Dear Editor, In December 2019, a new virus initially called "novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV" and later renamed to "severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)" or coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) rapidly emerged inWuhan, Hubei Province, China, and quickly spreading lengthwise China and other countries around the world. On 30 January 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the new SARS-CoV-2 outbreak constitutes a PublicHealth Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). At the time of this writing, the total number of cases worldwide exceeded 7 million people, affecting 188 countries and with more than 400 000 deaths. Although Western Europe countries were the most affected at the beginning of the pandemic, a significative increase of cases has been recently observed in other areas such as the United States, Russia, Brazil, India or Peru. While systemic symptoms such as fever, dry cough or myalgia are the most characteristic features of this disease, a large number of recent papers have shown awide range of cutaneousmanifestations in these patients. Paper production in dermatology has significantly experienced an increase in recent years. In the last decade, the impact factor of dermatology journals has shown a progressive enhancement in their scores which relies on an increased publication of articles with a larger number of citations. These data are in contrast with a 2011 study that observed a decrease in the publication of rigorous articles in the 1997 to 2007 period. Scientific research during pre-residency and residency is especially relevant. A recent study has shown that the publication of a high number of first author original papers during pre-residency period was associated with greater scientific production in the post-residency period and with the achievement of an academic work position, whereas a large number of pre-residency case report publications was associated with lower post-residency publication productivity. The onset of this outbreak has forced a shift in the priorities of health systems, forcing the withdrawal of nonurgent scheduled consultations. The development of teledermatology over the last decade in Europe has helped the access of dermatological care to a large number of patients during the outbreak. In that way, a recent survey performed during COVID-19 outbreak has demonstrated that telemedicine is an excellent tool for triage during stressful periods for the health care system. In addition, smartphones applications are playing an increasing role in the management of these patients. However, this scenario has also adversely affected the development of clinical research studies and clinical trials by preventing patients from attending their treatment and follow-up appointments on many occasions. All of this may lead to the delay of publication of high-quality scientific studies as well as the development of new drugs in the following months or years. In order to keep as many studies as possible running, the use of digital media such as live interactive visits or smartphone applications may help to achieve this goal. Moreover, videoconferencing has also demonstrated its usefulness for site initiation and monitoring in clinical studies. The requirements of confinement and maintenance of individual health pose a great challenge to the pursuit of biosanitary research in dermatology. To maintain high standards of research and publications in dermatology during this global health crisis, researchers will need to be very resourceful to keep up adequate data collection without contravening the recommendations of health authorities.


Young′s modulus were measured by free-handing diaphragm bending using a nano indentation.The measurements were made on boron-doped p~+-silicon free-handing diaphragm which were fabricated by using anisotropic wet etching techniques. The proposed method measured silicon free-handing diaphragm bending degree.The measured mean Young′s modulus of silicon free-handing diaphragm with dimension of 2mm×1μm is 152GPa,with 3.9%-6.8%difference.


Intergranular cavities formed during creep of a nickel aluminide (Ni-23.5 Al-0.5 Hf-0.2 B, at. %) have been studied as a function of creep time and strain. Cavity growth rates as a function of cavity size have been evaluated from metallographically determined size distributions. The observed growth rates and cavity thicknesses are in order of magnitude agreement with a model of creep-enhanced crack-like diffusive growth, which we have developed recently. However, whereas our model predicts that the growth rate decreases with increasing cavity diameter, the opposite trend is observed experimentally. It is likely that coalescence is responsible for this discrepancy. Cavity growth in the investigated nickel aluminide also exhibits a grain size dependence. Cavities in large-grained (approx.210 ..mu..m) material were observed to grow slower than those in fine-grained (approx.50 ..mu..m) material. This result is explained by the comparatively low creep rate of the large-grained material. 10 figs.


If at each point there is a frame of reference in which the current is along the magnetic field and the electric field is zero, then the field is a force-free field. This paper finds exact self-similar force-free fields within a uniformly expanding sphere whose surface recedes at the velocity of light. Ke yw ords: magnetic fields ‐ MHD ‐ relativity.


ABSTRACT
The main objective of the present investigation was to determine for what reasons people with Down syndrome can have access to civil marriage. To reach this objective, a sample consisting of 23 people of legal age with Down syndrome (PSD) was considered; 37 parents of both sexes; 70 people over 18 years of both sexes, 21 legal professionals and 19 health professionals in La Libertad. For the selection of the PSD sample, intentional non-probabilistic sampling was used considering the intellectual disability of the PSD; and randomly to the other elements of the sample, considering the link and profession with the PSD. In order to obtain the information of the personal sample, the technique of interviewing the PSD was applied; and the survey of the other members of the sample; complementing the information with the theoretical framework of the most recent advances obtained in the field of medical and legal sciences, divided into 09 topics. Likewise, the pertinent steps were taken with the parents of families of young people with Down syndrome over 18 years of age with the purpose of ensuring reading workshops and comments on the norms of the United Nations International Convention on the Rights of Persons. with Disability (CINUDPC). After giving a general explanation about the research, a list of the parents interested in participating in the workshop was made and the final result was the participation in the project of 23 young SD and 37 parents of both sexes. Similarly, it managed to manage the participation of 110 people: 70 people chosen at random, over 18 years of both sexes (representative of public opinion), and 40 professionals (19 health professionals and 21 legal professionals). Reflexive Workshop methodology proposed by Gutierrez (1999) which is based on a constructivist approach to encourage systematic reflection groups through approaches, proposals, answers, questions and concerns about a subjective issue was used; and for the evaluation of the results, the evaluation model of Stufflebeam (2003) was applied. For the discussion of the results, the descriptive-explanatory, analysis-synthesis and hermeneutical methods were used. Finally, based on the results obtained both theoretical (literature review) and empirical (interviews and surveys), it was concluded that people with Down syndrome, older and who have relative ability of discernment , can contract civil marriage, based on the principles of equality before the law and not to be discriminated against.


Abstract This study is concerned with the receptivity of Western Australian secondary school teachers towards a system‐wide educational change, the Unit Curriculum system. In any system‐wide educational change that involves the classroom, teachers' receptivity towards the change is an important determinant of its successful implementation. It is important for educational decision‐makers to know what variables affect receptivity so that new proposals can be tailored to achieve the best chance of successful implementation. It is proposed that there are fundamental variables common to all system‐wide changes and these are included in a model of receptivity developed from previous research. This paper reports the results of an empirical study using data from 480 teachers where 56% of the variance in attitudes towards the Unit Curriculum system is predicted from four fundamental variables, when they are adapted to apply to the Unit Curriculum. These variables are non‐monetary cost benefit to the teachers, perc...


Dr. Lusk is Professor and Director of the Occupational Health Nursing Program, Divisionof Health Promotion and Risk Reduction Programs, The University of Michigan School of Nursing, Ann Arbor, MI. B eginning in the 1970s, there was recognition that over one half of premature deaths could have been prevented by lifestyle changes. With that recognition was born an emphasis on health promotion programs to assist individuals in changing their health behaviors. Comprehensive workplace health promotion programs were instituted in the early 1980s. Dupont's program was the first to be extensively described with results reported in the research literature (Bertera, 1990). The emphasis on health promotion in the workplace has continued to increase, and the numbers of studies reporting the results of health promotion programs have continued to rapidly increase (Pelletier, 1991, 1993).


The accuracy with which centroid algorithms in 1D, 2D and 3D can estimate an object's position has been investigated. Three factors that can influence the method's accuracy have been investigated: systematic error of the algorithm, influence of photon noise and the influence of perturbations such as scanning nonlinearity. The variation of the accuracy with parameters that are relevant for confocal microscopy, such as object diameter and photon noise/pixel, has been considered. Theory and simulations presented show that the variation of the accuracy with respect to such parameters can differ drastically between the 1D, 2D and 3D cases. Experiments performed using microspheres show that the magnitudes of the three types of error can be approximately the same under normal operating conditions and that it is therefore necessary to take all three into account when assessing the total error.


This paper studies the issue of data-driven optimal control design for connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) in a mixed-traffic environment. More specifically, we investigate the controllability of a string of vehicles composed of multiple CAVs and heterogeneous human-driven vehicles in a ring road. We use the classical Popov-Belevitch-Hautus (PBH) test to single out the uncontrollable mode, and identify the controllable subspace, based on which we obtain an explicit transformation matrix for Kalman controllable decomposition. Combining with the decomposition result, we formulate a linear quadratic regulator problem with constrained initial states and employ the adaptive dynamic programming method to solve it without relying on the exact knowledge of system parameters. The convergence of the data-driven algorithm has been proved rigorously. The simulation result shows that our theoretical analysis is effective and the proposed data-driven controller yields desirable performance for regulating the mixed-traffic flow.


Ultrasonic vibration improved the machining performance of a variety of brittle materials, and achieved good results in brittle materials machining applications. In this paper, the experiment about precision sawing engineering ceramic by using a thin diamond blade with and without ultrasonic vibration conditions was investigated. It is aimed to explore the effect of ultrasonic vibration on specific energy. The results show that ultrasonic vibration makes specific sawing energy having a significant reduction during material removal process. Under the ultrasonic vibration condition, the engineering ceramic's materials removal way is changed. It changed from plastic removal to the removal of brittle fracture, which reduced the energy consumption of material removal.


To the Editor: The social media zeitgeist is reaching sickle cell disease (SCD). Last year's American Society of Hematology (ASH) conference session, "Social Media for the Hematologist," highlighted a pediatric hematologist's SCD-related Twitter use.1 The 2016 Foundation for SCDResearchMeeting's "SocialMedia Science Symposium" addressed how researchers can "mining the social mediome."2–4 Funding disparities between SCD and cystic fibrosis (CF), the first and second most commonmonogenetic disorders in theUnited States, are established.5 Whether the Internet use by people with CF and SCD and their advocates reflects or contributes to these disparities is unknown. We compared novel SCD andCF-related Internet posts for 2weeks in November 2014 using Mention c © , an online software that identifies new, publicly available Internet posts matching user-generated keywords.6 We used the keywords "sickle cell disease," "sickle cell anemia," and "cystic fibrosis" independently and in combination with "cure," "research," and "donate." Combinations were chosen because we hypothesized that these might reflect key differences in CFand SCD-related Internet activity. Analysis included posts from nonsocial media (generalWeb sites [web] and newsWeb sites [news]) and social media (Facebook, Twitter, Internet-based blogs). "Donate" posts were subcategorized as "individual" or "nonindividual" (i.e., organizational) generated. SCD "donate" posts were subcategorized as "blood/bone marrow" or "financial." Independent t-tests compared average daily SCD and CF posts. χ2 tests compared social media to nonsocial media posts. As hypothesized, we found fewer daily SCD posts per day (MSCD =195.29, SD=65.97;MCF =720.21, SD=299.84; t(26)=–6.40, P < 0.001) and five times more CF than SCD posts (10,083 vs. 2,734) (Table 1). The most common SCD-related posts came from the web (40%), and forCF fromTwitter (58.9%).We founda significant relationship between disease (SCD vs. CF) and social media versus nonsocial media post type (χ2 = 261.15, P < 0.001). SCD had fewer social media posts (1,615 vs. 7,551), and fewer "cure" (344 vs. 2124), "research" (526 vs. 1,266), and "donate" (92 vs. 474) posts. Nonindividual sources constituted most of the donate posts for CF and SCD. Among SCD "donate" posts, "blood/bone marrow" posts were more common than "financial" posts (49 vs. 36%). We found significantly less Internet activity for SCD compared to CF. The volume of CF-related social media posts, mostly from Twitter and Facebook, suggests that the CF community is using this medium for disease-related communication more than the SCD community. The CF Foundation, for example, has 21,000 Twitter followers and 201,368 Facebook "likes," whereas the SCD Association of America (SCDAA) has 2,486 Twitter followers and 12,835 Facebook "likes."7,8 Demographic differences in Internet/social media use likely do not TABLE 1 Comparison of SCD and CF Internet posts shows more new Internet posts related to CF than SCD


The report is concerned with the design and synthesis of a mixed bead resin for high salt level desalination. The resin allows for the simultaneous exchange of both anions and cations, within the same polymer. This improves the efficiency of desalination at seawater levels. A novel process for sustainable and low energy desalination for brackish water has already been achieved via ion exchange resins as explained below. The advance in resin technology improves a novel membrane process with closed– cycle regeneration of the resin. It is a superior alternative to reverse osmosis.


Objective To explore the possibility of replacement of the digestive liquid medium by power medium to realize the standardization preparation of meningococcas polysaccharide vaccine medium.Methods The 50% HCI hydrolysate of casein was replaced with powder medium of caseinic acid hydrolysis product,the yeast dialysate and yeast extractive powders were replaced by the improved yeast extractive powder.The formula and quality specifications of medium for preparing meningococcas polysaccharide vaccine were analyzed.Results The results showed that the powder medium have the advantages of accurate,stable,good repeatability and good culture results.Conclusion Using the power medium to prepare the meningococal polysaccharide vaccine is successful.It is beneficial to improve the quality of medium and the production on a large scale.


The topic of Non-Market Economy Status has been widely discussed by the media and some Chinese scholars regard it as the most important economic issue. The paper argues that a rational view should be held when discussing the treatment of China's non-market economy status. On the basis of analyzing the characteristics of the non-market economy status, it discusses the relationship between the non-market economy status and anti-dumping. It concludes that it is wise not to exaggerate its negative effects and nor to avoid the issue, and that a strategy-attachment-and-tactic-belittlement countermeasure should be adopted.


Since the time when Dr. Kramrisch wrote, it has been recognized that the dating of Nepalese bronzes must largely be dependent on comparison with stone sculptures. The iconography, modelling, and stylistic details of the bronzes tend to imitate and derive from stone exemplars. (Perhaps the contrary is true of the Pala and Sena sculpture of eastern India.) Inevitably Kramrisoh's catalogue published mainly bronzes, with a few plates of important stone sculptural groups in situ illustrated in her introduction for reference. In the present volume Dr. Pal discusses and illustrates many important and interesting bronzes, but the balance has been decisively redressed in favour of the stone sculptures. He has also made available a much greater number of examples of Nepalese sculpture than has ever been published before within the compass of a single volume.


Airborne-based Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) systems have proved to be an efficient solution for safe and accurate detection of buried threats such as Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and anti-personnel and anti-tank landmines. The design of these prototypes is influenced by several parameters such as the working frequency band or the maximum weight and size of the payload to be placed on board the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). In this sense, one of the main bottlenecks found in the design of these systems is the proper selection of the GPR antenna. This contribution focuses on the analysis of different Ultra Wideband (UWB) Vivaldi antennas and their performance in the context of an airborne-based GPR system. First, the Vivaldi antennas are characterized in terms of $S_{11}$ , radiation pattern, directivity, and phase center. Next, they are placed on board the implemented airborne-based GPR prototype to assess their impact on the detection capabilities of the system. In addition, other criteria such as the weight and size of the antennas are considered to make the final selection. Finally, the selected UWB Vivaldi antennas are tested in a realistic scenario.


The sound wave velocity of lime-rich minerals and rocks has been a subject of inquiry, because it does not fit into Birch's law [Birch, 1961]: 'the compressional wave velocity is expressible in terms of density, ρ, and mean atomic weight, m, by υp = a + bρ + cm, where a, b, and c are constants.' In spite of the high value of m, lime-rich rocks exhibited higher velocity values than expected from Birch's empirical relationship. To correct this discrepancy, Simmons [1964a] introduced into Birch's equation the weight fraction of CaO as a variable in addition to ρ and m. Simmons' relationship is

((1))

Obviously, to solve this problem the actual data of sound wave velocity of CaO are needed. To accomplish this data collection, several polycrystalline CaO specimens were fabricated with the vacuum hot-press of the Mechanics Research Department of Bell Telephone Laboratories. CaO powder of Fisher-certified chemical reagent grade was used.


Chinese as a foreign language is a newly-emerging major,whose development faces many problems at present.One of the prominent problems is the narrow form of teaching practice.In order to solve this problem,it is necessary to clarify this major's subject orientation and undergraduate training programs.At present,it is feasible to carry out teaching practice through five new ways.


The ideal clinical disinfectant and antiseptic is still sought after by clinicians and surgeons in general. In recent years a gradual appraisal has been made of the unusual disinfecting and antiseptic properties possessed by a mercurial compound commercially called metaphen. In order to evaluate the claims made for metaphen as a germicide, more powerful than mercuric chloride when tested on cultures of Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus typhosus , 1 the present extensive and entirely detached comparative study of commonly used disinfectants and antiseptics was undertaken. I. A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF COMMONLY USED DISINFECTANTS AND ANTISEPTICS Metaphen. —In 1919 Schamberg, Kolmer and Raiziss 2 discovered that the introduction of a nitro group attached to benzene in conjunction with organic compounds of mercury markedly increased the bactericidal properties of mercurial compounds. One such compound was sodium-hydroxymercuri-ortho-nitro-phenolate, commercially called mercurophen. This preparation was found to possess useful local antiseptic properties and was recommended by


[Special Correspondence.] During last night ire bad quite a shower. Some of tbe fellows felt put out because it bod not como during tbiB morning, BO we would not bave to drill. While on an excursion to 1'ablo Beach, about 2C) miles from camp, yesterday, a fierce thunder end lightning storm came up and during tbe early part of it a young man named Gatewood, of Ilichmond, Va., was struck and killed. Gatewood, who was only 22 yoars of age, waa a private secretary on tbe staff of General Lee and waBwell liked by all wbo knew him. Tbe remains were brought to JsckBouville where they were taken In charge by Clark & Bon, undertakers, wbo prepared the body forshlp>mont to the home of b!s parents.


Based on the characteristics of the small hydroelectric sets and the load of Tibet Power Grid,as well as the application of PSASP to stability calculation for the Grid,the applicable mathematic models of the excitation system,governing system and the load for the stability calculation of the Tibet Power Grid are recommended.The user-defined modeling methods of PSASP were adopted for the above-mentioned models,and the calculation accuracy is improved.


We revisit the findings from the FORTE satellite program (1997–2004), which collected optical imaging of lightning as well as optical and radio frequency time series waveforms globally from low‐earth‐orbit. These include surveys of the earth's radio frequency anthropogenic noise environment; earth surface reflectivity at radio frequencies; a scheme for classifying lightning discharge types on the basis of their very high frequency time domain power envelope; insights into the polarization and radiation pattern characteristics of different lightning types, with implications for the underlying discharge processes; and estimates of cloud optical properties based on the statistics of scattered light. Most significantly, FORTE was uniquely suited to capture large samples of data from the rare discharge known as "narrow bipolar events," enabling detailed examination of their basic characteristics and confirming that they appear to result from fundamentally distinct physical processes compared to other lightning. In particular, despite representing huge charge transfer they evidently produce little‐to‐no light output.


Abstract : The objective of this study is to investigate nonlinear optoacoustic generation processes. The initiative for this project arose out of the findings from a previous ONR funded project on the thermoacoustic sound source. A new theoretical model was developed, called the equilibrium blast model, which is based on the hydrodynamic equations of equilibrium. The conditions at the shock fronts are determined by the maximum entropy condition. The distribution of energy within the blast is assumed to be through thermal conduction. Experiments were carried out to test the model, and the model was also compared with experimental data. The experimental data showed that more than one process was involved. So far, three distinct blast processes have been identified, the weak blast, the thermal conduction limited equilibrium blast, and the emission limited equilibrium blast. The last is deserving of further study from a basic physics point of view and from an application standpoint.


Try describing Europe's system for regulating medical devices and, as Peter McCulloch says in his editorial this week, the response from your audience will be incredulous (doi:10.1136/bmj.e7126). Read his description and see if you too find yourself asking, "How could this have come about?" It's a question that now demands urgent remedy. If this was not already clear from recent BMJ investigations ( BMJ 2011;342:d2748, BMJ 2012;344:e1410), a new investigation makes it uncontrovertibly so. Working with undercover reporters from the Telegraph newspaper, the BMJ 's Deborah Cohen has exposed a fragmented, poorly regulated, market driven system, with financial incentives to prioritise manufacturers' interests over …


Agricultural scientific archive management is an essential technology and method in scientific management and agricultural modernization.According to the problems in agricultural scientific archive management of Heilongjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences,the countermeasures and suggestions that enhance knowledge,divide the labor and responsible for it,definite conation and make sure the duty,increase the input and improve the condition were put forward to provide new ideas on improvement and standardization of agricultural scientific archive management.


By using the methods of simple relative analysis, deflective analysis, path analysis and stepwise regression equation, a study was carried out of the relationship between the net photosynthetic rate of Siji Pomelo and its physo-ecological factors. The results are as follows: the last method is the best one and the third is better. It is stomatal condustanse to H_2O (Cond). internal CO_2 concentration (Ci), leaf-to-air vapor presser deficit (Vpd1) and photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) that have affected the net photosynthetic rate. Interrelation of physo-ecological factors are also analysed with the last method.


Keeping just the right amount of spare inventory is vital to maintain operations without unnecessary capital being tied up. Industry practitioners tell Bernie Baldwin how it can be achieved.


A method to calculate the singlet–triplet energy differences in electron–atom (molecule) scattering is developed. The method uses the recently developed universal function, which can extrapolate the generalized oscillator strength through the nonphysical region to K2 (momentum transfer squared) = 0, to calculate the integral of the energy difference in the small K2 region. Cubic spline is used for the experimental data to evaluate the contribution to the integral numerically. The energy differences in the transitions 11S–21,3P in e–He and X1 Σ+–A1,3 Π in e–CO scattering are calculated and compared with measurements as illustrative examples.


This study examines the effect of the main microeconomic factors on the stock prices of select energy industry companies listed and traded on the Prague Stock Exchange and Warsaw Stock Exchange. The microeconomic factors are based on the financial situation in companies. The financial ratios (debt/equity ratio, liquidity ratio, financial leverage ratio, return on equity ratio and return on investment ratio) are gained from the financial statements. The existence of relationship between stock prices and financial ratios is tested with the Generalized Method of Moments. During the period 2006 - 2015 we revealed a positive impact of financial leverage ratio on stock prices in both countries and a negative effect of liquidity ratio on stock prices in both countries.


We consider a system of n bugs located at (x1,y1), ..., (xn,yn), where bug i runs away from bug i+1 with common speed v along the instantaneous line of sight. To close the cycle of flight, bug n runs away from bug 1. The computer simulation of this system indicates that random initial configurations evolve into stable regular center‐symmetric patterns—all of which have a vertex angle of less than π/2. By utilizing the Lagrange multiplier method, we show that for these stable configurations the perimeter expansion rate ṗ is a local maximum. The most stable configuration has the smallest possible vertex angle and is associated with an absolute maximum for ṗ. The regular center‐symmetric patterns with vertex angles greater than π/2 also have a stationary perimeter expansion rate. These are local minima rather than maxima, however, and belong to configurations which are unstable.


Cohesion and coherence have an important role in writing essays, both those that will write or those that have become essays. Therefore this study aims to determine the use of cohesion and coherence in the KKN novel in Penari Village. The object of this research is the KKN novel in Penari Village by Simpleman. The subject of this research is the sentence which contains the type of cohesion and coherence in the KKN novel in Penari Village by Simpleman. The approach used is a qualitative approach. A qualitative approach is an approach that presents data in the form of sentences. The design of this research is by collecting data, then the data is grouped according to the use of cohesion and coherence types, then the data is analyzed and presented in an informal form. Data collection techniques using reading techniques and note taking techniques. The technique of presenting the results of the analysis using informal techniques. Informal techniques are techniques that present data in the form of common words that are easily understood by the reader.
            The results of this study are grammatical cohesion, lexical cohesion and coherence types. Grammatical cohesion includes: reference, substitution, ellipsis, and conjunction. The use of lexical cohesion are of two types namely, repetition and collocation. The use of coherence there are five relationships, namely: the sum relationship, the sequential relationship, the resistance relationship, the causal relationship, and the time relationship.


In recent years, the Japanese government has shown a great interest in raising wages. In addition to requesting labor and management to increase wages, it also pursues measures to ensure that the statutory minimum wage is raised on an ongoing basis. How have these developments affected wage management in companies? Based on case studies of companies, this article examines the impact of the government's request for wage increases on the company's wage management. The case studies reveal the following points. First, annual wage increment is undergoing change. The stable portion of wage increases that Japanese wage system used to implement for regular employees is shrinking. Second, the basic wage increase is being utilized as an incentive to encourage employees to behave in such a way that contributes to improving their company's ability to compete. Third, increases in regional market rates are generating problems for companies in their wage management of non-regular employee. This increase has led to a break down in the ordered ranking structure by which wages reflect employees' abilities and roles within the company. Fourth, labor and management are engaged in eradicating these problems. These results indicate that labor-management negotiations are becoming increasingly important in determining wages for both regular and non-regular employees. It appears to have become more important to examine the frameworks for labor-management communication within corporate organizations to enhance the wage determination desirable for both labor and management.


This meta-analysis quantifies the dose-response relationship between monetary incentives and response rates in household surveys. It updates and augments the existing meta-analyses on incentives by analyzing the latest experimental research, focusing specifically on general-population household surveys, and includes the three major data-collection modes (mail, telephone, and in-person) under the same analytic framework. Using hierarchical regression modeling and literature from the past 21 years, the analysis finds a strong, nonlinear effect of incentives. Survey mode and incentive delivery timing (prepaid or promised) also play important roles in the effectiveness of incentives. Prepaid incentives offered in mail surveys had the largest per-dollar impact on response. Incentive timing appears to play an important role in the effectiveness of incentives offered in telephone surveys but not in-person surveys. Our model estimates a null effect of promised incentives in mail surveys; however, given the dearth of experiments testing this type of incentive, we are unable to draw firm conclusions regarding their effectiveness. Survey burden and survey year both were negatively correlated with response overall. However, neither significantly impacted the dose-response relationship. Survey sponsorship affected neither response rate nor incentive effectiveness. The development and results of the model are discussed, and dose-response estimates specific to mode and incentive timing are presented.


The REACH and REACH‐2 trials investigated ramucirumab versus placebo in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Ascites is common in HCC and is associated with poorer outcomes. This exploratory, pooled meta‐analysis of patients with baseline α‐fetoprotein (AFP) ≥400 ng/ml investigated outcomes by treatment‐emergent (TE) ascites in REACH and REACH‐2.


The tremendous importance of microbiota in microbial homoeostasis, alterations in metabolism and both innate and adaptive immune systems has been well established. A growing body of evidence support that dysbiosis or compositional changes in gut microbiota is linked to the ageing of stem cells in terms of dysregulations of metabolism, aberrant activation of the immune system as well as promoting epigenetic instability of stem cell. In this concise review, we elucidate recent emerging topics on microbiotic alterations and underlying mechanisms in stem cell ageing.


Recently, there has been an interest in the application of radiation force to enhance the adhesion and detection of targeted contrast agents and concentrate therapeutic delivery vehicles. This is of particular interest for small animal studies, where much of the work on ultrasonic molecular imaging and therapeutic delivery are being tested. The magnitude of radiation force on ultrasound contrast agents is maximized near the bubbles' resonance frequency. Additionally, optimal radiation force delivery involves high duty cycles at non-destructive pressures. Thus, traditional high-frequency imaging transducers are not optimized to produce radiation force on most microbubble contrast agents. Our motivation was to design a dual-frequency high-resolution ultrasound probe for radiation-force enhanced targeted imaging in small animal studies. A prototype dual-frequency confocal transducer has been developed and tested with a commercial high-frequency imaging system. This probe enables generation of radiation force pulses in the frequency range of 2–4 MHz with simultaneous imaging at 30 MHz. We present radiation-force enhanced targeting data in-vitro and in-vivo. Molecular imaging of angiogenesis in a rodent model benefits from a 7 fold increase in signal intensity after radiation-force enhanced targeting compared to standard rheologically-mediated targeting. We demonstrate capability of near real-time detection of targeted contrast agents in-vitro using radiation force to mediate adhesion followed by slow-time filtering to separate free and targeted contrast agent signal.


This book contains five chapter with a specific explain and contribution in every chapter. The first chapter is about Singapore's foreign policy and explains about exceptional state. The second chapter is talking about the battle of sovereignty. The third is about transcending regional locale. The fourth explaining about Singapore and the power, and the last is about driving and suffering the region. The Island Republic of Singapore is the smallest state within South-East Asia and, indeed, within a wider East Asia. It also lacks natural resources, except for the human variety in limited numbers, and a harbor in an ideal location for servicing regional trade. In 1999, for the third year running, the Swiss based world economic forum ranked Singapore first among over fifty leading economies in its annual global competitiveness report. In its material accomplishments and attendant external recognition, Singapore is exceptional not only within its regional locale, but also globally among so called small states. The point has been well made that economic success is the main reason for Singapore's high status and disproportionate influence in international affairs.Keywords: Singapore's foreign policy, sovereignty, small states


After the expansion of college enrollment, China's university campus area has become larger and larger. The traditional university campus planning in china is influenced by the planning method of the Soviet period, which emphasizes the function zoning. This increases the distance between the student dormitory and the teaching building, the dining hall and so on. And this has brought trouble to the study and life of college students. So scholars must study the planning and organization of large-scale campus. The most important function of the university campus is to provide students with ideal learning and living place. Designers should adopt the idea of "student oriented" to construct the college campus. The university campus planning should be committed to building a suitable walking space to meet the daily activities of students.For large university campus, in order to create a suitable space for walking, designers should gather the students' daily life, learning function in a walkable space, forming a composite "functional group". In order to meet the requirements of the appropriate walking distance, each functional group should have a proper service radius. Functional groups can form a composite space. Thus, functional group of university campus planning organizational structure can help to solve this problem. It is more suitable for large-scale campus planning.


By borrowing from so-called reception theory, which was originally applied in literary studies, and through empirical case studies of users' reception of computer interface design, the author argues that users have their own preferences and use their own tactics to deal with the designs - strategies - imposed by designers. In the article, the author also attempts to reinforce the concept that creative design is not the creation of the perfect design according only to the decision of designers, since this goal could never be reached, as the needs and wants of users are diverse and continuously changing. Rather, creative design should be geared towards a cooperative outcome that relies on the designer's professional knowledge and the user's participation. Borrowing from these concepts, the author further proposes that design and engineering education should shift in focus from the designer and the design to the user.


Individuals in temporary task‐oriented dyads or groups must manage conflict competently if they hope to be successful in reaching their goals. Thus far, however, research on the associations between conflict styles and communication competence has focused on acquainted dyads, such as relational partners and coworkers, rather than unacquainted dyads assigned to work on tasks. The present study tests the applicability of the competence model of interpersonal conflict to temporary task‐oriented dyads. Dyads (N = 100) who had little or no relational history completed a simulated decision‐making task that involved choosing two out of four employees to lay off in response to a company's need to downsize. Results indicate people generally perceived the solution‐oriented strategy as appropriate and effective. Although people perceived their partners' use of the controlling strategy to be inappropriate, people rated themselves as more effective when they used the controlling strategy. People evaluated nonconfrontational strategies as particularly incompetent.


The aim of this study was to determine the commercial Satureja (Sivri kekik) species, gathered amounts, social networks in trade, gathering style, their vernacular names, and local usages in Turkey. The survey was carried out in 17 provinces, 20 towns and 40 villages where the Satureja species have large population. Commercial Satureja was collected from the mentioned fields, along with the information regarding local names, usage, sorting and grading methods obtained questioning the local people. The amount of total commercial Satureja species gathered from Anatolia is around 700-800 tones in a year. The Aegean and Mediterranean regions are the main areas of Satureja collection in Turkey. S. cuneifolia, S. thymbra, S. hortensis and S. spicigera are gathered for trade. Also, S. boissieri, S. coerulea, S. pilosa, S. icarica, S. wiedemanniana, and S. cilicica are gathered only as spices and herbal tea for the local people. Trade of Satureja is an important source of income for people in local region. Satureja species are gathered directly by the local villagers, especially, unemployed people with financial difficulties. Local middlemen coordinate the Satureja collection and then sell the material to companies in the province, and from there it is processed and distributed throughout the country and abroad. Also, threat factors and solution for long term concervation of the commercial Satureja species were determined in this study. Prohibitions or restrictions on their collection are needed.


A concern for socially responsible practice, especially for pro-environmental behavior in emerging economies, has drawn much attention in recent years. The present study contributes to understanding socially responsible decisions of Chinese managers by explicitly modeling the interplay of their social responsibility orientation and endorsement of Confucian principles with regard to investment in environment friendly technology. The results show that Confucian ethics and Confucian dynamism exert significant influence on a socially responsible decision, either directly or through their effect on social responsibility orientation. Nonetheless, they have opposing impacts on managers' decision-making, which may help explain some anomalous managerial behavior. Implications for research and practice are provided.


This paper examines empirically the association between Foreign Direct Investment inward and Foreign Direct Investment outward. Using a panel data set for 35 economies over the period 1981–2004 as well as the methodology of panel cointegration and panel causality tests, the empirical findings show that FDI inward does exhibit a significant relationship with FDI outward. Moreover, bi-directional panel causality is present when the sample is split into developed and developing economies. When the sample is split between open and closed economies the causality remains only for the open economies.


The purpose of this study is to determine the causes of welding accidents on-board. The problem of work accidents is caused by the lack of the ship's crew discipline to use the safety equipment while working. The data processing method was using descriptive method. The researchers tried to observe the cases that often occur on the ship related to the previous problem and note the causes and solutions to improve the ship's crew discipline while working. The main potential hazards for hot work activities on vessels are fire and explosion. The implementation of the hot work permit system at Merak, Banten Port is in accordance with NFPA 51 B 2009 of Standard Fire Prevention during Welding, Cutting, and other Hot Work.


One of the important factors that affect the reliable operation of the power system and the rapid restitution after disaster is a quick and effective combining synchronous electric power facilities to operate in parallel [. Hence, diagnostics of automatic synchronizers at every stage of their life, from building a prototype, through the whole life, until removing such devices from the operation, is an extremely important and responsible activity. In ordinary practice, this action is performed by dedicated test of mechatronics systems, called simulators [2, , in close to real - or even more restricted - conditions. One of the major limitations in the relevant field undoubtedly concerns the selection of an appropriate structure and implementation of models of the angular velocity control systems involved in the process of connection. These models must be simple enough to allow computation with a frequency of kHz, and, at the same time, developed enough to be able to form diverse and close to real working conditions. For these reasons, classical approach is not possible, allowing the use of well-known Parks model [ of the synchronous generator and the complex - and often nonlinear [. Hence, considered above-mentioned requirements and indicated constraints, to test the automatic synchronizer the designers of mechatronics systems use a number of simplifications during modeling of the angular speed control systems [. However, models are not detailed enough to study the impact of changes in the shape of relevant characteristics under the influence of changes the angle of phase discrepancy in the process of connecting. Hence, this paper presents the results of the research of the currently used method of modeling the most commonly used control systems of angular velocity, in the respective systems.


Description is made of a new environmentally- acceptable process for regeneration of cemented carbide scraps developed by professor V.P.Bondarenko research group of Institute for Super-hard Materials of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.The process is based on cemented carbide scraps as raw material in the steps as follows:oxidation,crushing-mixture gas-phase reduction-carbonization to obtain carbon-controlled regenerated cemented carbide, followed by pressing,CH4 and H2 mixed gas low-temperature sintering and high-temperature gas-phase sintering to produce regenerated cemented carbide, whose property conforms with Ukraine State Standard 3882-74.


The utility model discloses a navigator having a travelling recording function. The navigator comprises a travelling recording module, a navigation module and a display module. The travelling recording module includes a camera, a first storage unit, a travelling record processing unit and a video modulation decoder, the video modulation decoder is arranged between the travelling record processing unit and the display module and used for perform modulation and decoding on travelling image data in travelling record information; the navigation module includes a GPS unit and a navigation processing unit; and the display module is connected with the video modulation decoder and the navigation processing unit, and selectively displays the travelling record information and navigation information in a switching manner. Compared with the prior art, the travelling record module and the navigation module in the utility model can operate at the same time, enabling the navigator to have a map path navigation function and a travelling recording function, and the navigation information and the travelling record information can be selectively played in a switching manner through the display module.


GPS (Global Positioning System) is a popularly and most widely used tracking system which provides very good positioning estimates for outdoor environments. But this system cannot estimate indoor positions (inside building) because it makes use of satellites. These satellites cannot be used in indoor environments because of signal obstruction and attenuation due to reflections caused by walls, furniture and various other factors present inside a building. Hence, technologies like Wi-Fi, WLAN, RFID, Bluetooth are used for finding out positions for indoor locations. Bluetooth, having low cost, low power consumption and having availability in almost every single device from costly smart phones, laptops to cheap phones, is trending lately for positioning purposes which gives good estimate of position. In this paper, we present the tracking of a mobile robot using Bluetooth. We have used Iterative Trilateration and Cuckoo Search (CS) algorithm implementation of Monte Carlo simulation and obtained mean error of 0.265 ± 0.09m. We have also compared our results with Particle filter implementation of Monte Carlo Simulation. Cuckoo search comes out to be better than Particle filter.


Combining with the bled simulating test and the vehicle collision test during developing airbag matched to X-car,we analyzed the question that the bled total mass affects damage energy supplied to dummy during bled simulating test.In the process of developing airbag,when energy in the bled body increases,the relative energy can be reduced by reducing the bled total mass.By this means,the damage energy supplied to dummy can basically keep uniform in the bled simulating test and in the vehicle collision test.


Herbage biomass for blue grama (Boutdoua grdlis [H.B.K. Lag& pinyon ricegrass (Pfph&tu&un jimbriatum [H.B.K.] Hit&c.), New Mexico muhly (Muhihkgfa pcsrciflorcl Buckl.), other grasseq and forbs was estimated on 25 pinyon-juniper stands of varying overstory cover on the Fort Stanton Experimental Ranch insouthcentral New Mexico. Negative 2"d degree polynomial curvea best expressed the relationshipa between total understory and blue grama biomass and overstory canopy cover. Positive polynomial relationships were shown for cool-season graazs, New Mexico muhly, and pinyon ricegrass. Reducing pinyon-juniper canopy cover would likely increase blue grama production and reduce production of New Mexico mubly and pinyon ricegraas.


There is a critical developmental period during which brain sexual differentiation proceeds irreversibly under the influence of gonadal hormone. Recently, kinesin superfamily‐associated protein 3 (KAP3) gene expressed during the 'critical period' of rat brain differentiation was identified by us (Choi and Lee, 1999). KAP3 functions as a microtubule‐based motor that transports membranous organelles anterogradely in cells, including neurons (Yamazaki et al., 1996). mRNA level of KAP3 gene markedly increased before the initiation of puberty. Neonatal treatment of estrogen clearly inhibited the prepubertal increase in KAP3 mRNA level (Choi and Lee, 1999). In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), as endocrine disruptors (EDs) on the expression of KAP3 gene during the' critical period' of rat brain development. In our data, PCBs significantly decreased the expression of KAP3 gene in the fetal (day 17) and the neonatal (day 6 after birth in) male and female rat brains. The body weight and the breeding ability were significantly decreased in the PCBs‐exposed rats compared with the control. These results showed that PCBs affect the transcriptional level of brain sexual differentiation related gene, KAP3, in the fetal and the neonatal rat brains. The maternal exposure to the PCBs may lead to toxic response in embryonic brain sexual differentiation and breeding ability after sexual maturation. This study indicates that KAP3 gene may be useful as a gene marker to analyze the molecular mechanism of toxic response in the animal brain development and sexual maturation exposed to PCBs.


Research on semiconductor radiation detectors is described. We developed computational models to calculate the energy band structure, carrier mobility, and carrier lifetime of proposed detector materials, and a computer spectrum simulation that accurately predicts the potential performance of the materials as detectors. We also report on a self contained, field-portable spectrometer for laboratory-grade pulse-height analysis of gamma-ray spectra suitable for use under extreme environmental conditions and isolated locations by personnel not trained in electronics.


A local Environment Champion is working with residents and Council officers to clamp down on fly-tipping and littering in his local area.


Intricate behaviors an organism can exhibit is predicated on its ability to sense and effectively interpret complexities of its surroundings. Relevant information is often distributed between multiple modalities, and requires the organism to exhibit information assimilation capabilities in addition to information seeking behaviors. While biological beings leverage multiple sensing modalities for decision making, current robots are overly reliant on visual inputs. In this work, we want to augment our robots with the ability to leverage the (relatively under-explored) modality of touch. To focus our investigation, we study the problem of scene reconstruction where touch is the only available sensing modality. We present Tactile Slam (tSLAM) -- which prepares an agent to acquire information seeking behavior and use implicit understanding of common household items to reconstruct the geometric details of the object under exploration. Using the anthropomorphic `ADROIT' hand, we demonstrate that tSLAM is highly effective in reconstructing objects of varying complexities within 6 seconds of interactions. We also established the generality of tSLAM by training only on 3D Warehouse objects and testing on ContactDB objects.


Candida utilis was grown in batch culture with and without oxygen control. The concentrations of A‐, B‐, and C‐type cytochromes were found to vary with the initial glucose concentration, with the dissolved oxygen concentration, and with time. A‐type was the most sensitive. After glucose was essentially exhausted, the yeast catabolized ethanol, if it had been growing in a relatively low initial glucose concentration, or non‐glucose carbohydrate, including some of that previously accumulated within the cell, if it had been growing in a high initial glucose concentration. This difference in metabolic pattern could explain why cytochrome derepression was initiated soon after glucose uptake ceased only if initial glucose had been relatively low. The effects of glucose and dissolved oxygen concentrations on yeast cytochromes and respiratory activity are discussed.


Compromising through difficult negotiation, every contracting party has made "Kyoto Protocol"finally. In order to promote it to come into force as soon as possible, China has checked and approved"Kyoto Protocol"quickly, while U.S. A goes back on it's word after signing, which violated the Principle of Common and Separate Responsibilities——one of fundamental principles of international environmental law. Fortunately, Russia's clear attitude safeguards strongly the principle. This essay analyses different positions of China,U.S. A and Russia and the influence on Principle of Common and Separate Responsibilities, puts forward the way of promoting this principle to be implemented.


Chambers & Zweifach (1947) observed that carbon particles circulating in vivo were deposited in linear pattern roughly outlining the endothelial cell borders of inflamed blood vessel walls in frog mesentery. Their observation was confirmed in the frog web (Stehbens, 1963). Majno & Palade (1961) suggested that such deposits represented carbon in stomata between endothelial cells. Since endothelial cells in rabbits were not outlined by carbon in inflamed, non-inflamed, or growing vessels (Stehbens, 1960; Stehbens & Florey, 1960) it was possible that gaps between endothelial cells might be more prevalent in frogs. Perhaps this would explain the greater daily transudation of fluid and protein alleged to occur from amphibian vessels (Isayama, 1924-25; Churchill, Nakazawa & Drinker, 1927; Conklin, 1930; Drinker, 1942; Yoffey & Courtice, 1956). For this reason an electron microscopic study of endothelium of the frog heart was undertaken to ascertain if any morphological features could be related to differences in permeability.


Metastatic thyroid tumors are rarely seen clinically, especially metastatic thyroid tumors from granular cell carcinoma of the kidney. This paper describes such a rare case of metastatic thyroid carcinoma from granular cell carcinoma of the kidney. A 60-year-old man was seen at the hospital because of a swelling in the anterior neck and slight dyspnea which occurred abruptly one month before. There was a previous history of undergoing nephrectomy for a left renal cell carcinoma. This time fine needle aspiration cytology of the thyroid tumor suggested metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Total thyroidectomy and bilateral neck dissection were performed. Pathological findings revealed metastatic thyroid carcinoma from granular cell carcinoma of the kidney which was characterized by diffuse metastasis in the thyroid gland. The patient was followed on an ambulant basis while receiving additional chemotherapy. The development of comprehensive medical care for cancers should increase the number of operable metastatic thyroid cancers. In such a background the importance of hearing the previous history and the value of needle aspiration cytology in making diagnosis should be emphasized.


Salts of one isomeric series of chlorobenzylaminebis(ethylenediamine)- cobalt-(III) type of cations have been prepared using a variety of benzylamine derivatives as ligands. They are tentatively assigned a cis-configuration on the basis of their visible spectra. The first- order rate constants for their solvolytic aquation have been measured. Both resonance contributions and steric factors from the benzyl radical, as well as inductive effects of its substituents, all have negligibly small influences on the rate of reaction. The second-order rate constants for the hydrolysis of these cations by base have also been determined. The labilizing powers of the benzylamine ligands in this reaction are very similar to those of open-chain aliphatic amines, and significantly different from those of aromatic amines. To see if reactivities depend on the distance of separation between cobalt and the benzene ring, the experiments are extended to the chloro(β- phenylethylamine)bis(ethylenediamine)cobalt(III) type of complexes.


The aim of the research. Analysis of the frequency of genotype polymorphism rs231775 gene STLA4 in patients with asthma, residents of Krasnoyarsk, as well as assessing the relationship of the studied polymorphisms and asthma. Materials and methods. Genomic DNA was isolated from 10 ml of venous blood by phenol-chloroform extraction. DNA testing was conducted using the polymerase chain reaction in real time. A group of patients with bronchial asthma -100 persons, the control group 338 persons. Results. It was studied the frequency of polymorphism rs231775 gene CTLA4 separately in patients with allergic and nonallergic bronchial asthma (BA). A comparative analysis revealed that in patients with allergic asthma the frequency of genotype G / G was 1.7 times higher as compared with the control group and was amounted in allergic asthma patients 36.4% in the control group -21.9% (p = 0.031). Frequency of genotype G / G and A / A + A / G polymorphism rs231775 CTLA4 gene in AD patients was 36.4% and 63.6%, while in the control group 21.9% and 78.1% respectively. Conclusion. In the study of frequency polymorphism rs231775 gene CTLA4 was revealed the increasing the frequency of genotype G / G in the group of patients with allergic asthma. Considering these results, we can conclude that the genotype G / G (OR = 2.036; 95% CI -1,16-3,58, r1-3 = 0.012) determine increased risk of allergic asthma.


ABSTRACT The study aims to determine the effect of the concentration of spores of the fungus Beauveria bassiana against Aphis sp insect mortality in the laboratory. implementation of the research carried out for three months from July to September 2014. Research using the method Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four treatments, using B. bassiana spores concentration of 104, 105, 106 and control. Plants used was pepper plants. Each plant with different spore concentrations, in use ten tail pest Aphis sp. Observations on doing every day for one week, with a look at the mortality of each treatment. The results showed that the test insect mortality was highest at day 4 observation with treatment reaches 106 (80%) at follow treatment 105 (52.5%) and treatment of 104 (0%). Observation day 5 mortality in the test insect reaches 106 treatment (20%), then treatment of 105 (32.5%), and treatment of 104 (10%). The results showed that the test insect mortality was highest at day 4 observation with treatment reaches 106 (80%) at follow treatment 105 (52.5%) and treatment of 104 (0%). Observation day 5 mortality in the test insect reaches 106 treatment (20%), then treatment of 105 (32.5%), and treatment of 104 (10%). Observation day 6 the highest mortality of test insects found in treatment reaches 104 (90%), treatment of 105 (15%), and treatment of 106 (0%). In the control mortality was not found, but an increase in population. Keywords : Beauveria bassiana, Chili Plants, and Aphis sp


Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to explore the importance of CSR for SMEs in Malaysia and uncover the perception of Malaysian SMEs on CSR.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is based on qualitative data derived from semi-structured interviews with ten Malaysian SMEs. The interviews were conducted with the managing directors, managers or owners of the small companies.

Findings
The study examined the understanding of Malaysian SME owners on CSR and elaborated their perceptions about CSR terminology, the nature of CSR activities, motivation for engaging in CSR and promotion of CSR. Overall, despite good feedback on CSR practices among the SMEs, it is clear that there is still confusion about the real meaning of CSR concepts, which suggests that some of the respondents have narrow views of CSR.

Research Limitations/implications
Due to the nature of this study, it is difficult for the findings to be generalized. This study serves only as an exploratory study for other researchers to take up these issues. Future study can further extend the sample and use quantitative methods for better generalization.

Originality/value
This study could be one of the most important stepping stones towards in-depth understanding of Malaysian SMEs' CSR attitude and behaviour. Understanding the SME's CSR perception would be a useful platform for further action to be taken in promoting social responsibility among SMEs.


The relevance of the theme arised from the searching for an an swer to the question about validity of refusal from the idea of general welfare in terms of growing inconsistency rates of change the subsystems of contemporary society. The purpose of the article is implementation of the search for units of genetic information (meanings, ideas, values), involved in the construction of social welfare model. For this purpose, we solved the problems of the comparative analysis devoted social welfare's ideas, which allows to identify the key ideas of model construction. A constructivist approach, methods of hermeneutical analysis, explication and comparative analysis were used in this study. The result of the research is: the units of genetic information of social welfare model in the context of the evolutionary process have been identified; It justified that the modeling of social welfare takes place predominantly at the management level (system level) and addressing the needs (practical level), the correlation of factors affecting the dynamics of the social welfare of the individual and society was examined


The present invention describes a scalable video insertion control. In various embodiments, received video for presentation as a media asset for display. Also receives the video data is mapped, the mapped object identification media asset video data insertion space. Receiving a selectable display object, the object scene in line with selectable display objects in a media asset insertion space. Then generate a composite video, composite video comprises displaying the selectable display object is inserted into the insertion space for the object in the scene in the media asset.


citizens in 25 different countries. Data collection took a total period of five months. Responses obtained were analyzed using SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions). Efficiency of elections was translated into the two constructs of elections management and access to information, while effectiveness was translated into the three constructs of freedom, fairness, and perception reference the new parliament. The results showed that the perception of the overseas Egyptians toward the elections at large was neutral but negative feedback was received as regards religious manipulation of voters' choices. Major concerns were also voiced regarding the efficiency of the process and the lack of trust in the government's bureaucracy. From the literature review and from the empirical study, several lessons were drawn to help improve future overseas elections management in Egypt, and to assist in overcoming some of the shortcomings faced in that first time experience.


The city of San Luis Potosi (SLP), Mexico, is located in an area where drinking water contains excessive quantities of natural fluoride. Results showed that 61% of tap water samples collected in SLP had fluoride levels above the recommended 0.7-1.2 ppm.1 However, two studies done in SLP showed that risk factors other than drinking water need to be considered in order to explain the total exposure to fluoride. In one study, the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in children living in SLP was analyzed. 1 It was demonstrated that dental fluorosis increased as the concentration of water fluoride increased. However, in areas of the city with fluoride levels in water lower than 0.7 ppm, a prevalence of 69% was found for total dental fluorosis. 1 A second study, done among workers living in SLP who were exposed to fluoride by two pathways (drinking water ingestion and industrial air inhalation), showed through a multivariate regression analysis, that the work- place explained 33% of the fluoride content of urinary samples, whereas tap water ingestion explained only 8%.2 Therefore, in these workers other risk factors have to be taken into account to explain the total content of fluoride in urinary samples. Geographic information systems (GIS) coupled with environmental and health data, offer tools for the identification of populations at risk. 3 Therefore, water ingestion as a pathway of exposure to fluoride could be studied using GIS coupled


Cardiovascular risk factors are associated with a higher risk of dementia. However, whether physical activity could revert this increased risk remains uncertain. We analyzed the effect of physical activity on the risk of dementia stratified by cardiovascular risk factors.


The modern science of oenology emerged at the end of the nineteenth century, as vintners learned to remediate flawed grape must with sugar and a preservative to produce better wine. The advent of oenology was at the heart of an acrimonious dispute that pitted against each other two of Russia's most prominent and influential vintners: Prince Lev Golitsyn, whose estate vineyard on the southern shore of Crimea produced some of the best wines in the world around the turn of the century, and Vasilii Tairov, the editor of the journal Winemaking Bulletin. At issue were the characteristics that made fine wine authentically European: was it appropriate to take oenological shortcuts, or was the production of fine wine a form of artisanship, done by methods passed down over many generations?


This paper details the current status, the future plans, and the reasoning behind the MIT Athena Language Learning Project. The materials are meant to supplement regular class time and to be broad and rich in the area of linguistic resources. The lab itself is planned to accommodate the full range of peripherals including speech recognition devices, and interactive video devices.


Rhodamin B is a fluorescent regent with its excitation and emission wavelength at 358 and 575?nm,respectively.Affter the addition of Fenton regent,it results in a decrease in the fluorescence intensity.The fluorescence decrease is related to the concentration of hydroxyl radical.Based on this principle,we adopt a fluorometric method to detect the hydroxyl radical produced in Fenton system.In the experiment,the optimal conditions was studied to be pH 5.0,C_(RB)1.92×10~(-6)mol/L,C_(H_2O_2)4.8?mmol/L,C_(Fe~(2+))6.4×10~(-4)mol/L and reaction time above 15?min.The experiment of scavenging effect was also conducted,which indicated this method was effective and reliable.


The corona virus has an impact on death continued to increase, thus providing fear, trauma and stress for the community. The Community Service Team STISIP Mbojo provides counseling and assistance in changing clean and healthy living behavior for community in Kelurahan Rabangodu Selatan. The method used is counseling and mentoring. Participants include Lurah, , RT, RW and Community. The Result obtained : First; outreach activities in providing information regarding the corona virus disease (covid) 19 epidemic and the causative factors and ways of preventing it are running smoothly. Second; assistence activities through preparing a place to wash hands in every house, encouraging the community to plan a living pharmacy in each house to create a comfortable and healthy environment, familiarize the community with wearing masks, the down movement for a clean environment, and build a harmonious spirit of mutual cooperating in togetherness to crate a healthy village , with wearing masks, the down moverment for a clean environment, and build  a harmonious spirit  of mutual cooperation in togetherness to create a healthy village through the clean Friday movement environment (JUMPA BERLIAN).


With the development of modern science and technology,and the invention and application of the photography,human beings have made a decisive achievement in recollecting and reproducing the natural attributes of objective image,which makes it possible to record the real life and represent the world.With the time passing by,the documentary photography of the social life captures and reveals the visual appearance of events and objects and becomes an important witness,based on which the human's survival and development can be preserved and explored.Therefore,it is essential to sort out the unique development patterns of documentary photography in China so as to better understand and appreciate the property of the photo-image.


Fault diagnosis knowledge management of the production has been a hot research area for many years.Based on the statistical data of ESP maintenance of Shengli Oilfield,it proposes a standard for assessing fault grading of ESP,gives a fault classification method of ESP.At last,it introduces the knowledge management process of using a BP Neural Network to ESP fault diagnosis.


This paper explores the contextual, methodological and theoretical implications of using psychoanalytic concepts within sociological analysis. Through the interpretation of an interaction between myself and a research participant as an instance of "resistance", I will argue that it is possible to recontextualise psychoanalytic concepts, but that this recontextualisation involves an inevitable transformation in meaning. In addition, I will suggest that an analysis incorporating psychoanalytically derived interpretations, combined with more traditional approaches to discursive social analysis, can enhance our understanding of social phenomena. Words: 7997 (not including acknowledgements) Dr Claudia Lapping Institute of Education University of London 20 Bedford Way London WC1H OAL Phone: 020 7612 6342 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


Within the supersymmetry scheme including many-body interactions, identical superdeformed (SD) bands and DeltaI = 4 bifurcation in A similar to 130 mass region are investigated systematically. Quantitatively good results for the gamma -ray energy (E gamma) spectra, dynamical moments of inertia, and energy differences DeltaE(gamma)-Delta (ref)(gamma) are obtained. This shows that the supersymmetry approach is quite powerful in describing not only generic rotational properties, but also DeltaI=4 bifurcation and identical SD bands simultaneously. Meanwhile, the DeltaI=4 bifurcation may come from the perturbation with SO(5) [or SU(5)] symmetry on the rotational symmetry.


Previous ESR studies of AgCl:Ni and AgBr:Ni at low temperatures have identified divalent nickel ions in octahedral and axial sites, which were attributed to substitutional nickel ions without and with charge-compensating vacancies in next-nearest cation positions. Another angular dependent ESR spectrum, present with lower intensity in both crystals, has now been found to have orthorhombic symmetry. This centre is attributed to a substitutional divalent nickel ion with a charge-compensating vacancy in a nearest cation location. A microwave power-dependent line with resolved super-hyperfine structure superimposed on the octahedral nickel ESR line is believed to be a double quantum transition. Other more complex centres, produced by low-temperature annealing, have been observed but not identified.


LaBerge's Triangular Theory of Attention contributes to several important topics in the study of visual attention. First, it expands on the discussion of whether attentive influences manifest themselves as neural suppression or enhancement; LaBerge seems to favour the enhancement viewpoint. Second, the paper proposes circuit loops (triangles by nature of three nodes in the loop) that may be responsible for the observed enhancement. Finally, a link between awareness and attention is explored and the claim that a representation of self must be considered is made. Here, it will not be possible to provide sensible discussion on all of these points; rather, the focus will be on the first issue, namely whether attention is manifested as enhancement or suppression. I claim that observations of enhancement or suppression depend very much on exactly how measurements are taken. Specific predictions are made: a given neuron exhibits enhanced or suppressed responses as a result of attentive influence depending on where that neuron is located in relation to the three-dimensional structure of attentive influences within the visual processing network. I show here a local, internal, attention control mechanism as an alternate model that provides an explanation for both enhancement and suppression of neural responses. In addition, it solves an important second problem for attention models, namely, information routing, within the same mechanism. The routing problem seems to be ignored by LaBerge.


Businesses strive to maintain their competitive advantage in the present tremendously aggressive commercial world. To guarantee the continued success of a commercial organisation, managers need to continually enhance best practice and retain in-house knowledge and experience. Knowledge leaking away from the origin of the knowledge or experience may lead to a loss of competitive advantage for an organisation. The forms of 'knowledge leakage' and its positive and negative impacts over time have been neglected in the literature. Research described here explores if organisations appreciate the full range of knowledge leakage routes via people and the positive and negative consequences. As the concept of knowledge leakage is not well understood and the nature of research is exploratory, a Grounded Theory research strategy has been employed to develop an initial taxonomy of knowledge leakage. This paper discusses the findings of in-depth-interviews carried out with employees of Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) involved in manufacturing and design. As a result, a taxonomy of knowledge leakage via people with an integrated approach to knowledge 'loss' and 'gain' is proposed here.


A field portable, single measurement, excitation-emission matrix fluorometer is applied to five environmental analyses. All applications require the uses of multi-way spectral deconvolution and calibration methods in order to uniquely resolve the spectral profiles of the targets analytes from interfering fluorophores. A modified multi-way calibration methods are applied to extend the dynamic range of the fluorometer by permitting robust calibration in the presence of intense Rayleigh and Raman backgrounds and localized detector saturation. The multi-way resolution methods are applied to calibrate chemically induced fluorescence changes induced by a target analyte from that of a fluorescent probe designed for molecular recognition. The multi-way resolution and calibration methods are also applied to potential sensor design relying of photoinduced degradation to and form fluorescent products. The EEM and multi-way methods are finally demonstrated in determining binding constants and capacity factors for fluorescent metal-ligand interactions.


Transport is studied in three-scale porous media with fractal mesoscale. On the microscale the dispersive mixing is governed by a stochastic ordinary differential equation with stationary, ergodic, Markovian drift velocity and an $\alpha$-stable Levy diffusion. The inclusion of Levy diffusion allows one to study self-motile particles such as flagellated microbes. On the mesoscale it is assumed that a fractal Eulerian flow field with spatially homogeneous increments gives rise to a fractal drift velocity with temporally stationary increments. The drift velocity is assumed to be Levy. These processes have stationary increments and fractal graphs. The diffusive structure on the mesoscale is determined by the asymptotic microscale process. On the macroscale there is no additional drift; i.e., the physics is controlled solely by the asymptotic behavior of the mesoscale process. Scaling laws from the micro- to meso- and meso- to macroscales are obtained as well as the Fokker--Planck equations for the transition...


This paper introduces the practical application of geophysical exploration methods such as transient electromagnetic detection and seismic CT tomography in exploration of underground mined-out subsidence area in some engineering,in which the exploration effect is analyzed.


We discuss theoretical models and experimental data that shed light on possible small violations of the spin-statistics relation for photons. Particular emphasis is given to our recent experimental search for non-symmetric photon states, using atomic two-photon transitions.


Objective To analyze the major lifetime events of children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy(DMD) so as to understand the clinical progression and main symptoms.Methods Four hundred and thirty-six DMD patients were diagnosed clinically and confirmed by gene detection or muscular biopsy.Data of the patients were collected and analyzed to understand the relationship of main clinical features,progression,and intelligence.CK was detected to understand the natural history of DMD.Results Mean age of the patients at diagnosis was(6.37±2.88)years and the course of disease was about(4.46±3.02) years.The main reasons for visiting doctors were frequent falls and stair-climbing difficulties.About 59.86% patients began their first walking after 18 months old.About 96.56% patients were gastrocnemius muscle pseudohypertrophy,and 93.59% patients aged from 5 to 7 years old were Gower′s sign positive.CK value increased gradually during 2-5 years old,reached peak during 6-7 years old,then declined gradually,however it still sustained above the normal level when 15 years old.Conclusions The natural history of DMD patients follows the unvarying rule.They usually appeared normal at birth,then delayed in learning walk,stairclimbing problem,and walking difficulty after a short distance until gave up.


Khuzestan coastal waters have high fisheries potential and ecological importance. Since different sources of stress exist in this area, the present study was conducted to evaluate ecological quality and to determine health status in Khuzestan coastal sediments based on benthic communities and their biological parameters. Seasonal sampling was done from 20 creeks of Khur-e-Mussa area in Khuzestan coastal waters by 0.125 m 2 Peterson grabsampler during winter 2008 to autumn 2009. Macro– invertebrates were separated, sorted and identified to the lowest possible taxon. In addition, biological parameters such as diversity, richness, biomass and abundance were calculated. The results were analyzed using univariate analysis method, ABC (Abundance–Biomass Curve). The most abundant groups were polychaets (58%), crustaceans (25%) and mollusk (9%), respectively. The ABC plots showed that majority ef creeks could be classified as moderately disturbed and polluted. The ranges of H' diversity index values in majority of stations indicated moderate ecological status.


Theme O PTICAL systems such as schlieren systems, MachZehnder interferometers, and shadowgraphs have been used as typical methods to observe shock waves around models. However, any shock shape cannot necessarily be observed by these optical systems. For instance, it is difficult to measure a cross-section of a shock wave around a model, especially that around a winged body as shown in Fig. 1. In this case the shock shape in the shaded region (dotted line) cannot be observed by any optical method, because a part of the optical axes is intercepted by the body. In this paper, an observing method of shock waves by using an electric discharge has been tried. The principle of the method is based on the fact that a radiation intensity of an electric discharge depends on gas densities. When an electric discharge is generated across a shock wave, the radiation intensity in the shock layer is different from that in the freestream according to the difference of each density, consequently the location of the shock wave can be easily found by taking a photograph of this discharge column. Since the location of the electrodes may be chosen arbitrarily and the discharge column can be observed from any direction, it will be expected to be able to observe cross-sectional shock shapes or the shock wave in a shaded region as stated above. W I N G E D BODY


Abstract. Disentangling the influence of lithology from the respective roles of climate, topography and tectonic forcing on catchment denudation is often challenging in mountainous landscapes due to the diversity of geomorphic processes in action and of spatial and temporal scales involved. The Dora Baltea catchment (western Italian Alps) is an ideal setting for such investigation, since its large drainage system, extending from the Mont Blanc Massif to the Po Plain, cuts across different major lithotectonic units of the western Alps, whereas this region has experienced relatively homogeneous climatic conditions and glacial history throughout the Quaternary. We acquired new 10Be-derived catchment-wide denudation rates from 18 river-sand samples collected both along the main Dora Baltea river and at the outlet of its main tributaries. The inferred denudation rates vary between 0.2 and 0.9 mm yr−1, consistent with previously published values across the European Alps. Spatial variability in denudation rates was statistically compared with topographic, environmental and geological metrics. 10Be-derived denudation rates do not correlate with modern precipitation and rock geodetic uplift. We find, rather, that catchment topography, in turn conditioned by bedrock structures and erodibility (lithotectonic origin) and glacial overprint, is the main driver of 10Be-derived denudation patterns. We calculated the highest denudation rate for the Mont Blanc Massif, whose granitoid rocks and long-term tectonic uplift support high elevations, steep slopes and high relief and thus favour intense glacial and periglacial processes and recurring rockfall events. Finally, our results, in agreement with modern sediment budgets, demonstrate that the high sediment input from the Mont Blanc catchment dominates the Dora Baltea sediment flux, explaining the constant low 10Be concentrations measured along the Dora Baltea course even downstream the multiple junctions with tributary catchments.


The electric motor is one of the most important components of industrial equipment, which are crucial for the efficiency of industrial processes. The majority of electric motors are used to drive fans, pumps and compressors.It is a known fact that this operating machinery equipment works at a constant speed at all times, even when this is not necessary, using throttles or valves to control the flow of liquids or gases. This in itself leads to huge costs for electricity and generating large amounts of carbon emissions, which is unnecessary and completely preventable.Electric drives with frequency regulators control the electric motor performance and adapt its speed and torque exactly to the requirements of the respective equipment, the advantages being energy saving and improvement of technical characteristics in industrial enterprises.Paper deals with determination of the variable electric power and energy losses in an electric motor driving a centrifugal fan when applying frequency control.


This article examines Nadine Gordimer's latest anthology Jump and Other Stories (1991) in the light of her political trajectory to date and in the light of her earlier stories. Gordimer's sensitivity to the moods and discourses of the current moment in South Africa is shown via an exploration of the topoi of the jump, the hunt and the enclosure. The formal innovations in the anthology — attempts at narrative multivocality, temporal complexity and authorial dethroning — are also examined. Finally, the author's complex, puzzling and sometimes retrograde representations of women and her attitudes to Feminism are shown to be in out of synchrony with her radical political attitudes.


The wide variability of conditions encountered in field testing of turbines is illustrated by examining two case studies with widely different scenarios. One site involved field acceptance testing of two four-Megawatt pit turbines installed in a new run-of-river plant. The second involved performance testing of 71 open flume Francis runners installed in the early 1900s.


While many scholars have posited a simultaneous relationship between trade and conflict, very few empirical studies have specified the relationship as such. Those that did employed samples that were relatively limited in spatial-temporal coverage. None have employed conflict indicators based on Militarized Interstate Dispute (MID) data due to the difficulty of including discrete dependent variables in a simultaneous equation framework. We overcome both limitations in this study and offer results with important theoretical implications. In line with the most recent published studies, we design our model to "condition" the estimates on recent histories of dyadic trade and conflict. We apply Maddala's estimator, which is designed for a two-equation system in which one endogenous variable is continuous and the other is dichotomous. While the signs of all control variable coefficients match those reported in mainstream trade-conflict literature, our main result does not. We find what we call the "primacy of politics"; i.e., that conflict indeed inhibits trade while the effect of dyadic interdependence on the likelihood of conflict is statistically insignificant. Extensive sensitivity analyses show the results to be consistent across estimators as well as alternative model specifications and trade data sets. We conclude that liberal claims about interdependence and conflict may be problematic.


Rendering multiple high-quality volumetric videos is still a challenge for today's mobile devices. Remote rendering offloads complex rendering operations to a powerful server and provides the final result to the end device as a 2D video stream. A drawback of remote rendering is the significant increase of interaction latency that can degrade the user experience. We present a planar homography-based approach that compensates minor changes of the user's head pose due to the interaction latency by warping the transmitted image on the client-side, just before it is sent to the display. In detail, we use the homography between the initial head pose when the image is rendered at the server and the latest available head pose of the user at the client. We perform controlled experiments using artificial camera traces to evaluate our approach. The results show that the proposed approach reduces the rendering errors significantly in terms of the mean-squared error between the rendered and reference images, especially combined with initial head motion prediction.


Unlike the traditional Fourier transform,the wavelet transform has good localization property both in time and frequency domains.This paper introduces the concept of wavelet transform and the application of the wavelet transform in the detection of the singularity.The simulation validates is also made.It is proved that the technique has specific property for singular detection.


AbstractAn offset-free output feedback robust model predictive control for a generic hypersonic vehicle (HV) under disturbances is investigated. The disturbances are appended to the states of the HV to constitute an extended state, and a full-order nonlinear Luenberger-like observer is designed to estimate the disturbances and states of the HV. The influences of the disturbances on the velocity and altitude are attenuated by the target generator and the model predictive controller based on the estimated disturbances and states. Simulation results show that the velocity and altitude can track the given references accurately under external disturbances and parameter uncertainties.


In this paper we present a new approach to segment license plates from a static image. The method uses mathematical morphology techniques, combining a fast granulometry algorithm and a morphological residue approach. The sets of attributes, and processing sequence are both detailed in this paper. All the preprocessing methods, necessary for solving the problem, are given here. The results present high quality and processing time and performance are efficient.


DOCSIS® 3.1 technologies over HFC networks will continue to support the best-in-market speeds delivered to the broadest population of consumers with the best customer experience. This paper describes the trends of broadband demand and how cable technology could evolve leveraging fiber deep technologies.


In this report we reviewed the role of CT, of endoscopic ultrasonography and of MR in the study of the gastric wall, to assess the degree of parietal infiltration to characterize gastric neoplasms. Finally we assess the CT role to check gastric carcinoma recurrences.


A novel swarm intelligence optimization AC_ICPSO(ant colony and immune clone particle swarm optimization)algorithm is proposed.It combines ACO(ant colony optimization)and PSO(particle swarm optimization)to conduct dynamic swarm query.According to introducing crossover and mutation operator,encoding repeatedly,iterative choice,etc.,it leads to widen data range,improves search precision and convergence efficiency,avoids premature convergence,and reduces complexity of the conventional ACO or PSO algorithm.Then AC_ICPSO is used to optimize the parameters of LSSVM(least square support vector machines)to predict the melt index of polypropylene,so the best model AC_ICPSO_LSSVM is obtained.The detailed researches on the optimized model are carried out based on the data from a real plant,and the result shows that the proposed approach has great prediction accuracy and effectiveness.


Vermicompost is the type of compositing that was studied on the growth parameters of Ground Nut plant [Arachis hypogaea L]. Vermicompost chemical composition contains especially nitrates, exchangeable phosphorous, soluble potassium, calcium and magnesium than that of growth media. The study was mainly aimed on the plant growth on the seedlings that was grown in difference composition of the vermicompost such as [10%-100%]. The outcome of vermicompost of root and shoot length, germination percentage and vigor index, and the leaf area index were studied. The study indicated significant impacts of vermicompost application on the analyzed growth parameters.


The article presents a version of the methodology for assessing the information and psychological situation in the area of armed conflict in a new type of confrontation. A brief description of the factors that make up this situation, with the calculation of their weight coefficients. The order of an assessment of information and psychological situation and the mechanism of analyzing of the received conclusions in the decision of the military unit (compound) commander for tactical actions are revealed.


A two-component Bose-Einstein condensate rotating in a toroidal trap is investigated. The topological constraint depends on the density distribution of each component along the circumference of the torus, and therefore the quantization condition on the circulation can be controlled by changing the miscibility using the Feshbach resonance. We find that the system exhibits a variety of dynamics depending on the initial angular momentum when the miscibility is changed.


Multidimensional codesign is a recently proposed paradigm for integrating different system dimensions in sensor networks. Examples of such dimensions are logical and physical mobility, continuous and discrete transitions, deterministic and random evolutions and features resulting from their interaction, like deterministic and stochastic hybrid behaviours. In this paper, we propose a unifying computational model that considers multiple dimensions and an integration framework based on domain theory. In this framework new dimensions can be incrementally added, and we illustrate this technique by adding logical mobility to the computational model. The new model has a very promising modelling power, offering all formal ingredients of a neural network. We further investigate bisimulation for systems mixing physical and logical mobility. We identify and solve a compatibility problem between bisimulation relations arising from mobility and continuous behaviours.


Introduction Part I. Methodology in the Study of Aristotle on Female Animals: 1. Feminism, sexism and Aristotle 2. Consistency in the Generation of Animals Part II. Reassessing the Generative Role of the Female Animal in Aristotle: 3. Menstrual blood and female semen 4. Matter Part III. Reassessing the Generative Role of the Male Animal in Aristotle: 5. The male as efficient and formal cause of generation 6. Interpretations of Aristotle on the male role in generation Part IV. Generation in Lower Animals and Particular Instances: 7. Generation in lower animals 8. Aristotle on sexual differentiation 9. Aristotle on heredity 10. Teleology and necessity in the Generation of Animals Conclusion.


According to the characteristics of grammatical forms,grammatical category can be divided into three categories:morphological category,distributional category and paradigmatic category.The modified category is a paradigmatic category.The two kinds of grammatical meaning in modified category——descriptive meaning and distinctive meaning are born by the same attributive constituent and showing a transitional change.The differences manifested by every contrast items of a connotational category in the appearance or not,quantity and mutual relations,can be seen as the grammatical form expressing descriptive meaning and distinctive meaning.


The investigation focused, in the paper, on developing a method of the improvement in the capacity and deformation of a concrete shear wall reinforced with high-strength rebars under the actions of the horizontal forces. For the cantilever shear walls, the ultra strength rebars were placed both in the two boundary columns using as transverse stirrups and longitudinal reinforcements, and in the central part of the wall using as horizontal and vertical distributed steel. To validate the proposed method, a nonlinear FEM model for the shear walls was set up and a numerical simulation was finished for the understanding of the parametric influences and failure mechanism. To examine the efficiency of the FEM model and the results of the numerical simulation, a pseudo static test, which included five high-strength concrete shear walls reinforced with the ultra strength rebar, was tested under cyclic lateral loads combined with constant vertically axial forces. The results of the experiments and numerical simulations both showed that the capacity and the ductility of the concrete shear wall were effectively increased by using the high-strength rebars.


Changes brought about by current education reforms have highlighted the leadership role of public school principals. Many authors have identified the instructional leadership of the principal as the most influential variable associated with effective school (Collins & White, 200l; DiPaola & Tschannen-Moran, 2003; Goor, Schwenn, & Boyer, 1997; Hamill, Jantzen, & Bargerhuff, 1999). As the instructional leader of the campus, principals have inherited responsibility for ensuring implementation of individual education plans for children with disabilities in the least restrictive environment, the general classroom (DiPaola & Tschannen-Morgan, 2003; Schroth & Littleton, 2001). This paper examines results of a research project investigating principals' perceptions of their level of responsibility for special education programs. Results suggest principals perceive themselves highly responsible for special education, and in need of training.