A PowerPoint presentation on an innovative surveillance product, the video motion anomaly detector (VMAD), is provided. The VMAD market, barriers to market entry, and the future of VMAD are discussed. VMAD is a self-learning system. It builds a statistical picture of normal behaviour and compares the norm to detect anomalous behaviour. It adapts to the environment that it is monitoring. VMAD complements rule-based systems


This paper deals with 2-dimentional synthetic aperture radar interferometry. Because of high sensitivity to noise, we propose a two-step phase unwrapping approach. The purpose of preprocessing is to organize the phase by an adaptive filter to improve the estimation of the ground slope vector. The main process smoothes the phase, using the ground slope components, and unwraps the signal. We present numerical and experimental results for synthetic data.


This paper aims to examine e-learning systems success and predict factors that contribute to continuance intention user using it. The questionnaire was collected with the survey and the target samplings are taken from students who used e-learning systems. This study employs multiple regression to test the model, hypotheses, as well as the interactions between constructs. This model helps e-learning providers and decision maker to understand users point of view to keep them continue using the e-learning system as a tool to gain knowledge and learning experience. Enhancing information quality and system quality will improve the user perception that using e-learning will be useful for them and easy to operate it. Moreover, this research has been proven the mediating effect of TAM in the relations of system quality, information quality, and service quality towards learning performance. The results state out continuance intention is significantly affected by learning performance. The research model provides a new and comprehensive approach for system providers to understand what factors contribute to user's to continue using the e-learning systems.


The street inventory system used in Kerrville, Texas, which uses a rating system developed by the Asphalt Institute, has proved to be an excellent method of assessing street conditions. Streets are rated according the presence of alligator cracks, corrugation, drainage, bleeding, longitudinal cracks, polished aggregate, potholes, raveling, rutting, shoving and pushing and transverse cracks. After data is collected and analyzed, streets most critically in need of repair can be identified.


_73B 1.0 Report Created SAT 17 JAN 2009 14:14 "VIESSMANN" CROSS COUNTRY FIS WORLD CUP World Cup Cross-Country 2008/09 Whistler Olympic Park Ladies Pursuit 7.5 km C + 7.5 km F Results SAT 17 JAN 2009 12:45 13:33 Start Time: End Time: Jury Information Course Information FIS Technical Delegate PONIKVAR Uros (SLO) FIS Assistant Technical Delegate KADYKOV Georgy (RUS) Assistant TD Nat. THOMSON Jim (CAN) Chief of Competition BERNHARDT Rob (CAN) Name: 2.5 km C red 2.7 km F blue Height Difference (HD): 53 m 40 m Maximum Climb (MC): 41 m 32 m Total Climb (TC): 94 m 82 m Length of Lap: 2585 m 2780 m Number of Laps: 3 3


In order to rapidly separate Pa and further study Pa solution chemistry, the solvent extraction of protactinium from HCl medium by methylisobutyketone in benzene was investigated at different concentration of extractants and HCl. The effect of shaking time on the extraction of protactinium with 6mol/L methylisobutyketone in benzene from 8mol/L HCl and mixed HCl-0.03mol/L HF solutions was also discussed on the basis of the experimental results. It can be concluded that extraction equilibrium can be reached within 10s, methylisobutyketone can almost quantitatively extract protactinium from 8mol/L HCl solution, at the same time, the presence of 0.03mol/L HF in HC1 solutions seriously affect the extraction behavior of protactinium (Ⅴ).


Using ethnographic research, field investigation, personal participation and logical analysis, the author studies the inheritance context of the emergence of the Buffalo-fight of Miao "Hanshan Festival" in Yunnan Wenshan area. The study found that the context of the Miao Buffalo-fight manifested as the image of the Miao people's ancestral spirit, agricultural imagery, and reproductive imagery. Buffalo-fight is not only a way of ritual or entertainment in Miao people's festivals, Buffalo-fight is a tool of expression. Through the Buffalo-fight, the Miao nationality temperament and social characteristics can be constructed and discovered. Keywords—Buffalo-fight; mapping; culture


Aiming at the focus problem of government horizon business integration, the Hierarchical Role Network Model(HRNM) is considered as the management and control model. The architecture and key technologies of the Government Horizon Business Integration Management System(GHBIMS) based on HRNM and multi-Agent are presented. An example of one-stop administrative permit system is given based on the above technologies. HRNM and GHBIMS stress the importance of the role, may adequately satisfy the dynamic characteristics of government horizon business integration, and have good application prospects.


THE INDICATIONS for pneumoencephalographic and pneumorachiographic studies are well known. 1 It is also well known that patients undergoing these procedures complain of severe headache for five days or more and are considerably incapacitated. It is not unusual to hear them referred to by patients in the ward as "skull busters," "nut crackers" and other terms signifying their great dread of and anxiety toward submitting to these diagnostic procedures. Many attempts to overcome such undesirable after-effects have been tried by various workers in the field. 2 Liberson 3 described the use of various gases in an attempt to reduce the severe headache reactions to encephalographic procedures and concluded: ... whereas the question of safety in encephalography has been dealt with and met in great part by the simultaneous displacement apparatus, nothing substantial has been found to obviate the discomforting post-injection headache. The displacement of the cerebrospinal fluid by gases other than


: Australian rural research and development underwent a period of sustained organisational and managerial change during the 1980s and early 1990s. The transition from a scattered and disparate research effort prior to 1985, to one which is today highly structured, commodity-specific and strategically oriented, raises a number of issues concerning the processes used, the motivation for the change, and the manner in which that change has been accomplished. This article reviews the reforms that have been made in the sector, and seeks to assess their impact on the stakeholders involved. In so doing it highlights the changing nature of the expectations placed upon the rural research and development community, and raises questions concerning the appropriateness of the reforms and the methods by which they were implemented.


Background and objective: There is little report concerning risk characteristics of Chinese patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). The present study was designed to investigate the risk characteristics in Chinese patients with VTE through a retrospective study. Methods: A total of 1048 registry patients with VTE in the recent 10 years were analyzed retrospectively with respect to underlying diseases or predisposing factors. Results: The incidence of VTE in both male and female has been increasing in the recent 10 years. A total of 885 patients were aged more than 50 years, and the mean age of the patients at diagnosis was 58.8 ± 15.7 years. Main risk factors were a prolonged immobilization and malignant tumors, which were different from Western patients. Conclusions: This registry demonstrated the different risk characteristics in Chinese patients compared to Western patients. Our results will be available for establishing the prevention of VTE in China.


We have synthesized the pseudo-quaternary Heusler alloy Ni50Mn25-xFexGa25 (x = 0-25) by arc-melting and melt-spinning techniques. The structure, magnetic properties, and martensitic phase transformation were investigated. The thermoelastic martensitic transformation characteristics and x-ray diffraction confirmed the high chemical ordering L2(1) structure of our samples in the whole doping range. The dopant of iron decreases the martensitic transformation temperature and increase the Curie temperature for the doping level of x < 17. The ferromagnetic contribution of Fe atoms in Ni50.5Mn25-xFexGa24.5 has been investigated in detail by precisely measuring the magnetization at 4K. It has been found that Fe atoms were indeed in Mn positions and contributed a localized moment up to 2.55-3.55 mu(B).


Van Cleave and Mueller (1932), and Mueller and Van Cleave (1932) have described twenty three new species of parasitic worms from Oneida Lake fishes. The third part of this survey, in which all the collected species are discussed, is now in the hands of the editors. Subsequent to the preparation of the final part a number of additional species have been found in the lake. In the present paper two additional species of previously undescribed trematodes are considered.


One of the critical factors in accurate determination of earthquake source parameters, and in prediction of seismic hazards is the detailed information related to the site amplification characteristics. The site amplification characteristics of the broad-band seismic stations in Korea were estimated as a function of frequency in the range of 0.2 to 20 Hz. A total of 1275 seismograms recorded from 43 earthquakes observed from 2003 to 2008 in the southern Korean Peninsula were used. It was found that the site amplification ratios for 28 stations estimated from the inversion of the ground motion model were approximately concordant with those obtained from the horizontal-to-vertical (H/V) spectral ratio except for some stations. The spectral site amplification characteristics obtained in this study did not show any considerable spatial distribution. It revealed to be largely correlated with the degree of weathering rather than the basement rock type. Considering the spectral site amplification ratio, 28 broad-band stations were classified into four groups and the characteristics of each group were described in the text.


The potentially tetradentate ligands 1-(imidazol-4-ylmethyl)-
(L
 1
), 1-(1-methylimidazol-2-ylmethyl)- (L
 2
) and
1-(pyrazol-3-ylmethyl)-1,5,9-triazacyclododecane (L
 3
) have
been synthesized; L
 1
 was isolated as the tetrahydrochloride,
L
 1
·4HCl. The basicity constants of L
 1
 and
L
 3
 have been determined by potentiometry at 25 °C
in NaCl. The co-ordination chemistry of L
 1
 and L
 3

toward some 3d metal ions has been investigated and the complexes
[ML
 3
(Cl)]Y (M = Mn or Fe,
Y = BPh
 4
; M = Ni,
Y = BF
 4
) and
[ML(ClO
 4
)]BPh
 4
 (M = Co,
L = L
 3
; M = Cu or Zn,
L = L
 1
 or L
 3
) have been isolated and
characterized. The structures of the iron(II) and
nickel(II) complexes of L
 3
 have been determined by
single-crystal X-ray analyses. Both contain dimeric
[{ML
 3
(Cl)}
 2
]
 2+
 complex
cations in which each metal ion is six-co-cordinated by four nitrogen
donors of one L
 3
 ligand and by two bridging
Cl
 -
 ions in an approximately octahedral environment.


The present study was aimed to investigate the accumulation of heavy metals in Guava (Psidium guajava) fruit from three sites (Lallo, Mohlanwall and Khurdpur in District Lahore) irrigated by Hudiara Drain water along its whole stretch (55km) in Punjab, Pakistan. Hudiara Drain is a case of trans-boundary pollution between Pakistan and India. Eleven heavy metals like Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni and Zn were detected by Proton Induce X-Rays emission (PIXE) technique. The mean concentrations of these heavy metals are Na (1448.33-32151ppm), Mg (1255.33-22996.67ppm), Al (927-16239.67ppm), K (33362.67-25817.67ppm), Ca (836-37820.67ppm), Ti (0-1210ppm), Cr (0-241.33ppm), Mn (0-240ppm), Fe (103.67-3636ppm), Ni (091.67ppm) and Zn (106-145.33ppm) in all samples of Guava respectively. On the basis of adequate intake and recommended dietary allowance it is evident that P. guajava is supplying highest amount of bio elements to the organisms of the Area. The concentrations of heavy metals in the study area were significantly high, when compared to permissible international standards. These results are signals of threat to the entire ecosystem including human population which can receive these pollutants directly. Still the consequences may be wide spread as the drain dumps its polluted water in Ravi River that irrigates lot of agricultural land in the province of


In a complex network, the connected loads may be of single phase or three phase. The increased trend of traction loads, arc furnace loads and thyristor devices necessitates checks for voltage quality. Harmonics, flicker and unbalance are some of the factors influencing the voltage quality. Evaluation of voltage quality and applying correction, if required, are to be made depending upon the situation prevailing in the system. Under certain load conditions like an arc furnace, traction and thyristor devices, the unbalance factor may vary every few cycles and for the unbalance correction, devices like static VAr compensators (SVC) have to be used. These correcting devices have some time lag when effecting corrections, thus measurement based on short time information will not give the true picture. To avoid erroneous conclusions from the short term data, an instrument based on an integrated value over fairly long duration was designed and fabricated by CPRI. This paper discusses the design and calibration of the instrument and presents typical measured data on an electrical system using this instrument.


Near field of horn antenna is considered by means of modelling and measuring in order to research its structure as it depends on a distance from antenna. A set of programs to calculate field characteristics with different input conditions has been developed. A semi-natural experiment is described of finding a distribution of equivalent currents on antenna radiating aperture. Images of the field on different distances from antenna are plotted.


With the mission of absorption of the capital through urban renovation, AKP (the Justice and Welfare Party) took over the metropolitan municipality administrations in big cities in 1995, and the Government of the Republic of Turkey in 2002. Together with the 2003 Mass Housing Act, 14 legal regulations were enacted between 2002 and 2008 to expand the field of activity and increase the funds of TOKI (Governmental Mass Housing Administration) which was already established during ANAP (the Motherland Party) Government in 1980s. As a result of those regulations, TOKI, as the "latest goddess of the construction myth", became the only authorized organization in the field of housing and land production in AKP's cities. It acquired new duties from generating profit-oriented projects to protecting historical texture, and it was authorized to make and approve zoning plans for the lands and plots handed over to TOKI of the last government (the Justice and Welfare Party) created as an investor-entrepreneur-contractor-performer group. This paper's aim is to indicate the transformation of TOKI foundation during the last twenty years, and also to prove that TOKI, as a governmental profit-oriented design tool, has demolished the unique DNA/morphological textures of the contemporary Turkish big cities by producing low profiled similar architecture and urbanity in the recent past.


7010 Background: Oral erlotinib is a potent HER1/EGFR tyrosine kinase-phosphorylation inhibitor with single-agent antitumor activity and has shown additive effects when added to chemotherapy in preclinical models. TALENT was a placebo-controlled study in patients (pts) with previously untreated advanced NSCLC to receive erlotinib at 150mg/d or placebo (PBO) with 6 cycles of gemcitabine and cisplatin (GC) followed by monotherapy. The primary endpoint was duration of survival with secondary efficacy endpoints of: time to progression, response rate, duration of response (using RECIST); pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters; quality of life (using the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale). EGFR and HER2 expression rates were also assessed. A standard safety analysis was done. Methods: Chemotherapy was given for a maximum of 6 cycles after which patients continued on study drug until disease progression (PD). Treatment with study drug beyond PD was permitted. Eligibility criteria for both parts of the study incl...


The broad aim of of this thesis is to contribute to understanding how the relationships between culture, employment and education can help Tanzania's young people secure jobs, and survive in the creative workforce so as to better their future. Based on a range of interviews and other data in Tanzania, the study considers how to integrate cultural expressions into arts education (education in art and education through art) as a tool for nurturing young people's creative talents for their future sustainable employment in Tanzania.


Copied by John Reid, Private R.S. and Miners, 28th Octr. - 1944. - Scale 69.1 English miles = 1 degree; 15 Dutch miles = 1 degree [1:822,292]. - 1 coloured manuscript map in in ink on wove paper; 38 x 44 cm. Orientation; true and magnetic north; standard degree grid based on Greenwich. - Grahamstown Royal Engineers' office stamp 1861; A12. - F/11 on map and on verso. - Reference table


PurposeSystem dynamics has several applications in the built environment, and few studies indicate that it has potential in evaluating sustainability. Sustainability in the built environment involves numerous entities and multiple trade-offs. Hence, a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method is ideal for promoting sustainability-based decision-making in the built environment. Therefore, this study integrates system dynamics with an MCDM method to enable the sustainability assessment by capturing the time-induced dynamic changes affecting long time sustainability performance of buildings.Design/methodology/approachConventional sustainability assessment tools in the built environment lack a comprehensive evaluation that balances the needs of the society, economy and environment. This study develops a system dynamics-based framework to enable sustainability-conscious decision-making and policy analysis in the built environment.FindingsVarious material, technology and water-related policies specific to the buildings are investigated for a case study building. It is found that the effect of penetration of renewable energy technology to the tune of 80% and above in the energy mix is a much superior policy in sustainability improvement in comparison to material and water-related policies. The study also demonstrates the effect of weights assigned for the different indicators on sustainability-based decisions.Originality/valueThe study provides a methodological framework for a sustainability-based decision support system for the built environment that enables dynamic performance evaluation by coupling system dynamics with the MCDM. This coupling further strengthens system dynamics as a decision-making and policy analysis for sustainability evaluation in the built environment.


The impact of VBR video traffic characteristics on broadband network performance is analysed. In particular, the authors compare in a queue the behaviour of several models that adjust different statistical parameters of actual MPEG traces. It is proved that a good fit of the probability density function (PDF) is essential to approximate queuing behaviour while the effects of short range dependence (SRD) are of secondary importance and those of long range dependence (LRD) could be neglected for practical purposes if realistic scenarios, with strict QoS requirements, are considered.


A number of drugs have been implicated as inciting agents for the development of uveitis in susceptible patients. Uveitis has been reported both with drugs administered locally, that is, via the topical or intraocular routes (Table 1), and with systemically administered drugs (Table 2). Most cases of drug-induced uveitis are believed to be immunemediated; however, in some cases it is possible that direct chemical toxicity targeting the uveal tissue resulting, secondarily, in inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of drug-induced uveitis. Drug-associated uveitis may involve any anatomic compartment of the eye, with drugassociated anterior uveitis, intermediate uveitis, posterior uveitis, and panuveitis all having been reported. The purpose of this review is to provide an up-to-date synopsis on the drugs associated with uveitis. The drugs covered in this review are organized into the following categories: antimicrobial drugs, ocular hypotensive drugs, bisphosphonates, biologic drugs, vaccines, and miscellaneous drugs.


Objective: To evaluate the door-to-needle time for fibrinolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and toidentify factors associated with a prolonged door-to-needle time.Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Cardiology Department, Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawarbetween 1st July and 15th September 2010. All patients having AMI, eligible for thrombolysis were included in the study.The time of onset of chest pain and arrival in the hospital and any reason for delay was determined by asking thepatients, the relatives and/or the attending nurse.Results: Out of 140 patients recruited, 60% (n=84) were males and mean age was 57.96 ± 13.55 years. The meandoor to needle time was 72.47± 50.85 minutes (range 25 – 305). Door to needle time of < 30 minutes was achieved in7.1% (10) patients, < 40 minutes in 21.4% (30) and < 50 minutes in 41.4% (58) patients. The main reason for delay instarting thrombolysis was logistic reasons in 42.9% (n=60) patients i.e. transfer from another hospital, non-availabilityof transfer staff from the casualty, unavailability of monitoring beds or non-availability of streptokinase in pharmacy.Other reasons were subtle ECG changes in 17.8% (n=25) cases, misinterpretation of symptoms in 21.5% (n=30),complete heart block needing pacemaker in 4.3% (n=6) , raised blood pressure in 4.3% (n=6) and arrival in oddtiming in 9.2% ( n=13) cases.Conclusion: Door to needle time of < 30 minutes was achieved in only a small minority of our patients. The mainreason for delay was logistics.Key words: Acute myocardial infarction, Door to needle time, Fibrinolytic therapy.


This study examines the theological purpose of the oracles against the nations in the book of Ezekiel (Ezek. 25-32). Through detailed exegesis, this thesis contends that the recognition formula, 'they shall know that I am Yahweh', is the vehicle for this theological purpose since it is fundamentally a statement of the vindication of Yahweh. Having specified in chapter 1 that the primary thesis is supported by two further theses, 'the recognition formula illuminates Yahweh's wrath and his mercy', and 'the recognition formula invites a human response', the work begins with a review of recent Ezekiel research in general that includes a background sketch delineating the context and authorship of the book. Possible original settings of oracles against nations are discussed, as well as a survey of topical scholarly output. A review of work undertaken on the recognition formula continues the preliminary discussion. In chapter 2, the basic form of the saying is defined and this allows the phrases that have expansions or are related by close resemblance to be categorised. The study proceeds with a consideration of the formula found elsewhere in the Hebrew Bible. Chapter 3 examines the formula as it appears in Ezekiel outside the oracles against the nations, paying particular attention to the formula's expansions. In chapter 4, detailed exegesis begins with the oracles against Israel's Palestinian neighbours. It is suggested that Ezekiel uses language for its potential to remind the people of their own culpability and the possibility is mooted that Ezekiel is projecting the guilt and punishment of Israel onto the nations. Chapter 5 contends that Ezekiel's illustrations are aimed at alleviating the exiles' concern about the future by helping them appreciate a bifurcated reality of the unseen present, and that the purpose of the oracles against the nations may be perceived when the relationship between divine wrath and divine mercy is understood to be elucidated by the above theses concerning the recognition formula.


Purpose —We propose to undertake an analysis to determine whether electrical stimulation can provide exogenous influences that augment wound (ulcer) healing. The analysis will consider the augmentation of wound healing resulting from the interaction of electric and/or magnetic fields with cellular structures and the desposition of heat in the damaged tissues . The field interaction analysis is important because of the possible influence of induced forces on the transport across cell membranes and the movement of charged particles within the damaged tissue . These factors can alter the electric potentials and currents associated with normal connective tissue repair processes . The heat deposition analysis is important because a vigorous inflammatory response appears to aid in controlling microbial contaminants and enhancing the rate of wound healing . This aiding effect is related to the diminished blood flow and concomitant reduction in oxygen delivery to the wound area. The lack of sufficient oxygen negatively affects cell replication, neovascularization, collagen synthesis, and leukocyte function.


Green bonds have become the most notable innovations in the field of sustainable financing over the past 10 years. The article discusses the problems of issuing and circulation of such financial market instruments, examines the opportunities that modern financial technologies provide for the development of this market segment. Technologies for investing in green bonds and sustainable development bonds remain burdensome and technologically complex, as they involve going through many stages and attracting a significant number of participants. In addition, to date, there has not been a liquid and transparent market for retail investors, and economic sanctions against Russia cut off the country from the financial markets of other countries for an indefinite time. However, the tools of sustainable development can now be successfully applied if innovative technologies such as blockchain technologies, smart contracts, the Internet of things and digital assets are used. The purpose of the study is to formulate recommendations for the progress of the sustainable development system in Russia, as well as to propose a mechanism for the tokenization of sustainable development bonds to attract and place funds from small investors in order to solve social and environmental problems of the Russian economy.


Abstract Relations are derived for the motion of vertices in the standard model of ideal grain growth in two dimensions. The translational and rotational motions of the vertices are determined by the curvatures of the adjoining grain boundaries, and their derivatives. In addition, there is a necessary constraint of these curvatures, in that they must sum to zero. The case of anomalous initial conditions (of relevance to topological changes) is analysed, and the singular behaviour of the vertex velocity is determined for such a case. Similar rules govern the motion of vertices and lines in three-dimensional grain growth.


A core issue inherent to decision‐making and path‐planning tasks is managing the uncertainties in the motion of dynamic obstacles. Therefore, this article proposes a new decision‐making and path‐planning framework, based on game theory, that considers the multistate future actions of surrounding vehicles. First, multistate future actions of neighboring vehicles, whose driving styles vary, are estimated and fed into a decision‐making module for risk assessment. Then, based on the Stackelberg game theory, the ego vehicle and the rear object vehicle are modeled as two players in the game, and their optimal decisions are obtained. In addition, the path‐planning model incorporates a potential‐field model that utilizes several potential functions to explain the varied styles and physical limitations of the surrounding vehicles. Finally, the trajectory of the ego vehicle is obtained through model predictive control that is based on the outputs of the decision‐making and constructed potential‐field models. The results of simulation experiments that used designed scenarios demonstrate that the proposed method effectively manages various social interactions and generates safe and appropriate trajectories for autonomous vehicles. In addition, the simulation results demonstrate that considering multistate trajectories caused the decision‐making and path‐planning modules to be appropriate for unpredictable environmental conditions.


This paper presents a brief discussion on integration within an isoparametric tetragonal finite element. There is shown that integration can be carried out exactly. Comparison of result of exact and approximate numerical approach is provided. It has been stated that isoparametrization does not describe concave elements.


Introduction Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease affecting about 200 million people globally. Its incidence and prevalence has significantly increased in recent decades, driven largely by increases in type 2 diabetes and obesity.1,2 It has been estimated that about 380 million people will have the disease by 2025.3 Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is responsible for most diabetes-associated morbidity and mortality.4 The Framingham study showed that diabetes increased the relative risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) by 66% in men and 23% in women, without the effects of age, smoking, blood pressure, and cholesterol.5 The Whitehall study reinforced these observations by demonstrating that subclinical glucose intolerance also increased coronary risk.6 The Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial (MRFIT), with its very large population of middle-aged men, was able to provide more detailed information about the interaction between diabetes and other co-morbid factors in determining coronary risk.7 Young individuals are at particular risk of future CVD and, by the age of 50 years, 33% of those requiring insulin have died from CAD. Indeed, 75% of all deaths in patients with diabetes are from this cause. The cause of CVD in diabetes is multifactorial; and several interwoven risk factors, co-morbidities, and pathogenic mechanisms will be discussed in this review.


According to the requirements of the vehicle parameters and vehicle performance parameters in the early stage of vehicle design, this paper analyzes and matches the performance of pure electric vehicle motors, power batteries, and vehicle transmission ratio parameters, and uses AVL-Cruise software to analyze the vehicle motors and energy batteries Model the entire vehicle with the drive train, select the powertrain parameters initially, and use AVL-Cruise software for calculation and verification. Combined with the analysis and verification of partial performance of the electric vehicle on the road, compare the simulation data with the road of the actual vehicle. The results obtained from the test data basically agree with each other to verify the rationality of the matching of vehicle dynamics and economic parameters based on AVL-Cruise and the accuracy of the modeling analysis.


Arc ablation threatens the cathode operating time and restricts the development of high‐power arc heaters. Surface modification is an effective strategy in improving cathode ablation resistance without reducing matrix conductivities. Herein, Nb layer and Ti layer are laser clad on Cu matrix to decrease the arc ablation of Cu cathode. The total thickness of laser‐clad Nb/Ti layer reaches 1850 μm. The Nb layer restrains Cu from diluting into surface cladding and no detrimental Ti–Cu intermetallic is formed. The surface Ti content is as high as 98.34 at%, guaranteeing the arc discharge homogeneity. The arc ablation behaviors of Ti/Nb/Cu cathodes are investigated in air atmosphere. The layered cathode discharges and ablates homogeneously. The arc discharge center is shallow with no appearance of deep pits or craters. The maximum ablation depth (72.1 μm) after 30 s discharging is ≈33.4% lower than that of Cu cathode. Besides, the cathode ablation rate, 1.61 μg C−1, is ≈27.5% lower than Cu cathode. The improved arc ablation resistance is interpreted in the protective effect of refractory TiO2 layer formed during air arc discharging.


Prolactin receptor gene(PRLR)was cloned and the expression pattern in reproductive axis during different stages was investigated by QRT-PCR.The results showed that transcription of PRLR mRNA was low at previous laying period and decreased in a very low level at laying cycle,then accumulated high in broodiness and decreased in cessation.This expression pattern was showing in all the tissues investigated with a relative high expression in ovary.During early,mid and late broodiness,the expression of PRLR mRNA showed differentially in the three tissues.In pituitary,the three stages showed a"V"type expression pattern.In hypothalamus,it was stable before mid-broodiness and then declined a little in late-broodiness.A ladder fall was observed in ovary in broodiness.The expression pattern of PRLR mRNA in different tissues during the reproductive stage inclined the impact of PRLR on broodiness regulation during transcription of Wanxi white goose.


By using the finite-volume difference method for numerical solving of the steady threedimensional time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations, the effects of endwall boundary layersuction on the secondary flow field, the yaw angle and the total pressure loss coefficient ofa turbine stator cascade airs investigated. The results show that the endwall suction slotlocated near the suction side can more effectively restrain the secondary flow, reduce the lossand improve the uniformity of the outlet flow field than the slots in other locations.


Abstract Takeaways Higher education shares some important characteristics with the health-care sector. Both are dominated by large cadres of highly educated staff, have complex bottom lines, are market-driven and strongly influenced by public policy, and are made up of value-driven organizations. Health care appears to be one or two decades ahead of higher education in its transformation into an industry that is more outcomes-based, cost- and price-sensitive, and responsive to customer needs. Some of the insights that higher education can gain from health care include: Flawed systems generate flawed results; the focus should be on needs, costs, and undervalued services; wisdom comes from customers; change is driven by hard facts; and balancing demands with purpose is most important.


ABSTRACT This study aims to determine the descriptive study of Lagia traditional music in Nias culture at the Museum Pusaka Nias. The approach tha the authors take is to use qualitative research methods. The work process carried out namely, observation, interviews, documentation, recording of activities, song transcript. This research was conducted by gathering information through field research to obtain results that are processed into original data. The results of the research show that Lagia is a single-stringed musical instrument made from salak roots, with a resonator made from sugar palm sticks, strings handles made of palm sugar pieces, strings made of tutura (rattan) and bow made of wood that has supple properties liek bamboo which are classified into the Chordophone classification. The author determines the location in the Museum Pusaka Nias and interview figures who ubderstand and understand it in that field. Lagia musical instrumen is played by using a bow which firts strings and both bow strins must be smeared with water (in the old days using saliva). Keywords : Descriptive study, Traditional Music, Lagia


Electronic sports (esports), as a professionalized form of organized video game competition, enjoys incredibly high popularity worldwide. Its current limitation necessitates the emergence of amateur esports, a specific form of esports designated for mass gamer participation. As amateur esports is in the initial developmental stage, mass gamers' transformation into amateur participants is the current focus. However, we know little about this transformation due to scant research. Thus, this study attempts to understand the transformation of mass gamers into amateur esports participants by investigating the relationship between mass gamers' everyday gaming behaviors and their amateur esports participation. Specifically, relying on uses and gratifications theory, this study learns what everyday gaming behaviors impact amateur esports participation intention. Furthermore, this study also explains the mechanism of these influences through the lens of commitment. This study contributes to research and practice regarding amateur esports development.


New applications of dynamic population Bragg gratings recorded in saturable ytterbium doped fibers (YDF) by 10mW-scale cw Nd:YAG laser power at 1064nm are considered. In particular, adaptive interferometric Sagnac configuration for detection of optical phase modulation with resolution close to that determined by photon noise is reported. Spectral and nonlinear properties of all-fiber resonance cavity filled with an artificial dispersive media – dynamic Bragg grating in YDF - are also investigated.


In this work the intestinal metabolism of phospazide was demonstrated using rats inverted intestine model with phosphate buffer pH 6.8 at 37 °С. Freshly dissected small intestine of a laboratory rat was used. Metabolism was studied at two levels of phosphazide concentrations of 20 ?g/ml and 2 ?g/ml for two replicates. Sample time points 0, 2, 5, 17 hours. Samples were prepared with protein precipitation using a 1 % solution of ammonia in methanol and centrifugation, the analysis of the samples was carried out using HPLC-UV. According the results of this study, it can be concluded that there is a mechanism that transforms phosphazide to zidovudine on the surface of the small intestinal epithelium. Presumably this mechanism can play an important role in the pharmacokinetics of phosphazide.


Hydrocarbon generation within a back-arc basin is influenced by the basin history itself. In general, the back-arc basin is formed by a thinning of the crust, resulting from a rifting mechanism. Such thinning will reduce the distance between the sedimentary basin and the mantle as a heat source, thus increasing the heat in a sedimentary basin. The rift phase is followed by a sag phase, characterized by a decline in heat as a result of the cooling of the upper mantle, which then forms a new crust. A magmatism phase taking place within the sag phase generates a heat flow. The methods used in the reconstruction of a hydrocarbon maturation history involve reconstructing a temperature history through time, one which later changes into a hydrocarbon maturation history through the Arhenius kinetic model. The hydrocarbon maturity model will be compared with measurements of vitrinite reflectance data. Obtaining a hydrocarbon maturity model corresponding to the measurement data is achieved by changing the value of the Paleo-heat flow; we need to consider the timing of the rifting phase, that will lead to the addition of a heat flow resulting from the shrinking distance from the deposition of sediments into the mantle, which acts as a heat source. The hydrocarbon maturity model calibration revealed from hydrocarbon maturity data is created by reconstructing the Paleo-heat flow, increased at the rifting phase, decreased at the sag phase and increased again at the end of the deposition. This is a case study in hydrocarbon maturation modeling, performed on several wells in the South Sumatra Back-arc Basin. The result is that there are


Data Mining has emerged as a technique of extracting and discovering new knowledge in data implicit in a large data warehouse so as to enable better decisions and strategy formulation. It is an effective and rapid process of data searching, retrieval and semantic analysis from different perspectives. Data mining helps in presenting and summarizing information extracted from data warehouse in a meaningful manner that can be used to increase business performance, enhance revenue and reduce costs. It is an ultimate process of finding patterns or correlations among relational databases. Data mining has revealed novel biomedical and healthcare acquaintances for clinical decision making that has great potential to improve the treatment quality of hospitals and increase the survival rate of patients. Disease diagnosis is one of the applications where data mining tools are establishing the successful results. This paper summarizes some techniques on medical diagnosis and prognosis. It has also been focused on current research being carried out using the data mining techniques to enhance the disease(s) forecasting process.


The motivic Donaldson-Thomas series associated to an elliptic Sklyanin algebra corresponding to a point of order two differs from the conjectured series in Conjecture 3.4 of 1510.08116 .


This paper presents a results of designing an intelligent system to evaluate human stress level using Electroencephalogram (EEG) signals and Psychoanalysis tests. The questionnaires for Psychoanalysis tests were created based on Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). EEG signals were captured using wireless EEG equipment. The Graphical User Interface (GUI) for the Psychoanalysis tests and EEG signals were created. The system was evaluated for 12 healthy subjects (7 females and 5 males). The results show that the intelligent system able to display the stress score, stress level and dominant index of EEG signals simultaneously. Thus, users can use the results of the system to take necessary action in order to improve their lifestyle.


The democratization of human society is directly related to the need to develop and impose a new model of approach to the security phenomenon. This new approach is an integral part of the security culture. The human society, but also the individual person, possesses a set of values and models regarding the counteracting of the security dangers and risks that form the security culture, among which the safety of the person occupies a central place. We believe that it is necessary to amplify, in the context of the globalization process, the culture of security, especially since the contemporary society is one of risks. Security culture, supported by the concept of human security, which emphasizes the non-military dimensions of security, also involves promoting the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Security culture also requires the establishment of mechanisms to strengthen security education and the ability of citizens to protect themselves against the diversity of security risks.


Taking the sample structure of an electronic injector used in intake manifold gasoline injection system as an object,the magnetic circuit structure was redesigned by adding a magnetic isolation sleeve to improve its dynamic response characteristics.The finite element model of the injector's magnetic circuit was established with the help of Ansys software circumstance,and the parameters of the yoke iron and sliding air gap were improved based on the electromagnetic field simulation results.The dynamic characteristics and flow characteristics of the injector before and after improvement were compared by test.The results show that the open delay time is shortened by 0.28 ms,the close delay time is shortened by 0.14 ms,and the average dynamic flow rate is increased by about 1.8 mg.In addition,the fuel mass injected at different injection pulse is larger than that before improvement.


The purpose of this research was to obtain porous, high-quality cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells in both planar and tubular shapes. To accomplish this, cathodic electrophoretic deposition of the LaMnO 3 powder (synthesized by the modified sol-gel method proposed by Pechini) was performed. The optimal sintering temperatures were 1200°C and 1300°C for the tubular and planar configurations, respectively. Single-phase deposits with about 40% porosity were obtained in both configurations. The cathode quality was confirmed by depositing an electrolyte layer of YSZ. After the cosintering of both layers, an extremely dense electrolyte layer was obtained, and the cathode layer retained its high porosity.


The initial-boundary value problem of nonlinear viscoelastic wave equation is studied in this paper.The existence of the solution and the blow-up with finite time of the solution are obtained.


In ordertofurther expandtheservice industry, including theservice sector ofmanufacturing industries, anew service concept framework forthelaunchanddesign ofnew services isrequired. Especially inthecaseoflarge-scale services using wideservice infrastructure suchasITandpublic facilities, theframework needstoinvolve notonlytechnological elements andlegal restrictions, butalsotheneedsofindividual customers, thegoals oforganizations served, andthesocial acceptability of theservice. Thispaperapplies aservice conceptual framework proposed bytheauthorbefore toseveral typical services. The frameworkcoreisa two-dimensional service classification (SCHM model)basedonMaslow's needstheory's 5 typesof needsand3 customer segments resulting in15service types. ThisSCHM modelisfurther extended toathree-dimensional diagram byintroducing onthethird axisthe"customer value creation phase"suchasdelivery, adaptation, andco-creation withthecustomer. The dynamicservice changedue to interaction ofusersegments and/or shift ofneedsisexamined usingmethodology fromthesociology ofknowledge. Sucha service conceptual framework makesitpossible formultiple otherwise competing service business players tofindcommon groundforcollaborative activities andservice road-mapping aimedatenhancing their individual target services. I.RESEARCHBACKGROUND Sinceencountering thenewemergence oftheservice industry wehavebeenstudying service enhancement from theperspectives oftechnological management, service innovation, service management, andservice engineering (1), (2). Oneofus(K.N.)hasbeenstudying service business issues forfouryearsasthedirector ofan industrial association's research workgroup established toenhance the service sector ofmanufacturing andengineering industries (19). Thethemes ofthis workgroup were"knowledge-based services" (20)and"services using electronic tags" inthe business andsocial life ofthenearfuture (21). Through activities ofthis workgroup theauthor hasbeenpursuing the development ofeffective approaches forservice enhancement driven bybusiness planning engineer teams(23).


Abstract Studies were made of the louse populations on 364 cattle of various ages and breeds in 19 herds. Eleven herds were infested with Damalinia bovis and 15 with Linognathus vituli. Neither Haematopinus eurysternus nor Solenopotes capillatus were encountered though both have been recorded in New Zealand. D. bovis and L. vituli occur throughout New Zealand with D. bovis more prevalent on beef breeds and L. vituli on dairy breeds. In herds where observations covered the entire winter it appeared that L. vituli populations tended to peak earlier June/ July than those of D. bovis August/September. Both species were most abundant on animals of up to approximately one year of age; only older cattle that were diseased or inadequately fed carried substantial burdens. Within herds, lighter cattle tended to carry more lice than heavier ones. Animals kept on a low plane of nutrition were more heavily infested than those on a higher plane.


A partial wave analysis (PWA) of the pi-pi-pi+ and pi-pi0pi0 systems produced in the reaction pi- p -> (3pi)-p at 18 GeV/c was carried out using an isobar model assumption. This analysis is based on 3.0M pi-pi0pi0 events and 2.6M pi-pi-pi+ events and shows production of the a2(1320), pi2(1670) and \pi(1800) mesons. An earlier analysis of 250K pi-pi-pi+ events from the same experiment showed possible evidence for a J^{PC}=1^{-+}$ exotic meson with a mass of 1.6 GeV/c^2 decaying into rho pi. In this analysis of a higher statistics sample of the (3pi)- system in two charged modes we find no evidence of an exotic meson.


This research was conducted with the aim of knowing: (1) student learning outcomes using discovery learning learning models assisted by geogebra software; (2) student learning outcomes taught using problem solving learning models; (3) whether there are differences in student learning outcomes who are taught using discovery learning learning models assisted by geogebra software and problem solving learning models on geometry transformation material in class XI MIA SMA Negeri 5 Ambon. The type of this research is experimental research, using the posttest only control group design. The population in this study were all students of class XI MIA SMA Negeri 5 Ambon with a total of 170 students and the sample in this study was selected using purposive sampling, namely class XI MIA4 with a total of 34 students and class XI MIA5 with a total of 34 students, so the number of samples in this study namely 68 students. The instrument used in this study is a test instrument consisting of description questions for the final test. In this study, statistical analysis was used, namely t-test and the final results of the study were: (1) there were differences in student learning outcomes who were taught using discovery learning learning models assisted by geogebra software and problem solving learning models on geometry transformation material. This is shown in the results of the t-test calculation, namely the value of Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.017 < value of =0.05, thus causing H0 to be rejected and H1 to be accepted. rejected


Thalidomide is remarkably active in advanced relapsed and refractory multiple myeloma (MM), so that its use has been recently proposed either in newly diagnosed patients or as maintenance treatment after conventional or high-dose therapy. This latter therapeutic approach has risen the concern of side effects occurring after long-term therapy with this drug. In order to investigate this issue we analyzed the outcome of 74 patients who have been treated with thalidomide + dexamethasone for longer than 8 months at our Institution. Thirty-four patients (18M, 16F, median age = 55 years) had newly diagnosed symptomatic MM and were treated with four monthly courses of thalidomide 200mg/day + dexamethasone 40 mg on days 1 to 4 (even cycles), or on days 1 to 4, 9 to 12 and 17 to 20 (odd cycles), followed by cyclophosphamide 7g/m2 + G-CSF, peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) collection, and double autologous PBSC transplant. Thalidomide + dexamethasone was administered throughout the whole treatment program. Forty patients (27M, 13F, median age = 61 years) were treated with thalidomide 200mg/day +dexamehasone 40mg on days 1–4 every four weeks as salvage therapy for relapsed (n = 14) or progressive (n=26) MM. Neurotoxicity was the most troublesome and frequent toxic effect that was observed after > 8 months treatment, the incidence averaging 74% in newly diagnosed patients and 75% in pretreated ones. Symptoms included paresthesias, tremor and dizziness; serial electromyographic studies revealed a symmetrical, mainly sensory peripheral neuropathy, with minor motor involvement. The severity of neuropathy, graded according the NCI-CTC 2.0 scoring system, varied greatly in the two groups of patients, as pretreated patients showed grade 2 and 3 toxicity in 32.5% and 27.5% of the cases, respectively, while the majority of newly diagnosed patients complained about grade 1 toxicity (57%), and none of them experienced grade 3 toxicity. In both groups thalidomide neurotoxicity was not related to sex, M protein isotype, and thalidomide daily dose. In pretreated patients, a significant correlation between grade 2 + 3 neurotoxicty and longer disease duration was found, thus suggesting that subclinical MM-related neurotoxicity could favour drug-induced toxic effects. These results suggest that long-term thalidomide therapy in MM may be hampered by the remarkable neurotoxicity of the drug, and that a neurological evaluation should be mandatory prior to thalidomide treatment, in order to identify patients at risk of developing a periperal neuropathy.


In this work, an array of quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensors is fabricated on a single quartz crystal substrate and attached with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) micro chamber for using in flow-injection system. The Cr/Au electrode array is deposited on both side of quartz substrate by sputtering through electroplated microshadow mask. PDMS micro chamber was fabricated by mold casting technique with SU-8 mold. Fabricated PDMS micro chamber and QCM sensor array were attached together for using in flow-injection system. In our experiment, the QCM electrodes were coated with the carboxylic poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC-COOH) and then the carboxylic group was activated with carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) and N-hydroxylsuccinimide (NHS) for protein binding. The scanning electron micrograph shown the trapped protein on the modified sensing layer, it confirmed that our QCM sensor and PDMS micro chamber can be used as QCM biosensor array. This new QCM sensor array provide possibility of multiple detection in small amount of sample within a single quartz crystal substrate that avoid the error signal from the different properties of each sensor in an array.


For the last two decades, two fears have largely shaped Turkey's view of NATO. These are fears of entrapment and abandonment. Both are symptoms of a type of security dilemma that is peculiar to military alliances and coalitions. Both fears had their origins in the Cold War in the context of Turkey's 60-year-old NATO membership. They also led to the pursuit of autonomy in Turkish foreign policy both as a response strategy and as a strategic choice in its own right. While the former version featured a heavy dose of reliance on military means or hard power, the latter version de-emphasized the military option in foreign policy and relied instead on soft power. A multitude of dynamics accounts for variations in the Turkish approach to NATO for the last two decades: Geography and regional considerations, the transatlantic dynamics, NATO's restructuring and transformation and Turkey's domestic dynamics. It may be suggested that NATO membership now looms large in the strategic calculations of the new Turkish elite in the aftermath of the Arab Awakening. This development might be the harbinger of the end of an era marked by fears and the pursuit of autonomy in Turkey's approach to NATO.


Technological advancement has its own impact on education. Communication technology plays a vital role in the development of society. Vast amounts of data are transmitted in seconds, and Internet access offers unimaginably large amounts of information, data, and interpreted materials. This study attempts to focus on the impact of internet on academicians. The learning society demands fast and flexible platform of education with application in term of information technology. With the increasing impact of information technology on higher education, college teachers are attempting to grasp how information technology could help them to modernizing the process of teaching, research and learning. The study aimed at analyzing the internet use and its impact among the faculty members of Sheth M.N.Science College, Patan (Gujarat). The internet and emerging network technologies have been revolutionizing society by making information available to the people in a new way. Use of internet is increasing day by day as it is time saving, more informative and less expensive. This study examines how the college faculty members access a wealth of information on the web to support their research and academic activities.


We report significant fluorescence enhancements in a Corrole molecule which are directly adsorbed on copper chloride nanoparticles. The prominent emission bands near 622 nm and 646 nm were observed to undergo significant enhancements up to ~333 times.


The purpose of this paper is to examine Yeats's idea of history in Calvary. In it, Christ "dreams His passion through" and is confronted with images of those whom He cannot save: Lazarus, Judas, the Three Roman soldiers, who ask nothing of God, and Heron, Eagle, and Swan, which are content in their solitude. The episodes of Lazarus, Judas, the Roman soldiers and the chill detachment of the songs by Musicians express the "subjectivity" of a world detached from Christ and reveal the theme of Christ's powerlessness to save those who can live without salvation. By means of dreaming-back, the feeling of distance from ordinary life is present through the whole play. And by using song, mask, dance, ritualized narration and stylized movement, Yeats hopes to attain the "distance from (ordinary) life which can make credible strange events, elaborate words." The play reveals a larger pattern of universal order by presenting Christ's ritual participation in its cycle and the meaning of the necessity of eternal change.


The thesis is divided into nine chapters. The first chapter gives an overview of the external financial flows to the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) between 1970 and 1980. It explains why these countries increasingly turned to private sources of external finance and why the banks in particular were willing to provide that finance. Noting the needs of these countries for continued access to private external finance, the thesis proceeds to investigate four areas fundamental to the continuity of that access. They are:- 1) The determinants of the financial terms of bank and bond finance. 2) The impact of further lending to LDCs upon bank balance sheets. 3) The attitudes of the lending bankers to ways of increasing private financial flows. 4) The reasons for the limited role played by the eurobond market in providing such finance. As a preliminary to investigating these points chapters two and three discuss the nature of the eurocurrency market generally, reasons for its growth and the statistical sources relating to that market. Chapter three also develops a theoretical model of the eurobank lending function. Returning to the fundamental points noted above, chapter four investigates the determinants of the financial terms of private finance ie euro money-market interest rates, the spreads on syndicated loans to LDCs and the interest yield on LDC bond issues. Chapter five investigates the impact of the growth in bank lending to LDCs upon UK banks' balance sheets. Chapter six reviews the literature making suggestions for reducing the risks associated with lending to LDCs. Chapter seven reports results of a questionnaire survey of nearly two hundred London banks regarding the suggestions noted in chapter six. The presumption behind these two chapters is that reduced risk will, ceteris paribus, increase the flow of finance. The responses to the survey confirm the validity of this presumption. The reasons for the limited role of the eurobond market in providing private external finance to LDCs is investigated in chapter eight with the aid of a second questionnaire. This survey was directed at the London managers of eurobond syndicates. The last chapter gives a resume of the thesis and makes recommendations for easing the external debt problem of the borrowers and bankers.


Motor involvement is uncommon in herpes zoster. Of 14 subjects observed over an arbitrary period of five years, nine had flaccid limb paralyses, involving the upper limb in eight patients. Recovery was not always complete and occurred over a period of nine weeks to four years.


Regarding the different two-dimensional structural units in phyllosilicate as the elementary building modules,polysomatic modules and assembling principle for crystal structures of phyllosilicates including interstratified minerals are discussed.The two-dimensional structural units(such as silicon-oxygen tetrahedral sheet,octahedral sheet),interlayer space(or interlayer matter) are assembled according to the sphere close packing manner,and the close packing layers parallel to {0001}.There are several mechanisms to release the difference in size while the silicon-oxygen tetrahedral sheet and octahedral sheet assemble the TO and TOT-type structural layers.The two types of structural layers with different interlayer space(or interlayer matter) fitted together in six kinds of assembling modes and formed six kinds of crystal layers.The combinatorics analysis of the two-dimensional structural units revealed that there may be 28 kinds of TOT type interstradified minerals in six kinds of polysomatic assembling modes of interstradified structure.The structural layer is symmetrical for octahedron sheet in the structure of interstratified minerals and shows polarity characteristics.The crystal-layer types of interstratified minerals are expressed in the six types of polysomatic assembling modes.


Iterative learning control (ILC) is a powerful control concept that iteratively improves the behaviors of processes that are repetitive in nature. Furthermore, it is remarkable to see the increasing number of studies related to the theory and application of fractional order controller (FOC), especially PIλDμ controller, in many areas of science and engineering. Research activities are focused on developing new analysis and design methods for fractional order controllers as an extension of classical control theory. A new and systematic frequency-domain approach of the fractional order D-type iterative learning control(FO-ILC) has been presented based upon frequency domain of continuous model. A proper FO-ILC learning operator can be tuned practically and the obtained rate of convergence is quite good. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm is practical and effective.


Objective To study the effects and safety of mifepristone and GnRH-a for postoperative pelvic endometriosis.Methods Eighty-three pelvic endometriosis cases were analyzed retrospectively,in which 41 were given mifepristone(mifepristone group),15 were given gestrinone(gestrinone group) and other 27 cases didn't take any drugs(control group).Recurrence rate and adverse effect rate were compared among these groups.Results The recurrence rates of mifepristone group and GnRH-a group were 13.3% and 17.1%,respectively,significantly lower than that of control group(P0.05,P0.05).The adverse effect rate of mifepristone group was 14.6%,which was significantly lower than that of gestrinone group(66.7%)(P0.05).Conclusion Mifepristone and gestrinone are effective for postoperative pelvis endometriosis.Mifepristone has less adverse effects than that of gestrinone.


The subject of this research is how to manage pesantren in Southeast Aceh in the aspect of economic independence, that relates to the problem of financial management in pesantren.  From 36 pesantren, only 6 of them are accredited A, one of the assessment indicators is economic aspect, it means the rest are considered not sufficiently financially independent.  If we/YOU see the data that is processed is qualitative using field research.  The data obtained from the managers of pesantren in Southeast Aceh.  The method of data collection was done through observation, interview, and documentation techniques.  The study uses observation guides, interview guidelines and data documentation as research instruments.  Data processing and analysis technique were carried out through three stages; data reduction, data presentation and data verification.  At the implementation level, generally the management of pesantren has held business units from various existing sources / potentials, in fact the implementation has not been running as it should.  The study also found that there is a relationship between quality and accessibility on the one hand, and the composition of income and expenditure at the pesantren level on the other hand.  Strategic advice for the development of financial management in pesantren in Southeast Aceh as well as research findings, including (1) the presence of a financial manager or someone who has financial competence;  (2) having a development plan as a form of achieving targets;  (3) forming business units as a form of independence;  and finally (4) team cohesiveness.


Termonet is a new concept based on the use of individually adjustable and collectively managed ground source heat pumps, connected to a thermal grid with noninsulated piping supplying heating/cooling demand of households located far from existing district heating grid (GeoDrilling, 2017; Pellegrini and Bianchini, 2018). Production and consumption profiles from Termonet dynamic simulations using an object-oriented modelling approach are compared to insulated ground source and district heating networks with extra-small consumer density encountered at test sites in Denmark. The hypothesis of the reduced production requirements in Termonet is tested and the identified pros and cons indicate the direction for small-scale thermal grid development with emphasis on efficiency and control.


Liver transplantation is carried out for many chronic liver diseases and for fulminant hepatic failure. The United Kingdom has seven liver transplantation units, which perform 600–700 transplantations a year. Activity is limited by availability of donor organs, and there are around 200 patients waiting for a liver transplant at any one time. Transplantation of the pancreas is less well established. The pancreas is usually transplanted together with a kidney in patients with end stage diabetes mellitus and renal failure. Worldwide, around 1000 patients (mainly in the United States) receive a pancreatic transplant each year. Only 20–30 a year are transplanted in the United Kingdom.

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Donor liver from adult cut down for insertion into child recipient

### Indications and contraindications

Hepatocellular carcinoma complicates many chronic liver diseases, and a small tumour is not a contraindication to transplantaton because tumour recurrence is uncommon in these patients. However, most patients with large (>5 cm) or multiple hepatomas or most other types of cancer are not considered for transplantation as tumours recur rapidly. Patients with certain rare tumours, such as liver metastases from neuroendocrine disease and sarcomas, can do well for several years. Contraindications to liver transplantation include extrahepatic malignancy, severe cardiopulmonary disease, systemic sepsis, and an inability to comply with regular drug treatment.

#### Common indications for liver transplantation

### Timing and selection of patients for transplantation

The preoperative status of the patient is one of the most important factors predicting the outcome after transplantation. Patients with chronic liver disease and signs of decompensation should be assessed for transplantation before they become critically ill. In certain diseases, such as primary biliary cirrhosis, quality of life issues may form the basis for indication for transplantation. For example, chronic lack of energy can be debilitating in patients …

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The invention relates to a semiconductor device comprising a physical structure (50) for use in a physical unclonable function, wherein the physical structure (50) comprises a lead-zirconium titanate layer (25), and a silicon-comprising dielectric layer (27) deposited on the lead-zirconium-titanate layer (25), wherein the silicon-comprising dielectric layer (27) has a rough surface (SR), the physical structure (50) further comprising a conductive layer (30) provided on the rough surface (SR) of the silicon-comprising dielectric layer (27). The invention further relates to a method of manufacturing such semiconductor device. The invention also relates to a card, such as a smartcard, and to a RFID tag comprising such semiconductor device. The inventors have found that depositing of a silicon- comprising dielectric layer (27) on a lead-zirconium titanate layer (25) using vapor deposition results in a silicon-comprising dielectric layer (27) having a rough surface (SR). This rough surface(SR) can be used in a PUF to make a resistor (R) with a variable random value by depositing a conductive layer (30) on the rough surface (SR). Alternatively, the combination of both layers (25, 27) can be used in a PUF as composite dielectric to make a capacitor (C) with a variable random.


Summary form only given. Success in information technology development projects is a crucial management issue for the modern firm; however, realizing and sustaining it is not an easy task. An examination of the use of alternative internal and external resources to deliver IT project solutions that must meet multiple project success measures is lacking. This study reports the results of a single site, longitudinal study that took place between May 1995 and April 1996. Four concurrent and interdependent projects comprising a larger electronic messaging program were studied in a major Canadian bank. Results indicate that one medium-tech project and two high-tech projects were successful; one research-based tech project was deemed unsuccessful. The key findings from this study suggest that: (1) use of student project lead consultants through a university-industry partnership is cost effective and mutually beneficial; and that (2) developing project partnering relationships with external vendors and selective engagement of external vendors on projects contributes to project success.


Co‐evolutionary arms races have provided clear evidence for evolutionary change, especially in host–parasite systems. The evolution of host‐specific races in the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus), however, is also an example where sexual conflict influences the outcome. Cuckoo females benefit from better adaptation to overcome host defences, whereas cuckoo males face a trade‐off between the benefits of better adaptation to a host and the benefits of multiple mating with females from other host‐races. The outcome of this trade‐off might be genetic differentiation or prevention of it by genetic swamping. We use a simulation model to test which outcome is more likely with three sympatric cuckoo host‐races. We assume a cost for cuckoo chicks that express a host adaptation allele not suited to their foster host species and that cuckoo males that switch to another host‐race experience either a fitness benefit or cost. Over most of the parameter space, cuckoo male host‐race fidelity increases significantly with time, and gene flow between host‐races ceases within a few thousand to a hundred thousand generations. Our results hence support the idea that common cuckoo host‐races might be in the incipient stages of speciation.


Spectrum and energy measurements of X-ray radiation emitted by partially transparent Fe and Al plasmas have been earned out for thin-layered inverted-corona targets on the ISKRA-5 laser facility. The targets were plastic spherical (2-mm diam) shells of 4.6 mm thickness having 0.25 mm Fe or 0.65 mm Al thin inner coatings. The energy radiated in He α and Ly α resonance lines of Fe and Al ions was measured as well. Experimental data and results of numerical calculations are compared. Measured laser light to X-ray conversion coefficient has been found to be essentially low, then calculated one for both Fe and Al coated targets. Possible reasons for this discrepancy are discussed.


This book provides the first comprehensive and accessible account of the evolution of exchange rate regimes in the twentieth century. It presents a chronological, non-technical history and in doing so manages to link the past with the present to shed new light on the merits of different exchange rate systems.


Options over land have formed part of the law of real property for a long time. Their oldest uses are probably in the context of wills, allowing stated persons to purchase part of the testators" property, and in the law of landlord and tenant, giving the tenant the right to call for a renewal of the term or in some cases to purchase the freehold. Options are still used for both of these purposes, although statutory developments in the law of landlord and tenant have rendered the option to renew of less significance than was once the case. In addition, other uses have been found for options by landowners and conveyancers.


[1] Interested in developing your leadership skills? Serious about putting your science to work for societal benefit? Willing to be as disciplined in your approach to these challenges as you are in your research? The Summer Policy Colloquium may be what you're looking for. This year's program will be held 5–14 June 2011 in Washington, D. C. The American Meteorological Society (AMS) has run this unique, highly successful program for a decade. AGU is cosponsoring it for the first time this year.


Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs) were studied, with particular reference to their subject-dependent features. To this end, an electric model of the ear was implemented and validated. Simulated and natural TEOAEs were analyzed through a nonlinear analysis technique. The simulated signals were able to reproduce the dynamical features of the experimentally observed TEOAEs and, most importantly, the natural variability among individuals. The unexpected inverse relation between model complexity and adherence to the natural signals is commented.


Angiogenesis plays a critical role in sustaining the microenvironment, growth, and metastatic potential of a variety of tumors, such as lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and renal cancer. However, the rapid development of resistance to anti-angiogenesis agents has limited the clinical benefits. To improve the therapeutic efficacy, the designed dual functional inhibitors, composed of benzophthalazine (anti-angiogenesis moiety) and bis(hydroxymethyl)pyrrole (DNA interstrand crosslinking moiety), were synthesized. We first demonstrated that 1,2-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzopyrrolo[2,1-a]phthalazines displayed dual functions, inducing DNA crosslinking and inhibiting angiogenesis. By aid of DIVAA, we confirmed the in vivo anti-angiogenetic activity. They were cytotoxic to a panel of cancer cell lines, including leukemia, colorectal, renal, and lung cancer cells. Among them, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells were the most susceptible cells with the IC50 values ranged from subnanomolar to micromolar. Significantly, we observed tumor suppression by treatment of compound 8 in a given formulation at the dose of 20 mg/kg (10 times in 2 weeks) in SCLC H526, squamous lung cancer H520 and renal cancer 786-O xenograft models. In addition, orally admission of 60 mg/kg compound 8 daily for 14 days was also more potent than cisplatin in suppression of growth of SCLC H526 xenografts. Importantly, compound 8 at the dose given did not cause body weight lost. In summary, our results indicate that bis(hydroxymethyl)benzopyrrolo[2,1-a]phthalazine hybrids are potent than anticancer agents against a wide spectrum of cancers. They deserve our further development. Citation Format: Tai-Lin Chen, Vicky Jain, Anilkumar S. Patel, Yi-Wen Lin, Tsann-Long Su, Te-Chang Lee. Discovery of bis(hydroxymethyl)benzopyrrolo[2,1-a]phthalazine derivatives as orally bioavailable antitumor agents with anti-angiogenic and DNA cross-linking activities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR-NCI-EORTC International Conference on Molecular Targets and Cancer Therapeutics; 2019 Oct 26-30; Boston, MA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Mol Cancer Ther 2019;18(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A002. doi:10.1158/1535-7163.TARG-19-A002


Durability of concrete has been a social concern due to the poor performance of concrete caused by various environmental conditions. This paper aims to study the effects of damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles which often appeared in cold areas on the performance of concrete with polypropylene fibres, such as strength, carbonation depth and chloride ion diffusion. Concrete samples with different degrees of damage were produced by different freeze-thaw cycles. The concrete sample shows great water absorption after freeze-thaw cycles. Due to damage by freeze-thaw cycles, the total pore volume, porosity and average pore diameter of concrete samples damaged by freeze-thaw cycles were generally larger than that of normal concrete samples. Compressive strength and splitting strength of concrete exposed to freeze-thaw cycles decreased with the number of freeze-thaw cycles and greater damage caused higher loss of strength, especially for the splitting tensile strength. The carbonation depth of the concrete after freeze-thaw cycles was also greater than that of the concrete before freeze-thaw cycles. Chloride ion diffusion rates were evaluated using the free chloride ion concentration titration method and the steady state migration testing method. Results indicated that freeze-thaw cycles could accelerate chloride ion diffusion rates. More severe concrete damage results in greater chloride diffusion.


DEVICE IS BASED ON PRESSURE TO REIGN IN THE PRESSURE CHAMBER CYLINDER ROTARY MACHINE, PARTICULARLY OF A TIGHTENING CHUCK AUTOMATIC OR SIMILAR TO STOP THE MACHINE FAILURE IF THE PRESSURE. GENERATOR PULSE 12 HANDSET IS PRESSURE CHAMBER 5, 6 OR PISTON TIGHTENING 4 MONITORING WHICH MUST BE ASSURED AND IS INFLUENCED BY A PREDETERMINED FORCE AND (OR) BY THE POSITION OF THE PISTON TIGHTENING OR INTERMEDIATE BODY AND COOPERATE WITH BODY FOR SWITCHING FIXED 41 OUTSIDE CYLINDER CLAMP 2 1 CHUCK AND COMMANDER MACHINE TOOL.


The optimization of daily operating room surgery schedule can be problematic because of many constraints, like to determine the start time of different surgeries and allocating the required resources, including the availability of beds in different units. Recently, Answer Set Programming (ASP) has been successfully employed for addressing and solving real-life scheduling and planning problems in the health-care domain. In this paper we present an enhanced solution using ASP for scheduling and rescheduling operating rooms taking explicitly into considerations the availability of beds for intensive and post-anesthesia care units. We tested our solution on different benchmarks with realistic parameters. The results of our experiments show that ASP is a suitable methodology for solving also such enhanced problem.


It is shown that a recently constructed exact solution of the Vlasov equation describing a plasma with density and temperature gradients can be expressed in terms of the constants of motion. The distribution function is then used to illustrate the differences between a Vlasov and a one‐fluid description. In fluid theory, only the pressure profile is determined (unless one postulates an equation of state), while the Vlasov description leads to a separate determination of density (g) and temperature (ψ2) profiles; the equation of state, g=ψ3−2/β, comes out naturally in the latter case.


The invention relates to a fluoroplastic electret medical bandage which comprises a medical gauze and a cover film, wherein the cover film is formed by spraying a fluoroplastic electret adsorbent dispersion liquid on the medical gauze; and the adsorbent dispersion liquid is prepared by processing and refining fluoroplastics, is treated by an electret technology such as an electret corona method, a breakdown method or the like, is sprayed on the medical gauze to form the cover film, and is processed into electret medical bandages of different specifications. The electret medical bandage has the characteristics of bacterium resistance and inhibition, inflammation diminishing, infection prevention, dust and water prevention and good air permeability.


Up to 90% of Legionella infections are caused by Legionella pneumophila including Legionnaires' diseases, community-acquired pneumonia and nosocomial pneumonia. Therefore, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to study the epidemiology of L. pneumophila retrieved from patients with pneumonia and respiratory tract infections from the Middle East. We searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases with restriction dates (restricting the search on cross-sectional studies published since 2000–20 April 2020), and languages (only English) with following Medical Subject Headings (Mesh) and text words; 'Legionellosis', 'Legionnaire', 'Legionnaires disease', 'Legionellosis', 'Legionella', 'Legionella pneumophila', 'Middle East', 'Kuwait', 'Yemen', 'Iran', 'clinical samples', 'Turkey', 'Egypt', 'Saudi Arabia', 'Qatar', 'Syria', 'Lebanon', 'Bahrain', 'Iraq', 'Cyprus', 'Palestine', 'Israel', 'Jordan', 'Oman' and 'United Arab Emirates', 'respiratory symptoms' and 'pneumonia'. Descriptive statistics were computed using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (version 3.3.070 Biostat, Inc.). We calculated estimates of the combined prevalence of each variable by producing a forest plot was depicted for calculating the estimates of the combined prevalence of each variable. This study showed that the prevalence of L. pneumophila in clinical samples collected from patients was varied between 1.6 and 28.1%. The pooled prevalence of L. pneumophila in clinical samples was reported to 8.5%. Our systematic review and meta-analysis showed a considerable prevalence of L. pneumophila in countries located in the Middle East. Therefore, it should be considered in the identification of respiratory infections illness. It is also best to use both culture and molecular methods at the same time to diagnose the bacterium.


Watch a TV news programme for more than an hour, or read a newspaper and it is easy to come away from the experience with a feeling of despondency and despair. There is a point of view though that we are being talked into a deep recession because the gloom merchants are undermining confidence so that individuals and organisations are unwilling to spend, or run risks, so making the headlines and self-fulfilling prophecy.


The successful cloning of the bioluminescence genes from marine bacteria offers the chance to use the bioluminescence phenotype as a marker for environmental monitoring purposes. This work describes a video camera based technique which allows both the sensitive detection and determination of the spatial distribution of luminescent Streptomyces coelicolor pellets and filaments within liquid and soil samples.


Testing the frontrunner loses myth and minority loses myth, this paper examines the 2008 Georgia Democratic Senate runoff between Vernon Jones and Jim Martin. Despite winning 40 per-cent of the primary vote, Jones lost in the runoff to Jim Martin. Methods: We use a variety of data to determine what factors were having the greatest effect on the election. Results: Vernon Jones's strongest support came from the rural counties of central and southern Georgia. While Jones did win high levels of support in counties with large black populations, the fact that Jones was not performing as well in counties in metro Atlanta highlights that controversies surrounding Jones may have been playing a larger role than race. Conclusions: The lack of black voter turnout in the runoff illustrates the problems that even a black candidate has in motivating black voters to return for the runoff.


Abstract : MHD characteristics are investigated for the case of finite electrical conductivity in connection with dispersion relations of linear waves. The basic equations are no longer total hyperbolic but parabolically or elliptically degenerated. The nature of the characteristic directions for the degenerated MHD basic equations are explained. (Author)


To better reuse existing design resources and improve the efficiency of product development,a design concept combining the ontology and the product variant design is put forward,which is able to express the advantages of the product model more particularly.Ontology modeling software protege is used to build the product variant design ontology model,and then using C/S structure and SQL Server2000 database,the secondary development of SolidWorks is carried out by VB.The design of the hydraulic support is taken as the example,a product variant design system based on ontology is developed,and PDM system in enterprises is integrated into it.Thus repeated design is reduced,the product development cycle is shortened and product design efficiency improves.


Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni; Q‐fly) pupae are routinely irradiated to induce reproductive sterility in adults released in a sterile insect technique programme. Although there have been some studies of how total dose influences fly quality, dose rate has not been considered. In the present study, pupae were irradiated at a target dose range of 70–75 Gy at dose rates of approximately 5, 7, 26, 57 and 80 Gy/min and were then subjected to routine IAEA/FAO/USDA quality control tests including emergence, flight ability, mortality under stress and sterility induction. No significant effects of dose rate were found on emergence or flight ability. Sterility induction was also found to be independent of dose rate, a result conforming to a 'one‐hit' ionizing event hypothesis. Flies irradiated at higher dose rates suffered increased mortality under stress. This appears to stem from an increased tendency to over‐shoot the target dose when irradiating at high dose rates. We recommend that, to reduce potential error in total target dose, the lowest practical dose rate be used when irradiating Q‐fly pupae for use in the sterile insect technique.


Background and Objective: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases affecting humans worldwide. Pathogenic isolates of E.coli have relatively high potentials for developing resistance. Therefore, the treatment of E. coli infections is increasingly becoming difficult. Objectives: To isolate and identify the bacterial pathogens in sputum samples causing Respiratory tract infections and to know the prevalence and sensitivity pattern of E.coli in sputum samples. Materials and Methods: Sputum samples were collected from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2014 at VIMS Hospital, Ballari from the patients of suspected RTIs and processed for Gram's stain and biochemical reactions. Antibiotic susceptibility test was done by Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBL) detection performed as per CLSI guidelines. Results: A total of 1264 sputum samples were processed, out of which 756(59.8%) yielded growth. The bacteria isolated from the samples included Klebsiella spp 261(34.5%), Staphylococcus aureus 142(18.8%), Streptococcus pneumonia 121(16%), Streptococcus pyogenes 96(12.6%), Pseudomonas 85(11.2%), Escherichia coli 21(2.8%) Citrobacter spp 18(2.3%) and Enterococci 12(1.8%). E.coli showed significant resistance to Ampicillin (90.5%), Ciprofloxacin (81%), Amoxiclav (76.2%), Cefotaxime (71.4%) and Cotrimoxazole (66.7%). It was 100% sensitive to Imepenem followed by Amikacin (61.9%) and Gentamicin (57.1%). ESBL production was seen in 76.2% of E.coli isolated. Conclusion: There is a need to develop antibiotic policy and this will provide valuable insight on resistance trends and encourage the prudent use of antibiotics, which is a major factor in controlling the emergence and spread of resistant strains.


The paper presents an approach for the active control of structural response (ACSR) and its implemention in a system for vibration reduction in a helicopter fuselage. Vibrations in the fuselage are simulated analytically using a recently derived coupled rotor/flexible fuselage aeroelastic response model. Baseline fuselage vibrations, are sensed as vibratory components of the acceleration at specific fuselage locations. These quantities are used to generate signals to four servo actuators located at the four corners of the ACSR platform. The servo actuators produce controlled vibratory forces, which when combined with the vibratory rotor loads produce vibration levels at various fuselage locations which are much lower than the baseline vibrations. The vibration levels, in the presence of the controller, display very substantial vibration reduction. This vibration suppression system, operates exclusively in the hub fixed nonrotating system, and therefore has no influence on vehicle airworthiness.


The efficient processing of similarity joins is important for a large class of applications. The dimensionality of the data for these applications ranges from low to high. Most existing methods have focussed on the execution of high-dimensional joins over large amounts of disk-based data. The increasing sizes of main memory available on current computers, and the need for efficient processing of spatial joins suggest that spatial joins for a large class of problems can be processed in main memory. In this paper we develop two new spatial join algorithms, the Grid-join and EGO-join, and study their performance in comparison to the state of the art algorithm EGO-join and the RSJ algorithm. Through evaluation we explore the domain of applicability of each algorithm and provide recommendations for the choice of join algorithm depending upon the dimensionality of the data as well as the critical /spl epsiv/ parameter. We also point out the significance of the choice of this parameter for ensuring that the selectivity achieved is reasonable.


A method for evaluating the radiation received on a tilted photovoltaic (PV) array at an intermediate location based on global horizontal radiation measurements from a network of weather stations in the United Kingdom (UK) is presented. The objective of this method is to provide accurate estimates of solar radiation on any PV system in the UK at lower cost than using competing approaches. This will allow for weather corrected condition monitoring. While large PV systems can afford dedicated weather monitoring equipment, this is not economically feasible for smaller systems (<50 kWp). The use of a virtual pyranometer to augment the monitoring of such systems could allow the benefits of detailed radiation monitoring to be expanded to the >85% of UK PV capacity in systems of 10kW or less. A three step process is described with spatial interpolation done using an inverse distance weighting method, diffuse and direct component separation done using two approaches; a logistic function of hourly clearness index, daily clearness index, solar altitude, apparent solar time a persistence factor for global radiation developed by Boland et al and a piecewise model dependent on solar altitude and hourly clearness index developed by Reindl et al. The third and final step is the transposition of the direct component using basic trigonometry and the Perez anisotropic model of the sky dome for the diffuse component. The concept of the virtual pyranometer system is described and initial results of testing the elements of the virtual pyranometer model against real data are presented.


Media discourse surrounding fashion and sustainability tends to be negative, emphasising the problems that exist across the various stages of the lifecycle of a garment. Although consumers are increasingly aware of at least some of the issues surrounding fashion and the environment, research suggests that the scale and complexity of the problem causes them to feel detached and uncertain about how to adapt their own behaviour in response. This research positions Instagram as a digital media platform through which sustainable fashion is communicated and experienced through augmented fashion content. Instagram is recognised for its significant impact on visual culture, particularly within aesthetic sectors such as fashion. Recent research reveals that users have begun engaging in more serious subjects and debates on Instagram, including political, social, and environmental issues. This has brought about opportunities for new voices who are championing sustainable fashion in its variety of manifestations. An open qualitative analysis was carried out using the hashtag #SustainableFashion to uncover themes relating to the types of content, stakeholders, and mechanisms that are being used to augment sustainable fashion on Instagram. The findings reveal a positive community of content creators—including vintage enthusiasts, designers, makers and brands—who are using the hashtag regularly to share proactive content in the form of specific, targeted messages around sustainable fashion solutions. The aim was to uncover the discussions that are taking place right now and provide grounding for future work in this area.


Major volcanic eruptions occur every few years, but most have little effect on solar radiation or climate. However, in the last ten years two volcanoes have decreased solar radiation and influenced weather at a level that might be expected at the frequency of about once a century. The Mexican volcano El Chichon and the Philippine volcano Mount Pinatubo put 6 and 20 million metric tons of SO{sub 2} in the stratosphere, respectively. SO{sub 2} is converted into H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}, which mixes with water to produce aerosol. Since there is no weather in the stratosphere and the aerosol is small, these aerosol particles remain suspended until coagulation and sedimentation bring them to the troposphere where they are removed by normal wet and dry deposition processes. The extinction in the direct solar irradiance from El Chichon was found to peak during the winter of 1983 at about 11% for northern, mid latitudes. Mount Pinatubo`s peak extinction during 1992 was about 15%. Data from four northern, mid-latitude sites are examined to compare the direct consequences of the volcano`s eruption on the performance of concentrating solar energy systems and the indirect effects that may be associated with Mount Pinatubo`s perturbation of the weather.


BACKGROUND
The aetiology of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is controversial and post-orthodontic long-term TMD data of Class II populations are scarce.

OBJECTIVES
To analyse the long-term (≥15 years) effects of Herbst-multibracket appliances (MBA) Class II treatment (Tx) on signs and symptoms of TMD.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS
All patients (University of Giessen, Germany) who underwent Herbst-MBA Tx (end of active Tx ≥ 15 years ago), could be located and agreed to participate in a recall. Available records from before (T0) and after (T1) active Tx were used for comparison with the recall data (T2). All findings were classified according to research diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (RDC/TMD) and diagnostic criteria for temporomandibular disorders (DC/TMD) as well as the Helkimo index.

RESULTS
Seventy-two out of 152 patients participated at age 33.7 ± 3.0 years. Complete TMD data-sets (T0 + T1 + T2) were available for 33 participants. Participants and non-participants did not differ significantly at T0 or T1 in terms of general clinical data, occlusal relationship or TMD prevalence. At all time-points, 79-91 per cent of the patients were free of TMD signs and symptoms (RDC/TMD and DC/TMD). The TMD prevalence fluctuated: 21 per cent (T0), 9 per cent (T1), 15 per cent (T2). Similar findings with a trend towards improvement during T0-T1 and recurrence during T1-T2 were seen for the Helkimo index. There were no statistically significant differences.

LIMITATIONS
The participation rate of only 62 per cent, the disparate availability of records (T0, T1), the fact that the patients were not treated at exactly the same time period and that no untreated control group is available.

CONCLUSION
In the long-term (≥15 years) Herbst-MBA Class II Tx neither seems to increase nor decrease the risk for developing TMD.


Injection of validoxylamine A (VAA), a specific trehalase inhibitor, suppressed oocyte development in the American cockroach, Periplaneta mericana. Trehalases of the ovary, accessory gland and fat bedy in the cockroach were strengly inhibited by the injection of VAA. Elevation of hemolymph trehalose concentration was observed indicating inhibition of trehalose rnetabolism in the tissues. In control cockroaches, vitellin accumulated in the ovary in parallel with oocyte development, and the amount of vitellogenin in the hemolymph changed showing negative correlation with the uptake of vitellogenin to the ovary. In VAA-injected cockroaches, vitellogenin production was suppressed in the early stage of oocyte development; uptake of vitellogenin by the ovary reduced in the late stage and, consequently, vitellogenin accumulated in the hemolymph. It is concluded from these results that the primary effect of VAA occurs in the vitellogenin production and the vitellogenin intake for the eocyte development.


A comparative approach of hydrological variables in order to clarify the abundance and diversity of the zooplankton community was investigated on a spring cruise in the Northern and Southern coastal waters of Sfax coupled with water-quality. Environmental and zooplankton data were taken across the tidal front TF, covering well-mixed MZ and frontal interface FI waters. Zooplankton abundance, structure, specific composition and life histories were analyzed in relation to depth, temperature, salinity, orthophosphate, major and trace elements and chlorophyll-a. Zooplankton-specific composition did not vary across the different zones but, due to differences in relative abundance in Southern and Northern part.


ABSTRACT The current study analyzes pre-retirement corruption among executives at state-owned enterprises (SOEs) based on the current institutional system of China from the perspective of expected utility, discussing the influence relationship of power utility and material desire utility. We conduct an empirical study to verify this theoretical assumption, finding that pre-retirement corruption among senior executives is significantly affected by a decline in social influence, which can significantly cause inflation in the material desires of executives at SOEs. The Chinese government's anti-corruption activities and regulations on SOEs evidently have an inhibitory effect on pre-retirement corruption. Additional social posts by executives have no effect on the inflation of material desire. Based on our theoretical assumptions and empirical study, we also discuss how to prevent pre-retirement corruption among senior executives at SOEs in China.