The Q~ S Curves was used with the Plaxis finite analysis program to estimate the vertical carrying capacity of herringbone piles and vertical piles having same pile top space between.Comparing these Q~ S Curves,we find the conclusion of the vertical carrying capacity of herringbone piles excel that of vertical piles.


ABSTRACT We synthesized a series of fluorinated polystyrene (PCMSF#, # = 50, 80, and 100), where # is the molar content of 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecanethiolate moiety, using polymer analogous reactions to investigate their liquid crystal (LC) alignment properties. In general, the LC cell fabricated using the polymer film having a higher molar content of fluorinated side group showed vertical LC alignment behavior with a pretilt angle of about 90°. The vertical alignment behavior was well correlated with the surface energy value and fluorine atomic percent of these polymer films. For example, vertical alignment was observed when the surface energy values of the polymer were smaller than about 8.77 mJ/m2 generated by the nonpolar and long fluorocarbon groups. Good electro-optical characteristics, such as voltage holding ratio (VHR) and residual DC voltage (R-DC), and aligning stabilities at 250°C were observed for the LC cells fabricated using PCMSF100 as a LC alignment layer.


This paper examines the voltage unbalance in discrete manner. The system sinusoidal cycle is sampled at a particular sampling period, and the three instantaneous values of voltages are measured at these samples. These instantaneous values together with their space vector are employed by the proposed Algorithm for Voltage Unbalance Prediction (AVUP) to predict if there is any voltage unbalance. The simulated results show the high performance of AVUP for predicting of voltage unbalance.


A new set of 136 binary sequences of length 16 applied to reducing the peak-to-mean envelope power ratio of orthogonal frequency division multiplexing systems is reported. A non-systematic encoder is developed. This set of sequences can be used with the existing 384 binary Golay sequences of 16. The resultant set will consists of 512 sequences, an integer power of 2, which expedite implementation.


Azaleas (Rhododendron, Ericaceae) are one of the favorite ornamental plants used by homeowners and professional landscapers in the eastern and southeastern United States. They are used as foundation, accent, individual specimen plants, and as mass plantings. Azaleas are good companion plants, working well in designs with many trees, shrubs, and ground covers, offering a variety of landscape options. Azaleas offer consumers choices in flower size, color, or form, as well as plant size and blooming time (late March through mid-June in North Carolina). The North Carolina Nursery Industry in 1988 harvested nearly 35,200 ha of ornamental crops at an economic value of $102 million dollars. Azaleas are estimated to be ≈15% of the industry, or about $15 million dollars. North Carolina has three geographic regions: mountain, piedmont, and coastal plain. Each region has unique soil and climatic characteristics. Therefore, a wide variety of azalea types can be grown and used in North Carolinian landscapes. Evergreen hybrids are popular in North Carolina, especially Kurume hybrids (0.6 to 1.8 m tall, mid-spring, flowers 1 to 4 cm). Cold hardiness and phytophthora root rot (Phytophthora cinnamoni Rands) are major problems of these azaleas. Selections of Southern Indica, Satsuki, Gumpo, and Pericat hybrids are often used in eastern and southern North Carolina landscapes. However, cultivars in these hybrid groups also are susceptible to cold damage. Southern Indica hybrids are popular for larger flower diameter (5 to 7.5 cm) and habit (1.8 to 3.7 m tall). Satsuki hybrids are desirable for variable color patterns (striped, dotted, flecked, bordered, throated) within a flower and later blooms (mid-May and June). White and pink Gumpos are dwarf types of Satsukis with a later blooming period (June-July). Pericat hybrids are selected for petalploidy (double, semidouble, hose-in-hose). Western North Carolina landscapers use various cold-hardy selections, such as Glenn Dale, Gable, and


Laser–Tissue Interactions The original concept of a laser was first proposed by Einstein in 1917 in a treatise THAT proposed stimulated emission of radiation. However, the first laser was not constructed until 1954 by Gordon et al., which was a microwave laser called a maser. Schawlow and Townes later (in 1958) proposed the calculations necessary for visible lasers, and the first laser that used a ruby medium was built by Theodore Maimen in 1960. The ruby laser produced red light at 694 nm. Commercial lasers became available within the same year, and the laser was first used on pigmented tissues including the retina and iris. By 1965, the carbon dioxide (CO2), neodynium-yttriumaluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG), and argon (Ar) ion lasers had all been developed. LASER is an acronym for light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation. Lasers operate on the principle of energizing a medium to the point where it will spontaneously relax from its activated state and release photons all of the same color (monochromatic), and the emission of the first spontaneous photons causes a chain reaction of emission of other photons nearly simultaneously so that the photon emissions are all in phase (coherent) and the summations of the peaks and troughs create a greater energy level than would be delivered by conventional light sources that are noncoherent. Lasers differ principally in the lasing medium used, which determines the laser wavelength. The energy source and mechanism to excite the laser medium and release its energy determine the mode of the laser, which is generally continuous wave (CW), pulsed, or Q-switched. Q-switching involves a mirror system designed to interrupt the photon emission in the lasing medium allowing it to build to higher levels, then releasing the emissions in short pulses. Delivery of the energy may be by free beam or by focused beam, or the energy may be fiber delivered or delivered by contact fiber tip. There are four factors which determine laser–tissue interactions: 1) the laser wavelengths, 2) the absorption characteristics of the tissue, 3) the temporal parameters of the laser energy delivered, and 4) the mechanism of laser delivery. Laser wavelength is the most fundamental difference between laser systems and is the largest determinant of laser–tissue interactions. The visible spectrum ranges from blue (390 nm) to red (780 nm). The laser wavelength is inversely proportional to the frequency and energy. Short-wavelength radiation such as x-rays and UV are higher energy sources than visible or infrared (IR) radiation (Fig. A1). Lasers that operate in the high-energy, low-wavelength range are capable of thermal and photochemical forms of excitation including ionization and dissolution of covalent bonds, as well as creating transient reactive molecular fragments. Lower-energy visible and IR lasers operate primarily on thermal absorption of energy, which affects molecular vibration and rotation quantum levels. Pulsed lasers with very short energy bursts can produce nonlinear microexplosions known as photoacoustic effects. An incident beam of laser radiation on tissue can have one of the following effects: 1) reflection, 2) absorption, 3) scattering, and 4) transmission. These effects are largely determined by the laser wavelength and the absorption characteristics of the tissue (Fig. A2). Reflection. Laser light striking a smooth, mirrorlike surface is capable of reflecting from the surface. The effect is especially great at angle of incidence where refraction turns into reflection, but it is also based on the ability of the tissue to absorb a particular wavelength. Reflected light will not be absorbed by the target tissue and creates a danger of reflected energy striking undesired targets in the operating field. Absorption. Light may interact with the tissue in several ways, including excitation of electronic transients and through molecular vibrations or rotations. Attenuation of the laser energy within the tissue decreases exponentially in tissue determined by the Beer-Lambert equation:


As stated in the Public Relations Committee's artistitute a success. It is sometimes difficult to cle, "Public Relations Beyond Publicity," there is relate the results directly to predetermined a good deal more to a public relations program than goals, but it should be done to keep the projust promoting a product, service, or cause. For gram on track, focused, and aimed at its obmany of us, however, a primary concern in our recreiectives. ation programs is how to get the word out into the community about what is going on. Whether it's advertising a special event, promoting the allcampus championship, or soliciting support for a new facility, we all use the media at some time. The purpose of this guide is to offer some techniques and ideas on how to design and implement an effective public relations plan. Sound public relations planning begins with two kinds of knowledge (Bateman, 1983): 1. Self knowledge, the understanding that people in a business or profession should have of themselves and their respective fields of endeavor. 2. Knowledge of how the business or profession appears to others with whom it has relationships.


The disposal of coal combustion fly ash (FA) generated from thermal power plants is a worldwide problem. However, its low bulk density and presence of calcium and iron–aluminium sesquioxide make it a prospective ameliorant alternative to gypsum for amending degraded sodic soils. A field experiment consisting of eight treatments with variable doses of FA and gypsum along with green manure (GM) was conducted for evaluating the amelioration mechanism by measuring changes in pH, exchangeable sodium percentage, zeta (ζ) potential, and properties of meso‐aggregates (0.5–2.0 mm). The results showed that compared with control, FA significantly reduced ζ‐potential, bulk density, and pH. The GM with FA further decreased ζ‐potential and increased hydraulic conductivity. The hydrolysis of iron and aluminium sesquioxide, present in FA, functioned to lower soil pH, whereas the reduction in exchangeable sodium percentage is attributed to bioavailable Ca (27.4%). A lower FA application rate produced better crop yields. FA 2.5% (w/w) alone, compared to the FA 5% (w/w), resulted in higher yield of rice (1.96 tonnes ha−1), whereas 25% gypsum requirement (25GR) + FA 2.5% (w/w) and 25GR + FA 2.5% (w/w) + GM provided wheat yield on par with 50% gypsum requirement (50GR). The study identifies that where gypsum is scarce, the recommended amendment is 25GR + FA 2.5% or 25GR + FA 2.5% + GM when applied for sodic soil to achieve a similar yield response to standard 50GR. If gypsum is unavailable, a one‐time application of FA 2.5% (w/w) alone will improve the productivity of degraded sodic soils corresponding to more exchangeable calcium and organic carbon, which were found to be higher for meso‐aggregates (0.5–2.0 mm).


Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that occurs in genetically susceptible individuals in whom the ingestion of dietary gluten induces intestinal mucosa inflammation. Previous studies suggest that celiac disease may either be very rare or underdiagnosed in African and/or African‐derived population.


This research entitled Game Based Learning in Informal Education RumahKreatifWadaskelirKarangklesem South PurwokertoSubdistrictBanyumas District. This research explains the process of game based learning which is done in RumahKreatifWadasKelir in its daily learning activities. Moreover, according to Montessori, Children period is still in the term of learning by playing. The main goal of this research is to know the process of game based learning in informal education RumahKreatifwadasKelirKarangklesem, Purwokerto.
The benefits of this research are theoretical and practical benefits. Theoretical benefits are to develop andtoimprove the knowledge of game based learning and to enrich the scientific treasure of PGMI, Faculty Tarbiya and Teacher Training IAINPurwokerto. Meanwhile practical benefits are used as reference for readers who are interested in Game Based Learning and to widen knowledge of itin particular and learning in general.
The type of this research is field research, the researcher directly looking for related data and information. This research is provided in descriptive form to describe the process which happened in the field. Meanwhile, the approach is qualitative approach. The data collecting technique which is used is observation, interview and documentation. The data analysis technique is used Miles and Huberman Model, which consists of data reduction, data display and verification.
This research found that the process of game based learning which is done in RumahKreatifWadasKelir. There are five types of game based learning which is used, they are language game based learning, music game based learning, motion game based learning, visual spatial/ color game based learning, and logic mathematic/ number game based learning. Game based learning consists of three stages, they are planning, implementation and evaluation. The differences from the other informal education are the various games, literacy and appreciation of children works.


Real-world numerical applications often require a huge number of calculations to be done in short time. The best way to speed-up these applications is to exploit a huge amount of data parallelism by parallelizing independent calculations. Multi-core processors do not have enough resources to achieve any significant utilization of available data parallelism. Instead of adding new CPUs, addition of one or more accelerators is a much better choice, and is widely used today. In this paper we describe the design of FPGA based dataflow accelerator dedicated for multiplication of very large matrices, e.g. with 10000×10000 double precision elements. It is shown that speed-up is up to 18 times, compared to solutions without acceleration. Key-Words: matrix multiplication, big data, dataflow architecture, FPGA accelerator, scientific computing


High Al-Zn alloys and Al-Zn-1%Cu alloys containing 20-50%Al were hot-rolled at 300-400°C, finally cold-rolled to 0.5mm thickness and subsequently solution-treated at 370°C for 2hr. The change of some properties of these alloys during ageing at room temperature, 150°C and 230°C for up to 4 months was studied, mainly as a function of Al content.The main results obtained are as follows: 1) Al content for wrought high Al-Zn alloys is desired to be less than 40%, concerning their workability and ductility after ageing. 2) Hardness and strength of the alloys increase with increasing of Al and of course with Cu content, but ductility decreases. 3) Ageing rate becomes maximum at 150°C among three ageing temperatures, and is remarkably affected by Alcontent and Cu addition especially in the case of room temperature ageing, namely, the rate at room temperature decreases by about 1/10 with every 10% increase of Al content in straight alloys. 4) Some countermeasures to check the unstability of these wrought alloys should be taken as in the case of casting alloys. 5) Mechanical properties of the aged wrought alloys are superior to those of casting alloys. 6) Structures of wrought alloys show much homogenious and this is thought to explain the fact that the ductility of the wrought alloys is higher than that of casting alloys. The change of microscopic structure of each alloy corresponds to the change of properties during ageing.


The lateral collateral ligament (LCL), which is part of the knee stabilizers, constitutes an important structure within the posterolateral complex of the same (CPL), which restricts the varus, in the flexion angles of this, especially at 30°, in addition to controlling external rotation. Lesions that affect this complex are infrequent, etiologically between 50-90% are associated with other ligamentous injuries with a predominance of 60% damage to the posterior cruciate ligament. The Larson technique is based on the reconstruction of the LCL and the popliteal complex, using a single proximal insertion in the femoral epicondyle.We present the case of a 28-year-old male patient, with no medical history, who attended due to a forced varus of the limb while performing sports activity and after receiving a direct impact on the internal lateral region of the right calf, after which he presented pain to passive movements and inability to ambulation. In addition, he presents ecchymosis, edema, superficial abrasions on the external lateral aspect and pain on acupressure in the course of the external collateral ligament. A knee examination maneuvers: positive varus yawn sign, positive patellar brushing, positive patella hyperpressure, functional limitation to flexion and extension of the joint.This modified Larson technique turns out to be one of the most promising due to its various characteristics, as the least demanding and at the same time providing encouraging results. This procedure is based on the reconstruction of the LCL and the popliteal tendon (PT) as a whole, thus summarizing the reconstruction of the Peroneal Popliteal Ligament (LPP) as a static stabilizer of the PT, with its insertion at the level of the head of the fibula in conjunction with the of the LCL and the restitution of both attachments in the femoral epicondyle, taking into account the morphology of the fibula and the angles of movement of the knee.


This study devises a model of learner for individualized learning of AI convergence in technological problem solving on technology subjects. It uses the Kolb's research method, which derives four learning styles by synthesizing the correlation between two types of information perception methods and two types of information processing methods. In this study, a creativity-execution model was devised in consideration of the 'adaptation-innovation type' of the creativity level and the 'reflection-action type' of the execution level. In addition, an interactive-attitude model was devised in which the 'independent-cooperative type' in the interaction dimension and the 'avoidance-participation type' in the attitude dimension act dynamically. Furthermore, a three-factor learner model was developed considering the dimensions of cognitive judgment, creativity, and execution. Also, a five-factor learner model for technological problem-solving was devised and presented, with all five dimensions of cognition-judgment, creativity, execution, interaction, and attitude of the technological problem-solving learning style as factors. The learner characteristics defined through the model design suggested the direction of AI convergence education considering individual characteristics of learners and provided basic data for it. In the future, it is suggested that specific individualized teaching and learning development research be conducted in AI convergence education, considering the characteristics of learners according to the learning style of technological problem-solving.


It is encouraging to see that the last four years have brought an ever-diversifying range of publications dedicated to exploring precisely those cultural forms with which this journal is chiefly concerned. In some respects, work concerning film production and (especially) exhibition prior to approximately 1909 has been central to this range of enterprise, suggesting intermedial and other connections between nineteenthand twentieth-century entertainment cultures that have proven of broad social, technological, and economic importance stretching into the 1910s and well beyond. Some recent works have sought to develop these empirical linkages much more extensively (nowhere more so than in Kevin and Emer Rockett's remarkable two-volume survey of exhibition practices in Ireland from 1786 to 2010). Others, like Judith Buchanan's book, Shakespeare on Silent Film: An Excellent Dumb Discourse, and David Mayer's Stagestruck filmmaker: D.W. Griffith and the American theatre have traced much more specific linkages between key narratives and exhibition forms from the nineteenth century into early and silent film genres. Both Early Popular Visual Culture Vol. 10, No. 3, August 2012, 319–324


Objective To investigate the cause and treatment of complication in cataract surgery. Methods Sclera tunnel incision operation was used in 121 cases of cataract surgery patients, eyesight condition and different complications were observed. Results The corrected visual acuity was 0.05 in 10 cases (8.26%), 0.05-0.3 in 36 cases (29.75%), 0.3 and ≤0.6 in 57 cases (47.11%), and 0.6 in 18 cases (14.88%). In earlier period,posterior capsule rupture, lens suspensory ligament rupture and other complications occurred in patients, but they basically recovered after symptomatic treatment. Middle-late complications were hyphema, corneal edema, anterior and posterior capsular opacification, uveitis, capsular block syndrome, ocular hypertension and glaucoma. Conclusion The clinic should pay more attention in prevention and treatment of on postoperative complications of patients with cataract surgery.


The Senftleben‐Beenakker effect on the shear viscosity coefficients of a rigid rotor in a homogeneous magnetic field is treated in detail. Quantum and classical limit equations, valid for any intermolecular potential with a given functional dependence upon the angles between colliding molecules, are presented for this effect. Experimental measurements of this effect should lead, through the equations presented, to detailed information about anisotropic intermolecular potentials. As an example, calculations using a crude intermolecular potential to represent N2 are in reasonable agreement with experiment. The Senftleben‐Beenakker effect on shear viscosity is shown to be of mixed second order in the potential anisotropy.


Tuberculous atlanto-axial dislocation is an uncommon disease. Five of six patients with tuberculous atlanto-axial dislocation were successfully managed using different strategies. The advantages and disadvantages of these different protocols and their appropriateness in a particular clinical situation are discussed.


Distributed TDMA medium access protocol plays an important role in stabilizing the throughput under various network states. The major challenge of implementing such protocol lies in the difficulty of slot assignment. Previous works provide a variety of mechanisms to implement the collision-free slot assignment. However, when network topology changes frequently, existing approaches suffer from low throughput due to the waste of idle slots. In this paper, we propose a novel distributed TDMA protocol called HD-MAC to improve the throughput performance under high dynamic change of network topology. Specifically, we come up with a frame structure with fixed length and establish a network join principle regarding the slot assignment for the newly added node, which avoid the overhead of maintaining extra frame length information among nodes. In addition, we adopt a contention-based channel access mechanism for enhancing the utilization of the idle slots, thus increasing the overall throughput. Finally, simulation results are demonstrated to validate the effectiveness of HD-MAC.


This invention is generally directed toward a supported catalyst system useful for polymerizing olefins. The method for supporting the catalyst of the invention provides for a supported metallocene catalyst which when utilized in a polymerization process substantially reduces reactor fouling and sheeting in a gas or slurry polymerization process, by using a surface modifier.


The author tries to discover the changes in the spatial structures in the Kisalfold in the 18-19 centuries. He considers the historical Kisalfold as a spatial structural unit, which is not only an operational instrument for the research but is a functional unit established by real processes formed spatial structure. So this region is not the same with the Kisalfold geographical area, their borders are coincided just partly. Before the era of the middle-class functional cities and manorial centres that man- aged the relations overreaching the region border also, were the main centres of the spatial structure. At this time Kisalfold was one of the most modern region of the country connecting to the close Wien in many ways and joining in the European economic system. In this era the importance of administrative centres increased and transportation node function (especially railway) created advantageous situation in the city competition. The whole region has developed and strengthened because of railways meanwhile nodes became the centres of this dynamic system. Neverthe- less, the weight of Budapest in Hungary gathered at the same time and its relations extended to this region also, hindering the main cities to obtain national importance. All this has been reflected in the change of city hierarchy. In the beginning of the 18 century Győr, Papa, Sopron, Kőszeg were in the head of the hierarchy (centre for trade of wine, cattle and other crops). However for 1990 Sopron, Győr and Szombathely became the most important cities of the region (all of them were administrative centres, meeting points of railways and centres of economic and culture). The region hasn't got a clearly definable centre because the three cities divide their functions and manage them together.


Abstract This article provides a critical response to Clyde W. Barrow and Michelle Keck's recently published essay in Studies in Political Economy 98-2. First, I find little empirical evidence for their claim that a "false antinomy" separates globalization theory and state theory in leading Global Studies (GS) literature. Quite to the contrary, GS scholars have appreciatively engaged with state theory and also offered criticisms, especially on account of the methodological nationalism underlying much of this literature. Second, this article disputes the way Barrow and Keck characterize my explanation of globalization as a deterministic and metaphysical teleology.


Let $d \geq 2$ be an integer. We conjecture that there is a finitely generated perfect group whose homomorphic images include all finite $d$-generated perfect groups. We prove a special case of this conjecture for the finite perfect groups with a subnormal series of bounded length and factors which are abelian or semisimple.


Fusiform initials are generally known to constitute above 90% of thevascular cambium in tangential area of cambial zone and that the ray initials constitute less than 10% of the cambial zone, but in the  present study carried out on Populus nigra L, it was found that fusiform initials constitute about 72% and that ray initials constitute 28% of the meantangential area of the cambial zone.


The inside back cover picture shows the allosteric modulation of human serum albumin (HSA) induced by the Peptide SA06 ligand. Peptide SA06 is a reported peptide ligand comprising 20 amino acids, and is known to non-covalently bind with HSA to extend the lifetime and improve the pharmacokinetic performance of drug molecules. The structural evidence on the allosteric interaction between peptide ligand and HSA, and the structure-affinity relations of the binding mechanism have been revealed in this work, which can also shed light on optimization of therapeutic properties in the affinity-controlled delivery systems. More details are discussed in the article by Wang et al. on page 1270–1277.


Introduction: Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive disease in which the mean survival of patients is 3–5 years after diagnosis. The disease may be resulted from an imbalance between normal processes of synthesis and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs), especially MMP-2, are members of proteolytic enzyme family that degrade the ECM and basement membrane and have an important role in the development of PF. In this research, the expression of MMP-2 protein in the PF induced by bleomycin was qualitatively and quantitatively investigated in mice. & experimental were bleomycin and cellulose via respectively. The were samples and for and immunohistochemical the of lung tissues and MMP-2 protein expression were and results were analyzed using Student t-test. (P<.001). Discussion & Conclusion: Results of this study showed that the number of cells expressing MMP-2 protein increases in pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin.


The invention relates to a phenolic aldehyde sphere/polypropylene composite material and a preparation method thereof, and particularly relates to a modified polypropylene composite material and the preparation method thereof, aiming at solving the problems of low rigidity and modulus of the existing modified polypropylene composite material. The phenolic aldehyde sphere/polypropylene composite material is prepared from the following components by mass percent: 70%-93% of polypropylene, 5%-15% of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene, 1%-20% of phenolic aldehyde sphere and 0.1%-3% of antioxidant. The preparation method comprises steps of firstly, weighing the raw materials; secondly, stoving the polypropylene, washing and drying the phenolic aldehyde sphere; thirdly, uniformly mixing the raw materials in a low-speed mixer, then extruding the composite material by a twin-screw extruder, prilling and moulding so as to prepare the composite material. The phenolic aldehyde sphere/polypropylene composite material has good mechanical property, and can be used as materials of automobile accessories, electrical equipment and engineering construction.


The aggregation kinetics of thermoresponsive core-shell micelles with a poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) shell in pure water or in mixtures of water with the cononsolvents methanol or ethanol at mole fractions of 5 -% is investigated during a temperature jump across the respective cloud point. At the cloud point, aggregates are formed, and their growth is followed with time-resolved smallangle neutron scattering. Using the reversible association model, we determine the interaction potential between the aggregates from their growth rate in dependence on the cononsolvent. We attribute the effect of the cononsolvent on the interaction potential to the fact that the structured layer of hydration water around the aggregates is perturbed by the cononsolvent, which reduces the repulsive hydration force between the aggregates. The effect is the more pronounced, the larger the molar volume of the cononsolvent. PACS numbers: 82.35.Jk Copolymers, phase transitions, structure. 61.25.he Polymer solutions. 61.05.fg Neutron scattering (including small-angle scattering) ∗Electronic address: email@example.com


With the technologies of extruding in one-step and in two-step, the polypropylene(PP) modified with nano-sized CaCO 3 was manufactured by twin-screw mixing method. The mechanical properties of the PP/nano-sized CaCO 3 composite were investigated. The dispersion of the nano-sized CaCO 3 and the formation of the β-PP phase were studied by the means of transmission electron microscope(TEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry(DSC). The result indicates that the properties of the PP/nano-sized CaCO 3 composite extruded by the two-step method were better than that by one-step method. As well, the addition of nano-sized CaCO 3 increased the toughness and the molding shrinkage of PP. The mechanism on the growth of the toughness and the molding shrinkage of PP when mixing nano-sized CaCO 3 was discussed.


The Street Faire will be held on October 16-18, 2019. There will be a wide variety of vendors and artisans selling food and a variety… Find OR craft shows, art shows, fairs and festivals


This paper compares "guran" and "suiran",the former signifying "answering concession" and the latter "independence concession".The speaker can hold opinions and truth directly by using "suiran".Principles of Politeness and power relation restrict the use of "guran",so "guran" is a marked concession while "suiran" an unmarked concession.


he refuses to acknowledge the art and hospitality of the Hebrew Bible while stressing the artistic achieve ments and hospitality of earlier cultures (104) but also when he bends the truth about biblical scholarship. The authors of the essays in Alter and Frank Kcrmode's Literary Guide to the Bible, for example, do not, as Ra'ad asserts they do, "rely on the King James translation" (100), whose "serious philological defi ciencies" and possibly "misleading" archaisms the editors freely admit ([Cambridge: Belknap-Harvard UP, 1987] 7). Rather, as is plainly stated in the general introduction, these authors use the King James ver sion for its familiarity among readers of English, and they "revise it" when necessary, indicating their revi sions with various markings (8). Ra'ad likewise tar nishes his scholarship when he omits contemporary Hebrew from his list of languages informed by Canaanite roots and connected with the ancient past through them. An Israeli woman, just like a Palestin ian woman, "may refer to her husband as 'my ba caP" (Ra'ad 94) and so on. Such distortions and omissions, like Ra'ad's attempt to delegitimate the Bible of the Israelites as a source of humane relations with others, bespeak his zeal for delegitimating the contemporary nation of Israel. That as much as a desire to restore ancient cultures to deserved prominence is the agenda that surfaces with nearly every turn of Ra'ad's essay. That is the agenda of Keith Whitelam's The In vention of Ancient Israel: The Silencing of Palestin ian History, which Ra'ad promotes and for whose wishful claim that the contemporary Palestinians are the direct heirs of the non-Israelites who lived in an cient Palestine there exists not one shred of evidence. (For a fuller rebuttal to Whitelam's book, see the re view by Baruch A. Levine and Abraham Malamat in Israel Exploration Journal46 [1996]: 284-88.) Ra'ad's "project to translate new scholarship on the eastern Mediterranean into public information" is a valuable one (89). But this essay rests on halftruths and questionable scholarship and therefore has no place in so fine and prestigious a journal as PMLA.


Wind energy, a prominent renewable source of energy, has expanded rapidly in the past few decades. This paper focuses on raising the yearly profit of a possible wind farm in the Kayathar area of India using an enhanced genetic algorithm. Novel dynamic techniques for assigning the probabilities of crossover and mutation operations have been applied for the genetic algorithm-based optimization method along with the conventional static approach. Non-linear functions have been applied for dynamically allocating the crossover and mutation factors for the genetic algorithm-based optimization process. The analysis outcomes of the proposed technique have been compared with the solutions attained by the genetic algorithm with the standard static approach of allocating the crossover and mutation factors. The evaluation outcomes confirm the superiority of the novel non-linearly incrementing methodology over the non-linearly decrementing and static approach of allocating the crossover and mutation probabilities for attaining a more optimal annual profit.


To predict the Quality of Service (QoS) at a node in heterogeneous networks of line-of-sight, terrestrial, microwave links requires knowledge of the spatial and temporal statistics of rain over scales of a few meters to tens or hundreds of kilometres, and over temporal periods as short as one-second. Meteorological radar databases provide rainrate maps over areas with a spatial resolution as fine as a few hundred meters and a sampling period of 2 to 15 minutes. Such two-dimensional, rainrate map time-series would have wide application in the simulation of rain scatter and attenuation of arbitrary millimetre-wave radio networks, if the sampling period were considerably shorter i.e. of the order of 10 seconds or less, and the integration volumes smaller. This paper investigates a stochastic-numerical method to interpolate and downscale rainrate field time-series to shorter sampling periods and smaller spatial integration areas, while conserving the measured and expected statistics. A series of radar derived rain maps, with a 10 minute sample period, are interpolated to 10 seconds. The statistics of the interpolated-downscaled data are compared to fine scale rain data i.e. 10 seconds rain gauge data and radar data with a 300 metres resolution. The interpolated rain map time series is used to predict the fade duration statistics of a microwave link and these are compared to a published and ITUR model.


This article discusses the gesture of slow learner students in solving the problem of mathematical communication. Gesture aims to understand and deepen the thinking process of students who have difficulty conveying ideas either with oral or written. This research is a qualitative research. Data were collected by giving two items of mathematical communication test to a fourth-grade slow learner student of elementary school, then the student gesture was observed through video recording which was obtained when students did the question. The results of this study reveal the pattern of slow learner gesture, i.e.: Iconic gesture: using the fingers and toes in counting. Representational gesture: the student could not answer a question with a clear rational, student was less able to explain her ideas, but did not feel embarrassed to ask. Writing gesture: student could write her ideas in writing after a given direction, but she still made a mistake in writing the mathematical symbols (like numbers) and forgot to write arithmetic operations (addition operation). For further research it is necessary to look at gestures with a greater number of samples and variations, both in terms of gender, grade, or cases of other children with Special Needs.


During unitized shipment, the components of unit loads are interacting with each other. During floor stacking of unit loads, the load on the top of the pallet causes the top deck of the pallet to bend, which creates an uneven top deck surface resulting in uneven or asymmetrical support of the corrugated boxes. This asymmetrical support could significantly affect the strength of the corrugated boxes, and it depends on the top deck stiffness of the pallet. This study is aimed at investigating how the variations of pallet top deck stiffness and the resulting asymmetric support affect corrugated box compression strength. The study used a scaled‐down unit load compression test on quarter‐scale pallet designs with different deckboard thicknesses using four different corrugated box designs. Pallet top deck stiffness was determined to have a significant effect on box compression strength. There was a 27%–37% increase in box compression strength for boxes supported by high‐stiffness pallets in comparison with low‐stiffness pallets. The fact that boxes were weaker on low‐stiffness pallets could be explained by the uneven pressure distribution between the pallet deck and bottom layer of boxes. Pressure data showed that a higher percentage of total pressure was located under the box sidewalls that were supported on the outside stringers of low‐stiffness pallets in comparison with high‐stiffness pallets. This was disproportionately loading one side of the box. Utilizing the effects of pallet top deck stiffness on box compression performance, a unit load cost analysis is presented showing that a stiffer pallet can be used to carry boxes with less board material; hence, it can reduce the total unit load packaging cost.


A positional accuracy obtained by the Precise Point Positioning and static relative methods was compared and analyzed. Test data was collected using low-cost GNSS receivers of single- and dual-frequency in urban areas. The data was analyzed for quality using the TEQC program to determine the degree of affectation of the signal in the urban area. Low-cost GNSS receivers were found to be sensitive to the multipath effect, which impacts positioning. The horizontal and vertical accuracy was evaluated with respect to Mexican regulations for the GNSS establishment criteria. Probable Error Circle (CEP) and Vertical Positioning Accuracy (EPV) were performed on low cost GNSS receiver observation data. The results show that low-cost dual-frequency GNSS receivers can be used in urban areas. The precision was obtained in the order of 0.013 m in the static relative method. The results obtained are comparable to a geodetic receiver in a geodetic baseline of <20 km. The study does not recommend using single and dual frequencies low cost GNSS receivers based on results obtained by the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) method in urban areas. The inclusion of the GGM10 model reduces the vertical precision obtained by using low cost GNSS receivers in both methods, conforming to the regulations only in the horizontal component.


An empiric rule derived from the analysis of the 13C NMR spectral data, allowed us to determine 5,6-epoxide stereochemistry on decalinic systems and a discussion of the scope and limitations of this rule and its extension to other carbon squeletons, is presented.


The textbook reveals the concept and meaning of digital technologies, the legal nature of information interaction in the implementation of control measures based on general theoretical concepts and regulatory legal acts. Special attention is paid to the types of information systems used in the control process in the financial and budgetary sphere. The necessity of creating information systems based on international experience, global indices and rules of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) is justified. The article defines the specific characteristics of the state information systems used in the control (monitoring) in the financial and budgetary sphere, and also considers the subsystems that make up the state integrated information system "Electronic Budget" and other information systems in the information space of the Russian Federation. The article analyzes interdepartmental information interaction and digital methods that ensure the protection of information in the course of financial control. For graduate students, postgraduates and teachers of law and non-legal universities, as well as for practitioners.


In PNAS, Johnson et al. (1) argue that a hitherto unknown form of photosynthesis using Mn as electron donor was the precursor to the evolution of cyanobacteria. The authors conclude this from chemical tracers, particularly putative remnants of Mn oxides in the rock record some 2.4 billion y ago (1). Although we applaud the elegant analytical work in this report, we argue that the paper presents no evidence for Mn photosynthesis as precursor to cyanobacteria.


Under the background of the rapid development of the network in the new era, the traditional offline teaching mode still occupies the mainstream position in China's education mode. However, with the development of science and technology, the rapid development of new teaching mode such as network teaching has become a major trend. Nevertheless, there are still many problems in China's online education, and there is still a lack of certain conditions to promote network teaching in China. Based on the latest data collected, this paper analyzes the development of network teaching at home and abroad from a comprehensive point of view. Combined with the background of the new era, it puts forward feasible suggestions such as strengthening the supervision of network teaching, sharing network resources and encouraging cooperative learning.


This study was carried out to analysis factors related to in-hospital mortality of community-acquired peumonia using administrative database. The subjects were 5,353 community-acquired pneumonia inpatients of the Korean National Hospital Discharge Injury Survey 2004-2006 data. The data were analyzed using chi-squared test and decision tree model in the data mining technique. Among the decision tree model, C4.5 had the best performance. The critical factors on in-hospital mortality of communityacquired pneumonia are admission route, respiratory failure, congenital heart failure including age, comorbidity, and bed size. This study was carried out using the administrative database including patients' characteristics and comorbidity. However further study should be extensively including hospital characteristics, regional medical resources, and patient management practice behavior.


Background The clinical benefit of CTLA-4 blockade to cancer patients has been well established. However, the promising antitumor activity shown by anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) has been limited by the occurrence of immune-mediated adverse reactions, especially when CTLA-4 inhibition is used in combination with anti-PD-1 therapy. These dose-limiting toxicities restrict the therapeutic use of CTLA-4 blockade. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a potent anti-CTLA-4 antibody that is selectively active in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This antibody is engineered with an Fc region for enhanced Fc g R binding and peptides that mask antigen-binding regions. The masking peptides are designed to be selectively cleaved and released by proteases that are more active in the TME, resulting in restoration of full activity of the antibody in the TME.


For a decision problem having consequences described by a single attribute, the task of determining a utility function can be facilitated by verifying that the decision maker's risk attitude satisfies a condition such as constant risk aversion. We investigate a general class of conditions on risk attitude, and show that a utility function for such a condition may exist only when the condition is of a special type. Next, we discuss and interpret conditions of this special type. Then, we define two conditions which imply that the decision maker's risk attitude satisfies a condition of this type and is represented by a generalized logarithmic utility function or a linear fractional utility function.


We propose a physical scheme for implementing the Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm using atomic ensembles and optical devices. The scheme has inherent fault tolerance to the realistic noise and efficient scaling with the number of ensembles for some entangled states within the reach of current technology. It would be an important step toward more complex quantum computation via atomic ensembles.


An alternative to geometrical ray theory is obtained. This first-motion approximation is more generally valid than geometrical ray theory. The approximation had previously been obtained using the generalized and quantized ray theories, but can also be derived from the more usual wavenumber-frequency integral method. The first-motion approximation is useful not only when geometrical ray theory is valid, but also at caustics and shadows.


Abstract We examined the effects of exposure to religious concepts on stereotypes of two unique groups in Israel—Arab Muslims and Arab Christians. In Study 1, Muslim persons exposed to Jewish concepts and Christian persons exposed to Christian concepts showed increased negative stereotypes toward Jews. The findings were replicated in Study 2, additionally showing that identification with the religious ingroup has a moderating effect, which either increases or reduces stereotypes following exposure to outgroup concepts. In Study 3, a control condition was run, confirming that the religious priming effects were due to an increase in negative stereotypes. Thus, the paradox of religion may be partially accounted for by group distinctiveness, exposure to specific religious content, group membership, and identification with the ingroup.


This article discusses the role of Village Fund Allocation (ADD) in Regional Development in Pasi Masjid Village. This writing aims to determine the impact of utilizing Village Fund Allocations in the development of rural areas in the last 5 years. The analytical method used in this study is a qualitative method consisting of indicators in this study namely APBDesa Planning, Fulfillment of Basic Needs, Institutional Strengthening, Increasing Village Potential, Infrastructure Improvement and Development of Rural Areas. The research was conducted in Pasi Masjid Village, Meurebo District, West Aceh Regency with a total of 15 respondents. The results of this study prove that the application of Village Fund Allocation has been directed at the physical and non-physical sectors so that the implementation of Village Fund Allocation Planning, Fulfillment of Basic Needs, Institutional Strengthening, Infrastructure Improvement and Rural Area Development has been carried out effectively in Pasi Masjid Village, Meureubo Regency. However, in the village of Pasi Masjid, it still requires optimizing the roles and functions of social institutions, improving rural infrastructure and improving the functioning of existing economic institutions in the village through increasing Village Fund Allocations.


The invention relates to a wharf foundation pile deformation monitoring system which comprises a monitoring terminal and detection terminals arranged on foundation piles respectively. The monitoring terminal comprises an analyzing and processing module, an AIS module, a first wireless communication module and a first power source. Each detection terminal comprises a second power source, a foundation pile detection sensing module and a second wireless communication module. The monitoring terminal and the detection terminals are in mutual communication through the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication modules. The foundation pile detection sensing modules in the detection terminals detect foundation pile structure data in real time and upload the data to the monitoring terminal. The analyzing and processing module in the monitoring terminal receives the foundation pile structure data and obtains the condition of a foundation pile real-time structure through analysis by combining sailing conditions, tested by the AIS module, of ships around the foundation piles. Aimed at high-pile wharfs, the wharf foundation pile deformation monitoring system can achieve real-time monitoring of the foundation piles, and effectively prevents the wharf accidents caused by damage to the high-pile wharfs.


The chemistry of the surface of oxides depends to a large extent on the quantity and type of both physically and chemically (OH groups) absorbed water. Infrared spectroscopy coupled with a variety of chemical exchange processes has provided useful information on the nature and stability of the adsorbed species, and on the interaction of the surface hydroxyl groups with adsorbates at the solid/vapour and solid/liquid interfaces. Electrochemical techniques are used to study the oxide/aqueous solution interface to provide surface charge data and establish zero points of charge, both of which are related to the character of the hydroxyl group and its environment. This paper briefly reviews the application of these methods to the oxides of titanium, silicon and aluminium, in both the pure and mixed forms, and to the study of the deposition of one oxide on the surface of another.


This work reports development of a MIDI-to-Singing song synthesis that will produce audio files from MIDI data and arbitrary Romaji lyrics in Japanese. The MIDI-to-Singing system relies on the Flinger (Festival singer) for singing voice synthesis. Originally, this MIDI-to-Singing system was developed by English. Based on some Japanese pronunciation rules, a Japanese MIDI-to-Sing synthesis system was developed and derived. For a language transfer like Festival synthesized singing, two major tasks are the modifications of a phoneset and a lexicon. Originally, MIDI-to-Sing song synthesis can create singing voices in many languages, but there is no existing Japanese festival diphone voice available right now. We therefore used a voice transformation model in festival to develop Japanese MIDI-to-Singing synthesis. An evaluation of a song listening experiment was conducted and the result of this voice conversion showed that the synthesized singing voice successfully migrate from English to Japanese with high voice quality.


Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive human cancers with extremely poor prognosis. Gemcitabine has improved clinical benefit in comparison to bolus 5-fluorouracil in a phase iii study 1 and is currently regarded as the standard treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer yielding an objective response rate in 4-26% of patients and a 1-year overall survival (Os) of 17-28% 1-2. Due to the marginal impact on disease outcome, several attempts to improve the efficacy of gemcitabine by adding one or more drugs have been made. Unfortunately, no clinically relevant Os improvement occurred. Tumor progression usually occurs within a few months after the start of first-line treatment. in fact, median progression-free survival with single agent gemcitabine is approximately 3 months and less than 15% of patients remain free of progression at 6 months (PFs-6) from diagnosis 1-2. in spite of progressive disease, over half of patients maintain a good performance status and are willing to undergo further treatment. Recently, results of a randomized phase ii trial suggested that salvage therapy might offer some benefit when compared to best supportive care 3. Epirubicin is a doxorubicin analogue whose activity against pancreatic cancer is reported both in the preclinical 4 and clinical setting in chemo-naïve patients 5,6. since the therapeutic armamentarium against pancreatic cancer is limited, we decided to explore the activity of this drug, which was previously licensed in italy for pancreatic cancer treatment, as salvage therapy in patients with gemcitabine-resistant disease. Patients aged 18 to 76 years, with cytologically or histologically proven advanced pancreatic adenocarcinoma, adequate bone marrow (absolute neutrophil count (AnC) ≥1500 cells/mm3; platelet count 100000 cells/mm3 and hemoglobin ≥10 g/dl); kidney (serum creatinine ≤1.5 mg/dL) and liver function (serum total bilirubin ≤1.5 mg/dL and serum transaminases ≤5 upper limit of laboratory normal) and progressive disease after gemcitabine-based chemotherapy, underwent salvage treatment with weekly epirubicin at 35 mg/m2 day 1, 8, 15 every 28 days until progression, unacceptable toxicity, the patient's refusal or medical decision. Patients with at least one measurable indicator lesion according to RECisT criteria were considered assessable for response evaluation 7. Assessment of disease, including CA19.9 measurement and high-resolution CT scan of the abdomen and chest, was done at baseline, every 6-8 weeks during chemotherapy and then every 2 months or when disease progression (PD) was clinically suspected. Complete blood, platelet and differential counts were done every week, while biochemistry profile was done on a monthly basis. Toxicity was graded according to the nCi-CTC version 3.0 8. PFs was calculated as the interval between the initiation of treatment and the occurrence of PD or death. survival was measured from initiation of treatment to date of death or to the last follow-up assessment. This was an observational trial and was approved by an internal review board. All participating patients were required to give written informed consent. As this was an observational study, no statistical design was performed. survival curves were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and univariate analyses, and compared by means with the log-rank test. All probability values were from two-sided tests. Analyses were performed using statistica 4.0 for Microsoft Windows. Between February 2007 and April 2008, 15 patients with progressive pancreatic adenocarcinoma after gemcitabine-based chemotherapy were treated at our institution. Patients' characteristics at baseline are summarized in table 1. Previous median PFs, which was calculated as the interval between the start of the previous chemotherapy (table 1) and radiological demonstration of PD or recurrence preceding epirubicin administration, was 3.3 months for all patients (range 1.1-7.8 months) and only 2 patients had a previous PFs >6 months. sixty-four weekly doses of epirubicin were administered. The median duration of chemotherapy was 5 weeks (range 1-7 weeks). Dose intensity was 94% of the intended weekly dose. Therapy was discontinued prior to completion in all patients due to radiological PD (n=5) or clinical deterioration (n=10). Treatment-related toxicity was mild and only 3 patients presented grade 3-4 toxicity. One patient experienced grade 4 neutropenia, 3 grade 3-4 anemia and REpRInt


We propose a method that utilizes optimized probe time delays of 10 to 35 ps in hybrid femtosecond/picosecond vibrational coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering thermometry and maximize sensitivity for temperatures from 300 to 2500 K.


Some of the biological and biochemical effects of radiation can be investigated on parts of cells isolated prior to exposure. Studies were made on isolated nuclei of thymocytes or nuclei combined with cytoplasmic fractions of hepatic cells and on isolated cytoplasm or cytoplasm in the presence of a nucleus from amoeba and Acetabularia mediterranea. The isolated nuclei of the thymus and liver cells is sensitive to radiation with the metabolism of its proteins and nucleic acids much reduced. The anuclear fragments of the amoeba survive for a shorter time than the nucleated sections when subjected to identical doses of ultraviolet light. Irradiation by x and ultraviolet radiation affects the survival of both nucleated and anuclear fragments of Acetabularia. (J.S.R.)


Following Peter Whittaker's inspiring workshops at the 2008 conference and his article in the Summer edition ("Going to the Movies: Visual Sociology" SST 38/3), Social Science Teacher is offering an occasional series of pieces exploring the ways in which films, TV programmes, music and other products of popular culture can be used to develop students' sociological understanding. Here, we consider Peter Mullan's 2002 British film The Magdalene Sisters as a valuable enhancement to the teaching of the sociology of religion. We also provide some photocopiable resources related to the film.


Today, business around the world recognizes that the customer is the king. Knowing why and how people consume products helps marketers to understand how to improve existing products, what types of products are needed in the market place, or how to attract customers to buy their products. Marketers can justify their existence only when they are able to understand customer's wants and satisfy to consider the customer as the focal point of their business activity. Although it is important for the firm to understand the buyer and accordingly evolve its marketing strategy, the buyer or customer continues to be an enigma-sometimes responding the way the marketer wants and on other occasions just refusing to buy the product from them. Presently gaining high level of customer satisfaction is very important to a business or any company because satisfied customer are most likely to a loyal and to make repeated order and to use a wide range service offered by a business. The objectives of the studies revealing customer preference towards petrol car than diesel car and to investigate what prominent factor influence the customer to purchase petrol car than diesel. The study is based on 50 samples who have both petrol and diesel car. It is find out that petrol engine are more efficient and also cheap running cost.


A new processor for detecting a radar target in correlated, non-Gaussian noise is obtained. When this processor and a matched filter are excited with this noise, performance is improved over that of the matched filter alone. The processor is obtained by developing an approximate, bivariate, probability density for the noise and constructing a Neyman-Pearson test and then using an approximation to the likelihood ratio obtained from the Neyman-Pearson test. The bivariate density was constructed from an underlying Cauchy process and matches the true bivariate density only in the marginals and first two moments.


The surface treatment of ESS 704.42 MHz medium beta cavities consists of a bulk BCP 200 micron removal, a 10 h 600 ◦C heat treatment and a final 20 micron BCP performed after tank integration. The facility currently employed for the BCP treatment, settled in Ettore Zanon S.p.A., is here presented, together with the results so far obtained on the first series cavities in terms of frequency sensitivity, removal rate and surface external temperature. The optimization of BCP treatment by a preliminary fluid-dynamical finite element model is also discussed. Some details about the visual inspection procedure and the furnace qualification are also presented.


Textile-based electrodes include a fabric portion having stretch-recovery non-conductive yarns and an electrically conductive region having stretch-recovery electrically conductive yarn filaments. The electrodes can further include float yarns and can be configured in a textured or ribbed construction. When incorporated into a garment, the electrodes can be used to monitor biophysical characteristics, such as the garment wearer's heart rate.


The development of aviation industry,especially the large commercial aircraft industry,has boosted the progress of composite materials technology.Applications of advanced composite materials have created new standard and market access threshold for next-generation commercial aircraft.There has been a series of plans to develop and apply composite material technology in aircraft industry in the western contries.In China,research in this field is lagging behind.With the background of large aircraft development plan taken as national key project,the suggestions were put forward on accelerated development of composite technology from stratagem,organizational,tech-nical and industrial aspects.


The bites of mosquitoes and various gnats, the stings of wasps, bees, etc., have often produced a considerable amount of pain and discomfort and even death has resulted as a consequence of such stings in human beings. No effective remedy, as far as I am aware, has been recommended for the alleviation of the suffering caused by these insects. The flesh about mosquito-bites if irritated or rubbed very often suppurates and a considerable slough comes away. For some time past I have used iodin crystals in saponated petrolatum, 30 to 40 grains to an ounce. A few drops of this is rubbed over a mosquito-bite with magical effects. I have also rubbed it over parts stung by wasps of various sorts and sizes. The pain of the sting was very quickly relieved. It seems to me it might be used, in addition to other measures, in cases in which one


Blend reverse osmosis membranes were fabricated using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) with cellulose acetate (CA) as polymer blends. Tetrahydrofuran (THF) and N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) were used as solvents. The membrane polymer solution was cast on a coated woven fabric support material. The prepared membranes have been characterized by SEM and mechanical properties. SEM results prove that the prepared membranes are smooth and their pores are distributed throughout the entire surface and bulk body of the membrane without any visible cracks. The stress-strain mechanical test indicates an excellent mechanical behavior. The membranes performance results show that the salt rejection reached 98.4% at a concentration of 20000 ppm with high flux under pressure of up to 50 bars. Thus, in turn, the prepared membranes can be applied for sea and brackish water desalination through reverse osmosis technology. Also, the prepared membrane was compared with membranes without support and membranes with commercial suppor.


[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the popular children's book I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! Dr. Seuss wrote, "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." It's a simple but Inspiring quote--an encouragement to young readers to devour literature and expand both their Imaginations and practical knowledge. But for many children across the country, simply gaining access to books can be a challenge. "In middle and low income communities, there is an average of just one book for every 300 kids," says Anna Anderson, manager of strategic alliances with First Book, a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting literature In the hands of students In need throughout the United States and Canada. First Book works with several corporate partners to make this possible, Including TD Bank. TD has partnered with First Book for the past five years, bringing new books to children In need through large-scale book truck events and through the bank's school-based volunteer program, Banking on Books. In 2015 alone, TD provided more than 215,000 new books to children across Its market area. Working directly with teachers, TD's Banking on Books volunteers choose financial literacy titles to take to classrooms and read with students, engaging them in discussions about the Importance of responsible money management. "Learning about concepts like saving, budgeting and credit early helps put children on the right path," says Andrea Johnson, TD's head of U.S. financial education. "When kids grow into young adults, they form habits quickly. We want to ensure these habits lead to positive outcomes." The Banking on Books program is unique, according to TD's community relations program manager, Erin O'Connor Jones, because it brings new books to the classroom while engaging students during their reading time. "Each child receives a copy of a new book to bring home," O'Connor Jones says. "For too many children, this may be their very first new book." Building a Strong Financial Foundation Having access to books is a critical for building a foundation for success later In life, Anderson says. "If you don't connect someone early on with the love of reading, the educational gap just widens." According to national study by the American Educational Research Association, students who do not read on grade level by the third grade are four times less likely to graduate than proficient readers. Poverty compounds the problem: students who have lived In poverty and don't read well are 13 times more likely to drop out or fail to graduate on time. And when It comes to financial literacy, other studies have shown the importance of providing Instruction early--students who are taught about financial concepts during their K-12 education have significantly higher savings, higher credit scores and higher net worth throughout their lives than those that aren't, according to a report from the U.S. Treasury Department. "First Book supports our efforts to engage employees as volunteers and provides access to a wide network of educators and schools," O'Connor Jones says. "We have a shared commitment to getting books to disadvantaged children and youth." This commitment resonates with bankers across the industry, says Corey Carlisle, executive director of the ABA Foundation. "We've had requests from many banks asking for book recommendations that they could incorporate into their financial literacy curriculum," he says. "Together with First Book, we're working to curate a list of books for children of all ages." In preparation for Its 20th annual Teach Children to Save Day on April 29, the ABA Foundation recently launched a new program in partnership with First Book: the ABA Foundation Book Award Program. Through the program, bankers can supplement their Teach Children to Save curriculum by providing books to the classrooms they visit. …


SICKELS, F. A. AND R. L. SIMPSON (Biology Department, Rutgers University, Camden, NJ 08102 and Biology Department, Rider College, Lawrenceville, NJ 08648). Growth and survival of giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) in a Delaware River freshwater tidal wetland. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 112:368-375. 1985.-The survivorship, phenology, production, and distribution of the annual species Ambrosia trifida L. in a Delaware River freshwater tidal wetland were studied during 1982. Germination began in mid April with maximum seedling density (x = 104.5, S.D. = ?58.1 m-2) reached in mid May. Survivorship exceeded 92% through June and then declined gradually to 23% by late September. Flowers were initiated in late July with seeds ripening in September. Maximum height (298.8 ? 33.7 cm plant-') was attained in late September as was maximum shoot (73.8 ? 45.6 g plant-') and root (32.7 ? 37.0 g plant-') biomass. Peak standing crop (3265.6 g m-2 shoot and 1500.9 g m-2 root) occurred in late August. Leaf mortality was 162.1 g m-2. Net production corrected for leaf loss and survivorship was 6573.8 g m-2, the highest rate of production yet reported for a freshwater tidal wetland macrophyte. Seed production, estimated in late September, was 12,9'58 seeds m-2 with 17% showing signs of predation; apparent survival was 1% based on maximum seedling density. Transplant experiments showed that Ambrosia seedlings survived to reproduce in two locations, its normal levee habitat and near the upland forest border, a habitat isolated from a seed source. Transplants did not survive in the stream channels, apparently due to scouring and length of inundation or in the poorly drained high marsh due to lack of tolerance of seedlings to water-logged soils and to shading by other species. Thus, although Ambrosia trifida can dominate the levee habitat, its colonization of other habitats seems doubtful.


BACKGROUND: On average, within 7 years from the debut of skin psoriasis, patients may develop psoriatic arthritis, characterized by a chronic, relapsing progressive course. Early manifestations of psoriatic arthritis may be axial lesions presenting with inflammatory back pain. Currently, many experts are raising the topic of early prescription of genetically engineered biological drugs for axial lesions in order to prevent disability. Members of the GRAPPA expert group (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis) currently do not provide specific recommendations for the treatment of axial lesions in psoriatic arthritis. The most commonly used regimens are those for axial spondyloarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. There are also no treatment regimens for early manifestations of axial lesions in patients with smooth skin psoriasis without an established diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. All regimens consider axial lesions in patients who have already been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Thus, it is necessary to form interdisciplinary standardized protocols for the management of such patients.
AIM: to investigate the efficacy and safety of IL-17 inhibitors in axial lesions in patients with skin psoriasis.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective non-interventional comparative multicenter study was conducted in parallel groups of patients with smooth skin psoriasis (n=87). To study the effectiveness of the developed method of therapy, the formation of comparison groups is provided. 3 variants of therapy were analyzed: IL-17A inhibitors (n=21; group 1, main); methotrexate (n=35; group 2, comparison); standard desensitizing therapy was used in group 3 (n=31; control). The distribution into groups was carried out taking into account the severity, prevalence of the skin process (according to PASI, BSA), the quality of life of the patient (according to DLQI), the patient's wishes and the patient's ability to purchase genetically engineered biological drugs.
RESULTS: According to our results, the use of IL-17A inhibitors shows high efficiency: by week 52, 100% of patients reached the level of PASI 75, 90.5% ― PASI 90 and 85.7% ― PASI 100, NAPSI 100 (Nail Psoriasis Severity Index) was observed in 71.4% patients. All patients reported a reduction of pain at 12, 24 and 52 weeks with a mean BASDAI of 5.9 (SD=2.3), 4.1 (SD=1.3), and 2.7 (SD=0.9), respectively. It was found that 90.5% of patients achieved ACR 20 by the end of the study at week 52. The majority of patients (85.7%) achieved remission or low DAPSA disease activity after 24 weeks of therapy. The mean ASDAS at 12, 24, 52 weeks was 3.07 (0.9), 2.2 (1.0), and 2.3 (0.9), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: Thus, in patients with skin psoriasis and axial lesions, it is recommended to make the earlier prescription of biologic treatment from the group of IL-17 inhibitors in order to prevent the development of severe forms of psoriatic arthritis and human disability.


This work in progress investigates the communication issues encountered and the strategies used by local government to communicate electronically with disaster affected individuals in the immediate aftermath of the February 2011 earthquake in Christchurch, NZ. It also provides a preliminary examination of the effects of information access on individual perceptions of community resiliency. We draw from a variety of data sources, including field research, interviews, and focus groups with local community members. Ongoing survey research will be integrated into future papers and presentations. This research provides insight into online crisis communications and the effectiveness of strategies to communicate with members of the public in a post-disaster environment when there is limited access to information via electronic channels.


Recently Applied Ethnobotany is recognized as a fascinating field forresearch which enables an interdisciplinary approach to development thathelps to explore Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and its capacity to effect changein Biodiversity Conservation and Natural Resource Management (NRM).This research aimed an ethnobotanical analysis on ecological perspective ofcultural and spiritual implications of forest nomenclature in ruralcommunities, which can be defined in terms of conservation. For this study43 village localities from 5 areas with different geo-ecological and socioculturalbackgrounds were selected. 616 local informants selected fromvarious impact groups were interviewed and data collected by theparticipatory action research methodologies during the period of 18 months. Total number of forest areas reported in all the areas is 834 out of which, 766forest areas bear suffixes describing vegetation type or habitat features orfloristic characteristics of the forest. That is 91.8% as a percentage. Totalnumber of species used for this nomenclature is 161 out of which 105(65.2%) are playing ecologically very important role in conservation. Thesespecies are playing remarkably vital role in ecosystem as biodiversitygenerative, keystone and flagship species that up keep sustainable survival ofthe ecosystem being vital indicators of micro-ecological changes of thenatural habitat. Out of total forest areas, 279 (33.4%) forest areas are namedafter a floristic source. Out of total species 121 (75.1 %) are registered for anykind of cultural, ritualistic, religious use by the community and have becomemore sacred or venerable. The average percentage of culturally andspiritually important plant species is 75.8% and 92.9% of threatened plantsare culturally important as perceived by the community.


Objectives: Observation of drug-drug interaction in myocardial infarction at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Peshawar Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from May 1, 2022 to July 30, 2022 at Fauji Foundation Hospital, Peshawar. The sample size was 45. The study population was patients admitted to the cardiology unit with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction. A purposive sampling technique was used in the assessment and interview of the patient. Patients suffering from myocardial infarction admitted to hospital during the above-mentioned period were included in this work. Results: All patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction had major complaints of chest pain and vomiting. There was nausea and sweating in four out of ten cases (80%). Less than half were presented with SOB (shortness of breath) and body aches. Almost two-thirds (60%) of the patients used Glimepiride in the past. Amlodipine and insulin were used by 40% of patients (n =18), while Gibenclamide and metformin were used by 20% of patients (n =9). All the patients had used tablets in the past. Injectables and capsules were used in proportions of 28 and 24 percent, respectively. Practical implication: This study will provide information to the physician that the major problem with polypharmacy in hospitals is drug-drug interactions. Conclusion: The study revealed the majority of patients with MI presented with chest pain. The researcher found the main problem with polypharmacy in hospitals is drug-drug interactions. Also, there is a lack of patient counseling, which leads to irrational use of medication. Keywords: pharmacotherapy; myocardial infarction; polypharmacy; drug-drug interaction


Working Stress Design Approach (WSDA) has been used extensively to design Footing, Raft and Pile foundations with a global safety factor. A new design concept, Limit State Design Approaches (LSDA), following the Eurocode 7 has become popular in recent years. A comparison study between a working stress design approach with a factor of safety equal to two and the Ultimate Limit State (ULS) using Eurocode 7 design approaches with Serviceability Limit State verification (SLS) is done to evaluate the most economic design approach. This is done by calculating the number of piles to support a building of a characteristic vertical permanent load of 60 MN and a characteristic vertical variable load of 20 MN on 18 m bored piles with a diameter of 0.5 m founded on a multi-layer system of silty clay and silty sand and spaced at 3 meter centres. A simulation of three pile load tests using Finite Element Method PLAXIS Software were used in this study to determine the characteristic value of pile resistance and demonstrate pile foundation design using static pile load tests following the Eurocode7.


Abstract : The seismic effect of scattered charges, instantaneously detonated, has been investigated. Charges of equal weight were detonated in equally spaced holes arranged in a row. The number of charges in an array and the spacing between holes were varied, but the total weight of charges was kept constant. Effects of the charges were measured at various distances, and it was found that the seismic effect is lower along the extended line of charges than in a direction at right angles to it. The velocity of particle movement at points along the extended line was found to lie between a lower limit corresponding to one of the single charges in the spread and an upper limit corresponding to the total charge concentrated at one point. For points at right angles to the line of holes, at moderate distances, the particle velocity was found to be equal to or greater than that due to an explosion of the total charge at a single point. Change in velocity with distance produces a curve similar to that for concentrated charges. (Author)


The neutron scattering from deuterated thiourea, SC(ND2)2, was examined in the antiferroelectric and paraelectric phases using single crystals mounted on triple-axis spectrometers. The long-period order in the antiferroelectric phase gives rise to satellite Bragg peaks, the intensities of many of which were measured in the (hkO) and (Okl) zones. A model of the structure in which the lattice contains a sinusoidal displacement of the molecules as rigid units was developed and fitted to the data with reasonable success. Quasi-elastic diffuse scattering was detected in phase V which was strongly temperature dependent. A mechanism for the transition based on an overdamped soft rotational lattice mode is presented and supported by calculations of the Coulomb lattice energy of a thiourea crystal distorted by such a mode as a function of the wavevector. The temperature dependence of the relaxation time of the ferroelectric mode is given.


Objectives Community pharmacists claim a role in health care based on their added value as counsellors and providers of pharmaceutical care. The aim of this study was to assess to what extent they fulfil this role with respect to the management of acute diarrhoea in an 8‐month‐old baby.


Methodists and the Crucible of Race, 1930-1975. By Peter C. Murray. (Columbia: University of Missouri Press, 2004. Pp. xix, 266. Preface, bibliography, index. $44.95.) In this account of Methodists and race relations in the mid-twentieth-century United States, Peter Murray, professor of history at Methodist College in Fayetteville, North Carolina, has produced a decently researched but deeply flawed piece of scholarship. The book focuses on the racial integration of the largest American Methodist denomination. From 1939 to 1968, this denomination was officially known as The Methodist Church and, in the latter year, changed its name to the United Methodist Church. Although predominantly white, the organization included several hundred thousand black members, most of whom belonged to a racially segregated administrative unit known as the Central Jurisdiction. Created in 1939 to cater to the sensibilities of segregationist white Methodists, the jurisdiction was finally abolished only in 1967. In Murray's telling, this struggle was a lengthy and heroic one in which "prophets" supporting integration, such as African-American bishop Charles Golden, ultimately prevailed over intransigent "conservatives" (p. 239). Murray guides his readers expertly through the shoals of Methodist bureaucratic struggles, as waged through each quadrennial meeting of the denomination's General Conference. In considerable detail, Murray also discusses the various debates about race that were fought out in the denomination's other subdivisions and offices. The author certainly understands his subject and has done fairly thorough research. His sources include considerable archival material, mostly garnered from extensive collections at Emory University and Drew University. He has also read deeply in and made good use of Methodist newspapers and conference records. Unfortunately, Methodists and the Crucible of Race has many defects. Far too often, Murray bogs his readers down in tedious detail about bureaucratic minutiae. In one particularly confusing paragraph, for instance, he repeatedly references not only the "Committee of Five" but also the "Commission of Thirty-Six" and the "Commission of Twenty-Four" (pp. 166-167). On one level, then, the book is an institutional history of United Methodist bureaucratism. As such, it is confusing even for those familiar with Methodist institutions and will baffle those unfamiliar with them. Amidst this maze of offices, conferences, and committees, the experiences and sensibilities of ordinary Methodists, black and white believers in the pews, are almost entirely lost. …


Twenty years of operating experience with feed-pump turbine drives manufactured at the Kaluga Turbine Works for nuclear power stations is summarized. The influence of the moisture separator stage on the erosion wear of the buckets in the last stage of the turbine drive for the feed pump is described.


Renaud Claude J et al. recently reported that ultra-low dose heparin solution for early tunnelled dialysis catheter (TDC) did not increase malfunction and catheter-related infection (CRI) rate. Coincidently, we have been applying the ultra-low dose (500 U/mL) heparin locks on patients using non-tunnelled temporary haemodialysis catheters (NTHC) since 2012. Results in our centre showed that ultra-low dose heparin locks also performed well on NTHC, serving as complementary evidence for its clinical application. A pilot study was conducted to assess the effect and safety of ultra-low dose heparin locks on NTHC patients. It was a prospective, single centre, randomized controlled study and gained the institutional ethics permission (NO.B2014-06301). During December 2012 to June 2014, 59 patients who had their dialysis catheter placed in Hemodialysis Unit of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine gave their consent to participate. Haemodialysis catheters (12 Fr×16 cm, non-tunnelled, dual lumen, Quinton, NJ, USA) were implanted by experienced nephrologists under ultrasound guidance. After catheter insertion, participants were randomized into ultra-low dose heparin locks group (500 U/mL, n = 30) and a common dose group (3125 U/mL, n = 29) based on the random number chart. The primary outcome was coagulation function and catheter-related infectious (CRI) rate. The coagulation function was checked before catheterization, as well as at 2 h and 4 h after heparin locks. Participants were followed-up until catheter removal. There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. All patients received Chinese medicine decoction, which were prescribed to promote blood circulation. The decoction mainly consists of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Hirudo whose active components were proved to antiplatelet analogue. Comparing the two groups, results indicated that there was no significant difference in bleeding episodes, malfunction cases and activated partial thromboplastic time (APTT) before catheterization (Table 1). Fourteen patients in the ultra-low dose group and eight in the common dose group used antiplatelet or anticoagulants agents. Linear regression analysis was conducted to detect the confounder effect of antiplatelet and anti-coagulants agents. The independent variables were different dosage and using these agents or not, and the outcome was APTT level in baseline, 2 h and 4 h after dialysis, respectively. After controlling for independent variables, only different dosage had an effect on APTT of 2 h (P = 0.003) and 4 h (P = 0.014) after dialysis. These results were consistent with those of the univariate analysis (Table 1), which meant whether to use agents (antiplatelet and anti-coagulants) did not influence the effect of different dosage. Average follow-up period was 48.3 days. Thirty-day CRIfree catheter survival was comparable (67% vs 62%, P = 0.60), giving a cumulative CRI rate of 0.7/1000 catheter days. This result was lower than that reported in a previous study. This might be the reason that seven cases in the ultra-low dose group and eight cases in the common dose group had NTHCs placed for temporary treatment before peritoneal dialysis initiation or fistula maturation. Our research results showed that concentration of heparin solution could be as low as 500 U/mL without harming the function of NTHC. Due to patients' concerns on financial burden, bacteriological tests were not routinely carried out in this study. But clinical manifestations of CRI such as fever, pain and secretions at the catheter exit were intensively monitored at each dialysis session. These could have introduced some bias to the results. Clinical evidence suggested that catheter function, CRI rate and bleeding events are acceptable using ultra-low dose heparin locks for both early TDC and NTHC. This could be explained in that heparin concentration was not an exclusive determinant of catheter survival. However, it remains unsolved whether ultra-low dose heparin locks would be suitable for long-term use. Previous publications reported low-concentration heparin lock solutions (1000 U/mL) required a two-fold increase in thrombolytic instillation to maintain long-term patency. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the role of ultra-low dose heparin locks in the long-term application, from both a clinical and economical perspective.


Sight distance is an important criterion in highway geometric design. Many design elements, such as horizontal and vertical curvatures and offsets to lateral obstructions, must be checked so that drivers have sufficient sight distance to operate safely. One of the obstacles that can restrict sight distance is the roadside or median concrete barriers that are frequently placed along the road edges for safety. There are common types and dimensions for such barriers, such as New Jersey, F-shape, and constant-slope concrete barriers. Such barriers may cause a significant reduction in the available sight distance on horizontal curves, especially in the lane closest to the barriers. However, there is a clear lack of a reliable, accurate tool to determine the available sight distance when the sight distance is restricted by road barriers in three-dimensional combined alignments. This paper uses a software package previously developed by the authors to examine closely the trends of available stopping sight distance and the effects of the overlapping vertical alignment. The results confirm previous findings that the available sight distance depends on the type of the vertical alignment and the curvature of crest or sag vertical curves overlapping on the horizontal curve. In addition, it is shown that the recommendations in current design guides could lead to barrier placement that compromises the available sight distance. Charts were prepared as an easy-to-use tool to estimate the available stopping sight distance on horizontal curves when overlapping with a specific vertical alignment.


One class of Lorenz-like system is reformed and changed to display hyperchaotic by a new state feedback controller in this paper. Phase portrait and Lyapunov exponent are given to verify that the attractor is hyperchaotic. It was demonstrated by Lyapunov exponent spectrum and bifurcation diagram that the new system can switch among abundant dynamical behaviours such as periodic, quasi-periodic, chaotic and hyperchaotic so on. Furthermore, the system is confirmed by the realization of an electronic circuit experiment which shows good agreement with the numerical simulation.


A method with Instrument Control Toolbox for serial asynchronous communication i s described. Making use of the method, MATLAB can exchange data with external sy stem and analyze them. And an example is given.


Identification of clonal rootstocks of apple was carried out to characterize clonal rootstocks based on morphological characters using International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) descriptor during two consecutive years 2016 and 2017. A wide variation was observed among different selections for various morphological traits. A total of 32 UPOV attributes were observed among which 15 traits were found more informative during the course of investigation. Maximum range was observed for number of spines (5.45-9.10) followed by leaf blade width (3.76 4.56) while as minimum range was observed for ratio of petiole length to blade length (0.27-.0.28). The phenotypic coefficient of variation and genotypic coefficient of variation was highest for number of spines (27.10% & 22.42%) followed by leaf blade length of tip (24.34% & 12.24%) and lowest for leaf blade length (6.75% & 4.82%). Phenotypic coefficient of variation was slightly higher than genotypic coefficient of variation, which indicates the minor role of environment in the expression of traits under observation.


We also define y(S1,Sz) = 0 if SI = SZ = (0) and y(S1,Sz) = 1 if one of SI or Sp is (0) and the other one is not (0). It is well-known that in general y is not a metric on the set of all subspaces of X , but it does induce a topology on this set. A comprehensive treatment of the gap function can be found in [7]. Let A be a bounded linear operator on X with bounded inverse. This paper studies the robust stabi1it.y of feedback systems. The special features of this study are: (1) the input-output signal spaces of the feedback systems are assumed to be Banach spaces, posaibiy L-, tm, LI, and e , ; (2) the pert,urbations in systems are measured by the gap funtion.


The paper presents the findings of a study conducted to establish the perceptions of small retailers of alcoholic beverages towards the proposed ban on alcoholic beverage advertising. The quantitative study sampled small retailers of alcoholic beverages base in Polokwane, South Africa. The survey data collection method was employed, with closed ended questionnaires being the instrument for the generation of the quantitative data. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. From a study population of N=14 it was established that retailers were generally aware of the proposed ban, which is similar to the ban instituted by the South African government on tobacco product advertising. Significantly, the study also found that the impact of advertising on the consumption of alcohol is minimal; with the proposed ban potentially having unintended negative effects other than the intended result. Based on its findings the study recommends that government focus on direct interventions to curb the abuse of alcohol rather that focus indirect interventions such as banning advertising of alcoholic beverages.


Abstract The flower fly genus Rhopalosyrphus Giglio-Tos (Diptera: Syrphidae) is revised. The genus is redescribed; a key to species is presented; the phylogenetic relationships of the genus and species are hypothesized; the included species are described; with new species, R. ramulorum Weems & Deyrup, described from Florida (type) and Mexico; R. australis Thompson from Brazil and Paraguay (type); and the critical characters are illustrated.


This paper presents an energy analysis methodology to optimize the power system requirements for high temperature manufacturing processes on the moon. Power requirement and power system's mass can have significant impact on the capital cost of a lunar manufacturing plant. The methodology combines thermodynamic availability, Pinch Technology, and radiative heat transfer principles to minimize power requirement and lift-off mass from earth. The availability analysis is used to estimate the power requirement and irreversibility of a manufacturing process. Pinch Technology is used to identify thermal streams for potential process heat integration. The radiation model is used to optimize radiator area and power system's mass. A simplified lunar oxygen manufacturing plant is used to illustrate the analysis procedure. The methodology provides a means to determine the feasibility of heat and work integration without a significant mass penalty. This would result in reduction of power requirement, power system's mass and the cost of power.


The objective: to establish the characteristics of the course of pregnancy and childbirth after the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART); to stratify the risks in this contingent of pregnant women, to determine the high-risk subgroup among pregnant women after the use of ART and the formation of possible preventive approaches for these categories of patients. Materials and methods. A retrospective analysis of 3450 histories of pregnancy and childbirth that occurred during 2018–2020, was carried out. Inclusion criteria: first singleton delivery in cephalic presentation without critical congenital malformations in the fetus and severe somatic pathologies in pregnant women aged 18–45 years. Two groups were formed: a group with spontaneous pregnancy (3137 histories) and a group with pregnancy after ART (313 histories), which, according to the age factor, were divided into subgroups of active (2686 and 159 histories, respectively) and late reproductive age (451 and 154 histories, respectively).For statistical analysis, odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The χ-square test was used to assess the significance of the difference in proportions. The level of statistical significance was at p<0.05.Results. The frequency of normal births in the subgroup of late reproductive age with pregnancy after the use of ART was 38.8%, that almost 2 times lower than in the subgroup of spontaneous pregnancy in women of late reproductive age (65.5%; p<0.05). Patients with late reproductive age and pregnancy after using ART (28.5%) had two times higher chances of induction of labor compared with the spontaneous pregnancy subgroup (14.3%; p<0.05). The incidence of cesarean section was 51.1% in the ART subgroup compared to 27% in the spontaneous pregnancy subgroup (p<0.05). In the subgroup of late reproductive age and pregnancy after ART, the probability of cesarean section was in 1.7 times higher than in the subgroup of active reproductive age and pregnancy after ART. The risks of developing massive obstetric bleeding in patients with late reproductive age and pregnancy after ART were in 5.5 times higher than in patients with spontaneous pregnancy (p<0.05) and 2.8 times higher than in patients of active reproductive age and pregnancy after ART. The rate of normal induced labor in the ART group in women under 35 years of age was 51.7%, while in the subgroup of late reproductive age patients with pregnancy after ART, this indicator decreased to 23.5%. The incidence of unsuccessful induction of labor in patients with late reproductive age and pregnancy after ART was 19.6%, the frequency of cesarean section after induced labor in the subgroup of late reproductive age and pregnancy after ART was 70.6%. The likelihood of the massive obstetric bleeding development during induced labor in patients with late reproductive age and pregnancy after ART was in 5 times higher than in spontaneous pregnancy in this age subgroup (OR 5.05; 95% CI: 0.94-27.05) and 6.8 times higher than in the subgroup of active reproductive age after the use of ART (OR 6.84; 95% CI: 2.2-21.24). The newborns conceived after ART and after induced labor had in 2.8 times greater risks of the necessity for primary neonatal resuscitation.Conclusions. The pregnancy and labor after ART were characterized by a higher incidence of preterm birth, caesarean section, assisted vaginal delivery, and massive obstetric bleeding. The rate of complications significantly increased in women of late reproductive age. For patients with pregnancy after the use of ART, it is advisable to conduct labor using continuous cardiotocography monitoring, timely correction of labor abnormalities according to the partogram, the use of modern effective algorithms for the prevention of obstetric bleeding. For the pregnant women of late reproductive age after ART in the absence of spontaneous onset of regular labor, we recommend to consider the possibility of a planned caesarean section at 40–41 weeks of gestation.


Abstract : The purpose for this consultation was to determine the number of hours required to move a soldier from Dental Fitness Class 2 to Dental Fitness Class 1. A sample of 926 records was drawn from the Fort Hood Dental Activity and 926 records were reviewed by six general dentists. Their estimates of periodontal and non-periodontal treatment time were recorded. The mean treatment time was 5.89 hours.


Field trials of different doses of thifensulfuron-methyl 75% WG against corn field weeds were conducted. The results showed that excellent weed control performance was achieved when thifensulfuron-methyl 75% WG was applied at the 3~5 leaf stage of corn and within the application dosage of 20~40 g/ha.