PurposeThis study examines shareholder and board motivations regarding corporate social responsibility (CSR) to understand boards' stewardship approaches to environmental issues.Design/methodology/approachUsing content analysis, the authors classify CSR motivations in all environmental shareholder proposals and board responses of Fortune 250 companies from 2013 to 2017 from do little (a shareholder primacy perspective) to do much (a stakeholder pluralism perspective). The authors calculate the motivational dissonance for each proposal-response pair (the Talk Gap) and use cluster analysis to observe evidence of board stewardship and subsequent environmental disclosure and performance (ED&P) changes.FindingsBoard interpretations of stewardship are not uniform, and they regularly extend to stakeholders beyond shareholders, most frequently including profit-oriented stakeholders (e.g. employees and customers). ED&P changes are highest when shareholders narrowly lead boards in CSR motivation and either request both action and information or information only. The authors observe weaker ED&P changes when shareholders request action and the dissonance between shareholders and boards is larger. When shareholders are motivated to do little for CSR, ED&P changes are weak, even when boards express more pluralistic motivations.Research limitations/implicationsThe results show the important role that boards play in CSR and may aid activist shareholders in determining how best to generate change in corporate CSR actions.Originality/valueThis study provides the first evidence of board stewardship at the proposal-response level. It measures shareholder and board CSR motivations, introduces the Talk Gap, and examines relationships among proposal characteristics, the Talk Gap, and subsequent ED&P change to better understand board stewardship of environmental issues.


Here we evaluate Oscillayers, a new method that aims to estimate palaeoclimates for the past 5.4 Myr, and discuss the associated theoretical and methodological issues. We show that the theoretical foundation of Oscillayers is inherently limited, because the method cannot incorporate spatio‐temporal variation and different forcing mechanisms into climate reconstructions. In addition, several methodological weaknesses are clarified that entrench the palaeoclimatic reconstruction of Oscillayers to patterns of climate change observed between the Last Glacial Maximum and current climates. We test the utility of the Oscillayers method to produce palaeoclimatic reconstructions that are similar to general circulation model (GCM)‐based estimates. On average, only 55.6% of values in the mean annual temperature datasets across the Pliocene and Pleistocene were within ±3°C when compared with correspondi ng GCM‐based datasets. Furthermore, on average only 75.3% of values in the mean annual precipitation datasets across the Pliocene and Pleistocene were within ±200 mm of rainfall of the GCM‐ based estimates. Our results demonstrate that the Oscillayers approach does not provide a robust approximation of palaeoclimatic conditions throughout the Plio‐Pleistocene. Thus, when these datasets are used for scientific analyses, the results should be interpreted with a full appreciation of their limitations, particularly for periods outside the last glacial cycle.


Abstract: "There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved." Swami Vivekananda In the early decades, the concept of women development was totally out of mind and their condition was miserable. But with the changed scenario, the thinking of people has changed due to education, awareness and now, the problems of women are looked upon as the problems of society and are considered more seriously and ultimately solved through appropriate measures. Due to the development of new policies, programmes and projects, the status of women has totally changed. The concern for low-income womens' needs has coincided historically with recognition of their important role in development. The empowerment approach is the most recent and is aimed at empowering women through greater self-reliance and internal strength. Many agencies come forward with the support of Govt for the development of women. Among them the researcher has chosen Self Help Groups for the present study as it plays a vital role in the development of women. This study was contemplated to highlight the role of the SHGs for development of women socially and economically in Ramanathapuram district of Southern Tamil nadu.


This study aims to provide guidance to religious court judges with their authority in deciding the heirs who are entitled to a mandatory will. So far, mandatory wills are only given to children and adoptive parents, but in its development, mandatory wills can be given to other parties other than adopted children and adoptive parents, including non-Muslim heirs. The method in this study is a normative juridical method. The results of the study explain that the mandatory will is regulated in the Compilation of Islamic Law where the rules are not clearly regulated by the KHI. To resolve the issue of mandatory wills, judges are authorized by law to resolve cases that enter the judiciary by making legal discoveries of cases that do not yet have permanent legal force, such as by carrying out historical understanding seen in a concrete case in which case the case already has regulations. legally binding, but the regulation must be interpreted in its implementation. Interpretation is tried by studying the origin of the formation of a legal decision, including the origin of its provisions or the origin of the formation of laws. Then it is done by means of a sociological understanding that prioritizes the interests of the purpose of a regulation through a concrete event in the related official regulations. In practice, judges can interpret unclear provisions based on community demands, as well as laws and regulations that are synchronized with social ties and situations that occur. In addition to the two methods used by judges to make legal findings to create laws that are not found in existing regulations, judges can do reasoning or argumentation. The argumentation procedure consists of argumentum per analogium, argumentum a contrario, and legal narrowing.


Beiman Special Steel Limited Company manufactured 42CrMo forging Steel for a plant in Ning Bo,the size of the rough forging steel was 380 × 12340 before quenching and tempering.The initial quenching process was oil cooling,although the surface hardness was qualified,the consumers reflected that it did not wear well.In order to meet the consumers' requirements,we used the quenching process of water quenching and oil cooling,this process greatly improved the quality of the products and got a good feedback from the customer.


Allergic airway inflammation is characterized by marked in situ changes in gene and protein expression, yet the role of microRNAs (miRNAs), a new family of key mRNA regulatory molecules, in this process has not yet been reported. Using a highly sensitive microarray-based approach, we identified 21 miRNAs with differential expression between doxycycline-induced lung-specific IL-13 transgenic mice (with allergic airway inflammation) and control mice. In particular, we observed overexpression of miR-21 and underexpression of miR-1 in the induced IL-13 transgenic mice compared with control mice. These findings were validated in two independent models of allergen-induced allergic airway inflammation and in IL-4 lung transgenic mice. Although IL-13-induced miR-21 expression was IL-13Rα1 dependent, allergen-induced miR-21 expression was mediated mainly independent of IL-13Rα1 and STAT6. Notably, predictive algorithms identified potential direct miR-21 targets among IL-13-regulated lung transcripts, such as IL-12p35 mRNA, which was decreased in IL-13 transgenic mice. Introduction of pre-miR-21 dose dependently inhibited cellular expression of a reporter vector harboring the 3′-untranslated region of IL-12p35. Moreover, mutating miR-21 binding sites in IL-12p35 3′-untranslated region abrogated miR-21-mediated repression. In summary, we have identified a miRNA signature in allergic airway inflammation, which includes miR-21 that modulates IL-12, a molecule germane to Th cell polarization.


The conservation law for the angular momentum in curved spacetime requires that the antisymmetric part of the affine connection (the torsion tensor) is a variable in the principle of least action. The coupling between spin and torsion generates gravitational repulsion in fermionic matter at extremely high densities and avoids the formation of singularities in black holes. We show that every black hole in the presence of torsion forms a nonsingular, closed, nearly flat, homogeneous, and isotropic universe on the other side of its event horizon. Quantum particle production in such a universe can generate a period of exponential expansion which creates an enormous amount of matter in that universe. Accordingly, our Universe may have originated from the interior of a black hole existing in another universe.


—The field of speech emotion recognition (SER) aims to create scientifically rigorous systems that can reliably characterize emotional behaviors expressed in speech. A key aspect for building SER systems is to obtain emotional data that is both reliable and reproducible for practitioners. However, academic researchers encounter difficulties in accessing or collecting naturalistic large-scale, reliable emotional recordings. Also, the best practices for data collection are not necessarily described or shared when presenting emotional corpora. To address this issue, the paper proposes the creation of an affective naturalistic database consortium (AndC) that can encourage multidisciplinary cooperation among researchers and practitioners in the field of affective computing . This paper's contribution is twofold. First, it proposes the design of the AndC with a customizable-standard framework for intelligently-controlled emotional data collection. The focus is on leveraging naturalistic spontaneous recordings available on audio-sharing websites. Second, it presents as a case study the development of a naturalistic large-scale Taiwanese Mandarin podcast corpus using the customizable-standard intelligently-controlled framework. The AndC will enable research groups to effectively collect data using the provided pipeline and to contribute with alternative algorithms or data collection protocols.


In this paper, the capacity of underlaying cellular networks is analyzed by considering the impact of Device-to-Device (D2D) mode, which is shown to be capable of substantially enhancing the sum transmission rate of the cellular network. Based on the theory of stochastic geometry, the successful transmission probabilities of both the D2D users and the conventional cellular users(CUs) are derived, with the D2D transmission rate as well as the sum rate given out simultaneously. Furthermore, the optimal D2D-users(DUs) density that maximizes the sum rate is also derived. In addition, we extend the analysis from single-cell scenario to the multicell environment. Numerical results demonstrate the relationship between D2D-contributed capacity and the D2D-users density. It is shown that the network capacity can be enhanced by increasing the density D2D users when the D2D-users density is relatively low, until a break-even point is approach, in which case further increasing D2D users may even erode the sum rate.


Transfer markets in football have attracted the interest of researchers in economy and management. In this paper, we propose a high level analysis approach for classifying player valuation based on their performance during recent seasons. In particular, several data analysis techniques such as regression analysis, feature selection, and cluster analysis are presented for classifying players in term of performances and transfer fee. Specifically, by collecting and analyzing data from Wholescored, the largest detailed football statistics website, we have defined players into four groups, which include (1) Low performance and low transfer fee (LPLF), (2) Low performance and high transfer fee (LPHF), (3) high performance and high transfer fee (HPHF), and (4) high performance and low transfer fee (HPLF). The results in the implementation section show that, with the differences positions, there are different required skills that affect to the performance of players. We expect that this study can contribute to the management of Football Teams in terms of integrating these analyses into their management strategy.


The study was conducted with the aim of knowing whether there was an effect of pedagogic and professional competence on the performance of accounting students partially or simultaneously. This research is included in causal associative research, which means that this study looks for a causal relationship between variables. The research was conducted on accounting education students at the State University of Surabaya who had implemented PLP with a total population of 245 students. The sample used is simple random sampling, so it is found a sample of 152 students. Data collection techniques using secondary data obtained from student scores. The results of the t test: (1) pedagogical competence affects PLP performance with a significant result of 0.000 (2) professional competence affects PLP performance with a significant result of 0.001. The result of the F test is 22,309 with a significant result of 0,000, this indicates that there is a simultaneous effect of pedagogic and professional competence on the performance of accounting education students at the State University of Surabaya. In addition to the t test and F test, there is an R Square value of 23% which indicates that PLP performance is affected by 23% by the pedagogical and professional competency variables, while 77% is influenced by other factors or variables. From the results of the research conducted, it shows that there is an influence of Pedagogic Competence and Professional Competence on the performance of accounting education students' school field introduction either partially or simultaneously.


We analyse the temporal evolution of the Differential Emission Measure (DEM) of solar active regions and explore its usage in solar flare prediction. The DEM maps are provided by the Gaussian Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (GAIA-DEM) archive, calculated assuming a Gaussian dependence of the DEM on the logarithmic temperature. We analyse time-series of sixteen solar active regions and a statistically significant sample of 9454 point-in-time observations corresponding to hundreds of regions observed during solar cycle 24. The time-series analysis shows that the temporal derivatives of the Emission Measure dEM/dt and the maximum DEM temperature dTmax/dt frequently exhibit high positive values a few hours before M- and X-class flares, indicating that flaring regions become brighter and hotter as the flare onset approaches. From the point-in-time observations we compute the conditional probabilities of flare occurrences using the distributions of positive values of the dEM/dt, and dTmax/dt and compare them with corresponding flaring probabilities of the total unsigned magnetic flux, a conventionally used, standard flare predictor. For C-class flares, conditional probabilities have lower or similar values with the ones derived for the unsigned magnetic flux, for 24 and 12 hours forecast windows. For M- and X-class flares, these probabilities are higher than those of the unsigned flux for higher parameter values. Shorter forecast windows improve the conditional probabilities of dEM/dt, and dTmax/dt in comparison to those of the unsigned magnetic flux. We conclude that flare forerunner events such as preflare heating or small flare activity prior to major flares reflect on the temporal evolution of EM and Tmax. Of these two, the temporal derivative of the EM could conceivably be used as a credible precursor, or short-term predictor, of an imminent flare.


The phenomenon of erosion-corrosion of the metal of the power equipment is considered as a two-sided physicochemical interaction of a two-phase flow with metal. A model of erosion-corrosion in this flow is presented. The results of experimental investigations into the regularities and the inhibition of erosion-corrosion in a two-phase flow are given.


Objectives
The articularis genus (AG) muscle is thought to elevate the suprapatellar bursa during knee extension. Failure of this function may cause impingement of the bursa, and lead to anterior knee pain. The AG may work in synergy with the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) to fulfil this function. The AG and the VMO both attach to the vastus intermedius aponeurosis, and fibres of the VMO have been found to attach to the superficial layer of the AG. The VMO is also implicated in anterior knee pain, as VMO insufficiency can lead to patellar maltracking. The aim of the study was to investigate if an anatomical association could be shown between the AG and the VMO.
Methods
Twenty-nine lower limbs were dissected to show the muscles of the anterior thigh. The maximum VMO pennation angle and the VMO insertion ratio on the medial border of the patella were measured. The AG area was determined by measuring the length and maximum width of each individual muscle slip.
Results
The mean area of the AG was 2554.67 mm2. The mean VMO angle was 56.6°, whilst the mean insertion ratio was 48.93%. The association between area and each of the covariates was not statistically significant (VMO angle: P=0.921; insertion ratio: P=0.822). The mean area for the left leg was greater than that for the right (2876.12 versus 2233.22; P=0.049).
Conclusion
The articularis genus does not appear to have an anatomical association with the vastus medialis oblique. The dimensions of the superficial layer of the AG were not influenced by sex or age. However, the AG area was greater on the left limb than the right.


All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing. • Type of peer review: Double-blind The author's information on the paper were removed before sent it out to the reviewers. The authors only receive the comments of papers without reviewers' information. • Conference submission management system: All paper submissions were done under Easychair Conference Management System • Number of submissions received: 40 • Number of submissions sent for review: 40 • Number of submissions accepted:18 • Acceptance Rate (Number of Submissions Accepted / Number of Submissions Received X 100): • Average number of reviews per paper: 2 to 3 • Total number of reviewers involved: 44 • Any additional info on review process: The review process for each paper took around 1 to 2 month/s. The acceptance paper for IOP publication was based on the suggestions from the appointed reviewers. In the case of contradict decision of acceptance (accepted of reject)/suggestion for publication between two reviewers of the paper, the final selection was made based on either weighted all comments or initiated the third reviewer for new weighted selection. • Contact person for queries: Dr Rohayu Haron Narashid Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Perlis Branch, Arau Campus, 02600 Arau, Perlis, Malaysia email@example.com OR email@example.com


This study of incidental vocabulary acquisition through reading, involving 72 freshmen at two Asian universities, investigated (i) the effect of repeated encounters with target words on the development of seven aspects of word knowledge, and (ii) the effect of L1 lexicalization on the acquisition of meaning—does the absence of an L1 translation equivalent make acquisition of a word's meaning especially difficult? Seven measures were used, immediately after the treatment and again after a two-week delay. The design was based on that of Webb (2007) but emphasized ecological validity over control, presenting genuine words in meaningful reading passages and thus complementing Webb's more tightly controlled experiment. Results for repetition largely supported his findings while suggesting that the nature of his study led to an overestimate of learning. Knowledge of orthography, part of speech, and meaning showed different patterns of development with increasing encounters. On the immediate posttest, repetition affected productive knowledge somewhat more than receptive, consistent with Webb's findings, but this relation reversed on the delayed posttest. For L1 lexicalization, non-lexicalized words caused great difficulty.


This important and timely book presents a total of 28 essays neatly divided into seven chapters and subchapters. Many were written before the COVID pandemic, which temporarily solved many problems illuminated throughout but created others including economic hardship for the millions globally who depend to various degrees on tourism. It's a huge industry and, until COVID, was the fastest growing globally. As of 2022, tourism is again growing. Chapter 1 stands alone and well outlines the scope and magnitude of issues brought about by tourism from causes to consequences. It gives a good overview of what's to come, but Chapter 2 (''Historic Cities'') is where details emerge. It's divided into four subchapters that cover places as disparate as Charleston, South Carolina; Barcelona, Spain; and Edinburgh, Scotland. Specifics vary, but generalities are similar; most urban destinations are seasonally visited, so crowding during that period greatly increases travel costs, traffic, rents, overcrowding, etc. Such periods also bring a greater need for everything from garbage collection to police presence. Some of the most egregious cases are cities affected by the cruise industry (e.g., Venice, Italy), which brings huge numbers of people for short visits from which collecting revenues becomes difficult, yet their presence causes huge direct costs. While the entire volume is relevant for readers of the Natural Areas Journal, the next three chapters may prove the most important. Chapter 3 (''National Parks and Protected Areas'') consists of four subchapters discussing issues throughout the American and Brazilian park systems, with additional entries on Banff (Canada) and the Serengeti (Tanzania). While myriad crises are outlined throughout, glimmers of hope are provided by attempts in all cases to solve problems via proactive mechanisms. Increasing entry fees, encouraging visits during other times of year, and making other potential destinations known to tourists all have been tried to varying degrees, but one can't help but wonder whether it's too little, too late in some cases. When several dozen vehicles, each packed with six or eight people, are all staring at one lone cheetah, when is enough too much? Much of the wealth of tourism in too many places is trickle down, yet community-based approaches incorporating multiple incentives to local residents are now in place in many countries, creating more glimmers of hope. The World Heritage Sites, both natural and cultural, discussed in Chapter 4 are perhaps the most important given that they instill pride in citizens and act as magnets for mass tourism because of their fame. Some, such as Mt. Everest (Nepal) and Machu Picchu (Peru), are also high in elevation and fragile from several standpoints. That their governments have greatly raised fees shows their importance but even with greater revenues, the Nepalese authorities have difficult times removing all the garbage, human waste and, yes, human bodies from the highest slopes. Chapter 5 takes a broad look at beaches and coastlines with particular foci on the Galapagos, Hawaii, and Big Sur. Of course, in these cases it is not just mass tourism that detracts from their natural values, but issues well outside the purview of managers: sea level rise, plastic pollution, and invasive species. In the case of Hawaii and the Galapagos, increases in the numbers of residents have compounded problems. In the case of Big Sur, multiple issues involving campfires, garbage, traffic, noise, etc., all come into play. The authors of these chapters have done


Multidrug defiant organisms result in severe mortality and stand as a big challenge worldwide. The gram negative bacilli (GNB) in particular is a massive cause of concern with high levels of resistance due to novel mechanisms. This study deals with thorough analysis of the phylogeny, evolutionary divergence and protein tertiary structure analysis of an important drug target, the bacterial metallo-amidase enzyme LpxC. The LpxC enzyme exists universally in all the gram-negative bacteria and catalyzes the first committed step of Lipid A biosynthesis. Evolutionary divergence study revealed the lpxC gene to be under strong degree of purifying selection in many highly pathogenic bacterial species. Homology modeling of the LpxC enzyme from different human pathogenic bacteria was carried out along with critical model evaluation and structural alignment analysis. Investigation of clefts on the LpxC protein surface demonstrated the presence of specific residues within the substrate-binding cleft. Preference for different secondary structural elements within the major cleft was also noticed in the LpxC enzyme from the sixteen selected pathogenic bacterial species.


It was with great interest that I recently read Using Technology to Support Prospective Science Teachers in Learning and Teaching About Scientific Models (Cullin & Crawford, 2003). This article presented a convincing argument that the role of models and modeling in science education represented an important and often neglected aspect of investigative science in the classroom. Specifically, the paper presented efforts to engage preservice secondary science teachers participating in a methods course and teaching practicum in modeling experiences ultimately brought to the fore by building and testing dynamic computer models. While the results were mixed, there was a demonstrated shift in the preservice teachers' views of model use from a teacher-centered use for explaining concepts to a student-centered approach using models to learn about natural phenomena.


Our work on rate-independent systems was stimulated by our search for evolutionary material models for shape-memory alloys that are flexible enough to encompass nonlinear and nonconvex phenomena. There are two difficulties, namely (i) modeling the nonlinear material behavior and (ii) modeling the dissipative processes. Under the guidance of classical thermodynamics, most material models assume that the forces induced by dissipative effects are linear in the rates of the associated variables, such as in viscoelastic friction. However, there are certain effects, such as dry friction, plasticity, and fracture, for which the force depends on the direction of the rate but not on its magnitude. Such processes are called rate-independent and include the class of hysteresis operators. The latter may relate the material response (such as stress or magnetization) to the changes of the material state (such as strain or magnetic field, respectively). In general, there may be memory effects, and rateindependence means that any monotone temporal rescaling of the input leads to the same correspondingly rescaled output. A first mathematical formulation of such an invariance of the material response under temporal rescalings is contained in [601, § 99] in the context of hypoelastic materials. Of course, rate-independence is an idealization that is admissible only if the relevant processes of a system take place on a much slower time scale than the internal relaxation processes. In this book, we restrict our attention primarily to fully rate-independent systems, which can be justified in two ways. First, many mechanical processes can be well described by fully rate-independent models. Second, the restriction to such models allows for new mathematical tools for facilitating rigorous mathematical and numerical analysis that are not available for models with viscous dissipation. For instance, so far, the only existence result for the time-continuous evolutionary system for finite-strain elastoplasticity was obtained in the rate-independent case; see Section 4.2 and [374]. The description and discussion of rate-independent mechanical behavior has a relatively long history. Already in the eighteenth century, C.-A. Coulomb treated, besides his famous contribution to electricity, dry friction in [138], stating his Law of Friction: "Kinetic friction is independent of the sliding velocity". In the early twentieth century, the theory of elastoplasticity became a major topic in mechanics


This article introduces a computer system of radiotherapy monitor. By using the computer capture card, the system acquires the dynamic and static digital images, and collects, processes and edits the fieldsize images to recognize modality between pre radiotherapy and post radiotherapy and to proof the geometric precision real time.


Abstract : Three-dimensional laser doppler velocimeter measurements were made of the velocity distribution in a supersonic inner jet mixing with a subsonic outer flow. Experimental data for mean flow velocities (u,v,w), turbulent intensities ((u') squared, (v') squared, (w') squared), and turbulent velocity correlations (u'v', u'w', v'w) are presented for both hot and cold exhaust plumes produced by a small kerosene/gaseous oxygen rocket engine operating at nominal chamber pressures of 50 and 150 psig. The outer flow was maintained at 200 ft/sec. Velocity profiles were obtained in the radial direction at various axial locations (X/D sub E=2.4, 4.8, 8.4, 11.3, and 14.2). The velocity profile along the centerline of the jet was obtained for the cold flows and showed the presence of shock waves at various axial locations. (Author)


Summary

Glucocorticoids are lipid substances synthesized by the adrenal cortex that are essential for life and regulate myriad physiological processes ubiquitously in organs and tissues as mediated by intracellular glucocorticoid receptors (GRs). From the clinical standpoint, although glucocorticoids have potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects, their adverse effects profiles and so-called glucocorticoid resistance are barriers to their widespread use. GRβ, a splice variant isoform of GRα, the predominant isoform of the receptor, and co-activators and co-repressors are believed to be important for GR-mediated actions. The mechanism of action of GRα and its co-activators and co-repressors and the mechanism of resistance to glucocorticoid treatment were investigated by confocal microscopic imaging of GRα and GRβ and by assessing protein–protein interaction of GRα and nuclear factor-κB and of GRα and activator protein-1 (AP-1). The possibility of new drug development of selective GR modulators, which reduce GR-related adverse effects such as steroid-induced osteoporosis, steroid-induced diabetes mellitus, and infection yet confer beneficial anti-inflammatory effects and immunosuppressive action is discussed.


I studied in this thesis how Eum-nerimpyo (음내림표), one of musical sign for heakum) appear in Jeongak(正樂) and how they are associated with the technique of other instruments. As for the special techniques found in Jeongak music, I studied Eum-nerimpyo. Eum-narimpyo is the mark to make a note a step lower than the original one. The note with the mark should be played differently from the note which is a step lower without the mark. Including the exceptional cases seen only in『Aakbu haekumbo』, Eum-narimpyo appears in Hyonak youngsan hoesang, Pyoungjo hoesang, Gwanak youngsan hoesang, Chitageju, Gakok, Soojechon (壽齊天), Yeominrak (與民樂), Bohuhja (步虛子) and Kyongrok-mookangjigok (景?無彊之曲) among Jeongak musics except ritual musics. Em-narimpyo can be classified roughly into two cases. One is the case that appears in yoohyon 1, and the other is the case functioning as kyongahnpyo (經按標). The Em-narimpyo with yoohyon 1 is seen in fingering of Tae (太) 1, Joong (仲) 1, and Lim (林) 1 of the dang-piry (唐??) centered musics. We can find the technique of making Tae (太) 1 a step lower to Sansung (散聲) and making it retreated or pulled up to the original note. In the musics of fingering Jung 1, the technique of piry is associated. Piry appears with 'Hyeop (夾) 2ㆍHyeop (夾)ㆍother tone', making the standard of haegeum technique. It also appears in goonak(軍樂) of Hyonak youngsan hoesangㆍPyoungjo hoesang (Joongryongsan - goonak), Chitageju, and Bohuhja. The functioning of Em-narimpyo as kyonganpyo is classified into 'Tae(太) lim(林) -Joong(仲)' tone, dangpiry-centered music, melodies with grace note and short tone of current music. In 'Tae(太) lim(林)?-Joong(仲)' tone, piry appears as 'Tae(太) joong(仲) 2-joong(仲)', which is seen in gakok. In dangpiry- centered musics, 'Hwang(潢)?' is found in Bohuhja and 'Hwang(潢)?-?' in Kyongrok-mookangjigok. grace notes and short short tones of current music are found only in Aakbu haekumbo. When there is atone using Yokahn (逆按) technique in grace notes or a short tone joong(仲), they are marked with Em-narimpyo to be played with kyongahn technique.


Cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) is a serious degenerative spinal condition that can lead to significant functional disability or paralysis. In cases of progressive neurological deficit from CSM, the recommended treatment is surgical decompression, sometimes including stabilization. The potential role of surgery or other treatments in milder cases of CSM depends upon many factors, including the natural history of the untreated condition. This chapter will examine the available data on the natural history of cervical spondylotic myelopathy, as well as its pathophysiology. Such knowledge will enable the clinician and surgeon to better guide the patient in deciding most appropriate choice of treatment options.


A PowerPoint presentation and lecture handout on Victorian crime and criminals, especially as they pertain to literature. Images are copyright cleared.


In this article, we discuss some aspects of rhetoric and philosophy in the work Epistles of Horace. According to the education received by Romans and the way of conceive the literary artifact in the first century BC, we sought to demonstrate that in this book Horace used the deliberative speech to compose the scenography of his poems and also that the persona constructed by Horace can be seen as that of a poet-philosopher.


As the first line of defense,innate immunity plays an important role in the immune system.In recent years,the effect of abnormal innate immunity reaction on the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is attracting more and more attention.Smoking is the main risk factors of COPD.Cigarette smoke can lead to continuous airway inflammation and irreversible pathological changes in the lung.Smoking is the main causes of the development of COPD.To further study the effects of smoking on the innate immunity can Contribute to understanding the pathogenesis prevention,and treatment of COPD.

Key words:
Smoke;  Innate immune;  Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;  Treatment


The band gap energy (absorption edge energies) of the pure H3[PMo12O40]·13H2O and H4[PVMo11O40]·13H2O, respectively, supported on SiO2 and SiC and some of its NH4+ and Cs+ salts were determined by different methods. The influence of the counter-cations and the temperature on band gap energy was studied. In this purpose, the diffuse reflectance spectra of above mentioned compounds were registered at different temperatures, and it were transposed in the curves of the Kubelka-Munk function vs. wavelength. The band gap energies were determined by processing of low field energy of the ligand-metal charge transfer band (O2− → Mo6+ and O2− → V5+) usually observed between 200 and 400 nm on these curves. In this aim, the Tauc's relation was adapted for Kubelka-Munk function use and it was plotted for n = 1/2 (direct transition) and 2 (indirect transition) vs. wave energy (photon energy). The intersection of the curves' tangent drawn to their point of inflection with horizontal axis gives the band gap energy. The o...


A new microfibre method for allergy testing measuring histamine release from human basophil leukocytes is described. Samples of 50 μl washed blood are challenged with the suspected allergens. Released histamine is bound to microfibres and measured by a spectrofluorometrical method after removal of interfering substances by washing. The microfibre method (HR‐MM) was compared to the conventional histamine release assay using the Ficoll‐Hypaque gradient method (HR‐FH) in 19 allergic children tested with one of three allergens. In addition, a comparison was made between the microfibre method and in vivo provocation tests, i.e. skin prick test (SPT), bronchial provocation test (BPT) and allergen specific serum IgE (RAST). It was found that the same individuals responded with histamine release to the same allergens in both histamine release assays, and the dose‐response curves were almost identical. A positive correlation was found between the in vivo and in vitro tests. Thus it is concluded that the new method can provide reproducible, analytically precise (at the nanogram level) histamine release results in pediatric cases where: 1) a positive SPT does not correlate with case history; 2) BPT may be considered too hazardous or inconvenient; 3) confirmation of negative or inconclusive SPT or RAST is needed. In contrast to other histamine release assays it is a convenient diagnostic tool in children since only small amounts of blood are needed and at least 96 tests can be carried out in 21/2 h


MARKETING. The Quiet Revolution: The Changing Customer. The Loud Revolution: The Changing Retailer. The Smart Marketing Definition. What Marketing Is Not. Your Marketing Know-How. MARKETING PRINCIPLES. The 12 Retail Marketing Principles That Work. A Marketing Success Story. FINDING CUSTOMERS. Finding Customers: The Three Steps. Markets: Understanding Your Different Customers. Segmenting Markets: Finding Your Core Customers. Building Markets and Creating Benefits. KEEPING CUSTOMERS. Keeping Customers: Three Best Ways. Avoid at All Costs: Delusions of Adequacy. Don't be Overserviced. Act Direct, Be Direct. Index.


Over recent years,a series of complex changes have occurred in China's periphery,posing a potential threat to it.While on the whole its peripheral security situation remains stable,China faces some severe challenges on its eastern and southern territorial seas in traditional security terms.How,then,shall we respond to this new situation? This essay maintains that,while continuing to construct our hard power,we should take further measures to boost our soft power in our periphery.Under current circumstances,we should try especially hard to increase our agenda-setting ability in associating with countries and areas surrounding China,and strengthen our diplomatic elite's discourse right in China's foreign policy.


The molecule of the title compound, [CuNa(C18H18N2O4)(C2N3)(H2O)], is almost planar, the maximum deviation from the molecular plane being 0.48 (4) Å. The coordination environment of the Cu2+ ion is distorted square-planar and it is N 2 O 2-chelated by the Schiff base ligand. The Na+ cation has a distorted octahedral environment defined by the four O atoms of the 6,6′-dimethoxy-2,2′-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenolate ligand, a water ligand and a dicyanamide anion.


In a vibratory microgyroscope, the nonlinear of the readout circuit is a critical part of the signal processing. This is because nonlinear can corrupt the resulting signals, including the angular velocity information. In this paper, issues related to nonliear are discussed. A detailed analysis of the effects caused by various nonidealities is provided. The nonlinear considered are as follows: the distance between the active comb and the fixed comb at the static modal and the equivalent capacitance at sensitive modal. In addition to the analysis of the nonlinear, which is necessary for a successful system-level design is provided.


To identify the style of pre-fused Photonic Crystal Fiber(PCF)and adjust their positions,we should detect the edge of the sections of photonic crystal fibers and find their locations.First of all,many kinds of sutra edge detection arithmetic operators are compared in theory.Then we use DSP as platform and use these sutra arithmetic operators to detect the edge of the sections of photonic crystal fiber and compared them.Canny arithmetic operator is chosen,from the experiment,which can detect more rich and clear edge because of suppressing the noise.It is feasible to identify the style of pre - fused photonic crys- tal fiber and adjust their positions.


Antibiotic defiance in bacterial is a satisfactory obstacle in the latest world. Day-to-day novel dopes are being intact to defeat this drawback. The goal of this is trained used to be to check antimicrobial resistance of the Garcinia gummi-gutta and Gymnema Sylvestre. The dried fruit of G. Gummi-gutta and G.Sylvestre crops are located in a southern state of India. The extract of dried fruit of G. Gummi-gutta and G.Sylvestre leaf was once ready through using specific solvent of Ethyl Acetate. These ready extracts have been used for evaluation of antibacterial ability in opposition to three Gram-positive bacterial stains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two gram-negative bacterial stains (Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus). The antimicrobial ability was appraised by Disc diffusion assay of G. Gummi-gutta and G.Sylvestre. The zone of inhibition used to be determined at the concentration of (500µg/ml) in G.Gummi-gutta Streptococcus& Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14mm), Staphylococcus aureus& Salmonella typhi (9mm), Escherichia coli (8mm). The zone of inhibition was once determined at the concentration of (500µg/ml) in G.Sylvestre.The Streptococcus(11mm), Staphylococcus aureus& Escherichia coli (9mm), Salmonella typhi(10mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (8mm) respectively. Due to the fact, the extract confirmed a wide spectrum of the antimicrobial undertaking of each Gram positive and gram negative bacterial isolates. Comparative reports of the G. Gummi-gutta and G.Sylvestre.The nice one among G.Sylvestre. Can be utilized as a bio preservative or therapeutic agent to prevent a few illnesses.The dried leaves of G.Sylvestre would characterize a novel antimicrobial obtain with steady, adoptive energetic compounds that may prove a scientific base for the consumer in recent treatment.


Background: With increasing age of the population, more patients over 90 years old are being referred to vascular surgery with increasingly complex comorbidity. There are minimal data on undertaking revascularisation at this extreme of age. This study therefore aims to evaluate the outcomes of nonagenarians who underwent vascular surgical procedures for chronic limb-threatening ischaemia. Methods: A retrospective clinical record review was carried out of all patients aged 90 and older with chronic limb-threatening ischaemia who presented to a tertiary centre between January 2010 and December 2017 and underwent vascular surgical intervention. Primary outcomes were mortality at 30 days, 90 days and 1 year. Results: Ninety-nine patients were included. The median age was 92 years (IQR 90–94) and median follow-up was 15 months (IQR 4–32). A total of 117 limbs were treated, with 15 limbs requiring multiple procedures. Of the patients' first procedures, 76 (76.8%) were endovascular, 14 (14.1%) open and 9 (9.1%) were major limb amputations. The 30-day, 90-day and 1-year procedural mortality rates were 5.1%, 18.2% and 44.4%, respectively, with higher mortality for emergency cases at 1 year (p=0.045). Conclusions: Mortality for these procedures in patients aged over 90 is high, similar to patients who undergo surgery for hip fracture. Given similar benefits for treatment in terms of pain relief and ability to retain independence, patients in this age group should be considered for limb salvage procedures.


Purpose – To improve inviscid compressible flow solution.Design/methodology/approach – A local element‐size calculation procedure in the streamline direction and a local variable smoothing approach are employed to improve inviscid compressible flow solution. The characteristic based split approach is used as basic solution procedure to demonstrate the employed improvements.Findings – Results show that employing the element size in the streamline direction improves the solution accuracy in the transonic flow region. The nodal variable smoothing is very effective below a Mach number of 0.85 and produces results without any spatial oscillations.Originality/value – This paper fills the gap by suggesting novel procedures to study Mach number range between zero and supersonic flow.


Facts about Victoria facts for the visitor getting there and away getting around Melbourne around Melbourne Great Ocean RD and South-west Coast the Western District the Wimmera the Mallee the Murray River Goldfields Goulburn Valley Hume Highway the High Country Gippsland the Lake District the Wilderness Coast.


In their article, Qin et al. [1] construct a "QSPR model for bioconcentration factors of nonpolar organic compounds using molecular electronegativity distance vector descriptors." A number of the compounds examined by Qin et al. [1] are not "nonpolar" as claimed. The following compounds investigated by these authors and listed in their "Table 1. Six MEDV descriptors, and the experimental and calculated log BCF of 172 compounds" are not only polar, but they have associated pKa values that would render the molecules significantly, and in some cases effectively entirely, ionized under conditions relevant for bioconcentration in freshwater and/or marine aquatic systems: 2,4-dichlorophenol, 7.90 [2]; pentachlorophenol, 4.74 [2]; 2,4,6-trichlorophenol, 6.10 [2]; 2-chlorophenol, 8.56 [3]; 3-chlorophenol, 9.12 [3]; 4-bromophenol, 9.37 [3]; aniline, 4.87 [3]; 2-nitrophenol, 7.23 [3]; 2-methyl-4,6-dinitrophenol, 4.46 [4]; 3-nitrophenol, 8.36 [3]; and 2,4,6-tribromophenol [5].


From the Introduction. There have been major changes in the balance of forces among the key Ukrainian oligarchs, representatives of big business with strong political influence, since the victory of the Maidan revolution. However, these changes have not undermined the oligarchic system per se. Over the past decade or so, the oligarchs have been key players in Ukrainian politics and economy, and they have retained this position until the present. One of the effects of the change of the government in Kyiv and the war in the Donbas was the elimination of the influence of 'the family' – the people from Viktor Yanukovych's inner circle who formed the most expansive oligarchic group in Ukraine at the time of his presidency. The influence of Rinat Akhmetov, the country's wealthiest man, has also weakened significantly; Akhmetov was one of the most influential people in Ukraine for more than ten years, partly owing to his close bonds with Yanukovych. Dmytro Firtash's group has also lost a great deal of its influence since Firtash was arrested in Austria in March 2014.


A method for expanding the countersink, manufactured by the deburring tool and the shaft hole having an about its longitudinal axis is driven to rotate the blade holder, which is equipped with at least one of its longitudinal axis at an angle of a groove, in exchangeably and / or displaceable in the recess and clamped load transmitted by one or more cutting blades or a holder. In order to ensure the cutting blade in the recess in the blade holder can be prevented well and tilt rupture grooves is constituted by a radius substantially mixed together.


In this paper the DI2S technique is presented in both Improved Resolution and Multi-Swath implementations. The main advantages of DI2S technique are presented, and a description of the effects on the main SAR image quality parameters is reported as well. The performance of a C-Band SAR System using DI2S Improved Resolution and Multi-Swath are shown with some numerical results. It is described how it is possible to increase the azimuth resolution of long strips or to increase the overall swath acquired by the system.


The purpose of this research is to determine whether the accounting treatment of premium income and health insurance claims expense in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 28 about insurance at PT. Prudential Life Assurance. By the way do Recognition, Registration and Disclosure in premium income and the burden of claims contained in the Company and the treatment Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS). The results of this study it was concluded that In Premium income in PT. Prudential Life Assurance accounting treatment of the recognition, recording and disclosure in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) 28. And at the expense claim in PT. Prudential Life Assurance accounting treatment on the recognition and disclosure in accordance with Statement of Financial Akuntasni Standards (SFAS) 28 While the listing does not claim expenses in accordance with Statement of Financial Akuntasni Standards (SFAS) 28. Keywords : Premium Income and Expense Claims


Built in the Western Xia period, Cave 3 of the Yulin Grottoes now has twelve sutra illustrations or mandalas of both exoteric and esoteric Buddhism. This particular mandala is painted on the upper west of the south wall. Affiliating to the tantra belief, the Pacaraksā Mandala combines various deities from the Mahapratisara,Mahasahasrapramardani, Mahamayuri, Mahasitavati, Mahamantranusarini, which was popular in the Tibetan region of China and in Nepal. Relevant Buddhist sutras took shape around 1100 CE and are recorded in both Vajravali and Nispannayogavali written by Abhayakaragupta, a great master of late esoteric Buddhism in India. The discovery and interpretation of this mandala is of significant reference value for studying the origins of esoteric Buddhist images in the Western Xia caves at Dunhuang.


Aim: To compare between the efficacy of Active release technique and Myofascial Release Technique on pain and range of motion in-patient chronic neck pain. Subjects and Methods: 20 patients with neck pain who were randomly assigned to one of two groups that received Active release technique (n = 10; mean age, 46.00 years) or Myofascial Release Technique (n = 10; mean age, 46.00 years). Both groups were received their programs for one week; 7 sessions per week. Main Measures: VAS and ROM an assessment was made for each group at the initial visit (before initiation of treatment) and at end of the program. Results: there were differences between the two methods with regard to flexion and the differences were in favor of active release technique where the improvement was greater where P-value was (0.014), as the results showed that there were differences with regard to extension and the differences were in favor of active release technique, where P-value was (0.021). As for the pain, the differences were in favor of the myofascial release technique, as the pain decreased more, where P-value was (0.009). Conclusion: There was a significant difference between active release technique and myofascial release technique as regard to pain reduction and improvement ROM. Which active release technique allows a greater improvement in ROM than the myofascial release technique. In addition, myofascial release technique allows a greater degree of pain relief than active release technique in-patient with chronic neck pain.


In this work, we introduce a framework that unifies existing implementations for the tasks of constituent and dependency parsing as sequence labeling problems. The system provides a way to encode both formalisms as sequences of one label per word, so they can be used with any existing general-purpose sequence labeling architecture. More particu- larly, we implement three linearizations to encode constituent trees and four linearizations for dependency trees. All encoding functions ensure completeness and injectivity. We will also train a sequence labeling neural system to learn such encodings, and compare their ef- fectiveness on standard constituent (PTB and SPMRL treebanks) and dependency parsing (a subset of treebanks from the UD collection) evaluation frameworks.


growing mires . In North America and Europe , C , livida grows in patterned fen , ed as a small patterned fen . Therefbre , it is suggested that C livida grows in and around the hollows in the mires with patterned topography .


Within the context of an increasing demand on schools to support children with SEMH difficulties, this paper considers the potential implications for schools to enable them to support Nurture Group (Bennathan and Boxall 2003) practitioners to address their own needs which arise from supporting children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties.
This paper presents the interim results of the research project to identify the impact of working in a Primary School Nurture Group setting on two Teaching Assistants in a Cotswold primary school.
This research uses a narrative inquiry approach (Clandinin 2013), to provide rich data from the stories through which the practitioners interpret, and make sense of (Bruner 1991), significant events in their professional experience. These stories are analysed in order to identify the impact on both their professional and personal lives.
The research methodology includes sessions which reflect a supervision approach (Beddoe & Davys 2016, Noble), providing a safe space in which to be heard (Rogers 1967), as well as more directed narrative spaces.
The subsequent analysis identifies the key areas, with specific examples, in which the practitioners' lives are impacted.


Disclosed herein is an image processing apparatus including an upper body feature data storage unit (110) which stores upper body directional feature data, which indicates the upper body of a person and indicates that the upper body is facing a specific direction, for each of a plurality of directions in conjunction with directional data indicative of the direction of the upper body directional feature data; and an upper body detection unit (140) which extracts upper body image data indicative of the upper body of the person from image data by reading the plurality of upper body directional feature data stored in the upper body feature data storage unit (110) in conjunction with the directional data and using each of the plurality of upper body directional feature data.


Abstract Knowledge of the physical properties of rock masses is fundamental for the economics and safety of mining projects. The determination of these properties in rock samples in the laboratory requires time, expensive equipment and qualified personnel, which considerably increases the information's cost. Indirect methods were developed to obtain properties related to rock masses, which have been shown to be a viable alternative to traditional procedures. The determination of the compressional mechanical wave velocity (Vp) and subsequent correlation with lithological mechanical properties are indirectly obtained. This study's objective was to obtain correlations between Vp and the resistance to uniaxial compression, UCS (Unconfined Compressive Strength), as well as the density and porosity of the siltstone and sandstone lithologies present in the coalfield of Candiota, located in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The Vp records were obtained in laboratory samples, using ultrasonic velocity sensors, and in-situ by geophysical well logging (directly in boreholes). The results indicate the possibility of using Vp to determine the physical parameters of the investigated lithologies. In the specific case of the correlations between Vp and Unconfined Compressive Strength, determination coefficients R2 above 0.70 were obtained, indicating sufficiently high reliability for using this information (e.g. in roof support projects). The correlation between Vp and density was also high.


The triangular matrix (A) = (X ), where n = 0, 1, 2,…; k = 0, 1, 2, …; and λn, k = 0 for k > n is regular (in the sense of defining a regular sequence to sequence transform) if for every fixed k ; independently of n;


Reasons for failure of hip resurfacing arthroplasty include femoral neck fracture, loosening, femoral head osteonecrosis, metal sensitivity or toxicity and component malpositioning. Patient factors that influence the outcome include prior surgery, body mass index, age and gender, with female patients having two and a half times greater risk of revision by 5 years than males 1–4. In 2008, the Australian National Joint Replacement Registry (ANJRR) reported poorer results with small sizes, whereby component sizes 44mm or less have a five times greater risk of revision than those 55mm or greater 1. This finding is true for both males and females and after accounting for femoral head size, the effect of gender is eliminated. We explore the relationship between component size and the factors that may influence the survivorship of this procedure, resulting in higher revision rates with smaller components. These include femoral neck loading, edge loading, wear debris production and the effects of metal ions, cement penetration, component orientation, and femoral head vascularity. In particular the way the components are scaled from the large sizes down to the smaller sizes results in some marked changes in interactions between the implant and the patient. Wall thickness of the acetabular and femoral component does not change between the large and small sizes in most devices. This results in a relative excessively thick component in the small sizes. This may cause more acetabular and femoral bone loss, increased risk of femoral neck notching and relative undersizing of the component where acetabular bone is a limiting factor. Stem thickness does not change throughout the size range in many of the devices leading to relatively more femoral bone loss and a greater stiffness mismatch between the femoral stem and the bone. Relatively stiffness between the femoral stem and the bone is up to six times greater in the small size compared to the large size in some designs. The angle subtended by the articular surface (the articular arc) ranges from 170° down to as low as 144° in the small sizes of some devices. A smaller articular arc increases the risk of edge loading, especially if there is any acetabular component malpositioning. Acetabular inclination has been related to metal ion levels 5 and to the early development of pseudotumour6. An acetabular component with a radiographic inclination of 45° will have an effective inclination anywhere from 50° to 64° depending on the type and size of the component. This corresponds to a centre-edge angle from 40° down to 26°. The effective anteversion is similarly influenced by design. The result of a smaller articular arc is to reduce the size of the 'safe window' which is the target for orthopaedic surgeons.


Summary Borehole sonic measurements provide relevant dynamic elastic properties of rock formations surrounding a wellbore. Shoulder-bed effects, in addition to near-wellbore heterogeneity often influence the interpretation of sonic measurements. To date, the interpretation of sonic measurements acquired under complex geometrical conditions remains challenging because of lack of fast numerical-simulations algorithms. We develop multifrequency 1D axial and 2D axial-radial spatial sensitivity functions to rapidly simulate borehole propagating modes in the presence of wireline and LWD sonic tools. The sensitivity functions quantitatively define the volume of investigation for particular modes, whereby they serve as weighting filters to linearly approximate dispersion curves. Modeling examples are considered of sonic measurements acquired across thin beds with invasion to verify the accuracy and reliability of the new rapid simulation approach. Comparison of results to finite-element calculations confirms that efficiency and accuracy of the new approximation.


Summary The biochemical effects of mithramycin, an antibiotic employed clinically as an antitumor and antihypercalcemic agent, were studied in mouse embryonic, BHK-21, and Chang9s human conjunctiva cell cultures. Following treatment with mithramycin, RNA synthesis was decreased by 85% in mouse embryo and BHK-21 cell cultures and by 45% in human conjunctiva cell cultures when compared to controls. The inhibition of RNA synthesis in BHK-21 cells was dose-dependent and encompassed all cellular types of RNA. Although mithramycin inhibited protein and DNA syntheses in BHK-21 cells, these were not dose-related, which suggested that the primary site of action of this antibiotic was on RNA synthesis.


The central thesis of this paper is the implementation of an optimized Sliding Mode Control to a high power multiphase permanent magnet synchronous generator based direct-driven Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS), in order to attain an optimal regime characteristic. The principle of proposed approach is to control the Rotational Speed Dynamic to follow the desired value during wind variations. Moreover, the controller is designed to ensure an effective regulation of 4 dynamic models of Direct & Quadrature axis current instead of the regular hysteresis control due to its disadvantages. In this context, the main challenge of this research with a view to ensure the system stability, is to design a controller in a way to guarantee the consistency between the input of inner loop (4 axis current regulation) and the output of outer loop (speed regulation), taking into account the risk of declined effectiveness of closed-loop due to disappearing relative changes in control periods between the cascaded loops. Furthermore, the grid supply is managed using the proposed sliding mode approach in order to guarantee a power injection with Unity Power Factor. On the other hand, a challenging matter of pure SMC can be summed up in the produced chattering phenomenon. In this work, this issue has been mitigated by implementing a new smooth continuous switching control. In order to examine the suggested approach robustness and responsiveness over other techniques, a detailed analysis has been carried out under hard and random wind speed variations. The stability of improved SMC is verified using Lyapunov stability theory by taking into account system uncertainties to guarantee more efficacy. The suggested SMC is compared to a classical PI controller. The study results exhibit the excellent performance with high robustness of the improved SMC, by improving the system efficiency to 91,14%, compared to the PI with the ratio of 86,2%.


Industry 4.0 is the term for automation and transparency of data using the latest technology. This concept can be applied in several aspects of life besides the manufacturing industry. The Boarding house is a type of industry that has been thrived in D.I. Yogyakarta. It became a place of residence for students and workers in urban areas. As one type of business, boarding houses need a good management system for the best service and run efficiently. At this time the boarding house is still managed traditionally. Along with the development of IoT (Internet of Things) technology, several problems and its challenges can be solved with this technology. 5 types of sensors are used to realize this research. The sensor sends data and then the information is processed in a software application. This research uses a mobile application and integrates the sensors to monitor and control boarding rooms. This research can be used to face the new normal challenges, using the latest technology. The challenge of contactless process, energy efficiency, open information, and data can be well prepared by boarding house owners. The proposed system is predicted to save electricity costs for each bedroom by approximately 38% and also affect the saving of electricity bill payments by managers.


A adaptive H.264 temporal-domain error concealment algorithm of multi-mode is proposed.Aiming at split mode,two optimal mode are selected for weighted superposition.In order to improve the accuracy,a directional boundary matching algorithm is proposed,considering pixels matching in three directions on the boundary.Experimental results show that in the same packet loss rate,the proposed algorithm has better performance in the improvement of PSNR and visual effect,compared with previous concealment algorithms.


There is presently insufficient research for the implementation of evidenced based combined treatments of psychosis in children and adolescents. Even though knowledge about the neurobiological underpinnings of psychotic disorders has steadily accumulated, much is still unknown about the progression of psychosis in childhood and adolescence and its most effective treatment. Treatment models for childhood psychosis are largely derived from investigations of psychosis in adulthood. Research is needed that examines both psychotherapeutic and supportive psychosocial interventions as well as their combination with effective medications with minimal risks of negative side effects.Age-specific research and outcome studies are also necessary to illuminate appropriate treatment for psychotic disorders in children and adolescents.


Abstract Nitrilases are widely distributed in nature and are able to hydrolyze nitriles into their corresponding carboxylic acids and ammonia. In industry, nitrilases have been used as green biocatalysts for the production of high value-added products. To date, biocatalysts are considered to be important alternatives to chemical catalysts due to increasing environmental problems and resource scarcity. This review provides an overview of recent advances of nitrilases in aspects of distribution, enzyme screening, molecular structure and catalytic mechanism, protein engineering, and their potential applications in industry.


Engineering models applied to calculate noise levels in residential areas caused by traffic sources are ray-based approximations of the real wave propagation. Difficulties arise if many reflective objects like buildings influence sound propagation and if reflections contribute significantly to the resulting levels. There are different techniques to deal with these problems and all of them have their pros and cons. Some of them are discussed with special attention for the precision and repeatability necessary if these calculation methods shall be applied to check the conformity of infrastructure projects with existing legal requirements. Noise prediction for low noise back-yards near roads with heavy traffic and methods to calculate the levels increase in street canyons are discussed. It is shown that the assumption of specular reflection in nearly all calculation methods is a good approximation even with diffuse reflecting facades, but nevertheless limits the finally possible accuracy of noise prediction.


According to the university and the enterprise's own situation, put The demands of the enterprise as the guide, research on each factor research of university-industry-research cooperation mechanism based on colleges and universities. On the analysis of the obstacles of cooperative mechanism in China, at the same time, the countermeasures of each factor of the cooperation mechanism is studied. The purpose is to coordinate each factor of the university-industry-research cooperation systems, to realize the optimization target of the system, to explore and summarizes the countermeasures of sustainable development in the practice of industry-university-institute cooperation.


Previous research on philosophy for children in schools has almost exclusively focused on how it is perceived by students. The aim of this study is to focus on how it is perceived by five teachers ...


It is presented a new random NRay tree algorithm of isolated conflict resolution to analyze random access channels.The mean times of packet conflict resolution are explicitly obtained.The analytic formulae of the throughputs for dynamic and static algorithms are provided.Also,the simulation results is given.


The ditch valley of debris flow is a complicated fuzzy system,it is formed by many kinds of factors,fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is used and seven factors were chosen as the dangerous degree of main related factors dividing the debris flow,the related degree of analytic approaches of the grey system is used to confirm and appraise the factor and is under the jurisdiction of degree and get a better way to judge dangerous degree of debris flow.The evaluation result show that fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method has higher discrimination accuracy and has offered reliable scientific basis for preventing and curing the calamity effectively.


Zhang Shi was an important representative of Huxiang School in the Southern Song Dynasty. He was famous for not only academic thoughts but also his learning of history. His historical ideas are obviously characterized with rationalistic Confucian philosophy.


To reasonably predict of fatigue life under variable loading, it is important to understand the damaging process. In this study, the damage process of low-cycle fatigue was investigated for Type 316 stainless steel. Fully-reversed axial fatigue tests were conducted in the ambient air at a room temperature by controlling strain amplitude, which was 6% at the maximum. Two-step strain tests were also conducted in order to assess the effect of loading history on fatigue life. The fatigue life was shown to be not always longer than that estimated using a linear damage accumulation rule. Furthermore, in order to evaluate the effect of initiation and growth of surface cracks on the fatigue life, the surface layer of specimens was removed after the first step. The fatigue life was extended by surface removal, although it was not recovered completely. Many internal cracks were observed on the fractured surface of the surface-removed specimens, and in some cases the specimens were fractured by these internal cracks. It was concluded that the low-cycle fatigue damage of Type 316 stainless steel consisted of three factors: surface cracking, internal cracking, and strain accumulation.


Solid waste is a growing problem in Sri Lanka in the absence of proper managementmeasures. Development and implementation of a National strategy for municipal solidwaste management is essential in order to reduce environmental, social and the economicproblems associated with the present disposal practices. Such strategies however, need tobe subjected to proper economic analysis in order to arrive at informed decisions. Thispaper presents an extended cost benefit analysis of a biogas generation plant that usesmunicipal solid waste as the raw material. To dispose vegetable market garbage available in Wattala, Kandana and Ja-ela areas a640 Mt capacity biogas/ bio fertilizer project has been housed at Muthurajawela (alongHamilton canal, Elakanda), by the National Engineering Research & DevelopmentCenter of Sri Lanka (NERDC) which uses Dry Batch Anaerobic Digester Technology.Among the other biological treatment options, anaerobic digestion is the most costeffective, due to the high-energy recovery linked to the process and its limitedenvironmental impacts. Economic analysis has been carried out to identify environmental costs and benefitsassociated with the above project. Several environmental valuation methods have beenapplied to value the identified costs and benefits. The main benefit of reduction ofmunicipal solid waste has been estimated by contingent valuation method using samplesfrom Wattala-Mabola, Ja-ela, and Peliyagoda local authority areas. Another benefit is thereduction of green house has emission due to the reduction of open dumping. Greenhouse gas (methane) emission from solid waste was estimated through Sholl Canionmodel and valued using avoided global damage cost approach. Benefits of biogas asenergy and organic fertilizers and employment benefits were estimated by market basedapproaches The project is viable from economy and environment point of view with net present valueof Rs 142 million for a 20-year period with 10% discount rate. This analysis provides ajustification for undertaking solid waste management strategies in a technologically,environmentally and economically viable manner


In this case report set in Berchtesgadener Land we present the successful integration of regionwide geo-referenced wastewater monitoring for SARS-CoV-2, which aims to detect any changes to the local infection process at an early stage and has been used by the local crisis team since November 2020 to manage the situation comprehensively. The European Commission recommended to its member states to establish blanket wastewater monitoring in March 2021 (1). The aim was—by considering viral load in wastewater and officially notified new infections with COVID-19—to visualize the current situation on a central digital dashboard, in order to draw conclusions about local central foci of viral entry into the sewer system and, on the basis of these insights, to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2 by means of targeted measures. Methodological approach Since SARS-CoV-2 is excreted by infected people in their stools in the initial days after symptoms develop (but also if the infection is asymptomatic) (2), it is possible to capture the extent of the infection process by means of CoV-2 biomarkers for entire residential areas by analyzing wastewater, independently of people's participation in individual testing (3). In order to ensure that the sampling is as comprehensive as possible, but also ensure swift sample collection, transfer, analysis, and notification, wastewater specimens were taken (by staff in the municipal sewage plants) in the early hours of the morning, twice every week, in nine municipal sewage works as a mixed sample over a period of four hours and additionally directly from the sewers, from three sampling points as a qualified sample (mixed specimen/ CORRESPONDENCE


The merits of several semiconducting compounds which can be used to build thin film photovoltaic devices are discussed, considering in particular their absorption coefficient. Photocells using polycristalline GaAs films, formed by different techniques, are then described. The best cells, obtained with GaAs films chemically formed on Mo foil, and covered with cuprous selenide, have efficiencies reaching 5 % and a good stability.


In this article, a fractional-order sliding-mode control scheme based on a two-hidden-layer recurrent neural network (THLRNN) is proposed for a single-phase shunt active power filter. Considering the shortcomings of traditional neural networks (NNs) that the approximation accuracy is not high and weight and center vector of NNs are unchangeable, a new THLRNN structure which contains two hidden layers to make the network have more powerful fitting ability, is designed to approximate the unknown nonlinearities. A fractional-order term is added to a sliding-mode controller to have more adjustable space and better optimization space. Simulation and experimental studies prove that the proposed THLRNN strategy can accomplish the current compensation well with acceptable current tracking error, and have satisfactory compensation property and robustness compared with a traditional neural sliding controller.


In this study, Coconut Coir Pith was used to prepare a low cost bio adsorbent through chemical modification. The effect of adsorbent dosage, contact time, initial metal-ion concentration, pH and temperature on the adsorption of nickel onto chemically modified coconut coir pith was investigated. The maximum removal was observed at pH 6.0 and adsorbent dose 2.0 g/L for initial metal-ions concentration 50 mg/L. Study of temperature effect proved that the process is endothermic. Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were used for equilibrium adsorption data. Langmuir isotherm proved to be a better fit. Pseudo first order and pseudo second order kinetic models were applied to analyze the kinetic mechanism of adsorption. The values of Gibbs free energy ΔG°, Enthalpy ΔH° and Entropy ΔS° was calculated by the thermodynamic studies.


The advent of big data and increasing potential of computing power has boosted opportunities for artificial intelligence applications, and particularly of machine learning (ML) models. We teach these systems how to make sense of data, when its amount goes far beyond human intelligibility. Their way to operate is inspired by our learning processes and brain development, where pieces of usable intelligence are built from previous experiences, repeatability and generalisation of real world phenomena [1]. Whilst these models might help us making sense of big data, then why do we need explanations? We need them due to the opaque nature of ML, to support fundamental requirements, such as transparency, fidelity, and trust [3]. Explanations are defined by Lombrozo as "the currency in which we exchange beliefs" [2]. From a ML perspective, that currency is represented by translating AI procedures into "understandable terms to a human" [4]. A domain area where the demand for explainability is particularly critical is healthcare. This field takes advantage of AI for a number of tasks, such as decision-making, predictions, risk management, and policy [5]. My research focuses on how to bring ML models for prediction of disease progression to clinical practice. Predictions are a delicate theme, as they can have far-reaching implications. Imagine how automatic predictions might guide treatments' decisions in the future. To date, clinicians normally make predictions based on recurrent (mostly qualitative) observations, expertise, or even general impression. Given new potentials in healthcare, clinicians have to make their way through an overwhelming number of variables. Thus, we handcraft systems to overperform human intelligence and be able to see trends and patterns the human eye would not capture at a glance. We also aim for higher performance, but the trade-off is that more interpretable models, such as regression models or decision trees, normally offer lower performance [6]. Therefore, how can we claim that we need explanations more than we need performance? I believe the problem cannot be reduced to this. We are not expecting humans to grasp that sophisticated calculations for which they built computational systems


The k-center clustering algorithm, introduced over 35 years ago, is known to be robust to class imbalance prevalent in many clustering problems and has various applications such as data summarization, document clustering, and facility location determination. Unfortunately, existing k-center algorithms provide highly suboptimal solutions that can limit their practical application, reproducibility, and clustering quality. In this paper, we provide a novel scalable and globally optimal solution to a popular variant of the k-center problem known as generalized L_1 k-center clustering that uses L_1 distance and allows the selection of arbitrary vectors as cluster centers. We show that this clustering objective can be reduced to a mixed-integer linear program (MILP) that facilitates globally optimal clustering solutions. However, solving such a MILP may be intractable for large datasets; to remedy this, we present a scalable algorithm that leverages constraint generation to efficiently and provably converge to its global optimum. We further enhance outlier handling through a simple but elegant extension to our MILP objective. We first evaluate our algorithm on a variety of synthetic datasets to better understand its properties and then validate on 20 real benchmark datasets where we compare its performance to both traditional L_1 distance k-center and k-medians baselines. Our results demonstrate significant suboptimality of existing algorithms in comparison to our approach and further demonstrate that we can find optimal generalized L_1 k-center clustering solutions up to an unprecedented 1,000,000 data points.


The bulk and absorbency of multi-ply tissue products improved by brushing at least one surface of at least one ply of the tissue and plying the tissue product together such that at least one brushed surface is facing inwardly, i.e. is in the middle and not on the outside of the multi-ply product. The preferred method includes rotating brushing means 15 located upstream of compaction rolls 20, 21 for combining the brushed webs 18, 19 to form a two ply structure.


Combustion-Infrared absorption method is introduced to simultaneously determine carbon and sulfur content in corrosion product of uranium-niobium alloy with LECO CS—444 carbon and sulfur analyzer.The suitable parameters were obtained by carbon and sulfur determination experiments on the synthetic samples of known carbon content.Iron scrap and tungsten particle are selected as a mixed flux.When the sample quantity is 0.150 g,the optimal dosages of iron scrap and tungsten particle are 0.050 g and 1.500 g,respectively.The sulfur detection limit of the said method is 3.6 μg/g.RSD of carbon and sulfur measured values are ≤3.0% and ≤15%,respectively.Standard recovery of carbon and sulfur are 98%~111% and 92%~102%,respectively.


To test the suitability of adsorbents such as activated carbons, zeolites, and other materials to adsorb acetic acid vapors that are liberated inside museum showcases and may destroy lead objects, the adsorption capacities at the saturation pressure and the isotherms of adsorption at lower pressures were determined. The results obtained show that the NaX zeolite in pellet form and the RB4 activated carbon are the best adsorbents. Additionally, they show that materials with sodium content exhibit an exchange process that may be very important, particularly in the case of NaX zeolite. Some of the parameters determined (saturation capacity, Henry constant, kinetic parameter) seem to be related in a simple manner (although there are adsorbents that do not agree with the general trend). However, a simple relation was not found between the specific surface area previously determined with nitrogen at 77 K and the acetic acid saturation capacity at room temperature.


Macquarrie's classic textbook has already been updated three times since publication in 1963. Starting from the philosophical and theological legacies of the 19th century, traces the renewal of Protestant and of Catholic theology, and surveys recent movements.


This study investigates the drying-induced microstructure evolution of compacted silt with different salinities, using mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) and environmental scanning electron micros...


Enhancing quality is the focus of vocational education reform, and building a quality evaluation system that is adapted to the needs of modern vocational education is an important task of vocational education reform. However, international research on quality evaluation models of vocational education has still not been explored in depth. In order to reveal the influencing factors and the relationships between them in the quality evaluation system of vocational education in China, this study establishes a theoretical model of quality evaluation of vocational education in China and tests the model. Based on in-depth interviews, this study reached the following conclusions: (1) Educational orientation is the starting and ending point of vocational education quality evaluation. The quality evaluation of vocational education in China is directly reflected through professional settings and talent training objectives; (2) the quality evaluation of vocational education in China focuses on factors external to the education system, which is an important means through which the quality of vocational education can be recognized by the public, enterprises, and industries; (3) there are internal factors influencing the quality evaluation of vocational education, namely institutional resources and evaluation system construction. In addition, strategies for vocational institutions are proposed based on the study results, suggesting that other countries should strictly regulate the settings of majors based on the real needs of industries; promote the development of technical knowledge, teaching materials, and teacher training; and explore the function of international exchange and cooperation, industry–education integration, and school–enterprise cooperation in educating people. This study provides a theoretical model for the quality evaluation of vocational education; in terms of practical value, the constructed model extends the scope of basic theory.


Floyd is the founder of the psychoanalysis school, his personality theory is a core of the psychoanalysis theory. Personality of Floyd theory mainly includes personality structure, personality power, personality correspondence and personality development. There are many rational composition of his personality theory, and much falsehood in it too.


Moving object detection is a crucial component of automotive systems' safety functions. AI-based approaches for object detection are the most common solutions in the case of self-driving vehicles. For autonomous navigation in an industrial setting, a deep learning model that relies on stronger assumptions regarding the environment, can be implemented. This is due to the fact that an industrial environment is more strictly controlled than an urban area. However, the detection of moving obstacles is still a challenging task and its solution can serve as the basis for more advanced models. In this paper, we introduce an optical flow-based deep neural network approach for moving object segmentation and state of motion estimation in industrial environment as an implementation case study. The algorithm is based on our earlier optical flow egomotion filtering method and optical flow-based Deep Neural Network, called OFSNet. The aim of this paper is to introduce the main hardware and software modules of the moving object segmentation system, the integration process, the communication considerations and the logistics management system. The proposed system was installed and tested on a mobile robot platform in a mock warehouse environment. All of the program codes, documentations and installation steps are publicly available at GitHub.


The concept of a host algebra generalises that of a group C -algebra to groups which are not locally compact in the sense that nondegenerate representations of the host algebra are in one-to-one correspondence with representations of the group under consideration. Here we consider the question of the existence of host algebras for abelian topological groups and also for multiplier representations. Our main negative result is essentially that a topological abelian group has a full host algebra (covering all its continuous unitary representations) if and only if it embeds densely into a locally compact group. On the positive side, we show that any countably dimensional symplectic space, regarded as an abelian group with a multiplier, has a full host algebra. This provides a host algebra for the set of regular representations of the CCR algebra in physics. MSC: 43A10, 43A40, 22A25, 46N50, 81T05


In Korea, fire hazard and risk analysis and response management planning related to existing decrepit buildings, including interior construction and architectural layout revision, due to various occupancy purposes have not been researched or established. Therefore, regulations and technical standards that can manage and reduce fire hazards and risks based on fire hazard analysis and evaluation are required. This study was performed based on a site survey and fire evacuation assessment including performancebased analysis in 3 actual existing buildings to find the life safety issues and provide improvement recommendations.


In this report we present some initial ideas about possible uses of the principally new advanced sensor technology based on the photoelectric structures with memory (PESM) in intelligent vehicle highway systems (IVHS). PESM is an integral multilayer solid-state device capable of registering, storing, converting, and processing of images. The information is registered and stored in the form of two-dimensional charge and potential patterns in the plane of the layers, and is transferred and transformed in a perpendicular direction due to interaction of these patterns correspondingly with electrical and optical input signals. That is why PESM provides high operation potential (to 1014 operation/bit/s) and some microsecond to millisecond operating time for such integral operations with images such as addition, subtraction, contouring, correlation, and so on. It seems to be very suitable for solving such widespread tasks of technical vision and image processing as object counting and recognition, moving object selection with recording of its trajectory, object tracking, and so on in real time and without complicated computer processing. We endeavor to use PESM, combining in itself the capabilities of photosensor and preprocessor devices, in intelligent observation and control systems on highways and for vehicle guidance applications.


Endrin replaced cryolite and ryania for control of 2nd- and 3rd-generation infestations of the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), about 1958 primarily because of its efficacy. By 1963 control failures began to occur and resistance was subsequently verified (Yadav et al. 1965). Azinphosmethyl, an organophosphate, was substituted for endrin and has been used extensively for 8 years. The studies reported herein were undertaken to determine if any field populations of the sugarcane borer have developed resistance to azinphosmethyl.


In high-precision machine tools only very small deviations of the tool from the reference contour are admitted. In order to satisfy the accuracy requirements, three control goals have to be attained. Firstly, a smallest possible tracking error of every feed axis has to be attained. Secondly, a nearly identical dynamic performance of the axes is advantageous, because then the contour error is nearly zero, though each axis may have the same considerable tracking error. Thirdly, the suppression of nonperiodic or periodic disturbances is a crucial demand. In this contribution different feedforward and feedback strategies for cascade control structures are discussed and compared with polynomial controllers available on the market. A new issue is the principle of input balancing.


The 13C chemical shifts of 37 pyrazines, including their N-oxides, are reported. Substituent effects of methyl, phenyl and N-oxide groups on the chemical shifts were examined. To comprehend these effects, the chemical shifts were compared with charge densities calculated by the CNDO/2 method and a good correlation was obtained. 13C, 1H coupling constants of some pyrazines were also determined and assigned. These data enable us to assign the 13C NMR spectra of substituted pyrazines and to understand the effects of N-oxidation on the pyrazine nuclei.


Upper Heilongjiang Basin is an important gold metallogenic province found recently. Gold deposits such as Shabaosi, Laogou, Shabaosilinchang and Ergenhe are strictly controlled by nearly EW_trending Luoguhe_Ergenhe brittle_ductile shear zone, and the ore bodies normally occur in SN_, NE_ and NW_ trending subsidiary tensio_shear fractures, which were derived from the ductile shear zone. In order to probe into the genetic types of Shabaosi, Laogou and other gold deposits as well as the ore prospecting potential in this area, the authors carried out a detailed field investigation, and studied geological characteristics of typical deposits. Meanwhile, based on the homogenization temperature, whole components, Laser Raman Microprobe analyses of fluid inclusions in quartz, and H, O, S and Pb isotopes, the authors systematically discussed the metallogenesis of the gold deposits. The results show that these gold deposits are characterized by poor sulfides with ≤3% sulfide minerals (mainly pyrite). Fluid inclusions in the gold deposits can be divided into aqueous two_phase type, CO_2_bearing three_phase type and pure CO_2 type. The sulfur, lead, hydrogen and oxygen isotopic components of typical ores and ore_forming fluids indicate that δ 34S values of sulfides (pyrite, pyrrhotite and stibnite) range from -1.6‰ to 9.6‰, δ 18O values of ore_forming fluids from -1.3‰ to +6.6‰, while δD from -89‰ to -135‰. Lead isotopes of ores have characteristics of the orogenic belt. The cations of the ore_forming fluids are mainly Na+ and K+, while the anions are chiefly Cl- and SO 2-_4. The vapor_phase components of the ore_forming fluids are composed mainly of H_2O, CO_2 and N_2, with minor amounts of H_2, O_2, CO, CH_4, C_2H_4, C_2H_6, C_3H_8, C_6H_6 and H_2, whereas the content of CH_4 evidently increased at the late ore_forming stage. The ore_forming fluids belong to H_2O_NaCl_CO_2_CH_4 system characterized by low salinity (averagely 5.0%). The homogenization temperature of fluid inclusions ranges from 266.5℃ to 295.2℃, belonging to the mesothermal type. The ore type is of Au_Sb association. Studies show that the gold deposits are similar to the orogenic gold deposits in geological and geochemical characteristics, and can hence be assigned to the epizonal orogenic subtype. The formation of the ore deposits was closely related to Mongolia_Okhotsk orogeny.


The composition of associated gases of the main oil and gas complexes of the Upper Devonian carbonate and terrigenous Devonian was studied for the purpose of identification of the sources of these gases. Molecular characteristics and their specific features were used together with carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition for determination of their genesis. The results showed the difference in molecular characteristics for the gases of Upper Devonian carbonate complex and Terrigenous Devonian. More contrasting results were found for isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen. The analysis of obtained results suggests a presence of several sources of gases at the study area.


Ontologies have been part of developing information systems in Shell for some twenty years, taking the form of data models and reference data used within information systems. A problem in reusing or integrating systems is the context that they assume, which may not be valid beyond the scope of an implementation. Lessons learnt include trying to ensure that the context is explicit, and that what are really local rules in a global context are not defined as global rules in a local context. These lessons have been applied in the development of International Standards to provide an architecture for integration and a data model that includes both a foundation ontology that has been developed on a well defined and consistent basis, and provides a framework for extension of the ontology through reference data.


By analyzing the current situation of scientific research ability cultivation of undergraduate students at home and abroad, combined with the actual situation of private colleges, cultivation of scientific research ability of undergraduates were discussed, including teaching, research, graduation thesis(Design), and other professional practice, training, technical reports.


In his article "Methodologically Historicizing Social Studies Education: Curricular Filtering and Historical Thinking as Social Studies Thinking," Bryan Smith draws attention to limitations and confusions in the social studies thinking framework introduced by the Ontario Ministry of Education (OME; 2013) in its latest Grade 1–8 social studies, geography, and history curriculum (pp. 58–60). Smith's underlying concern is that the OME has employed a conception of historical thinking developed by Peter Seixas (2015) as the basis for a framework for thinking in social studies. Smith argues that minor linguistic changes to Seixas's terminology mask the predominantly historical focus of OME's framework. According to Smith (2017), the imposition of historical thinking concepts ignores the interdisciplinary nature of social studies by privileging historical methods of inquiry over the methodologies of other social studies disciplines (p. 1).


In this paper, we propose a new method for solving multiobjective optimization problems with a large number of decision variables. The proposed method called weighted optimization framework is intended to serve as a generic method that can be used with any population-based metaheuristic algorithm. After explaining some general issues of large-scale optimization, we introduce a problem transformation scheme that is used to reduce the dimensionality of the search space and search for improved solutions in the reduced subspace. This involves so-called weights that are applied to alter the decision variables and are also subject to optimization. Our method relies on grouping mechanisms and employs a population-based algorithm as an optimizer for both original variables and weight variables. Different grouping mechanisms and transformation functions within the framework are explained and their advantages and disadvantages are examined. Our experiments use test problems with 2–3 objectives 40–5000 variables. Using our approach on three well-known algorithms and comparing its performance with other large-scale optimizers, we show that our method can significantly outperform most existing methods in terms of solution quality as well as convergence rate on almost all tested problems for many-variable instances.


Firms acquire external technological knowledge via different channels. In this paper, we compare the technology sourcing of foreign subsidiaries and domestic firms looking at domestic R&D outsourcing, international R&D outsourcing, domestic cooperation for innovation and international cooperation for innovation. We use data from the Spanish Technological Innovation Panel for the years 2005–2009 for 10,206 innovative firms operating in Spain. We apply a multivariate probit specification which allows for systematic correlations among the different choices. The results show that the different technology sourcing choices are interdependent and that foreign subsidiaries show a different pattern of external technology sourcing. Compared to affiliated domestic companies, foreign subsidiaries show a smaller propensity for external technology sourcing via R&D outsourcing from independent firms in the host country, for international R&D outsourcing and for international cooperation for innovation. In contrast, foreign subsidiaries show a greater propensity for domestic cooperation for innovation. However, foreign subsidiaries are not a homogenous group in this respect.