Objective
To revise belief in a just world scale (BJW) established by Dalbert according with Chinese cultures and examine its reliability and validity.

Methods
At the base of studying abroad-related questionnaire and preparatory tests, a total 930 undergraduates form The East, The Middle and The West of China participant in this test respectively.

Results
Through item analysis and explore factor analysis, the revised belief in a just world contained 13 items and 2 subscales which could explain 52.205% of the total variances. The results of confirmatory factor analysis showed that the revised belief in a just world scales had good construct validity. The Cronbach's coefficients of the scales was 0.885, and test-retest reliabilities was 0.884.

Conclusion
The revised belief in just world scales has fairly high reliability and validity.

Key words:
Belief in a just world questionnaire; Reliability; Validity


The use of foreign companies in Russian and international business is quite a promising direction in terms of doing business. However, the existence of such favorable conditions makes offshore jurisdictions attractive for the implementation of criminal goals that undermine Russia's economic security.


The continuous-time deadbeat $ H_{ 2}$ finite impulse response filter (CTDH2FF) was originally designed by Ahn to diminish the effect of external disturbances. In this brief, we provide an in-depth investigation of the CTDH2FF and show that it also obeys the $ l_{ 2}$ – $ l_{ \infty }$ filtering performance to capture the peak value of the filter error for finite energy disturbances. We also prove that the CTDH2FF satisfies the robust $ H_{ \infty }$ filtering performance criterion to consider the filter error energy for finite energy external disturbances. Finally, the determination of the horizon size for the CTDH2FF considering both the $ l_{ 2}$ – $ l_{ \infty }$ and $ H_{ \infty }$ filtering performance bounds based on a numerical example of the F-404 engine model is discussed.


Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the current first-line treatment for insomnia disorder, recommended by the AASM and SRS. Digital versions of CBT-I have been developed and validated to address the need for implementation at scale but still suffer from poor accessibility and compliance. Therefore, the aim of this open-label, Real-World Study (RWS) was to assess the engagement and efficacy of a next-generation CBT-i 6-weeks program.

 1304 subjects were included in the analysis between Dec 23rd, 2018 and December, 14th 2019. The main inclusion criteria were having an Insomnia Severity Index ISI ≥ 15 and completion of one week of Dreem program. The variables have been measured by the Dreem headband (DH) for objective variables, and on subjects' answers to questionnaires for subjective ones.

 The retention during this RWS was 70.4 % (Pre: n = 1304 and Week 4: n = 935). The program led to a clinically significant decrease of 7.42 points on the ISI (p < 0.001). The obj-WASO was reduced by 35% (n = 359, p < 0.001), obj-Awakenings were reduced by 37% (n = 359 p < 0.001), obj-SE was increased by 2.56 points (n = 305, p < 0.001) and obj-SOL was reduced by 22% (n = 359, p < 0.001). The subj-SOL was reduced by 41% (n = 176, p < 0.001), subj-SE was increased by 8.9 points (n =168, p < 0.001), subj-SD was increased by 16% (baseline: 307.50 ± 88.86 min; post 357.07 ± 91.24 min, subj-SD (n = 174, p < 0.001).

 The results of this RWS suggest this insomnia program has a high engagement compared to other digital CBT-I programs and is as effective as traditional in-person CBT-I. This new generation of Insomnia therapy combining hardware, software and therapist serves as an efficient and engaging treatment implementable at scale.

 This study has been supported by Dreem sas.


In this paper, higher order strongly convex-graph multifunctions are introduced. Using the normal cones, we give some characterizations for higher order strongly convex-graph multifunctions. Moreover, in terms of the coderivatives, we present some sufficient conditions for multifunctions with set constraints to have global error bounds with exponents in Banach spaces.


Safety Management Systems in aviation generate training programs that develop skills needed to perform safety functions. The objective of this study is to show that, in groups, individuals need to have interpersonal skills and, in particular, ability to communicate with others, to listen, and to influence. It is for this reason that Social Skills Training is important in Aviation. Professionals trained in social skills are more likely to identify threats and risks caused by interpersonal situations, be assertive, and take appropriate action. As a contribution, this paper suggests a set of policies, procedures and practices for educating and training future professionals who will work in aviation safety.


Based on the existing three-phase poroelastic theory,an analytical solution for Rayleigh wave propagation along the traction free,permeable surface of an elastic porous medium,saturated by two immiscible,viscous,compressible fluids,is derived.The analytical expression of the dispersion equation of Rayleigh wave is found to be a cubic polynomial.Through solving the dispersion equation,it is concluded that three different types of Rayleigh wave exist in such medium to be denoted as R1,R2 and R3,respectively.The influences of water saturation on these Rayleigh waves are numerically studied with varying frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 MHz.The results show that water content has significant effects on the velocities and attenuation of the three waves.The amplitudes of the three waves decay in both x- and z- directions,which are parallel to and perpendicular to the propagation direction of the waves,respectively.The R1 wave travels fastest,and the R3 and R2 waves have the second greatest and smallest phase velocities,respectively.The R1 wave is least attenuated,followed by the R2 and R3 waves.The attenuation coefficients of the R2 and R3 waves versus water saturation and excitation frequency have the similar variation trend.


Abstract General warming and extreme weather events associated with climate change are expected to negatively impact water utilities. Water utilities will need to adapt to continue providing safe drinking water and wastewater services. In 2012, the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA) conducted a survey of 53 water utility officials to understand the expert perceptions of climate change risks and preparedness of Canadian utilities for current and future impacts. Results indicated that there is low awareness among water utility officials (30%) of thepossible impacts of climate change on water utilities, and more than half have not conducted climate change vulnerability assessments (65%) and do not have operational plans to address climate change impacts (56%). Officials from smaller utilities, which are considered to be more vulnerable to impacts, were of those less aware of these risks and reported taking fewer preparedness activities. Efforts to prepare water utilities for climate change impacts in Canada would benefit from education of utility officials about possible climate change risks, encouraging assessments of vulnerabilities, and increased training with new adaptation tools and resources.


Message Queue Telemetry Transport (MQTT) is a protocol suitable for application in Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It is designed around requirements for low bandwidth and small code footprint. The count of the embedded devices that make use of it is constantly increasing. Therefore, a mistake in its implementation would be critical from both operational and security perspective. The following research is aimed at finding a formal technique to verify whether the MQTT implementations are adhering to the standard. After discussing several possible methods, the Test and Test Control Notation version 3 (TTCN-3) language is selected. It is used to define different tests, based on the normative requirements in the standard. Executing those tests showed discrepancies between the definition of the protocol and the three different open source implementations that were selected for verification. As a side effect, the option to fingerprint those implementations based on the selected tests is also discussed.


OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics and the related factors for nosocomial infections in hospitalized children with hand,foot and mouth disease.METHODS The clinical data of 512 hospitalized children with hand,foot and mouth diseases from Jan 2009 to Oct were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS Of 512 hospitalized pediatric patients investigated,nosocomial infections occurred in 25 cases with the infection rate of 4.88%;the main infection site was respiratory tract(44.0%),followed by gastrointestinal tract(20.0%),skin(16.0%),upper respiratory tract(12.0%)and urinary tract(%);the main pathogens causing nosocomial infections were coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus,accounting for 81.0% and 19.0%,respectively;in addition to the age and the hospital stay,the causes of nosocomial infections included the lax ward isolation,lack of publicity,and weak awareness of prevention as so on.CONCLUSION The incidence rate of nosocomial infections in the hospitalized children with hand,foot and mouth diseases is so high that it is necessary to take corresponding prevention measures according to the related factors so as to reduce nosocomial infections.


Our political and legal institutions have considerable experience managing small scale biological processes, and less experience with global scale geologic and meteorological processes. Importantly, biological systems tend to stasis. Geological systems often do not. The human population is now so large that it is bumping against geological limits, including harmful atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and depleted fossil fuel reserves and groundwater supplies.


Objective To summarize surgical experience with 68 cases of the medulla occupying lesions in its postoperative reapiratory dysfunction and manegement.Methods Sixty eight patients with medulla lesions were treated at our institute between 1996 and 1998. The operations were performed under general anesthesia and remained their spontaneous respiration. All patients were monitored by LEONARDO respiration monitoring system.The correlation between respiration dysfunction and the lesion location, pathological property were evaluated. Results For benign lesions, 7 cases presented slight central hypoventilation in early stage postoperatively and had a good prognosis. For marginal malignant lesions, 12 cases were performed tracheotomy in early stage because of postoperative dysphagia and severe central hypoventilation, but no permanent respiratory problems developed. Conclusions For benign or marginal malignant medulla occupying lesions,temporary central hypoventilation may develop postoperatively. For non marginal glioma located in the vicinity of the obex, severe respiratory dysfunction may occur postoperatively and may result in a bad prognosis.


Objective To investigate the effect of absorbable membrane on prevention of tendon adhesion after the ruptured tendon is repaired. Methods In our experiment, 30 12-weeks-old Leghorn cocks were divided into 2 groups randomly. Group A was the blank group, and Group B was the absorbable membrane group. Each group had 15 cocks. The flexor tendon of third phalanx was made ruptured. After repairing, histological observation, failure mode test and functional recovery test were performed regularly. Results In Group B, there was little adhesion between tendon and normal tissue under gross observation. There was no significant tissue necrosis or scar tissue under microscope. There was no difference in the failure mode test between the 2 groups 6 weeks after repairing. The functions of movement of interphalangeal and metacarpophalangeal joints in group B were better than those in group A. Conclusion The absorbable membrane can be a kind of material or method used to prevent tendon adhesion.


Detecting out-of-distribution (OOD) inputs for deep learning models is a critical task when models are deployed in real-world environments. Recently, a large number of works have been dedicated to tackling the OOD detection problem. One of the most straightforward and effective ways is OOD training, which adds heterogeneous auxiliary data in the training stage. However, the extra auxiliary data cannot be involved arbitrarily. A high-quality and powerful auxiliary dataset must contain samples that belong to OOD but are close to in-distribution (ID), which can teach the model to learn more information about OOD samples, furthermore, distinguish OOD from ID. The key issue for this problem is how to simply acquire such distinctive OOD samples. In this article, we propose an enhanced Mixup-based OOD (MixOOD) detection strategy that can be attached to any threshold-based OOD detecting method. Different from the traditional Mixup designed for ID data augmentation, our proposed MixOOD generates augmented images with deliberately modified Mixup and then uses them as auxiliary OOD data to leverage the OOD detection. We test our method with classical OOD detecting approaches like Maximum Softmax Probability, Energy Score, and Out-of-distribution detector for Neural networks. Experiments show that models with MixOOD can better distinguish in- and out-of-distribution samples than the original version of each approach.


We construct the distribution of the innnite dimensional Markov process associated with a nite temperature Gibbs state for a qua-tum mechanical anharmonic crystal. The state is constructed via a cluster expanson technique for an arbitrary xed temperature and, correspondingly, small enough masses of particles.


Tropical planted grasses are an important feed resource in many East African mixed crop-livestock systems. There is, however, inconclusive information on the nutritive value of these grasses and the consequences of feeding these grasses on enteric methane emission from cattle, primarily caused by a lack of in-situ measurements. A feeding experiment was conducted with growing Boran steers (n=18, live weight (LW): 216 ± 6 kg) fed on either Pennisetum purpureum (Napier), Chloris gayana (Rhodes) or Brachiaria brizantha (Brachiaria) for 65 days on ad libitum basis. Voluntary nutrient intake, apparent total tract digestibility, LW gain and enteric methane production (using cattle respiration chambers) were measured in a 3×3 crossover Latin square design. Crude protein (CP) content (g kg-1 dry matter (DM)) of the fodder fed to the animals were 89 ± 16.2, 77 ± 12.6 and 83 ± 9.9 (Mean ± SD) for Napier, Rhodes and Brachiaria grass respectively, while NDF (g kg-1 DM) content ranged from 648 ± 22.7 (Napier) to 686 ± 24.9 (Rhodes). There were no differences (p > 0.05) in voluntary DM intake and average daily LW gain (441 ± 107.5 g) across the three treatments. Animals fed on Napier grass had higher (p < 0.05) total tract DM and organic matter (OM), CP and fibre digestibility compared to animals fed on Rhodes, but not different from animals fed on Brachiaria. Napier grass (35 ± 2.5 g/kg) and Brachiaria (32 ± 2.2 g/kg) had higher (p < 0.01) methane yield per OM intake than Rhodes grass (31 ± 3.6 g/kg) but the differences were not observed when expressed per digestible OM intake (p = 0.59). We conclude that utilisation and enteric methane yield per OM intake of grasses grown and fed to cattle in East Africa, at animal level, differ from grass to grass. Accounting for the differences in methane yields for the grasses grown in the different agro-ecological zones in the region can improve the Accuracy of the emission factors used for East African countries. More data on a wider range of grasses is needed to validate the findings of the present study.


Prescription drugs are an important reversible cause of common neurological disorders Mitochondrial toxicity is an important mechanism in a number of drug-induced neurological disorders (DINDs) Early recognition of DINDs and drug withdrawal can prevent irreversible damage Some DINDs require urgent symptomatic treatment to avoid serious complications Vitamins and essential trace elements may help to reverse some DINDs Statin-induced neurological disorders are likely to become more prevalent Increasing use of novel humanised monoclonal antibodies may cause previously unrecognised DINDs.


We review the results of large scale simulations of noncompact quenched [ital QED] which use spectrum and Equation of State calculations to determine the theory's phase diagram, critical indices, and continuum limit. The resulting anomalous dimensions are in good agreement with Schwinger-Dyson solutions of the ladder graphs of conventional [ital QED] and they satisfy the hyperscaling relations expected of a relativistic renormalizable field theory. The spectroscopy results satisfy the constraints of the Goldstone mechanism and PCAC, and may be indicative of Technicolor versions of the Standard Model which are strongly coupled at short distances.


I. INTRODUCTION. 1. Object Structures. The Study of Object Structures. Objects. Object Structures. 2. Objects and Classes. Objects and Classes in Eiffel. Requesting a Feature of an Object. Inside, Outside. Summary. Exercises. 3. Pairs. What a PAIR Is and What It Does. How a PAIR Does What It Does. Sifting Out the Inside to Get the Outside View. Testing Class PAIR. Summary. Exercises. 4. Subclasses and Subcontracts. A More Sophisticated PAIR Structure. The "Can Act As a" Relationship. Subcontracting: Obligations of the Heir. When Subclassing Should Not Be Used. What PAIR Should Do As Subcontractor to ANY. Specifying Types with the like Keyword. Types, Classes, and Assignment. Summary. Exercises. II. LINEAR OBJECT STRUCTURES. 5. Arrays. What an ARRAY Is and What It Does. One Way for an ARRAY to Do What It Does. Summary. Exercises. 6. Lists. What a LIST Is and What It Does. How a LIST Does What It Does: Multiple Implementations. An Implementation Using an ARRAY. Testing List Implementations. Performance of the Array Implementation. Summary. Exercises. 7. Linked Implementations of Lists. Linked Implementations. Singly vs. Doubly Linked Lists and Their Class Hierarchy. Implementing a Singly Linked List. Factoring Out Implementation Commonalities. Choosing an Implementation: Performance Analyses. Summary. Exercises. 8. Stacks. What a STACK Is and What It Does. How a STACK Does What It Does. Using a LIST to Implement a STACK. Using an ARRAY to Implement a STACK. A Singly Linked Implementation of STACK. Choosing the Best STACK Implementation for a Given Use. Who Needs It? Summary. Exercises. 9. Queues. What a QUEUE Is and What It Does. How a QUEUE Does What It Does. Using a LIST to Implement a QUEUE. A Singly Linked Implementation of QUEUE. Using an ARRAY to Implement a QUEUE. Choosing the Best QUEUE Implementation for a Given Use. Who Needs It? Summary. Exercises. 10. Application: Calculators. Postfix Notation (RPN). Converting from Infix to Postfix. The Design. The Implementation. Exercises. III. SORTING AND SEARCHING. 11. Dictionaries and Associations. Dictionaries. The DICTIONARY Object Structure. Associations. The Contract for DICTIONARY. Linear Search Implementation. Performance Analysis. Summary. Exercises. 12. Sorting. Sortable Lists. Insertion Sort. Bubble Sort. Selection Sort. Summary. Exercises. 13. Faster Sorting. Merge Sort. Quick Sort. Space Complexity. Choosing the Best Sorting Algorithm for a Given Use. Summary. Exercises. 14. Faster Dictionaries. Binary Search.


. In this note we analyze the large time behavior of solutions to an initial/boundary problem involving a damped nonlinear beam equation. We show that under physically realistic conditions on the nonlinear terms in the equation of motion the energy is a decreasing function of time and solutions converge to a stationary solution with respect to a desirable norm.


Cross-laminated timber (CLT) is a wood panel product that can be arranged in different ways. The advantage of utilizing CLT is the ability to use lamination even with low density materials or those that have defects, like knots. This study evaluated the bonding and bending performances of CLT utilizing domestic species in a shear wall or floor via a face bonding test of layers and a three-point bending test. The tests were carried out with three-layered CLT made up of Japanese larch and/or Korean red pine in various configurations. The layer arrangement for lamination was divided according to the species and grade of the wood. The out-of-plane and in-plane bending tests were conducted on the CLT according to the applicable direction in a wooden structure. The results of the bonding test showed that the block shear strength and delamination of all types of CLT met the BS EN 16351 (2015) standard requirements. The results of the bending test based on two wood species showed that the bending strength of the larch CLT was higher than that of the pine CLT in single species combinations. For mixed species combinations, the bending properties of CLT using larch as the major layer was higher than those using pine as the major layer. This demonstrated that the major layer had more influence on the bending properties of CLT and that Korean red pine was more suited for the minor layer of CLT.


is the primary cause ofvascular wilt in cucumber plants, and it causes substantiallyreduced cucumber yields in China (1–3). The symptoms of thedisease begin with the development of necrotic lesions, followedby foliar wilting as the pathogen invades the vascular system of theplant, and eventually, plant death (4). Chemical fungicides andsoil disinfestations by treating with methyl bromide are the mainstrategies for controlling cucumber


We show that the horizontal position of a random walk on a two-dimensional anisotropic lattice converges weakly to a diffusion process.


To protect transfusion recipients from transfusion‐transmissible infections, blood donors are deferred from donating after recent tattooing or piercing. To explore to what extent and how this deferral impacts donor availability, we performed an international study to investigate how many donors were deferred for a recent tattoo or piercing and how many of these donors returned to donate.


Objective : To focus on classification algorithms to arrive better prediction model for Lung Disease Severity. Methods/Statistical analysis : In therapeutic analyses, the part of information mining methodologies is being expanded. Especially Classification calculations are exceptionally useful in arranging the information, which is critical for basic leadership prepare for therapeutic experts. In this paper the analysis is done in the WEKA apparatus on the spiro informational index. Findings : The paper embarks to make relative assessment of classifiers, for example, J48, Random forest and proposed Hybird Decision Tree(HDT) Algorithm with regards to Spiro dataset to amplify genuine positive rate and limit false positive rate of defaulters as opposed to accomplishing just higher grouping exactness utilizing WEKA instrument. The tests comes about appeared in this paper are about grouping exactness, affectability and specificity. Application/Improvements : The outcomes created on this dataset likewise demonstrate that the productivity and exactness of J48 is superior to anything other choice tree classifiers. J48 develops purge branches, it is the most urgent stride for govern era in J48. In more often than not this approach over fits the preparation cases with boisterous information. The proposed Hybird Decision Tree (HDT) Algorithm demonstrates great exactness in less time.


Limitations are discussed of continuous wave phase stability tests on meteor trail forward scatter channels. Results of pulse tests are given. Extensive phase stability tests results are presented. The stability and propagation delay times of signals that did not fit a classical meteor trail reflection model are shown.


against targets not tested for in clinic. In this study, we aimed at extending the detection of autoantibodies by including all cytoplasmic aaRS in the analysis of patients with IIM. We hypothesized the existence of new potential autoantigens within this protein family. Methods: The presence of anti-aaRS autoantibodies was determined using a multiplex suspension bead array assay on 242 IIM patients from the Karolinska University Hospital myositis cohort. A panel of 186 recombinant constructs, repre- senting 57 proteins that included full-length or partial sequence overlaps between constructs of all cytoplasmic aaRS as well as other myositis related proteins, were coupled to magnetic color-coded beads and each plasma sample was tested against the complete antigen panel. Results: By the use of this multiplex method we identified patients with autoantibodies against many of the tested aaRS. Autoantibodies binding to HisRS have previously been shown to bind with higher reactivity to the WHEP domain of HisRS and this was also confirmed in this study. We confirmed reactivity against three of the other aaRS tested for in the clinic (PL-12, PL-7, and EJ). In addition, we identified patients positive for anti-Zo, -KS and -HA, autoantibodies usually not screened for in routine. Finally, our data indicates that there are autoantibodies binding to other aaRS than the previously known eight autoantigens, which will be presented. Conclusion: In this study, we could detect autoantibodies in plasma from patients with IIM, both against the most common aaRS autoantigens, but also against other aaRS that are usually not tested for in clinic. We conclude that it is impor- tant to continue the studies of anti-aaRS autoantibodies, and their correlation to clinical manifestations, and in the long run also include more aaRS autoantigens in clinical practice. Background: Skin fibrosis is a hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc). It is com- monly accepted that vascular damage, immune system activation and, abnormal fibroblasts-to-myofibroblasts differentiation are pathological capital features. Nev- Background: Inflammation is the forerunner to fibrosis and premature ageing in various systemic diseases. Hence it seems plausible that idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) may exhibit accelerated senescence too. Objectives: Hence we investigated the Myostatin: Follistatin system in the serum as a reflection of early senescence in myositis as compared with healthy and diseased controls. Methods: Patients with inflammatory myositis (ACR/EULAR criteria) presenting to the wards and outpatient clinic between December 2017 to August 2019 were recruited. Those with active infection, pregnancy, renal dysfunction or chronic kidney disease were excluded. Apart from patient and disease variables, activity and damage were assessed using standard IMACS score set measures. Patients in inception cohort were additionally followed up at 1 and 6 months. Myostatin and Follistatin were estimated in sera using ELISA (R&D systems, USA). Juvenile myositis and young adults (18-40 years) were subsequently analyzed sepa-rately. Non-parametric tests were used for paired and unpaired analysis. Results expressed as median. Results: 95 myositis (8 Juvenile myositis, 26 DM, PM, Overlap, 2 NAM median age 38 years Myostatin IIM control Background: Pathologic activation of fibroblasts is a central feature of fibrotic tissue disease in Systemic Sclerosis (SSc). Although individual key signaling pathways of fibroblast activation such as transforming growth factor β (TGF β ) and WNT/ β -catenin signaling have been identified, the consequences of the concomitant upregulation of these pathways and their crosstalk are incompletely characterized. Given the high medical need, the identification of mutual activation and amplification loops of profibrotic signals is essential to identify novel candi- dates for antifibrotic therapies. XIAP (X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein) is a ubiquitously expressed member of the IAP protein family which are implicated in the regulation of various cellular functions and tissue turnover. XIAP was recently described to be implicated in WNT/ β -catenin signaling and TGF β signaling. Objectives: The aim of this study is to characterize the role of XIAP in fibrotic disease. Methods: XIAP-expression was analyzed by qPCR, IF and Western blot. XIAP was targeted pharmacologically and with siRNA. The activation of WNT/ β -catenin signaling was assessed by analyses of WNT target genes, by TOPflash/FOPflash luciferase reporter assay and in reporter mice. In vivo, XIAP inhibition was ana-lysed in two different models of fibrosis. Results: The expression of XIAP is increased in the skin of SSc patients compared to matched healthy individuals with a particular prominent expression in fibroblasts. The overexpression of XIAP is more pronounced in SSc patients with diffuse and active skin fibrosis compared to SSc patients with limited and inactive disease. The overexpression of XIAP is also reflected in several experimental fibrosis models: the model of sclerodermatous graft versus host disease, the model of bleomycin induced skin fibrosis and Topoisomerase I induced fibrosis (TopoI) mice. TGF β induces the expression of XIAP in vitro and in vivo and treatment with the TGF β 1 receptor antagonist SD208 reverses the TGF β induced expression of XIAP. Inhibition of XIAP with embelin or siRNA reduces the TGF β induced activation of fibroblasts with reduced collagen release and reduced expression of myofibroblast markers. In addition, XIAP inhibition reverted the activated fibro- blast phenotype in SSc fibroblasts with reduced expression of stress fibers and α SMA. The antifibrotic effects of XIAP inhibition occurred in non-toxic doses as demonstrated by MTT and by TUNEL staining. In vivo, inhibition of XIAP reduced skin fibrosis in the models of bleomycin induced skin fibrosis and in TopoI-induced skin and lung fibrosis as demonstrated by analysis of dermal thickening, dermal hydroxyproline content and by analysis of myofibroblast differentiation. Mecha- nistically, XIAP inhibition reduced the activation of WNT/ β -catenin signaling as demonstrated by TOPflash reporter assays and by the analysis of WNT target genes. Conclusion: XIAP is upregulated in SSc fibroblasts and murine SSc models in a TGF β -dependent manner and promotes fibroblast activation by fostering canon-ical WNT signaling. Our data suggest that XIAP mediates an amplification loop between TGF β and WNT/ β -catenin signaling. Inhibition of XIAP may thus be a novel approach to target aberrant WNT/ β -catenin signaling in fibrotic diseases. Background: Myofibroblasts are the orchestrators of aberrant extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling in fibrosis. Actin cytoskeleton is a central hub that integrates mechanical signals to promote myofibroblast differentiation and ECM remodelling. Targeting these pathways could represent a novel antifibrotic strategy. We have recently shown that metabolic intermediate dimethyl- α -ketoglutarate (dm- α KG) blocks TGF β -driven myofibroblast differentiation in dermal fibroblasts (DF). Objectives: To investigate the mechanisms by which dm- α KG regulates TGF β - driven myofibroblast differentiation and inflammatory responses in DF. Methods: DF from healthy controls and patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) were treated with TGF β (10 ng/ml) and/or dm- α KG (6 mM) for 24h, 48h and 72h. RNA sequencing (Ilumina 2000, n=3 per experimental group) followed by the analysis of differentially expressed genes (DeSEQ2, log2 fold ≥ |0.5|, p adj < 0.01), pathway enrichment analysis (GO terms) and supervised PCA analysis (ClustVis). Protein amounts


The 1996 National Electrical Code (NEC) was published in September 1995. This paper reviews the changes that were made in the types and uses of electrical wire and cable normally utilized by a pulp and paper industrial facility. It address revisions to tray cables for open wiring, instumentation tray cable, MC type cable, parallel conductors, MV insulation thickness, direct burial conductor ampacity, electric vehicle charging cables and insulation and jacket thicknesses.


This paper presents early results from a study to develop wideband 2-dimensional channel models for ISM bands. Wideband measurements were carried out in Oxford, UK at 2.4 and 5.7 GHz, covering a bandwidth of 80 MHz for static outdoor to indoor scenarios. The measurements were targeted to provide impulse responses with angle-of-arrival information, information on correlation between horizontal and vertical polarisation, and information on small-scale spatial correlation. Parameter extraction used for the measured raw data is described. Examples of the results of parameter extraction are presented. The approach to the channel modelling is to model the clustering of multipath components in both time (delay) and space. The statistics of the cluster parameters are fitted against the measured data. A Markov chain model in both temporal and spatial domain is utilised.


First and fourth instars of three birch aphid species were exposed to first and fourth instars of Adalia bipunctata (L.), the most common aphid predator on silver birch, Betula pendula Roth, in northern California. Defensive behavior differed by aphid species. Euceraphis betulae (Koch) (Eb), the most successful escapee, was highly mobile and frequently walked away from coccinellid larvae. Betulaphis brevipilosa Börner (Bb), a flat, sessile species, was the least successful aphid at actively escaping from A. bipunctata larvae, but could passively escape detection when coccinellid larvae walked over nymphs and did not perceive them. Active escape behavior was much safer for aphids than passive avoidance of detection. Both instars of Eb and fourth instars of Callipterinella calliptera (Hartig) (Cc) escaped from coccinellid larvae more frequently when approached from the front, apparently using vision for pre‐contact detection of A. bipunctata. These aphids avoided physical contact with larger predators more often than with smaller predators. Level of predation by A. bipunctata on these three aphid species is dependent upon types of aphid defense.


Cairo's challenging agenda called for a holistic approach to men and women's reproductive health throughout the life cycle. The definition of reproductive health agreed in the subsequent program takes the 1948 definition of health developed by WHO and substitutes in the words "reproductive" in relevant places (see Appendix 1). Reproductive health so defined becomes very broad indeed, encompassing what many would regard as family health, touching the health of adults and children of all ages. While this strategy has certainly raised the profile of reproductive health everywhere and has drawn attention to the large burden of morbidity borne by women in particular as a result of sexual activity and reproduction, it has not been easy to develop a concerted program of action to deal with all the reproductive health problems so defined.


Disclosure of the present invention describes a medical adhesive patch that can be used in combination with one or more antimicrobial agent in order to generate and / or maintain an area of human skin with no contamination. According to some embodiments, the present disclosure describes that the adhesive patch may comprise an adhesive material attached to the perimeter of the impermeable support. According to some embodiments, the adhesive patch may also have a permeable layer containing an antimicrobial agent which is located within the adhesive material on the impermeable support.


Author's Note Introduction A Note on Language Select Annotated Bibliography of Dictionary Sources General Bibliography Informants Cited in Text Abbreviations and Symbols Used in Text Dictionary Entries A-Z Index


This article presents a novel interpretive approach to advancing knowledge of how practitioners locate purpose in their practice and how this in turn influences their practice. The approach is formulated by drawing upon and integrating the moral philosophy of Alasdair MacIntyre with the hermeneutical philosophy of Paul Ricouer. The article argues that this approach offers insight into the important role of narrative in producing self-understanding, rationalizing judgment, and justifying action. Original empirical material regarding a practitioner's account of promoting a new planning concept is used to illustrate the elucidatory potential of the approach.


We introduce a new parallel discrete event simulation algorithm called filtered rollback. It is a combination of the Time Warp and bounded lag simulation algorithms introduced previously. The "filter" postpones event processing in some subsystems in favor of safer simulation. The filter may be tuned by the simulationist; at one extreme the algorithm is conservative, i.e., free from rollback, and at the other extreme the algorithm is purely optimistic, i.e., relying exclusively on rollback. We prove that rollback cascading, wherein a "chain reaction" of secondary and higher generation rollbacks appear in the simulation, can be bounded by an appropriate tuning. The tuning achieves a trade-off between the two extremes which yields an efficient and scalable algorithm. Our method of proof uses a representation of the rollback cascading as a tree and models such a tree as Galton-Watson branching process on which an additional structure is defined, a random walk with a barrier.


One of the pillars of the philosophy of Nishida KitarŌ (1870-1945) was a firm belief in the unity of consciousness and reality, a belief that ran throughout his writings without ever having been subjected to serious criticism. Quite the contrary, it appears to have been sheltered from criticism by a number of supporting ideas that Nishida shared with thinkers, in particular mystical thinkers, of the Middle Ages. The present essay considers four of those ideas-the unus mundus, the union of opposites, pure experience, and intuitive knowledge-and suggests alternatives available from the thinkers that had influenced Nishida's own development, notably Henri Bergson and William James. Whereas textual studies of Nishida, studies comparing him to other thinkers, and the application of his ideas to a wide range of questions have helped keep his philosophy in the forefront for the past generation and more, the author argues that a further development of his seminal ideas is required to secure him a place in the future of philosophical thought; and that part of that development consists in questioning his tacit but pervasive medieval bent.


Context: Flipped learning is an instructional approach which allows instructors the opportunity to use a blending of online and face to face learning activities. The main affordance of flipped learning is the opportunity to free up class time to allow students and instructors to engage in collaborative learning activities designed to consolidate and deepen conceptual understanding of the subject material. Research has shown that participating in flipped instruction can change the way students approach their studies and improve motivation. Purpose or goal: We are interested in students' experience of the flipped environment, particularly their expectations of a learning environment, and the level of responsibility they take for their own learning. The purpose of this analysis is to create a baseline against which future instances of flipped learning can be compared. Approach: Student perceptions of flipped instruction were investigated through survey responses and observations of students in a first year subject (Engineering Mechanics) a second year subject (Engineering Computations) and a third year subject (Construction Materials) in a Civil Engineering degree programme. In particular, students were asked to explain the impact of the flipped activities on their learning experience including any changes in how they approach their studies or managed their time. Outcomes: Most students in each of the three subjects agreed that they 'liked' flipped instruction compared to the traditional lecture format. The majority of students in each subject also agreed that it is reasonable to expect students to prepare before attending a face to face session. However, some students made strong negative comments demonstrating how the flipped environment did not meet their expectations of how learning should be organised. This study suggests that students in the second and third year subjects were not necessarily showing signs of better self-regulation and time management skills or being more comfortable with taking more responsibility for their own learning. Conclusions: Flipped learning challenges students to develop metacognitive skills such as time management, self-regulation and self-evaluation, while providing opportunities to deepen conceptual understanding of the subject material. Given the different experience of students, both within a particular subject and between subjects at different stages of their degree, we need to provide scaffolding to assist students to understand how to make the most of these learning opportunities, including how to approach them, evaluate their learning, develop their judgement and the required learning skills.


Context. Almost 200 different species have been detected in the interstellar medium (ISM) during the last decades, revealing not only simple species but complex molecules with more than six atoms. Other exotic compounds, like the weakly-bound dimer (H2)2, have also been detected in astronomical sources like Jupiter. Aims. We aim to detect, for the first time, the CO-H2 van der Waals complex in the ISM, which could be a sensitive indicator for low temperatures if detected. Methods. We used the IRAM 30 m telescope, located in Pico Veleta (Spain), to search for the CO-H2 complex in a cold, dense core in TMC-1C (with a temperature of ∼10 K). All the brightest CO-H2 transitions in the 3 mm (80–110 GHz) band were observed with a spectral resolution of 0.5–0.7 km s−1, reaching a rms noise level of ∼2 mK. The simultaneous observation of a broad frequency band, 16 GHz, allowed us to conduct a serendipitous spectral line survey. Results. We did not detected any lines belonging to the CO-H2 complex. We set up a new, more stringent upper limit for its abundance to be [CO-H2]/[CO] ∼ 5×10−6, while we expect the abundance of the complex to be in the range ∼10−8–10−3. The spectral line survey has allowed us to detect 75 lines associated with 41 different species (including isotopologues). We detect a number of complex organic species, for example methyl cyanide (CH3CN), methanol (CH3OH), propyne (CH3CCH), and ketene (CH2CO), associated with cold gas (excitation temperatures ∼7 K), confirming the presence of these complex species not only in warm objects but also in cold regimes.


Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic variants that are associated with the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD), but the functional significance of these loci has remained obscure. We identified a genetic variant associated with CAD risk that changes the sequence of a mitochondrial protease called paraplegin (SPG7) and confirmed this association by meta‐analysis of 14 GWAS including 22,000 CAD cases and 60,000 controls. The variant changes an arginine residue at position 688 to a glutamine residue in the protease domain of SPG7. Most mutations in SPG7 cause a loss of protease function leading to spastic paraplegia. Although the Gln688 variant was considered benign in terms of spastic paraplegia, we have evidence that it is in fact a protease gain‐of‐function variant. We observed a strong correlation between the presence of the variant allele and the level of mature active SPG7 in peripheral lymphocytes, as well in primary cultures of human aortic smooth muscles. Consistent with increased SPG7 protease activity, increased production of cytochrome c oxidase subunits, ATP synthesis, cell proliferation and ROS production were seen in cells stably expressing this variant. Our data suggest that this gain of function may also be detrimental to mitochondrial function with aging. Our study is the first to link a mitochondrial matrix AAA protease variant to the risk of CAD.


Mitral valve surgical repair is a complex procedure where the outcome largely depends on the surgeons' experience. Predicting a good coaptation of the two leaflets post-operatively is one of the most difficult sub-tasks in the procedure. We propose a biomechanical simulation framework that computes the leaflet deformation and coaptation based on micro CT data as an initial step toward patient-based mitral valve surgical repair assistance though simulation.


Over the last years several studies have demonstrated how the same environment can lead to different perceptual outcomes if the surrounding sounds change. Soundscape studies promote a user-centred approach for the characterization and management of acoustic environments in cities. There are several available protocols to gather perceptual data about how people experience the soundscapes in urban areas, and the most common tool is the "soundwalk", a procedure where a group of people walks and stops at given locations in order to assess the acoustic environment, using some sound-related attributes (e.g., calm, pleasant, vibrant, chaotic, etc.). This research aims at evaluating the influence that different acoustic conditions together with specific environmental ones can induce on the pedestrians' perception. In particular, the analysis was carried out within an artistically significant and culturally relevant urban district characterized by different traffic conditions, such as the archaeological area of the Colosseum in Rome. For this purpose, a soundwalk combined with a sound levels measurement campaign was organised in the archaeological area outside the Colosseum, during daytime and night time conditions, with a group of students applying the Method A of the ISO/TS 12913-2:2018, which addresses soundscape data collection. The results show how the correlations between the subjective responses and the measured data are significant and they can vary if the surrounding changes, both in terms of acoustical characteristics and environmental ones.


This dissertation inquires into the introductory character of Deuteronomy 1-3 through a study of its rhetoric. A brief review of relevant scholarship provides an initial orientation to the question. Features of the text that emerge as rhetorically significant include the relation of the text to its biblical parallels, the positioning of the reader vis a vis the people, and the shaping of the reader's sense of time and distance. These features are arranged in the text so as to encourage a sense of identity with the community addressed in Deuteronomy 1-3 while, at the same time, reminding the reader of genuine distance from the events of Moses' speech. Identification with this community positions the reader to hear the law addressed to its members in Deuteronomy. Reminders of distance from the circumstances of Moses' speech encourage the reader to understand that this law is addressed to her within the actual circumstances of her life.


Two new isochondodendrine-type alkaloids jollyanine (5) and fastrine (6) have been isolated from the roots of Anisocycla jollyana together with nine known alkaloids, (-)-cycleanine (1), (-)-isochondodendrine (2), (-)-norcycleanine (3), (-)-cycleanine N-oxide (4), (+)-dehydro-1,2 apateline, (+)-O-methyl-12 cocsoline, (+)-homoaromaline, (+)-limacusine, and (+)-limacusine-2'-β-N-oxide. Their structures were elucidated by a combination of chemical and spectrometric methods including 1 H-NMR, l H- 13 C COSY, 1 H- 1 H COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments. Compounds 5 and 6 represent the first isochondodendrine-type alkaloids bearing an oxygen substituent at the 5-position.


The Cooperative Vehicle-Infrastructure Systems (CVIS) project of the European Commission aims to create a unified technical solution that allows all vehicles and infrastructure elements to communicate with each other in a continuous and transparent way, using a variety of media and with enhanced localization. However, accurate real-time positioning, i.e. at the lane level, is a big challenge for a lot of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) currently under study or development. This paper reports on the POMA (Positioning and Mapping) sub-project of the CVIS, which has been undertaken to research, develop, test, and validate advanced positioning and mapping solutions in order to provide a set of services that will run across CVIS entities, including vehicles, roadside equipment, and service centers. The authors stress that, to reach the sub-meter accuracy necessary for the lane discrimination, the best from the existing technologies and state-of-the-art data fusion algorithms must be used, keeping in mind that the final commercial solution will have to be available at an acceptable price for the customer. The authors present the choices that have been made: European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS, the European equivalent of the American Wide Area Augmentation System, WAAS) for the main positioning technology, a new model of enhanced digital maps compliant with the lane-level objective (Emap model), and an innovative particle filter proposed by the LCPC team to merge sensor and map data into a unique positioning and map-matching process. The authors conclude by briefly outlining the advantages of this three-component system and describing the next level of experimental assessment that needs to be conducted on this technique of lane-level positioning using enhanced digital maps.


The appropriate use of materials and tools in teaching and learning is undeniably helpful in making the process more meaningful. Current global developments open up more opportunities for educationists to design and implement ICT-based lessons. Realizing the fact that students nowadays are from the Net-generation and do not suffer from technophobia, a survey was conducted with the aim of examining students' readiness and perceptions towards the use of mobile technologies in learning. In this paper, results from a preliminary study provide useful information about students' readiness and perception towards using mobile technologies for learning the English language literature components in school. A total of 235 students were randomly selected to respond to an adapted questionnaire. Using SPSS 16, the data were processed and analyzed descriptively. The descriptive results showed that the participants displayed readiness and positive perceptions toward using mobile technologies for learning. The findings provide some insights to teachers so that they can employ suitable approaches in order to make learning the English language literature component more meaningful through the integration of tools used by Net-generation students.


Objective To investigate the contamination and virulence gene of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in aquatic products in Taiyuan and provide evidence for preventing Vibrio parahaemolyticus related food poisoning. Methods Samples were collected from supermarkets and wholesale markets in Taiyuan for isolation and identification of Vibrio parahaemolyticus. PCR was used to detect the virulence genes tdh and trh in these Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates. Results In the 150 aquatic product samples, 15 samples were found Vibrio parahaemolyticus positive( 10%); Fresh aquatic products and cooked aquatic foods showed obvious difference in Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination; Freshwater aquatic products were significantly more contaminated by Vibrio parahaemolyticus than fresh sea aquatic products. Virulence genes tdh and trh were not detected in the isolates from the 15 samples. Conclusion Aquatic products should be cooked for eating,or there might be a risk of food poisoning; Vibrio parahaemolyticus contamination was found serious in freshwater aquatic products,so surveillance for freshwater aquatic products should be strengthened.


The Zollverein complex, in the Ruhr Valley, comprises what was at one point the largest coalmine in Germany. The mine is now long closed and was left abandoned for 15 years until, in 2001, it was declared a UNESCOWorld Heritage site and turned into a museum. On a sprawling site, massive buildings many built in the Bauhaus style of the 1930s stand eerily empty, as the Museum and a smattering of cultural and tech industries occupy only a fraction of the complex. In the Museum itself, one can admire the inanimate carcasses of the massive machines and structures that were used to process the coal. Alongside are photographs of the working class communities and way of life that emerged in the Ruhr Valley from the mid-nineteenth century with the industrialization that the mines made possible. An aura of failure hangs over the site the rusting machinery, the decaying buildings signal failure to adapt, failure to transform. Yet the sense of failure is belied by the burgeoning tech industries that have taken root on the site, and by the massive rave parties to which Europe's post-industrial youth flock, and for which the site is an ideal setting. If the Zollverein complex can function as a synecdoche for the broad structural transformations of an epoch, the first exhibits in theMuseum of Failed HIV Research proposed here point to a broader history, that of what Cindy Patton first called the AIDS Industry and the transformations in the international health apparatus it heralded. When Patton coined the term, it was 1989, the year the Berlin wall crumbled: before antiretrovirals, before mass access to the web, before Global Health. Just as coal begat the industrial revolution, AIDS was the raw material for a series of transformations, in patient subjectivities, medical activism, and the organization of international public health. AIDS begat new drugs, new institutions, new identities; it was the raw material that helped build today's Global Health, which shifted the emphasis from the bilateral international public health architecture that preceded it to treatments and biotechnologies, NGOs and philanthro-capitalism. So failure here is a useful term, one that emerges against a backdrop of the industrious production of socialities, technologies and commodities. Failure is a harsh term; understandably avoided in a world where the intense competition over resources requires continuous proclamations of success. The economic crisis of 2008 intensified the competition as it inexorably led to significant budget cuts to the AIDS industry worldwide, at a time when significant funds were already committed to treatment programmes. Yet, as Cornish in this special issue points out, even the most rigorous attempts to parse published scientific studies lack analytical clarity with the result that, in fact, many interventions can be technically classified as 'failures'. By the most


Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 3.1 aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Part of achieving this goal is having accurate estimates for the maternal mortality ratio. However, producing accurate measures of MMR from well-established civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems remains a problem in the Philippines. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) released two different national estimates of the MMR, indicating an issue on its calculation. With the aim of proposing an official method of estimating MMR in the Philippines, this study explores the use of the Bayesian CRVS adjustment model using civil registration data to improve and standardize the estimation of MMR in the country.


A well-known lower bound for the number of fixed points of a self-map / : X -> X is the Nielsen number N(f). Unfortunately, the Nielsen number is difficult to calculate. The Lefschetz number £(/), on the other hand, is readily computable, but usually does not estimate the number of fixed points. It is known that N(f) = \L(f)\ for all maps on nilmanifolds (homogeneous spaces of nilpotent Lie groups) and that N(f) > \L(f)\ for all maps on solvmanifolds (homogeneous spaces of solvable Lie groups). Typically, though, the strict inequality holds, so the Nielsen number cannot be completely computed from the Lefschetz number. In the present work, we produce a large class of solvmanifolds for which N(f) = \L(f)\ for all self maps. This class includes exponential solvmanifolds: solvmanifolds for which the corresponding exponential map is surjective. Our methods provide Nielsen and Lefschetz number product theorems for the Mostow fibrations of these solvmanifolds, even though the maps on the fibers in general will belong to varying homotopy classes.


This paper is to study the characteristics of nanowire-CMOS and effect of increasing of numbers of nanowires in transistors on the nanowire-CMOS characteristics. This study used MuGFET simulation tool to produce the characteristics of nanowire transistors and used as input to MATLAB software to produce the characteristics of nanowire-CMOS. Increasing channel nanowires in P-channel transistor tends to improve the transfer characteristics of CMOS. Increasing channel nanowires in N-channel transistor tends to poorer transfer characteristics of CMOS.


The establishment of new phenomenological correlation between microscopic chemical structure and macroscopic linear optical and second order nonlinear optical properties of binary and ternary oxide materials have been carried out. It is shown that the most efficient binary oxide crystals have arranged in the place of chemical bond lengths on rosette of two extended ellipses with focal axes crossing on the line of simple oxides. The same ternary crystals have positioned in the space of chemical bond lengths on surface of four ellipsoids, which have been formed by rotation of these ellipses around minor and focal axes. The ellipse equation is a key criterion for formation of high efficient acentric crystals and it is defined by dimensional ratio of cations to tetrahedral and octahedral hollows of anionic sublattice. The new binary nitrate and iodate crystals have been predicted and synthesized with using of this concept.


The contribution from hyperons to the bulk viscosity of neutron star matter is calculated. Compared to previous works we use for the weak interaction the one-pion exchange model rather than a current-current interaction, and include the neutral current nn-->-->nLambda process. Also the sensitivity to details of the equation of state is examined. Compared to previous works we find that the contribution from hyperons to the bulk viscosity is about two orders of magnitude smaller.


The topic of this article is the influence of non-verbal communication on interpersonal skills of learners at secondary level. The author states that among people of generation of the so-called digital natives a new negative language related phenomenon may be observed, including significant impoverishment of the lexical resources and lack of even basic skills on constructing oral and written expression. An important reason for this state of affairs is a specific displacement of verbal communication (direct conversations, telephone conversations, writing letters or even e-mails) by various kinds of non verbal communication, including the use of iconic and symbolic signs and gesture speech. Graphic way of expressing feelings (emoticons) and gestures more and more often replace real expression of emotions based on the key principles of interpersonal communication, which often leads to significant impoverishment of emotional expression in direct relations.


The possibility of determination of plastic scintillation detector characteristics by usage of measurement results and numerical modeling is studied in this paper. One of the main characteristic of scintillation detectors, defining the amplitude of output signal at the particle registration, is light collection that depends on the transparency and reflection coefficient of scintillator. A technique based on a comparison between the signals of particles measured in various places of the scintillator and the results of numerical simulation is suggested. Using experimental data and numerical modeling for the sample laboratory detector, the main characteristics of the scintillator were obtained. This technique can be used for online monitoring of the scintillator properties during the long-lasting space experiments.


Presently in Kuwait the code of practice for energy conservation in the air conditioned buildings implemented by the Ministry of Electricity and Water (MEW) which has been in effect since 1983 has no consideration taken for thermally insulating the floors of residential and commercial buildings with unconditioned basements. As a part of a comprehensive research program conducted by the Building and Energy Technologies Department of Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research for revision of the code this paper analyzes the effect of using un-insulated floors on the peak cooling demand and energy consumption of a middle income residential private villa and a one bedroom multi-story apartment building in Kuwait. These floors typically separate air-conditioned spaces with ambient environment or un- conditioned spaces. This was done using the ESP-r, a building's energy simulation program, in conjunction with typical meteorological year for Kuwait. The study compared such typical floors with three types of insulated floors. It was found that using an R10 floors in multi- story apartment buildings greatly reduce both the peak cooling demand as well as the energy consumption by about 15%, whereas only minimal savings (about 4%) were detected in the case of the residential villas.


An influence factors analysis method for online auditing performance assessment based on AHP (analytic hierarchy process) and GIA (grey incidence analysis) is proposed in this paper according to the requirements of online auditing performance assessments. In this method, a grey incidence model is developed to analyze the influence factors of online auditing performance based on the characteristics of online auditing. Then, the AHP is used to compute the weights of each assessment criterion of online auditing, and the performance of online auditing are calculated. Finally, representing the performance assessment results computed by AHP and values of each assessment criterion are set as two sequences, and GIA is used to analyze the importance degree of influence factors of online auditing performance quantitatively. The results of this study provide useful decision information to implement online auditing projects in China. Additionally, an effective method for analyzing the importance degree of influence factors of online auditing performance quantitatively is provided in this study.


This issue of the Journal contains two important papers on non-Q-wave myocardial infarction.1 , 2 The rapid evolution of therapy for Q-wave myocardial infarction with the increasing use of thrombolytic procedures and early coronary angioplasty makes this a good time to reevaluate the pathophysiologic aspects of non-Q-wave infarction and the treatment of this condition. In recent years, there has been abundant editorial comment about nontransmural and transmural myocardial infarctions and the relation between the pathological findings in these conditions and the presence of abnormal Q waves on the surface electrocardiogram.3 , 4 Although some disagreement may still exist, I believe that several points are . . .


The three-phase four-leg static inverter is extensively utilized in More Electric Aircraft (MEA) due to its ability to handle unbalanced loads. However, since the four-leg inverter has an additional leg compared to the three-leg inverter, its fault diagnosis becomes more complicated, and there is a scarcity of researchers studying this area. To address this issue, this study proposes a fault diagnosis method based on an interval sliding mode observer (SMO) for detecting open-circuit faults in the three-phase four-leg static inverter used in MEA. The proposed method establishes a novel interval SMO, which accurately and quickly estimates the system state variables. The residual difference between the actual value and observed value of the state variable is then calculated for fault diagnosis and identification. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that this method can rapidly and accurately detect open-circuit faults in the power switch of the three-phase four-leg static inverter.


AL amyloidosis is a complication of B-cell dyscrasias and multiple myeloma, manifest as deposition of antibody fragments in many different organs, including the skin. We describe a rare case of this systemic disease which presented with isolated scalp alopecia. Further investigation led to the diagnosis of an occult plasma-cell dyscrasia, showing the benefit of including systemic amyloidosis in the differential diagnosis of alopecia. The biopsy finding of cutaneous amyloidosis should prompt further workup to exclude an underlying pathology.


Abstract Snowfences are specialized windbreaks that divert drifting snow so it will accumulate in a predictable location. They are used commonly in areas with significant snowfall such as the Great Plains and upper mid-west, but are very uncommon in eastern Washington. The purpose of this planting was to display establishment and initial growth in this portion of the country using technologies developed elsewhere. Snowfence demonstrations in southeastern Idaho and a small-scale dry land test plantings near Ritzville, Washington led to an interagency snowfence demonstration project north of Davenport, Washington. The project demonstrated new establishment technology and the value of living snowfences in this dry cropland region. Sixteen snowdrift sites in Lincoln County were identified by road maintenance personnel from the Washington State Department of Transportation. In April 2003, we planted 532 trees and installed fabric mulch on four 268-meter long rows at the selected demonstration site. While the project's primary purpose was to demonstrate feasibility, the trees' yearly growth was also documented. After five years tree height, crown width, and survival rates (100%) were greater than expected, suggesting that living snowfences can be successfully established in this area of the country. Also after five years, the snowfence started to catch drifting snow. The successful establishment and growth of this demonstration planting resulted in living snowfence demonstrations near Anatone, Washington and Athena, Oregon. Landowners and professionals working with landowners were encouraged to incorporate windbreaks into their conservation measures.


Success Factors for Power Project Development Businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa by Kodjo Afidegnon MS, University of Toledo, 2006 MS, University of Lomé, 2001 BS, University of Lomé, 1999 Doctoral Study Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Business Administration


diss .... cand. psychol. sciences. M., 1990 19 p. 14. Lebedeva OV, Ulenkova U.V. Organization and content of special psychological assistance to children with developmental problems. M.: Academy, 2002.-S. 176. 15. Leontiev A.N. Selected psychological works. T.1. M, 1983.392 p. 6 Central Asian Journal of Education, Vol. 2, No. 1 [2018], Art. 5 https://uzjournals.edu.uz/cjedu/vol2/iss1/5 16. Lublin A.A. Early forms of thinking of a child // Study of thinking in Soviet psychology. M .: Nauka, 1966. P.348. 17. Menchinskaya N.A. The problem of learning and mental development of a student. M .: Pedagogy, 1989 .-223 p. 18. General Psychology / Ed. V.V. Bogoslovsky, A.G. Kovaleva., A.A. Stepanova, S.N. Shabalin. M .: Education, 1973. 351 p. 19. Palamarchuk V.F. Didactic foundations of the formation of students' thinking in the learning process: Abstract. dis. ... doc. ped sciences. Kiev, 1984. -47 p. 20. Podgoretskaya N.A. The study of logical thinking in adults. M.: Publishing House of Moscow State University, 1980 .-150 p. 7 To'xtasinov: DIDACTIC BASES OF DEVELOPMENT OF LOGICAL THINKING IN SCHOOLCHILDR Published by 2030 Uzbekistan Research Online, 2018


Endogenous depression is common in general practice but often fails to be diagnosed. Some reasons for this are discussed and a classification of depression is provided, together with a series of target symptoms and antecedent features, on the basis of which a diagnosis can be made. The indications for hospitalization and the out‐patient management of endogenously depressed patients are discussed from the psychological and pharmacological points of view with particular reference to treatment with amitriptyline.


The objective of this study is to develop high transformation temperature shape memory alloys (SMAs) for actuation applications at elevated temperatures. We developed a process to consolidate NiTi micron powders doped with Hf using Material Modification Inc.'s (MMI) proprietary Plasma Pressure Compaction process (P2 C). NiTi and NiTiHf samples were characterized to identify the material's microstructure and composition using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dissipative Spectroscopy (EDS) for both as consolidated and heat treated materials. Chemical and porosity analyses were also conducted to track impurities and microstructure (grain size and porosity). Extensive thermo-mechanical testing of the NiTi and NiTiHf samples were conducted to determine phase transformation temperatures and mechanical properties (Young's Modulus). An acoustic elastometer was used to obtain the phase transformation temperatures for both NiTi and NiTiHf samples. By doping the SMA powder with 10% Hf (atomic percent), we were able to realize an increase in the austenite finish temperature to over 160 C.© 2004 ASME


With the expansion of the rail transit network scale, more and more transfer station is building, which is sharing a large number of passengers, so how to ensure the security operation is very important and useful. First, this paper analyzes the advanced real-time passenger flow detection technology, and grasps the demand of urban rail transit operation and management, based on making full use of "Perception-Transmission-Analysis-Application" Principle in Internet of Things, urban rail transit safe operation & management system and technology was put forward. Secondly, in support of the statistical data of real-time passenger flow information at the platform, transfer channel, import and export etc., the system can distinguish emergencies dynamically, such as congestion, aggregation and retention. Especially, it activates emergency response decision support, matching with different early warning level. Finally, it is successfully applied in Dongzhimen interchange station, which is an important transportation hub in Beijing, the result shows that the system can monitor, predict and handle passenger traffic congestion and other emergency incidents. The technology can improve the level of safe operation and management.


The present work deals with qualitative and quantitative studies on different schemes of solution of mathematical models which describe the non-linear dynamics of drill strings. The literature reports for these systems instabilities such as stick-slip, bit-bouncing, etc. Moreover the numerical models are usually stiff, hence hard to integrate. For the particular problem of axial/torsional vibrations of a drill-string, represented by means of a geometrically non-linear beam model developed by the authors, the characterization of the boundary conditions and/or reactive forcing terms, both non-linear in essence, plays an important role in the performance of the solution schemes in order to obtain an appropriate dynamic response. The qualitative and quantitative performances of dynamic responses are related to the behavior of integration methods in connection with variation of parameters in the modeling of the non-linear problem. In this article a study of the behavior of the solution performance of Matlab solvers in the axial/torsional dynamics of drill-strings is carried out. The Matlab solvers offer a good alternative to the solvers like Newmark methods, which can be very expensive in computational cost. This kind of analysis is devoted not only to compare computational costs and effectiveness, but to give qualitative and quantitative assessment to the numerical methods.


Background: A 32-year-old woman presented with low back ache aggravating after several sessions of osteopathy and increasing radiating pain to the right flank. There was no trauma in the medical history and neurological examination was unremarkable.


The relationship between instrument sensitivity and rotational stiffness of the pivot is revealed by analyzing the rotational stiffness equation of the cross-spring pivot. In order to eliminate the impacts of payload changes on instrument sensitivity, a cross-spring Hooke hinge with constant rotational stiffness is designed as the rotation unit of a 2-DOF static balancing instrument for unbalanced moment measurement of gimbaled devices. Certain amount of unbalance moments along certain direction are measured by the instrument and the synchronization sensitivity along x axis and y axis is investigated. Experimental results show that when the payload ranges from 0 g to 7 000 g, the synchronization sensitivity of the instrument is about 1.1 g·mm, and it is almost not affected by the changes of the payloads. The stiffness property and load capacity of the designed cross-spring Hooke hinge with constant rotational stiffness are excellent.


Based on the state observer, combining with adaptive fuzzy system and H ∞ control and sliding mode control, a stable adaptive fuzzy control algorit hm is presented, which needs no conditions of the system state available and keeps a good controlling performance.


Naturalistic decision making model, cognitive theory and human-computer interface are directions of threat assessment, which require good understanding about TA process. According to the cue analysis, the experts's TA process, mental model and using of cues and identified by expertise experimentation. The definition and basic contents of cue analysis are expounded firstly. Then, the identification of cues, the weight and relationship of cues and the relationship between cues and therate level are discussed. Finally a TA model is presented and a prototype of algorithm based on this model is provided which can reflect the cognitive process of experts's TA well.


The rheological properties and particle size distributions of cocoa beverage as well as aggregate structures of solid particles were studied to elucidate the effects of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) on suspension stability of solid particles in cocoa beverage. Fluidity curve, dynamic viscoelasticity, particle size distribution, and SEM observation were made for beverage samples containing 0.1–0.5 wt% MCC and 11 model samples with various combinations of six ingredients. This revealed that cocoa and MCC particles are highly cohered into an aggregate and the aggregated particles further interact weakly with the milk component, leading to stabilization of the whole system of cocoa beverage.


This work is concerned with a problem describing bilateral contact between two electroelastic bodies, with nonmonotone friction. A mixed formulation is derived allowing to state the weak formulation of the problem. A mortar finite-element method is employed to obtain finite element approximations of the problem. Using the Gauss elimination technique, we eliminate the electric potential and the resulting problem is a perturbed elastic problem. Furthermore, error estimates for both conformal and non-conformal approximations are obtained.


This chapter argues that cities and regions have a crucial role to play in facing existing and future challenges of managing water – whether too much, too little or too polluted. While no blue-print exists on how water challenges are to be met, inaction is certainly not an option. On the contrary, there is momentum to move from vision to action towards the implementation of the global agenda to 2030, which aims, amongst other things, to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation to all. The chapter argues that there is room for better efficiency and inclusiveness when connecting between territorial scales and water boundaries, and across water-related policies. The OECD Principles on Water Governance provide a framework to set and implement water policies across levels of government that contribute to better lives.


Xanthan gum is a viscous polysaccharide produced by fermentation of the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. The efficient stabilization and suspension properties of xanthan are related to its structural features: high molecular weight and extended conformation. New studies have shown that the levels of acetate and pyruvate substituents can affect both structural and functional properties. Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Atomic Force Microscopy results show that low acetate xanthan gum adopts a less ordered, more flexible conformation. These conformational changes result in a novel product, which has enhanced functional properties, such as increased acid stability and enhanced interaction with galactomannans.


Unsignalised intersections play an important role in determining capacity of
road network. Two major parameters used in unsignalised intersection analysis are
critical gap and follow
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up time. There are several factors affecting the critical gap
and the fol
low
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up time such as vehicle composition, intersection geometry, major
street traffic volume, minor street delay, minor stream approach grade, and others. In
this research, the critical gap and the follow
-
up time were analyzed based on vehicle
type,
specifi
cally
passenger car an
d motorcycle. C
ritical gap estimations were based
on the Maximum Likelihood method
. T
hese two major factors will be use
d
to
estimate the level of service and capacity of unsignalised intersections. Malaysian
Highway Capacity Manual (M
HCM) was produced based on the
traffic
condition in
We
st Malaysia. The study is to find out the application of MHCM
in Sarawak.
Sensitivity analysis is being carried out by using MHCM 2006.


Research on automated, image based identification of clothing categories and fashion landmarks has recently gained significant interest due to its potential impact on areas such as robotic clothing manipulation, automated clothes sorting and recycling, and online shopping. Several public and annotated fashion datasets have been created to facilitate research advances in this direction. In this work, we make the first step towards leveraging the data and techniques developed for fashion image analysis in vision-based robotic clothing manipulation tasks. We focus on techniques that can generalize from large-scale fashion datasets to less structured, small datasets collected in a robotic lab. Specifically, we propose training data augmentation methods such as elastic warping, and model adjustments such as rotation invariant convolutions to make the model generalize better. Our experiments demonstrate that our approach outperforms stateof-the art models with respect to clothing category classification and fashion landmark detection when tested on previously unseen datasets. Furthermore, we present experimental results on a new dataset of images where a robot holds different garments, collected in our lab.


The output quality of statistical machine translation (SMT) depends to a large extent on the quantity and quality of the parallel corpora on which it is trained. In the case of resource-scarce languages where sufficiently large parallel corpora are not always available, alternative ways of improving the output quality of SMT systems must be sought. In this article, one such a method for improving the quality of SMT output is described – introducing a pre-processing step via syntactic reordering of the source language data. This preprocessing involves exploiting certain systematic differences in the syntax of the source and target languages. Apart from describing the method and language-specific rules, we also evaluate the resulting machine translation systems for translating from English to Afrikaans and Sesotho sa Leboa (Sepedi).


Study Importance: Small enterprises represent the most important pillars of economic development of the most countries of the world, these enterprises account for the highest percentage among all types of enterprises that contribute to the economic productivity. Small enterprises have been the focus and attention of most governments in developing countries due to the role they play in increasing production and employment in addition to their active contribution in increasing the rates of economic growth and national income and their support of the GNP of many countries. Research importance relies in identifying the most obstacles facing small businesses from small entrepreneurs perspective. Study Purpose: That small enterprises form the backbone of the economy in all countries of the world, without exception. This research is an attempt to provide some solutions that may help in addressing the financing problem of small projects, especially in developing countries, identification of the main obstacles that small entrepreneurs face in financing their small projects. Study Results: This study sought to identify the most important constraints faced by small entrepreneurs in Jordan as well as assessing present methods of financing these enterprises, through a field study by using a purposeful sample of the owners of these enterprises. The researcher has analyzed 345 questionnaires and through the analysis, a set of results have been reached and are summarized as follows: o€€ Insufficient amount of funding of these enterprises. o€€ Militancy in demanding guarantees in return for granting the loans. o€€ The high interest rates of these loans were the most important challenges faced by entrepreneurs of the study sample. Based on the results of the study, the researcher recommends the need for the financial institutions to initiate a special policy to encourage entrepreneurs carry out their creative ideas and innovations via small enterprises and this encouragement will


al.(12), I did not find the technique 12. Merlini J, Piro P, Pavesi F, et al. weakly basic resin Amberlite IRA-68 susceptible to technical artefacts. Detection and identification of monoclo(Rohm and Haas), which has a polyImmunofixation on cellulose acenal components: Immunoelectrophoreacrylic matrix, has practically no affintate deserves wider use for identifisis on agarose gel and immunofixation ity for thiocyanate under the condication of monoclonal gammopathies on cellulose acetate compared. C/in tions of our assay. The same was true in the clinical laboratory. Chem 27, 1862-1865 (1981). for Amberlite IRC-50 (Rohm and Haas), a weakly acid cation-exchange John T. Whicher References resin with a polyacrylic matrix. A polystyrene resin without ion exchange groups ("Bio Beads SM 2," Bio-Rad Laboratories) has a small but significant affinity for thiocyanate. In contrast, the strongly basic anion-exchange resins Amberlite IRA-400 and Amberlite IRA-410 (Rohm and Haas) bind thiocyanate so strongly, presumably by electrostatic forces, that they are unsuitable for use in our thiocyanate assay. In conclusion: thiocyanate is bound to certain weakly basic anion-exchange resins with a polystyrene matrix at a high pH, where an ion-exchange mechanism is impossible. This effect may be used for analytical purposes and illustrates the possible importance of the matrix for separations on ion-exchangeresins.Consequently, manufacturers of such resinsshould not change their manufacturing procedures without notice to their customers, even if the changes do not involve the functional groups of the resin. Dept. of Chem. Pat/wi. Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol BS2 8HW UK.


To construct the socialism harmonious society as our Party's goal, new time has the practical significance and the historical sigrificance for China's development. It comprehensively inheris and has surmounted the traditional Confucianism from the goal design and the realization method.


To investigate the relationship between Atopic dermatitis (AD) related stressors, cognitive appraisals, coping strategies and psychological stress responses in adult patients with AD, we administer巴dthe AD Stressor Scale, Cognitive Appraisal Scale, Tri-axial Coping Scale 24, Stress Respons巴 Scale-18,and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale to 104 patients The results wer巴 asfollows. (1) AD related str明 sorswere positively correlated with psychological stress 陀 sponses,(2) the "impact of stressors" appraisal was positively correlated with psychological stress r巴sponses,(3) "avoidance-like" coping was positiv巴ly,and "positive thinking-distraction" coping was negatively correlated with psychological stress responses, (4) the"impact of stressors" appraisal was positiv巴lycorrelated w凶"probl巴m solving-support se巴king" coping and negatively correlated with "positive thinking-distraction" coping, and "controllability" appraisal was positively correlat巴dwith "problem solving-support seeking" coping. The results of this study suggest that intervention to lower the "impact of stressors" appraisal and "avoidancelike" coping, and to raise"positive thinking-distraction" coping can improve psychological str己ssresponses in adult patients with AD.


In this study, we report the treatment of simulated black water using a decentralised aeroponic system for the cultivation of water spinach. The effect of the pump run time on the treatment efficiency of black water at low temperature (15oC±5oC) in winter was systematically investigated. The results show that aeroponic cultivation process yields average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal of 90.04%, ammonia nitrogen (NH4 +-N) reduction of 35.02%, total nitrogen (TN) abatement of 28.14%, and total phosphorus (TP) elimination of 14.71%. The increase in the pump run time from stop time (min) to spray time (s) ration of 45:30 (QW3) to 15:30 (QW1) significantly promotes the efficiency of the COD, NH4 +-N, TN, and TP removals. The sequence of the removal efficiency is as follows: QW1 (15:30)>QW2 (30:30)>QW3 (45:30). The higher efficiency of the COD and NH4 +-N removals in QW1 is due to the enhanced action of aerobic microorganisms because of the increased amount of dissolved oxygen. We believe that this study provides a simple and potential option for decentralised sewage.


Metaverse and blockchain, as the latest buzzwords, have attracted great attention from industry and academia. They will inevitably promote technological innovation in the field of building information modeling (BIM) in the future. BIM organizes various building information into a whole by establishing a virtual three-dimensional model of architectural engineering using digital technology. The metaverse seamlessly integrates the real world and the virtual world, and conducts rich activities such as creation, display, and trading. Therefore, through the exploration of the metaverse, it will be possible to build an exciting digital world and transform the physical world better. Meanwhile, introducing the blockchain technology could ensure the fairness and security of resource transactions, data storage, and other activities. In this survey, we delve into the metaverse and blockchain empowerment by studying BIM components, metaverse applications in virtual world construction, and the latest research on blockchain. We also discuss how BIM technology and blockchain can be integrated with metaverse. The collaborations between academia and industry would be certainly required for further development and interdisciplinary research on the metaverse and the integration of blockchain into BIM. We hope to see our survey help researchers, engineers and educators build an open, fair and rational future BIM ecosystem.


The objective of this study was to evaluate carcass characteristics of steers and cull cows from two genetic groups, under different feeding frequencies. Twelve steers and twelve cull cows were used and each category consisted of six animals 5/8 Charolais (C) - Nellore (N) and six animals 5/8NC, under three feeding frequencies: twice a day (7 a.m. and 7 p.m.); three times a day (7 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and four times a day (7 a.m., 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.). The animals were feedlot finished receiving corn silage as forage and concentrate based on wheat bran, corn ground, soybean meal, limestone and salt, with a forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60. The increase in feeding frequency did not influence the animal carcass quality. The cows showed higher slaughter, hot and cold carcass weights (509.7; 280.0; and 277.1 kg) compared to the steers (414.5; 230.5 and 228.1 kg), but the hot and cold carcass dressing percentages and carcass chilling loss were similar in the steers and cull cows. The characteristics that express carcass muscularity were better in the cows that had greater thigh thickness (25.88 vs 23.33 cm). The metrical characteristics were more expressive in the cows which had longer carcasses (132.8 vc 122.3 cm) and greater fat thickness (6.21 vs 3.83 mm). The cows also were superior for forequarter and sawcut weights (103.5 and 133 kg) compared to the steers (84.7 and 111.8 kg), which presented higher sawcut percentage in the carcass (49.06 vs 48.04%). Between the genetic groups, 5/8C3/8N animals presented higher thigh thickness, Longissimus dorsi area and carcass length (25.7 cm; 64 cm2 and 137 cm) compared to 5/8N3/8C (23.5 cm; 57 cm2 and 124.8 cm).


This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (https://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. 115 UC who had started TOF treatments between May and November 2018. The observation periods lasted up to 52 weeks after TOF administration. Patients were refractory to multiple treatments, such as corticosteroids, biologic agents, and a calcineurin inhibitor. TOF was initiated at 20 mg a day and decreasing to 10 mg a day after 8 weeks or more. All immunesuppressive agents, such as corticosteroids, immunomodulators, biologic agents, and calcineurin inhibitors, were withdrawn before starting TOF treatment. Disease activity was evaluated using the partial Mayo score (pMS), and laboratory data were collected at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 52 weeks after TOF administration. Our primary outcome was the clinical remission rate at 52 weeks; we also analyzed treatment efficacy and adverse events. We defined remission as pMS ≤ 2 without individual subscores > 1, response as a decrease of pMS by at least 2, and meeting one of the following conditions: (1) a decrease of the bleeding subscore by at least 1; (2) bleeding subscore < 1; or (3) above-defined remission induced. Failure was defined as TOF discontinuation due to symptom recurrence in patients in remission, nonresponse to TOF treatment, and serious adverse events. Differences in medians between the groups were compared using a non-parametric (Mann-Whitney), and comparisons between categorical variables were performed using chi-square test. TOF discontinuation-free survival was calculated. Kaplan-Meier curves were drawn for each subgroup and compared with log-rank (Mantel-Cox) test. SPSS version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used for statistical analysis, and the significant threshold was 0.05. pISSN 1598-9100 • eISSN 2288-1956 https://doi.org/10.5217/ir.2020.00030 Intest Res 2021;19(1):115-118


The present invention provides for generating a sense amplifier enable (Sense Amplifier Enable; SAE) apparatus, a method and system signals, having a programmable delay feedback loop to control the duty cycle of the signal SAE, the system and method can be used in SRAM , DRAM, or other type of storage unit. One case but not limited to the embodiment shown comprises: the programmable clock chopper (Chopper), a low pass filter (Filter), a bias generator (Bias Generator), a comparator (Comparator) and reserved control module.


Noise spectra of a InSb hot electron bolometer at 4.2 K bath temperature are measured and compared with theory. Bolometer phonon noise and Johnson noise are included in the analysis. A nonequilibrium Johnson noise model, due to Mather, gives good agreement with experiment over the frequency range 0.2–1.1 MHz. This model incorporates an elevated electron gas temperature and electrothermal feedback from the bias supply.


SIR—There are a number of case studies and small case series of intracranial dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) associated with cognitive impairment sufficient to amount to a dementia syndrome, with resolution of cognitive deficits following definitive treatment (surgical, endovascular) of the fistula [1–19]. Thus intracranial DAVF is recognised as a rare cause of reversible vascular dementia, through a presumed mechanism of intracerebral venous hypertension. However, accounts of the precise neuropsychological deficits in these patients and serial documentation of cognitive function are largely lacking, most reports focusing on the neuroradiology of the vascular anatomy and endovascular intervention. This may be due in part to the necessity for prompt therapeutic intervention when there is acute neurological deterioration [5], although at least some intracranial DAVF cases are associated with slowly progressive cognitive decline sufficient to suggest an initial differential diagnosis of neurodegenerative dementia [8, 9, 15, 16]. The label of 'thalamic dementia' has been used on occasion, based largely on neuroimaging findings of bilateral thalamic involvement [10, 17, 18]. Our experience with three cases of intracranial DAVF [20] has included serial monitoring of cognitive function, either with formal neuropsychological assessment or the Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination (ACE) [21], a 'bedside' test which incorporates the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) [22] and with which we have extensive experience [23]. As the clinical and neuroradiological details of these cases have been previously reported, only the cognitive findings are given here.


A Hopfield-like neural network that can store hierarchically correlated patterns with low level of activity is studied. Three learning rules are proposed which enable to obtain nearly optimal storage capacity. These learning rules have different rate of biological relevancy and the restrictions they put upon the structure of hierarchical tree. By varying the value of the neural threshold, it is possible to climb up and down the hierarchical tree.


In this paper, the Genetic Algorithms is used to do sensor optimization design. The specific design steps is given in detail. The piezoresistive accelerometer design is used as an example, it is realized in Matlab. The results indicate that the GA can solve the problems of parameter optimization in the sensor design.


Of the hypotheses proposed to explain specific dynamic action (SDA), it is suggested that the 'protein synthesis/growth' theory offers the best basis for further research. In the light of this, the relationships between rates of protein synthesis and metabolic rates are examined. Both of which are depressed with increasing periods of starvation and there appears to be a link between rates of protein synthesis and thyroid activity. SDA may represent a short-term increase in rates of protein synthesis and turnover following feeding and the process is possibly regulated via plasma levels of thyroid hormones.


The subject of the article is an analysis of the three aspects of depicting urban space of Eastern Ukraine, focusing specifi cally on the Donbass region and the city of Kharkov as depicted in the novels Voroshilovgrad (2010) and Mesopotamia (2014) by Serhiy Zhadan. The urban space of Eastern Ukraine overlaps with the most important values that shape a person's personality and aff ect her or his self-identifi cation. The city space is also a "place of memory" and experiences of generations that infl uence current events. In addition to the historical and axiological dimension, the imaginative aspect of space is also important. This approach is used by the author to describe the urban space as a functioning imagination or stereotypes associated with it as opposed to its realistic depiction.


As the application of BIM (Building Information Modeling) to the civil sector has become practical, and mandatory for road projects, the standardization, development of systems, etc. for the application and operation of BIM are required. In particular, it is important to develop BIM data standards for producing, sharing and managing the lifecycle data of civil facilities because they are commonly national public facilities. The BIM data standards have been developed by utilizing or extending IFC (Industry Foundation Classes), which is an international standard, but schema extensions of river facilities has not been developed thus far. This study proposes an approach to an IFC extension for river facilities using the WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) as a fundamental study for IFC-based schema extension in the river field. For this purpose, the research was carried out as follows. First, the IFC extension development method was selected to represent the river facilities by analyzing the existing IFC structure and previous research cases for the IFC extension. Second, extended elements of the river facilities were identified through an analysis of the WBS and classified according to the high-level structure of the IFC schema. Third, the classified elements were arranged based on the IFC hierarchy and the IFC schema extension for river facilities was established. Based on the suggested extension method of IFC schema, this study developed the schema by defining the element components and parts of river facilities, such as distribution flow elements and deriving their detailed types and properties.


Foreword Preface and acknowledgement Tables Figures Plate Abbreviations Introduction Development and developers The dynamics of forest settlement Opening and closing the Western Frontier Production differentiation, dearth Co-operation and development Participation and power in development Dilemmas of participatory development