Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the key themes and discussions which came out of the 2011 UK Serials Group (UKSG) conference.Design/methodology/approach – The conference is introduced and some of the key sessions are described and evaluated, then the report is drawn to a close with a brief conclusion which summarizes the main themes.Findings – Many changes in user demands and the future role for libraries, librarians and publishers within the scholarly research sector; libraries need to shift services from "place to space" (physical location to online) to better fulfill their users' needs; many changes in the book industry such as a rapid increase in the number of E‐book sales; an increase in the use of mobile devices such as e‐readers and tablets; publishers are experimenting with new formats, such as print on demand; the lack of library funding, its impact on research output and the on‐going struggle for library survival was a reoccurring theme throughout the conference.Originality/val...


The armed territorial conflicts, terror activities, and failing economies in several countries are breeding mental health issues. Mental illness, shrouded by stigma is the elephant in the room here which is finally acknowledged by the society and the policy makers. Both the military as well as the civilian society are affected. The rigours of military life and the daily anxiety of civilian society, both appear to be leading to mental health issues in defence personnel and the civilians. In India, with limited medical resources, the situation is even grim. In this review paper, the focus remains on the issues of mental health and mental illness, which have recently come to the fore on account of many national happenings in last few years. The paper explores the extant literature on mental illness in India and outlines the meaning of mental illness, discusses the legislations and Government's programmes and initiatives regarding the promotion of mental health. The issue of mental health is discussed in light of rising suicide incidence in our soldiers which is a cause of concern. The paper culminates with the suggestions for further research and remedial measures.


We present here preliminary results of our study of the two‐pion component of the NN potential using covariant chiral symmetry restricted to just pion and nucleon degrees of freedom. In a first step we perform the full calculation using feynman parametrizations and restore the results obtained in reference [3]. Next we use several relations among feynman integrals and try to rewrite the amplitude evidencing the correct chiral scale. Finally we expand the integrals and compare it with the heavy baryon approach [5].


By investigating distributing of monthly rainfall and monthly temperature in Dingxi area from 1967 to 2003,and applying the EOF(empirical orthogonal function) and wavelet analysis on these data,results show there were jump-points in evolvement of rainfall decreasing and temperature increasing.The slopes of the rainfall and temperature were difference.The rate of monthly rainfall was-13.6mm/10a~4.3mm/10a;temperature 0.883℃/10a~0.108℃/10a.The rainfall and temperature was obvious correlation with SST(North pacific).Also the lineartrendency of the rain and temperature changes had strengthened,the variation evolvement correspond with 4 years quasiperiod become of weakening.


Abstract Local accumulations of brackish groundwater occur across south Louisiana within shallow, southward-dipping Pleistocene, Pliocene, and Upper Miocene aquifers. Low Br/Cl and K/Cl concentration ratios, high Na/Cl concentration ratios, trace Mg concentrations, and low 87Sr/86Sr ratios in the brackish waters from these aquifers are inconsistent with the saline-water sources being in situ marine formation fluids of similar age. The ratios are consistent with the saline-water sources being Lower Miocene or Paleogene marine formation fluids which dissolved recrystallized halite. The region overlies the Jurassic Louann salt and is cut by a series of east-west trending gravity faults with southward-dipping fault planes. Deep formation fluids have dissolved halite in salt diapirs and moved up fault planes to enter shallow aquifers and mix with the in situ groundwaters.


With the expansion of Chinese forest product trade,the trade conflicts become worse and worse.Getting overseas resources through foreign direct investment(FDI) is important for companies to avoid trade barrier,thus they can take the opportunity to improve international competitive power.This paper will analysis the FDI risks of processing forest product Enterprise.The result will be used to help company make investment decision.Principal Component Analysis and Logit model are been used to evaluate FDI's political risks,economic risks and forest risks.The result show that small and medium-sized enterprises which more concern of costs should choose low costs developing country.On the other hand,to those large enterprises,developed country,which have technical and management advantage,is the best choice.


In this study, we used a DuPont Linx CR system to generate film images of the AP & lateral views of a foot phantom. Images were printed using a 2 on 1 CR image output format. Image display parameters for one of these two images was varied in a systematic fashion while the second image remained at the constant default settings recommended by the manufacturer. Twelve radiologists evaluated the relative image quality of each pair of images for four anatomic areas: osseous detail in the fore foot, mid foot and hind foot, and soft tissue detail. The resultant data were analyzed to investigate the influence of the display parameters on radiologist preference. The results of this study demonstrate that significant improvements are achievable for the CR display parameters when compared to the default values. This improvement in radiologist preference depends on the anatomical regions under consideration.


The American composer Charles Ives (1874–1954) was rooted in New England Congregationalism, the Puritan wing of the Reformed tradition. Although he is often seen as an innovative composer identified with New England transcendentalism, he never abandoned his Reformed evangelical faith but rather expressed it in some of his greatest music, particularly the Third and Fourth Symphonies.


Vascular involvement of pancreatic pseudocyst is a rare complication that can potentially result in a fatal outcome. If there is vascular involvement, the  splenic artery is most often involved; its rupture and massive bleeding into the peritoneal cavity or retroperitoneal space can lead to hypovolemic shock.  We report on a 66-year-old-male patient, who initially presented with atypical chest pain and was diagnosed with a rupture of the splenic artery  pseudoaneurysm resulting from chronic pancreatitis. The patient was successfully treated by transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE).The patient's  condition improved and he was finally discharged without complications 22 days after admission. The splenic arterial involvement in the patient with  pancreatic pseudocyst is an uncommon complication. Chest pain with pleuritic symptom is often misdiagnosed as cardiovascular or pulmonary disease. Proper management depending on hemodynamic stability can prevent a life-threatening event.


ABSTRACT
This study aims to determine the role of the teacher in the formation of students in the 4.0 era. Descriptive descriptive research method. Data collection techniques using observation, observation, interviews and documentation. The results of the study show that the role of the teacher as an educator plays a very important role in the formation of the character of students. In addition, parents will also always support teachers in forming these characters because students will always spend their time at school rather than at home. Students communicate more with teachers than with their parents. In conclusion, the teacher plays an important role in the formation of the character of students, especially their role.

Keywords: Teacher's Role, Character, students


Membrane filtration fouling is a very complex process and is determined by many properties such as the membrane internal morphology, membrane pore structure, flow rate and contaminant properties. In a very slow filtration process or during the late stage of filtration, when the flow rate is naturally low and Péclet number is small, particle diffusion is essential and cannot be neglected, while in typical filtration models, especially in moderate and fast filtration process, the main contribution stems from the particle advection. The objectives of this study is to formulate mathematical models that can (i) investigate how filtration process varies under possible effects of particles diffusion; and (ii) describe how membrane morphology evolves and investigate the filtration performance during the filtration process. We also compare the results with the case that diffusion is less important and make a prediction about what kind of membrane filter pore structure should be employed to achieve a particular optimum filtration performance. According to our results, the filtrate and efficiency of particle separation are found to be under the trade-off relationship, and the selection of the membrane properties depends on the requirement of the filtration.


Background: Nitric Oxide (NO) which is synthesized by endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase (eNOS) in both vascular tissues and platelets plays an important role as a protective mediator in the cardiovascular system. It modulates blood pressure, vasodilation and thrombosis. In this regard, eNOS activity and gene expression in platelets and NO levels in patients' plasmas with Coronary Thrombosis (CT) and stenosis diseases were determined. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 60 subjects that where divided into three equal groups [without coronary artery disease, with CT and less than 70% Coronary Stenosis (CS)]. NO concentration in plasma was measured by the Griess reagent system. The eNOS activity was assessed based on a fluorimetric detection system in platelets and the gene expression was quantified by the real time-reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Results: There was a significant decrease in the amount of NO concentration in the plasma of subjects with CT (0.53±0.09 μM, p<0.01) and CS (1.31±0.11 μM, p<0.01) compared to the control group (2.6±0.10 μM). The activity levels of eNOS enzyme were significantly lower in patients' platelets with CT (0.68±0.013 UF/mn, p<0.01) and CS (0.85±0.017 UF/mn, p<0.01) than the control cases (1.29±0.019 UF/mn). These data were consistent with the reduction of the expression levels of eNOS in patients with CT (75 folds) and CS (4 folds) lower than the control cases. Conclusion: Patients with CT and CS possessed reduced eNOS activity and gene expression in their platelets. Decreased plasma concentration of NO in these patients confirmed the potential significance of the diagnostic and prognostic value of NO in the subjects' plasma with vascular disease risk.


One of the main consumers of energy in buildings are the HVAC systems intended to maintain the internal environment for the comfort and safety of the occupants. Occupant satisfaction, is influenced by many different factors, including air temperature, radiant temperature, humidity, the outdoor environment, activity levels and clothing. Occupant thermal comfort is traditionally measured by the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) metric, which estimates the expected response of the occupants on a seven point scale. PMV is a statistical measure, which holds for large populations. For small groups, however, the actual thermal comfort could be significantly different, and so energy may be wasted trying to achieve unwanted conditions. In this paper, we apply Locally Weighted Regression with Adaptive Bandwidth (LRAB) to learn individual occupant preferences based on historical reports. As an initial investigation, we attempt to do this based on just one input parameter, the internal air temperature. Using publicly available datasets, we demonstrate that this technique can be significantly more accurate in predicting individual comfort than PMV, relies on easily obtainable input data, and is much faster to compute. It is therefore a promising technique to be used as input to adpative HVAC control systems.


An object oriented architectural programming system model was developed to support imaginative thinking in a computer aided design(CAD) system.The model consists of information obtaining,processing and using,and representing.The system uses image-based modeling,multi-mode information retrieval,data coupling,and visual scene creation.Parts of the system were developed with OpenGL to meet architectural design demands.The result shows that the system is useful not only for architects to gather,process and represent information,but also for non-architects to understand and analyze architectural designs.


Abstract. In recent years, there has been a great research interest on green propulsion, both for environmental, cost and ease-of-use considerations, further accelerated by the needs of the NewSpace Economy. Hydrogen peroxide is a green and versatile propellant that is suitable for a lot of different uses in space applications. Following a previous AIDAA publication of 2019, this paper updates the research performed on hydrogen peroxide-based propulsion by the University of Padua and its spin-off T4i with the latest achievements. Starting from the simplest propulsion systems, several monopropellant thrusters have been successfully designed and tested, ranging from a propulsion module of 1 N, to a 10 N and 200 N flight-weight items. The thrusters can operate in blowdown or pressure-regulated mode, and they have been tested for hundreds of seconds of continuous operation and for thousands of pulses. A 450 N liquid bipropellant motor that burns the monopropellant exhausts with diesel fuel has also been developed and tested. The motor uses an unconventional internal vortex flow field to achieve stability, efficiency, and self-cooling of the chamber. The nozzle throat region temperature is kept under control by regenerative cooling channels fed by the peroxide. All thrusters make extensive use of additive manufacturing. The hydrogen peroxide technology has also been applied on hybrid propulsion, which was the initial main expertise of the Padua University propulsion group. Hundreds of tests have been performed at lab-scale, mainly with paraffin wax and polyethylene as fuels, with burning time up to 80 seconds. The motors are able to start, stop and restart multiple times. A cavitating pintle valve has been developed in house in order to control the oxidizer mass flow. With this valve, the hybrid motors are able to throttle the thrust in a range of 1:12.6. A similar valve has been also employed in the integrated monopropellant propulsion system of a lunar drone, composed by a 400 N throttleable engine together with 4 small 14 N on-off attitude control thrusters. Moreover, several dozens of hybrid tests have been performed at 5-10 kN scale up to 50 seconds. Finally, a composite sounding rocket powered by a pressure-regulated 5 kN hybrid rocket has been fully designed and successfully flight tested.


The long-life housing certification system must have been applied more than 1,000 households apartments since 2015. The basic design guideline for the popularization of long-life housing has been developed in 2017, which include the concept of long-life housing and basic principle of design long-life housing. The demonstration project of long-life housing is be currently under construction in Sejong-si. The aim of this study is to find items on design checklist considering construction stage. The main goal is the development of design manual of long-life housing.


Using cross-sectional data from 165 countries, this study takes a fresh look at whether or not the sharing economy is a green solution for countries. This study relies on the Timbro sharing economy index and uses both carbon emission and environmental performance index as proxies for the greenhouse gas effect and overall environment, respectively. Due to limited sample size and non-normal distribution of the sample, this paper applies the Bayesian regression model, which is based on posterior distribution. The findings suggest the following: (1) a high sharing economy level has a negative relationship to carbon emissions but a positive relationship to overall environmental performance; (2) the joint variables show that a high sharing economy level together with high broadband access, urbanization, and high education level reduces carbon emissions; and (3) for manufacturing countries, a high sharing economy level together with high urbanization is associated with comparatively low carbon emissions and high environmental performance. In general, these findings allow us to conclude in favor of the contribution made by a high sharing economy level to sustainability.


Commercial Alloy 690 PWR steam generator tubes and experimentally produced alloys with varying amounts of carbon, aluminium and titanium have been examined. After simulated mill annealing and thermal treatment, the microstructure and corrosion behaviour in corrosion tests have been investigated. Stress corrosion resistance of selected alloy 690 tubes and experimental alloys has been examined with environments based on pure water, sodium hydroxide and sodium hydroxide + sodium sulphate solutions. Effects of aluminium content and the thermal treatments on the susceptibility to intergranular attack have been examined, although they appear not to be very significant to the amounts of IGA. Samples used in thermal treatments have been further examined with a dedicated scanning transmission electron microscope to show compositional changes at grain boundaries.


An attempt is made to estimate regional earthquake generating stresses in the northeastern part of Japan. It is known from previous studies that mechanisms of earthquakes occurring in a small region are similar to one another, if the division of seismic region is appropriate. In virtue of this fact, we superpose all the data of initial motions of P-waves obtained from earthquakes that occurred in a subdivided region, and project them on the same focal sphere. The distributions of P-wave initial motions thus obtained are analyzed to determine the fault types, that is, normal faulting or reverse faulting. The results obtained are summarized as follows : 1) Shallow earthquakes which occurred off the coast of Sanriku (west of 143.50 E and north of 380N) are characterized by reverse faulting, while earthquakes in the ocean-side (east of 143.50E and north of 380N) are characterized by normal faulting. 2) Shallow earthquakes which occurred off the coast of Fukushima prefecture are characterized by reverse faulting, and no normal faulting can be found. 3) It is difficult to explain the initial motion pattern of P-waves from earthquakes beneath the trench (depth ; 60-100 km) by a normal-fault-mechanism. 4) Pressure axis is nearly parallel to the dip of the seismic plane (down dip compression) deeper than 110 km in the north-eastern part of Japan. 5) Tension axis is approximately parallel to the dip of the seismic plane (down dip extension) for depths between 100km and about 60km. 6) No serious contradiction is found between the mechanism solution derived from the superposed data of many small earthquakes in a divided region and that from the data of a large earthquake in the same region.


Objective To analyze the composition of sanitation professional technicians of disease control and prevention institutions in Changchun from 2008 to 2012,and provide reference for superior departments tomake policy and planning of disease control and health manpower,optimize allocation of human resources and strengthen the construction of disease control and health workforce. Methods According to National Health Statistics and Direct Network Report system, the composition of health technical staff in the Disease control and prevention institution in Changchun area from 2008 to2012 was analyzed. Results From 2008 to 2012,the number of health technical staff in disease control and prevention institutions in Changchun area is reduced with the increase of the city's population. Their age composition tends to aging.The most of population of them has the educational background of junior college,technical secondary school or.The staff with primary professional title is the one with the largest proportions. Conclusion The number of health technical staff in the Disease control and prevention institution in Changchun area is growing. And the staff of them with older age,higher level of education and professional title accountfor an increasing proportion.But the situation has not met the requirements of the national level. It remains to be further adjusted and optimized.


The comparative analysis of the exploring of mulches {mowing grass, bark and sawdust) as well as herbicide fallow (Roundap, 6 I/ha, single application) in the rows of apple trees on dwarf rootstocks has been done. Mulches provided the optimum of soil conditions for the fruit trees root system development, improved soil moisture regimes as well as allowed to effectively suppressed weeds what leaded to 19-36 % higher yields and 7-17% larger fruits grew on these trees compared whose from herbicide fallow. Additionally, mulches enhanced fruit storability and fruit quality.


We present comprehensive experimental measurements of double differential cross sections (DDCS) for atmospheric gases, Ar, N2, CO2 and CH4. DDCSs were obtained by measuring the energy and angular distributions of one of the two outgoing electrons which are indistinguishable by use traditional electron spectrometer with an electron analyzer.


According to the characteristics of self-baking electrode,the quality of master sintering characteristics of the electrode paste in the baking process and the nature of change was grasped,the principle and treatments of the soft-off and hardware cut electrodes were analysed.


This study aimed to analyze local expenditure management strategies in Indonesia to recover the health and economy during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study used a qualitative approach with qualitative data collection methods through literature studies including books, journal articles, news, reports, and regulation. The results showed that local governments in Indonesia have refocused and reallocated Local Revenue and Expenditure Budgets as a local expenditure management strategy to handle the health and economic crisis. However, the implementation of the refocusing and reallocation policy faced problems such as limited fiscal space and was not being supported by an effective control, monitoring, and evaluation system. More findings explain that all local governments in Indonesia do have not a large fiscal capacity, so there are no options to make expansionary fiscal policies. In the implementing policy process, the Audit Board of the Republic of Indonesia has warned that there are risks of mismanagement, corruption, and state budget fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, Indonesia Corruption Watch found that there are still weaknesses in the management of regional expenditures, especially in the process of procuring goods/services that are


This paper describes a method for determination of MgO, SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaOand TiO2 in export magnesite using ICP-AES and concentration ratio variable internal standard method. The precision and accuracy are excellent.


Simple Summary Interactions of ligands with proteins are central to all reactions in the biological cell. How such reactions are affected by harsh environmental conditions, such as low temperatures, high pressures, and high concentrations of biologically destructive salts, is still largely unknown. Our work focused on specific salts found on Mars to understand whether the planet's potentially liquid, water-rich subsurface harbors conditions that are theoretically favorable for life. Our data show that, while magnesium chloride and sulfate do not significantly alter protein–ligand interactions, the perchlorate ion strongly affects protein–ligand binding. However, the temperature and pressure conditions encountered on Mars do not necessarily preclude protein–ligand interactions of the type studied here. Abstract Protein–ligand interactions are fundamental to all biochemical processes. Generally, these processes are studied at ambient temperature and pressure conditions. We investigated the binding of the small ligand 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (ANS) to the multifunctional protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) at ambient and low temperatures and at high pressure conditions, in the presence of ions associated with the surface and subsurface of Mars, including the chaotropic perchlorate ion. We found that salts such as magnesium chloride and sulfate only slightly affect the protein–ligand complex formation. In contrast, magnesium perchlorate strongly affects the interaction between ANS and BSA at the single site level, leading to a change in stoichiometry and strength of ligand binding. Interestingly, both a decrease in temperature and an increase in pressure favor the ligand binding process, resulting in a negative change in protein–ligand binding volume. This suggests that biochemical reactions that are fundamental for the regulation of biological processes are theoretically possible outside standard temperature and pressure conditions, such as in the harsh conditions of the Martian subsurface.


A magnetic field sensor includes a magnetizable core having a curved surface at least sectionally, a magnetization device for magnetizing the core, and a determination device for determining a magnetic field in the core.


This article discusses the rightful resistance in the form of public interest litigation (PIL) in China from three aspects, including broader public involvement with urbanites at the forefront, cha ...


Using a fluorescence-equipped adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscope, we have discovered retinal changes in the in vivo macaque retina resulting from exposure to visible light at levels below the ANSI maximum permissible exposure.


I explain why model theory is unsatisfactory as a semantic theory and has drawbacks as a tool for proofs on logic systems. I then motivate and develop an alternative, truth-valuational substitutional approach (TVS), and prove with it the soundness and completeness of the first order Predicate Calculus with identity and of Modal Propositional Calculus. Modal logic is developed without recourse to possible worlds. Along the way I answer a variety of difficulties that have been raised against TVS and show that, as applied to several central questions, modeltheoretic semantics can be considered TVS in disguise. The conclusion is that the truth-valuational substitutional approach is an adequate tool for many of our logic inquiries, conceptually preferable over model-theoretic semantics. Another conclusion is that formal logic is independent of semantics, apart from its use of the notion of truth, but that even with respect to it its assumptions are minimal.


This volume represents the efforts of a significant collaborative project and provides a completely up-to-date interpretation of the Cave of Hearths (Makapan Cave Valley, Limpopo Province, South Africa), which has played a key role in furthering knowledge of hominin prehistory and evolution in southern Africa. This work provides new analyses and interpretations of this important site and its archaeology, geology and palaeontology.


Where digital feedback studies report positive pedagogic outcomes, reasons for such outcomes are often not clear. One possible factor is the nature of learners' engagement with digital feedback.

With the aim of informing markers' own action research, this exploratory study investigates how form (as opposed to content) of digital feedback may influence engagement. Within the context of an English university with rapidly growing use of the GradeMark digital feedback tool, and informed by a secondary analysis of a prior survey of learners' experiences and perceptions of feedback, interviews with learners were conducted to investigate:

How may the ways in which feedback can be presented in the GradeMark digital feedback tool influence undergraduates' engagement in developmental use of lecturers' feedback for summative assessment of written coursework?

It was found that GradeMark on-script 'Bubble Comments' and off-script 'Voice Comments' may both positively influence how valued learners feel and encourage and support their use of feedback for development by positively influencing their motivation and ability to engage. On-script 'QuickMark Comments' and off-script 'General Comments' and 'Rubrics' may negatively influence same. These influences arise from the specific ways feedback can be presented in GradeMark affecting personalisation, specificity and clarity of meaning of feedback, learners' emotional connection with their marker and by grabbing their attention. Ways in which form may influence content are also identified.

It is recommended that, through their own action research, markers using GradeMark explore the use of Bubble Comments and Voice Comments as alternatives to General Comments, and 'Grading Forms' as an alternative to Rubrics. Markers using other digital feedback tools may consider using on-script annotations and digital audio feedback as alternatives to off-script paragraphs of digital written feedback, and free-form rather than pre-set assessment criteria-related comments. Specific considerations in doing so are suggested. Institutional strategy considerations in relation to use of assessment criteria and accessibility of GradeMark on mobile devices are also highlighted.


The invention relates to a traditional Chinese medicine for treating leucopenia. The traditional Chinese medicine comprises the following components by weight: 92g-112g of astragalus membranaceus, 92g-112g of codonopsis pilosula, 92g-112g of caulis Spatholobi and 74g-78g of polygonum cuspidatum. In order to further enhance the pesticide effect of the formula of the invention, the traditional Chinese medicine is further added with the following components by weight: 3g-6g of American ginseng, 4.5g-9g of cyathula officinalis, 6g-12g of Chinese angelica, 1.5g-9g of liquorice, 6g-15g of fructus jujubae and 9g-15g of prepared rehmannia roots. According to the traditional Chinese medicine for treating leukopenia disclosed by the invention, the components are combined to achieve the effects of benefiting qi and nourishing blood, and clearing away heat and dissipating blood stasis, and therefore, the traditional Chinese medicine can be used for treating leucopenia and agranulocytosis caused by deficiency of qi and blood and hot blood stasis syndrome, leucopenia caused by various reasons as well as syndromes including fatigue, palpitation, shortness of breath, insomnia, poor appetite, dysphoria with smothery sensation, headache, arthralgia and the like caused by chemoradiotherapy-related leucopenia.


The objectives of this work were to measure the levels of infant mortality due to all causes to avoidable causes and to groups of avoidable causes in the national health service; to measure the health activities and resources devoted to reducing infant mortality and to identify the most relevent variables related to medical attention for explaining differential infant mortality in Chile. Infant deaths were classified according to the 8th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. 59 indicators of medical attention to infants were selected as independent variables. A step-wise lineal multiple regression analysis was carried out to identify the best predictor variables. The final model in each case included all variables whose partial coefficients were significant at the 10% level. In 1979 infant mortality in Chile was 38.2/1000 live births varying in the 7 health districts from 21.0/1000 in Eastern Santiago to 8.7/1000 in Aisen. Theoretically avoidable deaths accounted for 84% of the total. 76.1% of deaths from avoidable causes were due to insufficient medical attention during pregnancy and delivery respiratory diseases and delayed medical attention. 19 of the 59 independent variables were significantly related to the different groups of avoidable causes. At the national level infant mortality due to all causes and to avoidable causes appeared to be associated with the same indicators of medical attention: annual pediatric medical hours contracted/newborn; professional attention at delivery medical consultations for moderately malnourished and pediatric beds. 14% of the variation in avoidable deaths could not be explained by the health sector variables studied. Pediatric hours and professional attention at delivery were the most powerful variables in explaining differential infant mortality. Health sector variables were found to have a limited influence on deaths due to malnutrition or accident.


With the intensive research on ultrafast dynamics in physics and chemistry, the single‐shot measurement of ultrashort time change has become increasingly important. The most advanced oscilloscope with the time‐lens technique possesses subpicosecond resolution, while the interferometer can single‐shot probe time event within one optical cycle. However, the single‐shot measurement of time difference beyond optical cycle but less than time‐lens' resolution is still inaccessible. Herein, a technique, the dispersive temporal interferometer (DTI), to break through the gap between interferometer and time lens on single‐shot time measurement, is reported. The concept is an analogy to the spatial interference: a pulse passes two paths to assemble into a pulse pair, and temporal interference arises after large dispersion, which can single‐shot record the imposed time change. Experimentally, it is measured that its resolution is sub‐20 as (0.004 optical cycle) over a range of larger than 2 ps (400 optical cycle), with a range‐to‐resolution ratio of 105 and sampling rate of 42.8 MHz. Moreover, a DTI‐based gyroscope with sensitivity of 348 as/(deg s−1) is fabricated to demonstrate its applications in optical sensors. This technique can precisely single‐shot monitor ultrashort time change in attosecond resolution and has a prosperous application prospect in capturing ultrafast process.


The purpose of this study (Technical Assessment) is to recognize how to convert solid waste materials into composting in North Syria, Non-State Armed Group (NSAG) controlled areas, and indicates the produced mass of the compost per capita, the assessment showed that: the weather condition in the north of Syria is suitable for converting the domestic solid waste into compost within 99-111 days at the temperature: 10-350C, The volume of the compost is about: 49.3%-55.2% of the volume of the solid waste before composting, that means the composting by housed hold could minimize the volume of solid waste to 44.8%-50.7% so the environment pollution of the and cost of dealing with the solid waste will be low, in general, the loss of mass and volume will have occurred during the composting process. The productivity of compost of each family is about: 0.69 – 0.8 kg/day and the production per capita is 0.08-0.129 kg/day, and the density of the compost 851.6-933.8 kg/m3. Only 6% of people who are involved in the questionnaire in Aleppo and Idleb governorates have no access to farmland whereas 94% of people have access to the farms and about 75% of people who have access to the farmland use fertilization, 92.35% of the interviewees reported that they are not familiar with the processes of converting the domestic solid waste into compost, whereas 7.65% reported that they are familiar with the composting process, and 57.1% of them reported that they were interested to convert the solid waste into compost and 42.9% of them expressed that they were not interest of composting; data shows the reasons why people were not interested in converting the solid waste into compost:13.3% do not have the composting tools, 67.2% are not familiar with composting processes, 12.8% do not need compost and 6.7% of people need a long time to perform the composting.


Abstract Previous studies found inconsistent results for insurance-growth nexus. The aim of this study is to examine the relationships between life and non-life insurance with economic growth. The study applies pooled mean group method to examine long-term and short-term insurance-growth nexus over the period of 1980 to 2015. The findings of the study show that there exists a positive and significant relationship between life insurance and economic growth in the long-term and short-term for all selected countries, except when insurance penetration is used as a proxy. However, a positive and significant relationship was observed for non-life insurance and economic growth for all four proxies in the long-term and short-term. The relationship between insurance and economic growth is found to be different across countries and across proxies because of diverse factors such as diversity and variety of insurance products, religious and cultural traditions, level of education, and State involvement, not covered in this research.


Plant diseases are unfavourable factors that cause a significant decrease in the quality and quantity of crops. Experienced biologists or farmers often observe plants with the naked eye for disease, but this method is often imprecise and can take a long time. In this study, we use artificial intelligence and computer vision techniques to achieve the goal of designing and developing an intelligent classification mechanism for leaf diseases. This paper follows two methodologies and their simulation outcomes are compared for performance evaluation. In the first part, data augmentation is performed on the PlantVillage data set images (for apple, corn, potato, tomato, and rice plants), and their deep features are extracted using convolutional neural network (CNN). These features are classified by a Bayesian optimized support vector machine classifier and the results attained in terms of precision, sensitivity, f-score, and accuracy. The above-said methodologies will enable farmers all over the world to take early action to prevent their crops from becoming irreversibly damaged, thereby saving the world and themselves from a potential economic crisis. The second part of the methodology starts with the preprocessing of data set images, and their texture and color features are extracted by histogram of oriented gradient (HoG), GLCM, and color moments. Here, the three types of features, that is, color, texture, and deep features, are combined to form hybrid features. The binary particle swarm optimization is applied for the selection of these hybrid features followed by the classification with random forest classifier to get the simulation results. Binary particle swarm optimization plays a crucial role in hybrid feature selection; the purpose of this Algorithm is to obtain the suitable output with the least features. The comparative analysis of both techniques is presented with the use of the above-mentioned evaluation parameters.


To the Editor Although we applaud the continued investigation by Fredrickson et al. of a single infraclavicular injection in comparison with the triple-injection technique, we question the validity of their conclusion that both groups have the same success rate when both the tripleinjection success rate of 55% and the single-injection rate of 49% are much less than the published results of others (70%–100%), when a successful block is defined as the surgical anesthesia without either complete sensory blockade or the need for supplementation. We suggest that the low success rates may be the result of inadequate visualization combined with the absence of a true single injection. Fredrickson et al. visualized 3 cords in 12% (6 of 49) of the patients, 2 cords in 65% (32 of 49) of patients, and 1 or no cord in 22% (11 of 49) of patients. In the majority (88%) of their patients, local anesthetic was injected at 1 or more arbitrary points. For the single-injection group, Fredrickson et al. did not attempt visualization of the cords. Instead, they relied on the best image of the second part of the axillary artery and injected posterior to it by moving the needletip in a cephalad–caudad direction. Thus, their "single" injection was manipulated to involve up to 50% circumference of the artery. However, a periarterial injection technique is a significant limitation because there is variability in the arrangement of the cords and septa can influence the spread of local anesthetic. In our experience, all 3 cords are visualized in greater than 99% of infraclavicular blocks. Thus the finding that single-injection technique was not significantly inferior to the triple-injection technique reflects that both groups had unacceptably low success rates secondary to inadequate visualization of the cords and lack of a true single injection. In conclusion, although we believe that the multipleinjection technique is preferable, the question of whether a single-injection technique guided by ultrasound after locating the cords can achieve comparable efficacy and efficiency to a multiple-injection technique remains open.


Bioactive compounds are often used as initial substances for many therapeutic agents. In recent years, both theoretical and practical innovations in hardware-assisted and fast-evolving machine learning (ML) have made it possible to identify desired bioactive compounds in chemical spaces, such as those in natural products (NPs). This review introduces how machine learning approaches can be used for the identification and evaluation of bioactive compounds. It also provides an overview of recent research trends in machine learning-based prediction and the evaluation of bioactive compounds by listing real-world examples along with various input data. In addition, several ML-based approaches to identify specific bioactive compounds for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases are described. Overall, these approaches are important for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds and provide new insights into the machine learning basis for various traditional applications of bioactive compound-related research.


The exoskeleton-type system is a brand new type of man—machine intelligent system. It fully combines human intelligence and machine power so that machine intelligence and human operator's power are both enhanced. Therefore, it achieves a high-level performance that neither could separately. This paper describes the basic exoskeleton concepts from biological system to man—machine intelligent systems. It is followed by an overview of the development history of exoskeleton-type systems and their two main applications in teleoperation and human power augmentation. Besides the key technologies in exoskeleton-type systems, the research is presented from several viewpoints of the biomechanical design, system structure modelling, cooperation and function allocation, control strategy, and safety evaluation.


. A finite element model is proposed for calculating the physical fields of a fiber composite with a ferroelectric matrix and dielectric filler at the stage of polarization / depolarization by an electric field. The mesh is selected as four nodal finite elements with a curved boundary. A quasi-static process is considered, the residual parameters and the physical characteristics depending on them are determined.


Since the classic experiment of Wilson, 1 it has been generally agreed that electrical stimulation of the corpus striatum gives no primary motor effects. At the same time, clinical evidence has accumulated 2 which associates striatal dysfunction with impairment of motor activities originating elsewhere. The first adequate experimental proof of this relation was reported recently by Mettler, Ades, Lipman and Culler. 3 These investigators resorted to simultaneous activation of cortical and striatal motor centers, observing that "stimulation of the caudate nucleus in the course of cortically initiated movement produced inhibition of the movement... best described as a melting away of the cortical effect." The purpose of the present communication is to report an essential confirmation and extension of the evidence on experimentally produced striatal inhibition. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE In 10 cats the caudate nucleus (and in 1 the putamen and claustrum as well) was systematically stimulated by faradic current from bipolar


Objective To investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) on serous glucagon likepeptide-1(GLP-1)and interleukin-6(IL-6) expressions in the hepatic and pancreas tissues of SD rats which were insulin resistant after high-fat forage.Methods A total of 40 healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into two groups: control group(NC group,n = 10),fed with normal diet; high-fat group(HF group,n = 30),fed with fat-rich diet to construct models of insulin resistance.After 12 weeks,fasting plasma glucose(FPG),fasting insulin(FIns),serum lipids,insulin sensitivity and insulin resistance index(HOMA-IR) were detected to confirm the construction of models.The HF group was randomly subdivided into high fat control group(HFN group,n = 15),and high fat + NAC group(HF +NAC group,n =15).Rats in the HF + NAC group were given NAC 300 mg/(kg·d) by gavage once a day with high-fat diet simultaneously.Rats in NC group and HFN group were given the same volume of physiological saline with the same method.After 4 weeks,blood samples were collected from angula vein to test FPG,FIns and blood lipid levels.Meanwhile,the pathological changes of liver were observed under light microscope after HE staining.The serum level of GLP-1 was examined by enzyme-linked immunoassay(ELISA).The expression of IL-6 in the hepatic tissues and pancreas was detected by immunohis-tochemistry.Results In HFN group,the sensitivity to insulin decreased,glucose tolerance impaired,and fatty liver occurred.Serous level of GLP-1 significantly increased in HF + NAC group compared with HFN group(P 0.05); the expression of IL-6 in the liver and pancreas tissues in HF + NAC group was much lower than that of the control group(P 0.05).Conclusion NAC would reduce the insulin resistance in highfat-diet rats by increasing the serous level of GLP-1 while reducing IL-6 protein expression and activity,which has a protective effect on insulin resistance.


The Canadian winter of 1997-98 exacted a toll of21 backcountry avalanche related deaths. Six teenagers, comprised of three skiers, one snowboarder and two snowmobilers, were killed. This was an alanning number of youth killed in avalanches in Canada. One-hour talks, using the lesson plan format, were developed to increase knowledge and awareness in youth of the risks associated with skiing, snowboarding or snowmobiling in uncontrolled avalanche terrain. Grade 10 students in physical education classes in city and rural high schools are the target group. Students are introduced to three key SMARTRISK concepts; "Get trained", "Wear the gear", and "Look first". Ski area signage is shown, and avalanche rescue equipment is demonstrated. The Canadian Ski Patrol System (CSPS) "Avalanche: Be Aware" pamphlet is given to each participant for reference. Students are advised to take a Recreational Avalanche Course (RAe) from ~ qualified provider. Since 1997, it is estimated that over 10,000 high school students have attended one-hour avalanche awareness talks. There has been an increase in the number of teenagers attending RACs in Canada. Delivery of the program has expanded within Canada and to the United States. Teenagers who have attended the program report modifying their behaviour in relation to travel in avalanche terrain, but currently this has not been quantified. A one-hour avalanche awareness talk targeted for teenagers and suitable for delivery in high schools is a first step in increasing avalanche risk awareness in youth.


This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Background: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) has a remarkably high reported incidence (70%) in female patients after anesthesia. This study aims to evaluate the clinical effect of capsicum plaster at the P6 acupoint with respect to gender in preventing PONV after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Methods: A prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted with 120 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy and who were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 30 each): Group MC = male patients with capsicum plaster at the P6 acupoint; Group MP = male patients with placebo tape at the P6 acupoint; Group FC = female patients with capsicum plaster at the P6 acupoint; Group FP = female patients with placebo tape at the P6 acupoint. The treatment tape was applied before the induction of anesthesia and was removed eight hours after the operation. Results: The incidence of nausea was reduced in both genders with application of capsicum plaster at P6 acupoint. No change in vomiting or use of anti-emetics was observed. Satisfaction scores with PONV control were improved with this intervention. No gender difference was observed which actually the initial objective of this study was. Conclusions: The application of capsicum plaster at the P6 acupoint is a proven antiemetic method in both gender after laparoscopic cholecystectomy, however there are no intergender differences. (Anesth Pain Med 2015; 10: 261-266)


: Today, large cities and peri-urban areas experience problems in the mobility of their population. Faced with this problem, decision-makers must have reliable tools to help them to build and evaluate their policies of mobility. Computer simulations especially traffic simulation tools are, therefore, the solution to better understand (study) the problem and test different resolution scenarios. Unfortunately, there are numerous simulation tools and the choice can be very difficult for traffic modelers. In this paper, we present, based on a generic method, a comparison of the most popular traffic simulation tools in two steps: 1) a comparison part using a weighted system of evaluation criteria to automatically select the candidate simulators. 2) a deeper study of the candidate simulators according to a simulation scenario corresponding to the study case. Finally, this paper presents an application of this method for the selection of a simulator for the study of intermodal mobility behaviors where MATSIM and SUMO were studied in deeper.


The Yazidis are a Kurdish heterodox group settled in the province of Mosul. They represent an interesting case study for the development of communalism in the heterogeneous social fabric of northern Iraq. This article analyses cultural difference, intergroup relations and processes of nation building as they affected and articulated various manifestations of Yazidi identity under the political modernization of the late Ottoman and mandatory periods.' The Iraqi Yazidis constituted the second largest non-Muslim group living in the Mosul province. They were settled in the two main enclaves of Jabal Sinjar and Shaikhan: the former is a mountainous area located in the middle of the northern Jazira south-west of the city of Mosul, the latter is a transitional zone between the Mosul plain and the mountains of Iraqi Kurdistan. As a community the Yazidi Kurds functioned within several often overlapping frames of reference: they were a tribe, a religious community, and an economic group whose members were mainly agriculturalists and cattle breeders. They also shared language and racial affiliation; all the Iraqi Yazidis were Kurds and spoke Kurdish as their first language. Thus individuals operated within a variety of contexts which served different types of action: the family, the clan, the tribal group, the religious polity and the wider ethnic community.2 This article concentrates on Yazidi tribal, religious and ethnic identities as sources of communal mobilization which provided a continuous interaction between the members of the group and the surrounding environment. The development of socio-economic and political solidarities that crossed communal boundaries was an important dimension of a continuous process of exchange and strategic negotiation which occurred between the Iraqi Yazidis and the cultural, socio-economic and political spheres within which they operated. In particular, the complex patterns of socio-economic and political identification which developed among the community in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries were closely related to the impact of state power. After the appointment of Midhat Pasha to the


Neuroendocrine tumors rarely occur in the esophagus because the neuroendocrine system is not well developed in the esophagus. The case of a neuroendocrine esophageal tumor developed in a patient with Barret's esophagus is presented. It was successfully trated by endoscopy.


Abstract We examined the dual trajectories of subjective memory impairment (SMI) and objective cognitive decline and their associated factors in U.S. older adults. We used data from the Health and Retirement Study which includes a nationally representative sample of 19,408 Americans age 65 and older from 1998 to 2016. Trajectories of SMI and objective cognitive decline were simultaneously characterized using a group-based trajectory model and multinomial logistic regressions were used to assess factors associated with the dual-trajectory typologies. Four dual-trajectories were identified: "minimal SMI and stable-low cognitive decline" (33.1% of respondents); "minimal SMI with accelerated cognitive decline" (28.2%); "significant SMI with moderate cognitive decline" (21.0%); and "moderate SMI with steady cognitive decline" (17.6%). Being male, minority, low educated, living alone, and having comorbidities were associated with trajectories featuring greater SMI or more rapid deterioration in cognition. The results suggest complex co-occurring changes in subjective memory and objective cognition in older adults.


Analysis and modelling the projects interdependency has become a vital and inevitable issue in project portfolio management. This study focused on modeling investment risks interdependency in a project portfolio. Risk in projects as an integral element, reduces the accuracy of the goals and the efficiency of the projects. Identifying, analyzing, prioritizing and planning to deal with these potential negative elements play a significant role in the success of the projects. In this paper, using Delphi Method and fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) as a powerful tool in the field of soft knowledge domains specially soft operation research, the direct and indirect causality between the risks affecting the return on investment in the development of refineries in Iran are identified and explained. Thus, using a hybrid qualitative and methodological approach, cognitive processes and all the outcomes investigated are based on the system of meaningfulness of the experts' and professionals' mental models in the field of refinery. Identified risks generally fall into four category of technology, marketing, finance and legal-political. Finally, using soft modeling, a network structure is presented as a potential negative factors affecting the return on investment, which leads to clarifying the dependencies and impact severity of forward and backward chaining. Furthermore, centrality criteria are used as a tool for static analyzing of created fuzzy cognitive map in order to interpret and give the meaning to the causal relationships between nodes.


The goal of the study was to assess the antibacterial activity of different commercially available toothpaste against the common oral bacterial species. Total 40 dental caries samples were collected from Chandigarh Tricity for the isolation of dental caries bacteria. The bacteria were isolated using serial dilution method and identified by studying various morphological and biochemical characteristics.


: The frequency of non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which affects both adults and children globally, is rising. It frequently co-occurs with symptoms of the metabolic syndrome and is linked to insulin resistance. With a 30% global prevalence, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent liver illnesses. NAFLD, also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by an increase in liver fat without a known underlying cause, such as excessive alcohol consumption. The fatty deposits may harm the liver. It is anticipated that the prevalence of NAFLD will continue to rise as a result of the increased incidence of obesity in both the adult and paediatric populations. Around the world, it is a significant contributor to chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the intricacy of its pathophysiology and the clinical circumstances surrounding its emergence, NAFLD has a wide range of clinical phenotypes and heterogeneity, which leads to a wide range of clinical prognoses. Although extra hepatic malignancies and cardiovascular disease are the main killers of NAFLD patients, severe liver fibrosis is a crucial prognostic indicator for liver-related outcomes and total mortality and can be detected using a combination of non-invasive testing. Oesophageal varices and hepatocellular cancer should both be screened in cirrhotic patients. NAFLD does not yet have an approved treatment, but several medications are in advanced stages of development. Weight loss and lifestyle changes continue to be essential components of NAFLD management. In this article, we defined NAFLD in general terms and categorized its subtypes in light of the state of this field's knowledge.


Kale (Brassica oleraceae) has small and compound floral-type and usually visited by bees, including Trigona laeviceps (Apidae: Melliponini) as pollinator which can increase fruit and seed production of many species of agricultural crops. Aims of the research were to study  foraging activity and the role of T. laeviceps in seed production of kale. Three treatments were used i.e., caged crop with one colonies of T. laeviceps, open crop with one colonies of T. laeviceps and caged crop without bee. Foraging activities of  T. laeviceps were observed during the flowering by using a focal sampling method and visual method. Measuring the amount of pollen was done by using glycerol and alcohol (70%) with a ratio 4:1 and pollen viability was observed in Brewbaker and Kwack solutions. Result showed that flower handling time of T. laeviceps was highest during 09.00-10.00 (36.3 seconds/flower) with foraging rate was 8.26 flowers per 5 minutes. Flower handling time was lowest during 15.00-16.00 (10.6 seconds/flower) with foraging rate was 28.6 flowers per 5 minutes. Pollen load of  T. laeviceps in the caged crop (8125 grain) was higher than in open crop (3000 grain). Viability of the pollen in the caged crop (80.8%) was higher than that of open crop (31.4%). Pollination by T. laeviceps increased 141% number of pods per plant, 48% number of seeds per pod, 204% of seed weight per plant, and 177% of seed germination. Keywords: foraging activity, pollination, fruit set, pollen viability


Hyphae were observed in cells of tomato leaves inoculated by Botrytis cinerea, but not in cells of tomato leaves treated by activity SN06 purified from fermentation of streptomyces rimosus. And chloroplast and mitochondrion are healthy in cells of tomato leaves treated by activity SN06. The protection effect of activity SN06 on tomatoes treated with SN06 before inoculation is better than that after inoculation.


The relationship between altruism and aggression was investigated using behavioral measures for both variables. Results for 30 male college students supported previous findings indicating that these behaviors may be conceptualized as incompatible. Altruism was negatively correlated (— .56) with aggression and shown in other research to be positively correlated with favorable personality adjustment.


The repercussions of the 1979 Iranian Revolution are too often attributed to the idea that the state's policy-making was based on a Khomeinist-charged ideology that sought to expand political Islam throughout the Middle East. Alternative interpretations of Iranian foreign policy have emphasized policymakers' pragmatic, as opposed to ideological, considerations of state preservation. This article examines these contested propositions regarding the motivations shaping Iranian foreign policy. It assesses three interrelated foreign policy drivers that have been particularly salient in framing the Iranian positions vis-à-vis the various changes in both the regional and international arenas: Shiism, Welayat Al-Faqih, and domestic policy struggles. Analysis of Iranian foreign policy reveals that it is constructed on Iran's various regional rapprochements that take into strong consideration domestic politics. The findings suggest that Iran's foreign policy – be it the country's nuclear program, its animosity towards Israel and the US, or its support of diverse proxy groups in the Middle East – cannot be rationalized solely on assumptions of the state's self-preservation. Alternatively, this paper concludes that Iranian foreign policy is strongly shaped by Shia revival and Welayat Al-Faqih ideological discourses.


7629 Background: Platinum-based chemotherapy is currently recommended as the standard approach for pts with advanced NSCLC. However prospective clinical trials specifically designed for elderly pts demonstrating the P benefit are still lacking. Therefore, we conducted a phase III trial to determine whether the addition of P to single agent-chemotherapy for elderly NSCLC pts could improve survival. Methods: Eligibility criteria included; chemotherapy-naive; stage III/IV NSCLC; age=70 and PS 0–1. Pts were randomized to receive either DP or D with minimization method balancing site, age (=74/=75) and stage (III/IV), and both regimens were given every 4 weeks. DP comprised D (20 mg/m2) and P (25 mg/m2) iv on days 1, 8, 15. D comprised D (25 mg/m2) iv on the same schedule. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). The planned sample size was 115 pts in each arm to provide 80% power to detect 0.667 hazard ratio for DP to D in OS and 2.5% one-sided alpha. Results: Between Apr 2003 and Apr 2006, 126 pts were ra...


Agitation from swells and long waves can pose serious challenges for harbours, in terms of both infrastructure design and operations. Wave gauge observations from Atlantic Canadian harbours of varying sizes were used to assess how combinations of basin dimensions and external wave forcing may lead to swell agitation, resonance, and scour problems. This paper summarizes how basin resonances were investigated with field observations, analytical methods, and then phase-resolving numerical models. The case studies illustrate how resonance mitigation may require substantial (and sometimes impractical) changes in harbour layout. Swell and scour mitigation may be more readily achieved by modifications or additions to existing structures.


Preface About the Authors 1. On Being a Teacher 2. On Being a Learner 3. On Being a Relationship Specialist 4. On Being an Effective Communicator 5. On Being a Helper 6. On Struggling With the Challenges of the Profession 7. On Avoiding Burnout and Rustout 8. On Being Reflective 9. On Being Passionately Committed Bibliography Index


The Shigisan Engi Emaki (Legends of Mount Shigi; painter unknown), a set of three twelfth-century hand-scrolls, is Japan's masterpiece of pictorial narrativity. The three scrolls correspond to three popular legends concerning the miraculous powers of a Buddhist priest called Myören who established himself on Mount Shigi, near the city of Nara, in the ninth century. While most emakimono (picture scrolls) receive recognition for their artistic merit, the Shigisan Engi Emaki earns its status by virtue of its unusual success at projecting story continuity. As each scroll is extended between a viewer's hands and wound rightward, grouped aggregations of pictorial incident are connected into a unified history of events that gradually unfolds as the paper strip progresses past the viewer. This study explores the possibility that analysis of techniques which allow a narrative to be communicated through a serial arrangement of pictures may have relevance to understanding how non-perceived events can be projected in highly serial form via the sound medium of spoken language. How and why serial connectedness makes a suitable textual vehicle for continuous ideas is a very fundamental question for language research. In spite of the disparity between speech and emakimono, there are some interesting parallels in their respective solutions to the problem of continuity in representation that may implicate a possible perceptual link between methods of structuring visual and verbal information. It is proposed that codified strategies of event portrayal evident in both media are actually methods of solving the more immediate perceptual problem of 'how to restore the impression of a continuous image of situation, in a medium that is not able to provide one'. Specifically, in both speech and scroll, one can point to: (a) a common characteristic of their physical make-up that means they both present information in a strict processional flow bound by memory, continually


Daniel Dani Wahyu Krismantoro, D2A215003, 2015. Determination of the Economic Life of the Volvo L220G Wheel Loader Using the Minimum Cost Method, under the guidance of  Saladin Ghalib and Rasyidi. This study aims to, 1) Establish a regression model of equipment age (X) with the cost of repairs and maintenance (Y), 2) Determine the economic life of the equipment with the Minimum Cost Method, and 3) Determine significant factors that influence the determination of economic life using sensitivity analysis and Monte Carlo simulation. The population was taken from 5-unit Volvo L220G Wheel Loader that has been operating in Jetty-R coal port, Kab. Tapin, South Kalimantan. Data collection uses interviews and observation method. The researches data was taken in the span of 2014 - 2018 with the equipment life 15,000 - 18,500 working hours. The results obtained, 1) The cost model follows the equation Y = 1752.6 + 0.2046X + 0.0002X ^ 2 where X is the age of the equipment (Independent Variable) and Y is the maintenance cost (Variable Cost). 2) Economic life is calculated by using the Minimum Cost Method which occurs in the fourth year (working hours 13,537.84). 3) the factors that most influence the ownership and operational costs are the cost of purchasing fuel, the cost of ownership and the cost of repairs and maintenance. Keywords: Economic Life, Minimum Cost Method, Wheel Loader Volvo L220G


This study intended to investigate the "Effects of Academic Resilience on Institutional Stability and Self Efficacy of students at University Level". The objectives were to (1) discover the perceived level of academic resilience, perceived level of institutional stability and perceived level of self-efficacy of the students at University Level, (2) explore relationship between academic resilience and institutional stability, and (3) probe relationship between academic resilience and self-efficacy of the students. A mixed methods approach was used employing quantitative and qualitative method. The population was all BS students studying at public sector Universities in Punjab province and the sample comprised of 1678 (for quantitative data) and 16 (for qualitative data). Researcher made two instruments was used after confirming the validity and reliability of the instruments. Quantitative data analysis was carried out through SPSS and statistical tests, such as mean SD, t-test and Person r. Qualitative data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The study discovered that majority of the students had high level perceptions towards academic resilience whereas minority of the students have moderate and low level perceptions towards some factors of academic resilience, the gender of students has not any significant relation with the academic resilience of students. The results revealed that majority of the students have high level perceptions towards institutional stability whereas minority of the students have moderate and low level perceptions towards some factors of institutional stability. The outcome of this study exposed that majority of the students have high level perceptions towards self-efficacy whereas minority of the students have moderate and low level perceptions towards some factors of self-efficacy. Results also discovered a positive correlation between academic resilience and institutional stability (r = 0.934), academic resilience and self-efficacy (r = 0.708) and self-efficacy and Institutional Stability (r = 0.682). It was also revealed that no difference was found between the academic resilience and gender of the students, significant difference existed between the gender and institutional stability, and male students have high level of self-efficacy as compared to the female students. The results of qualitative analysis too proved that majority of the university students stated that educational system and language remain a problem in the academic field. Most of the respondents


We propose a simple model of baryogenesis comprised of the standard model coupled to a singlet X via higher dimension operators O. In the early universe, X is thermalized by O mediated scattering processes before it decouples relativistically and evolves into a sizable fraction of the total energy density. Eventually, X decays via O in an out of equilibrium, baryon number and CP violating process that releases entropy and achieves baryogenesis for a broad range of parameters. The decay can also produce a primordial abundance of dark matter. Because X may be as light as a TeV, viable regions of parameter space lie within reach of experimental probes of n-n oscillation, flavor physics, and proton decay.


Olfactory bulb interneurons are continuously generated throughout development and in adulthood. These neurons are born in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and migrate along the rostral migratory stream into the olfactory bulb where they differentiate into local interneurons. To investigate the differentiation of GABAergic interneurons of the olfactory bulb we used a transgenic mouse which expresses green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the control of the glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 kDa (GAD65) promoter. During development and in adulthood GFP was expressed by cells in the SVZ and along the entire length of its rostral extension including the distal portion within the olfactory bulb. The occurrence of GAD65 mRNA in these zones was confirmed by PCR analysis on microdissected regions along the pathway. Polysialic acid neural cell adhesion molecule, a marker of migrating neuroblasts in adults, was coexpressed by the majority of the GFP‐positive SVZ‐derived progenitor cells. Cell tracer injections into the SVZ indicated that ≈ 26% of migrating progenitor cells expressed GFP. These data show the early differentiation of migrating SVZ‐derived progenitors into a GAD65–GFP‐positive phenotype. These cells could represent a restricted lineage giving rise to GAD65‐positive GABAergic olfactory bulb interneurons.


Thin strip casting of steel through a twin‐roll caster demands the production of a perfectly homogeneous strip. This requirement is often not fulfilled due to non‐uniform heat contact between the solidifying strip and the rolls in the pool, which leads to temperature inhomogeneities visible at the strip behind the rolls (spottiness). The effect of spottiness is described from experimental observations in terms of contrast between dark and hot spots and of the mean diameter of the hot spots. The contrast is found to depend on roll material, surface roughness and roll velocity. A general dependence on the temperature difference between melt and rolls is observed.


The aim of the work was the development and testing of a method for determining the dynamic modulus of elasticity of running-in sealing gasket coatings for GTE turbines. Many contradictory requirements are put forward to these coatings, therefore, to satisfy them, it was proposed to apply coatings with variable properties at various stages of the life cycle of gas turbine engines. However, the development of new coatings requires a variety of mechanical tests, including to evaluate the dynamic modulus of elasticity. The porous structure and, accordingly, the low strength of the developed coatings do not allow the use of standard methods for the evaluation of mechanical properties, so there is a need to develop a special method for determining the elastic modulus. In the course of the study, the finite element method, statistical methods, experimental methods for determining the natural frequency of oscillations were applied. Investigations were carried out for running-in sealing coating of the stator of turbines of gas turbine engines KNA-82 + CoNiCrAlY. The numerical experiment was performed in the Ansys Work-bench 2019 R2 software package. Since coatings are used at elevated temperatures, it was necessary to estimate the modulus of elasticity at various temperatures, which required additional studies of temperature-dependent properties that affect the desired value. As a result of the implementation of the plan of a numerical experiment to determine the frequency of natural oscillations of samples with a coating while varying its elastic modulus and temperature, as well as solving the inverse problem of establishing the dependence of the dynamic elastic modulus on the natural oscillation frequency of a coated sample, we developed a calculation and experimental method for determining the dynamic modulus elasticity of running-in sealing coatings of GTE turbines. The developed technique is used to determine the dynamic modulus of elasticity of running-in coatings of different chemical composition and structure in the range of operating temperatures, which can be used to optimize their composition, structure, and properties.


:i9Hi8CuN207, triclinio, PI (no. 2), a = 7.361(1) Â, > = 10.128(2) k,c= 12.684(2) k,a = 80.165(2)°, I = 89.700(2)°, γ = 79.096(2)°, V = 914.5 Â, Z= 2, lgt(F) = 0.029, wRretfF) = 0.073, Γ = 291 Κ. iource of material V mixture of 5-methoxyisophthalic acid (0.1 mmol), 2,2»ipyridine (0.1 mmol), Cu(0Ac)2 -H20 (0.1 mmol), KOH (0.1 nmol) and 15 mL H2O was placed in a Teflon-lined stainless teel vessel, heated to 130 °C for 2 days, and then cooled to room emperature over 24 h. Blue block-shaped crystals of the title :ompound were obtained. )iscussion lie rational design and assembly of inorganic coordination polyners or metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), has received remarkible attention and was developed rapidly in recent years. Being asily and efficiently synthesized from relatively simple submits, these complexes exhibit fascinating structural topologies ind potential applications as functional materials [1-8]. To achieve the desired networks, an important family of multidentate O-donors, organic aromatic polycaiboxylates, are often applied as bridging ligands to construct novel coordination polymers due to their versatile coordination modes. In comparison to the 1,3-benzenedicaiboxylic acid, 1,3,5-benzenetri-carboxylic acid, and 1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid ligands, the 5methoxyisophthalic acid remains largely unexplored. However, it may provide the potential to form unexpected, unpredictable, and interesting structures. The crystal structure of the title compound exhibits a binuclear unit. The asymmetric unit contains one Cu(ü) cation, one 5methoxyisophthalate anion, one 2,2-bipyridine molecule, one coordinated water molecule and one free water molecule (figure, top). Cui atom is penta-coordinated by two oxygen atoms (d(Cul—03) = 2.288(2) Â, d(Cul—05) = 1.967(2) Â) of two 5methoxyisophthalate anion, two nitrogen atoms (</(Cul—Nl) = 1.994(2) Â, d(Cul—N2) = 1.999(2) Â) of a 2,2'-bipyridine molecule and a water molecule (d(Cul—02) = 1.971(1) Â), and exhibits a distorted square pyramidal geometry. The Cu—O bond lengths and Cu—Ν bond lengths are in the normal range observed in copper(II) caiboxylate complexes containing 2,2-bipyridine or 1,10-phen. Two bis-monodentate 5-methoxy-isophthalate anions bridge five-coordinated Cu(II) ions to form a binuclear framework (figure, bottom). Several kinds of hydrogen bonding are observed in the crystal structure: (a) hydrogen bonding between water oxygen atoms and uncoordinated oxygen atoms of carboxylate group ( O l H1W04 with the bond distances of2.923(3) Â and bond angles of 163.3°, respectively); (b) hydrogen bonding between water oxygen atoms and coordinated oxygen atoms of carboxylate unit (01-H2W-03 with the bond distances of 3.034(3) Â and bond angles of 171.0°, respectively); (c) hydrogen bonding between coordinated water oxygen atoms and uncoordinated oxygen atoms of carboxylate group (02-H3W-04, 02-H4W 06 with the bond distances of 2.674(2) Â and 2.554(2) Â as well as bond angles of 171.9° and 160.4°, respectively). These weak hydrogen bonds form a 2D supramolecular network. Table 1. Data collection and handling. Crystal: Wavelength:


Severe heterotopic ossification (grade III and IV) after contemporary total hip arthroplasty (THA) requiring excision is very uncommon. We performed a systematic review of the literature, and report a new case series with operative treatment after primary uncemented THA.A systematic review identified papers describing patients who had excision of heterotopic ossification (HO) after contemporary THA, defined as performed after 1988. Concepts of hip arthroplasty, heterotopic ossification, and surgical excision were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus, from database inception to November 2022. Inclusion criteria were: articles that included specific patient data on grade of heterotopic ossification, operative procedure, and prophylaxis. Studies were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. Extracted data included demographic data, interval from index surgery to excision, clinical results, and complications. One surgeon performed reoperation for ankylosis of primary THA in three patients with severe pain and deformity.Seven case series or case report studies were included. There were 41 patients, with grade III or IV HO, that had excision, and in five patients, revision of a component was also performed. Perioperative prophylaxis was irradiation alone in 10 patients, irradiation and indomethacin in 10, and indomethacin alone in 21 patients. At a mean follow-up time of 14.8 months, definition of the results was not uniform, and range of motion was improved, but relief of pain was inconsistent. There was one dislocation, one gastrointestinal complication, and two recurrences. Treatment of the three patients, with wide excision of peri-articular bone, selective exchange of components, and peri-operative irradiation prophylaxis, was successful in improving motion and deformity.There is insufficient data on the treatment of severe symptomatic HO after contemporary THA. Prophylaxis with low-dose irradiation was successful to prevent recurrence. Multicenter studies will be needed to determine the optimum timing and prognosis for treatment.


Ever since the Higgs boson was discovered at the LHC in 2012, we had the confirmation that the Standard Model (SM) of particle physics has to be extended. In parallel, the long lasting Dark Matter (DM) problem, supported by a wealth of evidence ranging from precision cosmology to local astrophysical observations, has been suggesting that new particles should exist. Unfortunately, neither the LHC nor the DM dedicated experiments have significantly detected any exotic signals pointing toward a particular new physics extension of the SM so far.


South Africa is one of the few countries in the world where auditors of financial statements are required to whistle‐blow on transgressions of a client. This statutory duty places the auditor in a dilemma. On the one hand, a failure to blow the whistle is a criminal offence. On the other hand, compliance with the legislation, in good faith, does not automatically afford the auditor protection against civil claims. Under the lens of legitimacy theory, external regulation has an important role to play in legitimising accounting and auditing systems but, in order for legislation to effect meaningful change, it is paramount that it be accepted as legitimate and worthy of trust in its own right. In this context, the need for improved levels of protection against civil liability for auditors has received increased attention in the United Kingdom and the United States. Here, auditors are already afforded some protection against civil claims in connection with more limited duties to whistle‐blow. Despite the increasing acceptance of the idea that such protection is instrumental in improving the effectiveness of the audit industry, this study shows that South Africa lags behind its international counterparts in this regard. As a result, the essence of the South African auditor's whistle‐blowing duties as an instrument of legitimisation is questionable.


Background: There is little research investigating which aspects of health-related quality of life change following ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement surgery. The objective of this study was to report on statistically and clinically relevant changes in multiple dimensions of health-related quality of life among patients undergoing ankle replacement or fusion surgery. Methods: This study was based on a prospective sample of ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement patients. Participants complete the Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale, EuroQoL's EQ-5D-3L, the Patient Health Questionnaire–9, and the pain intensity, interference with enjoyment of life, and general activity pain instrument. Instruments were completed preoperatively and postoperatively. Multivariate regression models were used to measure the change in health-related quality of life outcomes, adjusting for demographic, clinical, and health service utilization. Results: Participants achieved statistically significant improvements in health-related quality of life in each domain of measurement. The majority of participants reported clinically significant improvement in pain. Mild depressive symptoms were common, and clinically significant improvement in depression symptoms occurred in 22% of patients. Gains in health were more pronounced among participants reporting the worst preoperative health in all domains quality of life measured. Conclusions: Pain showed a clinically important improvement among 64% of participants whereas 22% reported a clinically meaningful improvement in their depression symptoms postoperatively. Clinically significant gains in health-related quality of life were not experienced by all participants in all dimensions. Further research is warranted to better understand the failure of some patients to improve in dimensions of health studied. Level of Evidence: Level III, comparative study.


The utility model discloses a thin-wall shaft end supporting assembly which comprises a thin-wall supporting structural part, a gear shaft, a cone check ring and a cone pressing sleeve. One end of the gear shaft is matched with inner holes of the cone check ring and the cone pressing sleeve. The excircle of the cone check ring is in clearance fit with a supporting hole of the thin-wall supporting part. When the thin-wall shaft end supporting assembly is installed, matched conical surfaces between the cone pressing sleeve and the cone check ring are mutually squeezed by screwing down a bolt, so that the diameter of the excircle of the cone check ring is increased to be in interference fit with the supporting hole of the thin-wall supporting part from clearance fit under a free state, and thus, one end of the gear shaft is well fixed and supported on the thin wall supporting part. The thin-wall shaft end supporting assembly has the characteristics that the thin-wall shaft end supporting assembly has simple structure, is convenient to mount and disassemble and the like.


Oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelinating cells in the central nervous system (CNS), are differentiated from OL progenitor cells (OPCs). The proliferation of existing OPCs is indispensable for myelination during CNS development and remyelination in response to demyelination stimulation. The transcription factor Olig2 is required for the specification of OLs and is expressed in the OL lineage. However, the post‐translational modification of Olig2 in the proliferation of OPCs is poorly understood. Herein, we identified that c‐Abl directly phosphorylates Olig2 mainly at the Tyr137 site, and that Olig2 phosphorylation is essential for OPC proliferation. The expression levels of c‐Abl gradually decreased with brain development; moreover, c‐Abl was highly expressed in OPCs. OL‐specific c‐Abl knockout at the developmental stage led to an insufficient proliferation of OPCs, a decreased expression of myelin‐related genes, and myelination retardation. Accordingly, a c‐Abl‐specific kinase inhibitor suppressed OPC proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, we observed that OL‐specific c‐Abl knockout reduced OPC proliferation and remyelination in a cuprizone model of demyelination. In addition, we found that nilotinib, a clinically used c‐Abl inhibitor, decreased the expression of myelin basic protein (Mbp) and motor coordination in mice, indicating a neurological side effect of a long‐term administration of the c‐Abl inhibitor. Thus, we identified the important role of c‐Abl in OLs during developmental myelination and remyelination in a disease model.


GaAs-based 0.98 µm multiquantum well tunnelling injection lasers grown by MOVPE have been designed and fabricated. 200 µm long singlemode ridge lasers are characterised by Ith = 3 mA, f-3 dB = 45 GHz, f-3 dB(measured) = 43 GHz , and f-3 dB(max) = 84 GHz for pulsed operation. For CW operation the corresponding modulation bandwidths are 43 and 76 GHz, respectively.


Nanoparticles containing polyol-containing polymer was coupled to a boronic acid-containing polymer is described herein, the nanoparticles are configured boronic acid-containing polymer is presented to the external environment of the nanoparticles . Targeted version of nanoparticles according also related compositions, are described along with methods and systems. .The 16


Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-related protein 1 (IGFBP-rP1) has been reported to have various functions in different cellular contexts. Our previous investigation discovered that IGFBP-rP1 inhibited retinal angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the pro-angiogenic effect of VEGF and downregulating VEGF expression. Recently, IGFBP-rP1 was confirmed to be downregulated in the aqueous humor of patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared with controls; however, its specific role remains unknown. The present study applied the technique of gene silencing, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting, cell viability assays, cell motility assays and tube formation assays. Chemical hypoxic conditions and choroidal endothelial (RF/6A) cells were used to explore the effect of IGFBP-rP1-silencing on the phenotype activation of RF/6A cells under hypoxic conditions and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. siRNA achieved IGFBP-rP1-silencing in RF/6A cells without cytotoxicity. IGFBP-rP1-silencing significantly restored the viability of RF/6A cells in hypoxia and enhanced hypoxia-induced migration and capillary-like tube formation of RF/6A cells. Furthermore, IGFBP-rP1-silencing significantly upregulated the expression of B-RAF, phosphorylated (p)-MEK, p-ERK and VEGF in RF/6A cells under hypoxic conditions; however, these upregulations were inhibited by exogenous IGFBP-rP1. These data indicated that silencing IGFBP-rP1 expression in RF/6A cells effectively promoted the hypoxia-induced angiogenic potential of choroidal endothelial cells by upregulating RAF/MEK/ERK signaling pathway activation and VEGF expression.


The present invention is a device for supplying sterility cap to be delivered in the bag to a filling device for bottles or similar, the inlet opening for the bag (2), the outlet opening of the cap (3) , to an apparatus which comprises a housing (1) having a sterilizer (4), then the and conveyor device (5) is provided for transferring the bag into the housing (1), the conveyor device for the bag is configured hanging as a conveyor (5).


GUIMARÃES, Carla Daniele de Carvalho. Structural dynamics of arborealarbustive community in a hedgerow-fragment system in Santo Antônio do Amparo, MG. 2010. 45 p. Dissertation (Máster Program in Applied Ecology)Federal University of Lavras, Lavras, MG. Ecological corridors have been showing as a quite effective alternative to lessen the drastic effects of the fragmentation process. These can be defined as vegetation strips among fragments, connecting them. The present research studied the dynamics of a system constituted for three fragments connected by a hedgerow formed by the spontaneous colonization of trenches by plant species. These trenches are excavations made by slaves in the colonization time to divide land plots. The main aim of the present study was compare the dynamic rates of the Hedgerow and Fragment, and to test the hypothesis that the Hedgerow, due the narrow structure and larger exposition to disturbances, is more dynamic than the Fragment; that because of the same characteristics, the Hedgerow presents lower stability than the Fragment; that the Hedgerow's dynamic, being more accelerated, is more similar to that presented by borders; that larger initial values of basal area and number of individuals have inverse relations to the gain of biomass recruitment rates and direct relations to the mortality rates in both ambient; that the largest exits of individuals (mortalities and outgrowth) are concentrated in the smallest diametric classes, independent of the ambient in that are the individuals. In the first inventory, realized in 2005, 30 portions of 200 m were sampled at the Hedgerow and 30 at the Fragment, with a total sampled area of 1.2 ha. In the present study all the individuals that occurs into these portions were measured again and the dead ones and recruits were counted. The dynamic rates found in Fragment and in Hedgerow were compared; the Hedgerow was subdivided in three sectors (Edge, Wall and Bottom of the trenches) which had their dynamic rates calculated and compared too. Simple linear regressions were carried out for each ambient (Hedgerow and Fragment) and for the sectors of the trench, to establish relationships among the initial number of individuals and the initial basal area with the dynamic rates. Besides this, it was done the individual distribution per diametric classes for each ambient too. The results indicated that the Hedgerow's ambient was more stable and less dynamic when compared with the Fragment's ambient. Besides this, the dynamics presented by the Hedgerow didn't present any similarity with those borders. The values of basal area and initial number of individuals presented inverse relation with the gain of biomass and recruitment rates just in the Hedgerow. With regard to the individuals' outgrowth for diametric classes, these were larger in the smallest classes. The


New 4-cyclo(propyl- and butyl)pyridinium salts have been prepared by alkylation of 4picolinium salt with α,ω-dibromoalkanes under phase-transfer catalysis conditions. The influence of the nature and the catalysis concentration was investigated. The experimentally determined H and C NMR chemical shifts were compared with the values calculated using the GIAO/DFT and HF approach in gas-phase and/or in methanol by using the IEF-PCM method. 1 13


The solutions of the Percus–Yevick integral equation are compared with Monte Carlo results for different heteronuclear hard-core dumbbells immersed in a one- or two-component hard-sphere liquid for packing fractions up to 0.45. It is shown that the Percus–Yevick theory provides an accurate description even for the angular correlations induced by the anisotropic solute–solvent interaction.


Even if at world level are consumed important quantities of poultry organs, research regarding their quality are extremely rare. The aim of the study was to establish if are some correlations between slaughtering age of poultry and chemical composition of two edible organs (heart and gizzard). So were settled up 6 experimental batches (3 for gizzards and 3 for hearts), differencing by the age of slaughtered poultries, as follows: P1 and I1 = gizzards and hearts gathered from chickens slaughtered at 35 days; P2 and I2 = gizzards and hearts gathered from chickens slaughtered at 40 days; P3 and I3 = gizzards and hearts gathered from chickens slaughtered at 42 days. Determinations were made on fresh products and aimed content in water, dry matter, proteins and NES; also we calculate the energetic value. Regarding protein content of gizzards and hearts, our data shown a decreasing of the values at the same time with the increasing of slaughtering age; the differences between those 3 batches being without statistical significance (P˃0.05). Regarding fat content, both for hearts and gizzards, the best values were founded at chickens slaughtered at 42 days, higher with 0.91–2.78% in case of hearts and with 3.08–7.20% for gizzards face to the situation for the others slaughtering. Statiscally speaking, the differences were very significant (P<0.01) for gizzards (P1 vs. P3) as well as for hearts (I1 vs. I3). Through the obtained results for hybrid Ross 308, we could say that slaughtering age didn't influence very significant the chemical composition of gizzards and hearts, with the exception of fat content, which increase with increasing of slaughtering age.


【Objective】 In this study,effects of 1-MCP-treated on softening mechanism in the melon(Cucumis melo L.var Yujinxiang) fruit during storage were investigated.【Method】 Colour-change stage melon were treated with 1 μL/L 1-MCP at(21±1) ℃ temperature for 24 h,non-treated melon as control,and then the melon was stored at(10±1) ℃,70%-80% RH condition.Firmness,polygalacturonase(PG),pectinmethylesterase(PME),endo-β-1,4-glucanase(EGase),β-glucosidase and β-galactosidase activities of the melon were determined during storage.【Result】 Results showed that 1-MCP treatment was effective in delaying decline of the melon firmness during storage.PME,PG and EGase activities increased during postharvest storage,but there were no significant changes of β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase activities for the control melon.While compared with control,1-MCP significantly inhibited PG,PME and EGase activity increased,but there were less effect of 1-MCP-treated on β-galactosidase and β-glucosidase activities of the melon.【Conclusion】 The results illustrated that decreased softening in 1-MCP-treated melon was associated with significant declining the activities of PG,PME and EGase.


The rate of deforestation in Nigeria is considered one of the highest in the world resulting in land degradation, desertification and loss of biodiversity. Consequently, Nigeria's contribution to global GHGs emissions, global warming and climate change has soared geometrically, threatening socioeconomic growth and sustainable development. Deforestation and by extension desertification adversely affects the livelihoods of forest dwelling people who dependent directly or indirectly on land and forests. The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) Goal 15 (G-15) aims to promote the sustainable management of forests, combat desertification, land degradation, loss of biodiversity and its effects on climate change in developing countries like Nigeria. Therefore, this paper proposes the concepts sustainable land use (SLU), forest resources management (FRM) and Protection of Biodiversity (PBD) as measures to climate change resulting rapid deforestation, desertification and land degradation in Nigeria. The results and conclusions of the paper submit that SLU, FRM and PBD can significantly reduce the effects of climate change. This can be achieved by investments in early warning systems, public awareness, and educational sensitization campaigns. The successful adoption and implementation of SLU, FRM and PBD practices can potentially stimulate long term socioeconomic growth and sustainable development in Nigeria.


The New Technologies Conference was held at The Scottish Police College, on Friday 1st March 2013 bringing together a group of practitioners, academics and other professionals from across the public and voluntary sectors to explore the issue of new technologies in relation to children and young people and sexually harmful behaviour. The conference, jointly organised by the National Development Team (NDT) at the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice and WithScotland, was attended by over 150 individuals. This was a stimulating, thought-provoking and challenging day that allowed delegates to think and talk about this complex and contested issue. A full audio recording of all keynote addresses can be accessed through the website of the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Service (IRISS) in addition to a transcript of interviews with some of the speakers and workshop leads: http://irissfm.iriss.org.uk/episode/035.
Furthermore, video footage of all of the keynote addresses can be accessed at WithScotland and copies of the majority of the keynote presentations and all of the Powerpoint presentations from the workshops can be accessed via the Centre for Youth and Criminal Justice..


At present, full advantage is taken of the knowledge that the child is a social being; school becomes a miniature society dealing with situations which approximate the situations of adult society. Socialization is considered as of more value than book learning; the scope of the curriculum is constantly enlarging to meet the needs and interests of the individual student and definitely includes preparation for the responsibilities of citizenship by participation in the self-governing activities of the school.