Objective To analyze the clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of X-Linked Agarnmaglobulinemia(XLA). Methods Clinical features, cellular and humoral immune functions, treatment and prognosis from 3 patients with XLA were retrospectively reviewed. Results The age of onset were from 11 months to 6 years in these 3 cases, however, the median age of diagnosis was 12 years. All patients showed multiple recurrent bacterial infections, arthritis involved large joints such as knee, ankle, elbow and hip. Laboratory examination revealed the decrease of serum gammmaglohulin and absence of B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. All 3 patients were identified BTK mutations, which were frameshift mutation and nonsense mutation in exon 3, frameshift mutation in exon 10, missense mutation in exon 18. After XLA was diagnosed, the patients were managed by intravenous gammagloulin(IVIG) replacement. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) were administrated in patients combined arthritis. The small dose of hormones had been applied. All patients had a significantly improvement. Conclusions The clinical features of XLA have greater variability, with recurrent bacterial infections. Markedly decreased and absent tosils and lymph nodes, serum immunoglobulin may be one of the warning signs for early diagnosis of XLA. IVIG and NSAIDs can be jointly treatment of XLA with arthritis. The steroid and immunosuppressant agents should be used with caution.


Time-of-Flight (TOF) measurement is one of the basic tools to distinguish particles in nuclear physics experiments. In a future experiment J-PARC E50 [1], a low cost and short dead time time-to-digital converter (TDC) whose time resolution of better than 30 ps is needed. A promising candidate for this purpose is multichannel high-resolution TDC based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA). In the previous work [2], 16+1 TDC channels were implemented by using Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA and its time resolution of 20–30 ps (σ) was achieved. One of the advantages of the FPGA-based high-resolution TDC is that once how to implement it and the operation principle is understood, then, the TDC performance and channel density can be easily extended by upgrading the FPGA to a newer one. In this article, a study of TDC implementation in Xilinx Kintex-7 FPGA (XC7K160T-1FFG676C) is described. The TDC consists of 2 types of counters to measure the signal arrival time. One is a coarse time counter which is based on the clock counting. The other is a fine time counter which interpolates the clock interval by using a tapped delay line. To maximize the number of channels in the FPGA, delay line length has to be short. Therefore, the sampling clock (i.e. coarse counter clock) is chosen to be the highest frequency driving the global clock buffer of the target device, which is 625 MHz. The tapped delay line utilizes a carry chain in the FPGA. The delay of each tap, so-called bin width, becomes small if the manufacturing process of FPGA becomes narrow, which leads to the better time resolution in general. In [3], however, it is reported that there are many zero-width bins when using the Xilinx 7 series FPGA for the tapped delay line TDC. They found that about a half of the delay line is occupied by the zero-width bins. To obtain finer bin width, they re-order outputs of the delay line based on the place and route report. Another approach to decrease the number of zero-width bins is tuned delay line described in [4]. Xilinx CARRY4 element has 2 types of output port, COi and Oi (i=0,1,2,3), the former is the simple pass-through signal while the latter is summed output via XOR element. The difference whether signal passes through the XOR or not is a source of subtle propagation delay and helps to recover the number of effective bins. They studied the optimal combination of the carry logic output and found the heterogeneous sampling of COi and Oi resulted in the finer bin width than that of homogeneous sampling which utilizes only COi outputs or only Oi outputs. Therefore, the present work adopts heterogeneous sampling as shown in Fig. 1, where outputs from O0, CO1, O2, and CO3 are captured by the following D-flipflops.


As the development of new energy, more and more new energy distributed generation will be plugged in the distribution system, it makes the system more effective and the load capacity of system is obviously increased. But the access influences the voltage value of system and the security of system a lot. So it needs to control the capacity of plugging in. This paper proposes a new method with the coordinated control of distributed generation and load in the distribution system. In this way the system can accept the new energy comfortably and safely.


Shock absorber piston rod manufacturing is processed by turing, milling, grooving, rolling, inspection and finally packing. Here, as line balancing and layout for each processes is not reasonable so unnecessary idle time and process time deviations are being happened. Therefore some specific measures are needed to minimize these idle time and process time deviations, which can bring out the labor elimination as well as the high productivity. In this study we consider automation for Transferring and Loading System for finished goods to achieve the appropriate process line balance and high productivity.


Yair Neuman takes a semiotic view of biological processes and argues that meaning, which is inevitably contextual, emerges in evolution and development (especially of the immune system) by something that is rather like a conversation. He criticizes reductionist approaches to biology on the grounds that the action goes on at more than one level in a hierarchy. He also grapples with such problems as whether an organism in a state of cryptobiosis is dead or alive. The argument might be strengthened and simplified by recognizing that life is largely structured as whole-part hierarchies, in which the participants are (concrete) ontological individuals, rather than sets or (abstract) classes. The entities ranked at such levels engage in different processes. There is need for a better understanding of dispositional properties.


This article examines some of the more problematic aspects of recent efforts to integrate psychology and religion. Specifically, many religious people—psychology's main consumer and client—make different assumptions than many psychologists about human nature and the world. This article attempts to explicate many of these conflicting assumptions, particularly as they affect psychological methods. Therapeutic and experimental methods are frequently viewed as theologically, if not philosophically, neutral to the subject matter they are investigating. This article aims to dispel this common myth. To discover or highlight these "hidden" assumptions of traditional methods, they are first contrasted to the assumptions of interpretive practices. However, interpretive practices are themselves often viewed as theologically neutral. Consequently, psychological methods are also compared to a theistic mode of inquiry that assumes that an active God is necessary to proper investigation.


The healthcare industry has been revolutionized by the Internet of Things (IoT), which has made it possible to develop various applications to monitor patients' health conditions and provide customized care. One of the ways in which IoT is being used in healthcare is through remote patient monitoring. This involves collecting real-time data from IoT-enabled devices such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and heart rate monitors, which can help healthcare professionals detect and respond to changes in a patient's health condition before they become critical. Despite the numerous benefits of IoT healthcare applications, there are critical security concerns that need to be addressed. One such concern is data privacy, as IoT devices collect a significant amount of sensitive patient information that needs to be protected from unauthorized access, hacking, and breaches. Another issue is the vulnerability of IoT devices to malware and hacking attacks due to inadequate security protections and outdated software. IoT devices can be utilized by cyber attackers to remotely get the patent's data by causing keylogger attacks. The harm caused by keylogger attacks is significant, as they compromise private information such as patients' private details, leading to identity theft and other crimes. These attacks can also cause operational problems such as degraded response time of IoT healthcare, system crashes, and corrupted files. Keyloggers can be difficult to detect as they run covertly in the background. In this paper, a methodology is proposed for early detection of keylogger attacks in IoT healthcare to preserve the patient's identity from cyber attackers using the machine learning-based approach. The proposed framework is experimented on IoT healthcare dataset for comparing the performance of LightGBM, CNN, and ANN machine learning models.


The processing of each layer of protocol stack from base station is carried out in that all the user data or control signal transmitted between VE and core network are processed each layer protocol at base station side and data analysis as well as signaling implements is finalized all by the base station when communication is on between the user terminal and the core network. This is the key point of the method.


It is the magnitude of the decline of our material civilization which explains the governmental effort to achieve recovery and reconstruction. Goverment and economics are only a party of our civilization. Religion, education, travel, communication, reading, family life, marriage and divorce, philanthropy, crime and insanity-all will experience derivative effects, however.


Summary Potent thrombopoietin (TSF) materials were mixed with normal rabbit serum and serum from rabbits that had been immunized with TSF-rich fractions of human plasma, human urine, or kidney cell culture media; the supernatant fluids from these incubations were then assayed for TSF content by means of the immunothrombocythemic mouse assay. The results indicate that TSF, after incubation with normal rabbit serum, stimulated platelet production in mice, whereas pretreatment of the TSF with anti-TSF serum neutralized the ability of TSF to stimulate thrombocytopoiesis in mice. These data support the hypothesis that TSF found in kidney cell culture medium is immunologically similar to TSF from human urine or plasma.


Prologue: Taking Tea in Lohargaun A fieldworker, Ramji, and I had gone to a low caste area to run a GAT (gender awareness training). Low caste areas were not popular field sites and staff would complain that it was not pleasant there. The unwritten rule that staff, in the spirit of 'respecting local customs', were not to accept cooked food or drink from low castes, meant that visits to low caste areas would be short affairs with little socialising, since this invariably took place through food sharing.


In the past 40 years, over 16,000 metric tons of man-made space hardware has reentered the Earth's atmosphere, been exposed to a severe heating and loads environment, and disintegrated. It is estimated that more than 1,600 metric tons of this debris (from 10% to as much as 40% of the pre-reentry dry weight) has survived to impact the Earth's surface. Only a small percentage of this has actually been recovered. Over this same 40-year period, and in an attempt to prevent casualties resulting from these impacts, numerous guidelines and requirements have been enacted requiring an operator to perform a controlled reentry of space hardware in cases where the casualty expectation exceeds 1 in 10,000 should the hardware reenter in an uncontrolled fashion. Analysts have several models available to estimate casualties but the information used to calibrate these models is limited since very few of the recovered debris pieces have been thoroughly analyzed. This paper discusses the need for accurate reentry hazard estimation models and outlines a strategy that has been developed to recover and analyze hardware that has survived reentry. This strategy addresses how this information can be integrated into current models, and how these models can be used to develop space hardware that will break apart as predicted. This paper also includes a discussion of a methodology for reconstructing a breakup event based on the results of analyses on several debris pieces, including composite materials recovered from the recent Space Shuttle Columbia accident. A new sensor system designed to actually gather data during a reentry breakup event is also presented.


Kabuki Syndrome is a rare genetic condition with a large panel of manifestations, including digestive symptoms that may simulate a celiac disease. We present a case of a very rare presentation of Kabuki Syndrome type 2.


The academic literature, policy makers, and international organizations often emphasize the value of networks that, allegedly, may contribute to subcontractor upgrading, innovation, and economic welfare. By contrast, it is difficult to assess whether engagement in production outsourcing networks also accrues some advantages to outsourcers (contractors). To research differences between these organizations and vertically integrated organizations, we analyzed a sample of 1,031 industrial plants, statistically representative of firms with more than 50 employees in Spain's manufacturing industry. We used t-tests, nonparametric tests, and chi-square tests, and hypotheses were tested for three subsets of companies, classified by the R&D intensity of the industry. In each set of industries, subcontracting is systematically associated with small batch production. By contrast, vertically integrated plants are more inclined to use mass production. In every type of industry, subcontracting is a form of governance especially efficient for the diffusion of new technology. Plants that subcontract production are more likely than integrated plants to adopt advanced manufacturing technology, whatever the R&D intensity of the industry. We conclude that outsourcers seem better prepared than vertically integrated organizations to meet customers' requirements but employment of subcontracting do not lower necessarily their technology needs—a widespread "pro-network" argument.


The study deals with the factors which have an effect on the observation of traffic signs in the peripheral field of vision. It was found that the peripheral vision has importance in gaining information in the edges of vision field and in directing the eyes. Peripheral vision can be used in traffic environments for observations of large targets such as the direction of the road and overtaking vehicles. (TRRL)


INTRODUCTION The aim of our study was to compare clinical characteristics, risk factors, treatment modalities and medium-term outcomes in STEMI patients in two different countries, Croatia and Kosovo. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study included 77 consecutive patients from two regional hospitals, included in the STEMI network of University Clinical Center Zagreb, Croatia (group 1), and 75 STEMI consecutive patients treated in regional Hospital Gjakova, Kosovo (group 2). Standard laboratory tests were performed in both study groups. Patients were treated by the standard protocol of the country and hospital where they were treated. Immediate clinical outcomes and 6 months follow up results regarding MACE were compared. RESULTS There was no significant difference between groups in basic clinical characteristic except for diabetes mellitus, (x2 = 6.96, P = 0.008, P <0.01) and glycaemia control (U' = 1530, P = 0.013).No significant difference between two groups in laboratory findings. There was a difference in percent of patients treated with primary PCI, 71 in gr 1 and 55 in group 2, reaching statistical significance (x2 test 8,261, p = 0.0045). In patients treated with PCI, there was no difference in "door to balloon time" (DTB) between groups. There was a remarkable difference in proportion of drug eluting stent (DES) implantation (3.5% in group 1, 29.1% in group 2 (x2 test 13.5, P = 0.0002).The difference partly derives from the relatively large number of balloon interventions in group 2. There was 2 deaths in group 1 in early hospital period, both during interventional procedure, one of the patients was in cardiogenic shock. There was no early mortality in group 2. In 6 month clinical follow up there were 3 deaths in group 2, all in patient with no revascularization, and no death in group 1. CONCLUSION We compared the clinical characteristics, treatment strategies and outcomes, in STEMI patients from two countries. After initial mortality, patients from Croatia had a better mid-term survival after recovery from their AMI compared to patients from Kosovo. Use of revascularization procedures was beneficial, but it was less often performed in Kosovo


The accumulated experimental data on reflection by spatial targets with recent achievements in this area taken into account is generalized; by knowing the path of the radar vehicle one can estimate a priori the range of variation of the basic parameters of centimeter and decimeter band sounding signals reflected by an arbitrary underlying surface and can describe with the required accuracy the shape of the resulting average envelope of the range energy spectrum.


usage of modula arithmetics, particularly, of the Chinese remainders theorem for parallel calculations is substantiated; advantages of modula methods are demonstrated through results of experiments on the cluster using the library MPI, intended for a support of parallel processes in terms of message passing


Background . Progressive left ventricular dilatation after myocardial infarction is associated with a high mortality rate, the majority of which is arrhythmogenic in origin. The underlying mechanism of this relation remains unknown. It has been suggested, however, that left ventricular dilatation is accompanied by changes in repolarization characteristics which may facilitate the occurrence of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Methods and results . We examined 62-lead body surface QRST integral maps during sinus rhythm in 78 patients, 349 ± 141 days after thrombolysis for a first anterior myocardial infarction. Visual map analysis was directed at discrimina t-ing dipolar (uniform repolarization) from nondipolar patterns (nonuniform r e-polarization). In addition, the nondipolar content of each map was assessed quantitatively using eigenvector analysis. Nondipolar map patterns were present in almost one third of the patients (32%). Left ventricular end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes were assessed echocardiographically before discharge and after three and 12 months using the modified biplane Simpson's rule. Increase in left ventricular end-systolic volume one year after myocardial infarction was more pronounced in patients with nondipolar QRST integral map patterns (15 ± 14 versus 4 ± 8 ml/m 2 , p=0.017). In patients with an increase in end-systolic volume of more than 16 ml/m 2 (upper quartile), the prevalence of nondipolar maps was 89% compared to 29% in patients with dilatation of less than 16 ml/m 2 . In addition, the nondipolar content of maps in patients in the upper quartile was significantly increased compared to the lower quartiles (49 ± 14 versus 37 ± 12%, p=0.013). A logistic regression analysis revealed that an end-systolic volume of more than 42 ml/m 2 after one year contributed independently to the appearance of nondipolar maps. Patients with high-grade ventricular a r-rhythmias showed a higher nondipolar


ABSTRACT In this paper, a novel automated coastline extraction method from SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) data is presented. The method is designed to exploit radar backscatter coefficients ( ) from multipolarization SAR acquisitions (the 4 classic co- and cross-polarized polarizations), whereas single-pol data are employed in the majority of methods in this field, implementing data fusion through the use of an autoencoder neural network and producing the coastline by harnessing a Pulse-Coupled Neural Network (PCNN). Main results are presented throughout the paper, demonstrating superiority and comparability with established methods and with a recent automated algorithm that can be considered among the state-of-the art techniques in this field; furthermore, effectiveness of data fusion and segmentation obtained through the mentioned neural networks has been compared to that of several combinations of the same networks with different frameworks: a different data fusion framework, obtained through the use of linear Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and a different binarization framework, based on the use of Expectation-Maximization (EM) image segmentation. Main achievements of presented technique consist in enabling a possible faster processing as well as the opportunity of operating with an improved fused information content on coastline, together with very high accuracy results.


According to Marx, though the underdeveloped nations suffered heavy losses in the process of the world history, they developed by leap and bounds at the same time. These theories are the keys for us to make a study of the development of the developing nations which are now based on the economic globalization. First, the developing nations should have a good understanding of the economic globalization theoretically. Secondly, they should keep open-minded and follow in order and advance step by step to take part in the process of the economic globalization. The last but not least, the developing nations should strive for better status in the economic globalization.


The increasing concerns about the development of antimicrobial resistance among pathogenic bacteria have created a need for alternative strategies against pathogens. Plants have been in use for thousands of years to conserve food and treat health diseases. Punica granatum has been commonly employed as a crude drug in Indian traditional medicine against various diseases. Antibacterial properties of Punica granatum fruit extract was evaluated against E.coli, P.aeruginosa, B. cereus, E. faecalis, S. typhii and S.aureus using agar well diffusion method. Maximum antibacterial activity was observed against Staphylococcus aureus. Penicillin binding protein was chosen as receptor to which structure based molecular docking analysis was performed. Insilico results indicate the binding ability of active phytoconstituents of Punica granatum against penicillin binding protein.


In this study, the kinetics of aqueous carbonation of steel slag in an atmospheric three-phase system containing steel slag, water, and CO2 gas was studied. Also, some factors likely affecting this process were investigated, such as reaction time and temperature, steel slag particle size (d(0.5)), CO2 flow rate, and the mass ratio of liquid to solid (L/S). The particle size of steel slag and the reaction temperature were found to be the major factors affecting the carbonation degree. The carbonation degree was determined to be 26.4% under the following conditions: reaction time of 3 h, temperature of 60 degrees C, CO2 flow rate of 600 ml/min, d(0.5) = 12.8 mu m, L/S=10, corresponding to a capacity of 0.264 kg CO2/kg steel slag. The experimental results were employed to study the reaction mechanism using the shrinking core model. The aqueous carbonation process of steel slag was found to be limited by the diffusion of calcium carbonate through the product layer. The apparent activation energy of the aqueous carbonation of steel slag was found to be 4.8 kJ/mol. It was confirmed that aqueous carbonation of steel slag is an effective approach for enhancing the CO2-sequestration capacity and reducing the environmental impacts of steel slag.


Geometry, differential and integral forms Coulomb-Ampere theory of electricity and magnetism Maxwell's electrodynamics post-Maxwellian electrodynamics numerical field computations well-known numerical methods Generalized Multipole Technique (GMT) Multiple Multipole Programs (MMP) personal computers and transputers.


For the cultivation of aquatic plants and animals at the beach,there is a requirement for quick,economical and high efficient construction of cofferdams.This article brings forward the new kind of cofferdam with its configuration,material,design ideas and construction method.Compared with other cofferdam ideas,the dyke with light-core and hard-shell(DLH) has many advantages like quick construction,good stability and infiltration prevention.Evermore,the usage of bamboo,plywood,and straw for the different part of cofferdam enlarge the efficiency and the possibility for the tidal-flat aquaculture application.


A device for winding webs of fabric into a lap, arranged on a lap rod, with a machine frame, a lap carrier which can move to and from with respect to the machine frame between a winding position and an unloading position and is provided with receiving mechanism for the two ends of the lap rod, which have positioning guides which position the lap rod in the winding position of the lap carrier in a winding rotational position, and with securing elements which secure the lap rod, in the winding position of the lap carrier, against any movement out the positioning guides.


Recently, a unique capability in highly sensitive detection of residue defects in photoresist patterns on a metal hard mask has been verified experimentally [T. Hayashi et al., Proc. SPIE, 6922 (2008) 6922-129]. In order to reveal the mechanism for the new defect inspection technique, the charging up induced by 300 eV - 2000 eV electron bombardment of thin insulating layers (SiO2, ~tens of nm) on Si is studied by using a self-consistent Monte-Carlo simulation of the transport of a primary electron and secondary electrons (SE) and the generation of an electric field due to the charges in the layer. The calculation is compared with the contrast changes in the SEM images of thermally oxidized layers (20~100 nm) on a Si wafer. Low-energy EB (or thick SiO2 layer) causes the positive charging of the layer, whereas the high-energy EB, which penetrates under thin SiO2 layer, relaxes the charging of the layer due to electron-hole recombination in Si. The thickness dependence of the SE yield for low- and high-energies is investigated, which explains the observed changes in the SEM images of the insulating layers on Si.


Data mining technology is developed as a new technology in recent years,through this technology,people can find the valuable information underlying the dat.Data mining has become the most effective method to solve the problem of "data explosion" status faced by current enterprises,this technology also provides a scientific theory support for various business decision making.This paper will discuss and analyze the meaning of data mining and the basic algorithm,and give further discussion to analyze the specific application of data mining in electronic commerce.


Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a new and ongoing pandemic, and an alarming public health issue throughout the globe. While first reported in China, COVID-19 is no longer restricted to that country, and the increasing number of cases and alarming levels of geographical spread raises grave worries about its future direction. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" (PHEIC), and, by March 19, 2020, over a 160 countries have reported cases of COVID-19. More than 209 000 cases have been confirmed globally, with approximately 39% of them in China; more than 8700 people have died worldwide. Importantly, however, some countries have demonstrated the ability to slow or partially limit transmission of the COVID-19 virus, SARS-CoV-. Turkey straddles eastern Europe and western Asia, and is a major travel hub. The current population of Turkey is 84 339 067, and Turkey welcomed more than 31 million foreign visitors during the first 8 months of 2019. Turkey ranks sixth in the world in terms of number of tourists and 14th in terms of tourism income. Turkey is surrounded by eight countries, namely, Greece, Bulgaria, Georgia, Armenia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Azerbaijan, and cases of COVID-19 have been reported in most of these countries. In light of the coronavirus outbreak, Turkey announced to cease all flights from China and closed its border with Iran and Iraq. The ministry also established field hospitals near the Iraq and Iran borders. However, despite these precautionary measures, by March 19, Turkey had more than 190 confirmed COVID-19 cases and two deaths. According to the Interim guidelines of the WHO on responding to the community spread of COVID-19, a comprehensive package of precautionary measures is required for countries to prepare when there are no cases, sporadic cases, clusters of cases, community transmission, or country-wide transmission. There is still much to learn about this infectious disease and its negative impact in different contexts, and preparedness and response actions will continue to be driven by rapidly accumulating scientific and public health knowledge. The WHO developed a strategic preparedness and response plan for COVID-19 which aims to slow and stop transmission, prevent outbreaks and delay spread, provide optimized care for all patients (especially the serious ill cases), and minimize the potential impact of the epidemic on health systems, social services, and economic activity. The priorities and intensity of efforts to tackle this issue will depend on the scenario each specific country or a sub-national area currently faces. The COVID-19 epidemic is a problematic and complicated situation that requires concerted efforts at both national and international levels to tackle. Therefore, and given the reporting of Turkey's first cases, Turkish health care authorities should keep up-todate with factual information and recommendations from the WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other organizations about COVID-19 to try to contain the disease at this early stage. Moreover, they should carefully formulate national guidelines in light of interim recommendations for responding to community spread, and on information on critical preparedness and response actions, healthcare planning checklists, resources for healthcare professionals, and on advice for the public on COVID-19 proper measures, to prevent the rapid transmission and possible spread of this infection.


Imperfect passivation of surface charge traps on metal halide perovskite (MHP) nanocrystals remains a key obstacle to achieving higher performance in optoelectronic devices. Due to the strong ionic nature of MHPs, ionic salts have been identified as effective surface charge trap passivating ligands. In this study, based on photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements on cesium lead bromide nanocrystals (CsPbBr3 NCs), we find that the pairing between cation and anion of an ionic salt results in a significant impact on trap passivation. Using density of functional theory (DFT) calculations, we identify the binding interaction between the cation and anion of the ionic pair to be a major factor in determining the trap passviation efficacy.


The research selected more than 50 P.E.department of normal universities in Beijing、Hebei、Shandong,and than with the methods of interviewing experts,logical inference and so on ,the author analyzed public physical education reform in normal universities, all of which were to discuss the ways to implement innovative teaching of sports and provide reference to the national universities and colleges'Public P.E. courses reform. The conclusions indicated: the most important way to innovative teaching of sports was to updating education option、reconstructing teaching content、effectively using teaching method and perfecting teaching evaluation.


The study targeted effect of different levels of oyster mushroom, garlic and ginger powder as feed additives on carcass traits of broilers. Three hundred and fifteen unsexed one day-old broiler chicks of strain (Cobb 500) were divided randomly into seven groups. Each represented a treatment (45 birds/treatment) with 3 replicates in a completely randomized design. The treatments were T = Control, T = T + 1% oyster mushroom 1 2 1 powder, T = T + 2% oyster mushroom powder, T = T + 1% garlic root powder, T = T + 2% garlic root powder, 3 1 4 1 5 1 T = T + 1% ginger root powder and T = T + 2% ginger root powder. At the end of trial, two birds were 6 1 7 1 purposely selected from each replication based on average group weight for carcass evaluation. The results showed that the pre slaughter weight was significantly lower (P<0.05) for T as compared to other treatments 3 except T and T . Dressed weight was also significantly lower (P<0.05) for T compared to T . Dressing 2 4 3 5 percentage and eviscerated weight of various treatment groups of broiler were non-significant (P>0.05). Eviscerated percentage was significantly (P<0.05) higher for T compared to T . No significant difference 3 4 (P>0.05) was observed in commercial carcass weight, commercial carcass percentage and edible carcass weight. Edible carcass percentage was significantly (P<0.05) higher for T compared to T . No significant difference 3 4 (P>0.05) was also observed in the weight and percentage of breast, drumsticks with thighs and back among all the treatments. The data on the weight and percentage of the internal organs shows the absence of a significant difference (P>0.05). The relative weight of non-edible parts was also non-significant (P>0.05) in all groups. The inclusion of the test ingredients in the diets of broiler chicks did not affect carcass yield.


Guideliner catheter (Vascular Solutions, Minneapolis, MN) is a novel, rapid exchange system which allows deep intubation and facilitate equipment delivery through the complex coronary lesions. We describe the use of this device in a percutaneous intervention of a native diagonal lesion through tortious and calcific saphenous vein graft.


The result of a survey suggests that major problems which English majors have been encountered with in the course of writing their graduation theses are confusion in selecting subject,lack of reference materials and inappropriatenes of research method,etc.The solution of these problems depends on not only teachers and students' attaching more importance to them but also the universities' great support.


Rice flour-based batter (RFBB) formulations were developed for deep fat jkied chicken drumstick application. The fleets of ingredients on pasting characteristics of RFBB and wheat flour based-batter (WFBB) were compared using the Rapid Visco-Analyzer (RVA). Pasting properties were influenced significantly by ratios of rice to cornflour, oxidized corn starch, and methylcellulose. The peak viscosity. breakdown, and setback increased significantly as rice flour level increased, whereas increasing levels of oxidized corn starch yielded opposite results. Pasting Characteristics of WBB were significantly different from those of WBB.


Side-channel leakage simulators allow testing the resilience of cryptographic implementations to power side-channel attacks without a dedicated setup. The main challenge in their large-scale deployment is the limited support for target devices, a direct consequence of the effort required for reverse engineering microarchitecture implementations. We introduce ABBY, the first solution for the automated creation of fine-grained leakage models. The main innovation of ABBY is the training framework, which can automatically characterize the microarchitecture of the target device and is portable to other platforms. Evaluation of ABBY on real-world crypto implementations exhibits comparable performance to other state-of-the-art leakage simulators.


The sections in this article are

1
Fundamentals of Electrodynamics of Ferrite Materials

2
Microwave Propagation in Ferrite Loaded Waveguides

3
Ferrite Loaded Waveguides for Practical Applications

4
Ferrite Loaded Microstrips, Slot Lines and Fin Lines


Purpose: To evaluate the presence of interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing cells in patients with geographic atrophy (GA). Methods: In this short report, we analyzed IL-17, CD3, and IBA-1 expression by immunohistochemistry on paraffin-embedded sections from 13 donors with a known history of GA, confirmed by fundus appearance and histology, and 7 age-matched control donors. Results/Conclusion: We showed that IL-17+ cells are found near areas of retinal pigmented epithelium atrophy in the eyes of GA patients. IL-17+ cells mainly localized to CD3+ cells, which identifies T lymphocytes, as well as IBA-1+ cells, which identifies mononuclear phagocytes. Therefore, IL-17 could be involved in the pathological mechanisms that contribute to the degeneration observed in GA.


A theoretical treatment of the effects of external fields on the electronic properties of doped semiconductor superlattices is presented. Self-consistent calculations of the level structure in the presence of strong magnetic fields reveal the existence of surfacelike states associated with the depletion regions at the ends of the superlattice. These states lie in the gap between Landau levels during Landau-level emptying and closely track the Fermi energy throughout the range of magnetic fields where the Hall plateaus occur. These results explain important features observed in recent experiments by Stoermer et al., such as the Hall quantization index and the anomalously small activation energy. The character of the surfacelike states can be strongly affected by varying the applied magnetic field and especially by the simultaneous application of an electric field in the direction perpendicular to the layers. The large sensitivity to applied fields suggests novel experimental arrangements which would directly probe the density of states of the system.


Chlorinated polypropylene (CPP) as rigid organic particles and chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) as elastomer were used to modify the properties of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) by melt blending. Both mechanical and rheological properties of the PVC blends were investigated. The submicroscopic morphology of the blends was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results demonstrate that when the weight ratio of CPE to CPP is about 6 : 1, a sample with the best impact strength and without obvious decline in tensile strength can be obtained. The impact strength correlates well with SEM morphologies, and TEM micrographs in the necking of the tensile specimen indicate that a cold-drawing deformation of rigid particles happens as reported by T. Kurauchi and T. Ohta (J Mater Sci 1984, 19, 1699). Therefore, a conclusion can be drawn that CPP particles acting similar to elastic particles can toughen PVC, and the cold-drawing deformation is the primary reason for toughening the PVC blends. In addition, the addition of CPP can promote the processibility of PVC ternary blends. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2478–2483, 2003


Life-long education is a fact today. It provides useful information - knowledge and dexterities, as well as being easily accessible and flexible; all the aforementioned offer a continual procedure of knowledge enhancement to the learner. Furthermore, it constitutes a fair distribution of educational materials amongst all groups of society. Thus, it is intended for all people regardless of their educational status, assuring collaboration and equality amongst each other. The contemporary educational system is adaptable to the individual's, which as a system has been called upon to prepare the future citizens to live in a society of constant updating of knowledge, and guaranteeing equivalent and adequate participation from everyone forming the society of information.


Species composition, seasonal incidence, and daily activity patterns of Culicoides spp. associated with mangrove swamps in Lee County, Florida, were studied for ca. 1 year. Based on light trap data C. barbosai Wirth and Blanton and C. furens (Poey) were the most prevalent species, occurring from May through mid-December with several peaks of abundance. Based on Koch-type interval suction traps adult daily flight patterns of C. furens were not clearly established, but C. barbosai was most active at dawn and dusk, with the dawn peak being markedly greater. Based on emergence collections, most C. furens larvae were recovered from black mangrove areas; C. barbosai were recovered from red mangrove areas May to July and from black mangrove areas from September through December.


Distributed Constraint Optimization Problems (DCOPs) are a frequently used framework in which a set of independent agents choose values from their respective discrete domains to maximize their utility. Although this formulation is typically appropriate, there are a number of real-world applications in which the decision variables are continuous-valued and the constraints are represented in functional form. To address this, Continuous Distributed Constraint Optimization Problems (C-DCOPs), an extension of the DCOPs paradigm, have recently grown the interest of the multi-agent systems field. To date, among different approaches, population-based algorithms are shown to be most effective for solving C-DCOPs. Considering the potential of population-based approaches, we propose a new C-DCOPs solver inspired by a well-known population-based algorithm Artificial Bee Colony (ABC). Additionally, we provide a new exploration method that aids in the further improvement of the algorithm's solution quality. Finally, We theoretically prove that our approach is an anytime algorithm and empirically show it produces significantly better results than the state-of-the-art C-DCOPs algorithms.


New equipment set for the processing of manure, the main waste of poultry farms, into a range of ancillary products with predetermined properties and parameters is described. This technology decreases the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere. The method of preparation of manure for the usage as a solid fuel with decreased expenses for drying was developed; this method allows for the significant decrease of nitrogen content in the manure (resulting in the decreased nitrogen emission at burning). The method involves the preliminary mixing of the manure with a natural absorbent (3-5% of the dry matter of manure) sieved through the 0.2 mm screen; separation of the mixture (by centrifuging or pressing) to solid fraction (moisture content 45-56%) and liquid fraction; drying of the solid fraction in a cylinder drier to moisture content 12-22%; the final product can also be pelleted. A part of the product can be burned in a furnace to produce the heat for the drying of the solid fraction; liquid fraction can be further processed in a coagulator to extract protein or can be used as a liquid fertilizer or ingredient of the liquid substrates in the hydroponic greenhouses.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the stability of the long‐run relationships between emerging (India, China, South Korea, and Taiwan) and developed stock markets (USA and Japan). The study aims at adding to the literature on market integration by investigating the hypothesis that the Asian emerging stock markets are increasingly converging with the US stock market over time.Design/methodology/approach – The authors use time varying cointegration tests (rolling and recursive cointegration) which allow for time variation in the underlying data generating process (possible structural breaks in the long‐run relationships). Ten year index data from mid 1998 to 2008 of the respective stock markets have been used for this study.Findings – Empirical findings support the presence of one long‐run relationship (cointegration vector) between emerging and developed stock markets. Both domestic and external forces affect stock market behavior, leading to long‐run equilibrium but the individual Asia...


This article is part of the 48th World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, held on 23-26 January, 2018 in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The authors argue for apprenticeship as a way to guarantee skills and to help employees cope with the onset of artificial intelligence (AI). They also acknowledge as employers that apprenticeships need to be refreshed in the age of AI. The article presents a case for apprenticeships, highlighting some current initiatives, and the need to overcome the two main barriers to their uptake - stigma (apprenticeship and vocational training are still perceived as a second-rate track in comparison to going to university) and costs and complexity (regulating apprenticeships can be a heavy process in many countries and therefore a hindrance to employers and possible apprenticeship candidates).


Study about bird species at Hasanatul Barokah palm oil plantation was conducted on December 2014. With Survey methods has been used in this research. The research station technique by purposive random sampling. The researcher found that 10 family 12 species and 27 individual, that Alcedinidae (Halcyon smyrnensis), Ardeidae (Ixobrychus cinnamomeus), Columbidae (Geopelia striata, Spilopeliachinensis, Treron vernans), Meropidae (Merops viridis), Muscicapidae (Copsychus saularis), Phasianidae (Coturnix chinensis), Psittacidae (Psittacula longicauda), Pycnonotidae (Pycnonotus aurigaster, Pycnonotus simplex), Sturnidae (Acridotheres cinereus). Index diversity is category medium, with value 2,185.


ABSTRACT Background: To assess the association of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components with target organ damage in a follow-up study of relatively healthy bank employers. Methods: Out of 1600 random samples of office workers in Saint Petersburg (Russia), a group of 383 participants with at least one component of MS and without cardiovascular complications was selected (mean age 46.6 ± 9.0 years, 214 females (64.6%)). Follow-up visit was performed in 331 subjects. Target organ damage (TOD) was assessed by echocardiography, carotid ultrasound, applanational tonometry, brachial–ankle index, and urine albumin excretion measurements. Anthropometry, vital signs, and biochemistry were performed according to standard protocols. Results: Presence of MS was not associated with higher probability of TOD. Multiple linear regression revealed significant association of all markers of TOD with older age. Hypertension was a significant predictor of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), increased arterial stiffness, and early signs of carotid atherosclerosis in logistic regression adjusted for age and gender. During follow-up, proportion of patients with LVH significantly decreased (from 46.7% to 32.9%, р = 0.003) and prevalence of patients with IMT > 0.09 сm increased (from 24.5% to 44.1%, p < 0.001) accompanying by significant declining of office blood pressure (BP) and total cholesterol. Conclusions: MS per se is not related to increased probability to TOD. Hypertension, female gender, and older age are main determinants of subclinical changes. After 2-years follow-up, significant LVH and renal damage regression was observed probably owing to BP reduction. Alternatively, early signs of carotid atherosclerosis increase with aging despite decreasing of the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia.


A new method of analyzing the behavior of dynamic systems containing time delays is presented. The method, which is based on the construction of a subsidiary system where the delayed state variables are approximated by Taylor series expansion, is simple and easy to apply. The stability and the region of stability of the subsidiary equation correspond closely to that of the original system.


High-speed two-wavelength holographic interferometer has been developed to obtain distributions of temperature and fuel vapor concentration in the gas phase from CO/sub 2/ laser irradiation on 1-decene surface up to ignition. Two holograms at wavelengths 488 nm and 632.8 nm are taken and superposed on a glass plate without CO/sub 2/ laser irradiation. Two interferograms at the same two wavelengths are taken simultaneously by a high-speed movie camera (500 frames/sec) with CO/sub 2/ laser irradiation. Two methods used to analyze the interferograms on the movie film are discussed; manual and computerized fringe analysis. A new inversion technique for the Abel integral used to obtain refractive indices from the measured fringe shift is developed. Interferogram movie frames and preliminary results demonstrate clearly that the technique is feasible and it has great potential to be able to provide new understanding of the mechanism of radiative ignition.


In today's world, long-distance relationships (LDRs) are visible in the entertainment industry, are used in telephone and airline advertisements, are prevalent on college campuses, and exist among married and nonmarried dual-career couples (Stafford, 2005). As important romantic relationships, LDRs are attachments that are relevant to adults' development, health, and well-being (S. Cohen, 2004). Counselors may not, however, be well-informed about LDRs. Like others, counselors may mistakenly believe that LDRs reflect relationship distress (Stafford, 2005). This misperception is easy to understand. Unlike persons in geographically close relationships (GCRs), LDR partners live in distal sites for days or weeks, reunite for a short time, and then separate again. The view of LDRs as distressed may be reinforced when time apart is cited as a cause of breakup (Knox, Zusman, Daniels, & Brantley, 2002), especially by celebrities. Research has suggested, however, that LDRs are more stable than are GCRs (Stafford, 2005). * Relationship Persistence/Commitment: The Investment Model The Investment Model (IM; Rusbult, Martz, & Agnew, 1998), a relational stability theory, is well suited to studying LDR persistence. IM theory does not include elements that require frequent physical contact (e.g., sexual intimacy), which is not possible in LDRs. Rusbult et al. (1998) developed the IM to account for some relationships enduring or persisting (i.e., being stable) despite difficulties or dissatisfaction. It can be puzzling, however, to understand LDR stability. In the IM (Rusbult et al., 1998), persistence is felt psychologically as commitment, which is the primary quality accounting for relational stability. Commitment, which predicts relational persistence for both short and long relationships (Le & Agnew, 2003), is an individual's long-term relational direction. Commitment is uniquely influenced by (a) satisfaction, or happiness with the relationship; (b) perceived alternatives, such as other attractive partners; and (c) investments that would be lost if the relationship ended. These elements are interrelated: Greater satisfaction can lead to decreased alternatives, increased investments, and commitment. Research has indicated that LDRs are characterized by commitment. Quantitative research (Guldner & Swensen, 1995) has not found significant LDR/GCR commitment differences, and moral commitment, "the personal meaning of the relationship" (Lydon, Pierce, & O'Regan, 1997, p. 111), distinguished persisting and nonpersisting LDRs. Interviews (Arditti & Kauffman, 2001) also verified LDR commitment. As one LDR partner noted, "the reason for the commute is our commitment to each other" (Jackson, Brown, & Patterson-Stewart, 2000, p. 30). Research has not, however, identified factors that contribute uniquely to LDR commitment. In the IM, satisfaction is the primary predictor of commitment (Le & Agnew, 2003), at least in GCRs. In LDR research, lower satisfaction predicted LDR breakups (Schwebel, Dunn, Moss, & Renner, 1992), whereas satisfaction was related to a reliable alliance (i.e., "sure the relationship will last no matter what"; Van Horn et al., 1997, p. 29), which is similar to commitment. Nonetheless, when comparing LDRs/GCRs, even with similar samples, results are mixed: no satisfaction differences, higher LDR satisfaction, and higher GCR satisfaction (see Stafford, 2005, for a review). The discrepant findings might be explained by methodology that measures satisfaction with several items reflecting physical togetherness. Such items may contribute uniquely to GCR satisfaction. Most research has suggested, however, that when measured as a general relational quality, satisfaction would predict LDR and GCR commitment. As for IM alternatives, LDR partners would seemingly have attractive potential partners in the same geographical area. Nonetheless, college (Sahlstein, 2004) and married community LDR partners (Jackson et al. …


The present edition of The Book of Fallacies is the first that follows Bentham's own structure for the work, and includes a great deal of material, both in terms of the fallacies themselves and the illustrative matter, that previous ...


Hiking slowly over the rocky terrain, I tune into the whistling and honking sounds around me, being careful not to step on the radiating blue feet that are literally in my path. A colony of blue-footed boobies intent on the business of courtship dances and displays surrounds me. Just when I think it can't get any better, a male, red-flanked marine iguana gently steps over my boot as he makes his way toward the water's edge to feed on algae. This was my experience on my first visit to the Galapagos Islands. I was awestruck by the uniqueness of these "enchanted isles" and the natural lessons they present. A biology teacher and naturalist at heart, I have an affinity for wild places and for birding, photographing plants and animals, and learning about species and their natural history. In my classroom, nature serves as a tool to connect students to relevant biological concepts and processes through anecdotes, discussion, multimedia, and studying alluring species. Many endemic species of the Galapagos Islands are captivating and useful for a biology teacher planning an extended lesson on evolution. To promote teaching science through inquiry, I wanted to use my experience in the Galapagos to design a lesson that allows students to immerse themselves in the essential science and engineering practices identified in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS Lead States 2013; see box, p. 46), as they ask questions; analyze and interpret data; engage in argument from evidence; and obtain, evaluate, and communicate information. Students may have preconceived ideas and sometimes misconceptions about evolution from their previous experiences, so a lesson plan must reflect the contemporary constructionist view of learning wherein students redefine, reorganize, expand, and change their initial concepts and views through classroom activities and experiences while interacting with other students and their environment. To satisfy these concerns, I followed the 5E instructional model (Trowbridge, Bybee, and Powell 2000). This model describes a sequence of phases--engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation--that align with both inquiry processes and constructivism. Engaging islands During the engagement phase, the challenge is to gain students' attention, spark their inquisitiveness, and have them pose initial questions. Showing an enticing video clip, passing around photographs, projecting a slide show of an attractive species such as the Galapagos hawk (Buteo galapagoensis), or describing a spectacle such as that of the male great frigatebird (Fregata minor ridgwayi) in his courtship ritual work for me as a way to accomplish this task. I then have students pose their own questions about the features, location, wildlife, and scientific significance of the islands to assess their prior knowledge. This discussion generates some useful Galapagos facts, and presenting a brief history and description of "Darwin's Islands" further serves to establish a base of knowledge. Once students have been engaged, they can be given--or research for themselves--some geographical information about the island. These oceanic islands form an archipelago that consists of 13 relatively large islands, each with an area greater than 10 km2, six smaller islands, and more than 40 named islets. Formed from undersea volcanoes three million to five million years ago, the islands today straddle the equator some 960 km from the coast of Ecuador on the South American mainland (Jackson 2001). Because these islands sit in the middle of nowhere, so to speak, the question arises as to how plants and animals colonized and inhabited them, especially in view of the geologic fact that these volcanic islands were barren when they first appeared above the sea's surface. At this point, student exchanges and discussion focus attention on dispersal mechanisms and island colonization. By the end of this introduction, the class acquires insights into possible dispersal mechanisms to the Galapagos from potential mainland areas: for example, by sea for penguins and marine mammals; through floating vegetation rafts for insects and reptiles; by air for seabirds; and by wind for plants, lichens, and fungi. …


Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi) has long been used as a medicinal herb in China for immune enhancement and cancer prevention and adjuvant therapy. ReishiMax (RM), a proprietary extract of Reishi enriched in Reishi triterpenes and polysaccharides showed immune enhancement (enhanced proliferations of macrophages, B, T and NK lymphocytes, increases in serum IgA, IgG, IgM & secretion of IL2 and Interferon, and decreases in IL5 secretion) and inhibition of cancer malignancy (FASEB J 2007, 21:A1100; 2008, 22:1136.2). We further examined the RM's effect in lifespan extension in mice. ICR mice (12 m of age; 25 males & 25 females) were randomized into 4 groups, receiving either rat chaw alone or the forage prior mixed with RM at a dose of 175, 350 or 700 mg/kg. Calorie intake was monitored twice a week and adjusted to match the calorie intake of controls. RM treatment (36 wks so far) showed: (1) no significant differences in body weight and calorie intake among the groups; (2) compared to controls, the 90% survival time extends 20, 56 and 44 days in the 3 RM dose groups, and the 75% survival time extends 21, 70 and 24 days, respectively. Kaplan‐Meier Survivor analysis showed significantly extended lifespan and reduced death risks by RM: p=0.048 (Wk28), p=0.045 (Wk32), p=0.022 (Wk36), with the best survivor curve for the RM 350 mg/kg therapy (equivalent to the human dose). The data thus far indicates that RM extends the lifespan in mice.


Bioassay-guided fractionation of an EtOH extract of the truffle-mimiking mushroom Astraeus pterid~s led to ~he isolation and identification of three new (3-5) and two known (1, 2) lanostane triterpenes and phenylalanme betaIne (6). The structures of the isolates were elucidated on the basis of ID and 2D NMR spectroscopic data, HRESIMS results, and X-ray crystallographic analysis. Compounds 5 and 1 showed moderate activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis with MIC values of 34.0 and 58.0 .uglmL, respectively.


Is social media beneficial for small business owners? Is there any difference in such benefits enjoyed by male and female small business owners? Since small business is an important livelihood option for individuals having limited access to capital and social media is an important platform to showcase their products, it is important to find answers to these queries. To this end, the authors conducted surveys on 110 small business owners who operate through different social media platforms. The findings suggest that women are relatively more successful in sales through social media while perception towards social media, trust towards the customers play important roles to improve volume of sales.
KEYWORDS: Social media, small business, trust, perception.


[51] Int. c1.7 .................................................... .. G06F 15/16 Methods, systems and Computer program products are Pro . . vided fors nchroniZin views amon a luralit of different [52] US. Cl. ......................... .. 709/205, 709/204, 709/248 y g g P y [58] Field of Search ................................... .. 709/205 204 Web browsers in a network environment by Selecting a 709/213 228 248. 370/260. 345/329' 330' source root frame displayed by a source browser included in ' ' ' 331 332 ,2 15' the plurality of different web browsers and generating a ' ' ' description of a frame hierarchy from the selected source [56] References Cited root frame. The description of a frame hierarchy is trans mitted over the network environment and the frame hierar U-SPATENT DOCUMENTS chy duplicated from the description into a selected target 5 446 842 8/1995 Schaeffer et al. ..................... .. 709/205 root frame of at least one of the plurality of different Web 5,535,304 7/1996 Sanjoh etal. .. 706/53 browsers 5,805,869 9/1998 Smith etal. 345/507 5,861,883 1/1999 Cuomo et al. ........................ .. 345/326 30 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets


Stylophorans are a Palaeozoic group of non-pentamerous echinoderms, morphologically well-adapted to a benthic mode of life on soft sediment seafloors. By developing a thin and wide theca, they successively increased the surface area in contact with the substrate resulting in an even distribution of the body mass resting on the ground, and efficiently preventing the body from sinking into non-indurated sediments (snowshoe strategy). In stylophorans, the body surface is dramatically increased in result of the expansion of two integumentary areas on the lower thecal surface. While infracentral areas are reduced in primitive forms to the detriment of massive marginals; in boot-shape cornutes, infracentral areas are larger, polyplated and framed by very delicate marginals. In heart-shaped cornutes, the reduction of both infracentral areas is compensated by the development of spiny elements on the theca outline. In forms where the degree of bilateral symmetry is high, the left infracentral area is larger than the right area, resulting in an elongated thecal shape. In structural geology, changes of shape of a rock submitted to a strain can be categorized by translating the obtained deformation into a strain ellipsoid plotted on a Flinn diagram, while in biology changes of shapes of organisms are traditionally measured through morphometric analysis. By applying Flinn's principle of strain ellipsoid to biological objects, the present study aims to characterize different life adaptations across stylophorans, observing changes of shape of both infracentral areas interpreted as two ellipsoids. Once plotted on a Flinn diagram, three significantly separated clusters are observed when focusing on the left area. This concerns forms with reduced infracentral areas, highly and weakly asymmetrical forms. According to these results, three new morphological adaptations are described (water strider, flat fish and stream-lined body). These newly described adaptations enabled snowshoe strategist stylophorans to remain stable on top of the seafloor.


The business process outsourcing (BPO) is an inevitable but integral part of the corporate operations today. The BPO companies have to continuously improve the operational effectiveness and efficiency to stay competitive. Customer Operations Performance Centre (COPC) based Performance Management System is a quality standard that has been designed specifically for customer centric service organizations particularly the Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) organizations to improve the quality of output of BPO services. The case study in this paper discusses as to how COPC standards have been successfully implemented in a global BPO Company based in India as a quality assurance methodology. The study also suggests implementing COPC as a balanced card approach in conjunction with Six Sigma to synergise benefits from concurrent application of these approaches.


The interventionists had a completely unreal estimate of the situation in Victoria and have proved quite unequal to the job undertaken. They in no way realised the depth of support for H artley, Hogg and their colleagues. Estim ating that H artley, Hogg & Co. would have only a handful of supporters faced with strong-arm tactics, they to a large degree were paralysed by the strength and full-blooded nature of the opposition and defiance which they confronted from a membership sickened by the traditional parliam entary antics of a W hitlam and the hare brained, opportunist, power-game manoeuvrings of a Cameron.


Background and Aim: Carbonated diet soda is the most common etiologic factor for dental erosion, and fluoride products have been proposed as an option for the prevention of that problem. This study evaluated the effect of Remin Pro and neutral sodium fluoride on the prevention of dental enamel erosion using profilometry. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using an experimental-laboratory method on 20 extracted premolars with no corrosion, abrasion, crack or hypocalcification. For a proper evaluation, the buccal aspect of each specimen was polished using 800to 1200and 2500-grit silicon carbide papers. Enamel was analyzed by surface profilometry. Samples were randomly allocated into two groups of Remin Pro and neutral sodium fluoride for pretreatment. After pretreatment, the surface roughness of enamel was measured. In the third stage, the samples were exposed to cola, rinsed with deionized water, and stored in artificial saliva, and surface loss and roughness were measured. Independent samples t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to analyze the data. Results: According to the results of this study, neutral sodium fluoride foam and Remin Pro reduced enamel erosion. The mean surface roughness after pretreatments with Remin Pro and neutral sodium fluoride foam was less than that after polishing (P=0.004) and exposure to acid (P=0.026). Conclusion: Neutral sodium fluoride foam and Remin Pro have the same effect on preventing dental erosion.


The genus Bartonella comprises gram-negative bacilli that possess tropism for erythrocytes and endothelial cells in animals of the orders Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Eulipotyphla, and Chiroptera. Bacterial infection may be associated with lymphadenitis, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis, and peliosis hepatis. Thirteen species of Bartonella are recognized as zoonotic and bats are considered to be their potential reservoirs. This study aimed to analyze the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in livers of neotropical bats belonging to the families Molossidae, Phyllostomidae, and Vespertilionidae, classified into 21 genera from the Atlantic Forest biome in São Paulo. A total of 341 (n = 341) chiropterans samples were tested for the presence of citrate synthase (gltA) gene of Bartonella by partial amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Samples of two bats (0.6%) of the species Glossophaga soricina from the municipality of São Roque were tested positive for gltA gene. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that sequences clustered in a clade that was close to the Bartonella sp. detected in G. soricina, which was collected from the Cerrado biome in Tocantins, Brazil. Despite a low prevalence of the detected infection, results indicated that neotropical bats from the Atlantic Forest were potential hosts of Bartonella spp., which might be related to the maintenance of a wild enzootic cycle of the bacterium. Additional studies, particularly on bats of genus Glossophaga, are required to elucidate the dynamics of intraspecific relationships between etiologic agent-vector-hosts.


The people who claim membership in a profession and delineate its attributes do so at least in part to justify inequality of status, as well as to limit and control access to that status. The key role of the professional can be fulfilled only by people with particular training, skills and judgement, and it is crucial that the distinction between practitioner and layperson be clearly recognized by all parties. This article suggests that online news workers fundamentally challenge the already-disputed concept of journalists as professionals. It identifies and explores key aspects of that challenge across the cognitive, normative and evaluative dimensions of the sociological construct of professionalism, with the goal of laying the groundwork for empirical investigation into the issues raised.


An epoxy resin monomer having a mesogenic skeleton, a novolac resin containing a compound having a structural unit represented by the following formula (I), a resin composition which is constituted by containing an inorganic filler, stable storage before curing excellent sex, it is possible to achieve a high thermal conductivity after cured. In the following general formula [Formula 1]


To evaluate the influence of different normal pressures and the fiber orientation on the in-plane compression behavior of paperboard during the deep drawing process, a new method was developed. In addition, the influence of the wrinkle formation on the dynamic coefficient of friction and the bending resistance was examined. To evaluate the eligibility of the in-plane compression testing method, a validation strategy was developed to compare the results from the new alternative tests with the punch force profiles from the deep drawing process within an empirical model.


To promote the development of the solid state lighting and display industry, exploring excellent inorganic phosphors has always been a hot scientific and applied issue. Herein, we have constructed ...


Kinetic facades offer new compositional opportunities based on the design of patterns of movement. There is the capacity for novel form, but minimal knowledge in the design of kinetics. As a way forward, this research addresses two questions—what is the range of kinetic patterns, and what nomenclature may robustly describe pattern range? Results from a series of scripted animations utilizing a range of techniques are analyzed, and from this a set of terms for describing the morphology of kinetic pattern is developed. Kinetics is conceived as state change: the terms used to describe states are wave, fold, and field; a full range of patterns can be described as variants of these three simple states; or as intermediate or compound state transitions.


The analysis of the fragments of Protrepticus us suggests that in this paper Aristotle would have done a distinction and established a hierarchy between two kinds of science: the science of the soul and science of the body, the first identified with the theoretical and practical sciences and the second with the productive science. In this sense, the thesis that tries defending in our work is that this distinction and levels of hierarchy is associated with the relationship of subordination of the body from the soul. In order to examine this thesis, we divide the work into two parts. In the first part, we will approach the relationship between soul and body and subsequent anthropological conception held by Aristotle in the Protrepticus. In the second part, we will try to examine how this concept affects the classification of science outlined by Aristotle in the work in question.


Several years ago I turned my attention to the study of childhood in theology. Colleagues with whom I spoke as I took up this research often naturally assumed that I would find the literature of religious education helpful. But for the most part I did not. This article arose out of curiosity about this impasse. Since its inception, Western theology has largely cast the mature adult Caucasian male as primary actor. While questions about the need for greater inclusivity have led to fresh consideration of gender, race, ethnicity, and class, the adult-centered proclivity of theology has become even more entrenched in the last few centuries. Whereas many premodern theologians took seriously the nature of childhood and the education and formation of children as an important subject matter, until recently modern theologians have not—except those in religious


Hydro turbines are often used at off-design point to adjust the power output. At off-design condition, a swirl flow occurs downstream of the turbine runner and a cavitation occurs at the vortex core due to the decrease of the pressure. The cavitation in the draft tube can cause a flow instability called draft tube surge. Because the draft tube surge causes the flow rate fluctuation, unsteady fluid forces occurs on the runner, and consequently, the revolution speed of the runner is affected. In the present study, an experimental investigation was carried out. Characteristics of the dynamic fluid forces due to the draft tube surge are examined at first. In addition, the influence of the fluctuation of the revolution speed of the runner on the cavitation surge were examined. The results showed that the cavitation surge caused the hydraulic torque fluctuation on the runner but the fluctuation of the cavity volume were affected by the runner revolution speed.


A ceramic scintillator array 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with: a plurality of scintillator segments 2 which are formed of a sintered body of a rare earth oxysulfide phosphor; and reflective layers 3 which are interposed between adjacent scintillator segments. The reflective layers 3 contain a transparent resin and reflective particles dispersed within the transparent resin. The reflective particles contain titanium oxide and at least one inorganic substance selected from the group consisting of alumina, zirconia and silica. The glass transition point of the transparent resin is 50°C or more; and the thermal expansion coefficient of the transparent resin at a temperature higher than the glass transition point is 3.5 × 10 -5 /°C or less.


The objective of this study was to evaluate litterfall and nutrient return in a Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden stand in the Pampa Biome. Four plots were established and four litter collectors per plot were distributed systematically with an area of 0.5 m² and four subplots used to collect large branches of > 0.5 cm diameter. The collections were carried out biweekly with monthly chemical analyzes over 12 months. The annual litterfall was 8.48 Mg ha-1, of which 59% was composed of leaves. In general, the leaves had the highest macronutrient contents except for Mg. The total macronutrient return was 215 kg ha-1, in the following order: Ca > N > K > Mg > S > P, with the leaves responsible for the return of 73% of the total. The litter represented an important source of organic matter and nutrients, and temperature is the climatic variable that best explains the pattern of production.


The research reported in this article explored the methods by which concept maps served as formative assessment by capturing changes in the ways preservice mathematics teachers represented their understanding of algebra. The participants were enrolled in a course on high school algebra for teachers and created the maps on the first and last day of the course. Selected concept maps are presented to illustrate the methodology and results of the concept map analyses. Suggestions for ways instructors can use these analyses to make formative decisions are offered.


A relative entropy based approach to image thresholding was proposed recently by Chang et al. They demonstrated that this method is successful for image thresholding. Relative entropy is a member of the class of Ali-Silvey distance measures. In this paper we generalize the relative entropy based approach and present image thresholding algorithms based on the class of Ali-Silvey distance measures. A number of members of this class are selected and used for implementation in image thresholding algorithms. Performance is evaluated by applying these algorithms to several images and comparing them to a few histogram based thresholding methods.


Mortality rates and patterns are fundamental demographic traits for understanding the dynamics of populations of large herbivores in different environments. Despite the ongoing recovery of large carnivores in Europe and North America, few European studies on ungulate mortality are available from areas where both large carnivores and human hunters are present. We applied known fate models to estimate cause-specific mortality rates and Cox proportional hazard models to estimate the effects of environmental covariates on mortality risks of 330 radio-collared roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) (1995–2005) along a gradient in roe deer abundance in south-eastern Norway. The study area is characterized by the presence of human hunters, Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and occasionally wolves (Canis lupus). The main mortality causes were: hunter harvest, predation by lynx, predation by foxes (on fawns) and others (including wolves, dogs, diseases, vehicle collisions and accidents). The individual ...


Enhanced Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT-E) is an evidence-based treatment for bulimia nervosa (BN), which can be delivered individually or in a group format. This case study describes a young adult female's progress through a CBT-E group program at an Australian community outpatient eating disorder service. She completed 20 sessions over 10 weeks. The client was administered measures for eating disorder symptoms, depression, anxiety, stress, stage of change, and clinical impairment at pre- and posttreatment. She improved on global eating disorder symptoms, food restriction, eating concern, and her stage of change. Her weight and shape concerns remained unchanged. Her levels of depression, anxiety, and stress significantly increased after treatment, highlighting the need for concurrent treatment for these comorbidities. These results support the developing literature on the efficacy of CBT-E for BN and describe in detail the progress of an individual, including their progress and challenges within a group intervention.


Here and flash memory devices; And it provides the read voltage setting method of the memory system including a memory controller for controlling the flash memory device, and the method by varying the read voltage variation in sequence step to read the page data from the flash memory device, respectively; Constructing a table of the dispersion sprayed read voltage corresponding to each read page number of data bits that represents the erased state of the page data and the read data from the flash memory device; Comprising: on the basis of the dispersion table, detecting scattered read voltage corresponding to the data bit number representing the available cell states of each of the peak of the memory cells; And a step of defining a new voltage reading with the detected scattered read voltage.


Background and Objectives: The proximity of wind turbines to residential areas has been associated with a higher level of complaints compared to the general population. The study objective was to search the literature investigating whether an association between wind turbines and human distress exists. Methods: A systematic search of the following databases (EMBASE, PubMed, OvidMedline, PsycINFO, The Cochrane Library, SIGLE, and Scirus) and screening for duplication led to the identification of 154 studies. Abstract and full article reviews of these studies led to the identification of 18 studies that were eligible for inclusion as they examined the association of wind turbines and human distress published in peer-review journals in English between 2003-2013. Outcome measures, including First Author, Year of Publication, Journal Name, Country of Study, Study Design, Sample Size, Response Rate, Level of Evidence, Level of Potential Bias, and Outcome Measures of Study, were captured for all studies. After data extraction, each study was analyzed to identify the two primary outcomes: Quality of Study and Conclusion of Study Effect. Results: All peer-reviewed studies captured in our review found an association between wind turbines and human distress. These studies had levels of evidence of four and five. Two studies showed a doseresponse relationship between distance from wind turbines and distress, and none of them concluded no association. Conclusions: In this review, we have demonstrated the presence of reasonable evidence (Level Four and Five) that an association exists between wind turbines and distress in humans. The existence of a doseresponse relationship (between distance from wind turbines and distress) and the consistency of association across studies found in the scientific literature argues for the credibility of this association. Future research in this area is warranted as to whether or not a causal relationship exists. Introduction Unlike most industries, the global wind industry grows annually by 21% despite the recent economic challenges. Canada is the ninth largest producer of wind energy in the world with a 45-fold growth in the industry in the year 2012 relative to 2000 [1-2]. The invention of the wind turbine as an electricity generating machine dates back to 1887 by James Blyth, a Scottish academic, and it used to light his holiday home in Marykirk, Scotland [3]. Wind turbines were at first welcomed by the public as being a source of energy that is both renewable and carbon emission-free. The need to generate electrical power on a large scale was the main driver in establishing the industrial wind turbines (IWTs) [4]. Wind turbines can be located as solo wind or in groups called "Wind Farms". In either form and for various reasons (e.g., minimizing transmission costs), wind turbines are usually positioned in close proximity to residential areas (farms, villages, towns, and cities). This proximity to residential areas has been associated with a higher level of complaints compared to the general population [5]. These complaints are coined in research conducted and articles written on the subject under different terms, such as "Extreme Annoyance", "Wind Turbine Syndrome (WTS)", and "Distress", among others. In this article, the term "distress" will be used unless we are quoting other articles. Complaints resulting from the proximity to wind turbines vary in their nature, and distress is often attributed to different mechanisms, such as noise, visual impact, sleep disturbance, infrasound, and others [5-7]. Noise is the complaint that has been studied most often, especially given that environmental noise has become one of the major public health concerns of the 21st century [8]. These complaints triggered the debate about possible mechanisms of effect. Several hypothetical mechanisms have been suggested to explain the possible link(s) between wind turbines and the reported distress; some of these hypotheses attribute distress to one or more of the following: chronic noise exposure, infrasound effect, visual impact, perceived lack of control over noise, attitudes, personality, and age [5-6]. To assess the possible effects of wind turbines on human health, different outcome measures have been suggested, including annoyance, sleep disturbance, and cortisol levels. An alternative approach to health assessment involves the subjective appraisal of health-related quality of life, a concept that measures general wellbeing in all domains, including physical, psychological, and social domains [8]. Although the focus on researching mechanisms of effect may very well be a good first step to identifying the cause, finding an association is a cornerstone of establishing any causality, according to Hill's Criteria of Causality [9]. A key missing piece of the scientific literature is that of an up-to-date and thorough review that examines 2014 Arra et al. Cureus 6(5): e183. DOI 10.7759/cureus.183 Page 2 of 15 the possible existence of an association between wind turbine and human distress. Therefore, the objective of our study was to search the literature investigating whether or not an association between wind turbines and human distress exists. Materials And Methods Study design A systematic review of the existing literature of published peerreviewed studies investigating the association between wind turbines and human distress between January 2003 January 2013 was undertaken. This study was conducted as a collaboration between the Northern Ontario School of Medicine (NOSM), Sudbury, and Grey Bruce Health Unit, Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada. Eligibility criteria Inclusion Criteria: Peer-reviewed studies Studies examining association between wind turbines and distress Studies published in peer-review journals


The present invention relates to a floor insert for a mold cavity for the production of moldings made of plastic, consisting of a base body with a hot side having a recess for receiving molten, pressurized plastic, and a cold side with a recess whose inner contour is intended to contact the product to be molded into contact and form the outer contour, and a gate (17) which connects the deepening of the hot side with the recess of the cold side and is intended molten plastic from the hot side in introduce the cold side. To provide a bottom insert is available that enables a faster cooling of the parison in the molding space 3, the invention proposes that a means for thermal insulation within the bottom insert between the hot side and the cold side of the bottom insert is provided.


The current paper proposes an analysis of the Romanian car insurance validity market. The topic is relevant at national and European level, and our analysis will be based on indicators such as gross written premiums, motor claims paid for bodily injuries, motor claims paid for property damage, market share on Motor Insurance market. We will also determine the degree of concentration on this market using Gini Struck Concentration Index.


This thesis project was developed for Educational Unit "Los Guayacanes", and its problematic lack of a strategic plan in this organization, for which proposed the development and implementation applicable during the period 2014-2017.
To achieve the above-described information it was collected through primary and secondary sources. The obtained data from interviews and surveys undertaken, to the conclusion that the Education Unit "Los Guayacanes is an institution recognized in the environment in which it operates, who despite having an Institutional Educational Project and the support of a right talent has failed to get the expected returns by senior management, which is why the need for the development of a strategic plan for the institution arises, containing the same improvement projects necessary to achieve the success of the organization whole.
Regarding the research design, the theoretical framework was developed based on the establishment of concepts derived from the research topic, these being taken from books and the Internet. Such as research methods were also used: analytical, inductive, deductive and descriptive method, which made the development of research as possible; meanwhile the research techniques used were interviews, surveys and direct observation technique, through which it….


For a multiplier (2-cocycle) $\sigma$ on a discrete group $G$ we give conditions for which the twisted group $C^*$-algebra associated with the pair $(G,\sigma)$ is prime or primitive. We also discuss how these conditions behave on direct products and free products of groups.


Essential Biodiversity Variables (EBVs) are used to monitor the status and trends in biodiversity at multiple spatiotemporal scales. These provide an abstraction level between raw biodiversity observations and indicators, enabling better access to policy-relevant biodiversity information. Furthermore, the EBV vision aims to support detection of critical change, among other things, with easy to use tools and dashboards accessible to a variety of users and stakeholders.
 We present the EBV Data Portal, a platform for distributing and visualizing EBV datasets. It contains a geographic cataloging system that supports a large number of spatiotemporal and EBV specific attributes and enables their discoverability. To facilitate user interaction, it offers a web-based interface where users can upload, discover and share essential biodiversity spatiotemporal data through intuitive interaction with cataloging and visualization tools. Using the EBV Catalog, the user can explore the characteristics of the data based on the definition of the EBV Cube standard*1. The Catalog also allows browsing of the description of the metadata in the specifications of the Attribute Convention for Data Discovery (ACDD) and in the Ecological Metadata Language (EML) vocabulary. This enables easy interoperability with other metadata catalogs.
 An example application is the calculation of summary statistics for selected countries. Using the EBV Data Portal, users can select EBV datasets and calculate basic biodiversity change metrics from spatiotemporal subsets and conveniently visualize complex, multidimensional biodiversity datasets. These visualization and analysis tools of the EBV Data Portal are a first step towards an EBV-based dashboard for biodiversity analyses.


A good grasp of the current situation is necessary if Japan's Investment Trust Law is to be amended properly. Open architecture is already well established in the Japanese investment trust market in that funds managed by other groups account for roughly half of the funds marketed by Japan's top fund distributors. Furthermore, since more than half of group funds are actually managed externally, the proportion of de facto open architecture funds is about 70%. Moreover, roughly 70% of the funds managed by Japan's top fund managers are available for distribution by non-group distributors.


Bacillus thuringiensis (B.t) is well known for its biocontrol potential against a variety of insects. Nematicidal potential of ten B.t isolates was tested against root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne j...


Introduction: Esthetics dental treatments involving ceramic laminate veneers can obtain optimal results through detailed considerations with respect to teeth preparations, gingival margins and esthetic factors. Objectives: This case report aims to present a conservative management for ceramic conservative preparation associated with the digital workflow for ceramic laminates, with 18-month follow-up. Case Report: Patient complaining of a child smile due to diastemas in the anterior region. The planning and design of the smile was carried out using a software (Keynote, Ceramill Mind). After molding and printing a 3D model, a mock-up was performed, which was used as a surgical guide for the performance of gingivoplasty. The conservative dental preparation was then performed, with cervical enamel preservation. The ceramic laminates were made after molding and scanning the model, using the CAD/CAM system and cemented on the dental surface. It was observed that there was an increase in gingival quality and thickness, achieving esthetics, color and marginal stability, after 18 months of follow-up. Conclusion: The conservative preparation technique associated with the digital workflow allowed the manufacture of thin ceramic laminate veneer, promoting stability of esthetics and periodontal health after 18 months.


During the Communist regime, companies' conflicts with the public were hidden. The public did not have the right to express their objection. Recent Hungarian law, however, supports people's right to influence decisions that have an impact on their lives, but attitudes change slowly. In this article, I show the typical methods of companies' mismanagement of environmental conflicts. The first part of the article concentrates on strategic issues, and the second one emphasizes mistakes in communication with local communities. There are signs that Hungarian companies have already started to learn their lesson, but they also need help to face the new situation of the post-Communist era. Conflict theory and conflict resolution techniques may help them to deal with communication problems and to reach win-win solutions. Although not unknown, facilitation is not a common technique in Hungary yet. This means that there is potential for its development.


Germanium Telluride (GeTe) can be described as a non-volatile (latching state) phase change material (PCM) in memory applications. GeTe also exhibits a volatile (reversible state) region when heated and cooled between 100-180 °C. At temperatures higher than 185 °C the material crystallizes and "latches" until a temperature near to its melting point (725 °C) is reached and cooled rapidly (quenching). Germanium Antimony Telluride (GeSbTe) or also known as GST has similar characteristics as GeTe. GST also exhibits a volatile (reversible state) region when heated and cooled between 100-150 °C. GST crystallizes at 155 °C and its melting point is 600 °C. This paper demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating radio frequency (RF) devices of phase change materials (PCM) and it also presents a comparison between amorphous and crystalline PCMs in the RF spectrum. Previous work focuses on exploiting GeTe and GST as nonvolatile materials in memory applications, and also on characterizing them for their electrical and mechanical properties. The approach here focuses on fabricating RF devices and analyzing their responses. A simulation with resistor-capacitor (RC) and resistor-inductor (RL) circuits is presented to represent the response of the RF devices under testing. The fabrication process includes two-layer and four-layer devices on the Si wafer. PCMs are sputtered and the test pads are deposited using electron beam evaporation. Results show that these RF devices alone can serve as a low pass filter with a cutoff frequency of 10 MHz.


We completed a short-term observational study of Parakeet Auklets (Aethia psittacula) and Horned Puffins (Fratercula corniculata) at the North Carolina Zoological Park in Asheboro, NC. Our objective was to determine differences in time allocation between the species. We found that the Parakeet Auklet was less active than the Horned Puffin, and it also spent more time on land than the Horned Puffin. Further research is needed to draw significant conclusions regarding the behavior of these species.


We look at definite marking
in Esperanto, Papiamentu, and Yiddish considering three semantically
definite contexts: the referential use of proper names and unique
nouns, as well as anaphoric definites. We argue for a
three-dimensional analysis of definiteness: an individual denotation,
an existence presupposition, and a uniqueness conventional
implicature. We present an HPSG encoding of this system and model the
central aspects of the definite marking systems of our three object
languages.


The purpose of this survey was assess in a sample of 674 dentists in Mexico City their knowledge trough a questionnaire about the 1997 American Heart Association recommendation for antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent bacterial endocarditis. Results: Two hundred and eighty two dentists (41.8%) had seen patients with previous history of rheumatic fever. The first antibiotic option was penicillin G (43%) and amoxycillin (33.7%). In patients allergic to penicillin they choose erythromycin (85%), and clindamycin (11.7%). In respect to time the antibiotic was given 48 h in 46% of the respondents, 14.5% gave the antibiotic 1 hour before. Tooth extraction was the most recognized clinic procedure covered by antibiotic prophylaxis. Conclusions: Survey results suggests that in this dentists sample there are a lack of knowledge of 1997 AHA recommendation and the need for strategies for continuing dental education in order to prevent infective endocarditis on risk patients at the dental office.


1. Call to order.—The meeting of the Executive Committee of the American Society of Naturalists (ASN), held in Boulder, Colorado, on June 14, 1997, was called to order by President Vermeij at 3:10 p.m. The following members were present: Geerat J. Vermeij (President), Johanna M. Schmitt (Vice-President), Nancy Tyler Burley (Secretary), Jeffry B. Mitton (Treasurer), Robert K. Colwell (President-Elect), John N. Thompson (Vice-President-Elect), Peter C. Chabora (Past Secretary, 1992–1994), and Joel G. Kingsolver (Ex-Officio, Editor, The American Naturalist, 1995–1998). Attending the meeting were two representatives of the University of Chicago Press: Robert Shirrell, Journals Manager, and Julia E. Noblitt, Assistant Journals Manager. Sandra Vail, Managing Editor of The American Naturalist, and Thomas R. Meagher, Organizational Chair of the Evolution ''White Paper,'' also attended. 2. Announcements.—Secretary Burley announced that mailing of the ballots for the 1997 election had been delayed and that ballots would be due back no later than August 1, 1997. She said she would report the results to the Executive Committee at that time. [Results are reported below as an addendum to this report.] President Vermeij announced that Dolph Schluter is the recipient of the 1997 President's Award. 3. Treasurer's report.—Treasurer Mitton reported that, for the year ending December 31, 1996, there was an excess of revenues over expenses. Treasurer Mitton noted that the Young Investigators' Award Fund has dropped below the level designated at the 1992 Executive Committee meeting, and he recommended that organizers of the award be constrained to run the symposium at a cost that is sustained by the annual interest earned by the account. Treasurer Mitton also pointed out that the current bylaws of the Society state that members of the Executive Committee, the Editor, and the President-Elect are to be reimbursed for ''expenses incurred in attending the annual meeting'' (bylaw 8). Treasurer Mitton noted that the Society could not afford to pay for the full cost of meeting attendance and that, in recent years, the policy has been to pay travel expenses and one night's lodging. Treasurer Mitton recommended that the Executive Committee should occasionally appoint an Investment Committee to work with the Treasurer to consider the financial health of the Society. 4. Secretary's report.—Secretary Burley reported that the Society has established a new award, the ''Edward Osborn Wilson Naturalist Award,'' to be awarded to an active investigator in midcareer who has made significant contributions to the knowledge of a particular ecosystem or group of organisms. Nominations for the award will be solicited on an annual or biennial basis, and the President of the ASN will appoint a committee to elect recipients. This award


As a surveillance and restriction mechanism of the detective right of procuratorial organ in duty crimes,the system of people supervisor is now being popularized throughout the country.However,it has a lot of controversy which needs to be clarified ever since its coming into being.The article,based on the current situation of implementation of the system,explores the legislation time by the comparing with the system of people assessor.It also analyzes the validity basis and finally offers a design for perfecting the system of people supervisor.