The algebraic flux correction (AFC) paradigm is extended to finite element discretizations with a consistent mass matrix. It is shown how to render an implicit Galerkin scheme positivity-preserving and remove excessive artificial diffusion in regions where the solution is sufficiently smooth. To this end, the original discrete operators are modified in a mass-conserving fashion so as to enforce the algebraic constraints to be satisfied by the numerical solution. A node-oriented limiting strategy is employed to control the raw antidiffusive fluxes which consist of a convective part and a contribution of the consistent mass matrix. The former offsets the artificial diffusion due to 'upwinding' of the spatial differential operator and lends itself to an upwind-biased flux limiting. The latter eliminates the error induced by mass lumping and calls for the use of a symmetric flux limiter. The concept of a target flux and a new definition of upper/lower bounds make it possible to combine the advantages of algebraic FCT and TVD schemes introduced previously by the author and his coworkers. Unlike other high-resolution schemes for unstructured meshes, the new algorithm reduces to a consistent (high-order) Galerkin scheme in smooth regions and is designed to provide an optimal treatment of both stationary and time-dependent problems. Its performance is illustrated by application to the linear advection equation for a number of 1D and 2D configurations.


The forms of organization of the educational process used in distance learning in Buryat State University are reviewed in this article. So, the main forms of educational process applied in practice are: electronic lectures and its variety; consultations; seminar; projects; individual tasks (essays, abstracts, trainings); tests (online-testing, examinations, set-off).


wherein R, R2, R3, and R are independently alkyl groups containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R, R, R, and Rd are independently alkenyl or alkyl groups con taining from 2 to 6 carbon atoms with the proviso that at least one of Ra, Rb, Re, or Rd group is an alkenyl group; can be carried out directly in the presence of a phenolic resin. This in situ polymerization reaction results in the formation of a new family of polysilazox ane-modified phenolic resins. Modified phenolic resins may also be prepared by the controlled hydrolysis of the above monomers in the presence of initiators. The polysilazoxane so formed is blended into a phenolic resin. The organic soluble thermosetting resins exhibit synergistic char yields of 63 to 80 wt.% (1500 C./N2).


In a context of globalisation, one finds both opportunities and inequalities increasing in parallel. Aspirations are high, especially amongst young people, yet when frustrated, the result is increased violence, substance abuse and other actions and processes that demonstrate a sense of loss and futility. Education contributes to the building of aspirations, the 'capacity to aspire' to use Appadurai's phrase, yet there are inevitably factors that constrain young people from accessing education, be it at the level of family circumstances, the privatisation and selectivity of educational providers or state policy, as well as transitioning from education to employment. This open issue of Compare explores some of these complex questions and contradictions between individual success and social justice. How do young people negotiate the constraints and vulnerabilities they confront in fulfilling their aspirations? How are inequalities perpetuated both through social discrimination as well as through differences in the quality of educational provision? Are there models of transformative learning that can contribute towards social justice? Shawanda Stockfelt, in her paper 'Capital, agency, family and the Diaspora: an exploration of boys' aspirations towards higher education in urban Jamaica', discusses factors impacting on boys' educational aspirations at two case study schools in urban Jamaica. The paper focuses on boys' experience of their educational environment in relation to social, cultural and economic factors that shape the nature of their aspirations towards higher education. Using Bourdieu's notion of 'capital' to explore boys' aspirations over a 12-month period, the paper finds that boys' educational aspirations are complex and affected by their level of capital in relation to persistent narratives from family and the Jamaican diaspora within high-income countries like the UK, the USA and Canada. Davina Gateley, in her paper 'A policy of vulnerability or agency? Refugee young people's opportunities in accessing further and higher education in the UK', analyses the impacts of the UK Border Agency-funded integration programme for recognised refugees, the Refugee Integration and Employment Service (RIES), operated through voluntary-sector organisations nationwide. The findings of this small, qualitative study tentatively


Neuro-ophthalmicim pairments are commonin multiple sclerosis (MS). Previous reports have shown that contrast sensitivity (CS) may be the most sensitive measure of afferent visual disfunction in patients with MS, even while sparing visual acuity. OBJECTIVE: To investigate CS testing as a method for detection of visual disturbances in MS patients with or without clinical data of retrobulbar neuritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CS was measured in 24 patients divided into two groups as follows: 12 cases with clinical data of retrobulbar neuritis (ON+) and 12 without medical history of retrobulbar neuritis (ON-). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: CS was abnormal in 91, 7 % of the patients from the first group and in 83,3 % of the patients from the second group. Visuograms of mean CS's as a function of the spatial frequency in 30 normal subjects, 12 MS ON+ patients and 12 MS ON- patients. No statistically significant variations were established between the both investigated groups of MS patients. Our study confirms the previously reported abnormalities in CS curve in patients with normal and reduced visual acuity. This report proves the possibility of this test to benefit the earlier diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis and to improve the detection of latent visual deficit. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2008;40(1):75-77


Agency Theory and Work Incentives (by Maurizio Lisciandra) - ABSTRACT: This paper is an extensive review of agency theory applied to labour incentives. It introduces a generalised principal-agent model that goes through a certain degree of critical assessment. The analysis of the optimality within the trade-off of insurance against incentives is enriched by bringing in the contribution of established extensions and new approaches to the agency theory and, to a larger extent, labour incentives. Keywords: Agency Theory, Incentives, Labour Contracts


Traditional grammars classify words according to generic syntactic functions or morphological characteristics. For teaching humans and for descriptive linguistics this seemed sufficient. The advent of computers has changed the situation. Since machines are devoid of experiential knowledge, they need a more explicit grammar to handle natural language. Correlational Grammar is an attempt in that direction. The paper describes parts of correlational syntax and shows how a highly differentiated syntax can be used to establish word classes for which an intensional semantic definition can then be found. It examplifies this approach in two ares of grammar: predicative adjectives and transitive verbs. The classification serves to eliminate ambiguity and spurious computer interpretations of natural language sentences.


X-ray computed tomography (CT) imaging techniques in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) have seen increasing use in an array of industrial, environmental, military, and medical applications (Goebbels, et al., 1999). A brief overview and three diverse application studies of x-ray CT at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) will be discussed. (1) Bridge pins are fracture critical elements for some multi-span steel bridges. Recently, pins were removed from their hanger pin assemblies. These pins were selected for further examination by laboratory NDE techniques. High-energy x-ray radiography and CT were used to characterize these pins. (2) Cast light metals, aluminum and magnesium, are being used in an ever increasing number of applications to reduce automobile weight for improved gas mileage and lower emissions. After mechanical testing, the damage in notched Al-tensile test specimens was first determined using CT and subsequently by metallography analysis intended to benchmark the CT technique. (3) A computational approach to normal joint kinematics and prosthetic joint analysis offers an opportunity to evaluate and improve prosthetic joint replacements before they are manufactured or surgically implanted. Computed tomography data are combined with computational analysis to reveal regions where the joint design can be improved for better performance and longevity, prior tomore » expensive manufacturing, laboratory tests, and clinical evaluation.« less


In this paper, the spline element-free method is applied to compute the deflection and moment of the elastic foundation plate with various boundaries, and the corresponding computed formulas as well as the C language computer program are developed. Numerical examples show that the accuracy of the method used in the foundation plate problem is satisfactory. Therefore, it is reasonable and feasible for using the spline element-free method in the plate bending problems.


This paper presents a small printed-circuit antenna, which is well suited for ultra-wideband and dual-polarized applications. By exciting six fundamental-mode resonance frequencies and utilizing their respective harmonics, a broadband operation is achieved covering a frequency range between 4.6 and 13.6 GHz with a VSWR less than 2.2 and a gain better than 2 dBi. The design is verified by commercially available software and measurements


Preclinical evidence supports targeting the C5a receptor (C5aR) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To support ongoing clinical development of an anti‐C5aR monoclonal antibody, we have investigated for the first time the mechanism of action and the pharmacodynamics of a blocking anti‐murine C5aR (anti‐mC5aR) surrogate antibody in mouse collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). First, efficacy was demonstrated in a multiple‐dose treatment study. Almost complete inhibition of clinical disease progression was obtained, including reduced bone and cartilage destruction in anti‐mC5aR‐treated mice. Then, the mechanism of action was examined by looking for early effects of anti‐mC5aR treatment in single‐dose treatment studies. We found that 48 h after single‐dose treatment with anti‐mC5aR, the neutrophil and macrophage infiltration into the paws was already reduced. In addition, several inflammatory markers, including tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐17A were reduced locally in the paws, indicating reduction of local inflammation. Furthermore, dose‐setting experiments supported a beneficial clinical effect of dosing above the C5aR saturation level. In conclusion, these preclinical data demonstrated rapid onset effects of antibody blockade of C5aR. The data have translational value in supporting the Novo Nordisk clinical trials of an anti‐C5aR antibody in rheumatoid arthritis patients, by identifying potential biomarkers of treatment effects as well as by providing information on pharmacodynamics and novel insights into the mechanism of action of monoclonal antibody blockade of C5aR.


We present spatially resolved X-ray spectroscopy of the X-ray-Iuminous cluster of galaxies, PKS 0745 - 191, using observations made with the ASCA and ROSAT satellites. The X-ray data measure the temperature, density and metallicity of the intra cluster medium (ICM) as a function of radius, and determine the total mass profile within ~ 1.5 Mpc of the cluster centre. TheASCA data show that the central ICM is significantly multiphase. The spectral and imaging X-ray data confirm that PKS 0745 -191 contains one of the largest known cooling flows, with a mass deposition rate of ~ 1000 Mo yr- 1 • We also report the discovery, from optical studies, of a bright, gravitationally lensed are, at a redshiftz arc = 0.433, in the cluster. This result identifies PKS 0745 -191 as the lowest redshift cluster (zclus=0.1028) known to exhibit gravitational lensing. The properties of the lensed source are consistent with an Sab galaxy with ongoing star formation. The cluster mass, determined from lensing arguments, is in excellent agreement with the value determined from a multiphase analysis of the X-ray data. This contrasts with previously reported results for the clusters Abell 1689 and 2218, for which discrepancies of ~ a factor 2 in the lensing and X-ray masses are inferred.


The invention windshield device (16) (wind-deflector element), the wiper lip 18 and the wiper strip element (14) (wiper strip element), the wiper blade (12) with a wiper strip unit (12) having a It is associated, in this case the wiper strip element and a support element 20 in the longitudinal guide channel 24 for the. According to the invention, the wiper strip element 14 forms a single shaped coupling part (interlocking connection) of the windshield with the element 16 in the mounted state.


The effect of electric field assisted annealing on the microstructure, composition and ionic conductivity properties in CeO2/YSZ oxide heterostructures have been investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Amorphization–recrystallization steps were performed with and without external electric field of strength 10 MV/cm along three different orientations: in-plane (YZ), normal (X) and 45° resultant (XY) with respect to the oxide heterointerfaces. The microstructural and compositional differences at the interfaces and in the interior of the oxide heterolayers were evaluated and were found to show a clear correlation with the orientations of the applied field. In particular, the XY configuration displayed a compressive lattice strain of ∼9% along with a reduced oxygen vacancy concentration when compared to the others. Ionic density profiles suggest pronounced segregation (∼60% higher compared to the average value in the interior) of yttrium ions closer to the YSZ/CeO2 interface for the XY configuration. Other configurations exhibit minimal to no such variations. These microstructural differences are found to affect the number of mobile charge carriers and the activation barriers associated with ionic migration through the oxide lattice and consequently, influence the ionic conductivity.


Networks lie at the heart of social organization and are central to the emergence and perpetuation of adversarial threats. Complex interactions between evolving network topologies and dynamic socio-cultural processes present immense challenges for countering such threats. This interdisciplinary MURI was positioned at the interface between social, mathematical and computational approaches to networks with goals of developing (1) stable metrics for inferring network structures, (2) forecasting dynamical social and information processes on networks, and (3) predicting the outcomes of network interventions. Major progress was made in measuring and modeling spatio-temporal event patterning in relation to network structures, event inference on networks, community detection and classification, processes of network formation, information spread and dynamical games on graphs, and experimental manipulation of social networks in laboratory settings. The MURI was grounded in empirical data on human activity patterns, crime event patterning, social media processes and observations collected through controlled laboratory and online experimental platforms.


Topical use is the main advantage for dermatological therapy due to the outer-layer features of skin. Consequently, numerous preparations are available for the dermatosis. However, the efficacy evaluation of different preparations accurately is always very difficult. Psoriasis is a common skin condition characterized by persistent erythematous scaly plaque. It is estimated about 3% population suffered from this notorious calcitrant disease. The traditional and accepted method (until now it is also popular in practice).


This study investigates the effects o f income diversification strategies in rural Kenya. It focuses on the non-farm activities and poverty in Tetu division, Nyeri district. The study is based on both primary and secondary data. Secondary data was obtained through reviewing relevant literature while primary data was collected using quantitative and qualitative approaches. A survey was conducted in the sampled households through interviews using questionnaires. Also, key informants and chronically poor households were interviewed and the observation method was used where appropriate. The findings o f the study show that the types of non-farm activities that are carried out in the study area vary with households socio-economic characteristics such as income and education. Also, participation in the activities was found to relate with a households poverty status. The chronically poor households participate in non-farm activities that earn them very low incomes and are inadequate in uplifting them from the poverty status. In line with the findings, the study makes recommendations for promotion o f the rural non-farm sector and productive activities. This can be achieved by addressing factors that hinder households' participation in productive activities through interventions such as easing access to credit, and promoting acquisition of skills in entrepreneurship and education beyond the primary level. Rural development efforts should strive to balance attention to both the farm and non-farm sector and foster productive linkages. The study also recommends development and implementation of strategies that will help the chronically poor households participate in activities that have a potential of uplifting them from the poverty status effectively. Such activities should yield high and stable incomes. Antipoverty programmes should identify the specific needs of the chronically poor and target them.


The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of abnormal alveolar bone in children and adolescents. Radiographs of 1026 patients were classified as showing negative, questionable, or positive evidence of abnormal alveolar bone resorption, based on criteria that included the distance between the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone and the integrity of the alveolar crest. Approximately 9% of this population showed evidence of abnormal bone resorption related to periodontitis, proximal decay, stainless steel crowns, and pulp pathosis. The highest prevalence for children aged 4-11 years was 17.9% at age 7, whereas for adolescents aged 15-17 it was almost 7%. The most affected sites were found between the molars in the primary dentition and mesial to the first molar in the permanent dentition. The maxillary bone was more affected than the mandibular with the exception of sites where the alveolar defect was adjacent to proximal decay in the primary molars. These findings indicate that bite-wing radiographs should be examined for the early diagnosis of periodontal disease in children and adolescents.


In this study, we have investigated a non-toxic, lead-free perovskite solar cell that follows a planer organic-inorganic hybrid architecture and realized using device simulation software. We have discussed about the influence of carrier lifetime and absorber doping density in the perovskite absorber layer on the solar cell's performance. Moreover, a study regarding the influence of carrier's mobility in the perovskite layer on performance is also shown. Simulation results show an improved short circuit current density (Jsc) of 24.64mA/cm2, open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 0.89V, fill-factor (FF) of 62.75%, power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 13.80% through optimization. This work is expected to provide a route towards the development of eco-friendly perovskite solar cells.


NEUROLOGY INDIA Vol. XVIII No. 2, June 1970 pp 86-100 The Brain and Meninges in Tuberculosis Meningitis‐Gross Pathology in 100 Cases and Pathogenesis DARAB K DASTUR2, V. S. LALITHA2, P. M. UDANI3 and USHA PAREKH3 2Neuropathology Unit, 3Pediatric Centre, J J Group of Hospitals and Grant Medical College, Byculla, Bombay 8 1Paper presented at the XII International Congress of Pediatrics at Mexico, December 1968


In this study, we focus on the boundary control problem for a vibrating string system with saturated input under the condition of external disturbances. Based on the backstepping approach, a boundary vibration control scheme is proposed to globally stabilize the string around the equilibrium position. A smooth hyperbolic tangent function is exploited to restrict the control input, an auxiliary system and a Nussbaum function are adopted to cope with the nonlinear term derived from the input saturation, and a disturbance observer is employed to tackle the boundary disturbance. The developed controller can assure the convergence of the closed‐loop system state to a small neighbourhood of zero. By the appropriate choice of control design parameters, numerical simulation is conducted to show the effectiveness of the derived control.


Spatial analyses focus to a large extent on the 'bright side of proximity', namely voluntary (positive-sum) interactions such as, e.g., in trade and innovation. In contrast, the violent 'dark side of proximity' has often been overlooked. To address this gap, we study the role of spatial proximity in ethnic conflict, developing a structural model of spatial violence in which ethnic groups recruit fighters strategically across space. The spatial decay of violence determines the equilibrium placement of fighters and drives specific spatial patterns of conflict. The structural parameters of the model are estimated using fine-grained data on ethnic groups and violence from 24 ethnically divided countries. We find that in more than half of these, spatial decay is substantial: half of all ethnic violence dissipates after 350km. Violence is asymmetric, is higher near ethnic borders and typically originates from outside a location. Counterfactual estimates suggest that setting up barriers would reduce violence but pacifying groups suffering from grievances would often be more effective.


Collision warning systems (CWS) lower the risk of rear-end collisions by alerting drivers of imminent impacts (e.g., by sound). However, if warnings are perceived to be too far ahead of possible collisions, drivers may view them as annoying and gradually respond to them more slowly or even ignore them altogether. A possible solution is to let drivers set time-to-collision (TTC) thresholds themselves. This solution, however, to the best of our knowledge, has never been studied. Twenty six drivers used a smartphone-based CWS with an adjustable threshold on their daily trips. They were informed that they were allowed to change the warning threshold if they wished to do so. Their time-stamped acceleration and warnings were recorded. We aimed to test whether drivers who set the threshold comply more with warnings afterwards. We found that only three drivers changed the threshold and that the majority of drivers reported that they were content with the default threshold. In future studies we will examine whether the default TTC was indeed acceptable to most drivers or maybe it is the "power of default" that makes drivers refrain from customizing their CWS.


Propagation loss modeling of radio wave for various situations is still gaining great attention from researchers. Most of these studies focus on cellular communication characterized by high base antenna hight. Low antenna height with short propagation range in rural area is one specific case that has not been completely investigated. The authors find that there are inadequate investigations in the open literature regarding simple and high prediction accuracy models that particularly address the lower UHF band (300-800 MHz) with low antenna height conditions. In this paper, the measured results of propagation loss at lower UHF band with low antennas are reported. We present a propagation loss model, to fill the research gap particularly associated to short range propagation conditions. The method of regression analysis of the measured data is used to obtain the parameters of the proposed model. Our proposed model is proved to well reproduce the propagation loss versus frequency and distance at lower UHF band. The root mean square error for measured versus predicted propagation loss is within 7 dB. Thus, the proposed propagation loss model is suitable for radio communication system planning assessment or design.


Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate an average ratio between specific soft tissue parameters of the face among the young adult population of Karad, Maharashtra. The soft tissue parameters gauged in the present study are inner canthal distance, outer canthal distance, alar base width and distance between the corners of the mouth. Rationale: The average ratio of soft tissue parameters of the face can act as a guideline for effective treatment of teeth and dento facial structures as well as soft tissue outlines. Materials and Methods: 1,786 young adults aged between 18 and 20 years from Karad city were initially screened, out of which 1,000 were selected on the basis of the inclusion criteria. The fronto-facial photographs of the selected subjects were captured using a digital camera. The selected facial soft tissue parameters were digitally measured, and the data were subjected to statistical analysis. Result: The values of the parameters measured were marginally more in males; however, the ratio among the parameters was similar in both the sexes. The average ratio between the inner canthal distance, alar base width and distance between corners of the mouth was found to be 1:1.3:1.7, and the average ratio etween the outer canthal distance, alar base width and distance between the corners of the mouth was found to be  2.3:1:1.3 . Conclusion: The different parts of the human face exist in certain proportions. Establishing the ratio between these parameters is important to facilitate proper diagnosis and treatment planning for the specific population. KEYWORDS: Facial measurements, Golden proportions, Digital photography


This paper describes a new control strategy of the parallel resonant DC link power converter called voltage peak control (VPC). VPC limits the link voltage to twice the DC link voltage. The strategy eliminates the need for additional power electronic components to clamp the link voltage. The operation of the resonant link is described highlighting the factors that influence the link voltage peak. The paper describes how control of the link voltage peak is possible by appropriate timing of power converter switching. The VPC strategy is implemented in a parallel resonant DC link power converter and simulations with the VPC strategy turned on and turned off are compared. Finally, experimental verification of the VPC strategy and measurements of switching losses are presented. It is concluded that the switching losses are low and the link voltage peak can be controlled without additional clamp circuits using VPC.<<ETX>>


Various modalities are applied for pathological diagnosis of malignant biliary strictures (MBS), including brush cytology (BC), forceps biopsy (FB) and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). We aimed to assess the value of these modalities in a repeated tissue acquisition process for biliary strictures with initially inconclusive pathological outcomes.


The electron localization in 1T-TaS 2 is studied by means of the analysis of the non-Ohmic conduction which is observable below liquid N 2 temperature. By correlating the electric field dependences of the conductivity, Hall coefficient and magnetoresistance with their temperature dependences it is found that an electric field has the effect of raising an electron temperature (hot-electron effect). The non-Ohmic conduction due to the electron heating mechanism is highly suggestive for the existence of the weakly localized states. The inelastic scattering length which determines the rise of the electron temperature is estimated. It shows the temperature dependence proportional to T -1/2 above 15 K, whereas it is almost T -independent below 15 K. This may possibly be interpreted as a gradual change of the mechanism of the non-Ohmic conduction associated with a crossover towards stronger localization as the temperature is lowered.


Using flow-cytometry, the DNA content of the cells in 5 samples of normal salivary tissues, 36 cases of benign salivary tumors and 50 cases of parotid carcinoma was analysed. The results showed that the differences of DI and PI among different ages, sexes, tumor sizes, and TNM stages were not significant (P0.05). The DI and PI of poorly differentiated parotid carcinomas were much higher than those of well differentiated parotid carcinomas (P0.05). The DI and PI were closely related to the lymph node metastasis (P0.001). The DI and PI of carcinomas with paralysis of facial nerves and with disease-free period less than 5 years were remarkably higher than those of carcinomas with non-kivo-Ived facial nerves and with disease-free period more than 5 years (P0.01). The abovementioned results indicated that the DI and PI can reveal the cell proliferative kinetic characteristics and they also provide reliable and objective parameters for assessing degree of differentiation grade of malignancy, bilolgical behavior and prognosis of parotid carcinomas.


[Objective]To construct an expression plasmid of a short hairpin RNA targeting Survivin,and investigate its effect on the expression of Survivin,the proliferation and the apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cell line MG-63 in vitro.[Method]A plasmid of a short hairpin RNA targeting Survivin was constructed,and it was transfered into MG-63 cell line by dosper liposomal method.Morphological change of tumor cells was observed under invert microscope.The expression of Survivin mRNA and protein were examined by RT-PCR and Weston-blot method respectively.The inhibition of the cell proliferation was estimated by MTT method and the colony forming test.The apoptotic cells were stained by acridine orange.[Result]The number of drift cells was increased after transfection,Survivin shRNA could significantly reduce the expressions of Survivin mRNA and protein.The expression of Survivin mRNA and protein after transfection was respectively inhibited by 85.08% and 81.14%,Survivin shRNA also inhibit the growth of the cell by MTT method and the inhibition rate reached 63.41% at 48 h,the apoptosis rate of the cells in the transfected group was 24.54%.[Conclusion]Survivin shRNA could significantly reduce the expressions of Survivin mRNA and protein and inhibit the proliferation of the MG-63 cell,and increase the apoptosis of the cells.


This experimental study aims at investigating the influences of buoyancy on the characteristics of turbulent free jets. Concentration and velocity measurements are carried out in vertically up or down jets of He, CO2 and air into still air. As a result, it is clear that the distance from the nozzle outlet to the starting point of the buoyant jet region depends upon the Froude number, and that, in the case of a large difference in density between the jet and the surroundings, the axial and radial distributions of concentration and velocity are different because of the interaction of the momentum and mass diffusion.


Research on the location of sea-sky line under infrared complicated sea-sky background has the important value to improve the capability of far target recognition. In a real sea-sky background infrared image, the sky and the sea normally appear in the form of different changes of grey-level on account of their different infrared radiation and reflection characteristics. So we can use the background complex degree to differentiate between the sky region and the sea region. In our method, an operator is employed to calculate the background complex degree of image. By filtering original infrared image with the operator, the grey-level contrast between the sky region and the sea region can be stronger than original image. After the complex degree calculation, the edge detection with only row directional gradient and Hough transform are utilized in succession, the sea-sky line can be located. Some typical sea-sky background infrared images are selected to validate our proposed method. The experimental results indicate that our sea-sky line location method is robust.


Submitted for the GEC10 Meeting of The American Physical Society Study on expansion of electron sheath and breakdown in it YEONG-SHIN PARK, DA-HYE CHOI, KYOUNG-JAE CHUNG, YONG-SEOK HWANG, Seoul National University — Electron sheath forms in front of a small electrode biased positively with respect to the potential of surrounding plasma. Based on the collisionless Child-Langmuir model for ion sheath in low pressure plasma, electron sheath model has been suggested. Equation of electron sheath thickness derived from the model describes that the thickness is determined by plasma density, electron temperature and sheath voltage as the ion sheath is. However, electron sheath is about 1.6 times thicker than ion sheath at same conditions. The calculated sheath thicknesses are verified by probe diagnostics as well as particle simulation. Monitoring the variation of ion saturation current of Langmuir probe with tiny tip with respect to sheath voltage, locations of sheath edge are measured at different plasma densities and electron temperatures. Using the 1D particle-in cell code, thickness of electron sheath are investigated, as well. Outbreak voltages of the breakdown in the electron sheath are gauged at various pressures and powers. Regarding the plasma as a cathode, biased electrode as an anode and electron sheath thickness as a discharge gap respectively, one-dimensional breakdown model is suggested. Applying Townsend's criteria of DC discharge to this breakdown model, a nonlinear equation for breakdown voltages is derived. Comparison of model-based numerical calculations to experimental results shows a good agreement between them. Yeong-Shin Park Seoul National University Date submitted: 11 Jun 2010 Electronic form version 1.4


Objective:To explore the role of neuropilin-2(NRP2) expression in colorectal cancer tissue lymphangiogenesis and metastasis.Methods:Detected the expression of NRP2,and VEGF-C with immunohistochemical and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR) analysis,furthermore,detected the micro-lymphantic density(MLD) with immunohistochemical analysis.The results were analyzed statistically to investigate the correlations of NRP2 and VEGF-C expression with lymphonode metastasis,and MLD,and some other clinical pathology characterictics.Results:The significant differences of MLD were among those of tumor margin(48.8±23.5),superficial tumor region(24.6±10.1) and tumor center(11.3±7.7)(P0.05).The mRNA level of NRP2 in tumor tissue(0.87±0.26) was higher than that(0.38±0.12) in normal tissue(P0.01).The mRNA level of NRP2(1.12±0.25)in tumor tissue of metastasis group was higher than that(0.76±0.19) in non-metastasis group(P0.01).The expression of NRP2 were location on cytoplasm in tumor cells and some lymphantic endothelial cells(LECs),it's expression rate was 34.8%.Their MLD were correlated with expression positive strength of NRP2(r=0.432,P0.01).The expression of NRP2 was association with lymphatic node metastasis,and differentiation degree,and Dukes stage and infiltrative degree of tumors(P0.05).The expression of NRP2 in colorectal cancer tissue was positively correlated with expression of VEGF-C(r=0.606,P=0.001).Conclusion:The expression of NRP2 in colorectal cancer tissue is associated with lymphangiogenesis and lymph nodes metastasis in colorectal carcinoma.


Objective To probe into the various factors that cause liver function's abnormality and the criterion for anti-tuberculosis treatment on the basis of protecting liver function.Methods One hundred and twenty-seven pulmanary tuberculosis patients were observed. During the time of staying in hospital, the patients whose liver functions were normal were checked every 30 days. The ones whose liver function was abnormal were checked every 15 days. The patients with the symptoms were checked randomly. The items to be checked were alanine aminotrasferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatose (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and indirect bilirubin (IBIL).Results Among 127 patients, there were 46 patients whose liver function were abnormal. There was no difference between protecting liver treatment group and the contrast group among slightly abnormal patients (n=41) in therapeutic effective rate (p0.05).Conclusion During anti-tuberculosis treatment, the abnormality of liver function is related to age, sex, dosage, liver's original diseases and pulmonary tuberculosis itselt apart from the anti-tuberculosis medical treatment. It is not important to use liver protection procedure in treating the patients whose liver function is slightly abnormal.


Objective: The objective of this study is to analyzefactors that influence the perception of banking newspaper advertisements and on the analysis of the content and the perception and attitudes of customers pointing to the process of cultural and ethical sense-making.  The focus of the present study is on an enquiry into the different styles and appeal of the content of recent banking advertisement material coming in regional newspapers in UAE and its impact on the emotive and rational dimensions of perception among the United Arab Emirates nationals and expatriates in the UAE. Design and methodology: Quasi experimental design is used by collecting data from a small sample size of respondents by showing them 9 advertisements and asking them about their preferences and reasons for the same were used in the study. A qualitative method of analysis is used to identify the themes and categories of the content in the advertisements and perceptions of respondents.The first part of the study is done through an analysis of the content of advertisements published by a few large banks of the region in the last few months. Findings: Study found that there is preference for advertisements based on either emotive or rational cues of advertisement content. The categories that emerged were lifestyle, emotive, rational and inspirational. There are many research papers related to advertisement and its effect on intention to buy among consumers, but few are focused on banking or financial services and products.  Contributions and implications of the study: Thus the study will be able to contribute to the field of marketing and advertisements knowledgerelated to banking advertisements which has not been covered much by earlier studies in United Arab Emirates. Limitations: Study is qualitative using a very small sample size.


Erbil city is facing environmental problems such as Wastewater treatment, Water supply, Land preservation, Air pollution, Noise pollution, Pollution due to the huge increase of the numbers of vehicles, as well as the big increase of public generators which work in every edge of the city. Political instability and tension between the Iraqi federal and regional governments due to power sharing and application of the constitution are major contributors to the delay in solving these environmental problems. This research will deal with these environmental issues. Although these problems are causing serious health concerns for the inhabitants, they can sometimes, in the worst scenarios, lead to death, due to the lack of interest of the authorities to solve these kind of issues. The research sheds light on some of the causes and effects of the environmental problems and also draws conclusions and makes suggestions for reducing their impact on the environment. Extensive statistics and studies were performed to outline the environmental effects of the following sources of pollution with emphasis on dealing with the issue qualitatively and quantitatively. I- Pollution due to increasing numbers of vehicles in Erbil city, indicating an increase in the volume of traffic by an amount of 10.87 times over a period of 6 years between (2006 - 2011). This has resulted in the emission of huge quantities of CO2 in comparison to the other pollutants, whereby the total daily emission of CO2 reached a staggering figure of 2813 tons in 2011. Our research has also indicated an increase in the amounts of other pollutants by the following multifold rates:  10.0 times for CO, whereby the total daily amount reached 163.68 tons in 2011.


The study included patients with chronic hepatitis C and HIV infection who received interferon. Every 2 months of therapy thyroid function was evaluated.. Data were obtained that compared the incidence of thyroid interferon dysfunction is higher than the average population of 11.7 times. An algorithm of management of these patients.


The invention relates to a semiconductor device (10) having a trench Schottky barrier Schottky diode, comprising: a semiconductor volume (12) of a first conductivity type, which semiconductor volume (12) with a metal layer (14) occupied first side (16 has) and at least one (in the first side 16) extending and at least partially filled with metal trench (18). occupied According to the invention at least one wall portion (56) of the trench (18) and / or at least one next to the trench (18) lying region (24) of the metal layer (14) first side (16) through a between the metal layer (14) and the semiconductor volume lying (12) layer separated from a first semiconductor material (26) of a second conductivity type.


Purpose: Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) is a major cause of community-acquired pneumonia in children. Since 2000, emerging macrolide-resistant MP has been reported. Three epidemics of MP pneumonia have occurred in Korea during the past 10 years: 2006-2007, 2011, and 2015. We investigated the differences in MP pneumonia of each epidemic in terms of clinical, laboratory, and radiologic perspectives. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 529 medical records of children (1-18 years of age) who were admitted and diagnosed with MP pneumonia at Kangbuk Samsung Hospital during the past 3 epidemic periods. We compared the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic characteristics of MP pneumonia among individual epidemics and between children younger and older than 6 years of age. Results: The mean age of the patients was 5.7 years old, which had increased by each epidemic and showed the highest (6.3 years old) in 2015 compared to previous epidemics. Among 3 epidemics, there were no sex differences. The duration of fever after admission and hospitalization, and the percentage of lobar pneumonia and use of systemic steroids increased significantly in 2015 epidemic. Since 2006, the mean levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and lactate dehydrogenase had increased and in 2015 it marked the highest. Children older than 6 years showed a higher proportion of lobar pneumonia and pleural effusion as well as longer duration of fever (before and after admission) and hospitalization days than those younger than 6 years. Conclusion: This study suggests an increasing incidence of refractory MP pneumonia which required a more frequent use of systemic steroids over the past 10 years, and children older than 6 years were found to have more severe pneumonia than those younger than 6 years. (Allergy Asthma Respir Dis 2017:5:8-14)


Review Borchardt et al. [Apologies for this late review!] A number of papers in the last years have shown that measurements from the AVIRIS and AVIRIS-NG airborne spectrometers are useful to detect and quantify methane point sources. The manuscript by Borchardt et al. describes the implementation of the WFM-DOAS methane retrieval method, originally developed for satellite atmospheric spectrometers, for AVIRIS-NG data. The motivation for this implementation of the


The metal–organic framework (MOF) material UiO-66 has emerged as one of the most promising MOF materials due to its thermal and chemical stability and its potential for catalytic applications. We refine a recent experimental determination of the missing linker defect structure using static and dynamic first principles approaches, which reveals a dynamic and labile acid centre that could be tailored for functional applications in catalysis.


Thesis Submitted to the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Applied Science in Software Systems Engineering, University of Regina. xii, 79 p.


The paper deals with simultaneous compensation of all components of non-active power: reactive power, higher harmonics and an asymmetry in a three-phase network. A new control method which allows to eliminate any non-active components with considerably reduced delay time is proposed. In this paper a new configuration of a compensator power circuit is also proposed. The compensation ability of the new system was verified experimentally.


Objective: To investigate the clinical factors and preventive measures for anastomotic leakage after resection of rectal cancer.Methods: Forty-two cases with anastomotic leakage of rectal cancer were retrospectively analyzed from Sep of 2002 to March of 2010.Results: The fistula healing time of 10 patients who had used the simple drainage tube before June 2005 was between 26 days and 42 days(the average time was 35 days).But the fistula healing time of 26 patients who used the sustained low-pressure presacral drainage tube after June 2005 was between 15 days and 28 days(the average time was 23 days).Significant difference was seen between them.Conclusion: Use of continuous low presacral drainage can make the anastomotic leakage of rectal cancer with conservative treatment heal earlier.


Large and medium-sized biogas projects utilized on cattle farms are gradually showing more or less design deficiencies.Based on the investigation and analysis of biogas projects on cattle farms,this paper summarized the main problems existing in project designs,and related solutions were put forward as well,which is helpful to promote the healthy biogas development on scale cattle farms.


The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus has been rapidly increased in parallel with the westernization of eating behavior in Korea. Increased consumption of animal fat and simple sugar can be potential contributors for insulin resistance. The purpose of the study was to determine whether Western-(WD) and Korean-style(KD) diets altered insulin secretion and insulin resistance in male Sprague Dawley rats. Rats weighing 985g were provided by KD(77 En% of starch, 5 En% of corn oil and 13 En% of gluten plus 5 En% of casein), WD(42 En% of starch, 40 En% of butter and 18% of casein) or control diet(62 En% of starch, 20 En% of corn oil and 18% of casein) for 12 weeks. Body weights were lower in KD compared to WD. Fasting blood glucose levels were not different among diets. Insulin secretion from the beta cells was higher by 2.20.4 folds in WD than KD at baseline. In hyperglycemic clamp insulin secretion was higher in WD than KD and CD. Whole body glucose disposal rates referred to the state of insulin sensitivity were lowest in WD among groups. Glycogen deposits in soleus and quadriceps muscles were lowest in WD among all groups, but their triglyceride contents were highest. GLUT4 contents and glycogen synthase were lowest in WD in both muscles. In conclusions, westernization of diets needed more insulin to normalization of blood glucose levels due to increased insulin resistance. Thus, WD would lead to increased prevalence of diabetes mellitus when increased insulin resistance could not be compensated by insulin secretion in the case of elevated blood glucose levels. (Korean J Nutriton 34(5) : 485~492, 2001)


Most literature on gender and welfare of children in developing countries suggest that, female headship leads to poverty and subsequently, poor child welfare outcome. This study utilizes a state level data to analyze how gender and household headship influence children's educational outcome; it evaluates the educational outcome of children in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in Benue State, Nigeria. The data was analyzed using information obtained from the administration of four hundred (400) questionnaires. The primary data was complemented through content analysis of secondary sources. This study shows a significant difference in child enrolment into primary, secondary and post-secondary institution by sex of head of household. It reveals that 67% of children in female headed household (FHH) repeat their classes compared to 45.9% in male headed households (MHH). In the aspect of full attendance in school, the results are higher in MHH, compared to FHH (74.8% and 59.2% respectively. This study found that household headship remained a strong predictor of children's educational outcome. Poverty has a woman's face, of the 1.3 billion people living in poverty, 70 percent are women. Most literature on gender and welfare of children in developing countries suggests that female-heads of households are special group of people deserving special attention. A large body of literature has examined the relationship between household-headship and health, poverty, education, empowerment in Nigeria, very little is currently known about the relationship between household-headship and children's educational outcome in Benue state.The results supports access base policies for FHH with children.


Detection of design patterns in software design phase possibly ensures the non-functional requirements, regarding performance features, before investing the implementation. We formalize the structural UML class diagram using graph. By applying graph matching technique, we propose an alternative of subgraph matching algorithm to extract the local properties of the UML class diagrams and perform the detecting of subgraph of possible design patterns found in the target software design model.


Pharmaceutical composition comprising exendin-4, a buffer solution and an isotonicity agent, in which the composition has a pH between 3.5 and 5.0.


We consider a general (nonlocal) four-fermion quantum field theory and show how the Cornwall-Jackiw-Tomboulis effective action can be systematically expanded in the number, η, of composite, bose loops. This is achieved by the introduction of auxiliary, bilocal fields which describe fermion-fermion and fermion-antifermion correlations. The η expansion can be understood as a generalization of the expansion and is of particular interest in quark models, for example, where the bilocal fields can be identified with meson and diquark degrees of freedom. Comparison with the usual loop (ħ) expansion reveals some unusual characteristics of the η expansion and throws light on recent studies of diquark degrees of freedom in which the auxiliary field approach is used.


The basic mission parameters which are required for the evaluation of engine performance for interplanetary flights are defined. The engine parameters are also defined, and the relation between these parameters is formulated. The possibility of achieving much larger payload fractions by the use of electric propulsion systems, as opposed to the use of chemical propulsion systems, is indicated. Methods of calculating impulsive orbit transfers between circular orbits, escape and entry from satellite orbits using low thrust, and optimized powered transfer between heliocentric orbits are given in the Appendix.


Institute of Chemistry, University of Rostock Germany. E-mail: jonas.bresien@uni-rostoc Institute of Physics, University of Rosto Rostock, Germany Department of Life, Light & Matter, Univers Leibniz Institute for Catalysis at the Univer 29a, D-18059 Rostock, Germany † Electronic supplementary informat information (incl. experimental setup spectroscopic details and computational For ESI and crystallographic data in CI 10.1039/c8sc04893b Cite this: DOI: 10.1039/c8sc04893b


Abstract If the Ukrainian economy is to be successfully restructured going forward, a restructured railway system will have to be part of the picture. This paper begins with a discussion of the crucial role that the Ukrainian railway plays in the Ukrainian economy. We follow with a survey of the world experience with railways restructuring: a large number of countries have already undertaken the task of converting sagging government-owned monopoly railways into more dynamic and competitive transport enterprises, and their experience in very diverse settings may have important lessons to offer. We then examine the current state of rail reform plans in Ukraine. We conclude with discussions of alternative paths forward that seem most likely to be successful in Ukraine, based on both the experience elsewhere and the country's current situation.


It is a special privilege for us to pen this commentary on an article that, although not a particularly old one, has already had a large impact on how we think about nutrient intake in the United States (1). It is also a chance for us to recognize the prescience and insight of our colleagues in the Office of Dietary Supplements at the NIH when they conceived this study. Finally, it is an opportunity for us to recognize and honor one of our most cherished friends,Mary Frances Picciano,who wisely (and sometimes adamantly) encouraged the US Federal nutrition community to address the impact of dietary supplement use on total nutrient intakes in the population. It is now evident that dietary supplement use, as reported by participants in the NHANES and other cohorts, can contribute substantially to the total intake of nutrients by Americans. This is true in other countries as well. There is mounting evidence that dietary supplement use can improve the measured micronutrient status of some people, and this is particularly true for nutrients that may not be readily obtained from the diet for some individuals (e.g., vitamin D). On the other hand, further research from this group and others has served as a reminder that it is possible to get too much, and that the intake of some nutrients from foods and dietary supplements can take people over the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL). The NHANES has been collecting data on dietary supplement use by participants since 1971, and a review article describing the prevalence of use covered the periods 1971–1974 and 1976–1980, 1988–1994, and 1999–2000 (2). Over these 30 y, dietary supplement use increased among men and women, decreased among children aged 1–5 y, and did not change for other children and adolescents. These early NHANES cycles queried vitamin or mineral supplement use and whether it was regular or irregular use. Dietary supplement use has been included as a permanent component of the continuous NHANES since 1999. Changes in the continuous survey included asking for vitamin, mineral, or other (herbal or botanical) supplements used during the past month. Some other changes included the following: more accurate documentation of supplements used, having herbal dietary supplements specifically queried, and hand cards given to participants listing supplements other than multivitaminmultimineral (MVMM) products. Information is now also


The invention discloses a safety protecting device of a medical needle. The top part of a needle cylinder is formed with a lug boss; a needle head is fixedly inserted into the lug boss; a needle head protecting sleeve is inserted and sheathed on the needle head, and consists of an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve; the inner sleeve is inserted into the outer sleeve, and a plurality of vertical rib plates are formed between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve, and are connected with the outer wall of the inner sleeve and the inner wall of the outer sleeve; the top surface of the needle cylinder around the lug boss is formed with annular bases, the upper end of each of the base is formed with a clamping ring with a circular cross section, the bottom surface of each rib plate is formed with a circular arc-shaped clamping groove which is matched with the clamping ring, and the clamping ring is inserted into the circular arc-shaped clamping groove of each rib plate. The safety protecting device has the advantages that the structure is simple, the connecting strength between the needle head protecting sleeve and the needle is improved, the disengaging of the needle head protecting sleeve and the needle head is reduced when the needle is discarded, and the occurrence of secondary injury is avoided.


PURPOSE: A test apparatus and a method for an oil filled transformer sudden pressure relay are provided to estimate the state of the sudden pressure relay by changing the pressure of a work according to change rate. CONSTITUTION: The device is comprised of a control panel(1), a motor(2), a reducer(3), a screw jack(4), a pressurizing cylinder(7), a relief valve(10), a valve(11), a pressure detection part(8), and a sensor(6). The driving force of the motor is transferred to the screw jack through the reducer. The screw jack moves a driving shaft forward and backward The relief valve prevents an oil pressure from increasing excessively.


In this article,the author introduces quality responsibilities and risks faced by construction supervision companies when they adopt different sample plans for check groups at the time of check and acceptance.


Adjusting the unit of time in accordance with the bid advertising traffic discloses a method and system for providing advertising. Advertisement providing method includes determining a unit time bid on the basis of the mean traffic and advertising bids received from the advertisers, and the step of determining the billing amount for the advertisement of the advertiser on the basis of the unit time bid. Advertising time, bidding, billing


This article aims to illustrate how development is shaped by genes, environments, and their interactions. To this aim, a selective overview of research on adolescent loneliness is presented. Earlier approaches have already recognized the combined influence of environmental and personal factors on adolescent loneliness. Contemporary approaches, and the evolutionary theory of loneliness and associated sociocognitive model in particular, have provided a new impetus to research on loneliness. The rapidly expanding knowledge of genes and gene–environment interactions suggests that genetic effects related to loneliness represent some form of differential susceptibility to the environment. Methods from the neurosciences provide new insights into the basic mechanisms underlying feelings of loneliness. The concluding part of the article explains why loneliness is a valuable topic of scientific inquiry and presents an integrative model for future research on adolescent loneliness. Developmental psychologists throughout Europe can contribute to such integrative research programmes, each from their own perspective.


A dispersion analysis considering 3-sigma uncertainties (or perturbations) in platform, vehicle, and environmental parameters was performed for the first orbital flight test (OFT-1) mission. The dispersion analysis is based on the nominal trajectory for the OFT-1 reference flight profile. The analysis was performed to determine state vector and performance dispersions (or variations) which result from the indicated 3-sigma uncertainties. The dispersions are determined at major mission events and fixed times from liftoff (time slices). The dispersion results are used to evaluate the capability of the vehicle to perform the mission within a 3-sigma level of confidence and to determine flight performance reserves.


A key challenge in using intelligent systems in complex, dynamic, multi-agent environments is the attainment of robustness in face of uncertainty. In such environments the combinatorial nature of state-space complexity inhibits any designer's ability to anticipate all possible states that the agent might find itself in. Therefore, agents will fail in such environments, as the designer ca not supply them with full information about the correct response to take at any state. To overcome these failures, agents must display post-failure robustness, enabling them to autonomously detect, diagnose and recover from failures as they happen. Our hypothesis is that through agent-modeling (the ability of an agent to model the intentions, knowledge, and actions of other agents in the environment) an agent may significantly increase its robustness in a multi-agent environment, by allowing it to use others in the environment to evaluate and improve its own performance. We examine this hypothesis in light of two real-world applications in which we improve robustness: domain-independent teamwork, and target-recognition and identification systems. We discuss the relation between the ability of an agent-modeling algorithm to represent uncertainty and the applications, and highlight key lessons learned for real-world applications.


This paper deals with the local exact boundary controllability for dynamics governed by nonlinear wave equations, subject to Dirichlet, Neumann, or any other kind of boundary controls which result in well-posedness of the corresponding initial-boundary value problem. A constructive method is developed. The local exact boundary controllability for semilinear wave equations is constructed in the case of both three (odd) and two (even) space dimensions, and the boundary control is time optimal when the space dimension is three (odd). Especially, the local exact boundary controllability is established for quasi-linear wave equations in several space dimensions by using the constructive method.


vances in chemotherapy involving cisplatin-based regimens markedly improved the prognosis in the mid1970s. In fact, germ cell tumors have become one of the most curable solid neoplasms, with survival rates of approximately 80% for advanced disease and nearly 100% for early disease. 2 The visual prognosis in metastatic choriocarcinoma to the choroid has been poor. Most patients described priortothe1970sdiedwithoutanyimprovementintheir vision. In the 2 cured patients, one's visual acuity was not reported, 3 whereas the other's was 20/1000 due to scarring from the regressed tumor. 4 Despite the relative afferent pupillary defect and the large tumor mass (12.4 mm), our case had an excellent visual outcome of 20/ 40, highlighting the importance of close and continued ophthalmic care. During chemotherapy, serial ultrasonography examinations were essential in showing the treatment response by documenting the decrease in tumorsize.Ophthalmologistsmustbepatientwiththechemotherapy before considering surgical therapy, although surgical options should still be considered after treatment if appropriate. Close follow-up in conjunction with an oncologist is required.


Sixteen varieties of exotic turfgrasses were evaluated in arid and desert region. The results showed that Aruba and STP varieties of red fescue, Saffolk of kentucky bluegrass and Puccininella distans performed strongest adaptability, as the best 4 varieties suitable for planting in this region which the quality comprehensive indices were no less than 7.5. Other four varieties of Piexe and Arid etc. can be planted in this region which the quality comprehensive indices were no less than 6.0.


The DAYton temperature CORrection model (DAYCOR) calculates the temperature correction that must be applied to the temperature measured by the VIZ radiosonde`s white rod thermistor to deduce the atmospheric temperature. The temperature correction calculation takes into account all the significant heat transfer processes that influence the temperature of the rod thermistor. These processes include the convective heat transfer with the air, the solar and infrared radiation absorbed by the thermistor, the radiation emitted by the thermistor, and the heat conducted to the thermistor through the lead wires. The DAYCOR model ignores the influence, on the thermistor, of reflected and emitted radiation from the balloon and radiosonde instrument. Luers`(1989) shows these influences to contribute less than 10% to the temperature correction. The heating of the thermistor from the electric current passing through the circuit is small and is also neglected in the model calculations.


This essay examines the urban legacies of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. The impact of the Olympics is not only confined to media coverage and city branding effects, but can also be located in the intensified global connectivity reshaping urban spaces in Beijing. Focusing on art space, heritage space, and new state space (i.e. state-sponsored mega-projects), this article traces intertwining global and local connections forged in the arts, preservation and infrastructure development that have integrated Beijing closely into the global city network. Although these processes would have occurred without the games, the 2008 Olympics, as a socio-political ritual with important economic implications, has intensified the magnitude of global connectivity of Beijing. The spatial production of Olympic Beijing also reveals the conflicted urban legacies of the games, as seen in the commercialization of art districts, gentrification of historic neighbourhoods, and solidification of state power by use of new architectural monuments.


Correlators, as any other sophisticated instrument, must be calibrated and adjusted for proper operation. We explore the necessity and feasibility of several techniques to tune its different elements, having in common that they do not require any external setup. This is accomplished by using the correlator to interrogate itself about the convenience of any modification of its nominal characteristics and thus it allows the correction of time-varying as well as correlator- dependent effects.


In this paper,the total flavonoids contents of 70 % ethanol extracts from three different tissues of celery were determined by the Al(NO3)3 complexation spectrophotometric method.Using VC as a positive control,antioxidant activity of the extracts were tested and compared by hydroxyl radicals(.OH) scavenging activity,superoxide anion radical(O2-.) scavenging activity,nitrite radical(NO2-) scavenging activity and reducing power.Results indicated that the total flavonoids contents in different tissues of celery had significant difference,the total flavonoids content in leaves was highest(40.71 mg/g),followed by that in stems(10.82 mg/g),and the third was in roots(7.53 mg/g).All the three extracts exhibited strong antioxidant activity in a concentration-dependent fashion in the various antioxidant system.The extracts from celery leaves had the strongest ability to scavenge.OH and O2-.free radicals and reducing power,and the extracts from celery stems had the strongest ability to scavenge NO2-,all the three extracts from celery leaves,stems and roots presented higher.OH scavenging activity than VC.


Heterojunction engineering has shown great potential in the field of photocatalysis to deal with environmental pollutants. The design and synthesis of heterojunction photocatalysts with high efficiency and stability still face great challenges. In this work, a novel CdS quantum dots (QDs) decorated 3D Bi2O2CO3 hierarchical nanoflower heterojunction photocatalyst (Bi2O2CO3/CdS QDs) was synthesized to investigate the photocatalytic Rhodamine B (RhB) degradation performance. CdS QDs were evenly distributed on the surface of the Bi2O2CO3 nanoflower. Bi2O2CO3/CdS QDs showed significantly enhanced photocatalytic RhB degradation performance compared with pristine Bi2O2CO3 and CdS QDs. The enhanced photocatalytic performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of hierarchical structure and heterojunction, which greatly increased the active sites of the reaction and the photogenerated carriers transfer.


As a result of the armed aggression against Ukraine and the systematic destruction of the infrastructure throughout the country, territorial communities face the issue of rebuilding destroyed infrastructure facilities in the post-war period. In the conditions of limited financial resources, the principal attention will be paid towards individual projects that finance the restoration of critical infrastructure, which is necessary for the life and livelihood of the community, so some projects may remain unfunded by the local authorities. The article examines the main instruments of financing infrastructure projects by the territorial communities at the expense of the private investors. The purpose of the work is to analyze the main instruments of financing infrastructure projects by territorial communities and to determine effective ways of attracting financial resources. It has been proven that when choosing directions for financing infrastructure projects, different levels of the hierarchy of the infrastructure objects of the "smart territorial community" should be taken into account. The hierarchy proposed in the work will allow for determining the priority of financing infrastructure projects to achieve sustainable development of the territorial community. Taking into account the current trends in the EU and European integration processes in Ukraine, it is recommended to introduce "green" bonds, which are an innovative financial instrument for mobilizing resources from local and international capital markets for the implementation of the projects that create environmental benefits for the territorial community, region, and country. The use of innovative financial tools, such as financial engineering, is proposed, which allows for effective fundraising not only through securities, but also through project financing and public-private partnerships. It has been proven that although grants provide funds on a non-refundable basis, such funding has certain limitations, so in most cases (unless otherwise determined by the features of a specific project), project funding will be a more effective way of attracting funds.


Transactions are a long-standing example of a cross-cutting concern, and therefore it should come as no surprise that previous work has aspectized this concern [7, 9, 10]. We can, however, consider transactions as just one instance of the much broader field of advanced transaction management (ATMS) [2, 6]. In this field a multitude of advanced models have been defined. Each model has its own specific properties, and is typically designed to overcome one known shortcoming of classical transactions. For example, the poor performance of long-lived transactions is addressed by the Sagas model [5], which we discuss later. Our work addresses the field of advanced transaction management, and aims for aspectizing a wide variety of models. To achieve this, we have built an aspect language and weaver for advanced transaction management, called KALA [4]. KALA is a domain-specific aspect language for ATMS, based on a formalism for advanced transaction management models. This formalism is called ACTA [1], and is wellknown within the ATMS research community. KALA reifies the ACTA constructs. This allows for the aspectisation of a wide variety of advanced transaction management models. In this paper we discuss how the use of KALA has lead us to build a family of domain-specific languages (DSLs) on top of KALA. Experience in using KALA has shown us that, indeed, KALA aids greatly in the specification of the use of advanced transaction management models. However, we see that for the use of specific models, we can further simplify the work of the transaction programmer by providing a DSL specific to that ATMS. Instead of covering the field of ATMS, such a model-specific language reifies the concepts of one model, which yields a higher level of abstraction. Furthermore, as different ATMS share common concepts, we can also share these concepts in the different model-specific languages. This sharing of concepts yields a family of domain-specific aspect languages.


Combining the engineering of ground consolidation treatments of the2nd Water Treatment Plant Dam in Taicang City ,in view of the pile foundation and composite foundation of laterally gradual change in length of pile ,with three-dimensional fast Lagrangian analysis program,following items are analyzedi Influence of different pile spacing,different pile diameter and different pile length of composite foundation on stress and displacement of dam and foundation.


Recovery tests of crude oil by using bio surfactant of indigenous bacteria Pseudomonas peli, Pseudomonas citronellolis, Burkholderia glumae and Bacillus firmus. The bio surfactants were prepared with the variation concentrations of molasses carbon source; 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 %. The results showed that 10 g samples, which concentration 18.64% TPH could be dissolved in the bio surfactant 10%. Optimally in the molasses carbon source concentrations for each bacterium at 5, 10, 20 and 15 % with oil recovery as much as 31.92, 17.65, 22.32, and 14.38 % respectively. Oil components which extracted by bio surfactant were analyzed by using GLC (Gas Liquid Chromatography). The bio surfactants of Pseudomonas peli could dissolve oil fraction temperatures; 139.85; 144.69; 149.98; 1.55.03: 174.22 °C, Pseudomonas citronellolis could dissolve oil fraction temperatures; 139.13; 142.64;147.99; 155.03; 159.85; 164.50 °C, Burkholderia glumae could dissolve oil fraction temperatures 144.69; 149.98; 155.03; 159.85; 164.50 °C, and Bacillus firmus could dissolve oil fraction temperatures; 149.98; 155.03; 158.46; 164.50 °C.


Consensus theory and noncooperative game theory respectively deal with cooperative and noncooperative interactions among multiple players/agents. They provide a natural framework for road pricing design, since each motorist may myopically optimize his or her own utility as a function of road price and collectively communicate with his or her friends and neighbors on traffic situation at the same time. This paper considers the road pricing design by using game theory and consensus theory. For the case where a system supervisor broadcasts information on the overall system to each agent, we present a variant of standard fictitious play called average strategy fictitious play (ASFP) for large-scale repeated congestion games. Only a weighted running average of all other players' actions is assumed to be available to each player. The ASFP reduces the burden of both information gathering and information processing for each player. Compared to the joint strategy fictitious play (JSFP) studied in the literature, the updating process of utility functions for each player is avoided. We prove that there exists at least one pure strategy Nash equilibrium for the congestion game under investigation, and the players' actions generated by the ASFP with inertia (players' reluctance to change their previous actions) converge to a Nash equilibrium almost surely. For the case without broadcasting, a consensus protocol is introduced for individual agents to estimate the percentage of players choosing each resource, and the convergence property of players' action profile is still ensured. The results are applied to road pricing design to achieve socially local optimal trip timing. Simulation results are provided based on the real traffic data for the Singapore case study.


The complex for tumor diagnostics and therapy on the basis of spatial-temporary light modulators (STLM) conjugated with laser, gastroscopy, videocamera on the base of CCD- matrix and computer is assembled. The choice of modulator operating mode permits us to achieve many effects, in particular, to make a contour radiating area, to provide a more intensive effect on the border of the center of pathology and to redistribute the emission intensity on the surface of pathologic tissue. The work of STLM and dependencies its characteristics from different parameters in full is described.


In This paper, we study the problem of redistricting election. Then a redistricting election model is proposed and an aim directed algorithm is established to cope with the model. Theoretical analysis and numerical experiment indicate that the model is reasonable and the algorithm is quite feasible.


Independent researchers have requested access to a wide variety of platform data in order to scrutinize the actors and methods responsible for the spreading of disinformation, as well as to assess the effectiveness and impact of the self-regulatory measures platforms have taken to counter disinformation. Over the past two years the European Union has increasingly supported these requests, including by facilitating the adoption of the EU Code of Practice on Disinformation, in which platforms committed themselves to provide such access through a variety of mechanisms. However, both European decision makers and researchers have consistently criticized the insufficiency of these mechanisms. On a number of occasions platforms have invoked their obligations under the EU's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as rationale for failing to make certain data sets available. This paper aims to assess those claims in order to clarify to which extent, if any, GDPR concerns prevent the disclosure of (sensitive) personal data by platforms to independent researchers. The paper will argue that the GDPR currently allows the sharing of personal data for such purposes in a number of ways, but recommends the adoption of a binding legal obligation for platforms to hand over data and a Code of Conduct on Access To Platform Data under Article 40 of the GDPR as necessary measures to provide more legal certainty about the specific roles and responsibilities of both platforms and independent researchers.


In this study we estimate a production frontier for a sample of Italian container terminals observed over the period 2001-2008 in order to assess the pattern of Total Factor Productivity (TFP). Estimates of different stochastic frontier models suggest the existence of a modest but positive TFP growth rate over the period 2001-07 and an abrupt fall in TFP in 2008, which probably reflects the onset of the 2008-9 world recession. We also find that scale economies and technical change have positively contributed to TFP growth over the sample period ; in turn, all models find a decline in technical efficiency. Finally, the different stochastic frontier methods considered in this paper give a broadly consistent picture of the productivity and efficiency developments that have occurred in this sample.


Poultry farming is one of the most in-demand agricultural practices that could play a key part in satisfying a country's food demand. This research paper presents a poultry house zone consisting of four poultry houses. Likewise, the chosen location for this research work is Chattogram, Bangladesh. Besides, a detailed load demand is calculated to understand the total energy demand. From the load profile, the peak load was found 26.12 kW, and the average daily consumption was found 226.36 kWh. Furthermore, renewable energy resources such as solar and biomass energy were utilized to develop a smart microgrid to fulfill the energy demand of the poultry farm. According to the simulation findings, A grid-tied photovoltaic system (PV) paired with Biogas based generators (BGG) appeared to be the most cost-effective solution. Moreover, A grid-tied system designed with PV, battery energy storage system (BESS) was compared with the preferred system, and it exceeds the life cycle cost (LCC) of grid only case. Although the PV-BGG-Grid strategy does not use grid electricity, it has very low net emissions and reduces emissions by 99% when compared to a grid-only approach. Finally, three equal-capacity BGGs were used in the proposed approach for load balancing for optimal operation.


We propose an effective voice-based gender identification using group delay(GD) Generally, features for speech recognition are composed of magnitude information rather than phase information. In our approach, we address a difference between male and female for GD which is a derivative of the Fourier transform phase. Also, we propose a novel way to incorporate the features fusion scheme based on a combination of GD and magnitude information such as mel-frequency cepstral coefficients(MFCC), linear predictive coding (LPC) coefficients, reflection coefficients and formant. The experimental results indicate that GD is effective in discriminating gender and the performance is significantly improved when the proposed feature fusion technique is applied.


Purpose: This study was to assess the satisfaction of nursing students with preceptorship. Method: The subjects were thirty-nine senior nursing...


Perception of disability by Teleton patients from Santiago and Concepcion. A qualitative study Objective: To describe the perception about disability of active and passive young patients from Teleton Institutes in Santiago and Concepcion. Methods: A phenomenological qualitative study of descriptive exploratory character, with intentional sample constituted by 37 participants, corresponding to young active and passive patients from Teleton Institutes in Santiago and Concepcion. Produc- tion data was carried out through focus groups and a qualitative content analysis by Atlas. ti software Results: Disability is perceived as a condition of difference and a social phenomenon, which can be considered either positively or negatively. Participants associate disability with socio-cultural problems such as unknowing - ness, lack of opportunities and discrimination, limited physical accessibility, edu- cationalsystemsdifficultiesandproblemsrelatedtodisabledpeoplethemselves� such as psychological problems. The solution to these problems involves action at different levels, with focus in social, political, and educational solutions but also, solutions coming from people with disabilities. Discussion: Disability is a multidimensional phenomenon, perceived according to the experiences and the context in which young people live; meanings related to the medical and social models of disability coexist in them. Although this condition is viewed as mainly positive,�problemsassociatedwithitwereidentified,� whichhinderpatient'sdaily� life and development, as it also affects the family members and loved ones. Solving these problems is essential to promote the participation and inclusion of people with disabilities into society.


In recent years, deep generative models have gained attention as a promising data augmentation solution for heart disease detection using deep learning approaches applied to ECG signals. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach based on denoising diffusion probabilistic models for ECG synthesis that covers three scenarios: heartbeat generation, partial signal completion, and full heartbeat forecasting. Our approach represents the first generalized conditional approach for ECG synthesis, and our experimental results demonstrate its effectiveness for various ECG-related tasks. Moreover, we show that our approach outperforms other state-of-the-art ECG generative models and can enhance the performance of state-of-the-art classifiers.


[Objective] To determine contents of nutritional compositions in the purple cultivar from Dioscovea alata Linn.originated from different habitats,and to compare with those in Dioscorea opposite Thumb.,so as to provide basis for the further development and application of the purple cultivar from Dioscovea alata Linn..[Method] The contents of nutrients in the purple cultivar from Dioscovea alata Linn.from different habitats like Zhejiang,Jiangxi and the farmstead in west suburb of Beijing were determined by conventional methods,and were comparatively analyzed with those of two varieties of Dioscorea opposite Thumb.from Henan Province(D.opposite Thumb.1 and D.opposite Thumb.2).[Result] D.opposite Thumb.2 was rich in crude protein,crude fiber,Fe and K;while D.opposite Thumb.1 was rich in fat,crude fiber,Cu,Ca,Mg and Se;the purple cultivar from D.alata L.from Zhejiang Province was abundant in Cu,Ca,Mn,K,glucose and sucrose;the purple D.alata L.in Beijing contained abundant soluble sugar,soluble acid,K and Se;that in Jiangxi was rich in Vc,P and Se.[Conclusion] The Chinese yam from different areas shows their own advantages in the nutrient content.


This paper was designed to look at technical education curriculum and mode of implementation in Scotland in order to adopt the advantageous attributes of the Scottish technical education in Nigeria. The paper x-rayed the staff perceptions of technical education and its roles in Scotland; History of technical education before the advent of British government; technical education and its objectives; objectives of technical education Scotland; technical subject and career path in Scotland; factors affecting effective implementation of technical education curriculum in Nigeria reflecting on Scotland technical education; reforms of technical education for sustainable skill development in Nigeria. It was based on the content of the paper that recommendations were proffered that the government should provide adequate fund, intellectuals in technical education and provision of equipment and materials to achieve the National Policy on Education and Scottish standard of technical education for sustainable skill development in Nigeria.


The electromagnetic and vibration characteristics of transverse flux linear oscillatory motor with different magnetization methods are compared and analyzed. The spatial distribution of air gap magnetic field of linear oscillatory motor with two different magnetization methods is calculated by finite element method. Moreover, the electromagnetic harmonics are extracted and used to analyze the harmonic response of the motor working system. Through the method of multi physical field coupling calculation, the natural frequencies and harmonic responses of the two motors are compared and analyzed. It is concluded that the performance of Halbach linear oscillation motor is better than that of magnet concentrating linear oscillation motor in terms of electromagnetic performance and mechanical vibration performance, which lays a foundation for subsequent motor optimization design.


In the conditions of an accruing economic crisis the increasing relevance is gained by systems and the models optimizing a certain kind of activity. Considering an imbalance problem in training of specialists with the higher education, it is possible to note that there was no proper attention paid to modeling and optimization of strategy and tactics in the conditions of the competition on labor and employment markets. In this connection in present conditions the identification of the factors which are at the bottom of a mismatch of a labor market and the market of educational services is considered to be extremely important.


On the basis of the phase transition between an insulator and a metal in vanadium dioxide (VO2), we propose ultracompact and broadband lower- and higher-order mode pass filters (LOMPF and HOMPF, respectively) for a multimode silicon waveguide supporting two transverse electric (TE) modes. Good performance of mode filtering can be maintained over a wavelength range of 100 nm. In addition, the two filters can be cascaded to achieve reconfigurable operation for both TE00 and TE01 modes, including TE00-pass, TE01-pass, all-pass, and all-block. The reconfigurable response of the proposed on-chip mode filter is helpful for flexible mode-division multiplexing applications.


The utility model provides an impeller for a light pump, which comprises a cover plate, front blades and rear blades, wherein a connecting part is arranged at the middle of the cover plate, the impeller for the light pump is arranged on a power output shaft of an engine via the connecting part on the cover plate, at least three front blades are arranged on a front end face of the cover plate at equal angles, at least three rear blades are arranged on a rear end face of the cover plate at equal angles, the cover plate, the front blades and the rear blades are integrated, each front blade comprises a blade front end part and a blade rear end part, the blade rear end part is bent along an anticlockwise direction, and an included angle is formed between the blade front end part and the blade rear end part. By design the impeller for the light pump, the traditional impeller structure is improved, a drainage pump can get high delivery lift by using a single impeller, so that with the adoption of the patent, a coupler is not required to be arranged on the power output shaft of the engine, the impeller can be directly used, and the structure of a centrifugal pump can be greatly simplified.


Two regions of the chick limb bud--the apical ectodermal ridge and the zone of polarizing activity--have been shown to influence cell division and pattern formation during normal development and following surgical manipulation. In this study, using a simple coculture system, together with autoradiography, we have shown that these morphogenetically active regions of the limb bud can stimulate quiescent 3T3 cells to initiate DNA synthesis to a significantly greater degree than comparable but morphogenetically inactive regions of the limb bud.


Employing the recoil ion transport unit (RITU) and a fusion-evaporation reaction, the α decay of 211 Pa has been identified via the implantation-decay correlation technique through observation of chains up to four consecutive decays. An α -particle energy and half-life of 8320(40) keV and 3 . 8 + 4 . 6 − 1 . 4 ms, respectively, were measured, corresponding to favored α decay. In addition, more precise α -decay properties of 212 Pa and 213 Pa were obtained due to accumulated statistics. The present data were compared to those predicted by selected atomic mass models and it was used to estimate the possibility of observing proton emission from these isotopes.


Besides basic competitive priority (quality, cost, delivery and flexibility), innovation has been recognised as one of the primary sources of competitive advantage for manufacturing industry to compete in global markets. This paper, therefore, presents an empirical study on the relationship between firm strategy, resources and innovation performance. Drawing from the grounded theory of resource-based view, and using 218 responses from Thai production/operation managers, this paper shows that differentiation strategy had a positive relationship with both internal capital or internal resources (represented by knowledge and creativity management) and networks capital or external resources (represented by customer and supplier network). The findings also revealed that only internal capital had a positive effect on innovation performance. Finally, contributions to industry practitioner, academia and national agency in supporting and promoting innovation are presented.


Hard C-means (HCM) and fuzzy C-means (FCM) algorithms are among the most popular ones for data clustering including image data. The HCM algorithm offers each data entity with a cluster membership of 0 or 1. This implies that the entity will be assigned to only one cluster. On the contrary, the FCM algorithm provides an entity with a membership value between 0 and 1, which means that the entity may belong to all clusters but with different membership values. The main disadvantage of both HCM and FCM algorithms is that they cluster an entity based on only its self-features and do not incorporate the influence of the entity ' s neighborhoods, which makes clustering prone to additive noise. In this chapter, Kullback-Leibler (KL) membership divergence is incorporated into the HCM for image data clustering. This HCM-KL-based clustering algorithm provides twofold advantage. The first one is that it offers a fuzzification approach to the HCM cluster- ing algorithm. The second one is that by incorporating a local spatial membership function into the HCM objective function, additive noise can be tolerated. Also spatial data is incorporated for more noise-robust clustering. pixels. Results of segmentation of synthetic, simulated medical and real-world images have shown that the proposed local membership KL divergence-based FCM (LMKLFCM) and the local data and membership KL divergence-based entropy FCM (LDMKLFCM) algorithms outperform several widely used FCM related algorithms. Moreover, the average runtimes of all algorithms have been measured via simulation. In all runs, all algorithms start from the same randomly generated initial conditions, as mentioned in the simulation section, and stopped at the same fixed point. The LDMKLFCM, LMKLFCM, standard FCM, MEFCM, and SFCM algorithms have provided average runtime of 1.5, 1.75, 1, 0.9 and 1 sec respectively. The simulation results have been done using Matlab R2013b under windows on a processor of Intel (R) core (TM) i3, CPU M370 2.4 GHZ, 4 GB RAM.


Specific physiological and nutritional responses of beef steers to combined infestations of horn flies, Haematobia irritans (L.), and stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), were measured in the laboratory. Measurements used as indicators of physiological stress were changes in heart rate, respiration rate, and rectal temperature. Various blood components were measured to assess metabolic changes in response to fly infestation. Dry matter and nitrogen digestibility and nitrogen retention were used as indices of feed utilization. Beef steers exposed to 100 horn flies plus 25 stable flies or 500 horn flies plus 50 stable flies per head had significantly increased heart rates, respiration rates, and rectal temperatures. Dry matter and nitrogen digestibility did not differ significantly among treatments, but nitrogen retention was significantly reduced in both fly-infested groups. Blood cortisol concentrations were significantly increased on day 12 in steers exposed to 100 horn flies plus 25 stable flies per head and on days 1, 8, and 10 in steers exposed to 500 horn flies plus 50 stable flies per head. Higher cortisol levels, vital signs, and steer activity contributed to reduced nitrogen retention in steers exposed to horn flies plus stable flies. No significant difference existed among treatments in levels of other blood components, and all values were within ranges considered normal.


This study aims to determine the level of income inequality, the relationship between Economic Growth and Income Inequality, and the Kuznets Hypothesis. The method used is the Williamson Index, Theil Entropy Index, Pearson Correlation, and the Kuznets Hypothesis. The results obtained from the Williamson Index and Theil Entropy Indeks between districts/cities in the Province of NusaiSoutheastern West 2001-2020 show a trim income inequality level with values of 0.22 and 0.02. The results obtained from the Pearson Correlation between Regencies/Citiesiin West Nusa Tenggara Province in 2001-2020 showed a relationship. Still, it was less intense because it was at 0.257 and 0.303. The results obtained from the visual analysis illustrate the relationship between Economic Growth and Income Inequality, forming an inverted U, which means that in the early period of economic growth, there was an increase in income inequality, as evidenced by the continued growth of economic growth from 2001 to 2010 but was followed by the rise in income inequality—rising income inequality. Then, in the next period, namely in 2011 to 2020, economic growth continued to grow but was followed by a decrease in income inequality, meaning that the Kuznets Hypothesis turned out to be valid in the Province of West Nusa Tenggara in 2001-2020.


Abstract An objectively defined three-dimensional cyclone phase space is proposed and explored. Cyclone phase is described using the parameters of storm-motion-relative thickness asymmetry (symmetric/nonfrontal versus asymmetric/frontal) and vertical derivative of horizontal height gradient (cold- versus warm-core structure via the thermal wind relationship). A cyclone's life cycle can be analyzed within this phase space, providing substantial insight into the cyclone structural evolution. An objective classification of cyclone phase is possible, unifying the basic structural description of tropical, extratropical, and hybrid cyclones into a continuum. Stereotypical symmetric warm-core (tropical cyclone) and asymmetric cold-core (extratropical cyclone) life cycles are illustrated using 1° Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) operational analyses and 2.5° NCEP–NCAR reanalyses. The transitions between cyclone phases are clearly illustrated within the phase space, including extratro...