The thought-experiment presented by Bernard Williams in 'The self and the future' continues to draw the attention of writers in the debate about personal identity. While few of them agree on what implications it has for the debate, almost all agree that those implications are significant ones. Some have even claimed that it has consequences not only for personal identity, but also concerning the viability of thought-experiment as a method. This paper surveys what these consequences might be at both levels—as a substantive contribution to the debate on identity, and as to what it shows about the usefulness of thought-experiments. It argues ultimately that thought-experiments like Williams's do provide a useful philosophical tool as long as we temper our expectations of them, and that it offers some support to a view of personal identity but one which is at odds with Williams's own view.


Objective: Ulinastatin could inhibit inflammatory responses, and might be used for treating sepsis. Macrophages can be polarized to type 1 macrophages (M1) when stimulated by lipopolysaccharide and proinflammatory cytokines. M1 participates in proinflammatory responses and is vital in host defense against bacterial and viral infections. However, the regulation of macrophage polarization by ulinastatin is not clear yet. Methods: Ulinastatin (2000 U/mL) was used to treat lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (100 μg/mL)-induced THP-1 macrophages. Proinflammatory cytokines were tested by real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cell surface markers were detected by flow cytometry. Total and phosphorylated p65, STAT (signal transducers and activators of transcription) 1, and STAT3 were detected by Western blotting. Results: Ulinastatin downregulated the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, and IL-12 by LPSinduced THP-1 macrophages (P < 0.01). The mRNA expression of these cytokines was also significantly reduced by ulinastatin. Ulinastatin also upregulated HLA-DR (human leukoyte Antigen DR) but downregulated CD163. The phosphorylation of p65, STAT1, and STAT3 in THP-1 macrophages decreased after ulinastatin treatment. Conclusion: Ulinastatin reduced THP1 macrophage M1-like characteristics after LPS treatment, suggesting that the therapeutic effect of ulinastatin on various diseases might be due to the regulation of macrophage polarization.


The dependence of polar direction of GaN film on growth conditions has been investigated by changing either the group-V/group-III ratio (V/III ratio) in supplying the source gas or the deposition rate. GaN films were deposited on a nitrided sapphire by two-step metalorganic chemical vapor deposition. The surface morphology changed from flat hexagonal to pyramidal hexagonal facet with the increase of V/III ratio. However, the polar direction of GaN on an optimized buffer layer of 20 nm thickness was N-face (−c) polarity, independent of both the V/III ratio and the deposition rate. The polarity of the GaN epitaxtial layer can be determined by that of an interface (nitrided sapphire, annealed buffer layer or GaN substrate) at the deposition of GaN epitaxial layer. The higher V/III ratio enhanced the nucleation density, and reduced the size of hexagonal facets. The nuclei, forming the favorable hexagonal facets of wurtzite GaN, should grow laterally along the {1010} directions to cover a room among the facet...


This paper introduces the target of project cost control,and summarizes the forming process of cost control scheme through analyzing and studying cost control theory and cost control target,which to offer basis for enterprises to sets up cost control scheme and to guide the application cost control theory in practical engineering.


BACKGROUND
 Currently, the use of smartphones to deliver health-related content has experienced a rapid growth, with more than 165,000 mobile health (mHealth) applications currently available in the digital marketplace such as iOS store and Google Play. Among these, there are several mobile applications (mobile apps) that offer tools for disease prevention and management among older generations. These mobile apps could potentially promote health behaviors which will reduce or delay the onset of disease. However, no review to date that has focused on the app marketplace specific for older adults and little is known regarding its evidence-based quality towards the health of older adults.

 OBJECTIVE
 The aim of this review was to characterize and critically appraise the content and functionality of mobile apps that focuses on health management and/or healthy lifestyle among older adults.

 METHODS
 An electronic search was conducted between May 2019 to December 2019 of the official app store for two major smartphone operating systems: iPhone operating system (iTunes App Store) and Android (Google Play Store). Stores were searched separately using predetermined search terms. Two authors screened apps based on information provided in the app description. Metadata from all included apps were abstracted into a standard assessment criteria form. Evidenced based strategies and health care expert involvement of included apps was assessed. Evidenced based strategies included: self-monitoring, goal setting, physical activity support, healthy eating support, weight and/or health assessment, personalized feedback, motivational strategies, cognitive training and social support. Two authors verified the data with reference to the apps and downloaded app themselves.

 RESULTS
 A total of 16 apps met the inclusion criteria. Six out of 16 (37.5%) apps were designed exclusively for the iOS platform while ten out of 16 (62.5%) were designed for Android platform exclusively. Physical activity component was the most common feature offered in all the apps (9/16, 56.3%) and followed by cognitive training (8/16, 50.0%). Diet/nutrition (0/16, 0%) feature, however, was not offered on all reviewed mobile apps. Of reviewed apps, 56.3% (9/16) provide education, 37.5% (6/16) provide self-monitoring features, 18.8% (3/16) provide goal setting features, 18.5% (3/16) provide personalized feedback, 6.3% (1/16) provide social support and none of the reviewed apps offers heart rate monitoring and reminder features to the users.

 CONCLUSIONS
 All reviewed mobile apps for older adults in managing health did not focused on diet/nutrition component, lack of functional components and lack of health care professional involvement in their development process. There is also a need to carry out scientific testing prior to the development of the app to ensure cost effective and its health benefits to older adults. Collaborative efforts between developers, researchers, health professionals and patients are needed in developing evidence-based, high quality mobile apps in managing health prior they are made available in the app store.


The rain 。fed rice production of Don Daeng village and its surrounding area is extremely unstable 。 Compared with an exceptionally bumper harvest in 1983 , rice production in the preceeding years were 4 percent in 1978 due to flood, 10 percent in 1979 due to drought,5percent in 1980 due to flood, 54 percent in 1981 due to light drought in the late growing season , and 18 percent in 1982 due to early 喞season drought and subsequent local submergence . The production in 1983 alone ac ◎ounted fbr more than 50 percent of the total


This research analyzes the financial contribution generated by the activity of tourism to the general budget of the state of Portugal through the taxes collected on the profits of companies linked to tourism and on VAT that tourists pay in Portugal. We concluded, in the end, that the financial values generated for the state budget are of great importance and have been growing.


This paper describes the Electrical Ground Support Equipment (EGSE) developed for automatic tests of DREAMS (Dust characterization, Risk assessment, and Environment Analyser on the Martian Surface), that is the only surface payload package to be accommodated on the Entry, Descendent and landing Module (EDM) of the ExoMars 2016 mission to Mars, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) in collaboration with the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos).


Is there valid justification for affirming the motherliness of God while holding fast to the cross and to the Judeo-Christian heritage? Some feminists view the God of Abraham and Jesus as so closely linked with patriarchy and abuse that they reject this God as hopelessly male. Other theologians adhere to an exclusive emphasis on God as Father, and regard motherly appellations of God as distortions of biblical faith. Can the crucifixion and the atonement be seen in terms that are affirming of that which is female, yet remain grounded in the biblical texts and traditions? This article focuses on the theology of Julian of Norwich, whose meditations on the cross provide a middle way of affirming both the motherly nature of God and biblical revelation and tradition.


BACKGROUND
Aortic aneurysm (AA) is an aortic disorder prone to sudden, life-threatening aortic dissection or rupture, with poor clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of AA in MIMIC-III to explore implications for management.

METHODS
All patients with AA, including abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA), in the MIMIC-III database were included. Clinical and laboratory variables were analyzed and compared in AAA and TAA.

RESULTS
A total of 345 patients, including 183 patients with AAA and 162 patients with TAA, were enrolled in this study. The in-hospital mortality in AAA and TAA groups was 6.01% and 3.7%, respectively. In the nonsurvivor groups in both AAA and TAA, patients were older, and the incidence of surgery was lower. In the nonsurvivor group of AAA, the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea nitrogen, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase, anion gap, and lactate were significantly higher in the nonsurvivor group, whereas the level of albumin was lower. In the nonsurvivor group of TAA, the level of LDH significantly increased and the level of albumin decreased. In the nonsurgery group, in-hospital mortality was higher, and patients were older, with higher levels of glucose, total bilirubin, urea nitrogen, and creatinine and longer length of stay in ICU and hospital.

CONCLUSION
Age, surgery, albumin, and LDH showed significant differences between survivor and nonsurvivor groups in both AAA and TAA. In the nonsurgery group, the mean age was older and disease severity was worse, with poorer clinical outcomes. Older AA patients without surgery and with lower levels of albumin and higher levels of LDH had higher risk of in-hospital mortality.


Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has clinical features that overlap in various degrees with many other mental disorders. As a result, the differential diagnosis sometimes can be difficult. This review briefly summarizes the phenomenologic similarities and differences between OCD and the following disorders: depression, phobias, hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder, Tourette syndrome and tic disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, impulse control and eating disorders, generalized anxiety, panic and post-traumatic stress disorders, and delusional and schizophrenic disorders. The accurate diagnosis is essential for adequate treatment planning and management.


An excellent method for the preparation of gem-trinitro compounds is destructive nitration based on an active methylene moiety with a neighboring carbonyl structure. Now described is an alternative approach where oxidative nitration was utilized to synthesize gem-trinitro compounds. Using this strategy, 5-(dinitromethyl)-3-(trinitromethyl)-1,2,4-triazole (6) and its ionic derivatives (7–12) were designed, prepared and thoroughly characterized. This family of new energetic materials exhibits excellent densities, good detonation performances and moderate mechanical sensitivities. Interestingly, as supported by the X-ray structure of energetic salt 8, the amine-based fused ring cation induces a face-to-face π–π arrangement thus reducing the sensitivity of the entire molecule, and advancing the further application of similar fused ring ionic stabilizers for polynitro azole anions. These results open a new chapter concerning gem-trinitro compounds in the energetic materials field.


The English-Speaking Union (ESU) was founded at the end of the Great War by journalist Sir Evelyn Wrench to promote education across the English-Speaking World and beyond, using English as a means of communicating knowledge and understanding between nations. During its near 100 years the ESU has had many distinguished chairmen including Winston Churchill (from 1921-1925), and is linked internationally to over 50 countries. The Australian Queensland Branch for example, is heavily involved in cultural, business, international, youth and educational programs, and actively fosters a vibrant volunteer community.


A linear pulse motor developed by the authors was selected as the actuator for a total artificial heart, because it had the highest thrust/volume ratio, at 0.76 N/ml, of the eight kinds of linear motor considered. This paper summarizes the results of an acute animal experiment using a linear pulse motor-driven total artificial heart (linear TAH). The linear TAH consisted of a linear pulse motor, two sac type blood pumps, and four artificial valves. The mass was 1.3 kg and the volume was 540 ml. The volume of the TAH was a little larger than the target size, equal to the volume of an adult human's fist. The linear TAH was attached to a sheep of body weight 42 kg to evaluate its hemodynamic performance. The descending aortic flow rate was 1.5 1/min, equal to 50% of the rate in the control data. The difference between the flow rates of the left and right blood pumps was 12 to 13%, when the left atrium pressure reading indicated normal pressure. The sheep was sacrificed two hours after the operation. The data obtained suggest that the linear TAH can be used as a circulation-supporting device that satisfies clinical circulatory requirements.


We report on the familial occurrence of congenital bulbar urethral stricture in 2 brothers. Embryological mechanisms are briefly discussed and the literature reviewed.


Nasal type extranodal natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is an aggressive neoplasm that is recognized as an independent entity in the mature T-cell and NK neoplasm group according to the World Health Organization/ European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification for cutaneous lymphomas. It is usually seen in middle-aged and elderly people, most commonly presenting as destructive lesions in the nasal cavity and nasopharynx. Here we present a case of nasal type extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma presenting as left facial erythemas, nodules, and necrosis, with a history of another EB virus-associated neoplasms. We report this case due to its unique clinical characteristics from previous cases, in order to improve the knowledge of clinician about this disease.


Empirical research suggests that mental practice may enhance the performance of motor skills. Many variables have been shown to mediate the size and direction of the mental practice effects. The purpose of the present study is to provide an overview of research examining the role played by these variables in mediating the effectiveness of mental practice. In order to integrate the findings in the literature and to further analyze the relative contributions of each of these variables, a meta-analysis was performed according to the procedure outlined by Smith, Glass, and Miller. Twenty-one studies that met the criteria of having both an adequate control and a mental practice alone group were included in the meta-analysis. The forty-four separate effect sizes resulted in an overall average effect size of .68, (SD = .11) indicating that there is a significant benefit to performance of using mental practice over no practice. A series of General Linear Models revealed that the use of "internal" imagery produced a larger average effect size than the use of "external" imagery, and that mental practice sessions of less than one minute or between ten and fifteen minutes in length produced a larger average effect size than sessions of three to five minutes in length. These findings suggest the complexity of the relationship between variables that influence mental practice.


A powder coating composition containing a polyester polyol, and a method for making and using it, are comprehensively disclosed. In some embodiments, a powder coating composition comprising a polyester polyol and a crosslinker is disclosed. [Selection] Figure 1


A two- year (2010 and 2011 cropping seasons) field trial was carried out on a Sandy loam Ultisol in south-eastern Nigeria to evaluate the effect of Poultry manure (PM), Defatted palm kernel cake (DPKC) and their combinations (PM + DPKC) on the yield of sweet potato and soil chemical properties. The experiment was laid-out in a randomised complete block design with the treatments consisting of PM, DPKC, PM + DPKC (1:1 by weight) applied at the rates of 5 and 10 t ha -1 each and a control (no soil amendment).The treatments were replicated four times. A significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher sweet potato yield performances and improved soil chemical characteristics were recorded from plots that received any of the soil amendments compared to the un- amended (control plots). Apart from the combined application of PM and DPKC at the rate of 5 t ha -1 which gave a significantly higher yield values relative to single application of either PM or DPKC at similar rate; the effect of the other treatments at the same rate of application on the crop yield and yield related parameters did not differ significantly. However, plots that had either DPKC alone or in combination with PM gave a significantly higher root:vine yield ratio and commercial harvest index, irrespective of the rate of application. Similarly, combined application of PM and DPKC resulted in a significantly higher soil org. C, available P and exchangeable bases. The crop yield values and soil properties recorded from plots treated with PM + DPKC at the rates of 5 and 10 t ha -1 did not differ significantly, hence combined application of PM and DPKC at the rate of 5 t ha -1 could be considered suitable for sweet potato yield and soil nutrient conservation for sandy loam ultisol of south-eastern Nigeria.


Distributed energy resources (DER) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) interfaces with the utility grid by high efficient power electronic converters. This equipment is sometimes underutilized in terms of its power capacity, thus, the remaining capacity can be used to provide support to the distribution system. In this sense, this work assesses the performance of the three-level T-type quasi-impedance source inverter (3L-T-type qZSI) injecting not only active power to the grid, but also providing support to it by injecting reactive power and acting as an active power filter (APF) simultaneously. The global control strategy of the grid-connected inverter is derived from the instantaneous id-iq power theory. The combination of an improved deadbeat current controller and a level-shifted carrier-based pulse-width-modulation (PWM) technique, using both the upper shoot-through (UST) and the lower shoot-through (LST) alternating states allows a successful tracking of the current references. Both the dc-link voltage control and the neutral-point balancing are properly achieved by taking the advantage of the shoot-through (ST) states and the redundant states simultaneously. These control actions are implemented by simple proportional-integral (PI) controllers. The simulation and experimental results demonstrate the above-mentioned functionalities and verify the stability and good dynamic response of the grid-connected 3L-T-type qZSI.


pIECES of metal frequently play an important part in the solution of a crime. At times a physical examination or a chemical analysis will suffice, but very often a study of the fine internal structure of the metal is also of considerable importance. Although in a given sample a chemical analysis will disclose the percentage of each element present, it tells nothing about the way these elements are combined or arranged within the specimen. It is the form, size, and arrangement of the various microstructural constituents which are of particular significance to the forensic metallurgist. By way of illustration suppose that two pieces of ordinary brass are presented for laboratory examination to determine whether or not they are identical. The results of a physical examination and a chemical analysis reveal that they are similar in external form and appearance, and that both contain 70 per cent. copper and 30 per cent. zinc. The tendency at this point would be to declare the two pieces of metal identical. However, until a microscopic examination has been made the question of identity cannot be considered completely answered. Therefore, a sample is taken, polished, etched, and studied under the microscope. Observation is made of such features as the size and shape of the grains composing the sample, and also of such abnormalities as non-uniformity in grain size, impurities (which may be present as separate constituents), porosity, and mechanical defects (e.g., cracks of microscopic


The Aloe saponaria plant has been known and used for centuries for its health, beauty, medicinal and skin care properties. On the other hand, Aloe saponaria also contain anti nutrition compounds namely saponin which leads negative effect. Other kind of Aloe known is Aloe vera. The aim of the study was to investigate the saponin content from each part of Aloe plant to maximize it benefits and advantages. In order to know the higher saponin content, this study was comparing between Aloe saponaria and Aloe vera. The saponin content were analyzed from five part of Aloe leaf such as tip of the leaf, middle of the leaf, bottom of the leaf, leaf skin and leaf flesh. To do this, following are done. Total saponin content was identified by extraction. The procedure was performed by modifying the four thermal processing methods by Xu and Chang, 2009. The saponin analysis shows that the skin (S) of the Aloe leaf contains highest concentration of saponin compare to the other part, on both of Aloe species leaf. Those are 1.519±0.048 mg/g for Aloe saponaria and 1.212±0.035 mg/g for Aloe vera respectively. The highest water content obtained in mesophyll tissue (IS). Up to 98% the mesophyll tissue contains with water.


The determination of citrate in blood and urine is clinically useful in certain situations. Measurements of serum citrate can be helpful in monitoring for citrate toxicity during transfusions of very large amounts of blood and blood products. I Citrate in urine inhibits crystal formation and measurements can be used to assess the risk of stone formation.? Colorimetric and chromatographic methods have been used for citrate analysis but these are slow and not adaptable to automated analysis. A specific enzymatic method, involving bacterial citrate lyase (CL; Ee. 188.8.131.52) coupled with malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and L-lactate dehydrogenase (L-LD), has been used to determine citrate in foodstuffs, and the principle of this technique has been applied to citrate analysis in clinical samples. Citrate is first converted to oxaloacetate and acetate. In the presence of MDH and L-LD, oxaloacetate and its decarboxylation product pyruvate (the enzyme prepartion also contains oxaloacetate decarboxylase, OD) are then reduced to L-malate and t-t.actate by NADH.


We study the dynamics of potassium atoms in intense laser fields using femtosecond phase-locked pulse pairs in order to extract physical mechanisms of strong field quantum control. The structure of the Autler–Townes (AT) doublet in the photoelectron spectra is measured to analyse transient processes. The analysis shows that the physical mechanism is based on the selective population of dressed states (SPODS). Experimental results of closed loop optimization of SPODS are presented in addition. Applications to decoherence measurements with implications for quantum information are also proposed.


This conception of the aftermath of such a war has been widely accepted, and indeed has led to a certain complacency on the part of the public. They believe the 'balance of terror' makes such a war totally irrational, and therefore not a viable strategy. Recent events, however, seem to contradict this view, and lead one to believe that the concept of limited nuclear war i.s being examined as a viable alternative. We refer to the shift in emphasis toward a counterforce strategy recently announced by the U.S. Secretary of Defense, James Schlesinger'la as well as the development of small tactical nuclear weapons (he so-called 'mini-nukes') in conjunction with 'smart' bombs (terminal guidance systems). Many strategists~ conclude this is a dangerous trend


For a multi-input multi-output nonlinear system, an optimal integral sliding mode control scheme based on pseudospectral method is proposed in this paper. And the controller is applied on rigid robotic manipulators with constraints. First, a general form of integral sliding mode is designed with the aim of restraining disturbance. Then, pseudospectral method is adopted to deal with constrained optimal control problem. In consideration of the benefits of both methods, an optimal integral sliding mode controller is given, which is based on the combination of integral sliding mode and pseudospectral method. The stability analysis shows that the controller can guarantee stability of robotic manipulator system. Simulations show the effectiveness of proposed method.


(A) an ethylenically unsaturated anhydride and a copolymer carboxylic anhydride which is a vinyl compound, (b) copolymers of ethylenically unsaturated anhydride and an elastomer and, optionally, (c) component (a) and containing a blend of stabilizers, such as block copolymers for preventing phase separation of (b), useful hardener composition for curing epoxy resin. The curing agent compositions are particularly useful in the electrical laminates applications.


Grating angle magnification enhanced angular sensor can be used for laser frequency stabilization. This robust method provides adequate frequency stability for numerous applications, such as absolute frequency stabilization for Laser Interferometric Space Antenna.


Previously these workers have analytically investigated the use of neutron scattering to detect the presence of hydrogen in steel. These studies showed that if a nearly monoenergetic beam of 24-keV neutrons is directed on a steel specimen the beam will largely penetrate through the specimen with little or no scattering because of the deep minimum in the neutron cross section at {approximately}24 DeV. Some multiple scattering will occur that will scatter neutrons with energies above {approximately}10 MeV. Virtually no scattering will be noted at neutron energies of 1 to 10 keV. If hydrogen is present in the sample, however, significant neutron scattering will be present in the 1- to 10-keV region with distinct peaks appearing at scattering angles of 40 deg or more. Theoretically, for a monoenergetic beam impinging on a steel specimen containing hydrogen, there are distinct relations between the energy and angle of neutrons scattered by hydrogen. Thus, the theoretical possibility exists to detect the presence of hydrogen in steel and other materials by experimentally measuring the presence of scattered neutrons at forward scattering angles. Initial experiments to verify that it is possible to nondestructively determine hydrogen concentration in steel by neutron scattering have been successfully completed. Additionalmore » experiments to further verify the applicability of the technique and to make its application in the 100- to 1-ppm range practical, are planned.« less


The prospects of the inband full-duplex (IBFD) technology are praised in non-military communications as it allows each radio to simultaneously transmit and receive (STAR) on the same frequencies enabling, e.g., enhanced spectral efficiency. Likewise, future defense forces may significantly benefit from the concept, because a military full-duplex radio (MFDR) would be capable of simultaneous integrated tactical communication and electronic warfare operations as opposed to the ordinary time- or frequency-division half-duplex radios currently used in all military applications. This study considers one particular application, where the MFDR performs jamming against an opponent's radio control (RC) system while simultaneously monitoring RC transmissions and/or receiving data over the air from an allied communication transmitter. The generic RC system can represent particularly, e.g., one pertaining to multicopter drones or roadside bombs. Specifically, this paper presents outcomes from recent experiments that are carried out outdoors while earlier indoor results are also revisited for reference. In conclusion, the results demonstrate that MFDRs can be viably utilized for RC signal detection purposes despite the residual self-interference due to jamming and imperfect cancellation.


The feeding principle and dynamic characteristics of a non-harmonically vibrating conveyor were introduced. The basic motion characteristics of material were analyzed theoretically and the motion equations of the material uninterrupted slip were obtained.In addition,it was investigated how the frequency of the vibration exciter influenced the slip velocity.Through theoretical analysis and simulation calculation,it was verified that the efficiency of material transportation is best at some exciting frequency.Furthermore,another important issue was discussed,i.e.,how the friction factor affected the velocity of materical transportation.The results provided theoretical basis and recommands for design and optimization of a non-harmonically vibrating conveyor.


Analyzes the behaviour of different digital phase recovery techniques in the presence of a frequency offset. Comparison is given in terms of phase error variance and acquisition time. The authors show that the sliding block version of the expectation maximization estimator algorithm [Qin, 1993] for QPSK phase recovery, in the presence of non-negligible frequency errors (/spl Delta/fT/spl ap/10/sup -3/), gives results which are comparable or even better than those of the Viterbi and Viterbi non-decision aided nonlinear phase estimator [Viterbi and Viterbi, 1983].<<ETX>>


Statistical and probabilistic methods for estimating the probability that a fracture is nonconductive (or equivalently, the conductive-fracture frequency) and the distribution of the transmissivities of conductive fractures from transmissivity measurements made in single-hole injection (well) tests were developed. These methods were applied to a database consisting of over 1,000 measurements made in nearly 25 km of borehole at five sites in Sweden. The depths of the measurements ranged from near the surface to over 600-m deep, and packer spacings of 20- and 25-m were used. A probabilistic model that describes the distribution of a series of transmissivity measurements was derived. When the parameters of this model were estimated using maximum likelihood estimators, the resulting estimated distributions generally fit the cumulative histograms of the transmissivity measurements very well. Further, estimates of the mean transmissivity of conductive fractures based on the maximum likelihood estimates of the model's parameters were reasonable, both in magnitude and in trend, with respect to depth. The estimates of the conductive fracture probability were generated in the range of 0.5--5.0 percent, with the higher values at shallow depths and with increasingly smaller values as depth increased. An estimation procedure based on the probabilistic model and the maximum likelihoodmore » estimators of its parameters was recommended. Some guidelines regarding the design of injection test programs were drawn from the recommended estimation procedure and the parameter estimates based on the Swedish data. 24 refs., 12 figs., 14 tabs.« less


The high covertness of APT attack is an important feature that is different from traditional cyber-attacks, and it also can reflect the attacker's ability. The existing evaluation methods for the covertness of APT attack usually analyze the malwares used in the APT attack process. To evaluate the covertness of APT attack systematically, we propose a quantitative method. For multiple phases of APT attack, we construct two covertness metrics of each single attack phase considering the probability of the attack detection and the degree of disturbance to the target system, and then merge multiple phases to analyze the covertness of APT attack process. According to the results of simulation experiments, the method can evaluate the covertness of APT attack effectively and accurately. Quantifying APT attack covertness can help defenders to understand the specific process of APT attacks more clearly and provides a method to learn about the ability of attackers. It also can give some significant suggestions for the distribution of defense resources and the defense strategies.


This invention discloses a method for setting up calling route from the circuit exchange network to the IMS network, which sets a corresponding relation of tel-URI composed of E.164 number of a UE in the HSS of the IMS network and SIP-URI of said UE including: A, after the MGCF in the IMS network receives a call carrying with the E.164 number of a called UE started up by the calling UE in the circuit exchange network, it constructs said tel-URI SIP information to send it to I-CSCF, B, I-CSCF enquires the corresponding relation set by HSS to get the SIP-URI corresponding to the tel-URI to send the information to the called UE, which talks to and negotiates with the calling UE to finish this time of calling.


The work, inspired by a recent book by Alessandro Barbero on the emperor Constantine the Great, intends to highlight the importance of examining legal documents to shed light on various problematic aspects of the Constantinian kingdom. In particular, this article focuses on the study of some imperial constitution in which Constantine clearly condemns the superstitio of polytheistic paganism; at the same time, however, the emperor shows himself in an attitude of attention, of dialogue and, in many cases, of a real favor towards the Neoplatonic pagan culture. Not only among Christians, but also among the educated pagans, Constantine wants to find the basis of consent for his reign.


The purpose of this study is to investigate what determines an individual to join the firm and how the membership in the firm affects the individual and his identity. This study is based on the interviews with six members of a football firm in Sweden. The selection of firm members to participate in this study was made based on the writers contacts within the firm. The results of this study shows that are a number of factors that influence an individual's choice to join the firm, football interest, a sense of belonging, role models, violence and possible a contempt for authorities. Furthermore the study shows that there is different honor codes that regulates the actions of the individual member. Lastly our study shows that individual members feel that they get a kick, a sense of belonging and higher status from their membership in the firm.


Based on long-term work experience,some problems that often occur in boiler inspection work in forest areas are pointed out,with some relevant solutions presented.


The U.S. Air Force collects information for the purpose of space surveillance through a global network of radars and optical sensors to maintain a catalog of over 20,000 resident space objects (RSOs), both active and inactive, with a minimum size of 10 cm. With the advent of better sensing technologies, such as the Space Surveillance Telescope and Space Based Space Surveillance satellite, much smaller RSOs can now be tracked than before. This will lead to the potential of at least an order of magnitude increase in the number of cataloged RSOs. A conjunction analysis is the process of quantifying the risk of close approaches between RSOs, which usually requires a probability of collision calculation. To perform this calculation the orbit states for every RSO with associated uncertainty must be maintained. Then comparative studies must be performed for two possible conjuncting RSOs. Several approaches, both heuristically-and statistically-based, have been developed to perform a conjunction analysis. However, with the rapid increase in the number of cataloged objects, traditional conjunction analysis approaches to determine the collision potential between all the tracked RSOs will not be computationally tractable, due to the computational complexity required to complete a full analysis of all possible conjuncting RSOs. Simple pruning methods, such as not comparing RSOs at vastly different altitudes, will not reduce the computational burden sufficiently. This paper will detail a new parallelizable method that reduces significantly the number of comparisons required in order to effectively and quickly identify RSOs with potential collision paths. By projecting RSO paths into a hierarchical discretized space, objects requiring a more in-depth conjunction analysis are suggested based on their probability of being located in the same grid space at some future time. Computation reduction, system architecture and scalability will be discussed. Simulation results that validate the proposed methodology are shown.


The present study suggests that American students tend to use an individual coping strategy (i.e., self-serving attributions) more than Japanese students do in dealing with success and failure experiences. However, this tendency was observed only on the ability-related dimensions of attention and memory. The patterns of attributions seem to suggest that on the other dimensions, the subjects' causal inferences about their task performance are relatively reason-able rather than self-serving. One possible interpretation of this finding is that different cultural groups have different ways of coping with such inherently ambiguous issues as a person's ability; but in the face of obvious situational information, their judgments converge, although they leave some differences due to cultural preferences.


Abstract:The reader is invited to imagine one performance, as transcribed and reported by an ethnographer-folklorist. The performer runs a string of trickster episodes, linking together two international tale types with half a dozen or more seemingly unrelated motifs. For his final episode, he switches out of "normal" folktale style into the kind of melodrama familiar from film noir. His performance demonstrates the ways inherited and imported cultural elements get remodeled in creole cultures like Mayotte.


The weights used for inpusr tf2 quantization. Unzip the file and you will find 4 CNN '.pkl' weights: googlenet, resnet50, ssd, squeezenet.


With the rapid development of glass-fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) pipes in civil infrastructure under different environments, it is essential to understand the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the pipe failure. However, research reports on water absorption behavior and its influence on the performance of GRP pipe are few in the literatures. This study provides test results of water diffusion in a GRP pipe wall and its influence on the properties of the pipe. When the environment is water, it attacks each component of the GRP pipe. In this study, the water absorption behavior of three different types of GRP pipe is recorded. One of them (UP-A pipe) presents near-Fickian behavior, the other two types of pipe behave like a two-stage diffusion. A model developed from Fick's law is used to predict the water diffusion process for the three pipes. The prediction agrees well with the experimental data for the UP-A specimen, while the same cannot be transferred to EP-A and UP-B specimens because of the abnormal non-Fickian process. The influence of moisture on flexural properties, interlaminar shear strength, and viscoelastic properties of a GRP pipe is also discussed.


In this work we study the Hausdorff dimension of hyperbolic attractors that are given by skew-products. We prove that if the contraction is sufficiently strong, the weak-contraction is conformal and the attractor satisfies a geometric condition of transversality between its components, then the Hausdorff dimension and the box-counting dimension of the attractor satisfy Bowen's formula. We also prove that for any attractor whose contraction is sufficiently strong, there exist dynamics C r -close such that the Hausdorff dimension and the box-counting dimension of the attractor have the same value given by Bowen's formula.


In Malaysia, there are many rivers that are being the attraction for white water river activities. Perak, is a state on the west of Peninsular Malaysia has several rivers that are suitable for white water river activities and being among the favourite location for white water river activities enthusiasts. Among the well-known white water rivers in Perak state are Kampar River, Slim River, Sungkai River, Singgor River and Sungai Bernam River. The attraction of a white water river depends on several factors. One of the important factor is the classification of rapid difficulty level. To date, the classification of rapid difficulty level in Malaysia is based on the international standard scale and certified by The International Canoe Federation (ICF). Apart from that, other attraction factors such as river water quality, geographical location, logistics facilities, transportation access, facilities, operator reputations and promotions are among other attraction factors. This present study aims to identify the main attraction factors in the white water rivers in Perak State. Dynamic and structure profiling of the rivers was produced. The white water rivers selected in this study were Kampar River, Slim River and Sungkai River. From the study, Kampar River was identified to be the most preferred river for white water activities compared to Slim River and Sungkai River. Findings from the study was resourceful in the effort of constructing a complete profile of white water rivers structure located in the state of Perak besides promoting white water river activities as a structured recreational tourism activity in Perak.


The aim of the thesis is to investigate how poor people are viewed on an international policy level and what role the social context has for microfinance users. The study uses research methods such ...


The partially linear varying-coefficient model,as an extension of the partially linear model and the varying coefficients model,has been received increasing attention due to their good adaptability and robustness.In this paper,a novel profile least square estimation method for the partially linear varying coefficient models is proposed and asymptotic properties for the estimator s are obtained.Additionally,an application about CD4 data by using the proposed method is proceed.


Abstract The composition of the essential oil of Artemisia variabilis Ten. and A. campestris L. ssp. glutinosa (Ten.) Briq. et Cavill was studied in order to clarify the systematic taxonomy of these plants. GC and GC/MS analyses both revealed quantitative and qualitative differences in the composition of their oils. In A. variabilis oil, 1,2-dihydro acenaphthylene (30.0–77.3%) was the predominant component, while mono-, and sesquiterpenic hydrocarbons, alcohols and phenols were present in lower quantities. On the other hand, the oil of A. campestris ssp. glutinosa contained hydrocarbons, monoterpenic-, and sesquiterpenic oxides, while β-pinene (6.9–57.2%), germacrene D (0.4–28.6%) and bicyclogermacrene (1.0–14.5%) were predominant.


By using the method of documentation,this paper briefly reviews the effects of altitude training and some kinds of mimic altitude training on leukocyte、T-lymphocytes and CD4+、CD8+subsets、Immunoglobulin and glutarcuane.The purpose of this paper is to put forward some suggestions of the immune monitoring of altitude training.


Single crystals of KTiOPO 4 (KTP) have been grown by flux technique using K 6 P 4 O 13 flux. Crystals up to 3×2×1 mm 3 in size were grown by slow cooling and spontaneous nucleation when high temperature solution was cooled down to room temperature with the rate of 7°C/h. The structure and quality of the grown crystals were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Optical Transmission analysis. The surface morphology of the grown crystals was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).


Present investigation was conducted in adopted villages of Vyara and Ambeti of Gujarat state to identify the various constraints perceived by the KVKs beneficiaries in relation to adoption of recommended technologies. Arandom sample of 200 KVKs beneficiaries were selected for the present investigation. The result of the study depicted that loan facility was insufficient farmers as their main constraint and ranked first followed by in short supply of inputs in crucial time ranked second, lack of need based technical knowledge ranked third The agency should be fixed for different critical inputs ranked first followed by, one window system for availing loans got second rank, price should be fixed for fertilizers and insecticides by Government ranked third, were the suggestions given by the respondents to overcome the constraints.


Continuity of care is a term commonly used in nursing and in healthcare circles.The continuity-of-care concept is considered both an aim and a philosophy that affects the delivery of care. Most clinicians consider continuity a standard of care.The notion of continuity has been conceptually intertwined with discharge planning, transitional care, coordinated care, continuing care, and ongoing care. A distinction must be made between regular, ongoing sources of care, referred to as longitudinality, and the concept of continuity (Bedder & Aiken, 1994; Rogers & Curtis, 1980; Starfield, 1980).A definition that encompasses longitudinality, but also integration and comprehensiveness across transitions, with care provided over time in various episodes, is crucial. Consideration must be given to care activities (therapeutic and self-care) and linkages (communication, documentation, referrals, etc.) and the balance of care provision between professionals on the one hand and individuals and families on the other (Harrison, Browne, Roberts, Graham, & Gafni, 1999). For patients this means receiving the care they need, over time, in a coordinated and connected manner, with planned and supported continuity between the care they receive from professionals such as nurses and the care they may be assuming (or resuming) themselves. From a provider's perspective, it means articulating transfer rather than admit and discharge, where responsibility typically begins and ends. Ideally it involves an in-reach and outreach that may not be formally funded or administered, by either the setting or the sector of care. To achieve continuity, settings and providers must make a proactive, systematic, intersectoral effort at the transition points. Continuity always involves transitions on the part of individuals, such as well to ill, home to hospital, and the gaps they may encounter along the way. For nurses, transitions are a focus of practice, as continuity involves transitions in care and affects mainly populations with complex health issues. During times of transition, the nurse is very often the health professional most involved in evaluation and in planning and delivering the change in care that is required. Complex health populations are charCJNR 2004,Vol. 36 No 2, 3–6


The invention relates to an arrangement for illuminating a substrate with a plurality of individually controllable shaped particle beams, in particular for electron beam lithography in the semiconductor industry. The task of a new way for illuminating a substrate (91) having a plurality of individually formed controllable particle partial beams (118) to find that permits high-resolution patterning of substrates with high substrate throughput, without limiting the flexibility of the applicable structural pattern or as a result of a required flexibility limit the high substrate throughput is achieved according to the invention by a first and a second aperture diaphragm as a multi-format diaphragm array (41, 42) for generating particle partial beams (118) formed with different beam cross-sections and the first and second multi-format diaphragm array (41, 42) at least three Multistrahldeflektorarrays (51, 52, 53) are assigned to the individual deflection of the particle partial beams (118), wherein at least one Multistrahldeflektorarray (51) between first and second multi-format diaphragm array (41, 42) is arranged to different Querschnit te to generate at least one second Multistrahldeflektorarray (52) in the vicinity of the second multi-format diaphragm array (42) is arranged to deflect or individual particle partial beams (118) in individual crossover scan the particle partial beams (118), and at least one ...


Beverley Skeggs is a British sociologist, feminist theoretician, and currently a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Sociology at Lancaster University. She is developing a Research Centre for Social Inequalities in theNorthWest of England. She also runs theGlobal Economies of Care research theme at the International Inequalities Institute at the London School of Economics (LSE) and is a visiting professor at Goldsmiths University. She has explored the intersections and power dynamics between class and gender, moral economy, and formations of value in capitalism. Her work includes Formations of Class and Gender: Becoming Respectable (1997), Class, Self, Culture (2004), and Reacting to Reality Television: Audience, Performance and Value (co-authored, with Helen Wood) (2012). Professor Skeggs briefly visited Joensuu, Finland, to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Eastern Finland. We had the opportunity to meet Professor Skeggs for a warm and inspiring talk in Joensuu after the conferment ceremony in June 2019. Our discussion included a lot of laughter, jokes, and some themes, which we unfortunately had to limit to fit the topics we found most interesting and current to this paper. During the editing process of the present paper, one political conflict in particular has become topical in the UK, in addition to Brexit and care politics, namely, academic workers' resistance. First, we discussed university politics and modes of collective resistance with Professor Skeggs. During the autumn term 2019, the University and College Union (UCU) organized strikes and industrial actions in several universities in the UK to protest against the universities' pension scheme, which will make academic staff significantly poorer in retirement. In the interview, Professor Skeggs talks about the long-term changes that have occurred in the academy. Second, the academy has a growing interest in Marx's work and ideas for understanding the logic(s) of contemporary capitalism(s) and its consequences. We were curious to ask Professor Skeggs about her and her colleagues' upcoming book The Sage Handbook of Marxism. In addition, we wanted to hear her views about contemporary debates related to precarity, as well as her relationship with the concept of intersectionality. Third, we had the chance to ask Professor Skeggs about her current and future research interests. We conclude the interview with her interesting ideas on care platforms, which are, according to Skeggs, almost completely ignored in the discussion of digital capitalism.


Amino-carbonyl reaction has extensively occurred in food and biological systems. Low-molecular weight compounds formed by the amino-carbonyl reaction of carbonyl compounds-amino acids or amines have been identified as amides, furans, pyrroles, pyridines, pyrazines and so on.Especially, pyrrole-carbaldehydes were major products of Maillard reaction. Melanoidins formed as final products of Maillard reaction were analyzed by 13C or 15N CP-MAS NMR. The nitrogen atoms of melanoidins were mostly assigned to pyrrole-like, conjugated enamine and amide nitrogens. Amino groups of proteins in biological system as well as food system react non-enzymatically with reducing sugars to form a Schiff base and Amadori compounds in an early stage. In an advanced stage of Maillard reaction, proteins such as collagen and lens crystallin are modified into colored, fluorescent and cross-linked molecules. These processes have been hypothesized to have an important role in the aging and the diabetic complications.


Multi-buy is one method by which retailers discount alcoholic beverage sales. It is common in the UK. A Scottish ban on multi-buys had an immediate impact on sales. Because other methods for lowering price as a marketing tool will be used, the longer-term impact is unknown. Legislating a minimum price per unit of alcohol may have a longer lasting effect on overall alcohol consumption.


AbstractObjective. To evaluate comprehensively the quality of medical practices in a hospital from 1998 to 2012 by principal component analysis, and provide an objective and scientific theoretical basis for the long-term scientific management of the hospital. Methods. Choosing nine representative indicators that can reflect the medical quality of the hospital from the statistical forms of the hospital, after performing the standardized data conversion of the original data, calculating the comprehensive value of each year by using the principal component analysis, so as to carry out a comprehensive evaluation. Results. The medical quality of the hospital in 2012 ranks on top (evaluation comprehensive value F = 3.546), followed by that of 2011 (evaluation comprehensive value F = 1.951) and the worst is 1998 (evaluation comprehensive value F = − 2.012); the general trend shows gradual improvement since 1998 (evaluation comprehensive value F rises from − 2.012 to 3.546). Conclusion. The principal component an...


The Raman spectra of sputter-grown a-C:H(N) films are analyzed giving particular emphasis to the regions below and above that dominated by the well-known D and G bands, in order to deduce complementary information about the film physical properties and eventually clarify the nature of the features there detected. The conventionally studied evolution of the D and G bands evidences a sharp tendency toward graphitization, accompanied by an increasing level of structural disorder. The weak feature observed at about 700 cm−1 is assigned to the disorder-induced L band, originating from the formation, within the films, of graphitic microcrystallites, whose number and size are shown to change when the partial pressure of argon is varied. Thanks to the complementary infrared film characterization, indicating no appreciable hydrogen incorporation into the investigated samples, the broad asymmetrical Raman band centered at about 3000 cm−1 is suggested to represent the second order of the D and G bands, whose compone...


A tool path generating method for rough machining in 3axis CNC machining was proposed by using vertex offset algorithm in multi-step offset method.First an offset model of STL was established by offsetting the original model to a distance from cutter corner radius,and sliced by horizontal planes.Then the intersection lines in horizontal plane and offset model of STL were offset to decide the machining area in each horizontal plane,and the tool path planning was done.Finally a whole tool path was generated by connecting all tool path segments with zig-zag pattern.The practical case study indicates that this algorithm is simple in calculation and can generate an interference-free tool path.


The cloud computing paradigm is emerging as the next big thing in the world of information technology. Cloud technology offers a completely new set of benefits and savings in terms of computational costs, storage costs, bandwidth and transmission costs to its users. Cloud storage represents one of the most popular cloud services used. Data deduplication is a promising practice which facilitates saving high volumes of storage by allowing the cloud provider to store only a single copy of duplicated data. Client-side data deduplication offers additional savings in terms of bandwidth and storage. Applying data deduplication across enterprises also allows the cloud storage providers to apply data deduplication across users from different domains, providing additional savings. However, some of the advantages of cloud storage may be lost if additional steps are not taken to address some of the security and privacy issues associated with remotely stored data. Since users outsource their data to the cloud, they have to ensure the integrity of their data and its privacy from the cloud storage provider who now has complete access to it. In this paper, we present a solution for assuring data integrity in terms of proof of retrievability and ownership in the context of cross-user client-side data deduplication for medium- and small-sized enterprises. We propose a secure scheme which enables cloud service users to run their proof of retrievability with minimum storage and computational overheads in the case of honest-but-curious cloud storage providers. At the same time, the cloud storage provider will also be able to save digital storage by practising cross-enterprise data deduplication. We extend our scheme to include a proof of ownership scheme to assist the cloud in authenticating the user as the owner of the data before releasing it. Our scheme does not introduce any additional structural or storage overheads to either of the parties.


The need for coupling heavy-particle excited-state kinetics and electron dynamics in molecular and atomic plasmas is illustrated for different plasma conditions, such as DC (direct current). RF (radio frequency), laser pumping circuit, afterglow and multipole magnetic plasmas. Different systems ( N2, H2, O2, He, He–CO, He–CO–CO2–N2, SiH4, Ne–Xe–HCl) are discussed with emphasis on the role of excited states in shaping the electron energy distribution function under various plasma conditions.


This article explores the psychology that motivates Yang Jung-Ung and his actors in the process of translating Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream into a Korean style. By focusing on the ways of showing the theme of the play in modern styles fused with traditional modes of theatrical practice, the director attempts to develop his own ways of expression to communicate with the modern Korean audience. In this process, Yang reconstructs the dialogues between the characters rather than rely heavily on Shakespeare's text and language. For this reason, his production has often been criticised for missing Shakespeare's poetry. However, the beauty of poetry is not only in Shakespeare's language itself, but rather it is in the mental process of how the artist and audiences understand and translate its meaning in their cultural contexts. Shakespeare's language includes a great deal of imagery that provides the artists with concrete information for constructing the stage mise-en-scène. In Yang's production, Shakespeare's poetry is expressed through the visual images created by the performer's physical bodies, which reflects the director's interpretation of the play in his cultural context. By analysing the performers' physical movements, this article studies how Yang perceives the theme of Shakespeare's Dream in relation to a Korean cultural context and presents his unique vision on the play.


The constellation of citizenship enters the round of irony in which the character of the young society appears simultaneously between the high quality of a lofty cultural image and the anger that comes together and explode quite often. This illustrated as a negative excess of the ambiguity of educational practice towards the virtue of morality. In general, the conventional education pattern is not able to answer the desire of the community for the value of virtue and value of usefulness. The unification of elements of local wisdom through the art of Cirebon mask dance in the realm of Civic Education is aimed at bridging the gap between the character's ideals and the phenomenon of moral degradation. The research method used is descriptive analysis with observation, interview, and study documentation. The results showed that: (1) Civic Education based on local wisdom which is reflected from the testament of Sunan Gunung Jati that is: "Ingsun Titip Tajug Lan Fakir Miskin" or "I entrusted Musholla (Place where Muslims worship) and Poor people" with the meaning of learning moral values that are on the vertical and horizontal lines in the sense of human relationships with God and human relationships with others, and (2) The Characterization in Cirebon Mask Dance consists of Topeng Panji, Topeng Samba, Topeng Rumyang, Topeng Tumenggung, and Topeng Kelana. Which each of them represent hierarchy of human nature and can be a material of moral learning and perfect views of life in life. Keywords— civic education; local wisdom; moral values; cirebon mask dance


A botnet consists of a network of infected computers that can be controlled remotely via a command and control (C&C) server. Typically, a botnet requires frequent communication between its C&C server and the infected nodes. Previous approaches to detecting botnets have included various machine learning techniques based on features extracted from network traffic. In this research, we conduct autocorrelation analysis of traffic generated by several financial botnets, and we show that periodicity in the network traces can be used to distinguish these botnets from each other.


On the basis of experimental research, heat and mass transfer of falling film absorption in a vertical rectangular channel falling film type absorber is investigated. The results indicate that both the overall coefficient of heat transfer and the mean absorption rate of the absorber are considerably affected by several experimental parameters such as Reynolds number of falling film,absorption pressure, solution inlet concentration and temperature. Optimal ranges of experimental conditions of Reynolds number of falling film and solution inlet concentration are consequently deterndned.


This paper considers a certain class of output regulation problems for the rigid body equations in natural representation and gives an explicit solution with strong convergence properties.


To assess the performance capabilities of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), the prostate health index (PHI) and prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) in predicting the presence of pathologically confirmed significant prostate cancer (PCSPCa), according to the European Randomized Study of Screening Prostate Cancer definition, in a single cohort of patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) but who were eligible for active surveillance (AS).


The scientific community and consumers are increasingly interested in the potential cholesterol-lowering effect of various nutraceuticals and their combinations. The aim of our study was to test the short-term effect of a new lipid-lowering nutraceutical formulation in mildly hypercholesterolemic patients.We consecutively enrolled 80 mildly hypercholesterolemic patients with low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) between 130 and 190 mg/dl with a low-estimated cardiovascular disease risk. After a 8 week-stabilization diet, the enrolled subjects were randomized to take 1 pill/evening of Zeta Colest (including: 400 mg of Berberis aristata dry extract with 340 mg of berberine, 98 mg of red yeast rice extract with 2.9 mg of total monacolins, 87.5 mg of milk thistle dry extract with 70 mg of silymarin, 50 mg of guggul dry extract with 1.3 mg of guggulsterones) or placebo for 8 weeks. Patients were followed up for metabolic and haemodynamic parameters.After 8 week-supplementation with the tested combined nutraceuticals, we observed a significant reduction in total cholesterol (–16.7 ±1.5%), LDL-C (–18.1 ±1.9%), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (–19.2 ±2.1%), apoB (–20.7 ±2.3%) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (–3.0 ±0.6%), versus both baseline (p < 0.05) and the control group (p < 0.05). No other metabolic or liver parameters significantly changed during the observation period. Endothelial reactivity also mildly but significantly improved by 2.96 ±0.23% with the tested product.In the short term, the tested combined nutraceutical improved lipid metabolism, systemic inflammation and vascular function in mildly hypercholesterolemic overweight subjects.


We characterize the range of some spaces of functions by the Fourier transform associated with the spherical mean operator R and we give a new description of the Schwartz spaces. Next, we prove a Paley-Wiener and a Paley-Wiener-Schawrtz theorems. Mathematics Subject Classification: 42B35, 43A32, 35S30


their professional advices and guidance on my research. experience with all kinds of fun. Finally, the author's grateful appreciation goes to his parents whose hardworking spirit and dedication to family have always been a great example for the author. Figure 2-1 Schematic diagram of tilted UV lithography in water medium (left: the experimental setup; right: optical refraction path). Figure 2-5 Out-of-plane microlens replication process: (a)-(c) PDMS molding, (d)-(f) curable Figure 2-6 SEM images of (a) SU-8 out-of-plane microlens array, (b) PDMS negative mold and (c) out-of-plane microlens array replica made of NOA 73 UV curable polymer .. Figure 2-7 Focal spot images of (a) SU-8 out-of-plane microlens array and (b) out-of-plane microlens array replica made of NOA 73 .. Figure 2-10 In-situ fabrication process of the out-of-plane microlens: (a) PDMS device, (b) curable pre-polymer injected, (c) applied pneumatic pressure, (d) microlens formed after Figure 2-12 Water filled microlens chamber under various pressures (a) 0 psi; (b) 10 psi; (c) 50 psi.


In this paper, we describe the mechanisms behind the oxidative transformation of vivianite and parasymplesite into formerly not recognized materials that could prove to be novel players in, for example, water splitting or alkali metal intercalation reactions. Based on a sophisticated interpretation of hydrogen‐bonded networks, we were able to identify those phases that have erroneously been classified and to present the crystalline end‐members of the corresponding oxidation chains.


Abstract Carboxylic esters can be readily obtained at low cost. Therefore, asymmetric catalytic activation of esters should provide useful strategies for organic synthesis. Here we report a N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-mediated reaction of α-aryl acetic esters with oxindole-derived α,β-unsaturated imines. The reaction involves the formation of NHC-bound ester enolate intermediate from an ester as a key step, and furnishes spirocyclic oxindole products. The sterically congested spirocyclic oxindole bears a newly formed six-membered δ-lactams and cannot be easily prepared using other methods.


Introduction: Botulinum toxin A (BoNTA) has been used for treating hyperfunction of various glands such as sweat, lacrimal, and salivary glands. However, the long-term histological sequences are largely unknown. Objectives: The present study is to evaluate the histological and ultrastructural effects of BoNTA on submandibular salivary gland (SSG). Methods: Sixty male albino rats received 0.1 ml of either saline (control group) or BoNTA (BoNTA group) injection in the right SSGs. The rats were terminated at 2, 4 and 12 weeks after the injection. The harvested SSGs were embedded and sectioned at 4-5 µm and stained with H&E for histological study. Ultrathin sections (60-90nm) were cut from1 mm3 pieces harvested from the center of SSGs, and mounted on copper grids for ultrastructural study using transmission electron microscope (TEM). Results: All control SSGs showed normal acinar cells with rounded nuclei and regular striated ducts (SD) with characteristic basal striations. By TEM, acinar cells exhibited rounded nuclei, mitochondria, and secretory granules at cytoplasm. Numerous mitochondria presented in SD. Compared with these features, 2-week BoNTA-injected SSGs showed loss of basal striations. Examination by TEM revealed irregular nuclei of acinar cells and SD, and swollen mitochondria. In 4-week SSGs, some acini and ducts lost their spherical fashion and in some areas, these structures disappeared. Ruptured mitochondria were observed in acini and SD by TEM. However, all 12-week BoNTA-injected SSGs seemed to have similar structures to those of control SSGs. By using scoring system for semi-quantifying the histological structural changes of BoNTA-injected SSGs, 2- and 4-week BoNTA-injected SSGs showed significantly higher scores as compared with their control counterparts. However, no significant score difference was found between 12-week BoNTA-injected and control SSGs. Conclusions: Although application of BoNTA results in significant changes in histological structures and ultrastructures of SSGs, these detrimental effects seems to be transient, and the major recovery occurs after 3 months. Thus, BoNTA can be used for treating SSG hyperfunction.


We have described a new class of hydrogelator based on helical β(3)-peptides carrying a bioactive payload. The β(3)-peptides self-assemble in aqueous solution to form a nanofibrous mesh resulting in a stable hydrogel. The simple design provides the versatility for attaching different functional payloads to the β(3)-peptide scaffold to develop new materials.


The National Rehabilitation Center (NRC) was established in 2002 with the directive of H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A law was passed in 2010, signed by H.H. Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan enshrining the remit and the mandate of the NRC (Law No. 7, 2010). This includes treatment and rehabilitation of substance misusers, prevention, research, surveillance, advocacy and workforce development by education and training.

The presentation will chart the developments in the area of treatment and rehabilitation providing cutting edge evidence based treatments and systematically increasing treatment capacity and the range of programs. It will also chart the development of the prevention programs, particularly those aimed at adolescents, and establishment of the surveillance and research departments.

The NRC's efforts and plans to tackle one of the biggest problems in the area that of workforce capacity, by developing a training institute will also be described.

Collaborations and partnerships with international organizations such as the UNODC, WHO and local institutes e.g. The United Arab Emirates University, to develop and deliver the agenda will be described.

It is hoped that this experience and model developed would be of value and interest to other countries especially in the region.


Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks RAID is a popular storage architecture with high performance and reliability. RAID-6 with a higher level of reliability based on MDS (Maximum Distance Separable) code is well studied, for its optimal storage efficiency. RAID-6 could offer continuous services in degraded mode, during the period of online failure recovery. However, the online recovery would bring a considerable I/O workflow to the storage system, that almost all the surviving data in the system need to be accessed. Due to the limitation of disk bandwidth, user response time would be significantly affected by the recovery workflow. In this paper, we examine the online recovery performance of two typical MDS RAID-6 codes RDP code and P-code. To our observation, P-code significiantly outperforms RDP in user response time and recovery duration during a single disk failure recovery. To our analysis, the difference comes from not only the parity layout but also the parity organization. Therefore, we propose a new categorization for existing MDS RAID-6 codes, based on the methodology of parity organization. By our approach, all the MDS RAID-6 codes could be categorized to Sym-codes with only one type of parity, and Asym-codes with at least two different types of parity.


Down syndrome, one of the most common genetic causes of mental retardation, is associated with many congenital defects and acquired conditions. Researchers reviewed the death certificates of approximately 17,900 individuals with Down syndrome nationwide to determine patterns of mortality and morbidity over the past 2 decades.

The median age of …


The accident at Chernobyl (Ukraine, 1986), the explosions at the fireworks storage (The Netherlands, 2000) and the AZF factory (France, 2001), the terrorist attacks of the …


The present study was designed to investigate the lead acetate [Pb(C2H3O2)2] induced histological changes in gastrocnemius muscle. Lead (II) acetate is a white, crystalline, water soluble solid used as a mordant in textile printing and dyeing. Normal healthy looking mice showing no sign of morbidity were divided into three groups. Group I was designated as control whereas group II and group III received lead acetate having doses 10 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate, daily and 150 mg/kg body weight of lead acetate, weekly respectively. Study was performed at 1, 40 and 80 days stages. Histopathological examination of haematoxylin stained heart sections revealed that most of the significant pathological lesions were found in lead acetate treated mice. At 40 days stage, lead acetate treated mice gastrocnemius muscle fibres in affected areas showed vigorous invasion of poly morpho nuclear leucocytes (PMNL) which encircle the atrophied fibres. Extreme variations in the nuclei were also seen varying from pycnotic to hypertrophy. Degenerating connective tissue was also noticed. However at 80 days stage an overall better fibre histo architecture was noticed after lead acetate withdrawal as compared to treated ones.


With this  issue,IJAHP celebrates its  third  year  of  publication.  We  have  been  very  active   during  this  period and have  started  publishing  special  issues; the  first one  was  dedicated   to  the  status  of  AHP  practice  in  Brazil and  we are  currently  working  on  another special   issue on  the  topic  of  sustainability, scheduled  for  spring  2012, thanks  to  the  initiative  of Fabio  DeFelice  and  the  valuable  assistance  of  Antonella  Petrillo.http://dx.doi.org/10.13033/ijahp.v3i2.59


This paper briefly presents an overview of the material characteristics of a Malaysia blend of ultra-high performance 'ductile' concrete (UHPdC) know as DURA. Examples of the environmental impact calculations of UHPdC structures compared to that of conventional reinforced concrete design are presented. The comparison studies show that many structures constructed from UHPdC are generally more environmentally sustainable than built of the conventional reinforced concrete with respect to the reduction of CO2 emissions and embodied energy. The enhanced durability of UHPdC also provides for significant improvements in the design life, which further supporting the concept of sustainable construction. Keyword: Ultra-high performance ductile concrete, ductility, durability, embodied energy, CO2, chloride. *Corresponding Author International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering & Technology Vol 1, No 2, December 2010 Published by:Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Concrete Society of Malaysia (CSM) 106 http://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ejournal/index.php/journal/ijscet 1.0 INTRODUCTION 'Environmental Friendly', 'Eco-', 'Green', 'Sustainable', 'Recycle' – are important contemporary keywords. They are associated with almost everything that we see, hear and feel. It is the view of many notable scientists, engineers, politicians and also of the community at large that mother earth is at the brink of needing another revolution; a revolution to sustain! With continuous efforts in extracting natural resources and discharging of wastes, we see and are starting to experience the result of human deeds, albeit good intentioned, through climate change or global warming to be exact. With the current stage of the planets environmental development; temperature rising, water level rising, natural disasters happening in unexpected parts of the world, food and clean water scarcity, diseases, limited natural resources, animal extinction, and growing human population, it is little wonder that the scientific community have issued warnings that the planet is in need of help. On the positive side, the issues that societies are faced with provide innovation drivers for a range of new 'green' technologies. The principle of sustainable construction stands on a basis of material optimization together with structural design optimization, which results in the lowest life-cycle cost. Figure 2 shows some of the immediate and longterm benefits that UHPdC technology is able to provide in the build and construction field. In short, this technology focuses on the reduction of none-renewable resources consumption couple with the used of recycle material; enhanced functionality of a structure through enhancement of service life and durability. Over the last two decades, amazing progress has been made in concrete technology. One of the major breakthroughs of the 1990s was the development of ultrahigh performance ductile concrete (UHPdC), also known as the reactive powder concrete (RPC), by Richard and Cheyrezy [1, 2]. Compressive strengths and flexural strength of over 180 MPa and 40 MPa, respectively, have been reported. Since then, extensive research studies have been undertaken by academics and engineers alike with the view to industrialize this technology as an alternative for sustainable construction. This paper firstly presents an overview on the material characteristics of a Malaysian blend of ultra-high performance 'ductile' concrete (UHPdC), known as DURA. Secondly, examples on the environmental impact calculation (EIC) of UHPdC structures are compared against comparable structures build using conventional methods. Lastly, the durability aspects are discussed and design calculations presented. 2.0 MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF UHPdC Ultra-high performance 'ductile' concrete (UHPdC) is suitable for use in the production of precast elements for civil and structural engineering and architectural applications. It is a highly homogenous cementitious based composite without coarse aggregates that can achieve compressive strengths of greater than 150 MPa. Its blend of very high strength micro-steel fibers and cementitious binders with extremely low water content give UHPdC extraordinary characteristics of mechanical strengths comparable to steel, high ductility and with a durability comparable to natural rocks. Error! Reference source not found. summarizes the material characteristics of UHPdC and is compared against conventional, or normal, strength concrete (NSC) and International Journal of Sustainable Construction Engineering & Technology Vol 1, No 2, December 2010 Published by:Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Concrete Society of Malaysia (CSM) 107 http://penerbit.uthm.edu.my/ejournal/index.php/journal/ijscet high performance concrete (HPC). The comparison shows that UHPdC have superior mechanical properties over NSC and HPC in all aspects. The components of UHPdC are ordinary Portland cement, silica fume, fine aggregate, water, steel fibers and a high-range water reducing agent. In order to achieve the required performance of UHPdC, powder materials and fine aggregates are blended or proportioned to an adequate particle size distribution in order to maximize the density or compactness. Table 1 – Material characteristics of UHPdC compared to normal strength concrete (NSC) and high performance concrete (HPC) Characteristics Unit Codes / Standards NSC HPC DURA® UHPdC Specific Density, kg/ m3 BS1881-Part 114, 1983 [3] 230


We discuss sympletic, contact and locally conformal symplectic structures. We show how they are connected and how they organize themselves inside the category of Jacobi structures. An emphasis in put on the role of their automorphism groups since they encode the corresponding geometry in the spirit of the Erlanger Programme. We also evoque the problems of existence and (local and global) classification of the structures. For the background of the material discussed in this article, see [30].


The invention relates to the technical field of coatings, in particular to a bicomponent oily polyurethane primer with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and a preparation method thereof. The primer comprises a component A, a component B and a diluting agent, wherein the ratio in parts by weight of the component A to the component B is 2:1, wherein the component A comprises polyhydric alcohol resin with high solid content, an ester solvent, a dispersing agent, a matting powder, a defoaming agent and an anti-sediment agent; according to the preparation method, different molecular weights of the polyhydric alcohol resin in the component A and the polyisocyanates in the component B are respectively screened, the optimal molecular weight is intercepted so as to ensure the dissolubility of the polyhydric alcohol resin and the polyisocyanates in a ketone solvent, meanwhile, other auxiliaries are used for carrying out stem grafting improvement on a molecular structure to enhance the miscibility of the two components; and therefore, the bicomponent oily polyurethane primer not only has the characteristics of good application property, good water resisting property, high hardness and thelike owned by the traditional polyurethane paint, but also ensures that the content of the volatile organic compounds is greatly reduced and even is lower than 450g/L.


The present invention relates to a polycarbonate-ABS-based alloy resin composition having excellent plating adhesive strength, and a molded product thereof and, more specifically, to a polycarbonate-ABS-based alloy resin composition having excellent plating adhesive strength, and a molded product comprising the same, the composition comprising: (a) 35-75 wt% of a polycarbonate resin; (b) 5-35 wt% of a copolymer obtained by polymerizing a conjugated diene rubber having an average diameter of 0.6-1.5 μm, an aromatic vinyl compound and a vinyl cyano compound; (c) 5-20 wt% of a copolymer obtained by polymerizing a conjugated diene rubber having an average diameter greater than or equal to 0.2 μm and less than 0.6 μm, an aromatic vinyl compound and a vinyl cyano compound; (d) 5-20 wt% of a copolymer obtained by polymerizing a conjugated diene rubber having an average diameter of 0.1-0.3 μm, an aromatic vinyl compound and a (meth)acrylate compound; and (e) 0-40 wt% of an aromatic vinyl compound-vinyl cyano compound copolymer. According to the present disclosure, there is an effect of providing a polycarbonate-ABS-based alloy resin composition having excellent mechanical properties and excellent plating adhesive strength, and a molded product comprising the same.


.......................................................................................................................................... iii TABLE OF CONTENTS ....................................................................................................................... v LIST OF TABLES ................................................................................................................................. ix LIST OF FIGURES ............................................................................................................................... x CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND PROBLEM STATEMENT ..................................................... 1 1.


The behavior patterns of smart home users are mined accurately and effectively, so as to analyze the personalized behavior characteristics of smart home users, and then analyze the preferences of smart home users. The reliable and effective services are provided to users in a targeted manner. A method for mining the behavior patterns of smart home users is proposed based on machine learning. The characteristic data model of smart home user behavior pattern is constructed, and the association rule feature decomposition method is used to analyze the user behavior pattern and reconstruct the information. According to the difference of user behavior pattern big data, the characteristics of directional behavior are analyzed, the characteristics are classified according to the user's behavior preference and information fusion, a user behavior model is set up with big data classification model. According to the behavior characteristics of users, the intelligent decision and judgment are realized, and the convergence control is carried out by using machine learning algorithm, which improves the self-adaptability of user behavior pattern mining. The simulation results show that the proposed method is accurate and convergent in behavior pattern mining of smart home users.


Introduction: Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS) is a rare disease characterized by progressive muscle rigidity and spasms, which can lead to functional disability. Circulating anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies are thought to create a γ- aminobutyric acid (GABA)-scarce environment within the body. These autoantibodies, although orders of magnitude greater in SPS, are also associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Objective: Presenting a case of SPS (Stiff Person Syndrome) in a case of a 40-year-old man with Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults (LADA). Case Report: A 40-year-old man with Diabetes presented to us with chief complaints of progressive weakness and abnormal gait with inability to maintain imbalance since 3 months. He had a wide based gait, Power in all four limbs was 4+/5. Tone was increased symmetrically with rigidity present. Reflexes were 2+ and Bilateral plantar were flexor. No sensory involvement was present. Cerebellar signs were positive bilaterally. Higher Mental Functions were intact. No spinal deformity or history of trauma was present. He also had history of Diabetes for 1 year for which he was taking insulin injections. All causes of chronic symmetrical progressive cerebellar involvement were ruled out and a probable diagnosis of SPS was made. MRI Brain was suggestive of cerebellar atrophy. MRI Spine was normal. Patient was also evaluated for Diabetes mellitus and antibodies causing LADA were evaluated. Patient's blood reports were positive for Anti-GAD antibodies which are also the causative factor behind SPS. Other autoimmune conditions were ruled out. Other diagnostic features as mentioned in Dallas criteria were also present. Hence the diagnosis of SPS was confirmed. The patient has been currently using clonazepam, with overall improvement in all symptoms. Discussion: Stiff person syndrome (SPS) is a rare immune-mediated disorder characterized by rigidity and episodic spasms that can be progressive and fatal. Circulating anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti-GAD) antibodies are thought to create a γ- aminobutyric acid (GABA)-scarce environment within the body. These autoantibodies, although orders of magnitude greater in SPS, are also associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).


Currently the emission norms are becoming more stringent, continuous modifications are taking place in existing I.C engines as well as in after treatment devices (ATDs). Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) and Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC) are the mandatory ATDs controlled electronically to optimize engine brake power, fuel consumption and emissions. The conversion efficiency of ATDs mainly depends on exhaust pressure, temperature, flow rate and fluid characteristics of exhaust gas. However, the installation of ATDs increases the exhaust back pressure in the exhaust system. The back pressure of engine also depends on the parameters like engine operating conditions, design of exhaust valves, valve lift time, exhaust gas dynamics and exhaust manifold design etc. In this paper the attempt is made to study the effect of back pressure on performance and emission of diesel engines equipped with EGR and DOC. Here we have not modified the intake and exhaust valves instead, we varied the back pressure of exhaust system using back pressure control valve (BPCV). BPCV is operated manually at three positions, they are 100%, 87.5% and 75% BPCV lifts. The readings are taken in different combinations of BPCV lifts and brake torque at 20, 40, 60, and 80 N-m. The results obtained shows variation of BPCV lift and brake torque effected on performance of engine, DOC and EGR operations as well as fuel consumption. The NOx is reduced by 15%; HC and CO are reduced significantly. However, there is an increase in brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust smoke.


In order to reduce the probability of report mistakes and pretermission which is likely to happen,and to improve the nicety of explicating application-level protocols in an intrusion detection system,a method is proposed to identify the IP protocol using the pattern match algorithm and IP header check sum calculation for Ethernet data packs.Firstly,Ethernet data packs are matched with some static characters of the IP header in the proposed method,and then IP protocol check sum calculation is done.As a result,whether the type that the data packs belong to is IP protocol or not can be identified finally.Under the Visual C++software condition,simulations prove the validity and reliability of the proposed method by running the simulated programme based on the data swatch which has been listed.And so the correctness of identifying upper protocols in the future is able to be ensured.


How much old growth is there? How much was there? Is remaining old growth disappearing? If so, how fast and why? Is any more old growth being created? How fragmented are old-growth forests? What other forest types and land uses surround them? Scientists see these as challenging questions, never to be fully resolved. Policy makers see information gaps and want answers. They assume that because the public values old-growth forests, their continuing availability must be assured. Forest managers need to be convinced that old-growth forests provide unique values before taking costly measures to conserve them. The relative stability of old-growth forests is interesting from a management perspective. Are old-growth forests more resistant to high-intensity disturbances, such as crown fires and violent storms? Do they resist insect outbreaks? A related issue is the quality of ecosystem services provided by old-growth forests. Do they have an exceptional ability to provide clean water, to stabilize hydrologic regim...


A method for receiving information, a method and apparatus for transmitting information. The method of receiving information comprising: a control plane when the device is capable of forwarding plane jurisdiction means, receiving means forwarding plane for transmitting control plane information calculating means forwarding path of the packet, forwarding plane and a control means located in the control plane and the forwarding means network separation of network architecture. Technical solutions provided by the present invention, the forwarding information based on surface means for calculating the packet forwarding path information packet calculation need not actively acquire before forwarding path for calculating a packet forwarding path.


Use of lithium‐ion batteries in mobile applications requires understanding of their response in the case of an impact and mechanical damage. Several studies have investigated the properties of pouch and cylindrical cells. However, the mechanical response of the third common form factor of batteries, namely prismatic cells, has not been fully studied. In this paper, extensive experiments were used to investigate the material properties of small commercial prismatic cells with round corners, in transverse and axial directions. Also, the effects of liquid electrolyte on deformation and failure patterns of cells were studied. Results showed that in quasi‐static tests, the wet and dry cells exhibited similar response in terms of load displacement curves. However, the wet cells showed lower failure points and different fracture patterns. Additionally, the type of separator used in the cells affected the peak load. An analytical approach was proposed to extract material properties from full cell crush testing. Then, finite element models were developed and calibrated using the extracted parameters. The models successfully predicted the load‐displacement response of the cells and the onset of short circuit. Additionally, it was shown that consideration of anisotropic material response has a significant effect on proper prediction of axial loading behavior.


The question of Book Ten of the Iliad is well known and has been extensively studied. So let me therefore make it very clear from the start that I have absolutely no intention here of reviewing and re-examining all the studies, arguments and analyses dealing with the presence of the Doloneia in the construction of the Iliad as it has come down to us, the structural difficulties and problems of consistency it raises from a unitary point of view, the question of whether it belonged to the "original" plan of the poem, or of the time at which it may have been included and thus its character as an interpolation1. So basically, my theme does not belong to the context of modern studies in Homeristics dedicated to the origin and formation of the poem Iliad as we know it. Here I will deal specifically with reconstructing what we know on the observations by the ancient scholars concerning Iliad Book Ten, trying to highlight the relevance and implications of this discussion for ancient criticism and the history of philology. Our starting point is the celebrated scholium contained in manuscript T (Townleianus) at the beginning of Book Ten, which I cite from the Erbse edition.


Based on the study of network planning, this paper presents that the optimization of network planning being a multiobjective optimum problem, and on the basis of analyzing duration-cost, a comprehensive optimum model is given by the author, the model synthesizes duration, cost, quality , probability of completing duration and resource so that the optimum problem of network planning can be solved wholly.


Since the adenoma-carcinoma sequence regarding colorectal cancer was revealed, endoscopic resection of precancerous lesions such as adenoma is recognized as the most important method with respect to colorectal cancer prevention. Generally, endoscopic polypectomy is a safe, easy, and convenient procedure. However, procedures are not always safe to perform. Several complications such as postcoagulation syndrome, perforation, and bleeding can occur despite best care. Among complications related with endoscopic polypectomy, postpolypectomy bleeding is the most common and undesirable situation. Although the results of each study differ slightly, the incidence of postpolypectomy bleeding is generally known to be 0.3%–6.1%. However, considering the referral bias, the actual frequency is thought to be lower. No consensus has been reached about the strategy to avoid postpolypectomy bleeding. First, prophylactic endoscopic management can be applied. Epinephrine containing saline injection, electric coagulation at the resection ulceration, prophylactic hemoclipping on the resection ulceration, and endoloop application are relatively popular strategies for postpolypectomy prevention. However, the effectiveness of these preventive methods has not been established yet. A retrospective study that included 1,745 patients who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy showed no benefits of endoscopic preventive methods regarding postpolypectomy bleeding. Likewise, a meta-analysis study reported that prophylactic hemoclipping was not significant with respect to the prevention of postpolypectomy bleeding. Another study showed that argon plasma coagulation after polypectomy did not decrease delayed bleeding. On the contrary, a prospective randomized study that included 120 patients with 151 polyps reported that prophylactic submucosal injection before polypectomy decreased immediate postpolypectomy bleeding. Another research group that retrospectively analyzed 524 polyps in 463 patients showed that prophylactic hemoclipping reduced delayed postpolypectomy bleeding. Moreover, clinical importance is focused on delayed bleeding rather than on immediate bleeding. The most recent meta-analysis study showed that both mechanical and injection endoscopic preventive methods did not decrease delayed bleeding, whereas a prophylactic technique reduced immediate postpolypectomy bleeding. Various risk factors such as large size of the polyp, location on the right colon, use of antiplatelet or anticoagulation agents, and underlying comorbidities have been identified regarding postpolypectomy bleeding. Moreover, as the prevalence of cardiovascular/neurovascular disease is increasing with the aging of the population, antithrombotic agents are highly used recently. In addition, the numbers of newly developed antithrombotic agents and dual antiplatelet therapies are increasing. Current guidelines regarding invasive endoscopic Received: April 10, 2017 Revised: April 14, 2017 Accepted: April 21, 2017 Correspondence: Duk Hwan Kim Digestive Disease Center, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, 59 Yatap-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam 13496, Korea Tel: +82-31-780-1925, Fax: +82-31-780-1876, E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com