The suitability of technological aids plays a pivotal role in the easy and proper understanding of concepts as the present age is of innovation and advancement. A survey has been conducted on random basis with the objectives such as how far the ICT enabled teaching proved worthy to the students with specific reference to improve the basic skills of learning, how the students were aware of the latest technology and recent developments, etc. taking into account the locality of the colleges and students whether rural or semi-urban areas in southern Tamilnadu.120 respondents from ten colleges, both from rural and semi-urban areas, with twelve students each have been taken for analysis. For the purpose of the study, a questionnaire has been used as a tool and was given to the third year students of engineering studies as they have a paper named "Communication Skills''. The hypothesis thus derived is that the ICT enabled teaching enhances the communication skills of the students in the socially backward areas once the educational institutions are equipped with all hi-fi technology relating to teaching and learning.


In this paper we mainly focus on some determinants with Legendre symbol entries. Let p be an odd prime and let ( · p ) be the Legendre symbol. We show that ( −S(d,p) p ) = 1 for any d ∈ Z with ( d p ) = 1, and that ( Wp p ) =  (−1) p 4 : ( k p )=−1}| if p ≡ 1 (mod 4), (−1)⌊(p+1)/8⌋ if p ≡ 3 (mod 4), where S(d, p) = det [( i2 + dj2 p )] 16i,j6(p−1)/2 and Wp = det [( i2 − ((p− 1)/2)!j p )] 06i,j6(p−1)/2 . We also pose some conjectures on determinants, one of which states that (−1)⌊(p+1)/8⌋Wp is a square when p ≡ 3 (mod 4).


N-(3-Chlorine-2-hydroxypropyl)-N,N-dimethyl-N-dodecyl-ammonium chloride(CHPDDAC) was synthesized with N,N-dimethyl dodecyl amine hydrochlorate and epichlorohydrin.Then,alkyl polyglucosides(APG) was quaternizing modified into alkyl polyglucosides quaternary ammonium salt(APGQAS) by CHPDDAC.The effects on the reaction process were investigated by the orthogonal experiment.The optimum conditions of the APGQAS were obtained as follows:isopropyl alcohol as solvent,n(APG)∶n(CHPDDAC)=1.1∶1,reaction temperature 80 ℃,reaction time 7 h.The structure of APGQAS was characterized by FTIR spectrum,elementary analysis and 1HNMR.The surface activities of the product were measured,the critical micelle concentration(CMC) was 3.16×10-4 mol/L,surface tension was 21.51 mN/m,Krafft point was-3.57 ℃.


This paper examines the use of compulsory lincensing as a policy to combat the monopoly problem associated with the patent system. It introduces the notion of an optimal patent--one where the patent life and the licensing royalty rate are both determined optimally. Under certain simplifying assumptions it is shown that the optimal patent will have an indefinite life, for both process and product innovations. Some preliminary calculations suggest that the use of compulsory licensing may lead to substantial welfare improvements, even if the patent life is left unchanged at 17 years.


Metacyclophanes were prepared by the cyclization reactions between bis(chloromethyl)compounds and piperazine, ethylene glycol, or alkanedithiols. 1 H NMR relaxation time (T 1 ) measurements indicated that the macrocycles feature the up and down motion of the aromatic units around the XOH 2 Ar (X= Ar, N, O, S) methylene moieties as the axes. Metacyclophanes incorporating piperazine units showed the high complexation ability for alkaline metal cations.


Go to Amazon.com and search for books on the subject of "Leadership," and you will get over 59,000 hits. If you do the same search under "Management" you will get more than 590,000 hits. Is there that much more to say about management? Obviously, there are a lot of authors who think so. Yet the more complex and difficult of the two concepts is leadership, which may be why there is such a significant difference between the number of people who have attempted to tackle the more challenging topic. In his book The Essence of Leadership, Author Mac Anderson states: "Leadership is a complicated topic, because there are probably as many definitions of leadership as there are leaders in the world. That's because a leader is a person with many roles ... CEO, soldier, coach, entrepreneur, department head, politician, teacher, minister ... as well as parent, spouse, and other personal roles. History has identified many qualities and characteristics of great leaders, and, of course, no person embodies them all. But the great leaders I've known, or read about, have one simple thing in common: They have developed their leadership styles around their personalities and their values, and in the end, their actions are consistent with what they truly believe." Before diving further into this distinction between Leadership and Management consider a series of questions. For many years I have been fortunate enough to facilitate a session at NRECA's Robert I. Kabat Management Internship Program (MIP), now held in Madison, WI. The subject matter of my session includes things like board/management relations, what it is like to be a GM/CEO of an electric cooperative, as well as various aspects of leading and managing at the senior level. Each year I ask the MIP participants the same series of questions: * How many of you strive to be a good manager (at any level) at work? * How many of you strive to be a good leader within your cooperative? * What is the difference? If you are reading this it is likely that you either work within an electric cooperative or with an organization that is somehow related to the cooperative industry. So, consider the same series of questions relative to your career with your organization. The responses to these questions that I nearly always get with the MIP groups are as follows: * Strive to be a good manager? Nearly all hands go up. * Strive to be a good leader? Around two-thirds of the hands go up. * What is the difference? Dead silence. All hands down on the tables. The MIP participants really struggle to identify the differences even though they desire to be seen as both good managers and good leaders. So, are there really any differences between the two approaches to working within our organizations? If there are differences do they actually matter or are they important? Both literature and experience establish that there are major differences between management and leadership, and those differences are critically important. Over the years, I have heard several versions of how people look at management versus leadership but the one that has stuck with me is this: * A good manager gets others to do what he/she wants them to do. * A good leader gets others to want what he/she wants. Similar phraseology, to be sure, but the meaning behind them is vastly different. A manager relies on position, power and authority to direct the actions and/or conduct of subordinate employees. The manager is better at telling his/ her employees what tasks to do with little time spent on the why. A leader, on the other hand, utilizes a totally different set of skills including persuasion, communication, shared vision, values, logic and even, at times, emotion. The leader is great at explaining why something needs to be accomplished and then empowers those responsible to get it done. …


Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 10" Edition 1997, definition of "PILLAR.* Sato, T. et al., "A New Substrate Engineering for the Formation of Empty Space in Silicon (ESS) Induced by Silicon Surface Migration', IEDM Tech. Digest, pp. 517 520, (1999). Sato, T. et al., "Trench Transformation Technology Using Hydrogen Annealing for Realizing Highly Reliable Device Structure with ThinDielectric Films", VLSI Tech. Digest of Technical Papers, pp. 206-207, (1998). Matsuda, S. et al., "Novel Corner Rounding Process for Shallow Trench Isolation Utilizing MSTS (Micro-Structure Transformation of Silicon', IEDM Tech. Digest, pp. 137 140, (1998). Sato, T. et al., "A New Substrate Engineering for the Formation of Empty Space in Silicon (ESS) Induced by Silicon Surface Migration'. The Japan Society of Applied Physics, Silicon Technology, No. 14, pp. 61-65, (2000). (Continued)


Objectives: To examine the geographical variations in HIV prevalence (diagnosed and undiagnosed), use of sexual health services, sexually transmitted infections and sexual behaviour in a community sample of men who have sex with men in three cities in England, specifically London, Brighton and Manchester. Methods: Cross-sectional surveys of men visiting gay community venues in three large cities in England. Men self-completed a questionnaire and provided an anonymous oral fluid sample for HIV antibody testing. Results: HIV prevalence ranged from 8.6% to 13.7% in the three cities. Over one-third of HIV infection remained undiagnosed in all sites despite 69% of HIV-positive men reporting attending a genitourinary medicine clinic in the last year. Similar and high


Ms X is a 40-year-old gravida 12, para 2 + 9 woman, who was admitted for an elective caesarean section at 38 weeks gestation following the previous two caesarean sections. Ms X had abdominal distension and generalised abdominal tenderness in the postoperative period. On investigation, she was found to have an elevated white cell count (WCC), C - Reactive Protein (CRP) and creatinine with free fluid in the abdomen on imaging but there was no evidence of perforation of any visceral organ. Ms X was treated conservatively for sepsis, an Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) and post-operative ileus and her symptoms gradually resolved. This is a case of idiopathic ascites post caesarean delivery with no clear cause.


An hp-adaptive finite element algorithm is used to simulate heat transfer within attic spaces driven by buoyancy forces. The element size (h-) and shape function order (p-) are dynamically controlled by an a-posteriori error estimator based on the L2 norm. A three-step process is used to solve the system of equations. The hp-adaptive algorithm is validated using natural convection heat transfer within a differentially heated enclosure. Application of the model is used to simulate heat transfer within attic spaces subjected to natural convection for Rayleigh numbers ranging from 7.1×102 to 7.1×105 . Attic aspect ratios range from 0.2 to 1.0. Heat transfer rates typical of summer days in Las Vegas are considered: roofs (inclined surfaces) of attics are hot; bases (bottom surfaces) are cold and vertical walls are insulated. Results are compared with data in literature when possible; good agreement is generally observed.Copyright © 2006 by ASME


Three-dimensional finite element analysis was utilized to investigate the application of preloading technique with the presence of PVDs as a method to improve soft soil deposits under embankments. Back analyses of two embankments with and without PVD were performed using PLAXIS 3D 2018. The behavior of soft soil deposits was modeled using soft soil creep model (SSC) during the back analyses. The back analyses showed very good agreement between the F.E. model and the field measurements. Also, the soft soil model (SS) and hardening soil model (HS) were utilized and compared to the behavior of the (SSC) models. The comparison showed that both models predict less settlement than the (SSC) model as they do not take the creep of the soft soil deposits into consideration, however, they can be accurately used if the predicted creep is negligible.


A circuit building block for realizing a continuous-time active-only current-mode integrator is presented. The proposed integrator is composed only of an internally compensated type operational amplifier (OA) and operational transconductance amplifiers (OTAs). The integrator is suitable for integrated circuit implementation in either bipolar or CMOS technologies, since it does not require any external passive elements. Moreover, the integrator gain can be tuned through the transconductance gains of the OTAs. Some application examples in the realization of current-mode network functions using the proposed current-mode integrator as an active element are also given.


.............................................................................................i Dedication....................................................................................iii Acknowledgements..........................................................................iv List of Tables.................................................................................vi List of Figures...............................................................................vii Chapter I: Overview and Background 1 Chapter II: Preliminary study on trout Introduction 13 Methods 15 Results and Conclusions 17 Figures and tables 19 Chapter III: Acute treatment study and baseline comparison Introduction 22 Methods 24 Results and Conclusions 31 Figures and tables 41 Chapter IV: Chronic treatment study Introduction 65 Methods 66 Results and Conclusions 70 Figures and tables 75 Chapter V: Discussion 83 References 85


In various industry area such as semiconductor manufacturing, the heterodyne laser interferometer systems are used for ultra-precise measurement. However the system has an obstacle to improve the high measurement accuracy in nanometrology - the periodical nonlinearity property caused from frequency mixing. In this paper an nonlinearity compensation algorithm based on the extended kalman filter is proposed to minimize the effect of nonlinearity. Through comparison with some experimental results of laser system, the effectiveness of our proposed algorithm is demonstrated.


Based on recent bata,this review described the abvantage and mechanism of maize genet- ic transformation techniques via Agrobacterium tumefaciens.Together with the review was the progress of the research on the transformation.The key factors that affect the efficiency of transformation were also discussed.


South Africa's Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Summer School is as much about training a
growing generation of students as it is about focusing attention on emerging nanotechnology
products and processes in the country. The University of the Western Cape played host to the third
such summer school at the end of November as a diverse group of national and international
scientists shared insights into the "impact of nanotechnology in water treatment and management"


Vertically driven solid copper electrode is a widely practiced earthing method due to its simplicity and cost effectiveness. With the rising price of copper, the need for cost optimizationis imperative. In this project, hollow copper electrode is being experimented as an earthing electrode. Solid copper electrode is used as reference and vertically driven side by side with hollow copperelectrode at two sites with uniform yet contrasting soil resistivity. Earth resistance of both setups was measured regularly using Fall of Potential method. It was found that the earth resistance of hollow copper electrodetendsto be lower than solid copper electrode. The performance of hollow copper electrode is significantly better insite with high soil resistivity.This preliminary finding suggests that a more effective earthing system can be achieved with less material and further studies with prolonged period of measurement is required to ascertain the initial conclusion drawn and presented in this paper.


Whether mortality is more likely after weekend hospital admissions than after weekday admissions is unclear. In a meta-analysis of 97 observational


Uppermost Cretaceous to Eocene marine sedimentary sequences occur both to the south and north of the Yarlung Zangbo suture in south central Tibet. They consist of Indian‐margin strata of the northern Tethyan Himalaya and Asian‐margin strata of the Gangdese forearc. Both assemblages are characterized by major changes in depositional environment and sedimentary provenance at ∼65 Ma and an appearance of detrital chromium‐rich spinel of ophiolite affinity (TiO2 generally <0.1 wt%) during the Paleocene. Ophiolitic melange exposed along the suture could have provided a source for detrital spinel. The melange occurs in the hanging wall of a north dipping, south directed mylonitic shear zone which includes a tectonic sliver of mafic schist. Amphibole from the schist yields 40Ar/39Ar ages of ∼63 Ma, which we attribute to cooling during slip along the shear zone and southward obduction of the melange. Melange obduction was coeval with the development of an angular unconformity within the Gangdese forearc basin to the north (between late Maastrichtian time and ∼62 Ma). Upper Paleocene to middle Eocene sandstones in the northern Tethyan Himalaya yield 200–120 Ma U‐Pb detrital zircon ages and 190–170 Ma 40Ar/39Ar detrital mica ages. These detrital grains were most likely sourced from regions north of the Yarlung Zangbo suture, suggesting that onset of India‐Asia collision in south central Tibet is middle Eocene or older in age. Collectively, our results support previous suggestions that oceanic rocks were obducted onto the northern margin of India during latest Cretaceous–earliest Tertiary time. Coeval changes in Gangdese forearc sedimentation raise the possibility that this obduction event marks onset of tectonic interaction between India and Asia at ∼65 Ma. Alternatively, in concert with the conventional view of Eocene collision initiation, the obducted oceanic rocks may be of intraoceanic origin, while coeval changes in Gangdese forearc sedimentation may be a consequence of an increase in the rate of ocean‐continent convergence following the demise of the intraoceanic subduction zone.


The paper reports results on an empirical study of the structural properties of HTML markup in websites. A first large-scale survey is made on 708 contemporary (2019–2020) websites, in order to measure various features related to their size and structure: DOM tree size, maximum degree, depth, diversity of element types and CSS classes, among others. The second part of the study leverages archived pages from the Internet Archive, in order to retrace the evolution of these features over a span of 25 years. The goal of this research is to serve as a reference point for studies that include an empirical evaluation on samples of web pages.


This is a book review of Will Brooks, Interpreting Scripture across Cultures: An Introduction to Cross-Cultural Hermeneutics (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2022), x + 200 pp., ISBN: 978-1-6667-0748-9, $29.00, Paperback.


The article is devoted to the study of the essence of the concept and types of objects of administrative offenses related to the violations of financial control. Scientific approaches to determining the constituent elements of the object of this administrative offense were presented. It was found that for the proper qualification of an administrative offense related to violation of financial control, and hence the definition of the scope of administrative liability as a measure of administrative coercion, it is important to take into account the specifics of public relations (as an object of encroachment) and the scope in which they arise. It was clarified the role of the object of administrative offense related to the violation of the financial control requirements in the qualification and systematization of the domestic administrative tort law.The scientific views on the definition of the object of the specified administrative offense was analyzed, the author offered his own definition of the general, generic, specific and direct objects.The general object of violation of the requirements of financial control should be understood as the whole set of public relations in the field of preventing and combating corruption, which is protected by administrative and tort regulations.The generic object of the violation of the requirements of financial control is public relations, which provide the established procedure for preventing and combating corruption.Given that the provisions of Article 172 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine contain various forms of acts for which liability is provided, the composition of violations of financial control contains a specific object, which is proposed to admit a group of homogeneous social relations, allocated within the framework of a generic object related to the procedure for submitting a declaration of a person authorized to perform the functions of the state or local government, opening a foreign currency account in a non-resident bank institution and notification of significant changes in property status, as well as submitting knowingly false information in the declaration of a person authorized to to perform the functions of the state or local self-government.The direct object of violation of the requirements of financial control is requirements, prohibitions and restrictions which protected by administrative-tort sanction established by the Law of Ukraine "On Prevention of Corruption" and other regulations, and arising in connection with the declaration of a person authorized to perform state functions or local government.


This paper treats a discrimination problem of wrist/hand motion patterns from EMG signal. We examined which of the following signal features was appropriate: raw signal, integrated signal (IEMG), the max frequency component, power spectrum or rising voltage level. For the discrimination algorism, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) was introduced. As a result, around 80% discrimination rate was accomplished from integrated signal, power spectrum and rising voltage level. The IEMG signal scored the highest 83.3% discrimination rate.


The superposition of configurations (SOC) method has been used to calculate f-values for the Mg H doublet at 1240 A, which has been observed in the interstellar medium near stars such as ζ Ophiuchi. Our best value for the multiplet oscillator strength is 0.00083. SOC calculations have also been undertaken for the stronger (3s-3p) doublet at 2800 A giving a multiplet f-value of 0.92.


Food sovereignty is about the right to healthy food and the right to have control over one's food. This article examines opportunities and challenges in the efforts of Feast Down East (FDE), a local food systems movement in Southeastern North Carolina, to develop a food sovereignty program linking limited resource consumers and growers in an effort to provide access to healthy, affordable, and culturally appropriate foods in a low-income community. Several FDE initiatives attempt to address common problems in limited resource communities, such as food insecurity, food access, and knowledge about healthy food preparation. "Fresh markets," which are run by low-income consumers and sell affordable produce, link limited resource farmers to urban, low-income public housing neighborhoods. Nutrition and cooking classes are offered at the market sites, and recipes are distributed at the point of sale. FDE's Food Sovereignty Program also partners with other organizations, such as Food Corps to raise awareness about healthy eating in schools, and two local nonprofits to provide fresh produce boxes to low-income residents. Surveys of 16 program participants conducted by extension leaders indicate increases in food security, healthy eating habits, and physical activity among participants. Semistructured interviews with four community resident leaders illuminate some of the barriers of neighborhood effects and other challenges in cultivating food sovereignty, such as living conditions, politics of place, and broader inequalities. Additional initiatives that address food sovereignty in limited resource communities are needed as a means of expanding access and gaining additional knowledge about challenges in doing so.


Morphing is usually designed to adapt the structure properties to different missions, while in this paper, it is also a method of flight control of the aircrafts. With morphing aircrafts taken as bodies with variable center of mass and inertia tensor, the centroid dynamic equations are analyzed to build the nonlinear dynamic model, which are then simplified for gull-wings with folding angles as the morphing parameters. For the purpose of further analysis and controller design, the nonlinear equations are linearized based on perturbation approach. The H∞ synthesis is introduced to develop the attitude tracking controller. The proposed approach is validated by the nonlinear simulations, which show that the initiative morphing strategy works well and will improve the robustness of the system.


Abstract Sustainability is an issue concerned with social, economic and environmental problems. The primary aim of sustainability is to fulfil the needs of the present society without compromising potential needs of future generations. Product design has a significant impact on sustainability, and a sensible decision-making process that considers trade-offs at early design stage is critical to the success of product design that addresses environmental sustainability issues. This study aims to identify and review the decision-making process for environmentally sustainable design. A comprehensive literature review has been performed to establish the trends over the past two decades. The decision-making process for sustainable design has been summarised, and the frequently-used decision-making methods, such as ANP/AHP, TOPSIS, and BWM, have been identified and discussed. A framework for the selection of Multi-criteria Decision-making (MCDM) methods has been developed to aid researchers to select appropriate MCDM methods in sustainable design. In addition, future research opportunities have also been identified.


Artificial induction of a chromosomal double-strand break in Saccharomyces cerevisiae enhances the frequency of integration of homologous DNA fragments into the broken region by up to several orders of magnitude. The process of homologous repair can be exploited to integrate, in principle, any foreign DNA into a target site, provided the introduced DNA is flanked at both the 5' and 3' ends by sequences homologous to the region surrounding the double-strand break. We have developed a tool set that requires a minimum of steps to induce double-strand breaks at chromosomal target sites with the meganuclease I-SceI and select integration events at those sites. We demonstrate this method in two different applications. First, the introduction of site-specific single-nucleotide phosphorylation site mutations into the S. cerevisiae gene SPO12. Second, the precise chromosomal replacement of eleven S. cerevisiae proteasome genes with their human orthologs. Placing the human genes under S. cerevisiae transcriptional control allowed us to update our of model of functional replacement. Our experience suggests that using native promoters may be a useful general strategy for the coordinated expression of foreign genes in S. cerevisiae. We provide an integrative targeting toolset that will facilitate a variety of precision genome engineering applications.


esophageal meat bolus impaction. Rigid esophagoscope was inserted with difficulty and no foreign body was retrieved. Subsequent chest X-ray was normal. The patient was transferred to our institution for removal of the foreign body. The patient's respiratory rate was 24/min., HR 90/min. and had a normal body temperature. Subcutaneous emphysema was noted in the neck. The patient's Hb 11.4gm% and WBC count 15,800/dl. with predominant polymorphs. The patient was intubated and ventilated. Therapeutic upper endoscope was passed under direct vision to the level of cricopharyngeus and advanced to 38cms through a blind pouch. No foreign body was found, however several small pieces of meat was identified in the blind pouch. Several washings failed to reveal an opening in to the stomach. The endoscope was withdrawn which identified an area of induration at 20cms. Air insufflation identified the true lumen of the esophagus. The endoscope was then advanced in to the stomach. No foreign body was discovered. A naso-duodenal feeding tube was placed. Gastrograffin swallow identified a small perforation at the level of the cricopharyngeus. CT scans of the chest demonstrated air in the mediastinum, peritoneum and retroperitoneal space. The patient was treated with IV antibiotics, enteral feedings and closely monitored for infection. Repeat CT scans, contrast swallows, and endoscopies at 1, 2 and 3 wks. confirmed progressive healing of the esophageal dissection and resorption of mediastinal and retroperitoneal air. The patient was discharged home and remains healthy without any complications. Unlike in the past, the above patient was safely managed conservatively. Although rigid esophagoscope is safe, is not without complications even in the hands of experienced clinicians. Therefore, flexible therapeutic endoscope should be considered as a first choice in the management of foreign bodies in the esophagus. Additionally, non-operative management for the esophageal dissection should be considered in some instances.


In biparental species, parental-investment theory generally predicts an inverse relationship between the level of parental care provided by each parent and incomplete compensation by one parent in response to reduced parental care by their partner. The factors that influence the magnitude of this compensation have rarely been examined in birds. For example, the level of compensation may differ between a widowed bird that receives no assistance from its partner and a mated bird whose partner is still present but providing less than its normal share of parental care. This study compares the compensatory response of female tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) without their mate's parental assistance (when females are widowed) and with reduced male parental care (when males are handicapped by cutting some feathers). When compared with control females, experimental females compensated more in terms of nest visits for the absence than the reduction of male parental care. In addition, widowed females had significantly reduced brood mass and fledging success compared with control females. Although handicapped males reduced their nest-visit rate significantly, females with handicapped mates did not significantly increase their nest-visit rate nor was there reduced brood mass or reduced fledging success at their nests. Total nest-visit rate was similar for all groups, yet widowed females fledged fewer and lighter young, suggesting that they brought less food per nest visit. We suggest that fledging success and measures of offspring quality are probably better indicators of the level of compensatory parental care than nest-visit rate. We suggest that for widowed females the benefits of a relatively large compensatory response outweighed the costs; whereas, for females with a handicapped mate the benefits of higher feeding rates were not greater than the cost. The results of this study help to explain the differences among experimental studies of compensatory parental care and point to a new method of testing models of parental care.


Since 1990, a growing number of low-income developing countries have encouraged private operators in infrastructure.1 Between 1990 and 1999, the proportion of low-income countries with at least one private infrastructure project grew from nearly 20 percent to more than 80 percent— 50 countries (table 1), exceeding the percentage of lower-middle-income countries (77 percent). Investment in projects with private participation in low-income countries rose almost every year during the 1990s and peaked in 1997 at US$33.6 billion, almost as much as the US$35.1 billion invested in lower-middle income country projects that year (figure 2). After 1997, investments fell, mainly because of the financial crisis in East Asia. Although This Note, based on the Wor ld Bank's Pr ivate Par t ic ipat ion in Infrastructure (PPI) Project Database, reviews trends in infrastructure projects with pr ivate par t ic ipat ion in low-income countr ies . Four main conclus ions ar ise . Surpris ingly, the propor t ion of countr ies with at least one project—81 percent—is higher among low-income than middleincome countr ies . As in middleincome countr ies , most investment has been in te lecommunicat ions or energy projects . However, in low-income countr ies , wel l over hal f the projects are greenf ie ld. And the scale of pr ivate par t ic ipat ion in low-income countr ies lags far behind that in middleincome countr ies ( f igure 1) . Private Infrastructure


We theoretically investigate suppression and recovery of the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations of the diamagnetic response of electrons (holes) confined in self-assembled IncGa1−cAs/GaAs semiconductor reflection asymmetrical quantum rings. Based on the mapping method and gauge-origin-independent definition for the magnetic vector potential we simulate the energies and wave functions of the electron (hole) under external magnetic and electric fields. We examine the transformation of the ground state wave function of the electron (hole) in reflection asymmetrical rings from localized in one of the potential valleys (dotlike shape of the wave function) to distributed over all volume of the ring (ringlike shape) under an appropriate lateral electric field. This transformation greatly recovers the electron (hole) diamagnetic coefficient and Aharonov-Bohm oscillations of the diamagnetic response of the ring. However, the recovering electric field for the first Aharonov-Bohm diamagnetic oscillation of the electron is a suppressing one for the hole (and vice versa). This can block the recovery of the optical Aharonow-Bohm effect in IncGa1−cAs/GaAs asymmetrically wobbled rings. However, the recovery of the Aharonov-Bohm oscillations for the independent electron (hole) by the external electric field remains interesting and feasible objective for the asymmetric rings.


Image steganography has widely developed. There are also many algorithm developed for it. Meanwhile, the interest in using audio data as cover object in steganography can be spelled out late emergence than image data. This paper discusses the implementation of steganography in audio data using Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum method. Spread Spectrum method is often used to send hidden message through radio waves. This message is transmitted through noise-like wave. The same method can be applied to embed message in audio data. The embedded audio data will be heard as noise. The Spread Spectrum method used in this paper is Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum. A key is needed to embed messages into noise, this key is used to generate pseudo-noise wave. The information to be embedded must first modulated using the pseudo-noise. This paper discusses implementation of the method in audio data to hide text message. Spread Spectrum method is known to be very robust, but as a consequence the cost is very large, the implementation is relatively complex, and the information capacity is very limited. This problem will also be discussed in this paper.


Introduction: NASA's Curiosity rover on the Mars Science Laboratory mission (MSL) has found overwhelming evidence that Gale crater once hosted a habitable lacustrine environment [e.g. 1]. However, the chemistry of this lake environment and how it evolved over time is poorly constrained, as it is unclear which secondary minerals in Gale's rock record formed in primary lacustrine vs. later diagenetic events. Some differences in bedrock color indicate differences in secondary minerals and are likely diagenetic in nature, and these color variations are visible from both the ground and orbit [e.g. 2]. Here we use orbital color data to study the distribution of possible large-scale diagenetic features more broadly in Gale crater to help better constrain the nature and chemistry of fluid interactions through time. Background: Previous studies have observed evidence of secondary minerals at a variety of scales in Gale Crater including from orbit [e.g. 3,4] and from rover datasets [e.g. 5,6,7,8,9,2,10,11,12]. Both early authigenic formation in a redox stratified lake [13] and short lived early diagenetic acidic and oxidizing fluids [14] have been proposed to be responsible for the secondary mineral assemblages, including fine-grained red hematite, found in the lower Murray, and early or late oxidative diagenesis has been proposed as the origin for variations in hematite grain size and crystallinity throughout the Murray [2]. Late and warm, acidic, and/or reducing diagenetic fluids likely caused the formation of decameter scale gray zones and cementation of the Vera Rubin ridge [2,10,15,11,16]. Polygonal fracture networks in the Siccar Point group (SPg) are likely diagenetic in origin as they crosscut the unconformity between the SPg and the underlying Murray in some locations [17]. So far, the rover has observed two outcroppings of the SPg which both display crosscutting features; the Stimson formation and the Greenheugh pediment (Fig. 1/3). Silica rich alteration halos cross-cutting stratigraphy between the Murray and Stimson formations are evidence of late stage diagenesis, possibly by hydrothermal fluids [6,7]. In the Naukluft plateau region, certain alteration halos correspond to edges of polygonal fractures which are visible from orbit [17]. Thus, while the exact nature and timing of diagenetic events is still not well constrained, these studies support the overall hypothesis that multiple stages of diagenetic fluids in different locations were present long after the expiration of paleo-lake Gale. Methods: The High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera at a pixel scale of ∼26.5 cm/pixel onboard the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) [18]. HiRISE acquires images in blue‐green (BG: 502±157 nm), red (RED: 686±267 nm), and near‐ infrared (IR: 87±143 nm) filters, and variability was studied by stretching composite images. In this study we compare color variations from HiRISE to data from Curiosity as well as existing mineral maps. Mineral maps were previously generated from hyperspectral data from MRO/CRISM (Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars). CRISM data are only available at a much lower resolution than HiRISE imagery, which makes HiRISE useful for detecting smaller scale features and determining any links between color, mineralogy, and morphology of alteration features across Gale.


We report the consequences of charging on the structural and electronic properties of Aun (n = 2-20) nanoclusters. The calculations were performed using the Density Functional Theory (DFT). The structural evolution of neutral and charged clusters have been studied as a function of size and the changes in their electronic properties are discussed. Our calculations show that the structural deformation from the neutral structures are substantially larger for the cationic clusters in comparison to the anionic ones. These clusters show nuclearity dependent odd-even oscillations in their ionization energies and electron affinities. The observed large magnitudes of ionization energies in comparison to their electron affinities were understood on the basis of large electron-nuclear attraction (EEN) present in the anionic clusters. Keywords-Gold Nanoclusters, DFT Calculations, Oxidation/Reduction Potentials, Superatomic configurations, OddEven Effects.


A diastereoselective palladium-catalyzed cyclization of allenyl hemiacetals is described. It permits the selective synthesis of 1,3-dioxane derivatives, precursors for syn-configured 1,3-diols which make an appearance in all of the statin representatives. The reaction allows the total synthesis of Rosuvastatin and Pitavastatin in a straightforward fashion.


Ordered semiconductor ZnO nanowire arrays embedded in anodic alumina membranes (AAM) were fabricated by generating alumina templates with nanochannels, electrodepositing Zn in them, and then oxidizing the Zn nanowire arrays. The polycrystalline ZnO nanowires with the diameters ranging from 15 to 90 nm were uniformly assembled into the hexagonally ordered nanochannels of the AAM. Photoluminescence (PL) measurements show a blue PL band in the wavelength range of 450–650 nm caused by the singly ionized oxygen vacancy in ZnO nanowires.


Based on the samples of listed companies in China in 2005,the present paper examines industry effect on the incentive and performance of MA.The result shows that industry-innovative MA gains more industry effect compared with non-industry-innovative MA.A conclusion is reached that it is far from enough to judge whether an MA is really successful by only using financial variables,and that alternative factors that have an effect on an MA should be taken seriously.


Summary. We attempted to identify the diagnostic markers and severity predictors of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease (VOD) in 115 adult patients who were uniformly conditioned with busulphan and cyclophosphamide and who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). A diagnosis of VOD was made according to clinical criteria. Severity of VOD was classified as mild, moderate or severe. Various haemostatic parameters were determined at five time points (d −7, 0, 7, 14 and 21). Using clinical and haemostatic parameters, we developed multivariate models to identify diagnostic markers as well as severity predictors of VOD. Of the 115 patients included in the study, 50 (43·5%) developed VOD. Twenty‐nine had mild VOD, 13 moderate and 8 severe. Multiple logistic regression models showed that plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) antigen (P = 0·029), percentage change of body weight (P = 0·001) and bilirubin (P < 0·001) were independent marker variables for the occurrence of VOD, and PAI‐1 antigen (P = 0·030) and bilirubin (P = 0·049) were independent marker variables for the occurrence of severe VOD. Our study suggests that PAI‐1 antigen can be used as a diagnostic marker as well as a severity predictor of VOD after allogeneic BMT.


The cognitive development of children after a febrile seizure is regarded with great anxiety by parents due to the fear of negative effects on the mental development of their children. Population-based and clinical-based studies have substantiated that these fears have no foundation. Children having experienced febrile seizures attend German high school ("Gymnasium") as often as all other children. Children with pre-existing neurological deficits are an exception with respect to their further cognitive development. A summary on the relevant studies concerning this issue is presented.


Chitooligosaccharide present invention provides a method of use in crop cultivation, Chitooligosaccharide first dissolved in water to a solution, then giving to crops as foliar; Chitooligosaccharide as the average molecular weight of 500 20,000, the concentration of the solution Chitooligosaccharide 0.3-3g / L, the number of leaf growth of the entire spray 3-5 times. After the first Chitooligosaccharide be solid or liquid diluted prior to use in crops as foliar giving basal; Chitooligosaccharide used average molecular weight of 1000-30000, an amount chitooligosaccharides 100-2000 g / acre . Compared with the prior art, the present method is simple, give full play to the role of activated Chitooligosaccharide physiological and biochemical functions in plant growth and prevent disease. After applying at reducing the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides premise, maintain or increase crop yield.


Industry analysis has long been a cornerstone in both the academic and professional segments of the investment community. Concepts such as "an industry providing downside protection" or "another is certain to outperform the market" have been prevalent throughout the profession. The importance of industry analysis in terms of stock price changes has been suggested by King, while the influence of the industry factor on corporate earnings changes has been documented by Brown and Ball. These studies and others have indicated that industry analysis has been an important part of security valuation.


School health and physical education (H&PE), alongside school-based interventions can be a vehicle to enhance children's health and development (Reiner et al., 2013). Physical literacy (PL) was introduced into Ontario's H&PE curriculum, to raise program quality and provide students with the competence and confidence to engage in varied PA over the life course (Ontario Ministry of Education, 2010). The purpose of this study was to examine new H&PE teachers' early experiences in relation to PL, specifically focusing on their education/training, perceptions, and implementation of PL in school settings. Ten new specialized H&PE teachers engaged in semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed, informed by a grounded theory approach (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). Results suggest various breakdowns within three major educational components (i.e., formal teacher education, curriculum, and teaching practicum), hindering the successful implementation of PL. Practical implications and future directions are discussed through the lens of the three aforementioned themes.


The optimization problem of experimental conditions in gas-dynamic methods of determining the heterogeneous recombination probability of atoms is treated analytically for low-catalytic coatings. Schemes are considered with flow models around blunt bodies and planar plates. Comparative analysis is carried out of the possibilities of devices with sub- and supersonic motion of the dissociating gas


Foreword. Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The Managed Futures Industry. 3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Managed Futures. 4. The Performance of Managed Futures. 5. Evaluating the Performance of a Managed Futures Program. 6. Legal, Regulatory, Accounting, and Tax Considerations in Managed Futures. 7. Setting Up a Managed Futures Program. 8. Summary. Appendix A. Measures of passive and Managed Futures Performance. Appendix B. Sources of Information on Managed Futures. References and Bibliography on Managed Futures.


Once a step is made to a medium power range of several hundred volts and amps the power device parasitic characteristics begin to dominate design, and the ability to scale up power devices begins to falter. Many applications prefer to advance power requirements by parallel units rather than make a technology jump. Good applications for medium power devices are often missed. This paper concentrates on the interaction between system performance, and the design of the power conversion stage, and to show the inter-dependence of switch drivers and switch snubbers. The author concludes with one example of optimisation of power conversion for both a bipolar junction transistor (BIT) and gate turn-off thyristor (GTO), the emitter and cathode switch. >


Abstrac t: The present invention provides methods for rapidly and efficiently seeding particles into a 3-dimensional scaffold, or onto a 2-dimentional scaffold. Cells, for example, may be efficiently transferred into, or onto, a scaffold in as little as 10 seconds using surface acoustic wave (SAW) actuation.


We report gas solubilities in molten polymers for two systems: the solubility of CO 2 in poly(dimethylsiloxane) and the solubility of 1,1-difluoroethane in polystyrene are measured in the range of temperatures and pressures where the gas is supercritical. The solubility data are correlated by two lattice-theory-based equations of state, namely, the Sanchez-Lacombe and Panayiotou-Vera equations of state, which employ a single adjustable binary interaction parameter. Both equations of state provide satisfactory descriptions of the solubility data when the binary interaction parameter is allowed to depend on temperature. The utility of the mixture equations of state is illustrated by predictions of swollen volume, isothermal compressibility, and thermal expansion coefficient for the mixtures over the range of data


1Oncology Medical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning City 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China; 2Department of Respiratory Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Nanning City 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China Purpose: Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been suggested as an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). However, it is still unknown whether there is a linear relationship between the NLR and the risk of death in SCLC. The objective of this study is to provide further results. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed among a total of 251 participants with SCLC. Smooth curve fitting and piecewise Cox regression model were used to determine the linear relationship between NLR and mortality risk. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to estimate the effects of NLR on OS. Interaction and stratified analyses were conducted according to covariates. Results: The analysis indicated no significant nonlinear relationship or threshold effect between NLR and hazard of death. Multivariate analysis revealed that every unit increase in NLR was associated with a 10% increase in mortality risk. High NLR (>3.5) at baseline was associated with poor OS (hazard ratio [HR]=1.97, P=0.009). The difference in median OS duration between the high and low NLR groups was statistically significant (9.1 months vs 14.6 months, P=0.0067). Furthermore, interaction analysis identified the chemotherapy regimen to play an interactive role in the association between NLR and hazard of death. Conclusion: NLR was identified as an independent risk factor for OS in SCLC and the linear correlation was observed between them. Administration of etoposide plus cisplatin (EP) regimen in patients with low NLR resulted in better long-term outcome than that of etoposide plus carboplatin (EC) regimen, while administration of the EC regimen conferred longer OS than that of the EP regimen in patients with high NLR.


Objective To investigate the effect of gastric antral cancer radical correction on prognosis of patients.Methods Retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 30 cases patients with retrospectively.Results Postoperative recurrence of duodenal stump with or without residual cancer cells were closely related.Pyloric resection of the duodenum 3cm,the cancer cells remained 31.2%;≥3cm duodenal resection,the cut end of duodenum was no residual cancer cell.ConclusionGastric antral cancer radical surgery,removal of the duodenum should as possible as ≥ 3cm.According to the actual situation of patients with scavenging of lymphaden,adjuvant chemotherapy can improve prognosis of patients,prevention of recurrence.


The concentration and temperature-independent splitting of the first overtone NH2 symmetric stretching band in 31 ortho-substituted anilines in which intramolecular hydrogen bonding is possible is interpreted in terms of a double-minimum potential for the hydrogen bonded proton. The intensity ratio of the doublet and the extent of the splitting is related to the basicity of the ortho-substituent, modified by the rigid geometrical restrictions of the intramolecular system. The absence of band splitting in the corresponding fundamental mode suggests that the secondary minimum lies in the vicinity of the v = 2 vibrational level. The antisymmetric mode appears to be less sensitive to perturbations.Deuteration studies, the spectra of some o-substituted N-methyl anilines, and the first over-tone bands of N-methyl aniline in very basic solvents support these views.


Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study and calculate the electrical characteristic of an equilateral triangular microstrip patch antenna that is proposed for dual frequency operation using the pin diode. The electrical characteristic of an equilateral triangular microstrip patch antenna is proposed for dual-frequency operation. Spur lines and ON/OFF condition of the pin diode are utilized to switch the resonant frequency of the patch. The presence of spur lines excites the surface current of the patch which is dependent on the resonant frequency of an equilateral triangular microstrip patch. Insertion of the diode in the spur lines gives a better result and compactness in patch design, which improves the miniaturization in size of patch. Design/methodology/approach – Antenna Design Aspects: A basic structure of an equilateral triangular microstrip antenna (ETMA) having two spur lines and one pin diode positioned in between the spur line is considered in this paper. The design parameters are chose...


Ion-implanted Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/N has been studied much less compared to GaN, and thus very little is known about implanted Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/N. Therefore, systematic electrical and optical activation studies of Si-implanted Al/sub x/Ga/sub 1-x/N have been made as a function of ion dose, anneal temperature, and anneal time.


After the long debates on the safety of pertussis whole cell vaccines had finally been settled1 (they had been accused of causing severe brain damage in a subset of vaccinated infants and young children), new trouble recently arose with reports on the perceived side effects of immunisation.2-4

It was not enough that for almost two decades hundreds of thousands of children had to suffer unnecessarily from whooping cough and its complications after scares among lay persons and professionals fuelled by case reports and reports in the media on serious post immunisation illnesses. This led to under or non-use of the vaccine in many European countries, primarily Germany, …


This article details a self-study dissecting an interracial group of students' theories of Blackness in a postsecondary classroom. I begin by conceptualizing fugitive literacy practices as tools with which to awaken and animate education as the practice of liberation from whiteness and anti-Blackness. I then approach multimodal essay composition as one such practice and illuminate its application in a classroom. I show how this practice affirmed students as empowered producers of knowledge. I contend that pedagogues must pivot away from the disruption of whiteness and anti-Blackness as a defined target, and turn toward the destruction of both as a desirable goal. I conclude by considering further inquiries that this provocation invites vis-à-vis curriculum and pedagogy in English teacher education.


OBJECTIVE
To investigate the potential effect of microRNA-655-3p (miR-655-3p) on the development of ovarian cancer (OC) and its relevant mechanism.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
Expression level of miR-655-3p in OC tissues was detected. The potential target gene of miR-655-3p was firstly predicted online and subsequently verified by luciferase reporter assay and Western blot. In vitro effects of miR-655-3p on SKOV3 cells were determined as well.

RESULTS
Low expression of miR-655-3p in OC was confirmed by quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Ras-related protein Rab-1A (RAB1A) was a direct target of miR-655-3p in OC and was negatively regulated by miR-655-3p. Further, the effects of miR-655-3p/RAB1A axis on cell proliferation, metastasis ability, and EMT activation were emphasized.

CONCLUSIONS
Our research emphasized the suppressor function of miR-655-3p in OC. By targeting RAB1A, miR-655-3p played a tumor suppressor role in OC. We affirmed the beneficial effects of miR-655-3p in OC cells for the first time, thus providing an experimental basis for the treatment of OC.


Objective To evaluate the correlation between the level of serum lipoprotein a LP(a)] and coronary heart disease. Methods 160 patients under coronary angiography were divided into three groups: acute coronary syndrome (ACS,n=60),stable angina pectoris (SAP,n=40) and controls (n=60, coronary angiography is normal). The concentrations of serum LP(a) were measured and compared. Results The levels of LP(a) in ACS and SAP patients were higher than the controls. The levels of LP(a) in ACS patients were higher than the SAP patients. There was a positive correlation between the level of LP(a) and the extent and severity of coronary artery disease. Conclusion The extent, severity and destabilization of coronary artery disease were correlated with the elevated level of LP(a).


Objective To investigate the influencing factors of functional recovery after high tibial osteotomy (HTO). Methods A retrospective research was carried on 98 patients who underwent HTO between January 2018 and December 2020. In each case, the medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA), femoral tibial angle (FTA), hip-knee-ankle (HKA), weight bearing line (WBL) ratio of the knee joint, opening gap, opening angle, American knee society knee score (KSS), US Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Lysholm score, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) were measured to determine postoperative function and influential factors of pain through logistic regression analysis. Results The follow-up time was between 18 and 42 months after operation with an average of 27.66 ± 12.9 per month. Overall functional scores were significantly improved. The influencing factors that may affect the postoperative effect of HTO include age and preoperative WBL ratio of the knee joint (WBL%). After incorporating these two factors into the multivariate logistic regression analysis, for every 1 unit increase in the preoperative WBL%, the probability of postoperative HSS being superior is 1.06 times higher than before [Exp(β): 1.062, 95% CI: 1.01–1.1, p = 0.018]. For every year increase in age, the probability of an excellent HSS score after surgery was 0.84 times higher than that before surgery [Exp(β): 0.843, 95% CI: 0.718–0.989, p = 0.036]. Preoperative WBL% ≥ 14.37 was 17.4 times more likely to be rated as excellent postoperative HSS than that <14.37 [Exp(β): 17.406, 95% CI: 1.621–186.927, p = 0.018]. Conclusion The postoperative functional scores of the patients significantly improved. Patients with preoperative WBL% ≥ 14.37% had better function after surgery.


The present invention discloses a rotary valve having a rotor and stator that utilizes at least one compression spring to provide contact between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) is configured to oppose the pressure forces that urge the rotors and stators apart and reduce the amount of torque necessary to turn the rotors in the valve while preventing leakage from between the rotor and stator. The spring(s) may be positioned within the valve by a spring locating features.


Abstract In general, physical processes are usually nonlinear and control system design based on the linearization technique cannot control the process well for a wide range of operation. Use of the variable transformation method may not always solve the problem. In this paper, a fuzzy adaptive controller is proposed to control the nonlinear process. The CSTR control problem has also been considered. The results are compared with the method of nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) with constrained and unconstrained control variables. A fuzzy model-following control system scheme is also proposed. The results show that the proposed controller is a feasible control structure for a nonlinear or parameter-variations process control.


In my earlier paper' I did try to show that my rights-based view of punishment squares better with some of our considered judgments than do some of the alternative approaches, but I did not try to prove the rights-based view. Rather, I raised the problem of whether, assuming that we do adopt a rights-based view, even when one nonvoluntarily infringes on another's rights, one forfeits one's rights, incurs a debt to that person, and becomes liable to have some of one's interests balanced against his (and his representatives'). Brady thinks that on my view one cannot distinguish justifications from excuses. Specifically, he believes that my view cannot explain why self-defense is a justification while duress is at best an excuse. Indeed, he maintains that the view requires taking both justifications and excuses to be mere pleas of mitigation. His argument rests on the assumption that, on my view, people have a claim-right not to be harmed and correlatively that they have a duty not to be causally involved with harming each other. Accordingly, he interprets me as saying that, if in self-defense one causes harm to one's assailant, one violates the assailant's claim-right not to be harmed and therefore one loses one's own claim-right not to be punished. But this is a misinterpretation. I do not assume that people have an unqualified duty not to harm each other. Rather, I would say that people have an unqualified duty not to wrong each other or that people have an unqualified duty not to violate each other's rights. We have a duty then not to harm another when harming him would violate his rights. Sometimes, however, we can in a sense harm another without violating any of his rights. If a person, for example, sets up a rival business and as a result your business suffers, he has in a sense harmed you. The prison warden who ensures that the prisoner cannot escape has in a sense harmed him. In these examples, the actions that cause harm are permissible. The important thing is that no wrong is done to the person whose interests have been harmed, for only if one does a wrong to him can one be made liable to punishment for harming his interests.


A nest of the Fairy Pitta was found on Siraki-cho, Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima Prefecture (34°35′N, 132°39′E, 265m above sea level), western Japan. Five nestlings were observed in the nest on 5 July and fledged on 11 July.


Based on the analysis of N concentration in surface sediments and overlying waters, the result shows that the concentration of NH\++\-4 is high in August, February and November, occupying for 50%~98% of total inorganic nitrogen. In November both NH\++\-4 and NO\+-\-3 obviously increased. On spatial distribution, the concentration of inorganic nitrogen in the south bank of Yangtze estuary is commonly higher than in the north bank of Hangzhou bay. Both BLG and SDK have the maximum concentration of NH\++\-4. The spatial distribution of NO\+-\-3 is consistent with NH\++\-4, and both are influenced by the sewage discharges and the nutrient inputs from the Yangtze River. In overlying water, the concentration of NO\+-\-3 is commonly higher than NO\+-\-2 and NH\++\-4 in February and August, but in November the concentration of NH\++\-4 obviously increased, and exceeded NO\+-\-3. Inorganic nitrogen in overlying water is characterized by greater regional variation, showing the control of sewage discharge and depositional environments. In comparison with nitrogen concentration levels and developing trend from 1980's to 2000's, the findings show that the environmental quality of waters and sediments decreases with time. And water quality is lower than Grade Ⅳ of Marine Water Quality Standard. Maximum value is up to \{9.54\} times higher than the standard. The trend becomes severe.


The behavior of the flow stress of Al-Fe-V-Si heat-resistant aluminum alloy prepared by spray forming during hot compression deformation was studied. The results show that the true stress-true strain curves of the spray forming Al-Fe-V-Si heat-resistant alloy are characterized by a high true stress occurrence at the early stage of compression, followed by a steady flowing due to recovery and strain softening because of dynamic recrystallization. The flow stress of the alloy decreases with increasing deforming temperature and increases with increasing strain rate. The flow stress of the spray forming Al-Fe-V-Si heat-resistant aluminum alloy during hot compression deforming can be described by constitutive equation in hyperbolic sine function.The deformation activation energy of the alloy during hot deformation by Sellars-Tegart equation is much higher than those of the conventional aluminum alloy. The deformation activation energy decreases with decreasing strain rate at the beginning, then increases with decreasing strain rate. Keywords:Al-Fe-V-Si alloy;heat-resistant aluminum alloy;hot compression deformation;flow stress


Forestry development and management is an important constituent of constructing harmonious society.The fundamental target and work theme has inseparable relation with the construction of socialistic harmonious society,and plays an important role in constructing socialistic harmonious society.


In 2010 a graffiti sign appeared on a bridge over a national highway near Cape Town in South Africa. It depicted a cow's head and the single word - PEACE. For Nicolene Swanepoel (veterinarian, artist and ceramist) this sign was an epiphany and a confirmation. In a single emblematic moment the image encapsulated her beliefs about the symbolic importance of cattle in contemporary South Africa.


We report on formation and state-selective detection of ultracold polar KRb molecules, and on magnetic trapping of the metastable a state. Resonant two-photon ionization spectra are analyzed to map the electronic structure and vibrational distributions.


Without the complex, detailed mathematics usually encountered when dealing with the subject of datums and map projections, the author of this book should be congratulated on providing a clear explanation of the terminology, relationships, transformations and computations involved when combining data from different sources. In order to provide a comprehensive resource for the increasing number of inexperienced users of spatial data, the author has taken a very practical approach to the subject o f datums and map projections. The book is arranged into two distinct sections, with Chapters 1 to 6 focussing on datums and Chapters 7 to 12, map projections. Chapter 13 provides a practical conclusion to this study, with a problem solving approach involving several well detailed case studies. Specific chapters have been included in each section to provide fundamental definitions and background information for nontechnical readers. The author has very sensibly opted for the use of numerous, well-presented, detailed examples and diagrams to simplify the concepts involved. Even more technically advanced readers will appreciate this approach in subsequent chapters that are designed to provide more detailed explanations.


In this paper, the analysis, design and implementation of a linear MIMO controller for the ECP750 gyroscope is addressed. This mechanism can be represented by a 4 times 2 MIMO model. It is shown that such a model can be decomposed into 2 SISO systems in series with a 2 times 2 MIMO system. Based on the above, a design composed of two internal SISO control loops and a 2 times2 MIMO control system is presented. The two SISO control loops are obtained by applying classical techniques, while the MIMO controller is designed by applying individual channel design (ICD). Real time results showing the control system performance are included


The present invention discloses a mooring and floating dock free condition monitoring system, comprising: monitoring a plurality of nodes and a monitoring center for monitoring a floating dock different; each monitored by an optical fiber connected between the node with the monitoring center; the monitoring node includes a data acquisition unit, a central processing unit, a display unit node, the node and the node optical alarm unit transceiver unit; the central optical transceiver unit, the center of the display unit, a central control unit and the central alarm unit; said central processor includes a data collection unit the data processing unit, the status determination unit, a control unit and a storage unit node; the present invention is specifically applied to this particular floating dock monitored object, while capable of collecting and detecting the state of the data analysis and processing and calculation, targeted, fully complete, accurate and reliable, convenient and practical.


This work aimed to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of rhizobia isolates under field conditions in two sites: Guapo and Santo Antonio de Goias, by comparison of their results with the commercial strains SEMIA 4077, 4080 and SEMIA SEMIA 4088 of Rhizobium tropici.


A study was made of the effects of alloying elements on microstructural factors and wear properties of four high speed steel (HSS) rolls manufactured by centrifugal casting method. A simulation test was carried out using a high-temperature wear tester capable of controlling speed, load, and temperature. The test results revealed that the HSS roll containing a larger amount of vanadium showed the best wear resistance because it contained a number of hard MC carbides. However, it showed a very rough roll surface because of the cracking along cell boundaries, the preferential removal of the matrix, and the sticking of the rolled material to the roll during the wear process, thereby leading to increase in friction coefficient and rolling force. In order to improve wear resistance with consideration of the roll surface roughness, it is suggested that reduction in the vanadium content, solid solution hardening by adding alloying elements, secondary hardening by precipitation of fine carbides in the matrix, and formation of fine prior austenite grain boundaries by pre-austenitization treatment are required to strengthen the matrix which can hold hard carbides in it.


Abstract Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections (HAI). Fulminant colitis is a severe form of the disease and is considered a surgical emergency. A total colectomy is the current standard of care for patients with this diagnosis. A new emerging procedure, diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage, has shown to have less morbidity, allowing preservation of the native colon. Methods: We present a patient who developed sepsis secondary to fulminant CDI. He received treatment with diverting loop ileostomy and colonic lavage in addition to antimicrobial agents. Seven months later, disease free, he underwent ileostomy reversal but then developed recurrent toxic megacolon and enteritis secondary to CDI. Conclusion: Even though diverting loop ileostomy with colonic lavage in the setting of a complicated infection seems to have initial benefits, additional studies are needed to address long-term morbidity/mortality.


Objective To observe the therapeutic effect of Shenqifuzheng injection combined with chemotherapy on advanced non-small-cell lung cancer.Methods 79 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer were randomly divided into two groups.38 patients in trial group were treated by chemotherapy of NVP+DDP regimen combined with Shenqifuzheng injection 250 ml/d for 42 days;41 patients in control group were treated by chemotherapy of NVB+DDP only.Results The effective rates were 44.7%(17/38)in trial group and 34.1%(14/41)in control group,there was asignificant difference between two groups(P0.05).The bone marrowsuppression and digestive system side-effects in trial group were significantly lower than those in control group(P0.05).KPS and body weight score in trial group were significantly higher than those in control group(P0.01).Conclusion Shenqifuzheng injection combined with chemotherapy could increase effective rate,reduce side-effects of chemotherapy and improve life quality.


This report analyses the main institutional barriers to clean development mechanism (CDM) implementation, and proposes pertinent measures for the designated national authority (DNA) to foster CDM activities in Lebanon. Given the available limited resources, and the current initial phase of CDM development process, the DNA role should be limited to a simple role of CDM catalysis and development. Most of the first CDM developed projects are clean development projects that should not have any problems complying with the sustainable development (SD) criteria of the country. The report provides recommendations on the initial CDM development process and its limitations, and an outline of the CDM development action plan in Lebanon.


Machine Reading received recently a lot of attention thanks to both the availability of very large corpora such as SQuAD or MS MARCO containing triplets (document, question, answer), and the introduction of Transformer Language Models such as BERT which obtain excellent results, even matching human performance according to the SQuAD leaderboard. One of the key features of Transformer Models is their ability to be jointly trained across multiple languages, using a shared subword vocabulary, leading to the construction of cross-lingual lexical representations. This feature has been used recently to perform zero-shot cross-lingual experiments where a multilingual BERT model fine-tuned on a machine reading comprehension task exclusively for English was directly applied to Chinese and French documents with interesting performance. In this paper we study the cross-language and cross-domain capabilities of BERT on a Machine Reading Comprehension task on two corpora: SQuAD and a new French Machine Reading dataset, called CALOR-QUEST. The semantic annotation available on CALOR-QUEST allows us to give a detailed analysis on the kinds of questions that are properly handled through the cross-language process. We will try to answer this question: which factor between language mismatch and domain mismatch has the strongest influence on the performances of a Machine Reading Comprehension task?


Chronic obesity is a very difficult condition to treat and the statistics are appalling. Of patients who lose weight on any particular diet or exercise programme 90% put it all back on again within a 2-year period. Losing weight in the short term is a fairly easy and straightforward business. Nearly everyone can stick to a low-energy diet and step up their exercise for 1 week. Indeed, I have never met a patient who has failed to lose weight for short periods. Achieving safe permanent weight loss is a different kettle of fish and requires infinite patience, total commitment and strategic planning. I will now describe the plight of the perpetual dieter whose life revolves around food, who is always on a diet, but who never succeeds in losing weight. There are three distinct phases of dieting that are characteristic of this unfortunate person.


This research presents computer modeling and thermal simulations based on CFD for quantitative evaluation of temperature and diagnostics of critical fields with higher risk of malfunction in DC-DC converters. The impact of structural and technological factors on the board is assessed in the thermal analyses: the percentage of fillers, the thickness of the inner copper layers. Thermal analyses were performed at different ambient temperatures and extreme heat loads.


Due to the complexities surrounding the analysis on the public sector policies, managers apply formal models that help them in the decision–making process and evaluating eventual impact of thei r propositions on the public sector as a whole. Among these models, social judgment theory has being used to evaluate not only the managers' decision-making process, but also verifying how such process can be improved fulfilling demands of the public sector. This article presents an introduction to the social judgment theory and it also comments some limitations and suggestions in terms of applying this theory in the Brazilian context.


A flexible component carrier used for a flexible display panel and an attaching method for attaching a film on the flexible component. The flexible component carrier comprises a bottom plate (1) and a limit plate (2). The limit plate is disposed opposite to the bottom plate and is detachably mounted on the bottom plate by means of a limit mechanism. The limit plate is provided with groove holes (21) fitted to one side surface, facing the limit plate, of the bottom plate so as to form a flexible component positioning groove (23). When it is required to attach a film on the flexible component, a base substrate the flexible component is attached to can be taken away, then the limit plate is detached from the bottom plate, and the flexible component is directly placed on the plane of the bottom plate, so that the attaching film can be close stuck with one side surface, deviating from the bottom plate, of the flexible component, thereby reducing the defect probability of generating air bubbles and the like between the attaching film and the flexible component.


Users of IVEs typically underestimate distances during blind walking tasks, even though they are accurate at this task in the real world. The cause of this underestimation is still not known. Our previous work found an exception to this effect: When the virtual environment was a realistic, co-located replica of the concurrently occupied real environment, users did not significantly underestimate distances. However, when the replica was rendered in an NPR style, we found that users underestimated distances. In this study we explore whether the inaccuracy in distance estimation could be due to lack of size and distance cues in our NPR IVE, or if it could be due to a lack of presence. We ran blind walking trials in a new replica IVE that combined features of the previous two IVEs. Participants significantly underestimated distances in this environment.


The HOXJJfl'CL3 homeobox gene was identified at the breakpoint region in pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia harboring 10q24 chromasomal translocation& We previously reported that primary mu nine bone marrow cells transduced cx vivo with a recombinant HOXIJ containing retrovirus, MSCV-HOX11, gave rise to cell lines at hiaji fre quency having characterIstics of early myeloid cell& Cell lines were also established from the bone marrow and spleen of transplant recipients sacrificed 5 months after engraftment with MSCV-HOX11-transduced bone marrow cells These latter lines, which exhibited a more differenti ated myelomonocytic phenotype, harbored proviruses encoding a smaller HOX11 protein. None of the mice that received HOXJJ-expressing bone marrow cells or myeloid cell lines developed leukemia during 6-month observation periods@Here, we report that two bone marrow transplant recipients eventually developed T-ceft acute lymphoblastic leukemia-like malignancies at 7 and 12 months posttransplant, indicating that progres sion to a fully malignant state required additional mutations. One tumor synthesized full-length HOX11 whereas the other expressed the smaller version of the protein. The smaller HOX11 protein suffered a carboxyl terminal truncation. We subsequently constructed MSCV-based retrovi ml vectors expressing deleted forms of HOX11 and identified an amino terminal region that was dispensible for generation of myeloid cell lines having a similar phenotype as those induced by full-length HOX11. We thus conclude that regions near the amino and carboxyl termini of HOX11 are not emential for transforming function, nor do they appear to deter mine the lineage or stage of differentiation of the target cell for transfor mation.


Research progress in determination methods of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate was introduced,such as high performance liquid chromatography,fluorescence spectrophotometry,spectrophotometric,gas chromatography,electrogenerated chemiluminescenc and so on.Advantages and disadvantages of different methods were discussed.


An approach to manufacturing system control is presented that uses a state diagram and an interpreter, both ofwhich are specifically designed for manufacturing systems. The manufacturing system's hardware components are also defined external to th econtrol software. The resulting software illustrates that a very dynamic and reusable manufacturing control system is possible. The approach is algorithmic in nature, and has been designed to be accessible to, and integrated with, an artificial intelligence portion that will be responsible for reasoning related to error recovery and system diagnosis. As a test of the control system, a manufacturing system hardward emulation program was used that included definable failure rates.


Clustering is the division of data into groups of similar objects. The main objective of this unsupervised learning technique is to find a natural grouping or meaningful partition by using a distance or similarity function. Clustering techniques are applied in pattern classification schemes, bioinformatics, data mining, web mining, biometrics, document processing, remote sensed data analysis, biomedical data analysis, etc., in which the data size is very large. The medical data statistical analysis often requires the using of some special techniques, because of the particularities of these data. The principal components analysis and the data clustering are two statistical methods for data mining which are very useful in the medical field, the first one as a method to decrease the number of studied parameters, and the second one as a method to analyze the connections between diagnosis and the data about the patient's condition. This work investigates the implications obtained from a specific data analysis technique that is the data clustering preceded by a selection of the most relevant parameters using the principal components analysis.


Two nonlinear state observers are proposed to reconstruct the system states for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. Both state observers are designed based on continuous higher order sliding mode and terminal sliding mode concepts. The proposed observers are chattering-free and constructed without any detailed model knowledge of the system. Desirable features of the proposed observers include that they are immune to noise and can be designed separately from a controller. Lyapunov stability theory is employed to prove the finite-time convergent and uniformly ultimately bounded observation. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness and improved performance of the developed observers.


Increasing costs of petroleum derivatives, limitations on pollutant emissions, introduced with a view to protecting the environment, especially in large population centres, and the development of photovoltaic (PV) and electrical storage systems make it possible to spread the use of electrically powered vehicles. The transition to a zero emission vehicles will lead in the immediate future to an unsustainable overload of the electricity grid that could be limited by the diffusion of localized systems of electrical energy generation that use renewable energy sources. The forthcoming energy transition should bring complex technological systems in which each technology development will be closely linked together, such as the potential synergy between electrical mobility and PV generation. In this work, an energy and economic feasibility study was carried out regarding an electric vehicle (EV) nocturnal charging in a residential user. In particular, three different EV charging scenarios were considered: (1) use of the grid; (2) use of a gridconnected PV system with a storage battery; (3) use of a grid-connected PV system with a storage battery in the presence also of a residential user. For each scenario, fractions, referring to the yearly energy required by the electrical load, of energy taken from the grid and, in the presence of a PV and storage system, of energy produced sent to the load, energy taken from the battery and surplus energy were evaluated. Starting from the results of the energy analysis, a detailed economic analysis was carried out to estimate the investment convenience, using the Net Present Value. In particular, for each scenario, two sub-scenarios were examined that foresee the purchase of an EV as an alternative to a vehicle powered, respectively, by petrol and diesel. By varying the EV load, corresponding to different daily average distances travelled, a parametric study was developed in order to assess the influence of the size of the PV and storage system on the load satisfaction and solar energy utilization, and economic convenience achievable by employing solar technologies. The aim was to identify the system configurations that ensure high values of produced and self-consumed energy, reduced values of surplus energy sent to the grid and high value of NPV. Both the energy and the economic analysis were made by means of dynamic simulation, taking into account the mathematical models of the components and the instantaneous balance of the entire system, various extraordinary investments and revenues during the investment lifespan, and variation in the cost of petrol and diesel fuels, and electrical energy. The EV considered is the Nissan Leaf 24 kWh, while the traditional vehicles chosen are Nissan Micra 1.2 and 1.5, powered respectively by petrol and diesel. The average daily distances travelled considered vary between 20 km and 140 km, typical respectively of urban and motorway routes. The analyses were conducted considering a residential building located in an urban area of Southern Italy. The results of the analysis showed the effects produced by each single parameter considered allowing the authors to outline a guideline for the design of the nocturnal EV charging scenario coupling with solar technologies for electrical energy generation and storage. In general, it is not possible to simultaneously comply with the energy self-consumption and NPV maximization. Instead, the system configurations with high solar energy utilization also lead to NPV very close to the maximum values obtainable. In general, by considering the petrol vehicle as alternative and the presence of the residential load, the highest NPV were obtained. Instead, the PV-EV investment is convenient only above a specific daily distance travelled. The optimal EV


Let $\mbox{IG}:=\mbox{IG}(2,2n+1)$ denote the odd symplectic Grassmannian of lines which is a horospherical variety of Picard rank 1. The quantum cohomology ring $\mbox{QH}^*(\mbox{IG})$ has negative structure constants. For $n \geq 3$, we give a positivity condition that implies the quantum cohomology ring $\mbox{QH}^*(\mbox{IG})$ is the only quantum deformation of the cohomology ring $\mbox{H}^*(\mbox{IG})$ up to the scaling of the quantum parameter. This is a modification of a conjecture by Fulton.


In this research work, a new application layer multicast algorithm using distributed service architecture and scalable video coding is proposed for scalable video conferencing services. The proposed algorithm considers the limitations of the human perception while participating in a video conference so as to minimize traffic that is not necessary for the communication session. A theoretical analysis was conducted to compare the total waiting time between a centralized and a distributed queues. The result shows that distributed service architecture can, by applying the newly proposed multicast algorithm provide a much smaller delay than the centralized service architecture.


1. Acarbose, an update of its therapeutic use in diabetes treatment. (page 1) 2. Long-term improvement of metabolic control by Acarbose in type-2 diabetes patients poorly controlled with maximum sulfonylurea therapy. (page 3) 3. Safety and tolerability of Acarbose in treatment of type 1 and 2 DM. (page 5) 4. Initiating and Intensifying Insulin therapy for type-2 DM: Why, when, and how. (page 6) 5. Addressing barriers to insulin therapy: the role of Insulin pens: (page 9)


A method is proposed to find the power spectrum of signals with missing observations.Here we often get several segmented data,but not a consecutive time series.The estimation of an AR model for this type of data is then discussed.The method is based on the standard Burg spectral estimation and gives some modification to find a signal model fitted for all segments simultaneously.As a result,comparing to the averaging approach,the model estimated by the Burg for segments is less biased and more precise.


The manoeuvrability of ships in restricted water, particularly in narrow waterways, has been receiving a great deal of attention in recent years because of the ever-increasing size of ships such as tankers. This paper deals with the effect of finite water channel width on ship manoeuvrability and is a expansion of the author's previous paper for shallow water effects on ship manoeuvrability. It is calculated that the derivatives of the force acting on a rectangular plate which is to be combined motion in forced yawing technique in narrow, shallow waterways and in open, shallow waterways. From these results of calculation, it is presumed that the effect of finite water channel width on ship manoeuvrability. According to this results, it can be said that the ratio of derivatives in narrow waterways and in open waterways is relatively small compared to the shallow water effects. And the effect of finite water channel width is not affect in W/L≥1.0


The Trumbull Advocacy and Protective Network (TAPN) in Ohio is a county network of agencies in social services, government, medicine, law enforcement, and housing that coordinates and integrates services and programs for seniors with extraordinary needs. The purpose of this study was to assess the strengths and weaknesses of TAPN and make recommendations for improving its effectiveness. Seventeen TAPN member agencies participated in this formative evaluation in Phase 1, whereas 19 participated in Phase 2. The fact that mean scale scores for the TAPN Accomplishment Scale increased significantly over time was revealed by t tests. The most important changes were in addressing the special needs of older adults being served by more than one agency, advocating for the efficient and effective allocation of resources, enabling agencies to better serve their clients, and offering a "single focus location" for advocacy. Important future activities and functions of TAPN were identified, and the lessons learned were described.


A new mechanism of parametric excitation of acoustic waves in solids is studied. The phenomenon of three‐phonon coupling is considered on an example of high‐temperature "easy plane" antiferromagnet (EPAF) in a transverse electromagnetic pumping field [1]. Theoretical analysis shows that space‐time development of three‐phonon excitation in the supercritical mode has character of explosive instability and localization.


In this paper,the design method of the solar cells maximum output power control was introduced.And it was made up of solar panels,detection circuit,DC-DC transform circuit,controller,DC load,etc.With this device,the effective use of the solar energy was realized by sampling the solar cells output power real-time,calculating and adjusting the duty ratio of DC-DC converter,and changing the load absorption power to make the solar panels always keep the most high output power.This system has a cost-effective,easy maintenance design,stable and reliable advantage..


Based on a general framework for computing the aggregate human capital stock under heterogeneity across population cohorts, the paper derives aggregate human capital stocks in the whole population and in the labor force, and relates these variables to average years of schooling and average work experience. Under the scenarios considered here, the "macro-Mincer" (log-linear) relationship between aggregate human capital and average years of schooling is obtained only in cases which are inconsistent with heterogeneity in years of schooling and based on empirically implausible demographic survival laws. Our numerical results indicate that the macro-Mincer equation can be a reasonable approximation of the true relationship only if returns to schooling and work experience are roughly constant across countries.


This essay provides an overview, from a North American perspective, of three Catholic scholarly libraries in Greater London. The author sketches out the history, unique qualities, collections, and services of each of these libraries. The objectives of the essay are to introduce these libraries to a new audience, to set out points of comparison of holdings, services, and cultures, and to foster new ventures of collaboration between Catholic theology libraries globally.


The present article deals with the Brazilian participation in the League of Nations. It approaches some aspects of Brazilian diplomacy from the beginning of the XX century until the Treaty of Versailles, focusing  on how  prestige was negotiated during the  various  years  of international cooperation and then put  in  disrepute  together  with  the  League  of  Nations  during  the  government  of  Artur  Bernardes.  In  an attempt  to  get  a  permanent  seat  on  the  League  Council,  Brazil  risked  all  of  its  diplomatic  history  by vetoing the admission of Germany, thereby isolating itself totally from the international scenario.


The cyclic behaviours of two prestrained materials with different slip modeshave been compared. From the analysis of hysterisis loops, it is suggested that the decreasein back stress dominates the cyclic process of Cu-Zn alloy with planar slip mode, while thedecrease in frictional stress is the main factor affecting the behaviour of Cu with wavy slipmode.The relation between the dislocation configuration and internal stress has been also dis-cussed. By means of the relation just mentioned, the variations of dislocation configurationbefore and after fatigue of the two materials, the differences in their softening mechanismand mechanical behaviour could be interpreted.


— Perovskite semiconductors have attracted impressive attention in radiation detector fields over the past few years. The research regarding lead-based perovskites, such as 𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑿𝑿 𝟑𝟑 and 𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑪𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑴𝑿𝑿 𝟑𝟑 ( 𝐌𝐌𝐌𝐌 = 𝐂𝐂𝐇𝐇 𝟑𝟑 𝐍𝐍𝐇𝐇 𝟑𝟑 ; 𝐗𝐗 = 𝐈𝐈 , 𝐂𝐂𝐂𝐂 , 𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚𝐚 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 ), have shown that they are promising candidates as a radiation detector. However, the intrinsic toxicity of lead to human body and the environment has been restricting use of the materials in various applications. In this regard, environmentally friendly, i.e., lead-free, perovskite semiconductors, have been in the spotlight as an emerging detector material. Here, we report our efforts to develop 𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐌 𝟑𝟑 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐈 𝟗𝟗 ( 𝐅𝐅 = 𝐂𝐂𝐇𝐇 ( 𝐍𝐍𝐇𝐇 𝟐𝟐 ) 𝟐𝟐 ) for radiation detector applications. In this study, we grow 𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐌 𝟑𝟑 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐈 𝟗𝟗 single crystals, characterize their physical properties and examine their potential as an X-ray and 𝜸𝜸 - ray detector. Large 𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐌 𝟑𝟑 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐈 𝟗𝟗 single crystals were grown, and Ag/ 𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐌 𝟑𝟑 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐈 𝟗𝟗 /Ag detector was fabricated. Their bandgap (~2.03 eV) and trap-filled limit (TFL) voltage 𝐕𝐕 𝐓𝐓𝐅𝐅𝐓𝐓 (0.66 V) were measured. A high resistivity ( 𝟒𝟒 . 𝟗𝟗𝟗𝟗 × 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝟏𝟏𝟏𝟏 𝛀𝛀 ∙ 𝒄𝒄𝒄𝒄 ) was achieved. The X-ray response shows a good linearity with a dose rate range from 𝟏𝟏 . 𝟏𝟏𝟐𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝐬𝐬 −𝟏𝟏 to 𝟏𝟏 . 𝟖𝟖𝟑𝟑𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝟎𝐬𝐬 −𝟏𝟏 . Our results demonstrate that as-grown 𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐌 𝟑𝟑 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐈 𝟗𝟗 single crystals exhibit bias dependence and have excellent stability during X-ray exposure. Furthermore, we also achieved the direct response of 𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐌 𝟑𝟑 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐈 𝟗𝟗 single crystals to gamma-rays and alpha particles. Our results indicate that the 𝐅𝐅𝐌𝐌 𝟑𝟑 𝐁𝐁𝐁𝐁 𝟐𝟐 𝐈𝐈 𝟗𝟗 single crystals have excellent potential for high energy radiation detection.


Quantum Cellular Automata (QCA) is an emerging technology at the nanotechnology level. Lower power consumption, higher density and higher speed nature of QCA technology are very interesting. Nowadays, many applications of QCA technology are introduced and cryptography can be an attractive application of QCA technology. The implementation of the Serpent block cipher in Quantum Cellular Automata is the main purpose of this paper. The main modules of this cryptographic algorithm are implemented in this technology and the implementation results are discussed. The two methods of S-Box design, i.e. LUT-Based and Logic-Based methods are inspected. The Serpent's S-Boxes are designed and simulated by these two methods. The simulation results are obtained from QCADesigner software.


Ba1-xCax)(Ti0.82Zr0.18)O3(BCZT, 0≤x≤0.26) ceramics was prepared by a solid phase reaction. The effect of Ca 2+ doping on the microstructure and dielectric properties of the ceramics was studied. Results showed that the solid solubility lay around x=0.16 for BCZT ceramics while the second phase was observed. The value of c/a changed as the U-type curve with the variation of the Ca 2+ , and the minimum of the c/a was 1.00276 at x=0.06. It was found that Ca 2+ ion substitution can be almost incorporated into the A site by the calculation of the tolerance factor and lattice constant. With increasing Ca 2+ ion content, the grain size was decreased. The Curie temperature was shifted to low temperature, and the er-T peak was decreased and broaden. The relaxor characteristics were obtained while Ca 2+ ion


Gynaecomastia refers to the benign enlargement of glandular breast tissue in men. It is defined by the presence of more than 2 cm of breast tissue and can affect males of any age between infancy and old age. True gynaecomastia must be distinguished from pseudo-gynaecomastia where, although the breasts appear enlarged due to excess adipose tissue, there is in fact no actual breast tissue present. In many cases gynaecomastia is an incidental finding when patients are examined for other reasons, however, occasionally patients present with gynaecomastia as the primary problem. Most cases are physiological; however, it is important to identify pathological causes, as these require specific treatment. This article aims to cover the causes of gynaecomastia and an approach to assessment and its management.