Assisted living facilities (ALFs) provide care to more than 1 million residents in 36,000 facilities across the United States (Becker, Boaz, Andel, & DeMuth, 2012). Data from a 2010 national survey of ALFs having at least four beds show that residents now enter care older, sicker, and more in need of health care (Caff rey, Sengupta, Park-Lee, Moss, Rosenoff , & Harris-Kojetin, 2012). According to the World Health Organization, recognizing the health care needs of an aging population within the health care system is a global health concern (Hogan et al., 2014). ALF residents are routinely referred to emergency departments (EDs) for medical conditions or events that could otherwise be addressed at a less acute level of care, such as in primary care offi ces or urgent care clinics. Th is dependence on EDs creates an unfavorable use of health care resources (Lee, Schuur, & Zink, 2013). Th e overuse of ED health care services


The utility model relates to a thermal insulation sludge drying incineration device. The device consists of a conveyor, a lifter, a sludge incinerator, an activated carbon injection system, a fly ash re-injection system, a dust catcher and a chimney, wherein the lifter is arranged on the discharge end of the conveyor, a sludge hopper is arranged on the lifter, the discharge end of the lifter is connected with a feed port of the sludge incinerator, the activated carbon injection system injects activated carbon into the sludge incinerator, one end of the dust catcher is connected with the sludge incinerator through a pipeline, the other end of the dust catcher is connected with the chimney through a pipeline, and the fly ash re-injection system is respectively connected with the dust catcher and the sludge incinerator. The thermal insulation sludge drying incineration device has the advantages of energy saving, environmental friendliness, low manufacture cost, stability in operation, reasonability in technological design, realization of harmless treatment and low investment and operation cost.


Including synergistically two Fc region amino acid substitutions to provide enhanced selectivity and binding affinity for the Fc receptors of the target, rationally designed antibodies and polypeptides are provided. Polypeptide synergistically to enable those polypeptides than those with wild-type Fc component when incorporated into an antibody therapy, including Fc region mutations in two positions.


Electron-positron pair production in time-dependent potentials is considered. We find that the particle production distribution probability shows interesting resonance structures. Some numerical applications to heavy ion collisions are made.


The remarkable developments in Galileo's theory of motion revealed by his letter to Guidobaldo del Monte in 1602 have never been easy to account for in view of the almost complete lack of direct evidence. By examining the nature of the empirical evidence for the new ideas he advanced in 1602 and his earliest writings on motion in De motu, it is argued that the source of this transformation was his Copernican beliefs. There exists evidence that those beliefs led him to start work on his theory of the tides by 1595, and by 1597 to state to Kepler that Copernicanism had allowed him to account for many otherwise inexplicable phenomena. These comments very probably related to his new study of rotary and linear motion, linked to his theory of circular fall, which it is argued was devised at this point, and to an investigation of the pendulum. Such an investigation would account for his new interest in isochronism and his discovery of the link between linear and circular motion and to the two laws of isochronism announced to Guidobaldo in 1602: that of the pendulum and the law of chords.


Traditionally, grandparents and other family members have assumed integral roles in raising children within American Indian/Alaska Native communities. The existence of an extensive support system assisted parents in passing on to their children the knowledge of customs, culture, and language essential to community survival and well-being. An increasing number of children are now being raised in " grandfamilies, " a type of family constellation where grandparents take on the role of sole or primary caregiver for their grandchildren under eighteen years of age. Assuming primary care of grandchildren is a major undertaking for grandparents who have already raised their own children. This chapter examines the challenges and opportunities experienced by American Indian/Alaska Native grandfamilies. We discuss the financial and legal challenges for grandparents, who often live on fixed incomes. We review how traditional child-rearing practices often differ from what grandparents are able to provide today because of disruption in parenting practices as a result of historical trauma. We discuss the strengths of American Indian/ Alaska Native grandparents to build a more positive future for their grand children. Finally, we conclude with recommendations for how educational and social services institutions can support American Indian/Alaska Native grandfamilies in culturally appropriate ways.


A two-year study of the abundance and distribution of the four-spotted megrim in the North Aegean revealed a pronounced preference of the species for fine sediment (sandy-muddy) bottoms, in a bathymetric range from 200 to 400 m. The depth of maximum predicted megrim density was found to be 339.8 m. The mean size of specimens in areas displaying higher levels of abundance was significantly smaller than that calculated for specimens in shallower and/or deeper waters. A density-dependent bathymetric pattern of distribution appeared to exist in the study area, with larger fish spreading out from habitats of increased fish stock abundance, where stronger competitive interactions might exist. Such interactions may be of great importance, considering that the Aegean Sea is one of the most oligotrophic areas of the world. Corresponding author: V. Vassilopoulou, e-mail: email@example.com Belg. J. Zool., 130 (Supplement 1) : 81-85 November 2000


This study investigated the relationships between verbal behaviors and chemistry problem solving ability in cooperative learning. Based on the previous chemistry achievement. 11th-graders were assigned heterogeneously into three-membered groups. Small cooperative group problem solving processes in using 4 stage-problem solving strategy were audio/video taped. Students' chemistry problem solving ability was then measured by a problem solving strategy performance test. Their verbal behaviors were classified into giving information, receiving information, asking questions, and disagreeing. These were further coded into 16 subcategories. Providing, a subcategory of giving information, was the most frequent behavior. In studying partial correlation between verbal behaviors and problem solving ability, 7 categories were found to have significantly positive relationships. Providing showed the highest correlation with the problem solving ability as reported previously. Moreover, this study also revealed significant correlations in the categories of clarifying provided, correcting, justifying, and clarifying. In the case of low-ability students, the verbal behaviors of giving or receiving information were strongly correlated with problem solving ability. However, these verbal behaviors did not enhance the problem solving ability of high- and medium-ability students.


Friction plug repair welding technology has been demonstrated to be effective to repair the glass fiber-reinforced polyamide 6 sheets in the present paper. Influences of repair hole geometries and parameters on joint morphology and mechanical performance were investigated. Results showed that defect-free repaired joints were produced with the utilization of tapered holes rather than cylindrical holes. Process parameters exerted significant influences on the cross-sectional profile and morphology of the joints. Defect-free repaired welds with larger stir zone thicknesses were produced with the proper increase of rotational speeds, but excessive rotational speeds caused the formation of cavities along the plug boundary and the reduction of stir zone thicknesses. The fluctuation of the wavy bottom interface increased under larger plunge rates and incomplete connections between stir zone and base material were observed under plunge rate of 25 mm/min. Extended dwell time led to larger stir zone thickness and improved joint morphology. Tensile tests showed that the strength of the repaired joints increased and then decreased with the enlargement of rotational speeds. Decreased plunge rate and extended dwell time led to promoted joint mechanical performance. Three failure modes were observed, which corresponded to low, middle, and high repaired weld strengths.


The invention discloses a foaming type electromagnetic wave absorption composite material and a preparation method thereof. The electromagnetic wave absorption composite material is prepared from 10 to 40 mass percent of an electromagnetic absorbent and 60 to 90 mass percent of a base material through a foaming process. Impedance matching between the base material and air is improved by uniform gaps formed by foaming, and a powder material with electromagnetic wave absorption function is uniformly diffused in the foaming process of the base and adsorbed on foam hole walls to form a dielectric loss and magnetic hysteresis loss electromagnetic wave absorption network, so that the electromagnetic waves entering the base are converted into heat energy and attenuated through motion such as reflection, refraction, vortex, resonance and the like. The foaming type electromagnetic wave absorption composite material is widely applied to the field of electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic information leakage prevention, suppression and absorption treatment.


Let Φ = (G,φ) be a connected complex unit gain graph (T-gain graph) on a simple graph G with n vertices and maximum vertex degree ∆. The associated adjacency matrix and degree matrix are denoted by A(Φ) and D(Φ), respectively. Let mα(Φ, λ) be the multiplicity of λ as an eigenvalue of Aα(Φ) := αD(Φ)+(1−α)A(Φ), for α ∈ [0, 1). In this article, we establish that mα(Φ, λ) ≤ (∆−2)n+2 ∆−1 , and characterize the classes of graphs for which the equality hold. Furthermore, we establish a couple of bounds for the rank of A(Φ) in terms of the maximum vertex degree and the number of vertices. One of the main results extends a result known for unweighted graphs and simplifies the proof in [15], and other results provide better bounds for r(Φ) than the bounds known in [8]. AMS Subject Classification(2010): 05C50, 05C22, 05C35.


This is a descriptive study designed to detect the nutritional status, dietetic intake and cognitive performance of 85 elderly adults who take their meals at community kitchens in the metropolitan area of Monterrey, Mexico. A brief nutrition analysis was done, dietetic intake was measured (observed and supplemented with a record of food intake for three-day series), and cognitive performance was evaluated through mini-mental state examinations and trace tests. The nutritional state of 58.8% of the sample group was good, 40% were at risk of malnutrition and 1.2% of the group was malnourished. The cognitive performance of 72.1% was acceptable, while 23.6% displayed inadequate cognitive performance and 3.5% showed poor cognitive performance.


The article describes the Federal Highway Administration's University Transportation Centers Program, which represents FHWA's commitment to develop and promote innovative problem solving methods for the transportation community. The Program's work is conducted at 10 regional centers, several Advanced Institutes thorughout the country, and 3 newly proposed National Centers for Transportation Management, Research, and Development. Ongoing and planned program activities at these centers are reviewed in this article. Research projects initiated at the universities in the program relate to transit, railroads, maritime transportation, multimodal, and highway transportation. Highlights of the programs in the various institutions are noted. The research is providing innovative solutions to problems in the area of urban congestion, rural accessibility, air quality, the elderly and disabled, highway safety, and rehabilitation of facilities.


Tight budgets often limit the scope of test campaigns within the development programmes of small uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs). This paper explores a range of combinations of instrumentation suites and protocols for both wind tunnel and flight evaluation, focusing on the key aspect of drawing up the drag curve of the airframe. Through extensive testing of a 5kg maximum take-off mass, fixed wing, twin motor, richly instrumented test platform, we show that automated glides over a range of airspeeds and the slow down manoeuvre are effective ways of determining power-off drag, while estimating thrust from propeller speed, and voltage and current sensing based methods work well for the power-on case. We also seek the most time-efficient and robust mix of the above manoeuvres to yield a given drag curve accuracy level and we find wind condition impacts the manoeuvre makeup of the optimal strategy.


The development of a literate society is a pre-requisite for the emergence of a knowledge economy. The thesis advanced in this paper is that, without massive investment and promotion of literacy education, development that is targeted at the 17-point sustainable development goals (SDGs) will be bereft of citizen's empowerment, engagement, experiential values and evidential consequences in social change. Therefore, using a qualitative approach conceptual), this study explored the causal correlation that subsists between literacy education, emergence of knowledge economy and sustainable development. The study established that, literacy is basic in andragogical context for facilitating citizens' values re-orientation   attitudinal change for the acquisition of vocational or functional skills and operational knowledge that is beneficial to individual as well as the collective drive for a literate society for the reduction of vulnerability and increase in sustainability in development respectively as expected in the SDGs. Consequently, the resultant outcomes will be a knowledge driven economy which is essential for the attainment of the sustainable development goals as envisaged by the United Nations declaration of 25th of September, 2015.


The invention discloses a starfish extract used for preparing a composition for promoting the collagen proliferation, which comprises a variety of active ingredients used for effectively improving the collagen generation capability of dermal fibroblasts cells. Meanwhile, the extraction method of the invention is capable of improving the economic worth of a starfish and is pollution-free. Meanwhile, the starfish extract can be effectively applied to skin-care products and cosmetics.


The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential of BSFL meal protein hydrolysate as a sustainable alternative source of protein in poultry diets. Protein hydrolysis of BSFL meal was carried out by using sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and Thermostable Alkaline Protease enzyme (TAPzyme) under mild conditions: moderate temperature of 50 °C and pH 9. A total of 8 treatments: 10% NaCl (T1); 10% KCl (T2); 10% TAPzyme (T3); 20% TAPzyme (T4); 10% NaCl and 10% TAPzyme (T5); 10% NaCl and 20% TAPzyme (T6); 10% KCl and 10% TAPzyme (T7); and, 10% KCl and 20% TAPzyme (T8) were performed to determine protein hydrolysate concentration (μg/mL), and percentage of protein concentration decreased (%) at the end of this research. The hybrid treatment, i.e., Treatment 6 (10% NaCl and 20% TAPzyme), had the lowest protein concentration and highest protein concentration decreased at 280.782 µg/mL and 49.20%, respectively. This result shows that salt and protease's synergistic effect managed to hydrolysed BSFL protein into smaller peptides efficiently than salt and protease alone.


Optic Disc segmentation is necessary for earlier diagnosis of glaucoma. Optic Disc segmentation of retinal images is done here using Region Growing method. The input retinal image is first preprocessed using gray scale conversion and adaptive histogram equalization technique. Inorder to perform Optic Disc segmentation the next step is to remove the blood vessels that originate from the optic disc. The blood vessels are detected and the vessels subtraction is done. Morphological operations such as dilation and erosion is done. Then the blood vessels removed image is smoothened using median filtering. Then the region growing algorithm is applied to the resultant image. Thus the segmented optic disc is obtained. This method is applied because it performs well with respect to noise. It can also provide images with clear edges and its simple. This technique is efficient compared with the thresholding method of optic disc segmentation.


The crucial roles of high‐temperature annealing (1300–1340 °C) and ambient gas are emphasized by the electrical properties of structure fabricated on silicon‐on‐insulator by deep oxygen implantation. Hall‐effect measurements down to 77 K, as well as the characteristics of front channel and back channel transistors, show that the silicon overlay is quasihomogeneous, as a consequence of drastic improvement of the buried interface region. This is illustrated by the high carrier mobilities (1250 cm2 V−1 s−1 for electrons at 300 K), the dominance of acoustic phonon scattering, and the interface parameters that are more favorable than after low‐temperature anneals and similar to those of bulk Si. The properties and the temperature behavior of oxygen‐related donors are also investigated via the Hall effect. About 1015 cm−3 thermal donors are generated around 450–550 °C, while 1017 cm−3 new donors are formed at 750 °C. New donors presumably originate from the interface states of SiOx precipitates.


Principles of lean construction have been suggested as strategies towards improving health and safety (H&S) in construction. Previous research has typically focused on the physical aspects of H&S; yet individuals who work within the construction industry have an increased risk of suffering from mental health conditions. This is an area which is gaining attention but is yet to be researched in depth. Through a rapid review of literature, this paper identifies 15 studies, and reviews the current literature concerning mental health within the construction industry. Theoretically, results suggest that mental health is a significant problem within the construction industry; and practically, it is recommended that organisations should consider evidence-based suggestions of ways to address this issue through approaches such as alternate work schedules, and the use of validated detection tools. The results of the review revealed that the current literature is limited, both in terms of quantity and research approaches adopted, and therefore, further high-quality studies are required in this area. The principles of lean construction present an opportunity for addressing the issue of poor mental health in the construction industry, thus expanding the application of lean construction beyond addressing merely the physical aspects of H&S issues.


IEEE CIRCUITS & DEVICES MAGAZINE ■ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2004 Kularatna's (Clarke Institute, Sri Lanka) latest, timely signal literature contribution, Modern Component Families and Circuit Block Design. As evident from the title, the book primarily aims to describe modern electronic component families and methodologies to design and construct circuit blocks utilizing them. This volume effectively assembles various design strategies and information previously found only scattered in a vast array of technical application notes, engineering bulletins, and electronic data books. The volume also offers significant knowledge on critical characteristics and parameters for these building blocks, as well as a look at the relative strengths and weaknesses of different implementations. Kularatna's book is comprised of ten chapters. Chapter 1 ramps up from fundamental principles through the stateof-the-art of voltage referencing systems and regulators. Chapters 2 and 3 are solid review chapters on operational amplifiers and analog and digital data converters. Chapter 4 is devoted to the description of microprocessor and controller technologies. Digital signal processing strategies are the focus of Chapter 5, where various aspects such as functional comparison with microprocessors, filtering schemes, addressing modes, architectural elements, hardware interface, and recent developments are cogently tackled in detail. Chapter 6 addresses the theory behind optoisolators. Chapter 7 covers sensors, featuring material dealing with an array of topics ranging from properties of silicon and their effects on sensing, the micromechanics of sensing systems, various sensory applications (like temperature, pressure, acceleration, humidity, etc.), and cutting-edge smart sensors and actuators. Following this, the theory behind nonlinear devices, such as logarithmic converters, multipliers, dividers, rms-dc converters, function generators and the new generation "benistors," are all integrated coherently in Chapter 8. Similarly, Chapter 9 is directed towards principles and management of rechargeable batteries, while Chapter 10 explores the design aspects of programmable logic devices. A detailed design example is a momentous facet of this significant last chapter. A multitude of relevant citations appear at the end of every chapter, and a detailed index concludes this 452 page volume. The book is successful enough to grant a designer's viewpoint on modern components and appends a practical approach to design problems rather than a generic analysis of broad engineering issues. Since the text emphasizes both fundamentals and new paradigms that are essential in modern circuit design, it is undoubtedly a good compendium for classroom usage and industrial practice. The major advantage of this book is its utilization of a lucid, intuitive language to gradually develop the reader's understanding of important concepts in modern electronic component systems and circuit design. Given this approach, Kularatna's readers will find the book beneficial not only to reinforce their technical foundation, but also to update themselves with the ever-altering electronic component systems technology. The chapters on optoelectronic components, sensors, and rechargeable batteries will probably be especially useful to designers, because these areas have the most varied components and considerations. In sum, Modern Component Families and Circuit Block Design is a book that electrical and electronic engineering senior undergraduate and (advanced) graduate students, designers, practitioners, academicians, or researchers, should find extremely interesting, informative—and perhaps most important— refreshingly different. —Guruprasad Madhavan AFx Inc, California and SUNY at Stony Brook, New York


Authors aim to prove the techno-economic and environmental advantages of using selected types of wastes as an energy source and as a raw material for cement clinker production


To search the fire reason of shallow anthracite coal seam,the air leakage reason and air leakage model of the shallow coal seam were analyzed first,then adiabatic oxidation method and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy method were used to analyze the self-ignition nature of coal.Finally,the ignition reason was discussed on the basis of smoking conditions of the Baiyazi ditch hillside of Mentougou district in Beijing and analysis results.It showed that there is a large quantity of residual coal in the region during the excavation process and the shallow coal seam has air leakage channels for coal fire occurrence and development,air leakage is exacerbated by climate conditions,and this coal sample has high spontaneous combustion tendency due to the impact of geological structures or natural conditions.It can be considered that the shallow coal fire is accused by coal self-ignition,but human factors related to stealing mining can not be excluded.


A method for preparing a thermoplastic resin film, a thermoplastic resin film prepared by the method, an optical compensation film or antireflective film using the film, and an LCD device using the optical compensation film or antireflective film are provided to improve thickness precision, film surface property and optical properties. A method for preparing a thermoplastic resin film comprises the step of cooling and solidifying a molten thermoplastic resin of a film form between a metallic pressurizing body and a metallic cast cooling roll, wherein the temperature of the thermoplastic resin of a film form just before put into the metallic pressurizing body and a metallic cast cooling roll is Tg+20 to Tg+90 deg.C (wherein Tg is the glass transition temperature of the thermoplastic resin), the surface temperature (Tt) of the metallic pressurizing body and the surface temperature (Tl) of the metallic cast cooling roll satisfy the relation represented by 0.5 deg.C <= Tl - Tt < 20 deg.C, and the contact distance (Q) between the pressurizing body and the metallic cast cooling roll and the thermoplastic resin of a film form satisfies the relation represented by 0.1 cm <= Q <= 8 cm.


Integrated control algorithm for the dual source air conditioning system was developed by using the dynamic simulation program. Control algorithms for the supply air temperature setpoint reset, the supply header chilled water temperature setpoint reset, the chiller outlet water temperature setpoint reset, and the cooling water inlet temperature setpoint reset, were developed. Simulation results show the energy savings and the satisfactory controls of the dual source air conditioning system for various load changes. Therefore, control algorithms developed for this study may effectively be used for the improved controls of the dual source air conditioning system.


Urban parks are arguably the most significant and ubiquitous public leisure service in Australia. They are the only such service used by 90 per cent of the population (Veal, 2001), generating an estimated quarter of a billion visits annually in the capital cities [1]. Unlike other major areas of public leisure (sport, the arts, heritage conservation and national parks, and tourism) urban parks are not covered by federal or state agencies, but are likely to be a local government responsibility. The argument for better government support for urban parks is presented.


We study the optimal regulation of banking groups ("banks"), taking both minimum capital requirements and legal structure into account. A bank can set up either as one legal unit facing limited liability jointly (branch structure) or as a bank holding company with subsidiaries (subsidiary structure). Banks are exposed to risk from their unobservable asset choices and to exogenous risk from their environment. We show that banks with branches are more prudent in normal times than banks with subsidiaries, but are also less prudent when problems arise. A regulator that observes banks' exogenous risk should optimally determine both capital requirements and legal structure. If the exogenous risk is private information to banks, it can be optimal to screen banks according to risk by setting capital requirements appropriately, and letting banks choose their legal structure.


Abstract : To examine and analyze quantitatively the mechanism and parameters of the processes of multiphoton absorption from intense laser fields and to observe and measure the intramolecular dynamic processes following such absorption.


In this paper, we present a new nonparametric method for estimating a conditional quantile function and develop its weak convergence theory. The proposed estimator is computationally easy to implement and automatically ensures quantile monotonicity by construction. For inference, we propose to use a residual bootstrap method. Our Monte Carlo simulations show that this new estimator compares well with the check-function-based estimator in terms of estimation mean squared error. The bootstrap confidence bands yield adequate coverage probabilities. An empirical example uses a dataset of Canadian high school graduate earnings, illustrating the usefulness of the proposed method in applications.


Summary: The sub ject of the study focuses on the implementation of the concept of internalization of external transport costs in the EU based on the SMCP formula. The research objective is to assess the expected effects this may cause with regard to sustainable mobility standards as well as transport and logistics supply chains operations. These effects are defined in the form of improving their efficiency and effectiveness. Qualitative research methods are principally used. The research results indicate that it will enhance the standards of driving sustainable mobility as well as transport and logistics macro-systems towards rationalization in terms of optimizing transport and inventory costs.


Time-accurate high-fidelity Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of the launch environment are an important part of the successful launch of new and existing space vehicles. The capability to accurately predict certain aspects of the launch environment, such as ignition overpressure (IOP) waves and launch acoustics, is paramount to mission success. Implicit dual-time stepping methods represent one approach to provide accurate computational results in a timely manner. Two simplified test cases related to the launch environment are examined. The first test case models the IOP waves generated from a 2D planar jet located above a 45-degree flat plate, while the second case investigates launch acoustic noise generated from the jet of a rocket impinging on an axisymmetric flame trench and mobile launcher. Sensitivity analysis has been performed and a verification procedure was applied to investigate the necessary spatial and temporal resolution requirements for CFD simulations of the launch environment using an implicit dual-time method.


Summary: The patterns of morbidity and management among clinic and private patients in a teaching hospital were compared by an audit of computerized case records. The clinic patients were more likely to have a poor obstetric history and antenatal complications, and the private patients were managed more actively. Perinatal mortality in the clinic patients was higher and was related to the higher frequency of low birth weight babies.


Abstract A reduced-density-matrix description is developed for coherent linear and non-linear electromagnetic interactions of quantized electronic systems in the presence of environmental decoherence and relaxation phenomena. Applications of interest include many-electron atomic systems and semiconductor materials. Time-domain (equation-of-motion) and frequency-domain (resolvent-operator) formulations of the reduced-density-matrix approach are developed in a unified manner. The general non-Markovian formulations provide a rigorous foundation for the systematic introduction of the commonly used Born (lowest-order perturbation-theory) and Markov (short-memory-time) approximations. A preliminary semiclassical perturbation-theory treatment of the electromagnetic interaction is introduced, based on a coupled hierarchy of relationships for the field components of the reduced density operator.


OBJECTIVE
To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of radiation synovectomy (RSO) with intraarticular (IA) yttrium-90 plus glucocorticoids (GCs) with the efficacy and safety of IA placebo yttrium plus GCs and to identify parameters that predict efficacy.

METHODS
The knees of 97 patients with persistent arthritis despite outpatient treatment with IA GCs (n = 113 knees), were treated with either IA (90)Y plus GCs (50%) or IA placebo yttrium plus GCs (50%), followed by 3 days of bed rest in the hospital clinic, with splinting of the treated knee. Predominant diagnoses were undifferentiated arthritis (39%) and rheumatoid arthritis (32%). The clinical effect of therapy was assessed at 6 months using a composite change index (CCI; range 0-12). The primary outcome measure was the response rate (i.e., the percentage of joints with a CCI > or =6). Knees with persistent arthritis after 6 months underwent crossover therapy (51% of the (90)Y plus GCs group versus 45% of the placebo plus GCs group). Adverse effects and radiologic damage during followup were documented.

RESULTS
Neither the response rate (48% in both groups), the mean CCI, nor the duration of remission was significantly different between groups. No clinically relevant short-term adverse effects were observed, except for progression of radiologic damage in 34% of the (90)Y plus GCs group versus 28% of the placebo plus GCs group (knee prosthesis placement in 8% versus 1%). The functional and radiologic status at study entry predicted the clinical effect.

CONCLUSION
Treatment with (90)Y plus GCs with bed rest and splinting is not superior to IA GCs with bed rest and splinting. Over the short term, both treatments appeared to be safe, although a negative effect of (90)Y on cartilage and bone cannot be ruled out. Thus, it appears that RSO with (90)Y should no longer be considered the treatment of first choice for persistent arthritis of the knee.


Abstract: This study is concentrated on the correlation between two of porter's general strategic strategies which are bringing leadership and isolation strategy and how it's related to the contending advantage in the private power businesses in the megacity of Sulaymaniyah in the Iraqi Kurdistan area. A quantitative system has been applied for analysis and an aggregate of 100 questionnaires was distributed among the directors of every order of all the private power businesses out of which 93 responded. The first part of the exploration is determining the positive relationship between the cost leadership and contending advantage, other part is concentrated on determining the possibility of a positive relation between isolation strategy and contending advantage. If we see the issues after the different analyses of the first hypothesis. The value of beta B is0.691 for cost leadership which means it's prognosticating the competitive advantage. Therefore, it supports our first thesis. After viewing the results of the analysis of the alternate hypothesis. The value of beta B is0.130 for the isolation strategy which means it's also Prognosticating the competitive advantage significantly Keywords: Private Energy Businesses, Porter's Generic Strategies, Competing Advantages.


In order to research the damage effect of ship cabin under the anti-ship missile action,the typical cabin is imitated by using numerical simulation. Destruction model of detonation wave and shock wave is analyzed and the respond process of cabin under the explosion shock load effect is studied. The destroy norm is given combined the material inefficacy principle at the same time. The numerical simulation result indicates: as a closed space,the detonation wave and the shock wave of ammunition explodes reflects on the bulkhead in cabin many times. Overpressure effect of the corner position that suffered by shock waves will be more than the cabin bulkhead, as a result of the position which destroyed firstly appears at the center; So the mainly destruction model of cabin is cracked along the position in corner until the cabin is disintegrated finally. The powder charging capacity is fixed, the thick cabin ability is stronger than the thin by way of imitating the different thickness cabin structure.


Graph mining is one of the novel approaches for mining the data set represented in graph data structure. In the scientific and commercial applications, graph as a structure has become important for modeling sophisticated structure especially the interactions within them. In this paper, we propose different frequent pattern mining algorithm based on labeling as well as different structures. In our future work, we will provide our own graph mining approach which will efficiently perform mining on the graph data structure.


Presently,there is confusion of the concept of administrative punishment on theory and legis- lation.Therefore such concept needs for clarification and normalizaton.The party of administrative pun- ishment should be limited to the administrative organization and its personnel.Administrative punishment and discipline punishment are related,as well as differentiated.The illegal administration must be the premise of the administrative punishment,and it will result in a sort of legal responsibility.


Statistical design of experiments (DOE) was used to rapidly optimize Red-Al reduction of an imide to produce, after deprotection and salt formation, 3,4-isopropylidenedioxypyrrolidine hydrotosylate (1), an intermediate in the synthesis of Ingliforib. A Red-Al reduction process was successfully scaled to produce multikilogram quantities of 1, thus demonstrating a safer and more economical process. Further development resulted in an optimized procedure, which not only avoided borane reduction but also allowed the three-step procedure to be performed without isolation of the intermediates, solvent exchange, or distillation.


An equivalence is demonstrated, by an explicit first order quantum calculation, between the Minkowski photon emission rate in the inertial frame for an accelerating charge moving on a Rindler trajectory with additional transverse drift motion and the combined Rindler photon emission and absorption rate of the same charge in the Rindler frame in the presence of the Davies-Unruh thermal bath. The equivalence also extends, for the Bremsstrahlung emitted by the same charge as calculated using the machinery of classical electrodynamics. The equivalence is shown to also hold for the case of accelerating charges moving on a Rindler trajectory with additional arbitrary transverse motion. Our results generalize those of Higuchi et al. (1992) and of Cozzella et al. (2017) for accelerated trajectories with circular transverse motion. Related issues and experimental implications are discussed.


A recent experimental measurement of the Chapman‐Jouguet isentrope of the solid explosive Composition B, together with the experimental detonation velocity vs initial density curve, give considerable information about the equation of state of the detonation products. With the aid of some thermodynamic assumptions, a simple explicit form is obtained for the energy as a function of pressure and volume.


(Abstract) This thesis concerns itself with the changes wrought by the movement from analog to digital spaces. These changes are mirrored by changes in the way states practice sovereignty. Examples of new practices of sovereignty are found in the documents of the National Information Infrastrucure Advisory Council. Close analysis of these examples reveals the disciplinary projects of spatial (re)construction implied by these new practices. The effects of these types of spatial disciplinarity on individual subjectivities are also discussed. iii this is dedicated to the music: of theory and of love, and to my fellow musicians iv Acknowledgments I would like to take this opportunity to thank first and foremost Cindy Morarend, who willingly put up with endless workweeks, and a phoned-in relationship for the majority of the work which led to this thesis. This thesis not only marks the end of my MA, but the beginning of paybacks for her patience. I also would like to thank the members of my thesis committee (Tim Luke, Gearoid Ó Tuathail, and Stephen K. White) for their exceeding patience in our collective pursuit of this thesis, and for trusting me enough to finish it outside of the confines of Blacksburg, VA. Tim Luke chaired that committee, but my debt to him is not only one of mentoring, but also one of friendship. I owe Ilja Luciak far more than I can describe here — Ilja, thanks. Len Hatfield, of the English department at VPI, played a huge role in keeping me motivated (and occasionally sidetracked) during my time as a Master's student. Stephen, as graduate director, had a great deal to do with my being able to do my Master's work at all. I also want to thank my other colleagues in the Department of Political Science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: the chair of the department, Richard Rich, gave me the pleasure of an extended appointment as a graduate assistant, allowing me not only to hone my research skills, but also to practice the skills which have kept me employed since my departure from the department; I'd like to thank Doug Borer, Chuck Walcott, John Aughenbaugh, and Steve Twing, who collectively suffered slings (of the basketball court) and swings (of the golf course), thereby providing me much needed vents for the stresses of writing; my graduate colleagues in the department were also splendid company — I'd like to specially thank …


A strong jerk which can cause passengers discomfort occurs when electric elevator starts and stops. If uncontrolled, the jerk have influence on the electrical and mechanical subsystem performance and reduce the system life expectance. Modern drives have ability to control speed, so we can indirectly control the jerk. This paper describes the control of real gear-less electric elevator drive with vector-controlled induction motor. Position trajectory is determined by the need that jerk is changed by the predefined function. A mathematical model of the drive is presented, and it is tested through computer simulations.


The article is aimed at substantiating the methodological approach to assessing the investment attractiveness of the food industry enterprise, taking into account its industry characteristics. The article describes the specifics of the activities of food industry enterprises, which can characterize the state of their investment attractiveness. The methodological aspects of assessment of investment attractiveness of enterprise are considered. The assessment of the investment attractiveness of a food industry enterprise is proposed to be carried out from the short- and long-term perspective. The methodology for assessing the investment attractiveness of the food industry enterprise is substantiated according to the following stages: formation of an information base of assessment; assessment of investment attractiveness elements and determination of their normative values by groups of financial coefficients; integral assessment of elements of the state of investment attractiveness; ranking of enterprises based on the results of the investment attractiveness assessment. Four groups of financial coefficients are distinguished in accordance with their economic content: liquidity (absolute liquidity ratio, coverage ratio); negotiability (negotiability ratio of total capital, negotiability ratio of current assets); financial sustainability (coverage structure coefficient, ratio of own and borrowed funds); profitability (return on assets, return on equity). The methodology allows, depending on the priorities and policies of the enterprise, its industry affiliation, investment climate, economic development conditions, to choose other criteria and indicators to assess the level of investment attractiveness. A methodical approach to the construction of an integral indicator of the assessment of investment attractiveness of enterprise and a factor map of its interpretation with the allocation of low, medium and high levels are proposed.


138.-' which is to say, being interpreted, Master,' is naturally omitted ; 'Rabbi' or ' Rabban' being an Aramaic word (with the Curetonian and the Peshitta). 140.-'And the name of one of these disciples o~ John, was Andrew, the brother of Simon.' 'Peter' is omitted (with the Peshitta), but then Simon had not yet received the name. The first clause of this verse agrees with the Curetonian, which, however, adds Cepha.' 141.-' And Andrew sczie~ Simon his brother Oil that day, and saith unto him, My brother, we have found the Messiah' (almost with the Curetonian, which omits 'on that day,' and 'My brother,' and adds Cepha,' and almost with the Peshitta). *142.-' which is, being interpreted into Greek, Peter.'


Faith-based treatment programs have played a visible and acclaimed role in Taiwan's long struggle against drug abuse and its social consequences. Christian organizations have been the main sponsors of faith-based recovery services based on a treatment model that emphasizes the transformative benefits of religious conversion. Despite its conceptual appeal, this therapeutic mechanism remains untested and very little is known about gender differences in faith-based treatment performance. This study bridges this research gap by exploring how men and women differ in their treatment retention, and by examining the association between in-treatment religious conversion and treatment retention. The sample comprises 707 clients admitted to Operation Dawn, a faith-based residential treatment, between December 2000 and March 2009. Gender differences in client background characteristics and substance abuse history, probability of religious conversion during treatment, and dropout hazards were identified. Overall, women encountered more challenges in faith-based treatment settings. A robust positive relationship between religious conversion and treatment retention was also found. The high treatment attrition rate, however, proved faith-based treatment to be a modality of high therapeutic specificity. Further research into the dynamics of in-treatment religious conversion is needed to allow informed matching of faith-based services with suitable clients and to identify best practices within this particular clinical framework.


Provides another argument for the thesis that, far from presenting an insurmountable obstacle to the project of constructive epistemology, the deployment of Austin's requirement of fidelity enables us to find new solutions to epistemological problems; deploys Austin's fidelity requirement to argue that neither our having a justified belief P, nor our having a justified true belief that P, is sufficient for P to count as part of our evidence—it is necessary that we know that P; that our decisions, as to what we know, have methodological import; that, as a consequence, it cannot be of any moment, to a properly conducted inquiry into what it takes for a person to know that P, what naïve respondents say about cases (including the cases cited in support of the Pragmatic Encroachment Thesis—the thesis that whether we know that P depends on whether we are prepared to act on P).


We investigate the average frequency of positive slope να+ crossing for the returns of market prices. The method is based on stochastic processes in which no scaling feature is explicitly required. Using this method we define a new quantity to quantify the stage of development and activity of stock exchanges. We compare the Tehran and western stock markets and show that some, such as the Tehran (TEPIX) and New Zealand (NZX) stock exchanges, are emerging, and also that TEPIX is a non-active market and is financially motivated to absorb capital.


Inspection methodologies have evolved in exploring optimal inspection intervals. The latest approach is the Risk Based Inspection method, referring to API-580 and API-581. Risk Based Inspection (RBI) has been implemented mainly in oil and gas industry to manage the risk of aging facilities. The RBI plan has also been introduced for new facilities and become part of the design requirements, making it the right time for PT. XYZ to improve their RBI implementation to support the Facility Risk Integrity Management System. In general, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the ongoing RBI implementation at PT. XYZ in general while specifically identify the part of RBI and related Asset Integrity Management already implemented and those that still need further improvement. This study is a semi-quantitative study on primary data collected through focus group discussion using the 15 evaluation parameters of RBI based on API 580, API 581, and field observation and secondary data from previous RBI reports, maintenance program, and inspection program. The results of this study show that the overall score is 106 out of 150, this indicates a good implementation of RBI but after further analysis there is the largest gap from the maximum score = 10.0 which is identified as RBI on specific equipment (score=3.0), documented RBI management policy and strategy (score=3.8), risk target and risk acceptable level (score=4.0), and specific damage mechanism components (score=5.3). This will assist a more focused approach to the parts that need improvement while maintaining the industry standards needed to ensure safe operation with low uncertainty.


Abstract : One of the Norwegian government's main goals is to fulfill its security obligations to the international society by participating in complex multinational operations. Accordingly, during the past decade the government has strengthened the Norwegian Special Forces as an important strategic military asset for domestic and foreign engagements. The Special Forces have been deployed to several crisis response operations. A Norwegian Minister of Defense policy statement clearly emphasize that Special Forces will continue to be an important force contributor in future operations. This Strategy Research Project argues that the Norwegian Special Forces can make substantial contribution to military counterinsurgency campaigns. In background, this SRP describes the organization and recent missions of the Norwegian Special Forces. It analyzes the Special Forces capabilities and cites lessons learned from previous counterinsurgency operations.


Diffusion speed and scale depend on all kinds of information, not just which users have the most or fewest connections.


This paper studied soil samples from the region of Xiaoliang water conservation station, in Maoming, Guangdong, including naturally restored forest, broad leaf forest, eucalyptus pine mixed forest and bare land etc. 32 indices based on the physical, chemical, microbiological and enzyme properties of the soil were studied, from 9 different vegetation patterns at 45 observation points through soil tests, variance analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis. The results showed that, when λ=20, there were two categories, sample field 1 and 2 classified as one category, and the others classified as one; when λ=10, there are three categories, sample field 4 was one category, sample field 1 and 2 classify as the other category, and all the others classified as the third category; when λ=5.1, there were five categories, sample field 4 was one category, sample field 1 and 2 separately classifies as one each, sample field 5, 6 and 7 classified as one, and 3, 8 and 9 classified as one. It was seen that the classifications of sample soil quality were perfectly clear, and the results of sample soil productivity were in good agreement with the real field situations. Through the variance analysis, it was shown that the physical characteristics of the 9 sample fields had significant differences. The enzyme properties showed relatively significant differences too; and the differences in chemical and microbiological characteristics are much less than those of physical characteristics. Through the analysis, it was shown that the soil quality in each sample field showed relatively uniform characteristics, which were quite poor. In conclusion, the ecological restoration of soil is a very slow process. In order to control the water and soil erosion, improving the soil quality, manual actions must be carried on in the ecological restoration process.


Are Germans serious and hardworking? Are Japanese conformists? Are Canadians friendly? Are Australians outgoing? Are Californians laid back? Are Northeasterners brusque? Are Southerners polite? Are Indigenous People of the Plains more assertive than those hailing from coastal areas? To some, even considering the possibility of behavioral and attitudinal diff erences across groups is deeply troublesome, yet beliefs in the existence of distinct character traits are widespread and stubborn. To take one oft cited example, Daniel Elazar argues that people living in certain states of the Upper Midwest display "moralistic" tendencies; that those living in many states in the South are "traditional"; and that those living in many states primarily in the Northeast are "individualistic" (Elazar 1972). Does systematic empirical research provide guidance on whether national and regional character traits are myths or have a basis in fact? Yes, though it would seem the answers suggested by that research are anything but consistent. Two major studies, each including dozens of coauthors from around the world and each appearing in the leading journal Science, come to remarkably diff erent conclusions. Terracciano et al. (2005) asked individual samples of people in 49 diverse countries (or distinct subcultures within selected countries), from Burkina Faso and Indonesia to Canada and Denmark, to rate their "Flat Places, Deep Identities." Th e fi rst two words of the title of the 2017 Great Plains Symposium mesh nicely with the intended emphasis on geography and mapping, but it is the fi nal two words that are potentially more controversial and that serve as the point of departure for this essay. Is it possible that people residing in the Great Plains have deep and distinct identities, values, philosophies, creeds, and personalities? More generally, is there such a thing as national or regional characters? If the people living in individual countries or areas are indeed distinct, what produces these diff erences? In other words, what are the precise mechanisms by which variations in character across geographical territories appear and are perpetuated? Disputes and confl icting claims on these matters have persisted since the beginning of history (Herodotus [1968]), and I do not pretend to off er fi rm answers here, but recent work in leading scientifi c journals sheds interesting new light on the topic. My purpose in this essay is not to make claims of my own but rather to summarize and integrate several of these studies so that readers might be better positioned to refl ect for themselves on whether and why there could be such a thing as a Great Plains identity or character. Invited Essay: Could the People of the Great Plains Have Distinctive Character Traits?


The incorporation of fluorescein-labeled estradiol and desoxycorticosterone in human vaginal epithelial cells during the menstrual cycle was studied. The uptake of these steroids changes during the menstrual cycle and can be related to data on nuclear binding sites in the human endometrium during the menstrual cycle. Further studies must be done to prove the effectiveness of this method as a test for the hormone sensitivity of tissue or cells, especially the sensitivity of neoplastic tissue to hormonal therapy.


Using the plasmon exchange model in the framework of the Eliashberg theory for strong-coupling superconductors, the critical temperature of La1.85 Sr0.15 CuO4 has been calculated. The finite-wave vector effect on acoustic plasmon dispersion has been included in the expression for the effective interaction between charge carriers. This effect is shown to enhance the critical temperature significantly as compared with the result without this term. The critical temperature is sensitively dependent on the spacer dielectric constant eM which is not known precisely. The Coulomb repulsion strength ∝ ∝ ∝ ∝ ∗ ∗∗ ∗∗ has been tested around the commonly used value of 0.1. It is found that their proper values of them are e


Recent Monte Carlo work on choosing experimental designs for discrete choice experiments seemed to greatly simplify this choice for applied researchers. It suggested that (a) commonly used designs can generate unbiased estimates for indirect utility function specifications with main effects only and main effects plus higher order terms, and (b) random designs are more efficient than main effects designs. We show that these results are very specific to the particular indirect utility specifications studied and do not generalize well. We further show that conclusions drawn concerning random designs are problematic and potentially dangerous for applied researchers.


Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is one of the major renewable energy sources and is stored and carried in a storage tank that is designed following international standards. Since LNG becomes highly unstable when it encounters oxygen in the air, a leakage from an LNG storage tank can cause a catastrophic industrial accident. Thus, the inspection of LNG storage tanks is one of the priorities to be completed before LNG is stored in a storage tank. Recently, the usage of Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) has been gradually increasing as the risks of RT emerge. PAUT has some obstacles to overcome in order to substitute RT, such as efficiency and accuracy. Specifically, the cost issue must be addressed. Therefore, many attempts to combine PAUT with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) have been made. PAUT provides many types of 2D images of the inspected weldment. The S-scan is one of the 2D images provided by PAUT, and it displays the cross-sectional view of the specimen with a single transducer. The inspectors examine the S-scan image and other provided images of PAUT to detect, classify and size the flaw that exists in the weldment so that the decision of whether the inspected weldment with the flaw is acceptable can be made. Nowadays, most of the previous research on PAUT and ANN focuses on detecting and classifying the flaws in B-scan or S-scan images. However, the last step to determine the flaws' acceptability is not yet covered. In this study, the flaw acceptance criteria of PAUT in various international standards are listed. EXTENDE CIVA is used to create the PAUT S-scan images. The S-scan images are labeled with the listed acceptance criteria. Then, they are used in Mask R-CNN training. After the training, some new S-scan images with flaws are used to test the performance, and this showed 96% precision and 87% recall. With the algorithm, the acceptability of a flaw in a weldment can be determined efficiently and it will reduce the burden of PAUT usage and reduce the time required for a full-length inspection.


Benign breast diseases are common in young females in the second and third decade of life. Most common presentation is painless lump in the breast. Clinical and cytological correlation is essential for definitive diagnosis and early treatment of the lesions. Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is a popular technique utilized in the diagnosis of palpable masses anywhere in the body, it is sensitive and specific, expedient, economical and safe and less time consuming without much discomfort to the patient. The aim of this study is to analyze and correlate the diagnosis of breast lesions on cytology with histopathology. This is a retrospective cum prospective study which includes 468 cases of palpable breast masses. The chief complaint was lump in the breast, pain in the breast and/or discharge from the nipple. Patients' ultrasound findings were noted. FNAC was performed by using 23 gauge needle attached to 5 ml or 10ml disposable syringe. For histopathological examination tissue was grossed and representative areas were taken and processed for slide preparation and staining. Slides were examined under light microscope and the findings were correlated with FNAC findings. The study included 468 breast masses / cases, which were diagnosed on cytology. Most of the cases in this study were in the age group 2029 years (157 cases). The size of the lesion varied from 1.0 cm to 7.6 cm in the largest plane, number of swellings in a single breast varied from one to eight. Largest numbers of multiple fibroadenomas (both breast) were 16 of varying sizes. Most of the lesions were noted in the left breast than right breast. The accuracy of the FNAC is 97.88 % in this study.


The Functionality Appreciation Scale (FAS) measures an appreciation of the individual for the functions their body can perform, regardless of physical limitations of the individual. To facilitate the use of this tool by researchers and clinicians, it is necessary to understand what normal scoring looks like in healthy adults, as well as validate the scoring of this scale. We analyzed the FAS using Rasch Measurement Theory. FAS responses, demographic data, and clinical questionnaires were collected by the Brain Body Mind Lab (University of Minnesota) from 567 community-dwelling adults recruited at the Minnesota State Fair, including 14 adults with spinal cord injury. We evaluated item and person fit, targeting, unidimensionality, person separation reliability (PSR), local item dependence (LID), and differential item functioning (DIF) for demographic and clinical characteristics. We found a significant ceiling effect (26.98%) and a positive person mean location of 3.28 +/- 2.10 logits, indicating the FAS is too easy for the community-dwelling adults in the US. PSR was 0.79, indicating a capacity to differentiate groups of people according to their ability level of functional appreciation. We also compared the person mean location of adults who did or did not participate in body awareness training. Adults who practiced body awareness training had a higher person mean location (4.28, Interquartile Range [IQR] = 3.96 logits) than those who did not (2.73, IQR = 3.34), indicating a higher functionality appreciation. Overall, FAS demonstrated good item and person fit, but the current version of FAS will require more difficult items to be added to improve the targeting of the scale for use in a general population.


Presents data from a national survey of health care personnel describing a range of employer efforts to promote influenza vaccination and their associations with vaccination rates during the 2009-2010 influenza season.


The Nanocluster Trap endstation at BESSY II combines a cryogenic linear radio-frequency ion trap with an applied magnetic field for x-ray magnetic circular dichroism studies of cold and size-selected trapped ions. Applications include atomic, molecular, and cluster ions as well as ionic complexes.


Abstract Agriculture in Alaska is apparently declining in both absolute and relative terms, yet new land is still being brought into use and agricultural scientists continue to introduce improved varieties of crops and methods of cultivation. In an attempt to reconcile sometimes conflicting evidence, the present article reviews data for recent crop years and analyzes the circumstances under which farming exists. In the light of contemporary socioeconomic trends and the overwhelming disadvantages of the Alaskan setting, and in view of the fact that agricultural production is not critical to the needs of the state, further decline seems most likely. There are several factors, however, including those of perceived human values, institutional support, high prices of certain imported commodities, and above all the feasibility of part-time farm operation, that may contribute to a continuing although limited agricultural use of land.


Owing to their high growth rate, marine microalgae such as Chlorella, Spirulina, Porphpidium and Dunaliella have been believed to be potentially useful for the production of foods, drugs and energy from light, and minerals. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the growth and fatty acid composition in the blue green alga Spirulina platensis when the temperature and light intensity of culture conditions were changed. The optimal growth conditions for Spirulina platensis from the biomass and lipid contents were on 6391 E//sec and on 4235 E//sec. The difference of lipid contents between exponential phase and stationary phase were very large according to growth conditions. According to growth conditions the fatty acid compositions of Spirulina platensis differed, but regardless of growth conditions the main fatty acids were C16 : 0 and C20 : 0 in saturated fatty acid, C16 : 1, C18 : 1 and C 18 : 2 in unsaturated fatty acid.


The aim of the current study is to develop a scale that measure pre-service early childhood educators' beliefs about infant and toddler education(I/TE). 384 candidate early childhood educators from different public universities were constituted the sample of the study. Reliability and validity analysis were run for the 60-items " Infant Toddler Education Belief Scale for pre-service early childhood educators (ITEBS4PECES) ". Explanatory and Confirmatory factor analysis of ITEBS4PECES indicated that ITEBS4PECES is a 5-Likert scale with 35 items and four factors. Factor loading values ranged between .439 and .762. The total variance explained by the scale is 39.02%. The reliability coefficients of Cronbach alpha ranged from 0.81 to 0.85 for factors. As one of the first attempts to measure beliefs about infant-toddler education of pre-service teachers, this valid and reliable scale is believed to lead more research on infant toddler education and by this way contribute a lot to early childhood education field. Article visualizations:


This work presents an approach to optimizing entire trajectories for a group of mobile robots that use one another as localization beacons. The cost function we seek to optimize is a measure of localization uncertainty (as opposed to distance travelled or time). Our initial findings show that, for example, it is possible to improve on the intuitive equilateral-triangle formation for three robots.


Utilizing data from a classroom intervention with 8 graders, I employ agent-based computer modeling to simulate the cognitive processes at play during the intervention, in which students transition between using multiple epistemological resources. The model substantiates the hypothesis of manifold epistemological resources, which can be activated with simple prompts and have a non-linear impact on learning.


Background: The bacterial sodium-translocating NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) is a redox-driven Na+ pump. Results: Its NqrA subunit provides the binding site for the final electron acceptor ubiquinone. Conclusion: Ubiquinone binding assigns a first functional role to the peripheral NqrA subunit in the enzymatic mechanism of Na+-NQR. Significance: With the ubiquinone binding site, the binding site for the second substrate has been identified in Na+-NQR. Na+ is the second major coupling ion at membranes after protons, and many pathogenic bacteria use the sodium-motive force to their advantage. A prominent example is Vibrio cholerae, which relies on the Na+-pumping NADH:quinone oxidoreductase (Na+-NQR) as the first complex in its respiratory chain. The Na+-NQR is a multisubunit, membrane-embedded NADH dehydrogenase that oxidizes NADH and reduces quinone to quinol. Existing models describing redox-driven Na+ translocation by the Na+-NQR are based on the assumption that the pump contains four flavins and one FeS cluster. Here we show that the large, peripheral NqrA subunit of the Na+-NQR binds one molecule of ubiquinone-8. Investigations of the dynamic interaction of NqrA with quinones by surface plasmon resonance and saturation transfer difference NMR reveal a high affinity, which is determined by the methoxy groups at the C-2 and C-3 positions of the quinone headgroup. Using photoactivatable quinone derivatives, it is demonstrated that ubiquinone-8 bound to NqrA occupies a functional site. A novel scheme of electron transfer in Na+-NQR is proposed that is initiated by NADH oxidation on subunit NqrF and leads to quinol formation on subunit NqrA.


204 words Introduction: 521 words Discussion: 896 words ABBREVIATIONS: PFC, prefrontal cortex; CaMKII, Ca/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II; PLC, phospholipase C; IP3Rs, ionsitol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptors; mEPSCs, miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents; PSD, postsynaptic density. This article has not been copyedited and formatted. The final version may differ from this version. Molecular Pharmacology Fast Forward. Published on December 19, 2005 as DOI: 10.1124/mol.105.018853 at A PE T Jornals on Feruary 7, 2021 m oharm .aspeurnals.org D ow nladed from


The invention relates to a novel large-span vibration exciter, which is widely applied to various wide vibrating machines. According to the technical scheme, the novel large-span vibration exciter comprises a split anti-vibration transmission motor component, an eccentric vibration excitation block component, shaft couplings, a universal transmission shaft, a ring flange and the like, wherein the anti-vibration transmission motor component and the eccentric vibration excitation block component are fixedly arranged on a carrier such as a side plate and a middle support plate of a vibrating sieve in an insertion way through the ring flange; the two ends of the anti-vibration transmission motor component are connected with the universal transmission shaft through the shaft couplings; and the universal transmission shaft is connected with a rotating shaft of the eccentric vibration excitation block component. The anti-vibration transmission motor component is mounted in a way of being fixedly arranged on the middle support plate in an insertion way through the ring flange or arranged on a middle support shaft of the carrier by adopting a bolt base. The novel large-span vibration exciter disclosed by the invention can be used separately, and can be used in a combined way; and under the condition of combined use, the carrier such as a sieve box of the vibrating sieve can be driven to generate vibration of different movement orbits so as to adapt to the requirements of different working conditions.


The lower homologues of bromoacetylene, from 1-bromopropyne to 1-bromo-1-hexyne, have been prepared in excellent yield by stirring the alkyne (in the cases of 1-propyne and 1-butyne a dilute solution in high-boiling petroleum ether) with a very concentrated aqueous solution of potassium hypobromite and potassium hydroxide


Among the problems of learning Arabic in Islamic schools is the number of students who find it difficult to learn reading skills, one of the reasons is the use of learning media that is not effective and causes students to get bored. Therefore, in this study the authors examine the "Powtoon" learning media to improve reading skills. The purpose of this study was to determine the application of the "Powtoon" learning media and the effectiveness of its application in improving reading skills, therefore this research is very important for Arabic teachers in solving the problem of learning reading skills. This study is a quantitative study. The subjects in this study were students of class VII at State Islamic Junior High School 2 Sidoarjo. Data collection uses observation, interview and test. The results showed that the application of the "Powtoon" learning media was effective in improving the reading skills students of class VII at State Islamic Junior High School 2 Sidoarjo with a score of t_0, the result was 29.8 and tt was 1.701, so t_0 was greater than tt which means that the null hypothesis (Ho) is Rejected and the alternative hypothesis (Ha) is accepted.
Keywords: Learning Media, Powtoon, Reading Skills,


The role of hormones during fruit development and ripening in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is poorly understood. In this study, two strawberry cultivars ('Jewel' and 'Wendy') were chosen based on their shelf life quality, which were intermediate and excellent, respectively. Hexanal and growth regulators were applied to the fruit as two preharvest sprays. Fruits treated with "Enhanced Freshness Formulation" (a formulation with hexanal as a key ingredient) showed improvement in the shelf life of both cultivars. Auxin application reduced loss of fruit firmness and abscisic acid was able to accelerate the ripening process without having a significant effect on the relevant fruit quality parameters. The regulation of gene expression during ripening in relation to hexanal and hormones was examined in 21 genes potentially involved in cell wall degradation. Gene expression profiles showed similar patterns in the two cultivars, with more prominent amplitude in 'Wendy'. The expression of hormone-responsive genes responded in an antagonistic manner to exogenous hormone applications, supporting their role in ripening and fruit development. Hexanal application induced a clear reduction in the transcript level of two phospholipase D genes and other key enzymes involved in cell wall degradation. These findings indicate that ripening in strawberry is associated with the expression of specific genes and the modulation of this gene expression by hexanal supports its role in increasing fruit shelf life.


Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: Tandem lesions in the anterior circulation account for up to 30% of all large vessel occlusion strokes. The optimal periprocedural approach in these lesions is still a matter of debate. Methods: Data from the German Stroke Registry—Endovascular Treatment between June 2015 and December 2019 were analyzed. The German Stroke Registry—Endovascular Treatment is an academic, independent, prospective, multicenter, observational registry study with 25 participating stroke centers from all over Germany enrolling consecutive mechanical thrombectomy patients. Tandem lesions were defined as a combination of a relevant extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) pathology (ipsilateral stenosis >70% or occlusion) and concomitant intracranial large vessel occlusion. Successful reperfusion was defined as modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction score of 2b-3. The modified Rankin Scale score of 0 to 2 at 3 months indicated good outcome. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of different technical strategies in tandem lesions. Results: Out of 6635 patients, 874 (13.2%) presented with tandem lesions. Of these, 607 (69.5%) underwent acute treatment of the extracranial ICA. Acute treatment of the extracranial ICA lesion led to a higher probability of successful reperfusion (odds ratio, 40.63 [95% CI, 30.03–70.06]) compared with patients who did not undergo acute treatment of the extracranial ICA lesion and was associated with good clinical outcome (39.5% versus 29.3%, P<0.001) and a lower rate of mortality (17.1% versus 27.1%, P<0.001) at 3 months. Further significant predictors of successful reperfusion were age (odds ratio, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.96–0.99]; P=0.035) and intravenous thrombolysis (odds ratio, 10.58 [95% CI, 10.04–20.4]; P=0.033). Intracranial-first approach (n=227) compared with extracranial-first approach (n=267) resulted in a shorter time to flow restoration (53.5 versus 72.0 minutes, P<0.001) and a higher nonsignificant probability of good outcome (45.8% versus 33.0%, P=0.24) without differences in periprocedural complications. Conclusions: In tandem lesions in the anterior circulation, acute treatment of the extracranial ICA lesion is associated with better clinical outcome and lower mortality. The intracranial-first approach might provide advantages.


The world, which includes all living things from the first human to the present, is based on the process of change and transformation with all its dimensions. It can be stated that this process of change and transformation affects the lives of many living things on earth, as well as remarkable effects on human life. In particular, the digital world, which is one of the important results of technology-based development, can be said to be effective in shaping human life cognitively, psychomotorically and emotionally. This shaping process takes place in educational institutions with the achievements transferred through various fields of study and disciplines. This study, in which the effect of social studies courses on the formation and development process of the digital self-concept, which is based on the cognitive effects of digitalization, was evaluated in line with the perceptions of teachers in Turkey, was designed according to the phenomenological approach, one of the qualitative research methods. The research data were analyzed with the descriptive analysis technique and thematic codes were created based on the findings. A semi-structured interview form prepared by the researchers was used to collect data. The research data, the answers to the questions in the interview form, were collected through online interviews with social studies teachers due to the Covid-19 epidemic in the world and in Turkey. In the study supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of İnönü University with the Normal Research Project coded SBA-2019-1755, the data obtained were analyzed and the findings were presented in tables and figures. Considering the findings of the study, it can be said that the social studies teachers who make up the study group have different and remarkable perceptions about the effects of social studies lessons on digital self-creation.


Many investigators have attempted to find the cause of the in some cases troublesome postoperative hemorrhages that occasionally occurs after cataract operation, and a t many clinics special precautions have been taken to prcvent t rc postoperative hemorrhages, e. g. by bleeding, calcium injections, saturation with vitamine C preoperatively. The use of these special measures is being disputed. A s for saturation with vitalnine C even highly diverging conceptions are being met with in the literature. E. g. Fr . Meyer believes that saturation with ascorbic acid ( redoxon) before cataract operations has no influence upon the frequency of postoperative hemorrhages. Of 35 patients who preoperatively had been saturated with ascorbic acid, 12 got postoperative hemorrhage, i. e. about 33 %. Without saturation : Of 840 cataract operated individuals 25.8 % had postoperative hemorrhage. Urbanek on the other hand, claims that postoperative hemorrhages practically were reduced to 0 by preoperative and postoperative treatment with ascorbic acid (Cebion). Statistical data are not given by Urbanek. Neither does he mention any inaterial for comparison. Urbanek claims that this favourable effect of ascorbic acid is du to:


This paper presents an electromagnetic transient model including the east, central and southwest China 500 kV grid, UHVAC nationwide backbone network and 9 HVDC systems using PSCAD/EMTDC based on BPA Dynamic equivalent model data of the network around 2015 and Simulation is carried out to compare single model of BPA and PSCAD/EMTDC. HVDC and UHVDC transmission system models in BPA are analyzed and control system model is built according to HVDC control system in real time operation. The simulation results show that the proposed model has good static and dynamic characteristics; it meets the requirements of simulation speed and accuracy therefore can be applied in stability analysis of AC/DC hybrid systems described in the paper.


Optimization of the fabrication for SiC composites with advanced stoichiometric SiC fibers (Hi-Nicalon Type S and Tyranno SA) by the forced thermal-gradient chemical vapor infiltration process was carried out. Porosity decreased to approximately 15% by increasing the fiber volume fraction and optimizing precursor gas flow rates. Uniformity of fiber / matrix interphase was improved by a preform flipped midway through the interphase deposition. The tensile strength slightly increased with the thic ess of carbon interphase in the range of 75-300 nm. The effect of the fabric orientation on the tensile strength was also investigated. In the result, the tensile strength of the composite with the fabric orientation of [0°/90°] using Tyranno SA fiber is larger than that of [-30°/0°/+30°].


After analyzing the disadvantages of Artificial Fish-School Algorithm (AFSA),this paper presents a hybrid artificial fish-school algorithm based on Gauss mutation and differential evolution mutation.By adding mutation operators to AFSA in evolution process,the ability of AFSA to break away from artificial fish stochastic moving without a definite purpose or heavy getting together round the local optimum solution is greatly improve.The proposed algorithm can greatly improve the ability of seeking the global excellent result and convergence property and accuracy.Several computer simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is significantly superior to original AFSA.


Myth: explicative, symbolic and dynamic tale that recounts one or more extraordinary events—which are personal and transcendental; it lacks historical testimony and is made up of invariable thematic elements, which are often presented in a situation of crisis; presents a conflictive, emotive, functional and ritual character, and always points out towards an absolute cosmogony or eschatology, which may be particular or universal. This definition, general, cold and indeterminate, requires a time, a space and especially a consciousness to come to life. Myth is not a mental construct unconnected to sociocultural vicissitudes: it bears—on its skin and in its entrails—the mark of each individual and of each society. Myth is a slave longing to be set free: in the same way it cannot be rid of its inherited form and content, it also cannot keep from dreaming of new forms and contents—the promise of an improbable liberation. "New Forms of Myth" depicts those forms and those contents in a new time and in a place. The novelty of the method lies in vindicating the coalescence of the traditional procedures of myth-criticism and new aspects that have not been systematically analysed yet by scholarly research, namely: globalization, immanence and consumerism. The book thus offers a modest contribution to the task of identifying, analysing and synthetizing the typology of myth in literature, fine arts and contemporary media. Hopefully, this will lead to a better understanding of our own consciousness in this disconcerting world.


Three data points (red data points in Figures 4B, J, and L) had large influence on the regression slope (as indicated by |standardized slope dfBeta| values > 1 [1]). Deleting these values, however, did not materially change any of the index values (data not shown). Also, the loess fits to the data suggest a non-linear relationship between microarray and qrPCR FCs for the stratified sampling results (yellow lines in Figures 4H, J, and L), raising the issue whether low FCs (log 2 < 0.5) observed in the microarray data were validated by qrPCR. We conducted two tests of non-linearity to investigate this issue further. OLS tests for quadratic effects yielded inconsistent results; p values for the quadratic term for Experiments 1-3 were 0.28, 0.08, and 0.004, respectively. Results of a robust regression approach for detecting curvature were likewise inconsistent, yielding p > 0.10 for Experiments 1 and 2 and p < 0.10 for Experiment 3 (Cramér-von Mises test applied to residuals generated by the Theil-Sen algorithm [2, 3]; see [4] for a description of the procedure and S-Plus functions). We also recalculated the various indices for the random-stratified data within the graphically-estimated linear range only. Additional file 6 presents the values for the various measures with microarray log 2 FCs < 0.5 removed (red data points in Additional file 6, panels A-C). Although precision increased and accuracy decreased, the CCC estimate did not change materially. Moreover, the marked


This paper is concerned with an extension of the classical concept of staturation to systems of coupled approximations. Let {T j , ϑ}, j=1,2 be two families of bounded linear operators of the product space Y×Y into (the Banach space) y which constitute a strong simultaneous approximation process on Y×Y in the sense that for each and j=1,2 where . The simultaneous process {T j , ϑ} is then said to be saturated on Y×Y if there exist φ j (ϑ) with such that every for which is an invariant elements under {T j , ϑ} and if the set , the so-called Favard class, contains at least one noninvariant element. On the basis of this concept the boundary behavior of the solution of Dirichlet's problem for a wedge is studied in detail as an application of general results on simultaneous approximation processes of Mellin convolution;matrix-methods are employed.


A more inferior and anterior positioning of the foramen magnum has been found in bipedal mammals, such as humans while quadrupedal mammals are known to have a more superior and posterior positioning. However, it is not known if the degree to which this positioning varies is related to the degree of bipedal stance taken by quadrupeds. In this study, it was predicted that mammal species that can assume a more bipedal stance and often lift their head and trunk in order to more effectively feed, forage, or protect themselves, are likely to have a more inferior and anterior positioning of the foramen magnum when compared to completely quadrupedal mammalian species. In this study, foramen magnum position was compared in various mammalian skulls provided by the Cornell University Museum of the Vertebrates. Measurements of the foramen magnum in relationship to other cranial structures were taken including, the nuchal crest to the superior edge and inferior edge of the foramen magnum, the nuchal crest to the base of the occipital condyles, and the superior edge of the palatine to the inferior edge of the foramen magnum. Results indicate a significant difference in foramen magnum positioning between completely quadrupedal mammals (e.g. Canis latrans), and those mammals capable of taking a bipedal stance on occasion (e.g. Ursus americanus and Sciurus caroliensis). Therefore, the positioning of the foramen magnum is most likely a continuum and reflects the degree to which a mammal is likely to utilize a bipedal stance for feeding or protection from predation.


This paper focuses on the leadership in cultural tourism. The aim of the paper is to complete the picture of cultural tourism and its cultural, social, as well as economic impacts on cultural destinations (e.g. cities, local attractions, museums, and other types of tangible and intangible heritage in general). We apply a special cultural taxonomy based on the review of tourism-related literature and on our own model that includes classifications of tourists' aims, types, and goals. Thence, we employ the tools of economic theory to assess and to quantity these impacts. The outcomes of this research might help to develop a theoretically based methodology that might be employed when there is a need to assess the economic and social impacts on cultural attractions. We use an example of various cultural tourism destinations in London, Amsterdam, or Nottingham in order to prove our point and to demonstrate the applicability of our approach. All in all, our results demonstrate the feasibility and practicability of the evaluation method based on the new tourism taxonomy. We argue that the method that is based on combined evaluation might be helpful for local stakeholders and policymakers (as well as for local residents and for tourists themselves, albeit indirectly) in assessing the tourism potential of local cultural attractions from the social, political, and economic point of view. All of the above might contribute to the leading potential of cultural tourist destinations in question and enhance their popularity and development.


We study the dynamics of a single diffusing particle (a 'man') with diffusivity DM that is attacked by another diffusing particle (a 'mosquito') with fixed diffusivity Dm. Each time the mosquito meets and bites the man, the diffusivity of the man is reduced by a fixed amount, while the diffusivity of the mosquito is unchanged. The mosquito is also displaced by a small distance ±a with respect to the man after each encounter. The man is defined as dead when DM reaches zero. At the moment when the man dies, his probability distribution of displacements x is given by a Cauchy form, which asymptotically decays as x−2, while the distribution of times t when the man dies decays asymptotically as t−3/2, which has the same form as the one-dimensional first-passage probability.


In internet of things we deal with real life objects so we use Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) instead of the conventional HTTP (in web). Current Research in the WOT (Web of Things) generally takes things in broader sense of physical objects into consideration. Usually these considered things can be (but not necessarily) tagged objects (RFID, Barcodes, Image Recognition, NFC, QR codes) to Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN), vehicles and consuming electronics. This project aims to compare response time of the sensors (sensing temperature of CPU) if the request is to be launched from different type of resources from desktop, android or raspberry pi.


Biology and computer science used to be two distinct fields. However, with the recent rapid developments in molecular biology -especially in the realms of DNA sequencing, restriction mapping and studies of protein structures -biologists are turning to computer scientists for efficient methods to handle and analyze the vast amounts of data becoming available. A new and exciting field known as Computational Biology has subsequently evolved.


Histones from grapevine leaves were isolated using classical extraction procedures. Different electrophoretic processes were tested to study the heterogeneity of grapevine histones. Polyacrylamide gels containing sodium dodecyl sulfate were useful for the fractionation of grapevine histone H1, H3, and H4 classes but inefficient for the isolation of histone H2A and H2B classes. Gels containing Triton X-100, used for the second dimension in two-dimensional electrophoresis, proved to be more efficient for the separation of all histone classes, as well as for that of their subfractions (structural variants and/or chemical modified forms) and resulted in optimum fractionation of grapevine nucleosomal proteins. The core histone H2B fraction, which is very sensitive to oxidation, seems to consist of a large number of subfractions, forming three sets of proteins with different mobility in polyacrylamide gels containing acetic acid, urea, and Triton X-100 (AUT-PAGE). Histones H1, H2A, and H3 also display internal heterogeneities with three forms for histone H1, four forms for histone H2A, and two forms for histone H3. In an attempt to define which of the Triton X-100 resolved subfractions represents oxidation forms, experimental oxidation of grapevine histones was performed.


ABSTRACT In Turkey, the nearly total transfer of irrigation systems to the irrigation associations improved the collection of irrigation fees, but not water use efficiency. The Irrigation Associations Law initially accorded decentralized irrigation associations clear legal status as decentralized entities, but amendments to the law have restored significant government control over their administration. Privatization through service procurement and build-operate-transfer models was promoted by an enabling legal environment, but failed in implementation due to lack of consensus among stakeholders.


PurposeThis paper intends to explore and appraise the humanitarian supply chain management enablers (HSCMEs) for efficient and effective humanitarian operations. This research aims to analyze the interaction of enablers for humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) using a proposed hybrid framework consists of fuzzy Delphi (FD), interpretive structural modeling (ISM)–matriced impacts croises multiplication appliquee a un classement (MICMAC) and revised Simos approach.Design/methodology/approachThis research is deliberate to identify 28 HSCMEs through a literature review and experts' opinions; out of which 20 HSCMEs are selected using FD. ISM is applied to know contextual relationship among the selected HSCMEs for developing a hierarchical model. The MICMAC analysis classifies the HSCMEs based on driving power and dependence power to validate the developed hierarchical ISM structure. The revised Simos technique is used to prioritize the HSCMEs to access its relative significance in humanitarian operations.FindingsThe finding of the analysis suggests that government policy and leadership support obtained the highest priority, having high driving power and low dependence power is significantly strategic and emerged as the leading driver for the HSCM implementation.Research limitations/implicationsISM model presents an insight into interrelationship among HSCMEs, but this cannot quantify the impact of each HSCMEs.Practical implicationsDisaster relief aid agencies and stakeholders may focus on the enablers having high driving power and higher weight in designing and executing an effective and efficient humanitarian supply chain and to improve their activities and strategies of HSCM.Social implicationsThis research helps humanitarian logisticians and humanitarian organizations to make better decisions to improve their operational performance in pre and postdisaster phases.Originality/valueThis paper explores the application of proposed hybrid framework to analyze the HSCMEs that can be considered as the original contribution.


During the development of an underground explosion phenomenon, due to the energy of dynamic wave, important mechanical effects are registered both in the affected mine workings and in ventilation constructions (stoppings and seals, ventilation doors, regulators and air crossings). An explosion directly affects the ventilation network by modifying specific operational parameters of the main fans. This creates a different natural post event repartition of the air flows, at the branch level. In order to ensure safety conditions after the event, it is necessary to restore the ventilation network. This complex process is based on critical pathways, for whose identification were first established ventilation constructions in relation with their emergency level. This paper presents the process for restoring a mining ventilation network affected by an explosion, following the determination of critical pathways, through successive steps for restoring the ventilation in circuits affected by the wave front. For presenting these steps and for highlighting obtained results, a case study was conducted, based on a hypothetical, medium intensity explosion scenario, produced in the underground of Uricani coal mine, a mining unit in the Jiu Valley carboniferous basin, Romania, using 3D CANVENT specialized software for modeling, simulating and solving ventilation networks.


The paper presents the data of the Russian Statistical Department on the current state of housing resources in the Russian Federation, on the dynamics of commissioning of new dwelling space and increasing proportion of slum and dangerous structures, the conventional structural and technological designs for building envelopes, and the results of experimental research into the production of a new composite, multi-layered material with improved thermal characteristics.


2004– CNR–INFM researcher in the group of Prof. Rodolfo del Sole at the Physics Department, University of Rome "Tor Vergata" 2002–2004 Post–Doc in the group of Prof. Angel Rubio at the Donostia International Physics Center/University of the Basque Country, Donostia–San Sebastian, Spain. Work on many–body effects in the optical properties of solids. 2001–2002 Six–months Research position in the Physics Department of Rome, working on the "Electronic properties of many– electrons systems".


Aims Caragana tibetica is commonly found in the ecotone between desert steppe and desert of the Inner Mongolian Plateau. It is often used as an indicator species in vegetation regionalization. Due to its dwarf shrub characteristics C. tibetica can easily initiate nebkha (dune) formation in sand-covered habitats. The objective of the present study is to understand C. tibetica ecological adaptability by investigating soil heterogeneity of C. tibetica community. Methods Nebkhas formed by C. tibetica were classified into three size groups. Small and medium nebkhas corresponded to a development stage, and large nebkhas represented a stable stage. Soil organic mater (SOM), total phosphorus (TP) and water content (Wm) were measured at the top each nebkha, in the middle of the nebkha slope, in the interspace between nebkhas, and under the nebkhas. We then also averaged these properties for each nebkha (mean of top and middle samples). Important findings Average content of SOM, TP and Wm of nebkhas and the soil underlying them increased with nebkha age. For large and medium nebkhas and the soil underlying them these properties were higher than that in the interspaces between them. Average SOM of small nebkhas was higher than that in the interspace between them. However,average TP and Wm of the soil underlying small nebkhas were lower than in the interspace. At the top and middle of nebkhas of all sizes, SOM and TP first increased and then decreased vertically while Wm decreased gradually. Plant residues content captured by C. tibetica nebkhas increased gradually with nebkha development stage. We conclude that the "fertility island effect" formed inside and below nebkhas increases as nebkhas develop. At the same time, we found that spatial heterogeneity of SOM, TP and Wm is high.


In their 2009 report entitled 'Strengthening forensic science in the United States: a path forward,' the National Research Council (NRC) provided an assessment of the past, present, and future state of forensic science – especially related to impression evidence. The NRC described the need for further advances in some forensic science disciplines in order to improve criminal investigations, reduce the possibility of wrongful convictions, and to enhance national security. Recent events in international and domestic terrorism and the identification of dozens of wrongful convictions have further demonstrated the need for forensic science to address new challenges. From the bioterrorism events within the United States related to the anthrax mailings, to the seemingly endless stream of improvised explosive devices in the Iraq/Afghanistan wars, forensic science has new demands and an increasingly important opportunity to play a vital role in the world's major events. With this demand comes a requirement to enhance the very foundations on which many disciplines in forensic science rest. The need for objective, scientifically-based criteria for determining identifications has never been more important and it will take researchers and practitioners working together to move forensic science in the proper direction.