitely generated closed subgroup of G pK is a free pro- p group. One of the key ingredients of our proofs is \Artin-Schreier theory in characteristic zero" introduced by MacKenzie and Whaples.


The effects of forensic examiner role on validity scores have rarely been studied empirically. We used a repeated measures design to examine the association between examiner role (plaintiff- and defense-selected neuropsychologists) and scores on eight Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory-2 validity scores (MMPI-2-VRIN, -TRIN, -L, -K, -F, -Fb, -Fp, and -FBS) of the same 80 individuals. All 80 were involved in litigation following mostly minor neurological injuries. We found no significant within-group differences on any of the MMPI-2 validity scales. Concordance of pass/fail rates between examinations was above 80%, except for MMPI-2-Fb. For example, the Symptom Validity Scale (MMPI-2-FBS) showed equivalently high failure rates (70%) during both examinations. This study does not support the view that examiner role affects symptom validity scores in forensic settings.


Background: This study will be beneficial for Swedish companies that wish to enter the French market and will also benefit companies in France that have something to do with Sweden or that are play ...


Based on the structure characteristic of the supercharger gland and shaft, by using the finite element method, the supercharger gland and shaft is idealized as 2_D axis symmetrical plane element, thereby the static mechanical behavior, dynamic response of the supercharger gland and shaft in coupling field are analyzed and calculated. Based on the analytical results, the inner diameter machining tolerance and rake of the supercharger gland can be calculated. The results of calculation can offer suggestions to design, reliability evaluation and manufacture of the supercharger gland.


Two niobium and three copper prototype cavities resonating at 802 MHz were built at JLab in the frame of a collaboration with CERN for ongoing LHeC [1] and FCC initiatives [2]. This document describes the cavity design concept, fabrication efforts and high power RF test results for the two niobium cavities.


Degeneration of intervertebral discs is the most common cause of back pain. The first phase of this degenerative process involves the nucleus pulposus. A rapid recovery of this structure can prevent further degradation of the annulus fibrosus. Guar Gum is an hydrophilic polysaccharide extracted from the seed endosperm of a plant. Through a cross-linking procedure a Guar hydrogel was synthesized. The Guar hydrogel could be injected by a syringe and it is a good candidate as a nucleus pulposus substitute. For the preparation of the artificial fibrosus annulus, commercially available polymer materials are tuned to achieve suitable mechanical properties. To achieve this peculiar behaviour, the main strategy investigated is the dispersion of hollow polymer micro spheres in a thermoplastic polymer matrix. Processing conditions and particle content are finely tuned to get the target mechanical behaviour.


As we crossed over into the new millennium, the Space Shuttle Program (SSP) has approached it's mid-life. Having served the Human Space Flight Program since 1980, increased International Space Station (ISS) demands have been placed on the SSP to remain operational until 2020 and beyond. In order to reduce the risks involved in extending the Shuttle life, this paper highlights Lockheed Martin's dedication and approach taken to identify and characterize key Upgrades, with focus on supporting NASA's efforts with extending the Space Shuttle longevity and increasing system safety. This focus is highlighted by our involvement in previous, current


Transparence principle is one of the most important, elementary principles and goals in WTO. Based on the influence of transparence principle in WTO on the territory resource management and its requirement, the paper explores how to improve the way of territory resource administration and transform of the government function to meet with the international usage and form a social economic environment to develop the function of market mechanism fully.


Biography is one of the most challenging, fruitful and also most criticized genres within the realm of history writing. A 'dark legend' was built up by Marxists and structuralists to undermine biography's epistemological potential. With the revival of narrative as a privileged medium for historical writing, the genre re-entered the core of the historical field. However, it did so through different approaches, which reveal different intentions stemming from rather antagonistic epistemological stances. While 'conventional' or 'reconstructionist' historians reassert the genre as an example of a 'proper' historical study, postmodern 'deconstructionist' historians theorize it as a useful and experimental means for 'unconventional' historical writing. The aim of this article is to present an approach not only to the problems and challenges that any practitioner of historical biography encounters but also what its 'conventional' content and form might include as an instrument of knowledge.


Liquid rocket engine(LRE) is a very complex mechanical system which an accident can easily be occurred since it operates in extreme and high energy density condition. Failure of LRE may result severe human and property damages which are very extensive. Since an accident happens when defect in LRE system lasts until failure, it is essential to minimize occurrence of abnormal conditions. This paper concentrates on types and causes of LRE failures. Typical types of defect conditions include combustion instability, leakage, sensor failures, design faults, particles in propellants, cavitation, and operator errors. From the cases of previous failures, progresses of LRE accidents in each types of defects and possible corrective actions are reviewed.


With respect to the measurements of the dc coil constant, three institutes applying nuclear magnetic resonance methods, and thus providing the lowest uncertainty budgets, participated in both the EUROMET 466 comparison and the the CCEM.M-K1 comparison. Based on their results obtained in the particular comparison, it is possible to relate to each other the values of the dc coil constants of the different standards circulated within the particular comparison. All results reported by the participants in the EUROMET comparison cover within their uncertainties the mean value of the dc coil constant kwm obtained within the CCEM comparison. With respect to the measurements of the coil constant's dependence on frequency, four institutes took part in both comparisons. Again, based on their results obtained in the particular comparison, a transfer function is established to relate the different frequency responses of the two standard coils to each other. After multiplying the EUROMET result with this transfer function it agrees very well with the CCEM result. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).


Considering that all sciences and the western philosophy must review their scientific assumptions and systems of study when it is Indigenous Right because th...


The requirements for the construction of two different types of antenna test sites are presented and discussed. The methods used currently for measuring the radiation patterns of antennas after installation are also discussed.


Background:  Different lifestyle factors seem to be associated with the risk for atopic diseases and some studies suggest that stress increases the risk of allergic sensitization, asthma and atopic eczema. Only few studies have investigated the association of early stressful life events and atopic eczema (AE) in children.


Sparse recovery is widely applied in many fields, since many signals or vectors can be sparsely represented under some frames or dictionaries. Most of fast algorithms at present are based on solving $l^0$ or $l^1$ minimization problems and they are efficient in sparse recovery. However, compared with the practical results, the theoretical sufficient conditions on the sparsity of the signal for $l^0$ or $l^1$ minimization problems and algorithms are too strict. \par
In many applications, there are signals with certain structures as piecewise sparsity. Piecewise sparsity means that the sparse signal $\mathbf{x}$ is a union of several sparse sub-signals, i.e., $\mathbf{x}=(\mathbf{x}_1^T,\ldots,\mathbf{x}_N^T)^T$, corresponding to the matrix $A$ which is composed of union of bases $A=[A_1,\ldots,A_N]$. In this paper, we consider the uniqueness and feasible conditions for piecewise sparse recovery. We introduce the mutual coherence for the sub-matrices $A_i\ (i=1,\ldots,N)$ to study the new upper bounds of $\|\mathbf{x}\|_0$ (number of nonzero entries of signal) recovered by $l^0$ or $l^1$ optimizations. The structured information of measurement matrix $A$ is used to improve the sufficient conditions for successful piecewise sparse recovery and also improve the reliability of $l_0$ and $l_1$ optimization models on recovering global sparse vectors.


With air traffic levels returning to the levels prior to September 11 and no increase in capacity, congestion and delays are increasing again. Information technology (IT) solutions are the first place carriers are turning to in response. A number of providers are supplying integrated packages to manage aircraft better in the airport environment. A joint study by the Federal Aviation Administration, NASA, and Northwest found a savings of 2,500 hours per year of outbound taxi time by using such tools. US airlines lose $3 billion annually to flight delays, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Airport software with simulation applications can help increase airport efficiency and capacity, and help reduce congestion. A study of FedEx's Memphis operation showed savings of 1.5 min. in taxi time per aircraft for a total of $10 million in fuel costs, using specific software. Delta recently employed IT solutions to smooth out peaks and valleys of takeoffs and arrivals of Delta aircraft at Atlanta, the world's busiest hub. The airline estimates a savings of $3.5 million in annual fuel costs and the equivalent of adding 19 aircraft, which have been freed up by the new efficiencies. Additional IT suites and approaches are also described.


Transportation agencies may review proposed projects that were not examined as part of the long range planning process. Typically, these projects require an immediate response and lack detailed data. This paper describes a methodology to assess such unplanned or "stand-alone" transportation projects and applies it to two case studies: a large development involving several major new highway sections and a pedestrian crossing of a four-lane arterial bisecting residential and commercial areas. The methodology specifies the trade-offs and uncertainties of the proposed stand-alone projects. For example, adding phasing to an existing signal resulted in a lower capital cost, and a lower feasibility of pedestrian use, than constructing an overpass. Yet, neither alternative assures crash risk is minimized because the extent of pedestrian compliance with traffic laws is not known. The outcome is thus a timely clarification of each alternative's advantages which can be compared to existing policies. Limitations are ...


The IWSLT 2015 Evaluation Campaign featured three tracks: automatic speech recognition (ASR), spoken language translation (SLT), and machine translation (MT). For ASR we offered two tasks, on English and German, while for SLT and MT a number of tasks were proposed, involving English, German, French, Chinese, Czech, Thai, and Viet-namese. All tracks involved the transcription or translation of TED talks, either made available by the official TED web-site or by other TEDx events. A notable change with respect to previous evaluations was the use of unsegmented speech in the SLT track in order to better fit a real application scenario. Thus, from one side participants were encouraged to develop advanced methods for sentence segmentation, from the other side organisers had to cope with the automatic evaluation of SLT outputs not matching the sentence-wise arrangement of the human references. A new evaluation server was also developed to allow participants to score their MT and SLT systems on selected dev and test sets. This year 16 teams participated in the evaluation, for a total of 63 primary submissions. All runs were evaluated with objective metrics, and submissions for two of the MT translation tracks were also evaluated with human post-editing.


The lethal effects of Staphylococcus aureus cultures on suckling mice free of coagulase has been demonstrated. Cultures subjected to boiling for 10 min (which destroyed both coagulase and α-hemolysin) were no longer lethal for mice. Heating cultures for ½ hr at 56°C destroyed both the hemolytic activity and lethal toxins for suckling mice.


The interconnections between community resilience and vulnerability are complex and fraught. They are also different in kind and scope from aspects of ecological resilience described in earlier chapters. Building on interviews conducted with community leaders and experts in 2014 and reported in chapter 6, this chapter highlights best practices that can be adapted to develop the resilience capacity of communities in Jamaica Bay and frames community resilience through a socio-ecological lens (see also chapters 1, 3).


Today there exist many programming models and platforms for implementing real-time stream processing systems. A decision in favor of the wrong technology might lead to increased development time an ...


This study analyzes the photographic treatment given to the victory of the Spanish National Team in the 2010 World Cup in the Spanish general press. For that, the images appeared in the Madrilenian edition of the three main newspapers -'El Pais', 'El Mundo' and 'ABC'- have been considered. By this method, the frequency of the presence of these images about this event has been checked. In addition, the main characteristics of those images, and their representative functions, as well as their symbolic value, have been analyze, emphasizing on the leading role of the flag and colour red as identity signs of this mediatic event.


Residual feed intake (RFI) is the preferred measurement for feed efficiency in beef cattle, but it is laborious to determine. Data from two experiments of growing bulls (test period durations of 56 and 63 days) were used to examine how a reduction in the number of times the animals were weighed and the shortening of the length of the observation period affect the reliability of the RFI determination. We introduce two easily understandable probability measures for assessing reliability. 'The consistency of the pair-wise ranks' gives the probability that the rank of any two animals compared remains the same when the amount of data is reduced. 'The consistency of the thirds' gives the probabilities that an individual animal will remain in the same, i.e., the lowest, middle, or highest, third of animals. The reliability of the results was not greatly affected when the weighing interval was reduced from one week to four weeks. However, shortening the test period resulted in a marked reduction in the reliability of RFI. If individual feed intake is automatically measured, the workload required for RFI measurements can most effectively be reduced by reducing the number of weighing times but keeping the duration of the test period long enough.


This paper provides a cooperative work system between human and manipulator using hand gesture instructions. The goal of our system is that the manipulator can work with humans in the same workspace according to the instructions of hand gestures. Our cooperative work system is composed of the manipulator, a PC and a trinocular stereovision hardware. Since the system has to recognize the position and posture of the hand in the three dimensional workspace, we use the trinocular stereovision hardware. The three dimensional positions of the hand and object are obtained through range images. The gesture is recognized based on the length and width of the hand. We propose the method in which the hand area is divided into two blocks in order to recognize the hand gesture rapidly. Through experimental results, we will show the effectiveness of our system.


The stability of Kerr frequency combs due to the combined effect of Kerr nonlinearity and the free-carrier effects in a Silicon racetrack microring resonator has been studied through numerical simulations at low temperatures.


In consideration of the special structure of cut-off walls and their typical geophysical environment, the finite element simulation and physical model test were performed on their electric field to verify the feasibility of the transverse profile resistivity method applied to the inspection of the quality of cut-off walls and the characteristics of and condition for its application. The research shows that the parallel resistivity sounding profiles perpendicular to cut-off walls provide the data of pseudo conductivity of the walls, which can reflect the distribution of leakage points in cut-off walls, and that the cut-off wall with high-resistivity, significantly different to that of the surrounding soil, can be generally inspected by the transverse profile resistivity method, and if necessary, other precise methods, such as the high-frequency elastic wave-based CT technology can also be taken for further inspection.


Since 2000, monetary policy in Indonesia started to use Inflation Targeting Framework (ITF). To evaluate the performance of the monetary policy, it requires efficiency indicators. The measurement of the efficiency of monetary policy is based on inflation and output variations. This paper formulates a method for measuring the efficiency of monetary policy and applies it in Indonesia. It finds that since the implementation of ITF, the efficiency of monetary policy has not changed significantly. However, the efficiency of monetary policy tends to increase after the full implementation of the ITF framework after 2005 than in the transition period of 2000-2005.


In this paper, we establish the existence theorems for weak cyclic  compatible contractions and cyclic compatible $M_{k}$-contractions. Our results extend and improve existing known results in \cite{KP1} as well as other results in the literature.  We provide examples to illustrate and support our main results.


We present 1.5 /spl mu/m CW GaInNAsSb/GaAs lasers with typical room temperature threshold densities below 600 A/cm/sup 2/, external efficiencies above 50% and output powers of 200 mW. Z-parameter measurements show these improvements are primarily due to reduced monomolecular recombination.


1 Department of Chemistry, University of Coimbra, 3004-535, Coimbra, Portugal 2 Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, 306 Cobleigh Hall,USA 3 Department of Chemistry, University of Paderborn, Warburger Str. 100, Paderborn, Germany 4 Physical Chemistry Division, Center of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, Box 124, 221 00 Lund, Sweden 5 School of Chemical and Physical Sciences, Victoria University, Wellington, New Zealand


Introduction: After caffeine, alcohol is the second most widely used psychoactive substance in the world. This work is based on the generation of recommendations basedon evidence relating to one of the topics of interest of one of the clinical questions reviewed in the CG, based on the effectiveness of 12-Step Therapy and self-help therapies in maintaining abstinence and generate change in the consumption pattern in adult patients with alcohol abuse or dependence. Objective: generate evidence-based recommendations on the treatment of adult patients with alcohol abuse or dependence by 12-step therapy and self-help techniques to reduce relapses and generate change in the pattern consumption.


In order to change the means of manual drawing of obstacle while planning or enlarging a civil aerodrome or clearance safety management of certain aerodrome,this paper identifies the calculating method of obstacle evaluation within the most complex conical surface by coordination exchanging based on the model of conical surface.The calculating method of this paper can be used in software development proved by the example of certain southwest civil aerodrome.


The Journal of Physical Chemistry is published by the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street N.W., Washington, DC 20036 Electrochemical and photoelectrochemical studies of excess electrons in liquid ammonia Allen J. Bard, Kingo Itaya, Richard E. Malpas, and Towfik Teherani J. Phys. Chem., 1980, 84 (10), 1262-1266• DOI: 10.1021/j100447a040 • Publication Date (Web): 01 May 2002 Downloaded from http://pubs.acs.org on February 13, 2009


To investigate potential physiological interactions between the transcellular and paracellular pathways of water transport, we asked whether targeted deletion of Aquaporin 5 (AQP5), the major transcellular water transporter in salivary acinar cells, affected paracellular transport of 4-kDa FITC-labeled dextran (FITC-D), which is transported through the paracellular but not the transcellular route. After i.v. injection of FITC-D into either AQP5 wild-type or AQP5−/− mice and saliva collection for fixed time intervals, we show that the relative amount of FITC-D transported in the saliva of AQP5−/− mice is half that in matched AQP5+/+ mice, indicating a 2-fold decrease in permeability of the paracellular barrier in mice lacking AQP5. We also found a significant difference in the proportion of transcellular vs. paracellular transport between male and female mice. Freeze-fracture electron microscopy revealed an increase in the number of tight junction strands of both AQP5+/+ and AQP5−/− male mice after pilocarpine stimulation but no change in strand number in female mice. Average acinar cell volume was increased by ≈1.4-fold in glands from AQP5−/− mice, suggesting an alteration in the volume-sensing machinery of the cell. Western blots revealed that expression of Claudin-7, Claudin-3, and Occludin, critical proteins that regulate the permeability of the tight junction barrier, were significantly decreased in AQP5−/− compared with AQP5+/+ salivary glands. These findings reveal the existence of a gender-influenced molecular mechanism involving AQP5 that allows transcellular and paracellular routes of water transport to act in conjunction.


Non-Noether symmetries and conservative quantities of nonholonomic nonconservative dynamical systems are investigated in this paper. Based on the relationships among motion, nonconservative forces, nonholonomic constrained forces and Lagrangian, non-Noether symmetries and Lutzky conservative quantities are presented for nonholonomic nonconservative dynamical systems. The relation between non-Noether symmetry and Noether symmetry is discussed and it is further shown that non-Noether conservative quantities can be obtained by a complete set of Noether invariants. Finally, an example is given to illustrate these results.


The problem of global food waste is critical to resolve – from the standpoint of both alleviating hunger and improving the environment by reducing carbon emissions and landfill usage. Successfully reducing food waste requires involving many stakeholders – both public and private – and galvanizing them to overcome barriers through positive action. This paper draws on lessons in stakeholder management from an impressive sustainability project involving multiple stakeholders – the implementation of the Velib' bicycle program in Paris – and applies them to the issue of reducing food waste at the local community level. The framework is a "start‐small" approach on which to build.


The use of digital tools has drastically increased in engineering education, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. These tools generate important ethical issues, in particular in terms of privacy and fairness. However, very few teacher training programmes address those topics, which means that teachers are often left to figure out by themselves how to address these issues when they want (or have) to use digital tools in their teaching. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to a pragmatic approach to the ethical design of learning experiences that involve digital tools using a visual thinking guide called a 'canvas'. Applied and hands-on, this workshop will help participants to develop a practical understanding of the specific ethical issues related to the use of digital tools in teaching and to integrate ethical reflection into design processes when digital technology is involved.


The Integrated Marine Propulsion System (IMPS) developed by I.H.I. is a special propulsion unit comprising a non-reversing medium-speed diesel engine combined with a single reduction gearbox incorporating the lubricating oil and cooling water pumps and the drives required for the main electric generator and a controllable pitch propeller. The advantage of this arrangement is that the CPP can be controlled directly from the bridge throughout the entire range of seagoing or manoeuvring conditions without overloading the engine or causing vibrations and overheating. The first IMPS units were developed to provide the I.H.I. Friendship and Freedom Mk II ship series with an economic propulsion system compatible with other features of these ships. This paper presents the design criteria of the system and describes the propeller requirements which have had to be taken into account in the development of the system. The results of tests and trials of the installation on board the first ship of the Friendship series are presented and discussed. Principal particulars of Friendship and Freedom Mk II ships are given in an Appendix to the paper.


Extensive work has been conducted over the last three years as part of a UK national project on the measurement of residual stress in components, in which over 250 individual X-ray diffraction tests were conducted to evaluate the sensitivity of XRD residual stress measurements to changes in the test set-up. These measurements provided information that enabled the uncertainty in the reported results to be evaluated for three different materials. The effect of changes in the test parameters is also shown, as is the variation in results obtained using different peak fitting routines.


In this thesis, we first propose an efficient and accurate protocol to detect congested road segments in a downtown area using VANETs. We refer to this protocol as the Efficient COngestion DEtection (ECODE) protocol. ECODE evaluates three different traffic characteristics of each road segment including traffic speed, traffic density, and the time required to travel the segment. In addition, we propose an intelligent, dynamic, distributed, and real-time path recommendations protocol. We refer to this protocol as Intelligent path reCOmenDation (ICOD) protocol. ICOD selects the path towards each destination in a hop-by-hop manner, which makes the turn decision at each road intersection more accurate and real-time. Different variants of ICOD are introduced that consider travel time, travel distance, fuel consumption, gas emissions, and context-awareness of each road segment parameters. Moreover, two traffic balancing mechanisms are proposed in this thesis to distribute traffic over the road network evenly, namely Bal-Traf and Abs-Bal. These mechanisms eliminate the highly congested road segment scenarios that are caused by the path recommendation protocol. Bal-Traf detects and eliminates the highly congested output road segment at each road intersection. However, Abs-Bal aims to keep the traffic density balanced among all output road segments at each road intersection. Finally, we propose an Intelligent Traffic Light Controlling (ITLC) algorithm to schedule the phases of each traffic light at isolated road intersections. This algorithm aims to decrease the queuing delay time of competing traffic flows and to increase the throughput of each signalized road intersection.


cots in the family Commeliaceae. The basic morphology of these plants appears to favor root-knot nematode development in aboveground plant parts. Leaves of both plants develop in the crown near the soil; they are large, 20-30 cm long, and densely arranged so that nematodes on younger leaves are protected from direct solar irradiation. The dense pubescent foliage, especially the convoluted young leaves, aid in retaining surface moisture, thus providing a favorable humid environment for nematode activity.


In this work we investigate the benefits of amorphous Multilayer (ML) deposition in Phase-Change Memory (PCM). Different ML stacks based on Ge1 Sb2 Te4 composition are developed and characterized by physico-chemical analyses, providing a spectacular demonstration of highly-textured crystalline layer after high thermal budget and of higher layer uniformity. ML PCM device performances are evaluated at statistical level in 16 kb arrays, showing a lower electrical parameters variability, best endurance results and lowest Bit Error Rate wrt equivalent bulk layer.


This article trys to summarize and analyse the public bidding supervision of Guangzhou building and municipal establishment design systematically to reveal the existing main problem ,and put forward the countermeasure suggestion on how to improve and optimize this situation.


Preceding vehicle distance estimation methods can be divided into two categories: width measurement-based and height measurement-based. Considering pitching and precision perspectives, width measurement-based is preferred. However, width measurement-based generally assumes that the actual width, various according to car model, is fixed and known. Such assumption is regarded as the major cause of estimation error. Recently, several previous researches have been conducted in order to improve the preceding vehicle distance estimation by fusing the two methods, that is by estimating the actual width. This paper shows that when the actual width estimation is applied to light blob detection-based nighttime vehicle detection and distance estimation, rear overhang causes significant errors. As a solution, least squares-based estimation considering the rear overhang is proposed and experimentally verified.


The present invention addresses the problem of providing a monocrystalline member with a stress layer formed in the interior and a monocrystalline substrate production method capable of easily producing a relatively large and thin monocrystalline substrate. A laser beam is focused on the interior of the monocrystalline member from the surface (10t) on the irradiated side of the monocrystalline member in order to form an internal modified layer monocrystalline member (11) having a two-dimensional stress layer (13u) extending parallel to the surface (10t) and separated from the surface (10t).


The weathering process occurs on the Earth's surface, especially in tropical climates, and causes the parent rock's mobilization of elements. Weathering is interesting because it is often associated with the enrichment of economic materials such as iron, alumina, and REEs. The weathering profile of Tertiary volcanic rocks is spread across tropical Sumatra. This study aims to describe REEs' kaolinization and mobilization process on the weathering profile of volcanic rocks in the east of Mandeh Peak, West Sumatra. XRF and ICP-MS devices are utilized to measure the abundance of major oxides, trace elements, and REEs. The increase in IOL is proven to occur in the same direction as weathering levels. A triangular diagram of SiO2-Al2O3Fe2O3T indicates kaolinization on weathering at Mandeh Peak. Feldspar and mica were prone to weathering and instantly turn into kaolinite in the early stages of weathering to explain the main oxide variations in weathering profiles. The weathering process has increased the amount of alumina and iron significantly relative to the parent rock. There is no REEs enrichment on any of the weathering horizons other than its composition on the parent rocks. Part of Ce is oxidized into Ce4+ and left on the saprolite horizon. This condition makes Ce's mobility in the direction of weathering level is different from other REEs.


The interference co-running tasks generate on each other's timing behavior continues to be one of the main challenges to be addressed before Multi-Processor System-on-Chip (MPSoCs) are fully embraced in critical systems like those deployed in avionics and automotive domains. Modern MPSoCs like the Xilinx Zynq UltraScale+ incorporate hardware Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms that can help controlling contention among tasks. Given the distributed nature of modern MPSoCs, the route a request follows from its source (usually a compute element like a CPU) to its target (usually a memory) crosses several QoS points, each one potentially implementing a different QoS mechanism. Mastering QoS mechanisms individually, as well as their combined operation, is pivotal to obtain the expected benefits from the QoS support. In this work, we perform, to our knowledge, the first qualitative and quantitative analysis of the distributed QoS mechanisms in the Xilinx UltraScale+ MPSoC. We empirically derive QoS information not covered by the technical documentation, and show limitations and benefits of the available QoS support. To that end, we use a case study building on neural network kernels commonly used in autonomous systems in different real-time domains. 2012 ACM Subject Classification Computer systems organization → Real-time system architecture


Visual ability is required for a number of professional activities. In the health care setting, nurses are charged for multiple and varied tasks, some of which involve visual demand. We present the case of a nurse with a rare metabolic disease, responsible of a severe visual impairment that posed a problem of aptitude at work.


- Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET) is comparatively a new paradigm of multi-hop wireless networking and has become popular. It is an essential part of the computing environment, consisting of infrastructure-less mobile networks. In MANET, each node communicates with other nodes directly or indirectly through intermediate nodes. The credit for the growth of ad-hoc network goes for its self-organizing and self-configuring properties. The nodes in the MANET are battery operated. Failure of some node's operation can greatly impede performance of the network and even affect the basic availability of the network, i.e., routing. Routing is an essential protocol in this field, because changes in network topology occur frequently. An efficient routing protocol is required to cope with highly fluid network conditions. Energy constraints are another big challenge in ad hoc wireless network design. These constraints in wireless network arise due to battery powered nodes which cannot be recharged. This becomes a bigger issue in mobile ad hoc networks because as each node is acting as both end system and a router at the same time, additional energy is required to forward packets. Hence this paper proposes Neural Network based Energy Efficient Cluster Head Selection and Routing Protocol (NECSRP)for MANET to optimize an energy efficient route between the source and the destination using neural network which is an emerging optimization algorithm. Finally, this paper concludes with comparing the proposed work with the various existing energy efficient routing protocols to ensure its effectiveness in improving the network life time by optimising the energy efficient route over the others. The simulation experiments are carried out using Glomosim simulator. an using A five layered feed forward neural network used to predict the final energy level of the individual nodes in the cluster. Node's competing for cluster head, residual energy and node's distance from the neighboring border applied as input to the ANN to optimise the cluster head. the results inferred the proposed NECSRP improves thenetwork life time of the work by introducing in the in proposed proposed protocol


The phase I Gametag (Global Atmospheric Measurements Experiment of Tropospheric Aerosols and Gases) aerosol measurements were designed to provide an initial assessment of the levels, types, and optical effects of tropospheric aerosols in remote marine and continental regions and to examine the possible causal relationships between the observed distributions and the dominant factors controlling aerosol population: chemical and physical transformations, source and sink strengths, and transport. We used size-number data to determine mass concentrations and to estimate extinction, using nominal optical properties. Filter and impactor data have been used to determine aerosol composition, and correlative aircraft measurements have been used to aid in our data interpretation. Our data have been used to generate latitudinal profiles along our Pacific flight tracks. Our continental measurements, in general, show bimodal aerosol size distributions that reflect different source for each mode. The aerosol population consists primarily of crustal aerosols with r ≥ 0.5 μm and sulfate and combustion aerosols with r < 0.5 μm, with only a minor sea salt component. Owing to vertical mixing, there are no qualitative differences between the boundary layer and the free troposphere. Our data indicate that crustal aerosols represent a significant component of a background tropospheric aerosol in western North America and suggest that the possible contribution of the crustal aerosol to extinction should not be ignored. Pacific marine measurements show a qualitative difference between the boundary layer and the free troposphere. The boundary-layer aerosol population is dominated by a bimodal sea spray aerosol; optical effects and mass concentration are dominated by a mode with a volume mean radius of ∼1 μm. Our measurements show only a small crustal component of the marine boundary-layer aerosol. Our data indicate a loss of Cl from the sea spray aerosol, with the greatest loss in the small particles. We have inferred a background concentration of 0.2 ppbm for our measured particles that does not appear to be directly related to the sea spray aerosol. We have identified some of these particles as locally produced secondary aerosols; simultaneous measurements of gaseous species support this interpretation. Our Pacific free tropospheric aerosol measurements show a highly variable aerosol component, with local variations in concentration by 1 order of magnitude within a few kilometers. Our measured total aerosol and crustal component concentrations show a general decrease from north to south. Our lowest mean mid tropospheric concentration was seen south of 20°S; we have identified this mean concentration of 0.08 ppbm as a midtropospheric background aerosol.


In this thesis, a multimodal biometric, secure encrypted data and encrypted biometric encoded into the QR code-based biometric-passport authentication method is proposed for national security applications. Firstly, using the Extended Profile - Local Binary Patterns (EP-LBP), a Canny edge detector, and the Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) algorithm with Image File Information (IMFINFO) process, the facial mark size recognition is initially achieved. Secondly, by using the Active Shape Model (ASM) into Active Appearance Model (AAM) to follow the hand and infusion the hand geometry characteristics for verification and identification, hand geometry recognition is achieved. Thirdly, the encrypted biometric passport information that is publicly accessible is encoded into the QR code and inserted into the electronic passport to improve protection. Further, Personal information and biometric data are encrypted by applying the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and the Secure Hash Algorithm (SHA) 256 algorithm. It will enhance the biometric passport security system.


In this study, a new cylindrical shell superelement with trigonometric shape functions is developed. This element is formulated based on the classical theory of shells, and it is especially designed for coupled-field analysis of thin cylindrical vessels or tubes made of composite materials. As a case study, a thermo-mechanical analysis of a thin composite cylinder is conducted. By invoking to the uniform and non-uniform meshing, the deformation and the stress results are calculated and compared with the analytical solutions. At the end, the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed superelement is also depicted via comparison of the corresponding results with the ones which are calculated by means of shell elements and via a commercial software package.


Studies were conducted to estimate at what powers the B, D, DR, F, and H Reactors will be limited by slug rupture frequencies after completion of project CG-558. Various approaches were used in the calculations. Methods of raising the reactors to the optimum power levels in a manner so as to protect against the possibility of an excessive number of slug ruptures were studied. This report discusses these studies and presents the conclusions drawn.


Background As adolescence is a transition period from childhood to adulthood malnutrition occurring at this age resonates through generations. Although there were many individual studies in Ethiopia about different form of malnutrition among adolescent, their results are inconclusive indicating the need for generating a pooled estimate of adolescent nutritional status and associated factors. This review and meta-analyses aimed at estimating the pooled prevalence of different forms of malnutrition and associated factors among adolescents in Ethiopia. Method and materials We searched data bases from Pub Med, Cochrane Library, Health Inter Network Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), Science Direct and search engines; Google and Google Scholar and other sources; Reference of References and expert contact which were used to select the studies. Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal tool was applied to identify eligible studies. STATA/SE V.14 was used to analyze the data. Effect size with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and heterogeneity were estimated. Heterogeneity of studies was quantified with I2 statistic >50% used as an indicator of heterogeneity. Potential publication bias was assessed using Funnel plots and Egger's regression test. Trim and fill analysis was also performed. The presences of a statistical association between independent and dependent variables were declared at P <0.05. The PROSPERO registration number for the review is CRD42020159734. Results The pooled prevalence of overweight/obesity, stunting and thinness were 10.63% (95% CI: 8.86, 12.40), 20.06% (95% CI: 15.61, 24.51) and 21.68% (95% CI: 9.56, 33.81), respectively. Being female (OR: 2.02, CI: 1.22–3.34), low dietary diversity score (OR: 2.26 CI: 1.28–3.99) and high physical activity (OR: 0.36, 95%CI: 0.14–0.88) were significantly associated with adolescent overweight/obesity. Urban residence (OR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.68–0.99), protected drinking water source (OR: 0.50, CI: 0.27–0.90) and having family size<5 people (OR: 0.54, CI: 0.44–0.66) were independent predictors of adolescent stunting. Early adolescent age (10–14 years) (OR: 2.38, CI: 1.70–3.34), protected water source for drinking (OR: 0.36, CI: 0.21–0.61), low wealth index (OR: 1.80, CI: 1.01–3.19) and family size <5 people (OR: 0.50, CI: 0.28–0.89) were significantly (P < 0.05) associated with adolescent thinness. Conclusion The prevalence of overweight/obesity, stunting and thinness are high in Ethiopian adolescents indicating the upcoming challenge of double burden of malnutrition. The results imply the presence of double burden of malnutrition among adolescents which heralds the need for programmatic and policy response in terms of addressing modifiable risk factors including: dietary practices, physical activity, water source and economic status of these adolescents.


The implementation of 5G technology is expanding well beyond traditional mobile phone applications and paving the way for the internet of everything (IoE). Sustained deployment of high-speed communication systems is contingent on the utilization of higher frequencies and wider bandwidths. For IC packaging designs, these trends mandate higher signal speeds and lower transmission losses. Hence, leading-edge communication modules require chip substrates with better electrical performance, finer traces, and thinner layers to enhance signal speeds. In addition to low transmission loss characteristics, assembly-level reliability is becoming increasingly important for IC substrate materials. A promising option for creating, high-performance, multi-layer substrates is the use of a resin-coated copper foil (RCC) construction to create thinner routing layers on one or both sides of a core material. The RCC approach eliminates glass-cloth in the insulation material, enabling thinner layers. One of the primary requirements for successful implementation of this approach is the development of a complimentary substrate material. Toward this objective, the researchers developed a new highly temperature resistant, ultra-low dielectric system based on a unique Polyphenylene Ether (PPE) polymer which exhibits excellent dielectric properties and enables high-density multi-layer substrate constructions, including fine via pitches and very thin circuit layers. This paper describes the formulation development, as well as testing on mechanical and electrical properties, multi-layer formation, manufacturability, and reliability of substrate test vehicles made with this resin system.


The health emergency arising from COVID-19 has completely altered the lives of the world's inhabitants, the educational system being one of the hardest hit by this pandemic. In this way, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Education has rethought the constructivist pedagogical model that was regularly used at the initial, basic and high school levels, adopting as an alternative a collectivist approach that uses technological resources whose scenario is cyberspace in order to continue with the educational process. This methodology has presented strengths and weaknesses for all the actors of the educational task themselves that will be analyzed in this writing. One of the greatest benefits is the interruption of the educational process, since one of the characteristics of virtual teaching is the absence of time and space since it is asynchronous. However, along the way there have been obstacles that have not allowed normal development and easy access to resources that favor the acquisition of meaningful learning. Among these limitations are: the lack of training in ICT management, the absence of connectivity due to various factors, among others.


To enhance the secrecy and security of frequency hopping and direct sequence spread spectrum systems,a family of FH/SS sequences based on IDEA is proposed in this paper.Simulation and analysis results show that the proposed FH/SS sequences have better performance in uniformity,independence,correlation;complexities compared with the common chaotic sequences and are more suitable for actual FH/SS systems.


It describes an inductive coupling for use in a downhole environment. For use in a downhole environment includes examples defining an inductive coupling body cavity and are placed in the cavity of a magnetic material. Examples of said inductive coupler further comprises a magnetic material adjacent the coil, the coil is formed by a large number of turns of wire; a first metal and coupled to the chamber body to close the cover. The metal cover is electrically coupled to the electrically conductive surface to form a continuous body surrounding the cavity of the substance.


Fractal shape is a structure that has been formed by broken curve. Its application in antenna theory is in design of small antenna, multi-band antenna and fractal array antenna. This paper presents the design of Minkowski loop Yagi antenna based on Matlab simulation at 880-960 MHz band. Minkowski loop is introduced into the antenna structure intended to reduce the antenna size. Rao-Wilton-Glisson (RWG) basis functions and delta-gap feed model are used to create a system of moment equations in Matlab simulation. The designed antenna has good return loss at the whole band. And the antenna gain is between 10 dBi and 11.2 dBi. Compared to square loop Yagi antenna which works at the same band, its size is reduced 34.5%.


The analysis of the scientific problems on combating crimes committed by organized groups and criminal organizations formed on an ethnic basis, necessitates further research of ethnic crime in Ukraine and the world in general. Formation of a multi-pronged mechanism to counter organized group and criminal organizations formed on ethnic basis is impossible without understanding the essence of this problem, relevant legal concepts and classification and allocation of features of organized ethnic crime, which are important for law enforcement and the State. The security of citizens and the integrity of the State from criminal encroachments of organized groups and criminal organizations formed on an ethnic basis is a key and effective factor of such activities. Having studied foreign experience and conducted a constructive analysis of the approaches of different countries to combating crimes committed by organized groups and criminal organizations formed on an ethnic basis, it should be noted that in recent decades the world has changed the approaches to determining the nature and essence of this phenomenon, as well as the concept of law enforcement agencies to combat organized ethnic crime. Namely, a number of European countries do not keep open statistics on the ethnic origin of criminals; just some law enforcement agencies keep record of such types of crime as trafficking in human, weapons, drugs, etc. Other States keep statistics only on the origin of convicts and prisoners in penitentiary institutions; some countries compare only the number of convictions in criminal proceedings, etc. On the basis of the comparative study of the experience of European countries in combating crimes committed by organized groups and criminal organizations formed on an ethnic basis, the opportunities to implement positive foreign experience in the work of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine were considered. It was noted that the importance of our scientific study lies, first of all, in that law enforcement agencies involved in combating organized groups and criminal Věda a perspektivy No 7(7) 2021 ISSN 2695-1584 (Print) ISSN 2695-1592 (Online) 95 organizations formed on an ethnic basis, have the opportunity to get an idea of this negative phenomenon.


Negative ion-based inductively coupled plasma sources operate in a high RF power and HV environment for plasma production and beam transport. Due to plasma power coupling dynamics, RF power mismatch causes large reflected fields which affect all the diagnostic signals, degrading the signal to noise ratio. In addition to RF disturbances, during the beam extraction and acceleration, the diagnostic signals are also prone to suffer during HV breakdowns due to high dV/dt fast switching of the HV system. The breakdowns cause the generation of HV transients which in turn disturb the entire signal referencing system. Such an operational environment poses challenges for front end electronics design for low voltage signals like the one from thermocouple sensors, which are some of the most important diagnostic elements in such sources. The surface-mounted thermocouples referenced to floating potential pick up noise from HV transients and RF noise. A signal conditioning system is therefore needed to arrest the noise sources and provide clean signals for the acquisition and control system. Such signal conditioning needs specific RF filters and PCB design. Special attention is also required for shielding and grounding to help reduce noise interference. The present work discusses the measurements in light of the improvements made to the front end electronics for the thermocouples used on the ROBIN RF-based negative ion source test bed. The source operates at 1 MHz RF and with HV power supplies rated at 11 kV 35 A for extraction and 35 kV 15 A for acceleration. Mismatch fields of the order of 90 V/m have been observed. The overall signal chain from field to presentation layer shall be presented with the measures undertaken to solve the noise interference.


Abstract With funding from the UK's Royal Academy of Engineering, the University of Edinburgh has developed a set of three truly interdisciplinary group design exercises aimed at improving penultimateyear undergraduate students' ability to work across disciplines and improve their preparation for transfer into industry. Three exercises on hydropower system design, potable water supply and a microsystem accelerometer are each designed and led by a Visiting Industrial Professor. The group design exercises are both challenging and popular with students and have achieved several very successful outcomes: experience of real system design; enhanced appreciation of other engineering disciplines; experience of team working where participants have different skills and expertise; demonstration of the links between design and economic viability and introduction to non-technical areas essential to fulfilling the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence.


Abstract We explored the ability to discriminate between echolocation calls of 20 adult and 20 juvenile big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). Variables describing each call were entered into discriminant function analyses (DFAs) to assess the success of call separation by age, sex, and individual. In agreement with earlier findings of age-dependent differences in the echolocation calls of big brown bats, we could discriminate calls by age class (juvenile versus adult) with 75% correct classification by DFA. We were not able to separate calls by sex. For discrimination of individuals, we found 63% correct classification (compared with 2.5% expected by chance alone). Correct classification was significantly higher for adults than for juveniles (74% versus 69%), perhaps indicating that calls become more stable as a bat ages.


Fullerene (C60), which has a spherical p-electron system, shows interesting magnetic, superconductivity, electrical, and biochemical properties. It is not surprising then that fullerenes and their derivatives have attracted a lot of attention in recent years and have been successfully applied to materials science and biological technology. However, the application of fullerenes and their derivatives has been limited, owing to their low solubility in water and other frequently used solvents. Several approaches have been explored for preparing water-soluble fullerenes, such as carboxylic acid fullerene derivatives, amino acid fullerene derivatives, fullereneol, peptide and oligonucleotide functionalized fullerene derivatives, protein–fullerene conjugates, pendant fullerene polymers, main-chain fullerene polymers, and dendrimeric fullerenes. In addition, cyclodextrins and bridged bis-cyclodextrins as multifunctional molecular receptors can selectively bind a wide variety of organic, inorganic, [15] and dye guest molecules through hydrophobic interactions, forming host–guest inclusion complexes or nanometer supramolecular assemblies. Therefore, investigations on the molecular recognition and assembly or self-assembly of cyclodextrins and their derivatives are of current interest in chemical and biological systems. Besides, noncovalent supramolecular complexes based on cyclodextrins and fullerenes have been well documented, and the obtained results indicate that watersoluble cyclodextrin–fullerene complexes show unique photophysical and biological properties. Recently, our studies indicated that the resultant complexes of bis-cyclodextrins and pharmacy molecules significantly enhance both water solubility and biological activity of fullerene derivatives. Herein, we report a simple way to prepare a water-soluble fullerene assembly with a coordinated metal center through end-to-end intermolecular inclusion complexation of a dimeric cyclodextrin with a fullerene. Furthermore, the assembly behavior of this complex has been comprehensively


The directiospecificity and stereochemistry of the addition of nucleophiles (Me2NH, MeS⊖ and MeO⊖), of electrophiles (HCl and H3O⊕) and of the free radical C2H5S to Me2P(O)CCSMe and Et2P(O)CCSMe have been studied. The structural assignment of the adducts was based on PMR (Table II); coupling constants 2JPH in R2P(O)CHCYZ decrease with increasing electronegativity of Y and Z.


A double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (DAS-ELISA) for detecting avian influe- nza viruses was developed. In this method, the microplates were coated by IgG of rabbit polyclonal antibodies against AIV-H9 at the amount of 3.531 μg/mL. Primary antibody of Mab-7B4 with 1:800 dilution gave the best result. No cross-reaction was observed with NDV, IBV, and EDS-76V. All of these results showed that DAS-ELISA method is quick, and repeatable.


AIM: Rabies is one of the most typical zoonosis; the disease is endemic in Nigeria and remains an important public health issue. The disease is transmitted mainly through the bite of rabid animal and dog is very important because of the close relationship between humans and dogs. The aim of the study was to analyze the 4 year dog bite cases treated at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Medical Centre (UHC) Zaria, Nigeria. METHOD: A longitudinal study was conducted between 2008 and 2011. Relevant information were obtained using structured questionnaire, interview and participant's observation was used to study the ecology of the dogs. The medical and veterinary doctors were involved in the collection of the information. Data were analyzed with the aid of SPSS Version 17.0 and Chi square statistics was used to test for significance of association at P< 0.05.

RESULTS: A total of 132 cases of dog bite were recorded for the period of the study. Majority (35.4%) of the victims of the bite were within the age bracket of 1-10 years (mean age 25± 1.7 years, minimum age - 1 year and maximum age- 68 years), male: female ratio 1: 1.9 , 43.6% were staff family, The most common site of the bites was leg (35.2%). First aid treatment given to the victims before presentation at the hospital, were inadequate. Sixty (45.5%) of the victims were given treatment against rabies. 63.6% of the dogs involved in the biting were aged 1-4 years, 55% were not vaccinated against rabies, 81.8% were local breed of dog, 13.6% were stray dogs and the most common likely cause of the bites was provocation (54.5%).
CONCLUSION: Dog bite is a common medical condition seen in UHC, ABU Zaria. Factors such as poor vaccination of dogs by owners, high proportion of stray dogs, and poor first aid treatment of dog bite injuries, among others are of public health importance. There is need for intensive public enlightenment.


Matrix Metalloproteinases ‐12 (MMP‐12) deficiency diminishes the capacity to degrade extracellular matrix, but whether MMP‐12 inhibition post‐myocardial infarction (MI) is an effective therapeutic strategy has not been studied. Male C57BL/6J mice (3‐6 months old, n=60) were subjected to left coronary artery ligation. Saline or MMP‐12 inhibitor (MMP‐12i; 0.5 mg/kg/day) were delivered 3h post‐MI, and the mice were sacrificed at days 0 (no MI), 1 and 7 post‐MI. Infarct area was similar in the saline and MMP‐12i (p=0.70) groups, indicating similar initial injury. Survival rates were 33% for saline and 50% for the MMP‐12i (p=0.29). MMP‐12i group had 33±1% reduction in MMP‐12 activity at d1 post‐MI compared to the saline group (p<0.05). MMP‐12 inhibition worsened LV function at d7 post‐MI, as shown by larger LV volumes and decreased ejection fraction (all p<0.05). CD44, a cell adhesion molecule was 50±1% lower in RNA and protein levels in MMP12i group (both p<0.05). Hyaluronan (HA), a ligand of CD44, had reduced clearance at d1 and d7 post‐MI in MMP12i group. Accumulated HA increased levels of an apoptosis marker, caspase 3 at d7 post‐MI in the MMP12i group. Overexpression of caspase 3 leads to attenuated cardiac function post‐MI. In conclusion, MMP‐12 inhibition post‐MI reduced CD44‐HA interaction leading to increased apoptosis which resulted in LV dysfunction.


Safe and energy saving anode stubs with different diameters may evidently decrease the phenomena of stub's shaking after the ferro phosphorus is poured around the stubs and greatly reduce the falling off accidents of stubs in the process of electrolysis.


Metlıods: Between August 1993 and Februar y 1999, 65 patients who und erwent laparoscopic Nissen fun. doplication were studied preoperatively and posto peratively with 24-hour pH monitoring, esophageal manometry, video barium studi es of upper gast roin testi nal (GI) tract and upper endoscopy . The indicati on for su rgery was medically refractory disease in 76.9%, intolerance to medication in 9.3%, and con cern regarding the consequences of long term medi cal therap y in 13.8 %. Resıılts: Operative time for the laparoscop ic Nisse n fundopli cation ranged froın 65 minutes to 200 minu tes with an average of 103.3 minutes. The re was no conversion to an ope n procedure. There was one mortalit y from anesthesia comp lication. Median hos pital s tay was 3.13 days, decreasing from 5.0 in the first 10 pati ents to 2.3 in the !ast 10 patients. Although transien t postoperative dysphagia was comm on, no patient had persistent dysp hagia . Nissen Fundoplication provides an excellent symptomatic and physiologic outcome in patients with proven gastroesophageal reflux and typica l symp toms. This can be a safe, ef fective, threapeutic alternative in the ınanagement of gastroesophageal reflux disease.


Is Precise Point Positioning (PPP) a viable alternative to Differential GNSS (DGNSS) techniques? In this article we look at the current status of PPP and its potential.


The paper focuses on the importance of borders in the context of socio-economic inequality and its spatial aspects on the example of Czechia and Slovakia. Various types of borders (national, regional, historical, cultural) are taken into account. Studying importance of historical or functional borders has not yet been comprehensively studied even though it has direct political implications. From the international perspective, it is interesting to assess importance of national borders. Schengen zone and EU regional policy should have significant impacts on border regions and their socio-economic inequality. Moreover, the national borders are often said to be dissolving. Within the paper, we ask several questions: Are national boundaries important barriers or rather bridges? Is the regional development and specifically socio-economic inequality influenced by borders? How is this phenomenon evolving in time? The questions are answered through extensive empirical analysis in Czechia and Slovakia (due to size restrictions, Poland, Austria, and Germany were omitted from the analysis). To measure spatial aspects of differentiation and assessing border effects we use methods such as Theil index decomposition and spatial autocorrelation. We combine these two different approaches and show how its joint utilization can bring new insights to studying regional/spatial inequality, building on previous methodological research. Moreover, thanks to methods of local spatial analysis (local indicators of spatial association – LISA), we are able to uncover local specifics. Due to utilized methods, data must be on a spatially very detailed level, at least on a municipal one. Micro-regional research of this type is not very common, especially when studying several countries at the same time. For quantification of socio-economic inequality, secondary data accessible from public sources (censes in this case) such as unemployment rate, age preference index, and education are used. The period between 2001 and 2011 is studied. The results from the quantitative analysis should be a basis for subsequent intensive research looking for causalities.


Enlightened by stream medium technology,this paper proposes a method handling 3D terrain data in streaming way for real-time interaction based on network.At the beginning,a stable output depending on dynamic multi-resolution simplification algorithm is applied to get a series of fix-sized non-uniform elevation matrices.A streaming code based on DCT for terrain data is then introduced.The non-uniform elevation matrix is transformed by the code to frequency domain and results in a coefficient matrix.Then the result coefficient matrix is coded in a progressive format.Finally,together with QoS control,which is based on total system performance such as client CPU/rending capability and network traffic factors,the real-time interaction to massive terrain data through network is achieved.This stream processing method for terrain data also enriches traditional terrain interaction system by bringing features such as live or recorded interaction broadcasting,live interaction recording and editing.A sample program demonstrates different decode quantity of terrain scene for corresponding total system performance to achieve real-time interaction through network.


Objective: To study the causes of knee pain after tibial intramedullary nailing by reviewing the clinical data. Method: Review 129 cases (126 patients) who has been closed reduction and intramedullary nailing for tibial shaft fractures. Result: 17 cases had knee pain. Among them 4 were due to the end of nail protrusion, others were not known. There were no difference on reamed or unreamed and different nails which produced by different companies. The high rate was shown on the intra patella tendons approach(11/44) comparing para tendons approach (2/72). Conclusion: We recommend the para patella tendons approach and a further study on the postoperative knee pain for tibial intramedullary nailing.