The role of habitat degradation on the spread of the alien green alga Caulerpa cylindracea is reported here by comparing observations achieved through a multi-year assessment on three Mediterraneans habitats, namely Posidonia oceanica meadows, Phyllophora crispa turf, and coralligenous reefs. Due to the peculiarity of the study site, both natural-reference and impacted conditions were investigated. C. cylindracea occurred in all the studied habitats under impacted conditions. High susceptibility to the invasion characterized impacted P. oceanica, where Caulerpa cover reached 70.0% in summer months. C. cylindracea cover did not differ significantly among conditions in P. crispa turf, where values never exceeded 5.0%. Conversely, the invasive green algae was low in abundance and patchily distributed in coralligenous reefs. Our results confirmed that habitat loss enhances the spread of C. cylindracea, although with different magnitudes among habitats. Dead matte areas of P. oceanica represented the most vulnerable habitat among those analyzed, whereas coralligenous reefs were less susceptible to the invasion under both the studied conditions.


Educational justice is an important assignment of the reform of education,which emphasizes the importance of the educational justice in the Report of the 17th CPC National Congress and the government service report by premier Wen Jiabao.Although Marx didn't make any special exposition of the theory of educational justice,we still could find that it provides the theoretical basis and guidance for understanding educational justice of our country.


a A prothrombotic state and increased platelet reactivity are common in dyslipidemia and oxidative stress. Lipid peroxidation, a major consequence of oxidative stress, generates highlyreactiveproducts,includinghydroxy- v -oxoalkenoicacidsthatmodifyautologous proteins generating biologically active derivatives. Phosphatidylethanolamine, the second most abundant eukaryotic phospholipid, can also be modified by hydroxy-v -oxoalkenoic acids. However, the conditions leading to accumulation of such derivatives in circulation and their biological activities remain poorly understood. We now show that carboxyalkylpyrrole-phosphatidylethanolamine derivatives (CAP-PEs) arepresentintheplasmaofhyperlipidemic ApoE 2 / 2 mice.CAP-PEsdirectlybindtoTLR2 and induces platelet integrin a IIb b 3 activation and P-selectin expression in a Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)-dependent manner. Platelet activation by CAP-PEs includes assembly of TLR2/TLR1 receptor complex, induction of downstream signaling via MyD88/TIRAP, phosphorylation of IRAK4, and subsequent activation of tumor necrosis factor receptor– associated factor 6. This in turn activates the Src family kinases, spleen tyrosine kinase and PLC g 2, and platelet integrins. Murine intravital thrombosis studies demonstrated that CAP-PEs accelerate thrombosis in TLR2-dependent manner and that TLR2 contributes to accelerate thrombosis in mice in the settings of hyperlipidemia. Our study identified the novel end-products of lipid peroxidation, accumulating in circulation in hyperlipidemia and inducing platelet activation by promoting cross-talk between innate immunity and integrin activation signaling pathways. ( Blood . 2016;127(21):2618-2629)


The invention relates to a locking-unlocking device driven by two-stage redundancy, belonging to the technical field of locking and unlocking between two structures. The device is characterized by comprising a cylindrical shell with two open ends, a shell base, a shell top cover, a split nut, a ferrule 11, a primary drive, a primary stop dog, a switching device and a secondary drive, wherein the shell base and the shell top cover are respectively connected with the two ends of the shell, and through holes are respectively arranged in the centers of the shell base and the shell top cover; the split nut is arranged on the inner axial line of the shell, the ferrule is sleeved at the periphery of the split nut, and one end of the collar is closed; and the primary drive, the primary stopdog, the switching device and the secondary drive are arranged in the shell. The device has the advantages of reliable locking and unlocking, little unlocking impact force, strong bearing capacity, fast resetting operation, compact structure, small volume, diversified installation interfaces, and the like.


The introductory overview and 27 papers in this special issue present information on instrument performance and first results of the SMOS mission.


In the title complex, cis-[PdI2(C6H16N2)], the PdII atom lies on a crystallographic twofold rotation axis and is four-coordinated by the two N atoms of a chelating N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine ligand [Pd—N = 2.125 (3) Å] and two I atoms [Pd—I = 2.5833 (4) Å], displaying a distorted square-planar geometry (r.m.s. deviation = 0.005 Å), imposed by the small bite of the chelating ligand [N—Pd—N angle = 84.68 (18)°].


A novel tier composite nonwoven material was prepared by solution electrostatic depositing of ultrafine fibers of poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone)(PPESK) modified by polystyrene onto conventional polyester nonwoven in order to improve the air filtration of conventional nonwoven fabrics.The air filtration efficiency was increased from 20% for the virgin nonwoven to over 95% for the tier composite one with the laser particle counter.The images from scanning electron microscope indicate that the diameters of electrospun fibers are only several micrometers and the interfacial adhesion between the two fiber layers is enhanced much by using in-situ emulsion polymerization and both of them are endowed with good air filtration properties.


The adsorption of Pb using rice husk as adsorbent was studied using batch adsorption method. The physicochemical parameters gave values of 6.13, 42 %, 23, 5 %, 0.5 mg/L and 55.50 mg/L for pH, attrition, ash content, moisture content, bulk density and iodine number. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to monitor the adsorption of Pb. The optimum values obtained were 84.45% at 20 mg/L for concentration, 99.60% at a pH of 11, 81.50 % at a contact time of 40 min and 92.44 at an adsorbent dose of 5 g, signifying that rice husk is a good adsorbent for the removal of Pb from simulated waste water. The result fitted into Langmuir and Freundlichisotherm.


During flight mission, the high-intensity level acoustic load generated by large launch vehicle lift-off propulsion is of major concern for the integrity of the launch complex and the vehicle payloads. Acoustic loads are principal source of structural vibration and internal noise during launch. The prediction of the acoustic loading at the surface of rocket fairings is challenging because of the complexity of the fairing geometry. The proposed approach is to minimize the weight and the surface of the Small launch vehicle faring (SLVF) towards minimizing the effect of the interferences for height frequency of the external acoustic waves using a genetic algorithm.


One of the ways to learn about how people remember spatial relations such as directions and distances in a large-scale geographical environment is by studying the systematic distortions that appear when people are asked to evaluate these relations. Distortions resulting from rotation and hierarchical organization are considered to stem from remembering the geographical entity relative to a frame of reference or to the presence of a higher-order geographical entity, correspondingly.


Background: The wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) has favourable meat characteristics compared to the domestic pig particularly regarding the fat and cholesterol content. The present study aimed to determine whether the meat of wild boar fed with 20% or 40% acorns in their diet had different chemical properties and sensory meat characteristics. Methods: A group of six wild boar (Sus scrofa s.) with an initial live weight of 40 kg, received fresh whole Quercus robur acorns at 20% w/w of their daily feedstuff for 60 days, a second group received 40% w/w and a third group consumed commercial feed without acorns (control group). Proximal chemical analysis was performed on the feedstuff, acorns, and meat. Fatty acids and cholesterol in the Longissimus lumborum muscle were measured via gas chromatography. Results: The meat from the control fatty acid group had a higher composition of C16: 0 fatty acids and cholesterol, and also had a lower proportion of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and of the n6: n3, P/S ratio, than the acorn-fed wild boar groups. Conclusions: The meat of wild board fed with acorn had better characteristics in terms of nutritional factors such as the level of monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, cholesterol, and sensory characteristics.


The article analyzes the procedure for imposing to administrative responsibility under article 3.18.1 of the Code of Administrative offenses of Moscow for violation of the high-alert regime. The article deals with problematic issues of compliance with the constitutional rights of citizens who are imposed to administrative responsibility in the case of automated recording of an offense using the city video surveillance system and face recognition technologies It is made a reasoned conclusion about inadmissibility of objective accusation and illegality of distribution of the order of attraction to administrative responsibility, established in part 3 of article 28.6 of the Code of Administrative offenses of the Russian Federation, the offense that are not provided by federal laws.


Abstract One of the shows invited to attend the 14th Edition of the Iaşi International Theater Festival for Young Audiences (FITPTI), outstanding performance with classic short string puppetry, was performed at the Small Hall of the Luceafărul Theater by String Theater from Great Britain. The London Company relies on the charm of the long strings animating techniques for puppets, maneuvered (manipulated) from a height. The Company started the activity in London, 2011, the founders are Soledad Zarate and Stan Middleton, descendants of several generations of artists specializing in the management and promotion of this type of theater, with Elizabethan roots and fresh puppet infusions. The Insect Circus is a gem show, a demonstration of mastery in the art of puppet handling. A performance that overturns prejudices related to this type of theater, but also a sample of good practice, an example of how the tenderness and clumsiness of these irresistible actors on strings can be enhanced.


A specific type of plasma-wave instability in a hot magnetoactive collisional plasma due to a weak external electric field and weak spatial inhomogeneity is considered for the cases of kinetic Alfvén-like waves. These low-frequency waves with ω [Lt ] Ωi (where Ωi is the ion gyrofrequency) are solutions of the corresponding dispersion relation. The model integral of Bhatnagar, Gross, and Krook is used for the description of collisions. The quasistatic time variation of the electric field amplitude makes it possible to use the 'direct initiation' mechanism to describe instability development. An expression for the growth rate is obtained in the framework of linear theory. The instability in question occurs for a certain equation of state of the plasma. For this equation of state, a numerical analysis of the obtained instabilities is performed.


BACKGROUND: This paper describes the results obtained during the thermophilic/mesophilic temperature phased anaerobic digestion (TPAD) of sewage sludge on a pilot scale. The aim of this research study was not only to optimize the anaerobic digestion process, but also to obtain a digested sludge suitable for agricultural applications according to the legal requirements.

RESULTS: Four TPAD assays were carried out: 5/15, 3/15, 3/12 and 3/9 (days/days of solid retention time) with a specific methane production (expressed as LCH4 g−1 VSdestroyed) of 0.77, 0.83, 0.66 and 0.20, respectively. TPAD 3/15 and 3/12 reached pathogen concentrations of less than 1000 MPN g−1 TS (faecal colifoms) and 3 MPN per 4 g TS (Salmonella spp.); therefore, these digested sludges can be considered Class A biosolids, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. Concentrations of heavy metals rose after the anaerobic digestion of mixed sludge, but the final values were always below the limits required by legal regulations.

CONCLUSION: TPAD 3/15 is the best option in terms of organic matter removal, CH4 generation, and process stability. TPAD 3/12 obtained the best final dewaterability and pathogen reduction and in general, showed much better results than those obtained by anaerobic mesophilic control (15 days of SRT). Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry


Objective: The antihyperglycaemic potentiality of Terminalia chebula leaves has not yet been investigated thoroughly compared to its fruit counterpart. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the hypoglycaemic potentiality of Terminalia chebula Retz leaves both in vitro and in vivo.Methods: Fresh leaves of T. chebula were collected, authenticated and grounded to a fine powder. The powdered material was extracted in methanol. The hypoglycaemic potentiality of the extract was accessed in vitro using enzyme alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase. The antihyperglycaemic activity of the methanol extract active fraction was accessed in vitro and in vivo. The active fraction thus obtained was partially characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis.Results: The crude leave methanol extract of Terminalia chebula demonstrated 100% α glucosidase inhibition with IC50–0.956±0.342 mg/ml compared to standard drug acarbose. Oral administration of the active fraction to diabetic rats loaded with maltose significantly (P<0.05) retarded the postprandial spike of blood glucose level compared to standard drug acarbose. Partial characterization of the fraction reveals the presence of hydrosoluble tannin gallic acid.Conclusion: The study provides an in vitro and in vivo rationale evidence of Terminalia chebula leaves to retard postprandial hyperglycemia.


The mission of CDC is to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. As the nation's prevention agency, CDC accomplishes its mission by working with partners throughout the nation and the world to monitor health, formulate prevention strategies, develop sound public health policies, implement prevention strategies, promote healthy behaviors, and foster safe and healthful environments. In keeping with this mission, CDC has strategic plans that address certain specific infectious disease threats, including HIV/AIDS, TB, STDs, and selected vaccinepreventable diseases. The concept of disease emergence has important implications for each of these. Opportunistic infections in HIV-infected persons require cost-effective prevention strategies; drug resistance has become a barrier to TB control; STDs have been implicated as factors in chronic diseases (e.g., human papillomavirus and cervical cancer); and emerging diseases necessitate the ongoing assessment of vaccine development priorities (e.g., pneumococcal disease in children, respiratory syncytial virus [RSV] pneumonia, malaria). Strengthened efforts in the prevention and control of emerging infectious diseases will complement and improve the effectiveness of current efforts in HIV/AIDS, TB, STDs, and immunizations as well as other important infectious diseases. To provide the vigilance and rapid response required to effectively address emerging infectious diseases, significant improvements in public health policy, program design, and infrastructure are needed. A far-reaching and comprehensive strategy, carefully integrated with broader plans for health care reform, is required. The CDC plan described below contains four critical goals that address specific IOM recommendations in the context of a broader vision for revitalizing our nation's ability to detect, contain, and most importantly, prevent the emerging infectious diseases that threaten populations both here and abroad. This plan reflects the commitment of CDC to work with its partners in health departments, clinical practice, academia, private industry, and international health to meet the challenge of important emerging public health problems. It also embodies CDC's mission to prevent and control infectious disease, and addresses high priority infectious diseases in disadvantaged populations and underserved minorities, women, and children. Implementation of this plan with emphasis on extramural programs will strengthen the public health infrastructure in the United States at the local, state, and federal levels, and contribute to strengthening global surveillance networks. Most importantly, implementation of this plan will help the public health system identify, control, and prevent new, emerging, and drug-resistant diseases before they cause widespread epidemics, thereby reducing the cost of infectious diseases and improving the health and welfare of all Americans. Goals and Objectives


: Typical urban rivers in Xi ' an (Ba River, Chan River, Feng River, and Hei River) were selected as the research object to understand the impact of different land-use types on the distribution of heavy metals in river sediments. The spatial distribution, environmental risks, and sources of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and As) in river sediments were analyzed and evaluated using potential ecological risk (RI), pollution load index (PLI), correlation analysis, and principal component analysis. Results showed that the content of heavy metals in the sediments of the four rivers was presented in the following order: Chan River > Ba River > Hei River > Feng River. The RI results showed that Cd remarkably contributed to the pollution, and the four rivers were all at moderate potential ecological risk. The PLI results showed that the H1 sample site in Hei River was moderately polluted, which was the highest. The RI and PLI results showed that the sample sites in the Chan River were the most polluted, and they were concentrated in the middle and lower reaches where the proportion of artificial ground and intensity of human activities were high. In addition, the results of correlation analysis and principal component analysis showed that most heavy metals came from human activities such as emissions from industrial and agricultural production and traffic pollution. Therefore, attention should be paid to the prevention and control of Cd pollution, particularly in the middle reaches of Feng River and Hei River, to prevent further pollution.


In this paper we discuss extension and applications of Euler's theorem for flnding the values of third order expressions and generalize it to flnd the values of higher order expressions. We also extend these results for composite functions.


A screw micropile consists of a smooth shaft at the top, threaded shaft at the middle and tapered shaft at the bottom. Research is required to investigate the axial behavior and capacities of this ...


The invention provides a parameterization involute tooth profile parameter calculating and drawing method. The method comprises the steps that work personnel can easily obtain tooth profile parameter values of an involute gear and a spline by inputting basic data of an involute to a computer, and then tooth profile graphs of the involute gear, the spline and profile cutters of the involute gear and the spline can be automatically drawn simply by using a VB program for driving tooth profile drawing software and calling AutoCAD software. By means of the method, only 40-50 seconds is needed for completing tooth profile coordinate and detection data calculation and drawing the tooth profile graphs in an Auto CAD format, while at least 4-5 hours is needed for traditional manual calculation and drawing, and thus the working efficiency is greatly improved.


The modelling of the arrest of high-speed projectiles by orthogonally woven cloth and nets is obtained by using a variational principle. The resulting engineering approximation is used to investigate the effect of different impact velocities and pre-strains. The significant parameters are then absorbed into a non-dimensional grouping. The model uses previously deducible front kinematics and suggests a similarity variable. Some experimental values are also included.


[Objective]The purpose of this project was to clarify the effects of Trifluralin applied methods on the growth and development of cotton seedlings in order to apply Trifluralin better and more reasongablly. [Method]Two applied methods were used in pot culture experiments.[Result]Trifluralin inhibited the multiplication of lateral roots and the growth of axial roots at the layer of above 4 cm,but the roots grew normally below 4 cm of Trifluralin layers.As to different applying densities,high density inhibited the growth of lateral roots,affecting less on dry weight,length of axial roots and fresh weight.[Conclusion]Both of the layer thickness and densities of Trifluralin had effects on the growth and development of cotton seedings.


The introduction of mobile media to children of very young ages continues to be a topic of discussion in many academic and professional circles. Over time, the suggested guidelines specific to children and interaction with mobile and interactive technology have changed, yet there are still some unknowns regarding the impact of replacing actual human interaction with interactive devices. While there are certainly benefits to having children exposed to these forms of technology, there are potential drawbacks. This current opinion article seeks provide a narrative regarding current work that is related to children and their engagement with interactive technology.


We report an 18‐year‐old man with paroxysmal jerking movements of the left arm since age 7 years. These were invariably precipitated by startle or sudden movements. He was subsequently diagnosed with a cervical cord anaplastic astrocytoma on MRI. We could not identify previous reports of paroxysmal myoclonus secondary to a spinal cord neoplasm. We have coined the term Paroxysmal Kinesigenic Segmental Myoclonus to describe this entity. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society


In order to get the work done by objects in a certain process,this paper gives the affirmation to the selection of small cylindrical volume of micro-flakes as the infinitesimal,and points out the method is inappropriate.Moreover,calculation results are given so as to show that this approach of piling is impractical and unrealistic.In the process of piling sand,the sand is piled up gradually from small cone to large one,during which the height of small cone,as well as the thickness,is increased.Therefore,another volume infinitesimal is introduced and quadrate verification on the volume infinitesimals selected in above two methods is conducted in this paper.On that basis,this paper further clarifies that quadrate results of volume infinitesimals selected in different methods maybe the same according to the significance of work done of variable force.However,the integration results of the proposed method might be more realistic after force infinitesimal is formed by volume infinitesimal.


A soft package of fresh freshwater fish is made up of fresh freshwater fish and polyester compound material through pretreating fresh freshwater fish, pickling, frying in oil, immersing in juice, bagging, sealing and sterilization. It features ideal fish food in mass, shape and taste.


Background: Enteral nutrition (EN) intolerance is a common complication in critically ill patients that contributes to morbidity and mortality. Based on the evidence of curing effects of fenugreek seeds in some gastrointestinal disorders, this study aimed to determine the effects of fenugreek seed powder on enteral nutrition tolerance and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients.
Materials & Methods: A randomized, double-blinded clinical trial of 5-day duration was conducted on 60 mechanically ventilated patients divided in 2 groups (n=30). Group 1 was given fenugreek seed powder by gavage, twice a day in addition to routine care, while Group 2 received only routine care. Enteral nutrition tolerance and clinical outcomes were measured throughout the study. Demographic and clinical data were recorded and clinical responses to the primary outcome (enteral nutrition tolerance) and secondary outcome (other clinical factors) were interpreted. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Chi-squared test, covariance analysis, and repeated measure ANOVA via SPSS statistical software (v. 20); statistical significance was set at p< 0.05.
Results: Patients who were fed with the fenugreek seed powder showed a significant improvement in enteral nutrition tolerance, as well as some complications of mechanical ventilation for Group 1, as compared with Group 2. The mortality rates were not different between the two groups.
Conclusion: This study shows the beneficial effects of fenugreek seeds on food intolerance in critically ill patients and that the seed powder can be used as an add-on therapy with other medications. Thus, the use of fenugreek seeds to treat mechanically ventilated patients is recommended.


The problem of estimating parameters and distinguishing between rival mathematical models describing complex chemical equilibrium systems is formulated from first principles. Using basic statistical and optimization theory, a methodology is developed for handling these systems. To illustrate its usefulness, the technique is applied to the conductivity study of solutions of alkali metal alkoxides in dimethyl sulfoxide. The method is relatively involved and its use is warranted only in complex physical systems which do not lend themselves to simplification by standard procedures.


In ray tracing simulations, curved surfaces and edges are difficult to handle. The approximation of dividing the curved surface into smaller flat plates is not so accurate as the size of smaller plates may not satisfy geometrical optics assumption, and the reflection point which satisfies Fermat's principle may not exist. In this work, a new ray tracing method which models the reflection on the curved surface was implemented and the physical optics method was applied on the caustics region. To test this method, path gain simulation results for a square and horseshoe cross-section model are compared with measurements made inside an arched tunnel. To further improve the simulation results, the effect of rough surface is introduced, and the results are again compared with measurement.


ABSTRACT Spatial correlations of peak ground and pseudo spectral acceleration are estimated as a function of intersite separation distance and natural vibration periods. More than 2286 three-component records from 461 Iranian earthquakes are employed to evaluate the intra-event residual correlation based on multiple earthquakes, considering both local and regional ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs). A correlation analysis is carried out through semivariogram as a powerful geostatistical tool. The results show the overall trend of correlation range increases as a function of structural period that appear consistent with previous researches. The average decay of correlation in Iran is slightly more rapid than that of California.


A series of bench-scale tests was conducted with irradiated fast reactor MOX fuel to separate and recover refined uranium and group actinide products via electrolytic reduction and electrorefining. The fuel was declad, crushed, immersed in a pool of molten LiCl −1 wt% Li2O at 650°C, and electrolyzed to convert the mixed oxide fuel to metal. The reduced fuel was then electrorefined in LiCl-KCl-UCl3 at 500°C, yielding a refined uranium metal product. Additional electrorefining experiments were performed in which actinides (that is, uranium, neptunium, plutonium, and americium) were recovered as a group metal product.


Transient global ischemia causes delayed white matter injury to the brain with oligodendrocyte (OLG) death and myelin breakdown. There is increasing evidence that hypoxia may be involved in several diseases of the white matter, including multiple sclerosis, vascular dementia, and ischemia. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are increased in rat and mouse models of hypoxic hypoperfusion and have been associated with OLG death. However, whether the MMPs act on myelin or OLGs remains unresolved. We hypothesized that delayed expression of MMPs caused OLG death and myelin breakdown. To test the hypothesis, adult mice underwent hypoxic hypoperfusion with transient bilateral occlusion of the carotid arteries. After 3 days of reperfusion, ischemic white matter had increased reactivity of astrocytes and microglia, MMP‐2 localization in astrocytes, and increased protein expression and activity of MMP‐2. In addition, there was a significant loss of myelin basic protein (MBP) by Western blot and caspase‐3‐ mediated OLG death. Treatment with the broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitor, BB‐94, significantly decreased astrocyte reactivity and MMP‐2 activity. More importantly, it reduced MBP breakdown. However, MMP inhibition had no effect on OLG loss. Our results implicate MMPs released by reactive astrocytes in delayed myelin degradation, while OLG death occurs by an MMP‐independent mechanism. We propose that MMP‐mediated myelin loss is important in hypoxic injury to the white matter. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


Table of contents: The opening days are 'Trade Days', with admission to those in the aerospace industry only. Here are the specific numbers of the winners and [sic].


Service-learning and institutions of higher education share the goal of helping students become transformational citizens, who deeply question and try to change unjust and ineffective social systems. Unfortunately, challenges to growing and sustaining service-learning pedagogy at institutions of higher education are many. This project discusses challenges and makes recommendations based on a pilot mentoring program at an urban four-year university in the Northeast for faculty interested in integrating service-learning into their curriculum.


A firm's supply chain faces challenges relating to reducing operational cost while at the same time producing innovative products and services to meet consumers' current and potential demand. One i ...


While targeted cancer therapies make up a big part of the pipeline, there are three areas that oncology experts want you to keep on your radar.


This paper describes some problems on the application of expansion technology to rotary reheating furnace,and introduces the heating capacity of the furnace has been greatly enhanced after the modification with the expansion technology,The actual operation practice shows that the modified furnace has uniform heating temperature,obvious energy-saving efficiency,and meets the requirement for expanding the production capacity.


The purpose of this study was to analyze the inhibitory action of ursolic acid (UA) as an antitubercular agent by computational docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The effect of UA on the cell wall of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) was evaluated by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). UA was used as a ligand for molecular interaction and investigate its binding activities to a group of proteins involved in the growth of MTB and the biosynthesis of the cell wall. Computational docking analysis was performed by using autodock 4.2.6 based on scoring functions. UA binding was confirmed by 30 ns molecular dynamics simulation using gromacs 5.1.1. H37Rv sensitive strain and isoniazid-resistant strain were used in the SEM study. UA showed to have the optimum binding affinity to inhA (Two-trans-enoyl-ACP reductase enzyme involved in elongation of fatty acid) with the binding energy of -9.2 kcal/mol. The dynamic simulation showed that the UA-inhA complex relatively stable and found to establish hydrogen bond with Thr196 and Ile194. SEM analysis confirms that UA treatment in both sensitive strain and resistant strain affected the morphology cell wall of MTB. This result indicated that UA could be one of the potential ligands for the development of new antituberculosis drugs.


This study assessed the social and economic costs of the activities of the "Badoo Cult" which constantly tormented parts of Ikorodu local government area of Lagos state, between 2015 and 2018, and appraised the responses of the Police and community members to the group. The study was guided by the broken window and frustration aggression theories. It utilized both quantitative and qualitative data respectively collected from 250 and 10 residents aged 18 years and above from five sampled communities. The study found that residents lived in fear and suffered social and economic loses because of the activities of the Badoo cult group. The paper underscores the importance of timely stakeholder intervention and collaboration in responding to future security challenges in the state and country.
Keywords: Badoo cult, violence, insecurity, Lagos state, Nigeria


During the last century, the countries all over the world have experienced demographic change, namely change in age structures of populations. Firstly, mortality rates have decreased and then the falls in fertility rates have associated to these decreases. They were the developed countries which have experienced the demographic change at first, the rest of the world have faced the same change in time. The striking result is the aging of populations. The share of elderly in populations have increased steadily. Besides, demographic projections demonstrate that the aging process will continue in the future. It is therefore important to search the impact of the aging process on retirement. The existence of the relation between the aging of the population and the length of retirement is an important issue in the context of social security studies. Would the length of retirement be longer with a larger share of elderly in population? If the answer is yes, there would be an increase in demand of pensions and there would be an upward pressure on the expenditure sides of social security systems. Therefore, it is not going to be wrong to say that demographic change is likely to have impact on the retirement policies and thereby on the social security system. In this paper, we aim to search this impact by using cross-country estimation method. For this aim, we collect data related to demography and social security system of OECD-Europe countries. OECD-Europe country group includes all European members of OECD; these 27 countries are not necessarily EU members. The demographic variables, the retirement variables and the social security variables of this group of countries are used in the cross-country estimation. The relations among demographic change, retirement policies and social security system are evaluated in the light of the estimation results.


The low acceptance rate for internet banking in Indonesia is an interesting phenomenon that had inspired this research. This study aims to analyze factors that influence customers' intention to use internet banking in Jayapura City, Papua Province, Indonesia. The unit of analysis here comprises internet banking users from eleven banks in Jayapura City, using the proportional random sampling technique. This is a survey study using questionnaires for data collection. Data were collected from 205 research samples and analyzed using the SPSS for Windows 22 software and the Structural Equation Model (SEM) using the Amos 22 software. Results showed that customers' perceptions, consisting of usefulness, ease of use, privacy, and security partially and significantly had positive influences on users' trust, but did not influence customers' intention to use internet banking. Trust can mediate the influences over customers' perceptions on their intentions to use internet banking in Jayapura City.


We have used the master equation formalism to analyze the photoactivated unimolecular dissociation of a large polyatomic molecule, t‐butyl hydroperoxide (t‐BuOOH). Our results are compared to the experimental results of Chandler, Farneth, and Zare and of Chuang et al. We find that the curvature in their Stern‐Volmer plots cannot be explained by a collisional energy transfer mechanism. At high pressure, the theoretical Stern–Volmer plots are linear, independent of the collisional energy transfer properties. This linearity is related to the existence of a limiting high pressure ''reactive distribution.'' We identify three different pressure regimes that exist in photoactivated unimolecular reaction experiments, and we relate these regimes to the properties of the reactive distribution. In particular, we find that, when a Stern‐Volmer analysis is used, curvature at very low pressure can result in systematic errors in determining the unimolecular rate constants. In addition, we have successfully analyzed the ...


The invention belongs to the pressure sensing technology and relates to a detection verifying method of a pressure transmitter. A circuit of the pressure transmitter consists of a constant flow source, a piezoresistive pressure sensing device, a signal conditioning amplifying circuit, an output checking resistance network, a synchronous switching switch and a temperature compensating and regulating resistor. The output checking resistance network is built in the transmitter, and the effect equivalent to the input of different pressure values is realized through switching different verifying resistances. The method is characterized in that the detection verification of the pressure transmitter does not need the pressure source, the detection and the verification of the pressure transmitter can be realized under the condition that the use site of the pressure transmitter does not have the precise pressure source or cannot provide the precise pressure source, and convenience and high speed are realized. The circuit and the method are particularly suitable for domain outfield detection, reviewing and maintenance troubleshooting.


PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a twin clutch control device capable of smoothly performing intervention of manual operation in an automatic control clutch.SOLUTION: A twin clutch control device includes: an AMT control unit 120 for controlling a shift actuator 21 and a clutch actuator 104; and a shift pedal P for performing a gear shifting request to the AMT control unit 120. When the gear shifting is requested by the shift pedal P, the AMT control unit 120 drives the shift actuator 21 regardless of an operation amount of a clutch lever L to change a shift stage to a next gear, and thereafter, a manually-operated clutch capacity (tqcltmt) is made to correspond to a clutch capacity according to the next gear with exceeding a predetermined value in the operation amount of a clutch lever L as a trigger. After the shift stage is changed to the next gear, if a predetermined time passes without operation of the clutch lever L, the gear shifting request is regarded as misoperation and the gear stage is turned back.


The main objective of this investigation was the extraction of bioactive compounds from tree natural sources Dorstenia brasiliensis, Schinus molle y Malva sylvestris to evaluate the antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. Extracts of Schinus molle and Malva sylvestris showed an inhibitory effect against the pathogen.


Thermal spin pumping constitutes a novel mechanism for generation of spin currents; however their weak intensity constitutes a major roadblock for its usefulness. We report a phenomenon that produces a huge spin current in the central region of a multilayer system, resulting in a giant spin Seebeck effect in a structure formed by repetition of ferromagnet/metal bilayers. The result is a consequence of the interconversion of magnon and electron spin currents at the multiple interfaces. This work opens the possibility to design thin film heterostructures that may boost the application of thermal spin currents in spintronics.


The case study investigates what impact extensive reading of authentic picture books/illustrated books had on the learners' writing skills in a Norwegian EFL (English as a foreign language) classroom of 11-year-olds. Furthermore, the study also looks into the importance the pictures/illustrations had for the learners and what type of picture–text interaction they favoured. The case study was designed to allow the learners the freedom to choose for themselves, from a list provided, which books to read. The learners were asked to read as many books as possible from a selection of 70 picture books/illustrated books, though a minimum of three, in the course of four weeks. Both qualitative and quantitative methods and procedures were employed through log books, a questionnaire, individual interviews and learners' written texts before and after the reading project. The study reveals that the project improved learners' motivation to read and led to improvement in their writing skills. It raises questions about the current practice of heavy reliance on course books, but further research is needed to support the findings.


Collection management grows more complicated each day. The steady growth of publications, publishers and formats coupled with a corresponding decline in budgets requires that librarians make more judicious purchasing decisions. In addition to traditional selection aids, the Web now offers up‐to‐the‐minute tools such as reviews, publisher catalogs and bibliographies. This article identifies and describes various Web‐based resources that can help librarians make more informed selection decisions.


A mathematical model to calculate the temperature state of a double-layer plate is considered. The model takes into account optical properties of the plate and spectral characteristics of the incident radiation for the case of the uniform or periodic law of their change across the heated surface. The influence of the source radiation spectrum on the temperature field is investigated.


Several variations of vortex lattice method that are currently available have proved practical and versatile theoretical tools for aerodynamic analysis and design of planar and nonplanar configurations. Success of method is due in great part to relative simplicity of numerical technique involved and to accuracy of results obtained; however, most of available procedures are for subsonic flow applications. VORLAX program was developed to incorporate direct extension of vortex lattice method into supersonic flow regime, thus providing analyst with full flow range capability.


This was a pilot study to determine whether centrarion, as a perceptual process, could be a criterion for differentiating between neurologically impaired and emotionally disturbed children. Centration was defined by Piaget as a prolonged involuntary attachment of a sensory modality to one part of a visual field that, in turn, affects motor behavior, producing effects on drawing tasks by a separation of designs or their parts coincident with distortions. The neurologically impaired children were seen as having basic difficulties with perception whereas the emotionally disturbed children would have basic difficulties in intellection. Therefore, the centration-distortion error would characterize drawings of the neurologically impaired but not of the emotionally disturbed children. A sample of 12 for each group was selected, with EEG records, psychological tests and psychiatric interviews being used as defining criteria. The hypothesis was upheld for each child in the neurologically impaired group making at least three out of a possible four errors. Only one child in the emotionally disturbed group made a centration-distortion error.


Handwriting recognition systems have been developed out of a need to automate the process of converting data into electronic format, which otherwise would have been lengthy and error prone. As we all know that building a character recognition system is one of the major areas of research over a decade, due to its wide range of prospects. Various techniques have been discussed by many researchers regarding the recognition of handwritten characters for different languages. In this paper we adopted a Correlation Technique for recognition of Kannada Handwritten Characters. The formation of Kannada Characters into its compound form, also called as Kagunita makes its recognition more complex. The digitized input image is subjected to various preprocessing techniques and the processed image is then segmented into individual characters using simple segmentation algorithm. The segmented individual character is correlated with the stored templates. The template with maximum correlation value is displayed in editable format.


All phases of the intubation were completed more quickly when using the ML to clear the airway during OFI. There were no significant differences in cardiovascular responses between the two groups. Conclusion(s): The ML facilitates the location of the glottis with the fibrescope, insertion of the scope into the trachea and reduces difficulty in railroading the tracheal tube. The ML technique appears to be a useful and more familiar alternative for managing difficult intubation than the lingual traction plus jaw thrust technique, though two anaesthetists are required to carry it out. References: 1 Durga VK, et al. Br J Anaesth 2001; 87: 207–11. 2 Kanaya N, et al. Anesth Analg 2001; 92: 1611–3. 3 Langeron O, et al. Anesthesiology 2001; 94: 968–72.


This study examined the individual characteristics that affect one's willingness and ability to resolve problems in romantic relationships and one's decision to seek support from a romantic partner. One hundred twenty-six college students in romantic relationships completed measures of attachment style, relationship efficacy, partner attributions, and relationship satisfaction, and responded to hypothetical scenarios assessing their problem-solving and support-seeking behaviors. Participants reporting higher attachment ambivalence were more perceptive than others to threats to their relationships and exhibited a greater effort to reduce conflict, although they reported lower levels of confidence in their problem-solving abilities. People reporting higher avoidance anticipated placing greater demands on their partners to resolve problems. Participants reporting greater attachment security exhibited higher confidence in resolving conflict and greater relationship satisfaction. Relationship efficacy mediated the relationship between partner attributions and relationship satisfaction. Results have implications for understanding the roles of attachment style, relationship efficacy, and partner attributions in conflict resolution, as well as for understanding how couples seek support when problem solving. Implications for couple's therapists are also discussed, particularly for understanding how differences in conceptions of relationships may result in differences in conflict and support-seeking behaviors, and for understanding that there may not be one ideal conflict style for couples.


Almost 20 years on from the horrors of the genocide, Rwanda is drawing considerable international attention as it emerges as a leading African success story. Its strong economic performance, with growth rates averaging 8% over the last 10 years, has led some to argue that it represents a new form of African developmental state. This article draws on fieldwork conducted in 2013 to examine the political impact of the government's developmental reforms at local levels. Charting developments in local governance over the last decade, it demonstrates an increasing centralisation of deliberation and decision-making on local development in tandem with growing pressures and demands on local communities to invest – physically and financially – in centrally promoted activities and programmes. The findings, which uncover growing levels of popular disquiet and dissent with the centrally driven approach, raise questions regarding the level of embeddedness and legitimacy of the regime and therefore the sustainability of its development project, The findings also challenge the currently popular 'good enough governance' agenda in that they demonstrate that local governance and state–societal relations do matter, most especially when the pressures and costs for local development outcomes fall heavily on local communities.


A recurrent metaphor in criticism of The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born is that of the penetrating eye whose moral vision illuminates the oneness of truth behind the disparate facts of experience; yet this Platonic metaphor has ignored a central problematic in the novel: the riven psyche of its main character. Ayo Mamadu finds the metaphor at work in Armah's text: "the black artist, by the tenets of Two Thousand Seasons, penetrates to a deeper, connected whole, which usually has the permanence of cyclical form" (510). The writer lays bare the real by "penetrating into the essence of the observed object such that from the slice, properties of the whole structure are revealed. ... By carefully sifting and straining the particular experience, the artist hopes and means to reach the underlying truth which is also universal" (510-11). Armah's presentation of decay "sacrifices little by way of penetration for its artistry," says Neil Lazarus (140). "The authorial voice in The Beautyful Ones unifies this plethora of heterogeneous details by filtering them through the web of its moral intelligence. The commentary thus provided structures the political vision of the work as a whole" (147). According to Dan Izevbaye, the novel challenges "the beholder to test his ability to penetrate the object to the beauty beyond. The eye of the beholder thus becomes a moral organ and an index to his moral integrity" (232). Here, the penetrating eye and the integrity of the "I" are one. The moral vision of the penetrating organ is given a specular dominance. Dominant specularity is also assumed in Jean Solomon's statement that "[the] substance of the book is the man's direct look at the quality of existence around him and his struggle to come to terms with it without doing violence to his moral nature" (26; emphasis added). The man's vision "sensitively penetrates and dissects. The opening pages of the book take us to the center of this vision" with images of trash and filth, thus revealing "the underlying truth of Ghana" (26). Lazarus, admittedly, analyzes the novel in less Platonic terms: its modality is such that its meaning emerges in a reciprocal, dialectical manner, and this reciprocity "is most clearly demonstrated in the complex relationship between the affirmative vision that is implicit in "the man" 's search for authentic values and the blasted landscape within which the novel's action is staged" (137-38). This implies that the reader views the landscape as objectively "there" through the continuing moral presence of a fictional subject whom we come to trust. Although trustworthy for some, his vision for others is an overreaction. Achebe declared The Beautyful Ones "a sick book," describing its author as an "alienated native" (25). Similar, if less dismissive responses have been articulated by Ben Obumselu, Shatto Arthur Gakwandi, and Leonard Kibera.


In this experiment,small intestinal digestibility of rumen undegraded protein(RUP) in 13 kinds of concentrates were measured by mobile nylon bag method(MBT),original three-step in vitro method(TSP),modified three-step in vitro method(MTSP) and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen(ADIN) estimation method,and correlation analysis of measured results between MBT and other methods and regression analysis between conventional nutrient contents and small intestinal digestibility of RUP were carried out.The purpose of this experiment was to find out a simple way to replace the MBT to determine small intestinal digestibility of RUP.Three cows with permanent rumen fistulas and duodenal T-fistulas were chosen and single-factor experimental design was selected in this experiment.Test materials were soybean meal,cottonseed meal,rapeseed meal,sunflower meal,sesame meal,corn germ meal,corn,rice bran,rice bran cake,rice bran meal,barley,wheat bran,wheat bran,corn fiber feed.The results showed that small intestinal digestibility of RUP measured by MBT were 98.13%,87.37%,88.47%,82.60%,85.73%,75.40%,93.23%,69.27%,77.83%,92.10%,91.27%,72.37% and 79.03% in soybean meal,cottonseed meal,rapeseed meal,sunflower meal,sesame meal,corn germ meal,corn,rice bran,rice bran meal,rice bran bread,barley,wheat bran and corn fiber feed,respectively.Correlation coefficient of measured results between MTSP and MBT was 0.838 3,correlation coefficient of measured results between TSP and MBT was 0.789 9,and there was no significant correlation of measured results between MBT and ADIN estimation method(P0.05).The small intestinal digestibility of RUP was significantly correlated with conventional nutrient contents(P0.05).The effect of small intestinal digestibility of feed RUP measured by MTSP replacing MBT was better than that measured by TSP replacing MBT.The effect of small intestinal digestibility of protein feed RUP measured by in vitro method replacing MBT was better than that of energy feed.The small intestinal digestibility of RUP can be predicted by feed conventional nutrient contents.


The universal three-dimensional intensity spread function of multi-photon(n≥2) fluorescent confocal microscope with singular fluorescence wavelength,a finite-size source and a finite-size detector,and its 3D OTF are derived.The results show that multi-photon excitation can overcome the bad effect of the source size,the detector size and increased fluorescent wavelength on the resolution.For the optical system with a point source and a point detector,its transversal and axial cut-off spatial frequencies,together with corresponding transversal and axial bandwidths,are given.Such conclusions are suitable to the case of singular photon excitation.


The June 17, 2019, M S 6.0 Changning earthquake is the largest recorded event in the Sichuan basin, spatiotemporal variations of stress field may shed light on the seismogenic mechanism of the earthquake. We determined the focal mechanism solutions (FMSs) of 124 earthquakes with M S ≥ 3.0 occurring in the Changning area from April 1, 2007, to February 29, 2020, and analyzed changes of FMSs and stress field before and after Changning earthquake. The Changning aftershocks were predominantly thrust fault earthquakes, followed by strike slip. The P-axis azimuths of the aftershock FMSs were oriented predominantly in the NEE direction, notably differing from the NWW-oriented P-axis azimuths of pre-earthquake FMSs; it shows the rotation of local stress field before and after the Changning earthquake, it is speculated that the change of stress field in Changning area may be caused by long-term water injection and salt mining activities. From the southeast to the northwest of the aftershock zone, the azimuths of principal compressive stress (S 1) change from NEE to near-EW in both horizontal and vertical planes. Significant changes occurred in the FMS types and stress field of the aftershock zone following the Changning earthquake, the FMSs became diverse, the S 1 azimuth of the Changning area changed from NWW to NEE, and then EW, the plunge and stress tensor variances increased, it reflects that the stress field of the Changning area adjusts continually with time.


Objective: To explore the role of first day levels and subsequent trends of serum proteins as prognostic indicators in acute burns. Methods: This prospective observational study was carried on 100 burn patients (18-60 years with 20% to 60% total burned body surface area). Serum albumin, globulin and total protein were estimated on alternate days starting from first day of burn. The first day value and the trend of serial values throughout the clinical course were compared between survivor and non-survivor groups. Results: Mean day 1 serum values of albumin, globulin, and total protein were significantly higher in the survivors compared to non-survivors (P<0.000 1). Univariate logistic regression showed that increase in day one value of serum albumin, globulin and total protein by 10g /L each, significantly decreased risk of mortality by 99.4%, 98.3% and 96.6%, respectively. The serial serum values of albumin, globulin and total protein showed rising and declining trends in survivors and non-survivor respectively. Based on the ROC curve, the cut off values at any point during the course below which the prognosis was poor were 16.0 g/L, 18.0 g/L and 39.0 g/L for albumin globulin and total protein, respectively. Conclusions: The study highlights the prognostic importance of day one value and trend of serum albumin, serum globulin and total protein in acute burns. The trend of serum proteins over the course of burns should be monitored for better patient management.


Objective To investigate the effects of long term psychological stressors on islet histomorphology and endocrine functions of streptozotocin- induced mice (STZ mice), and explore the possible factors that impair islets in STZ mice histomorphology and endocine functions through oxygen free radical mechanism. MethodsTwenty KM mice were matched with sex and divided randomly into Group A (normal mice, no stress) and Group B (normal mice, stress), while forty STZ mice into Group C (STZ mice, no stress) and Group D (STZ mice, stress). Groups B and D were exposed to multiple stressors (restrain, rotation, crowding) for 6 weeks. Before and after the experiment, blood glucose levels(BG) were measured. By the end of the experiment, pancreas samples were collected to determine the concentrations of insulin (PI), glucagon (PG), lipid peroxidate (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO), the activities of total superoxide dismutase (total SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in pancreas. The severity of insulitis was graded with light microscope, and the ultramicrostructure of α and β cells in pancreatic islets was observed with electron microscope. ResultsAfter stress, in Group D, the BG level significantly increased and PI concentration decreased, the activities of total SOD and GSH-Px decreased while the contents of LPO and NO increased (P0.05). More islets showed insulitis in Group D and the average grade of insulitis was higher (P0.05). The ultrastructure of β cells in islets of Group D was impaired severely while α cells were only injured mildly. There were moderate positive correlation between the grade of insulitis and the contents of LPO and NO in pancreas. Conclusion Long-term experimental psychological stressors can impair pancreatic islets' secreting insulin in STZ mice and exacerbate its insulits. The dysfunction of oxygen free radical metabolism and overproduction of NO locally might participate in this pathologic process.


This research creates a Web-based hardware neutral sequential controller system to assist user on design of the general-purpose sequential controller. The functions of the system include control circuit setup and simulation, physical system control and Web-based remote control. The main objective of these systems is to provide a hardware neutral environmental for integration of different types of data acquisition units from different manufacturing companies. This controller environment allows one to add or remove corresponding modules without further modification of the original control software. This system is written in Java, thus can be either executed as a unique program or embedded in an HTML page. The hardware neutral capability is achieved through the applications of Java dynamic linkage and object reflection. Due to the nature of being a Java program, this system can be used in a Microsoft Windows or Linux system.


In this paper, a joint analog and digital domain self-interference cancellation is considered for the full-duplex (FD) amplify-and-forward (AF) relay with a single receive antenna but multiple transmit antennas. Under the assumption that there is no direct link between a source and a destination, the end-to-end spectral efficiency is maximized subject to the average transmit power constraint at the relay. Unlike previous approaches, an average power constraint is imposed also on the output of the relay's receive antenna to take into account the hardware limitations in the RF chain of the relay's receiver. A nonconvex quadratically constrained quadratic programming problem is formulated and the optimal beamforming vector is derived in a closed algorithmic expression through the systematic reduction and the partitioning of the constraint set. It is shown that the FD-AF relay significantly outperforms the half-duplex (HD) AF relay by properly compensating for the duplexing loss of the HD-AF relay.


Book reviewed: The Development of Singapore Law, Andrew Phang Boon Leong, Butterworths, Singapore, 1990. xxviii + 593 pp. (including index). S$280.00, hardcover. Includes reply from author.


The invention belongs to preparation of antibiotic, in particular to preparation method of Valnemulin and hydrochloride thereof.D-hydroxy valine Dane salt is added into more than ten weight of tetrahydrofuran and is suspended by stirring at 0-20 DEG C, and triethylamine, N, N-dimethyl formamide (acetamide) and N-methyl morpholine are added until reaction liquid is clear; methyl (ethyl) chloroformate molar weight of which is not more than that of D-hydroxy valine Dane salt is added; (2-amino-1, 1-dimethyl ethyl) mercaptoacetic acid, (3aS, 4R, 5S, 6S, 8R, 9R, 9aR, 10R)-octohydrogen-5, 8-dyhydroxy-4, 6, 9,10-tetramethyl-6-ethenyl-3a, 9-propane-3aH-cyclopentene (cyclooctene)-1(4H)-keto-8-ester the molar weight of which is not more than that of D-hydroxy valine Dane salt is dissolved in equal mass of tetrahydrofuran, the reaction liquid is dripped in and stirred at 0-10 DEG C, and reaction is carried out for 2-5h at 0-20 DEG C; the organic solvent is removed, the residue is added with water and hydrochloric acid is used for adjusting pH value, heating up, stirring and decontaminating are carried out, and the filtration is freeze dried to obtain Valnemulin hydrochloride. The invention solves the problems of low purity and high reaction condition of the existing product and has the advantages of simple technology and high product purity.


Abstract Though macro-prudential policy is usually aimed at mitigating financial instability, in the European Union it mainly consisted of a discretionary use of old policy tools, such as micro prudential measures, which might have worsened an ongoing financial crisis. Two episodes will be examined: the 2011 special recapitalization of banks and the 2014 Asset Quality Review and stress tests. The metric for the EBA 2011 recapitalization was the ratio of capital to risk-weighted assets. In this exercise, unlike Basel II and III prescriptions, all government bonds had to be accounted for at their current valuation. This feature has not yet been included in any piece of EU legislation and was therefore highly discretionary. Given the falling prices of some European countries' government bonds, peripheral countries' banks were in need of more capital. Therefore, they may have reduced credit, especially to SME, or worsened credit conditions. The 2014 stress tests examined the solvency of banks with the same metric and parameters taken from a macroeconomic scenario that was a remake of the 2007–2008 financial crisis. This contrasted with the macroeconomic reality of the time in which a restrictive fiscal policy was affecting firms' cash flows and hitting, in particular, peripheral countries.


A novel method for producing laminated sheets or films consisting of a substrate layer or layers and a layer or layers of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The method is characterized by the steps of: superpos ing at least one layer of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene in powder or preformed sheet form and at least one layer of a substrate of another material upon one face of a tensioned endless belt travelling around a set of rolls, with an adhesive interposed between said layers if necessary; pressing or squeezing said ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene layer between said sub strate layer and said endless belt, or between said sub strate layers, against one or more heating rolls under the tension of said endless belt; heating at least said ultra high molecular weight polyethylene layer to a tempera ture above its melting point; and thereby uniting said superposed ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene and substrate layers into a laminated sheet or film.


Abstract : Several approaches for applying high resistance coatings continuously to graphite yarn were investigated. Two of the most promising approaches involved (1) chemically vapor depositing (CVD) SiC coatings on the surface of the fiber followed by oxidation and (2) drawing the graphite yarn through an organo-silicone solution followed by heat treatments. In both methods, coated fibers were obtained which exhibited increased electrical resistances over untreated fibers and which were not degraded. This work was conducted in a previous program. jg p.5


In the present work, the coprophagous scarabs fauna from equine and bovine sediments in a zone near to the coast of Chiclana de la Frontera (Cadiz, Spain) have been studied. Into the Scarabaeoidea , in this paper, the family Scarabaeidae have been studied in detail.
A study of 3.543 specimens, belonging to 25 species and 9 genus os this family have carried out. In each species, the phenology in some cases, together with the vegetation structure, edafic and trophic preferences are indicated.
Finally, general consideration about the scarab fauna sampled, refered to phenology and ecological preferences, as well a small of corology, have been carried out.


OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Initiation of JUUL use by young adults is one of the most significant issues of concern within the debate on vaping. Despite the proliferation of products and the surge in prevalence, no studies have investigated individual-level interventions or prevention strategies for pod-mod use. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Participants (N = 947) were young adults (<30 years old) recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk based on smoking (never, former, and current smokers) and JUUL use status (never and current users), resulting in 6 use groups. In a pre-post design, participants completed baseline assessments, were presented with a brief JUUL-specific educational intervention, and completed post-assessment measures. The one-page intervention provided basic information about JUUL and stated that JUUL is harmful to non-smokers but could be beneficial to smokers if they completely switch. Primary outcomes were changes in JUUL knowledge, perceived harmfulness, intentions for future use, and motivation to change. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Participants (Mage = 26.1) were male (57%) and White (75%). Overall, the intervention increased JUUL-related knowledge, risk perceptions, commitment to quitting, and readiness to quit JUUL (ps<.01). Similarly, participants showed decreased interest in future JUUL use, interest in purchasing JUUL, and interest in future regular use (ps<.01). Non-JUUL users showed decreased interest in initiating JUUL use after viewing the intervention (p<.01). There were significant Time X Group interactions for JUUL-related knowledge (p<.001), with never JUUL/never smokers showing the greatest increase in product knowledge following the intervention. However, no other interaction effects were significant. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: The intervention was effective in increasing knowledge and risk perceptions while reducing intentions for future use. The intervention was most effective in increasing knowledge among non-users, suggesting that brief educational interventions may be useful tools for preventing pod-mod initiation. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DESCRIPTION: Dr. Carpenter has received consulting honoraria from Pfizer. All other authors have no conflicts to disclose.


The present invention relates to a thermal insulation molding having a core of hydrophobic microporous thermal insulation material and a hydrophilic surface, which is used for additional stabilization of the body and at the same time allows for a coating that surface with aqueous systems.


Bean J, Kiely DK, Leveille SG, Morris J: Associating the onset of motor impairments with disability progression in nursing home residents. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2002;81:696–704. Objectives To evaluate the association between the onset of movement impairments and disability progression in nursing home residents. Design Retrospective cohort analysis of data from the State of New York Minimal Data Set, version 2.0, between November 1998 and October 1999. Participants were nursing home residents (n = 84,346) in the State of New York. Items defined as "functional limitation in range of motion" and "lack of voluntary movement" served as measures of movement impairments. Scores on the activities of daily living summary scale served as a measure of disability. Age, sex, measures of cognition, depression, and measures of medical stability served as adjustment variables. Results After adjusting for age, sex, cognition, depression, and measures of medical stability, the onset of either singular or combined movement impairments in voluntary movement or range of motion was associated with a concurrent step-wise loss in activities of daily living (P < 0.001). The progression in activities of daily living loss occurred regardless of location or limb type. Conclusion This study directly links the onset of movement impairments with disability progression. These findings have important implications for physiatrists and other practitioners of geriatric rehabilitation.


Objective To observe the change rule of the quantity of capillaries in the fibropeplos after treating Chitosan,to study the influence of Chitosan on the blood of the fibropeplos.Methods Thirty animals were divided randomly into 2 groups;the treatmental group and the control group.The expanders were heeled-in with or without the Chitosan.Specimen were taken fronm each group,and dyed with CD34.15 campus visualis of each specimen were selected randomly under light microscope(×100),then the quantity of capillary was counted.Results The quantity of capillary in each campus in the experimental group was 8.200±2.150,the quantity of capillary in each campus in the control group was 7.900±1.729(P0.05).Conclusion Application of Chitosan in the intervention of fibropeplos form will not decrease the quantity of capillary in the fibropeplos and affect the blood and nutrition of the expanded flap.


In this letter, a pattern-reconfigurable antenna with enhanced bandwidth and narrow beamwidth is presented. The antenna has a nonagon shape using a switchable frequency selective surface surrounding a radiating source. The proposed switchable frequency selective surface is designed, analyzed, and implemented. PIN diodes are integrated in the frequency selective surface structure to switch the antenna radiation beam in the azimuth plane with nine steps 40° each. The antenna is characterized by its wide operating frequency band 3.4-3.7 GHz and its narrow half-power beamwidth, which is 34°. Obtained simulated and experimental results show good performances in terms of matching bandwidth, gain, and radiation pattern. The peak measured gain is around 8.6 dBi.


In order to consider effect of super-absorbent treatment on soybean yield, an experiment was carried out in 2011, at Galougah, Mazandaran, Iran. Amount of four colophony super-absorbent polymers (0, 2, 4 and 6 g/kg soil) with three irrigation levels (50%, 75% and 100% crop water requirement) were applied in thirty-six pots. The B.P was variety of soybean. Characters like Plant height, total number of pod, number of seed per pod, 100 seeds weight and seed yield were considered in this experiment. There was significant difference between water stresses and superabsorbents treatments. Use of 4 g/kg soil super-absorbent demonstrated better effect on growth and soybean yield.


AN updated analysis of the epidemiological data that have been collected on Schmallenberg virus (SBV) has been published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The authority has reiterated that the number of herds affected by SBV is low compared to the total number of herds, with the maximum proportion of confirmed herds per region being 6.6 per cent for sheep and 4 per cent for cattle. The analysis gives an overview of the first year since the virus initially emerged in the second half of 2011. The EFSA notes that, by the end of October 2012, 14 countries had reported the presence of the virus, with approximately 6000 holdings having had cases confirmed by laboratory testing. It says that, when it published its previous analysis of available data in May (VR, May 19, 2012, vol 170, p 504), eight member states had reported SBV, but that, over the summer, confirmed cases were reported in new countries, including Denmark, Finland, Poland, Sweden and Switzerland. The virus was also reported from new regions of previously infected countries, including France, Germany and the UK. 'SBV is continuing to spread to new areas of Europe, and it is likely that new SBV cases will be observed in southern and eastern regions of Europe in 2013,' the EFSA says. The authority says that, in August, 294 herds were reported as showing signs of arthrogryposis hydranencephaly syndrome in cattle. The number of reports declined in September and October, although acute cases of SBV in adult cattle were reported in August, September and October. The EFSA adds that it is important to note that the number of countries reporting acute cases in adult animals is limited, and it is likely that adult cases are not being diagnosed because of the transitory and non-specific nature of the clinical signs involved. It says that an increase in the number of cases showing signs of arthrogryposis hydranencephaly syndrome is likely to occur in the coming months as the result of infection of previously unexposed animals during the susceptible period of gestation. Giving an update on the results of testing for SBV in Great Britain, the AHVLA reported on November 30 that a total of 715 premises had had confirmed cases of the virus. Six cases of SBV had been confirmed in Scotland, but the AHVLA pointed out that these had all been found in animals that had been introduced into Scotland from English counties where the virus had been reported.


and the conversion of anthranilate to PRA moni-tored on the spectrophotofluorometer before the to be examined for isomerase activity, Assays for tryptophan


Background: Intensive care unit is special unit primarily concerned with the care of patients with critical illness. Caring of critically ill children remains one of the most demanding and challenging aspects of the field of pediatrics. Methods: A retrospective study design was conducted. All children from 1 month to 14 years of age who were admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit from September 2017 to September 2018 were included. Descriptive statistics was used to describe different characters. Results: A total of 305 children were admitted over the study period. Most of patients were males (57.4%) with a male-to-female ratio of 1.3:1. The overall mortality rate was 23.6%. The majority of the children were in the age range of 10–14 years (27.9%). Out of all patients, 23.6% were neurological cases and from these, 22.2% of patients were died. The highest percentages (12.8%) of neurological patients were admitted because of meningitis. Respiratory (19%) and cardiac (11.8%) cases were the second and the third causes of admission, respectively. Conclusion: The leading cause of admission and death was neurological causes. Respiratory and cardiac causes were also significant. The mortality rate was very high. Further interventions are recommended to reduce mortality and increase quality of care.


On the 23d of September 1751, at 11 in the morning, there was an earthquake, which was felt more or less, as we were nearer or farther off from the mountain.


Today, in most diverse university contexts, programs are developed to improve the performance of professors in the educational process; but unfortunately, they do not always result in improving the daily practice of universities, especially in the quality of professionals training. Of this fact, the purpose of the present article is to carry out a valuation of the main epistemological influences related to the professionalization of universities` professors; and to determine the main essential suitable performances these professionals should have as an expression of the competences they must develop.


Ecotourism and livelihood potentials of Sayahan falls in Ormoc, Philippines were gathered through onsite observation and interviewing of respondents. Forty (40%) percent of the informants were aged 31-40, married (55%), high schoolers (55%), males (90%), local residents (70%), and whose primary source of income is farming (90%). The falls has a moderately dense background forest and reachable by trekking in about 45-60 minutes. The cascading horsetail medium-sized waterfall has a height of around 60 meters. The force of falling water was very strong but its quality was moderately good due to little turbidity. Ecotourism potential revealed a high rating of 2.70 on availability of public transport. The rest of the ecotourism potential criteria (safe to the public, sustainability of tourism activities, travel time to the waterfall, panoramic appeal, and passable pathways) bared moderate potentials of 2.45, 2.35, 2.30, 2.15, and 1.55 rating, respectively. Provision of adequate financial and development support from the GOs and NGOs of Ormoc could help boost the ecotourism potential of Sayahan falls. The assistance could include improving the pathways going to the falls and increasing the density of vegetative cover of the waterfall premises. The livelihood potential of Sayahan falls bared a high potential rating of 2.55. Tour guiding by the locals had a rating of 2.90, peaceful surroundings (2.80), expected number of goers (2.70), fruits and vegetables supply (2.50), and eco-friendly souvenir shops (2.45), sustained tourists visit of 2.35 and accommodation and food (2.15). Though the ecotourism potential of Sayahan falls is moderate, its livelihood potential is high. The elevated altitude of Sayahan falls surroundings is favorable to growing various fruits and vegetables which are saleable to the tourists. Thus, the high livelihood potential of Sayahan falls may be used as a means to transform the area into a full-blown tourist destination.


. We propose a variant of the CGL hash [5] that is significantly faster than the original algorithm, and prove that it is preimage and collision resistant. For n = log p where p is the characteristic of the finite field, the performance ratio between CGL and the new proposal is ( 2 n + 104 . 8 ) / ( 1 . 8 log n + 12 . 6 ) . Assuming the best quantum preimage attack on the hash has complexity O ( p 14 ) , we attain a concrete speed-up for a 256-bit quantum preimage security level by a factor 70.35. For a 384-bit quantum preimage security level, the speed-up is by a factor 100.36.


This paper analyzed main problems and challenges facing the university P.E. in China in the new era.It also introduced the developing tendency of P.E. in the foreign countries and put forth countermeasures for the reform of the university P.E. in China.


Industry trends toward down-sized engines and energy recovery systems have led to numerous individual solutions. These typically include turbochargers, engine start/stop systems, variable valve timing/activation systems and motor/generator/starters (Lake et al., 2004; Lecointe and Monnier, 2003; Petitjean et al., 2004; Bishop et al., 2007; Robinette and Powell, 2011; Henry et al., 2001; Walters et al., 2004). The ultimate goal is to maintain good vehicle performance while dramatically improving fuel economy. This document is an extension of previous work centred on passenger cars presented at the 2013 Dresden Boosting Conference (Tsourapas and Benjey, 2013). Simulation results that predict the operation, performance and fuel economy of an electrically assisted variable speed (EAVS) boosting system based on Eaton's TVS® Supercharger when applied to a larger vehicle with aggressive duty cycles are presented in this article. In this study, a naturally aspirated 5.0 L V8 is replaced by a 3.7 L V6 gasoline boosted engine. Test results for light duty passenger vehicles indicate significant improvement in vehicle performance and fuel economy. The focus of this analysis is to an aggressive drive cycle with high amounts of engine boost at low engine speeds powered by regenerated (brake) energy to enable aggressive engine down-sizing.


Despite increasing experience and device innovation with transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), vascular complications are still a major problem and endovascular management is generally the first option. When stent implantation is required, self expandable (SE) stents are generally preferred over balloon expandable (BE) stents as they are more elastic and less compressible. However, BE stents support higher radial outward force, adhere to the vase lumen with greater precision and are less expensive. As no large registry reported data about stents BE alone in this setting, we report our experience with BE stents implantation to manage a vascular complication after TAVI. We believe that our work could be useful and possibly serves as a starting point for future research.

 We retrospectively collected baseline, procedural and follow-up data about 78 patients who were implanted with a BE stent to manage a vascular complication after TAVI. At a median clinical follow-up of 410 days (IQR: 66–1016 days), no percutaneous or surgical interventions were reported after discharge. No cases of symptomatic leg-ischaemia were reported and only one patient was symptomatic for claudication. Doppler follow-up (available for 25 patients; 32%) showed no cases of stent fracture or displacement.

 Our experience showed good acute and long-term results of BE covered stent implantation to manage a vascular complication after TAVI. It is possible that a greater radial outward force is a good choice in terms of hemostasis without necessarily being associated with stent deformation/fracture resulting in restenosis or further interventions. While present data may not be generalized, they may be useful to critically re-evaluate (and eventually reduce) the need of SE stents when treating femoral arteries bleedings.


The present invention, the soft magnetic characteristic is provided with a high Fe-based amorphous alloy thin ribbon relates to master alloys rapidly solidified thin ribbon preparative used in the iron core, and their production and use it, on the cooled substrate moving, the opening of the slot-like as the metal thin ribbon obtained by coagulation ejection was quenched molten metal through a pouring nozzle, 0.2 atomic% or more and 12 at least a thin ribbon surface of one of an amorphous matrix containing P of at.% or less, having a very thin oxide layer thickness is less than 20nm at least 5nm Fe-based amorphous alloy thin ribbon relates to, characterized in that. Amorphous alloy thin ribbons rapidly solidified, master alloy, ultra-thin oxide layer, the segregation phase, the transformer, the iron core, the soft magnetic property, iron loss, magnetic flux density, annealing


Exploring and Mapping Alaska: The Russian America Era, 1741–1867 . Historical Translation Series. By Alexey Postnikov and Marvin Falk. Translated by Lydia Black. (Fairbanks: University of Alaska Press, 2015. ix + 525 pp. Illustrations, maps, notes, bibliography, index. $75.00, £52.00.)

This book is an English translation and revision of Alexey Postnikov's Russian America in Geographical Descriptions and Maps, 1741–1867 , first published in St. Petersburg in 2000. The eighteen-year effort to publish this book in English is a testament to both scholarly endurance and international collaboration. It is also a fitting memorial to two distinguished scholars from the University of Alaska Fairbanks—Richard A. Pierce and Lydia Black—who devoted their lives to educating the English-speaking world about Russian America.

From 1972 until his death in 2004, Dick Pierce was a one-man publishing dynamo. As editor and publisher (as well as copyboy, typist, and mailroom clerk) of Limestone …

Terrencemcole1{at}gmail.com


The present disclosure relates to a primer composition, comprising: tert-butyl acetate solvent; is selected from organic titanates, organic zirconate, organic aluminum, and an organometallic reagent any combination thereof; organic tin compounds; having at least 3 silane hydrolyzable group; and a polyorganosiloxane resin. The composition may optionally contain a second solvent.


The early response to lethal doses of ionizing radiation in the chicken and chick embryo is characterized by rapid structural and functional changes in the vascular system. Increase in exposure tim...


: This paper presents a brief discussion of cohesive zone models (CZM) and their application for predicting fretting fatigue crack propagation. Firstly, an introduction on fretting phenomenon is given, followed by an overview of the recent finite element (FE) modelling techniques used to investigate fretting fatigue. In the literature, the majority of models, used to predict crack propagation under fretting conditions, are based on Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM), relying on the assumption of small-scale yielding and also requiring the definition of an initial crack. Nevertheless, due to the high stresses at contact, fretting is a highly non-linear phenomenon and plastic deformations are to be expected. As a result, it is likely that models based on LEFM predict incorrect crack propagation paths and fatigue lives. Cyclic cohesive zone models might be an interesting option to deal with this problem. This methodology is able to capture nonlinear effects and also can be used coupled with a plasticity model, being a powerful tool for fracture studies of situations where LEFM assumptions are not fulfilled.


Evidence was obtained for tight association of DNA primase activity with a subspecies of mouse DNA polymerase a by study with immunoadsorption assay using two monoclonal antibodies specific for human DNA polymerase a that have been shown to react with mouse murine myeloma DNA polymerase a (Tanaka, S., Hu, S.-Z., Wang, T.-S.-F. & Korn, D. (1982) J. Biol. Chern. 257, 8386-8390). This result was supported by the finding that ethidium bromide at concentrations of less than 20 PM somewhat stimulated the syntheses of DNA and initiator RNA on unprimed poly(dT) by the novel subspecies of DNA polymerase a, but strongly inhibited DNA synthesis with poly(dT)*oligo(rA), suggesting that the conversion of synthesis from initiator RNA to DNA is continuous. Furthermore, the results of neutralization assay with the antibodies and experiment using aphidicolin suggested that the primase site is functionally distinguishable from the catalytic site of DNA polymerase activity. Several studies on DNA polymerase a have shown that DNA primase activity similar to that of Ehrlich ascites cells (1-3) is copurified with DNA polymerase a, suggesting the association of the two polymerase activities (1, 2,4-9). These findings, however, are not conclusive evidence for the association of the two activities. For understanding the biochemical mechanism of discontinuous DNA replication, it is important to determine whether the primase activity is catalyzed by protein tightly associated with the DNA polymerase. This problem should be solved by use of monoclonal antibody of absolute specificity or cross-reacting with mouse DNA polymerase a. In this study, using two monoclonal antibodies crossreacting with mouse DNA polymerase a, we obtained evidence for the tight association of the two enzyme activities in an isolated mouse DNA replicase fraction. This intimate association of two functionally related enzyme activities, if true at the sites of DNA replication in the cell nucleus, should be


The Hopi Tribe's reservation is located in northern Arizona, spreading over four thousand square miles (fig. 1).1 The Hopi live in twelve villages located on three separate mesas known as First, Second, and Third Mesas. Most of the villages are located between five to thirty minutes of one another. The nearest city off-reservation is Flagstaff, which is a one-and-a-half to two-hour drive for most Hopi reservation residents. According to the Hopi Women's Health Program (HWHP), the Hopi Tribe has 12,442 enrolled members, with 5,143 of those members living off the reservation. Approximately one thousand nonHopis live on tribal lands; they work on the reservation and/or are married into the tribe.2 The HWHP is the primary source of cancer information for the Hopi. The HWHP, in collaboration with Indian Health Service (IHS), provides education, information, and


Faults and failures due to interaction are the bane of testers. Since their subtlety makes them difficult to recognize and even more difficult to reveal by testing, it is important to specify interaction between classes systematically. In this paper, we propose mutation-based inter-class testing technique. Our inter-class testing technique consists of two procedures: test item identification procedure and test case selection procedure. For the test item identification procedure, we develop the Inheritance-Call graph (ICgraph) to identify the taxonomy of interaction of public methods between classes. For the test case selection procedure, we design a new criterion, state-based mutation testing criterion (SMTC), by applying mutation analysis to the state diagram representing class behavior. Mutation analysis is a well-known method for measuring test case adequacy which involves the mutation of a program by the introduction of small syntactic change in the program. The implementation of our proposed technique on a sample program shows that our technique leads to a set of test cases which detect errors in inter-class relation.


The present report describes a comparative study of cytocidal effect of irradiation on human cultured T and B lymphoid cells. Cytocidal effect of irradiation was expressed as percentage inhibition or percentage reduction, which was calculated by comparing the [3H]thymidine incorporations or viable cell counts in irradiated and unirradiated cultures, respectively. A higher percentage inhibition was observed in each and every T-cell culture, irradiated with 100–4000 rads at days 1–4 of incubation. The most significant difference of percentage inhibition between T and B cells (P<0·05–P<0·01) was observed at each irradiation dose level at day 3. A significant percentage reduction of viable T cells (98–100%) was noted at 100 rad dose level, whereas only 0–3% of B lymphoid cells were killed by this dose of irradiation at days 2–4 of incubation. Our data clearly indicate that human cultured T lymphoid cells are extremely radiosensitive and B lymphoid cells, on the other hand, are fairly radioresistant.


The results on testing of specialized program module on determination of grain point are presented. The necessity of correlation of GOST requirements and computer programs of images processing is discussed.


Graphene nanoflakes and CdSe/ZnS quantum dots were covalently linked in environmentally friendly aqueous solution. Raman spectroscopy and photoluminescence studies, both in solution and on surfaces at the single nanohybrid level, showed evidence of charge transfer between the two nanostructures. The nanohybrids were further incorporated into solar cell devices, demonstrating their potential as light harvesting assemblies.


The Cp2ZrCl2-catalyzed reaction of 1-alkynyldiphenylphosphines with Et3Al, followed by deuterolysis and oxidation, affords substituted (E)-(but-1-en-1-yl-1,4-d2)diphenylphosphine oxides. It is suggested that the reaction proceeds through the formation of intermediate aluminacyclopent-2-enes. Substituted (E)-but-1-en-1-yldiphenylphosphine sulfides and 4-butyl-5-(diphenylphosphoryl)-1-phenyl-2,3-dihydrophosphole 1-oxide were prepared by reacting intermediate organoaluminum compounds with S8 and PhPCl2. The mechanism of the cycloalumination of 1-alkynylphosphines is proposed.


A commentary on "A Rationale in Support of Uncontrolled Donation after Circulatory Determination of Death," from the January-February 2013 issue.


The purpose of this study is to explore creative color teaching activities and their value in education. To understand the teaching method used in color science in university foundation design courses and to lead students to comprehend their own culture in application of design, the study explores solutions and strategies from the perspective of the curriculum. The study is based on the concept of action research used in a course the researcher conducted for half a semester. This study proposes to develop the color sensitivity of students, and to inspire their cultural consciousness for creative color ombination. The conclusion has three principal aspects. First, for curriculum design, the course should integrate issues to explore culture. Students could search for the mark of culture in daily life and flexibly apply their five senses to enhance their observation in color exploration and materials application. Second, for teacher tutorial, teachers should encourage hinking in every step and provide comments or direction. Teachers could implement teamwork activities to motivate the students to be inspired in their creativity. Third, for student learning, in observing culture, self-examination and group participation are essential tools in discussion. Feedback can motivate students to learn, encourage diversity in their abilities, and reach a wider field. The research suggests that chromatics foundation curriculum design should emphasize the importance of course structure and the combination of activities. Connecting the local color survey properly could raise the capability in analyzing a larger project. Moreover, self-examination transforms into the sensibility of cultural aesthetics, and develops the sense of good taste. It arouses the strength of color application, broadens range of knowledge and depth in professional development. Eventually, the learner can develop practical design talents in color acuity and observation.


Introduction. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dispersed concrete reinforcement in terms of strength and crack resistance.Materials and methods. When conducting research, test methods were used, regulated by the provisions of national standards, equipment specially designed for this study was used.Results. The results of testing fiber-reinforced concretes made using low-modulus and high-modulus fibers are presented.Discussion and conclusions. As a result of the analysis of the data presented, it is shown that in order to assess the effectiveness and the correct choice of reinforcing fibers, it is not enough to characterise fiber-reinforced concrete only by tensile strength in bending. For a more accurate assessment, it is proposed to use crack resistance characteristics, for example, the critical stress intensity factor, or to supplement the description of the advantages of dispersed reinforcement with the features of the behavior of fiber-reinforced concrete under load.


With the number of marine protected areas (MPAs) growing rapidly and progress being made towards protecting 10% of the ocean, as called for by the Convention on Biological Diversity, there is equally a need to increase efforts and provide incentives for effective management of these sites.
The IUCN Green List of Protected and Conserved Areas (GLPCA), a voluntary global standard that protected areas and their agencies may decide to commit to working towards, has been set up to contribute to this.
Protected areas can achieve Green List status by demonstrating a certain performance level and by meeting outcomes measured against a set of defined criteria. An assured verification process is followed before sites are recognized. The GLPCA will thus encourage and identify those protected areas (both terrestrial and marine) that are effectively managed, have equitable governance and achieve significant conservation impacts.
The GLPCA pilot phase announced the first 25 protected areas to meet the criteria at the IUCN World Parks Congress in Sydney in November 2014. These included four MPAs: Iroise Natural Marine Park, Cerbere-Banyuls Natural Nature Reserve, and Guadeloupe National Park in France, and Gorgona National Park in Colombia. Italy and China also participated in the pilot phase and each has an MPA that is continuing to work towards GLPCA status.
The experiences of these sites are described, as well as three other programmes (two regional and one global) that are being developed to promote improved management of MPAs. This information will be useful for other MPAs considering participation in the GLPCA initiative.

Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.