immanent i n l i f e , m e e t i n g ou t b a l a n c e d r e t r i b u t i o n e i t h e r i n t h i s w o r l d o r the n e x t . O n l y i n t r a g e d y the r e i s t h i s d i f f e r e n c e t h a t i t c o n c e r n s i t s e l f , n o t w i t h the n e x t w o r l d bu t t h i s , o f w h i c h i t t a k e s one s m a l l f r a gmen t and works i t i n t o a comple te and symmetr i c a l w h o l e . $he i d e a o f t r a g e d y t h e n i s a h e r o wo r thy o f o u r s y m p a t h y , who f r om some human weakness commits a v i o l a t i o n o f t h e h i g h e r m o r a l l a w , w h i c h b e i n g o f s u f f i c i e n t g r a v i t y i n i t s n a t u r a l c o u r s e o f c o n s e q u e n c e s , draws h i m down t o r u i n , be t h i s v i o l a t i o n w h a t e v e r i t may , e i t h e r i n t h o u g h t , w o r d , o r d e e d . t h i s i s the t r a g i c p r i n c i p l e a l l i n a n u t s h e l l , and where t h i s i s l a c k i n g t h e r e i s no t r a g e d y , p e r h a p s a good comedy, a good d r a m a , b u t no t r a g e d y . Y e t w h i l e a l l i n d i c a t i o n s p o i n t ou t t h a t / " the g r o w t h o f the i d e a was s o m e t h i n g l i k e has been t o l d , t h e Greek d r a m a t i s t s i n d i v i d u a l l y d i d n o t c o n f i n e t h e m s e l v e s s t r i c t l y t o any one o f the p h a s e s m e n t i o n e d , b u t t h e y a l l o w e d t h e m s e l v e s more o r l e s s l a t i t u d e i n s e l e c t i n g t h e i r m o t i v e s . We f i n d the same l i c e n s e i n S j ^ c h i l l e r , e s p e c i a l l y i n h i s l a t t e r and more i m p o r t a n t wo rks where he makes a c o n s c i o u s use o f t h i s i d e a . I n W a l l e n s t e i n we have one o f the l o f t i e s t c o n c e p t i o n s the human m i n d h a s e v e r p r o d u c e d . I n t h e f i r s t p l a c e i t i s h i s e x c e s s o f power a n d good f o r t u n e t h a t i s f a t a l t o h i m . Power and f o r t u n e have made h i m r e c k l e s s ; bu t power and f o r t u n e a l o n e p roduce e n i m i e s , and h i s r e c k l e s s n e s s i n c r e a s e d t h e i r number . I t i s h i s power t h a t s e t s i n m o t i o n a h o s t o f i n f l u e n c e s t o urge h i m o n . 5 t h e r e i s i n the f i r s t p l a c e the c o u r t i m p e r i a l . I r i s t i h n e n zo hoch g e s t i e g e n , M o c h t e n i $ u g e r n h e r u n t e r K r i e g e n . <^v'<*"*""y He knows t h a t and s o does h i s army, theres u p e r s t i t i o n comes i n . ",*'*•->-' ftenn das w e i s s j a d i e gauze w e l t T Dass d e r P r e £d l a n d e r e i n e n ^ e u f e l km d e r h o l l e im s o l d e h a l t . Vague s u r m i s e s o f h i s f u t u r e p l a n s among h i s own s o l d i e r s , a n d , the d i s c o n t e n t a t the p r e f e r m e n t o f c e r t a i n r e g i m e n t s , and the b l a t a n t o p p o s i t i o n o f the Q o p u c h i n p r o t e c t e d by the d f roats . |o the G e n e r a l i t seems a c o n c o r d a n t and i n s o l u b l e body s u r r e n d e r e d u n c o n d i t i o n a l l y t o t h e i r m a s t e r ' s command, but t o u s , d i s i n t e r e s t e d s p e c t a t o r s a p p e a r a h o s t o f h i d d e n p l a n s and weaknesses t h a t may succumb to any u n f o r t u n a t e s t r a i n . f a t e i i s , i r o n power , t e r r i b l y e n s n a r i n g the man t h a t f i r s t i n c i t e s t h a t powe r , r e b o u n d i n g on t h o s e t h a t s e r v e d i t and a n n i h i l a t i n g a l l t h a t a p p r o a c h e s them, t h a t i s the theme o f W a l l e n s t e i n , " a c c o r d i n g t o Luvere ; That i s the t r u t h but no t the whole t r u t h . H o f m e i s t e r p e r h a p s d e s c r i e s i t d i m l y when he c l a i m s t o see i n W a l l e n s t e i n a d u a l i t y , a d i v i s i o n o f the p o e t i c c o n c e p t i o n , t h e r e i s a d i v i s i o n , a d u a l i t y , a c o m p l e x i t y r a t h e r , but not i n the p o e t i c c o n c e p t i o n . " f a t e o v e rpowe r s the h e r o as the s e r p e n t s overcome I i aocoon" , s a y s ( I r im, and t h a t idsea seems t o be the n a r r o w sense o f a l l the broad c r i t i q u e s w r i t e n on the s u b j e c t . But l e t us quote W i n c k e l mann on t h i s s u b j e c t : Laocoon i s n a t u r e . . . . under the f e a t u r e s o f a man who seeks t o g a t h e r up a g a i n s t p a i n ( fa te ) a l l the s t r e n g t h o f w h i c h h i s mind i s c o n c i o u s . . . . there i s an e x p r e s s i o n o f i n d i g n a t i o n t h a t seems to p r o t e s t a g a i n s t an undeserved, s u f f e r i n g . M $u t v a i n i s human o p p o s i t i o n t o a super-human power, he succumbs, b l a m e l e s s and c a l m , i n a l l the g r a n d e u r of s e l f c o n c i o u s manhood. S c h i l l e r c o u l d have made h im such had he wanted t o , and i t wou ld have been a mode rn i z ed r e p r e s e n t a t i o n o f the Sophoc lean i d e a o f I l e c t r a , a p l a y i n wh i ch the i n t e r e s t would be c o n c e n t r a t ed on the p a t h e t i c e lement ( as d e f i n e d by S c h i l l e r i n h i s e s s a y ) , a p l a y i n w h i c h a d m i r a t i o n f o r the m o r a l g r andeur o f the man i n m e e t i n g h i s f a t e , would make us f o r g e t o r o v e r l o ok the harshness and c r u e l t y o f t h a t f a t e i n overwhe lming h i m , a f i n e p l a y but no t r a g e d y . We wou ld see h im meet h i s doom w i t h a l l the l a w f u l means a t h i s d i s p o s a l but f i n d i n g them o f no a v a i l , do as Max adv i s e s h im to d o , w i t h d r a w be fore he has compromised r i g h t and honor . Y i e l d i n g i n t h i s manner to the i n e v i t a b l e n e c e s s i t y , the comp a r i s o n w i t h Laocoon would be more j u s t i f i e d , and the f a t e s u b d u i n g h i m , wou ld be more a f t e r the o r i g i n a l Greek i d e a , flut t h i s i s j u s t what W a l l e n s t e i n does not do . He sees i t coming and i n s t e a d o f m e e t i n g i t o p e n l y and m a n f u l l y , he employs a r t i f i c e , t i l s e c r e t he c o r r e s p o n d s , has been c o r r e s p o n d i n g w i t h the Swedes f o r s e v e r a l y e a r s . We may not mean any harm, but appearances are a g a i n s t h i m , and i t i s m a n ' s s a c r e d d u t y t o g u a r d e v en a g a i n s t a p p e a r a n c e s , and b e s i d e s he t h a t t o y s w i t h a n a d d e r must e x p e c t t o be b i t t e n . A man o f t r u e m i l i t a r y h o n o r wou ld s p u r n w i t h supreme contempt a n y t h i n g and e v e r y t h i n g t h a t wou ld t h r o w upon h i s l o y a l t y the s l i g h t e s t t i n g e o f s u s p i c i o n and i f W a l l e n s t e i n engages i n a c o r r e s p o n d e n c e w h i c h must seem t r e a s o n a b l e i n the h i g h e s t d e g r e e t o any d i s i n t e r e s t e d o b s e r v e r , i t p r o v e s t h a t i f he i s n o t a t r a i t o r i n deed and i n t e n t i o n , he i s a t l e a s t h a l f a t r a i t o r a t h e a r t . I t must be remembered t h a t W a l l e n s t e i n i s a m i l i t a r y h e r o and as s u c h , t o a c e r t a i n e x t e n t a t l e a s t , h i s a c t i o n s must be j u d g e d f r o m a m i l i t a r y p o i n t o f h o n o r , and t h a t w i l l r e n d e r h i s f a t e f a r more i n t e l l i g i b l e . To t h i s he adds the f a r more f l a g r a n t o f f e n c e o f a p r o p o s e d c o n j u n c t i o n w i t h the Swedes , and w h a t e v e r h i s i n t e n t i o n s were i n t h i s m a t t e r , e v e n i f he meant u l t i m a t e l y t o save the c o u n t r y and e x p e l the enemy, i t was u n m i t i g a t e d t r e a s o n and open r e b e l l i o n a g a i n s t h i s empe ro r , h i s l i e g e l o r d , c o n c e i v e d w i t h the p r ime o b j e c t o f a d v a n c i n g h i s own p e r s o n a l a m b i t i o u s i n t e r e s t s , f h e n a l l a l o n g he shows a s u r p r i s i n g l a c k o f p r i n c i p l e and s c r u p u l o u s n e s s , so f a r i n s t a n c y h i s apa thy t owards the manner i n w h i c h the s i g n a t u r e s o f the g e n e r a l s , are o b t a i n e d . H_J.s t r e a t m e n t o f Max i s a n o t h e r i n c r i m i n a t i n g c i r c u m s t a n c e , the e x t e n t t o w h i c h W a l l e n s t e i n i s c o m p l i c a t e d i n t h i s e p i s o d e i s n o t v e r y c l e a r l y d e f i n e d , b u t th e r e a re s t r o n g i n d i c a t i o n s t h a t he s p e c i o u s l y f a v o r s and employs M a x ' s a f f e c t i o n f o r t h e k l a , t o make h i m s e l f sure of the ?teolor*wi^. Another and most s e v e r e l y a g r a v a t i n g c i r e s i s t a n c e i s the d e c e i t p r a c t i c e d upon B u t l e r , Th i s too i s l e f t somewhat u n c e r t a i n . We do not know whether the l e t t e r O c t a v i o g i v e s t o S u t l e r i s genuine o r no t , but as l ong as no th ing i s s a i d to the c o n t r a r y , we are c o n s t r a i n e d to accept i t as s u c h . Some remarks made a f t e rwards are perhaps not an admiss ion o f t h i s d e c e i t , y e t the f a c t t ha t he suspec ts B u t l e r i s h a l f an a d m i s s i o n , f o r i t i s human nature to be s u s p i c i o u s of those whom we f e e l we have wronged and^there fore have r eason to be revenged on us* R e c a p i t u l a t i n g we haw t h i s : the excess of power and p r o s p e r i t y , i n d u c i n g p r i d e and r e c k l e s s n e s s i s the agency e f f e c t i n g h i s p o l i t i c a l d o w n f a l l , i n t r y i n g to oppose wh i ch , he makes use o f imprope r means, and becomes en tang l ed i n a net work o f g u i l t t h a t f i n a l l y causes h i s t r a g i c f a t e . But here ente rs a q u e s t i o n o f s u b j e c t i v e


Objectives : To assess the developmental abnormalities in Severe Acute Malnutrition using Developmental Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). Design: Hospital based Prospective Analytical Study. Setting : Department of Pediatrics, Kamla Raja Hospital, Gajra Raja Medical College, Gwalior. Participants: Children with severe acute malnutrition as per criteria of WHO between the age of 6 months and 30 months admitted in the hospital between March 2015 to January 2017. Method: Patients were first managed as per WHO guidelines of SAM. At the end of stabilization phase detailed neurological examination was done to look for neurological deficits by Development Assessment Scale for Indian Infants (DASII). Results: A total of 70 cases were enrolled. Mean Development Quotient for cases was 79.7(23.5) against a population mean of 112.28(10.7) (p 11.5cm [91.5(16.4)]. On analyzing patients having stunting, it was found that a significant proportion of them had low Motor DQ (chi 2 4.1, p value 0.023), low Mental DQ (chi 2 2.9, p value 0.038), and low Mean DQ (chi 2 3.1, p value 0.036) when compared to patients not having stunting. Conclusions : SAM patients have both low Mental DQ and Motor DQ. Low MUAC is associated with Low Motor DQ. Stunting is associated with low Motor and Mental DQ.


Ceramic-coated materials used in different engineering sectors are the focus of world-wide interest and have generated a need for inspection techniques that detect very small structural anomalies. Non-destructive testing is increasingly being used to evaluate coating thickness and to test for coating flaws. The main pros of non-destructive testing is that the tested object remains intact and available for continued use afterward. This paper reports on an integrated, non-destructive testing approach that combines infrared thermography and acousto-ultrasonics to evaluate advanced aerospace sandwich structure materials with the aim of exploring any potential for detecting defects of more than one type. Combined, these two techniques successfully detected fabrication defects, including inclusions and material loss.


Summary The RIM concept is truly an innovative approach to natural resource management. It is an idea with a very high "common sense factor," one people can understand, and support. The RIM Reserve Program has come along at the right time, when our natural resources need help and the agricultural economy needs a financial hot in the arm. Securing a permanent funding mechanism for RIM remains a tremendous challenge. For two years, the bulk of RIM funding has from bonds which the legislature is very reluctant to continue. This has resulted in a much lower funding level than needed and requested. The RIM Coalition, the governor, and a number of legislators are exploring many other options for funding. Presently momentum is picking up for an Environmental Trust Fund, placing one billion dollars into a trust over a period of years and using the interest to fund a number of environmental programs including RIM. Exactly how RIM will be permanently funded is yet to be determined. The bottom line is that RIM is an idea whose time has come. With the support of the public and the acceptance it has received from legislators and landowners, we feel that RIM will continue. Its impacts will surely become more visible as the years pass with improved hunting, fishing, and tourism, and a strengthed agricultural economy. RIM is truly a win-win program for the people and natural resources of Minnesota.


A failure of excitation system for one aviation power supply vehicle occured in examination and debugging stage is analyzed.Hopeing people on examineing and repairing or connection for generation to notice field winding's polarity,avoiding the failure is happened.


We consider a tunnel junction with one side superconducting and the other side slightly above the superconducting transition temperature. The fluctuation-induced current in the presence of a magnetic field is calculated starting from the single-particle tunneling Hamiltonian. Our treatment takes into account nonuniform fluctuations across the normal film and for strong magnetic field deviation from the previously obtained ${H}^{2}$ dependence is predicted. It is also verified that the field has the effect of both suppressing the transition temperature and picking out a particular momentum component of the order-parameter correlation function.


Optimization a method is based on the decision of task: on the set segment to enter the piece-linear function of extreme area in convex function. The equations satisfying the terms of existence of extremum are obtained


Madhhab in Bahasa means to go or it can also be interpreted as an opinion. Matlah 'is a regional boundary based on the range of sight of the new moon. While the Hijri calendar is the determination of the date or month associated with important days for Muslims around the world. Within Islam itself, there are four schools of thought that are famous for their opinions regarding Islamic law, namely the Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hambali schools. In the opinion of the four imams of the madhhab there are often differences of opinion, just like mathlah, they have their own opinions regarding the matter of matlah. Matlah has an important relationship with the sight of the new moon. Hilal has a close relationship with the determination of the beginning of the Hijri month. Therefore, the views of the four madhhab imams on matlah have a major influence in determining the beginning of the hijri month because the turn of the beginning of the month is determined by the visible new moon.Keywords: Madhhab, Matlah', Hijri Month


This paper describes the most significant results of the geophysical surveys carried out over Las Herrerias polimetallic sulphide deposit. During a decade of exploration, a great variety of geophysical methods have been applied on the site: direct current electrical metbods, induced polarization, potential fie]d, ground electromagnetic and airborne methods, everyone with several arrays and spacings. The response from Las Herrerias body is analyzed, ?md sorne suggestions are derived for its geological setting.


Although diagnostic tests affect up to 70% of treatment decisions, such testing accounts for only 2% of the overall cost of U.S. health care. Scientific advances and new technologies are making it possible to develop simple, inexpensive diagnostic tests that can be used at the patient's bedside. In developed countries, such point-of-care tests (POCTs) offer a convenient, inexpensive alternative to conventional laboratory-based diagnostic tests. In developing countries, where conventional diagnostic testing might not be available, access to POCTs may mean the difference between a treatment decision informed by an accurate diagnosis versus one that is ineffective or even harmful.


Biological characteristics of adult sea lampreys, Petromyzon marinus, in the Great Lakes changed in response to lamprey and prey abundance and the chemical control program. Sea lampreys collected as early as 1947, through 1978, from southern Lake Superior, northwestern Lake Michigan, the Ocqueoc River and Canadian shore of Lake Huron, and the Humber River of Lake Ontario were analyzed. Generally, abundance of sea lampreys peaked in each lake before the chemical control program began. The annual mean lengths and weights were relatively low when lampreys were abundant and increased as the numbers were reduced by the control efforts. As an indication of the change in sea lamprey weight per unit change in length, annual log10 weight on log10 length equations were solved at the arbitrary length of 410 mm. The values were plotted against years for each lake and interpreted with respect to chemical treatment periods. All slopes were negative before the control period and positive thereafter. Sea lamprey lengths ...


A novel high gain circular disc antenna configuration is proposed. The antenna is a stacked configuration of two circular discs, designed to operate in TM11 and TM13 modes. The working principle is based upon the radiated field superposition of TM11 and TM13 modes. The antenna has a broadside gain of 13.86dB with a SLL of -13dB. Effect of ground plane size on sidelobelevel is presented.


We use a resistive-reactive crosscoupling within elliptic high- and low-pass filters to provide sharp-cutoff highpass or lowpass responses, which then reach an almost constant stopband attenuation value a short distance from the passband. This almost-constant stopband is maintained down to DC for highpass types and to at least twice the cutoff frequency for lowpass configurations. Similar resistive-reactive crosscoupling configurations can be used to provide constant stopband levels for bandpass and bandstop networks.


This paper surveys alternative methodologies for measuring and comparing the productivity and efficiency of railways, and the empirical findings of applied studies. Empirical studies reveal trends and differences among railways and time periods. Almost all studies reviewed conclude that increased competition via regulatory liberalisation and deregulation has improved efficiency. Many European studies find that management autonomy increases efficiency. It is important that the effects of differential operating environments such as traffic density and the characteristics of a rail network should be removed in order to make a proper comparison of efficiency. (A)


Strategies for sequential variable selection and classification are presented for a data base consisting of a network of causally related events. A system for diagnostic consultation in medicine has been developed applying these strategies.


Joseph F. Lockavitch, Jr., 80 Parker Street, Apartment K, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, is a lecturer at the Graduate School of Education, Lesley College, Cambridge, Massachusetts. E XPERIENCE IN EDUCATION has made us weary of those who tend to make blanket generalizations and offer educational panaceas that promise success for all children, regardless of the individual difficulties. This is not the purpose of this article. It is written solely to relate to you some of the more common characteristics and difficulties that I have observed, and to offer comments that hopefully will be not only informative, but of practical value to the practicing teacher. It has been noticed that, after allowing for individual differences, there are certain common characteristics that have been found among many of the children that I have met. These traits


Recently N. Korevaar developed a method of proving that solutions to elliptic and parabolic boundary value problems on convex domains ω ⊂ Rn are convex functions. He introduced a concavity function

and used the classical maximum principle to prove that C ⩾ 0 on ω × ω, i.e. that u is convex. Both he and independently L. Caffarelli and J. Spruck applied this method successfully to various boundary value problems. In this note we weaken the assumptions of their theorems and obtain some interesting new applications which are not covered by their previous results [CS, Ko].


University education in Nigeria, as it is the case in other developing countries, has a specific mission of producing a critical mass of Nigerians, grounded in the key generic skills, who on the basis of the high-quality higher education they offer would provide the needed catalyst for the nation's socio-political and economic development. Studies and opinion of experts show that Nigerian universities at present are not producing high-quality graduates. In effect, it means that the curriculum is poorly implemented. The barriers to effective implementation of the university curriculum in Nigeria are identified and discussed. They include under-funding, population explosion, quantity and quality of the teaching staff, the quality of new entrants (students) into the university system and time usage. Their effects on effective curriculum implementation are highlighted and the way forward is discussed. It is believed that sources other than government subvention, like charging tuition fees, exploring alumni, foundations, corporations and investments can yield more revenue. Others are ensuring staff welfare to stem brain drain; revitalising the National Open University of Nigeria and improved time management.


Change detection by comparing two bitemporal images is one of the most fundamental challenges for dynamic monitoring of the Earth surface. In this article, we propose a metric learning-based generative adversarial network (GAN) (MeGAN) to automatically explore seasonal invariant features for pseudochange suppressing and real change detection. To achieve this purpose, a seasonal invariant term is introduced to maximally suppress pseudochanges, whereas the MeGAN explores the transition patterns between adjacent images in a self-learning fashion. Different from the previous works on bitemporal imagery change detection, the proposed MeGAN have the following contributions: 1) it automatically explores change patterns from the complex bitemporal background without human intervention and 2) it aims to maximally exclude pseudochanges from the seasonal transition term and map out real changes efficiently. To our best knowledge, this is the first time we incorporate the seasonal transition term and GAN for change detection between bitemporal images. At last, to demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method, we included two data sets which are the Google Earth data and the Landsat data, for bitemporal change detection and evaluation. The experimental results indicated that the proposed method is able to perform change detection with precision can be as high as 81% and 88% for the Google Earth and Landsat data set, respectively.


The tourism right is a part of human rights and constitutes a group of concepts with relatives that have reciprocal action. While subjects of tourism right enjoy the right, they must assume equal obligation. Act in accordance with universal legal principle to actualize the defense on legal procedure and form basic behavior rule when carrying tourism right into effect. Holding tourism right, we can disclose the significance of human tourism action and achieve the ultimate aim of respect to each other and harmoniously develop through actualization of individual right.


Intangible assets represent one part of the assets showing
significant differnces in reporting depending on what accountig
system is applied for the finacial statements preparation. The
purpose of the article is process analytic survey of reporting
on intangible assets according czech accounting legislation,
International Financial Reporting Standards and new
International Financial Reporting Standard for Small and
Medium-sized Enterprises.


While MT+PE has become an industry standard, our translation schools are not able to accompany these changes by updating their academic programs. We polled 100 pre-professionals to confirm that in our local context they are reluctant to accept post-editing jobs mainly because they have inherited pre-conceptions or negative opinions about MT during their studies.


The invention belongs to the field of robots and discloses a robot control software module partitioning method. First, a system is partitioned according to minimum functions to obtain an element sample set of minimum function particles. Then, relevance analysis is conducted on sample set elements from the perspectives of functions and structures, and elements with certain relevance are merged and clustered through a fuzzy tree graph clustering method. A partitioning scheme of subtrees on different levels is obtained by selecting different thresholds. Finally, a module partitioning scheme is evaluated comprehensively according to an information entropy idea, and optimal partitioning results are selected. By combining fuzzy clustering and level analysis, relevance among system elements is quantized, effects of human factors in module partitioning are reduced, and difficulty of a modularity process of robot control software is reduced. A mathematical evaluation model is provided through the information entropy idea, a reasonable and effective solving scheme for a robot software system module partitioning particle problem is provided, a developing period of module partitioning is shortened, and system developing cost is reduced.


This article reviews the business model transformation of a French energy company, Engie. The company is adapting to a new energy business environment characterized by three trends: decarbonisation, decentralisation and digitalization. In order to achieve this objective Engie has carried out a three-year plan (2016-2019) focusing on renewable energy sources, local energy generation and new technologies. The company has developed a new strategy for the period 2019-2021, the aim is to become the world leader in zero-carbon transition "as a service" assisting business and local authorities to reduce their carbon footprint in their operations. This implies an asset light strategy, Engie provides tailor-made solutions and expertise to their customers while partnering with the owners of renewable power sources. The company is in line with the environmental concerns of all its stakeholders and believes in the profitability of this new strategy, centred on renewable energy sources.


Compared with social value ignoring the female self,Quanzhen Sect's cultivating thought paid attention to the female group.Quanzhen Sect recruited plenty of female Taoist priests,many secular women were also important strength for Quanzhen Sect's development.Quanzhen Sect's Cultivating Idea fully affirmed the female's value,the women were superior to the man in becoming immortal.However,Quanzhen Sect was formed in the male chauvinism context,it didn't emphasize the female's dominant position.The women must make more effort than the man,and the evaluation system about the female's success referenced the male too.Accumulating moral capital was very important for the female's cultivation.


The present essay first lays down a foundation of terms and concepts which are distinctively Platonic as they appear in Spenser: Ideas, the four beneficent frenzies, the concomitance of beauty and goodness, ladders, preexistence, and the Platonic cycle of the individual soul from emanation to remeatio. With regard to several of these hallmarks, it introduces a new Platonist, Flaminio Nobili, in a mutually illuminating comparison to Spenser, discovering that Plato means less to his trattato d'amore than to Spenser's works. It demonstrates that Spenser throughout his poetry both endorses and enacts the Platonic and Ficinian notion that a certain kind of madness or frenzy fosters vision and creativity. It argues that just as Spenser affirms preexistence in Heavenly Beautie, so he implies it in certain otherworks, including The Faerie Queene. It argues that whereas the word "Idea" seems adventitious to the Hymne of Heavenlie Love, it plays an important part in Hymne of Beautie and in Amoretti 45 and 88, manifesting Spenser's tendency to translate Platonic metaphysical concepts into terms of individuals and of the human mind. Then in the second part, proof-texts from the Fowre Hymnes serve to reveal some other Platonic concepts such as emanation in an explication both of a story and of its analogous echoes, thus illustrating that tango of retrenchment and discovery that an investigation of a poet's worldview enacts as tastes change. The unity of the sons of Agape with each other and with their community of siblings, in-laws, lovers, and friends exemplifies the unity and equality of a modern social group in the face of diversity.


In this paper we give a new proof for the completeness of infinite valued propositional \L ukasiewicz logic introduced by \L ukasiewicz and Tarski in 1930. Our approach employs a Hilbert-style proof that relies on the concept of maximal consistent extensions, and unlike classical logic, in this context, the maximal extensions are not required to include all formulas or their negations. To illustrate this point, we provide examples of such formulas.


This project addressed sustainable transportation in the Texas Urban Triangle (TUT) by conducting a pilot project at the county scale. The project tested and developed the multi-attribute Spatial Decision Support System (SDSS) developed in 2009 under a previous UTCM project (TRID Online Accession #01324956), in order to determine the most suitable locations for transportation infrastructure networks, including high-speed rail. The research team selected a key county in the Austin-San Antonio segment of the Interstate 35 corridor. The project mapped, using the eight different strategic economic, social, and environmental factors in the model, the most and least suitable locations for the new transportation infrastructure. It is expected that the outputs of the model be used by TUT metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), metropolitan visioning groups, high-speed rail providers, and similar entities.


Oral presentation has become an important aspect of modern workplace and engineers usually perform oral presentations to keep management of the organization well informed about progress of company projects. This study examined factors that influenced effective oral presentation performance of engineers at workplace. Six engineers from 2 engineering organizations of Pakistan participated in this study. Purposive sampling was used since engineers with 5 years work experience were selected as participants for this study. All presentations were recorded to capture barriers that hampered effective oral presentation performance of engineers. Data were analyzed qualitatively through an assessment rubric. It contained four traits such as presentation skill, confidence, nervousness and vocal variety. Three assessors assessed these presentations to overcome researcher bias. The results of the study revealed that poor presentation skill, poor confidence and nervousness hindered effective oral presentation performance of engineers. The findings of the study would contribute to prepare better future engineers for modern industry.


Three antibody populations were raised in rabbits against surface antigens on guinea-pig L2C leukaemic lymphocytes: against idiotypic determinants on the lambda chain of the surface immunoglobulin, against C region determinants on the lambda chain, and against the surface antigens recognized by conventional anti-lymphocyte sera. Complement and K-cell cytotoxicities effected by the antibodies on L2C cells were studied in vitro. In both cytotoxic systems mixtures of the antibodies revealed synergy, in that the titres of the mixtures exceeded predicted additive titres of their components. The synergy was greater when the mixed antibodies were directed to determinants on the same molecule rather than to determinants on different molecules.


The protection of accountants' workpapers from disclosure has been a matter of controversy for many years. This is especially important with tax accrual workpapers and the expansion of FIN 48. The Internal Revenue Service has exacerbated the issue with the adoption of Schedule UTP requiring some corporations to disclose information on their uncertain tax positions. Work product protection has been available for workpapers prepared in "anticipation of litigation." Multiple problems arise when the workpapers are prepared for the corporation by independent accounting firms. Two cases in the federal courts have addressed this issue with dramatically different outcomes Textron in 2009 and Deloitte in 2010. In 2010 the Service implemented the Schedule UTP. This paper examines the current state of work 26 BRC Journal of Advances in Business Vol. 2, No. 1 product protection for workpapers in light of FIN 48, Schedule UTP requirements, Textron and Deloitte.


We conducted cool-down and excitation tests of an IV coil using the test facilities at the cryogenics and superconductivity laboratories of the NIFS. The main purpose of this experiment was to confirm the designed coils parameters before installing them in the Large Herical Device (LHD) cryostat. The other purpose was to demonstrate operations of a large SHe forced-flow coil, as an example of a total superconducting system including a cryogenic system, a superconducting bus line, a power supply and a protection system. The first experiment was carried out from the end of January to the beginning of March 1995. The coil could be cooled down to the superconducting state for 23 days including cooling suspension times. An inlet filter of the coil was, however, repeatedly blocked with impurities in helium gas during cool-down and steady operation. Due to the unstable operation of the cooling system, the excitation test was limited to 2.2kA. The second experiment was conducted from November to early December 1995. We readjusted the test facilities by increasing the cooling ability of LHe storage and adapting a new inlet-filter unit. The test facilities could be operated steadily, and the coil was successfully energized up to the LHD nominal current, 20.8kA.


Podoplanin is a platelet aggregation‐inducing factor associated with tumor metastasis, malignant progression, and cancer stem cells. We produced a rat–human chimeric anti‐podoplanin mAb, NZ‐8, from rat anti‐podoplanin mAb (NZ‐1). Although both NZ‐1 and NZ‐8 possess high binding affinities and high neutralizing activities of platelet aggregation, the antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity and complement‐dependent cytotoxicity of NZ‐8 were much higher than NZ‐1. Furthermore, both NZ‐1 and NZ‐8 inhibited the growth of podoplanin‐expressing tumors in vivo. Both NZ‐1 and NZ‐8 also suppressed hematogenous metastasis of podoplanin‐expressing tumors. These results suggest that anti‐podoplanin mAbs suppressed hematogenous metastasis by both neutralization and antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity/complement‐dependent cytotoxicity activities. Targeting therapy to podoplanin‐expressing tumors should be useful as a novel immunotherapy.


Local displacements in the plane of an object surface illuminated by coherent light may be measured by recording double-exposure photographs of it. When the surface is illuminated symmetrically by two oblique beams, 'speckle correlation fringes' appear in the doubly exposed negative, due to the non-linear nature of the photographic recording. Factors affecting the visibility of these fringes and the range of displacement which can be measured are discussed. The fringe visibility falls to zero for displacements larger than a speckle width, but measurements can then be performed upon the optical transform of the negative image. With uni-directional object illumination, the in-plane displacement can be measured on a point-by-point basis in magnitude and in direction from Young's fringes observed. With two symmetrical oblique illuminating beams the effect of a small surface strain is displayed, even if large lateral displacement has occurred, by using spatial filtering when viewing the photographic image.


Reactive congestion control (RCC) protocols have undergone decades of evolution, where senders first send data packets and then back off when congestion occurs. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in proactive congestion control (PCC) that allocates bandwidth before transmission. Despite its potential, we found that there are certain scenarios where PCC may fall short. In this paper, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of PCC and motivate further exploration of this area. We conduct case studies and leverage NS3 simulations to compare state-of-the-art PCC with RCCs, delving into the real dilemma of PCC.


National Reports— The Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) has brought together nearly 70 industry stakeholders—health plans, providers, vendors, government agencies, associations, regional entities and standard-setting organizations—to create and, ultimately, disseminate and maintain operating rules to facilitate real-time, comprehensive, secure transfer of patient eligibility and benefits information. The organization laun-ched the Committee on Operating Rules for Information Exchange (CORE) in response to private sector recognition of the need for an interoperable solution for communicating member data to physician practices.


Comprising three novellas and critical research, this project defines and examines the possibilities of creative writing to expound upon and provide insight into issues of citizenship, belonging and memory. This interplay of narratives (creative and critical) speaks to the complex and intertextual nature of my research and is reminiscent of bricolage, defined by Matt Rogers as a 'multi-perspectival, multi-theoretical and multi-methodological approach to inquiry […] based on notions of eclecticism, emergent design, flexibility and plurality'. My thesis makes use of autobiography as case study and creative practice as research to illuminate the personal experiences of mothers and daughters separated by global movement and to study the role that the mother's storytelling plays in fostering the daughter's nostalgia for home and quest for belonging. By conducting interviews with my mother and utilising my own personal experiences as an exiled daughter to inform both my critical research and my ficto-autobiographical novellas, I have been able to draw more widely-applicable insights into the process of self-fashioning. This autoethnographical methodology bridges the gap between the personal and the public, and in the words of Heewon Chang 'transcends mere narration of self to engage in cultural analysis and interpretation'.


Based on a modified mean-field model, we calculate the Curie temperatures of Fe2+- and Co2+-doped diluted magnetic semiconductors (DMSs) and their dependence on the hole concentration. We find that the Curie temperatures increase with an increase in hole concentration and the relationship T(C)proportional to p(1/3) also approximately holds for Fe2+- and Co2+-doped systems with moderate hole concentration. For either low or high hole concentrations, however, the p(1/3) law is violated due to the anomalous magnetization of the Fe2+ and Co2+ ions, and the nonparabolic nature of the hole bands. Further, the values of T-C for Fe2+- and Co2+-doped DMSs are significantly higher than those for Mn2+-doped DMSs, due to the larger exchange interaction strength.


Background: The management of red blood cell inventory in hospital's blood bank is crucial. The Australian Red Cross Blood Service developed a RBC safety stock calculation method (abbreviated as the 'Australian formula'). In this study, we applied this method to four Korean hospitals to calculate the safe RBC stock level. Methods: The hospitals included in this study were three tertiary teaching hospitals and one teaching hospital. The number of hospital beds in these hospitals were 1093, 1330, 1400, and 854, respectively. The data were collected from the Korea Blood Inventory Monitoring System of Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. The target/minimal/maximal RBC inventory levels and inventory days (inventory level/average daily usage) by ABO blood types were calculated using the daily red cell transfusion, wastage, and supply data between May and October 2016. Results: The enrolled hospitals showed different levels for the target/minimal/maximal RBC inventory according to each blood group. The average of RBC inventory days in the four hospitals was 4.2 days. For each blood group, RBC inventory days were 3.2 ∼ 4.4 days for O blood group type, 3.5 ∼ 4.7 days for A blood group, 3.9 ∼ 4.5 days for B blood group, and 3.9 ∼ 5.5 days for AB blood group. Conclusion: Because the optimal RBC inventory levels are different depending on the hospital characteristics and the ABO blood group, it is necessary to set the RBC inventory levels for each hospital distinctly. The data obtained in this study will help manage blood product inventory in various hospital blood banks. (Korean


ABSTRACT The simultaneous occurrence of algae and the slugs Notarchus indicus and Melibe bucephala in Elat is pointed out. Both slugs are calm-water types and profit from the detritus layer on the algae. Notarchus indicus scrapes off the food from more or less flat surfaces using its radula. Melibe bucephala, which has no radula, is conspicuous for its specialized method of taking detritus from filamentous substrates. This feeding behaviour is permitted by a special organ, the oral hood, which can take in soft tender food particles by enclosing them. Melibe bucephala swims by bending its body laterally. Notarchus indicus swims by the propulsive thrust of a water jet expelled from the parapodial cavity. It is suggested that Notarchus indicus in the adult stage is regularly distributed to new habitats by swimming and floating in sea currents.


Probabilistic Roadmaps (PRM) [1] is an algorithm for finding a collision-free path in a known environment. It works by sampling possible configurations qi of the robot in the configuration space, C, and making connections between "near" configurations with a local planner (i.e. straight lines of bounded length). A recent result by Ladd and Kavraki [2] shows that this process finds a path with high probability (which was already known) but does so with no assumptions about metrics in the space, and the bound only depends on the probability distribution and not the dimensionality of the space. This work simplifies and improves several previous confusing results. The algorithm and idea of the analysis are simple and easy to understand. However, the generality for which the analysis is done, makes this algorithm and its analysis applicable to a much wider array of geometric and topological problems. Thus, I will present first the algorithm and the idea of its analysis. I will then present some of the formalism behind the analysis, hopefully give additional insight into its broader applications.


Background: There is no consensus on the optimal treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer and stable disease after cisplatin-based chemotherapy. The objective of the trial was to evaluate a switch to a different dual-agent chemotherapy. Methods: Patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer and stable disease after two cycles of cisplatin (P) and gemcitabine (G) (P day1 (d1): 75 mg/m2, G: 1250 mg/m2 d1 and d8 every 3 weeks) were randomized to receive either two further cycles of PG (arm A) or paclitaxel (100 mg/m2 d1, d8, d15) plus gemcitabine (1250 mg/m2 d1 and d8, every 4 weeks) (arm B). Results: Two-hundred-twenty-eight patients were enrolled between October 2003 and August 2006. After two cycles of PG, 98 patients (43%) had stable disease; 87 were randomized: 45 to arm A and 42 to arm B. The objective response rates were 15.6% (6.5–29.4) and 21.4% (10.3–36.8) in arms A and B. Overall survival after randomization was 9.6 months (7.0–13.8) in arm A and 9.3 months (7.4–13.3) in arm B. Adverse events were similar in the two arms for hematological and non hematological toxicities. Conclusions: Sequential first-line chemotherapy in these patients is feasible with no difference in response rates. These results do not warrant a phase III trial.


Optic disc (OD) is an important part of the eye. OD detection is an important step in developing systems for automated diagnosis of various serious ophthalmic diseases like Diabetic retinopathy, Glaucoma, hypertension etc. The variation of intensity within the optic disc and intensity close to the optic disc boundary are the major hurdle in automated optic disc detection. General edge detection algorithms are frequently unsuccessful to segment the optic disc because of this. Complexity increases due to the presence of blood vessels. This paper presents simple method for OD segmentation by using techniques like principal component analysis (PCA), mathematical morphology and Watershed Transform. PCA used for good presentation of input image and mathematical morphology is used to remove blood vessels from image. Watershed Transform is used for boundary segmentation.


- The best achievement and success in the education field is the hope for most individuals. Likewise, the educational institution, namely the school, is also trying to realize its success and become a successful school. Realizing a successful school required strategies and roles from every aspect, one of which is the work innovative behavior of teachers. This innovative work behavior is important and becomes one of the factors and indicators of a successful school. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of innovative work behavior in teachers having an important influence in achieving good school. A literature review approach is used in this study by reviewing articles related to the topic of schsool success which is supported by the innovative work behavior of teachers. The results showed that the role of innovative work behavior in teachers was proven to support school success. Innovative work behavior in teachers is also influenced by several factors and this behavior can also be improved


Considering that the trend in the workers' training is the personalization and the use of technologies for self-learning; this article examines the role of emerging technologies and methodologies in the future of training of electric energy production human resources of Comisión Federal de Electricidad. We analyze the problem of complexity as an ingredient inherent in the activities of operation and maintenance of equipment for electricity generation.


Effect of accelerated amng of soybeanseeds of different storale notential viz.. Brae& Hardec. Kaliturand T-49. was . . . -studied on the activity and isoenrymes of acid phosphatase in axis and cotyledons separately. Acid phosphatasc anivitv in both axis and cotvldons. was simnificantlvand oositivelvcorrelated with eerminabilitvat P C 0.05 in all . . the varieties except in the easeofaxis of KaIitur wherethecorrelation was non-significant. Agingcaused alterations in the isoenzymic pattern, both with respect to Rf value and number of bands.


By comparing reticulocyte and its parameters between the different intensity simulated HiLo training and sea-level training,this paper tries to find out the effect of the different intensity simulated HiLo training on hemopoiesis function.The research subject is SD rats which have been randomly divided into sixteen groups(eight groups for each other),which has correspondent groups between simulated HiLo training and sea-level training.After compatible training and formal training,these indexes were tested and data was statistically analyzed.The results showed that the Retic% index of TGDH1 and TGDHM in HiLo decreased significantly comparing with sea-level groups(P0.01).However,the level of Retic% in TGDH0 is higher than the TCH0 of sea-level.Among the two oxygen condition,the Retic% of high intensity groups is lower significantly than the groups 40 hours after rest.The maximal intensity group shows a little increased comparing with high intensity training.It concludes that the different intensity training in HiLo have influence on the hemopoiesis function at the different degree.After high-intensity and maximal intensity training,the function of hemopoiesis is restrained significantly comparing with sea-level training.Among the two oxygen condition,after high intensity training,the function of hemopoiesis is restrained.However,the maximal intensity training can stimulate the function of hemopoiesis.After 40 hours,there will be much better compensation.


Data movement between processors and main memory is a critical bottleneck for data-intensive applications. This problem is more severe with Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) applications due to their massive parallel data processing characteristics. Recent research has shown that in-memory processing can greatly alleviate this data movement bottleneck by reducing traffic between GPUs and memory devices. It offloads execution to in-memory processors, and avoids transferring enormous data between memory devices and processors. However, while in-memory processing is promising, to fully take advantage of such architecture, we need to solve several issues. For example, the conventional GPU application code that is highly optimized for the locality to execute efficiently in GPU does not necessarily have good locality for in-memory processing. As such, the GPU may mistakenly offload application routines that cannot gain benefit from in-memory processing. Additionally, workload balancing cannot simply treat in-memory processors as GPU processors since its data transfer time can be significantly reduced. Finally, how to offload application routines that access the shared memory inside GPUs is still an unsolved issue. In this paper, we explore four optimizations for GPU applications to take advantage of in-memory processors. Specifically, we propose four optimizations: application restructuring, run-time adaptation, aggressive loop offloading, and shared-memory transfer on-demand to mitigate the four unsolved issues in the GPU in-memory processing system. From our experimental evaluations with 13 applications, our approach can achieve 2.23x offloading performance improvement.


This paper presents the essential coordinates of the project concerning the achievement of feasible versions in terms of their design and functions) of a laboratory for urban operations for cadets, with high potential for implementation in military higher education institutions. Data to identify the optimal correlation (in terms of technical, system and operational views) between game and simulation, applicable in the military fi eld, based on the use of available airsoft weapons and specialized softwares existing on the specialized market for military and / or civilian use are envisaged. Our approach for this project maintains the common areas (resources, rules, actors) in the professional civil literature and the types of simulation defi ned in military documents: real simulation (it implies real people operating real systems), virtual simulation (it implies real people operating simulated systems) and constructive simulation (models and simulations which imply simulated people operating simulated systems, with real people setting the premises but not determining in any way the outcome of the simulation).


We have demonstrated all-optical packet switching, in which an MMI-BLD optical flip-flop worked as a label memory. The optical flip-flop allowed self-routing of multiple-wavelength packets with 338-ps switching time and 14-dB on-off ratio.


Arthur wellesley's first opportunity of independent command /\ came in India, to which he went out a lieutenant-colonel in JL X 1797, returning in 1805 a major-general with a knighthood. While there, he fought two of his most fiercely contested battles, against the troops of Daulat Rao Sindhia and the raja of Berar in the Second Maratha War. The performance of the Marathas at the battles of Assaye on 23 September 1803 and Argaum on 28 November attests to the high level of their infantry and especially artillery capability. The victory of the British shows how far this capability was nullified by the lack of an effective officer corps.


Topoisomerase I-associated DNA single-strand breaks selectively trapped by camptothecins are lethal after being converted to double-strand breaks by replication fork collisions. BLM (Bloom's syndrome protein), a RecQ DNA helicase, and topoisomerase III (cid:1) (Top3 (cid:1) ) appear essential for the resolution of stalled replication forks (Holliday junctions). We investigated the involvement of BLM in the signaling response to Top1- mediated replication DNA damage. In BLM-complemented cells, BLM colocalized with promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) nuclear bodies and Top3 (cid:1) . Fibroblasts without BLM showed an increased sensitivity to camptothecin, enhanced formation of Top1-DNA complexes, and delayed histone H2AX phosphorylation ( (cid:2) -H2AX). Camptothecin also induced nuclear relocalization of BLM, Top3 (cid:1) , and PML protein and replica-tion-dependent phosphorylation


Intravascular ultrasound thrombolysis has shown its advantages in the improved treatment rate compared with traditional administration of thrombolytic agents, and a safer treatment procedure compared with mechanical drilling methods. However, the method still suffers from the long treatment time. Although recent studies have shown progress in miniaturizing intravascular piezoelectric ultrasound transducers to improve the clot lysis rate, the transducer's size control, fabrication and packing are still complicated. On the other hand, laser generated ultrasound (LGU) has a relatively simple structure and can be adapted for expediting thrombolysis with its high acoustic pressure. However, there is a lack of studies on the intravascular LGU transducers. Therefore, in this study, we designed and fabricated an intravascular laser ultrasound transducer on an optical fiber. We characterized the transducer's performance by measuring its output pressure. Lastly, the transducer's thrombolysis rate was estimated in vitro. The preliminary test result showed on average a 32% reduction in the clot mass after a 30-min treatment with our transducer, demonstrating the feasibility of the sonothrombolysis use.


In Vehicular ad hoc Networks (VANETs), the efficient dissemination of messages is a key factor to speed up the development of useful services and applications. In this paper, we present the Optimal Broadcast Selection algorithm, a novel proposal that automatically chooses the best broadcast scheme trying to fit the warning message delivery policy to the current characteristics of each specific vehicular scenario. Our mechanism uses as input parameters the vehicular density and the topological characteristics of the environment where the vehicles are located, in order to decide which dissemination scheme to use. Simulation results demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, which is able to support more efficient warning message dissemination in vehicular environments. Keywords— Vehicular ad hoc networks, warning message dissemination, adaptive systems.


Objective To investigate the clinical application value of 64 row spiral CT with three-dimensional reconstruction in diagnosis of complex pelvic fracture. Methods Thirty cases were chosen and given implementation of X-ray plain films and CT reconstruction scanning. Diagnosis rate of different fracture with X-ray and CT reconstruction were analyzed. Results The fracture site was sacrum in 16 cases, sacroiliac joints in 20 cases, symphysis pubis acetabulum in 16 cases, pubic symphysis in 15 cases. In this study, diagnose accordance rate of fracture in sacrum, sacroiliac joint, pubic symphysis in CT reconstruction group were 93.75%, 95.00%, 100.00% and 100.00%; while the X-ray group were 37.5%, 15.0%, 18.75% and 73.3% retrospectively. Conclusion CT three-dimensional reconstruction in the diagnosis of complicated pelvic fracture can comprehensively and accurately reflect the pelvic three-dimensional morphology and fracture location of conformational space. It plays an important role in preoperative diagnosis and guidance of operation treatment.


Testability analysis method for software and hardware products, which represented by system level as a composition of control and operational automata is offered. Methodology of bottlenecks selection for assertions implementation in program code is proposed.


is an information service for those involved in planning and providing health care in Canada. HTIS responses are based on a limited literature search and are not comprehensive, systematic reviews. The intent is to provide a list of sources and a summary of the best evidence on the topic that CADTH could identify using all reasonable efforts within the time allowed. HTIS responses should be considered along with other types of information and health care considerations. The information included in this response is not intended to replace professional medical advice, nor should it be construed as a recommendation for or against the use of a particular health technology. Readers are also cautioned that a lack of good quality evidence does not necessarily mean a lack of effectiveness particularly in the case of new and emerging health technologies, for which little information can be found, but which may in future prove to be effective. While CADTH has taken care in the preparation of the report to ensure that its contents are accurate, complete and up to date, CADTH does not make any guarantee to that effect. CADTH is not liable for any loss or damages resulting from use of the information in the report. Links: This report may contain links to other information available on the websites of third parties on the Internet. CADTH does not have control over the content of such sites. Use of third party sites is governed by the owners' own terms and conditions. Chromosomal and gene expression abnormalities can be the underlying cause of a number of conditions such as developmental delay, congenital abnormalities, or cancer. 1 Conventional cytogenetic tests such as karyotyping or fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) are limited by poor resolution or the inability to screen a large number of chromosomal abnormalities at once. 2-4 Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) is a more recent technology that allows screening of imbalances across the entire genome with high resolution. 5,6 Per test, the technology is more expensive than its traditional counterparts, but the economic implication of introducing a new technology into clinical practice is more complicated than a straight comparison of a single test. 1,7,8 The ability to examine genome-wide expression changes simultaneously rather than one at a time, 5 higher detection rate for chromosomal abnormalities, 7 and other factors need to be considered when assessing the economic impact of a new diagnostic tool. There …


ABSTRACT We present studies on 21 multi-component mixtures consisting of bent-core liquid crystals to obtain room temperature switching between optically isotropic and birefringent states. Four of the mixtures show a significant enhancement over our previous results that were obtained either only at elevated temperatures, or did not show switching at room temperatures with appreciable contrast or speed. Although the switching of the new mixtures still requires high fields and shows only speeds at ~100 ms, the results appear already useful for specific applications, such as transparent displays, that do not require video-rate switching and fast refresh rates of the content. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT


AbstractAn exergy and energy analysis on a solar parabolic dish collector (PDC) is carried out. In the experimental conditions the destructed exergy due to solar energy absorption by receiver and heat losses from the receiver end up being approximately 60% waste of total exergy in some cases. The maximum exergy efficiency in the experiments is less than 10%. An objective function for maximizing the exergy efficiency is developed mainly based on heat transfer fluid (HTF) inlet temperature and mass flow rate. Optimization results indicate that the HTF outlet temperature as design parameter can be specified based on the given system application. At optimum values of operating parameters, the maximum destructed exergy due to solar absorption and heat losses from the receiver are less than 45 and 15%, respectively. A parametric study based on the developed objective function shows that exergy efficiency greater than 20% is attainable. In this condition an optimum HTF inlet temperature to the receiver is found ...


The paper presents a new principle of constantly tangential NC turning for aspherical revolved curved surface and a real-time control method for rotate angle and turning speed of tool which are needed in machining. Then, servo control system for tool carrier of constantly tangential turning is designed and the test system of constantly tangential NC turning for aspherical revolved surface is constructed. Thus the system can the turning angle and turning point of tool keep invariable while the tool is working, and the tangential feed speed of the tool along the tangent of contour invariant too. Consequently, the contour error of aspherical revolved surface can be reduced.


For an adaptable product, both configuration and parameter values associated with the configuration can be adapted in the product operation stage to satisfy different requirements. This research aims at developing a new design approach to identify the adaptable product whose functional performance is the least sensitive to parameter variations caused by uncertainties. First different configuration candidates in design and different product configurations in operation stage to satisfy design requirements are modeled by a novel hybrid AND-OR tree. Product/operating parameters associated with configurations are also modeled. A two-level optimization method is developed for identifying the optimal design configuration and the parameter values: design configuration optimization for identifying the optimal design configuration and parameter optimization for identifying the optimal parameter values associated with this design configuration. Case study of an adaptable vibratory feeder is developed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the newly developed robust adaptable design method.Copyright © 2013 by ASME


Nonlinear regression is increasingly applied to the calibration of hydrologic models through the use of perturbation methods to compute the Jacobian or sensitivity matrix required by the Gauss‐Newton optimization method. Sensitivities obtained by perturbation methods can be less accurate than those obtained by direct differentiation, however, and concern has arisen that the optimal parameter values and the associated parameter covariance matrix computed by perturbation could also be less accurate.


Isotope Geochemistry
Stable isotopes of a molecule can clump together in several combinations, depending on their mass. Even for simple molecules such as O2, which can contain 16O, 17O, and 18O in various combinations, clumped isotopes can potentially reveal the temperatures at which molecules form


Multiple studies show that humans are the leading cause of maritime accidents. Therefore, the interest in introducing autonomous surface vessels, particularly in the commercial sector, is receiving increasing attention. Digital twins, virtual representations of physics assets or processes enabled through data and models for real-time control, optimization, monitoring, and informed decision-making, are seen as key enablers for autonomy. Based on their capability, a digital twin is generally categorized on a scale from 0–5 (0-standalone, 1-descriptive, 2-diagnostic, 3-predictive, 4-prescriptive, 5-autonomous). The current work aims at concretizing the categorization in the context of autonomous vessels. It demonstrates some capability levels by introducing the development of an extendable digital twin framework created in the Unity game engine using physics-based models and real-time data. For this purpose, real-time weather and automatic identification system (AIS) data is streamed. While computer-aided design (CAD) and a three-dimensional (3D) height map build the foundation of a standalone digital twin, real-time data, physics-based models, and synthetic sensors set the basis of descriptive representations. Finally, an environmental disturbance observer enables the first diagnostic abilities, while a reinforcement learning algorithm pushes towards autonomous capabilities. It is argued that the work will improve the overall situational awareness for safe sea operations.


It has been proposed that although drawing and language are fundamentally separate modes of communication evidence exists for a shared conceptual process (Van Sommers 1989). Empirical and theoretical research has provided a body of evidence on the influence of language in shaping event conceptualisation for communication (Dipper et al 2005, Black & Chiat 2003, Zacks & Tversky 2001). The temporal order of words in a sentence and the choice of verb are all features of language that can alert the listener to the perspective and attentional focus of the speaker. Studies of non-linguistic communication have shown that foregrounding and ordering of semantic elements also occurs (Gershkoff-Stowe & Goldin-Meadow 2002, Sacchett 2005) and that these are shaped by different features of the input and output modalities. The study by Sacchett (2005) required participants to form conceptualisations of caused change of location events from visual input and used drawing as a means of communication. The results demonstrated that differences in foregrounding and temporal ordering of entities are affected by a complex interaction of conceptual and perceptual factors and the constraints of a graphic output modality. This current project has added to this body of evidence for control participants and investigated whether the manipulation of conceptual and perceptual factors increased the salience and consequently foregrounding of the Cause entity. The results have shown that significant primary foregrounding of the Cause entity occurs. However, the extent to which this happens is influenced by a complex interaction of top-down conceptual, bottom-up perceptual variables and the physical and spatial constraints of drawing to communicate.


Objective To explore the migration and locatin of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) after they were transplanted into adult brain tissue and to investigate the possibility of a new cell source for central nervous system transplantation. Methods Bone marrow stromal cells were cultured according to traditional method, and identified by immunocytochemistry. After that the cells were labeled by Hoechst 33258, then were stereotactically transplanted into adult rat striatum. Later rats were sacrificed and their brain tissues were sectioned to identify the transplanted cells under fluorescent microscopy. Results The majorities of the BMSCs expressed vimentin and fibronectin, which were the markers of bone marrow stromal cells, they could incorporate into the host brain tissue and no disruption were observed. These cells showed good compatibility when they were grafted into adult brains. Conclusions BMSCs could incorporate into host brains when they were transplanted into adult brain tissues, no overproliferation and gliosis were identified. Since that, BMSCs may be a potential source for cell transplantation in treating CNS discorders in humans.


The current lack of a long, 30+ year, global climate data record of reflected shortwave top-of-atmosphere (TOA) radiation could be tackled by relying on existing narrowband records from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) instruments, and transform these measurements into broadband quantities like provided by the Clouds and the Earth's Radiant Energy System (CERES). This paper presents the methodology of an AVHRR-to-CERES narrowband-to-broadband conversion for shortwave TOA reflectance, including the ready-to-use results in the form of scene-type dependent regression coefficients, allowing a calculation of CERES-like shortwave broadband reflectance from AVHRR channels 1 and 2. The coefficients are obtained using empirical relations in a large data set of collocated, coangular and simultaneous AVHRR-CERES observations, requiring specific orbital conditions for the AVHRRand CERES-carrying satellites, from which our data analysis uses all available data for an unprecedented observation matching between both instruments. The multivariate linear regressions were found to be robust and well-fitting, as demonstrated by the regression statistics on the calibration subset (80% of data): adjusted R2 higher than 0.9 and relative RMS residual mostly below 3%, which is a significant improvement compared to previous regressions. Regression models are validated by applying them on a validation subset (20% of data), indicating a good performance overall, roughly similar to the calibration subset, and a negligible mean bias. A second validation approach uses an expanded data set with global coverage, allowing regional analyses. In the error analysis, instantaneous accuracy is quantified at regional scale between 1.8 Wm−2 and 2.3 Wm−2 (resp. clear-sky and overcast conditions) at 1 standard deviation (RMS bias). On daily and monthly time scales, these errors correspond to 0.7 and 0.9 Wm−2, which is compliant with the GCOS requirement of 1 Wm−2.


According to the information of the geomechanics physical model in recent years,a 3D geomechanics physical model of a slide on G217 highway in Xinjiang is made to research the mechanism of deformation and destruction.The key factors to make the slide is controlled to make the model be similar in geometry,material and fabric with the antetype,then simulate the infection of river,digging of road and so on,measure the data of the distortion of model,analyze the reason of the distortion and factors of the slide.


Commentary to: Specific antitumor effects of tumor vaccine produced by autologous dendritic cells transfected with allogeneic osteosarcoma total RNA through electroporation in rats Zhe Yu, Hongshui Sun, Ting Zhang, Tongtao Yang, Hua Long, Bao'an Ma


Severe obesity affects 4% of Australians and is associated with increased use of healthcare services and higher healthcare costs. This study evaluates the effect of attending a public tertiary obesity service on acute hospital use. This record‐linkage study included people aged ≥16 years with severe obesity who attended the Nepean Blue Mountains Family Metabolic Health Service (FMHS), New South Wales, Australia between January 2017, and September 2021. Emergency department (ED) presentations and acute hospital admissions and respective costs in the 1‐year and 3‐years pre‐and‐post first FMHS attendance were compared, overall and for adequate attendance (≥5 visits). A total of 640 patients (74% female, 50% <45 years) attended the FMHS, totalling 15 303 occasions of service, average 24 per person. There was a 31.0% and 17.6% reduction in acute admissions and ED presentations, respectively, translating into 34.0% and 23.4% decrease in costs. Adequate engagement was associated with a 48% decreased risk of acute admission (odds ratio 0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.29–0.94). Over 3‐years, there was a 19.8% and 20.7% reduction in acute hospital admissions and ED presentations, respectively. Findings indicate that tertiary obesity services reduce acute hospital use. Improved access to specialized obesity management may offload hospitals and contribute to acute healthcare cost avoidance.


An efficient Pd(II)-catalyzed approach for the direct synthesis of indolo[3,2-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]carbazole-6,8-diones has been developed from both free and protected (NH) indoles and maleimides via a regioselective tandem oxidative coupling reaction. The yields are moderate to excellent. In addition, 2-substituted indoles are suitable substrates in this protocol, leading to the formation of indolylmaleimides. The present methodology provides a concise route to highly functionalized indolopyrrolocarbazole derivatives.


Aim: To describe the demographic profile and etiological factors of patients presenting with presenile cataract in Karnataka, India. Methods: 200 eyes of 100 patients were included in this prospective study conducted between January 2020 to May 2020. A thorough history was taken for all followed by a detailed anterior and posterior segment evaluation using Slit lamp, Indirect ophthalmoscopy and B-Scan respectively. Results were tabulated and statistical analysis was done. Results: Out of 100 patients 37 were male and 63 females. The mean of our study population is 44.57 years and maximum patients (78) were in the 41 50 years age bracket. PSC is the most common cataract in our study both in males and females followed by Combined cataract. Bilateral cataracts were significantly more in females than males (p < 0.023). The most common etiological factor in males is smoking and it is statistically significant (p < 0.0001) whereas idiopathic is statistically significant in females (p < 0.0001). Smoking and idiopathic origin has higher odds for NS cataract whereas steroid usage has higher odds for PSC. Trauma and recurrent uveitis have higher odds for mature cataract. DM has higher odds for Mature cataract. 20 patients out of 100 had associated abnormalities. Conclusion: PSC is the most common cataract type and idiopathic origin is the most common etiological factor. Presenile cataract can have multiple risk factors therefore a detailed knowledge of each risk factor is necessary to ensure good treatment as well as prevention.


The high-field magnetization of low carrier semimetallic CeP is investigated in the temperature region from 1.3 K to 77 K and applied fields in the {100} and {110} planes up to 64 Tesla (T). A ferrimagnetic state in the low field region changes to an antiferromagnetic state by the application of the field below 10 T. Above 20 T, multi-step magnetizations of the Ce moment related with the Landau level crossing of the conduction electron are observed. The critical fields are almost temperature independent below 35 K. This phenomenon is explained by the Stoner-Landau model that the spin population change in the low concentration conduction electron system at the crossing field induces magnetic phase changes in the Ce spin system. Each critical field is angular dependent.


Microbial calcium carbonate, by bridging sand particles, can play an important role in sand dune stability. A study was carried out on the cementation of sand grains and infilling of pore spaces by CaCO 3. Two bacterial species ( Sporosarcina pasteurii and Sporosarcina ureae ), three reactant concentrations (0.5, 1 and 1.5M), and six reaction times (12, 24, 48, 96, 192 and 288 hours) were tested in factorial experiment. Bacterial inocula and reactant solutions were added daily to sandy soil columns (6.5 cm height and inner diameter of 7.7 cm), while precipitation of CaCO 3 being investigated within 0-1.5, 1.5-3, 3-4.5 and 4.5-6 cm intervals. Chemical and micromorphological analyses revealed that CaCO 3 formation, inorganic C sequestration, and depth of cementation were more profound for S. pasteurii as compared with S. ureae . Both microbial CaCO 3 precipitation and inorganic C sequestration increased with increase in reaction time from 12 to 288 hours. Increase in reactant concentration also caused an increase in CaCO 3 precipitation (by 12%). Micromorphological observations showed a high degree of calcite crystals' bridging, coating on sand particles and as well infilling of pore spaces. S. pasteurii is thus recommended for being used in stabilization of sand dunes; due to its significant effects on CaCO 3 deposition and as well on sand grain cementation.


Distal femur fractures are complex and relatively rare. Conservative treatment has now been abandoned. The purpose of surgical treatment is to obtain an anatomical reduction of the articular surface, restoring the coronal and sagittal axis of the skeletal segment with a stable osteosynthesis, thus avoiding post-operative immobilization and allowing for early physical therapy. The literature reports similar results with different kinds of osteosynthesis: anterograde or retrograde nailing, dynamic compression screw plate, locking compression plates, and blade plates. Not only the type of fracture, but also the experience of the single surgeon should be taken into account when choosing the type of osteosynthesis.


Loenneke et al. (2014) were interested in what individual differences moderated the exercise-mediated change in blood pressure (BP). They pooled the participants from several different studies and assigned each person to one of three subsamples, (1) those whose BP (systolic, diastolic and/or mean arterial pressure) decreased by more than 10 mm Hg, (2) those whose BP increased by more than 10 mm Hg and (3) those whose BP did not change more than 10 mm Hg. It was then analysed whether the means of variables measured at baseline differed between the three samples. The primary finding was that those people in sample (1) who showed the largest reduction in BP had a statistically significant and substantially higher mean BP at baseline. The findings of Loenneke et al. (2014) are contaminated by the regression to the mean (RTM) statistical artefact. The primary finding that was reported could have been obtained with randomly generated BP data with merely random error introduced between baseline and follow-up measurements (Atkinson et al., 2001; Taylor et al., 2010). Any subsample formed on the basis of the greatest pre–post reduction in BP will tend to have the highest baseline values of BP, sometimes entirely due to the RTM statistical artefact (Taylor et al., 2010). This bias will be introduced as long as there is less-than-perfect repeatability in the measurement of BP. The RTM artefact predicts that the people who showed the largest exercise-mediated increase in BP would also have the lowest BP measured at baseline. Although this was not the case in Loenneke et al. (2014), there was no covariate adjustment in any of the analyses of mean differences. Typically, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) is used to adjust for the influence of potential confounders. There could be several of these confounders in Loenneke et al. (2014) because data were pooled across several different studies with different interventions. So, the estimates of 'risk' presented by Loenneke et al. (2014) could be biased not only by RTM, but by lack of adjustment for confounders. The RTM effect can mislead researchers into thinking an intervention has substantial effects in one subsample but not others (Atkinson et al., 2001). The inherent measurement errors associated with BP make it particularly susceptible to RTM effects (Taylor et al., 2010; Atkinson & Taylor, 2011). When extreme subsamples are studied in this way, and there is no matched comparator arm in the study for each subsample, RTM should always be an important issue to address. Loenneke et al. (2014) highlighted the importance of exploring genetic explanations for their findings. The RTM effect has also been discussed specifically in relation to such gene polymorphism studies on exercise responses (Atkinson et al., 2010). Currie et al. (2014) adopted a similar approach to that of Loenneke et al. (2014). Baseline flow-mediated dilation (FMD %) was compared between groups that differed in the magnitude of exercise-mediated FMD% response. Not surprisingly, the largest reduction in FMD% was associated with higher baseline FMD%. Again, these researcher's findings are consistent with the RTM effect, rather than any real biologically mediated individual difference in response. If this approach of analysing baseline differences between 'responders' and 'non-responders' is to be adopted at all, then the RTM artefact should be ruled out, either by appropriate randomised comparator samples or by statistical means (Taylor et al., 2010).


A microwave directional coupler is reported whose coupling can be varied with externally applied magnetic field without any mechanically moving parts. Variable coupling is achieved by using evaporated n-type InSb films. A simple, single-hole coupler is discussed first with regard to its performance, e.g., coupling, variation in coupling, VSWR and insertion loss in mm-wave region. These quantities are related to the properties of the thin film, in particular, to magnetoresistance of InSb. Second, an improved variable directional coupler using InSb-Sn-Ag films, and which has an insertion loss and VSWR less magnetic-field-dependent, is introduced and discussed. In the improved coupler, the coupling varies from 19.3 dB to 42.4 dB at 33.8 GHz as the magnetic field is varied from 0 to 10 kGs. The insertion loss and VSWR are 1.18 dB and 1.27, and the directivity is in excess of 19.8 dB. Over the frequency range of 33.8 ± 1.0 GHz, the 2-hole coupler shows a directivity higher than 14.0 dB, insertion loss lower than 1.23 dB, and VSWR less than 1.33.


ABSTRACT A brief review on various solubilisation techniques of coxibs is provided and the solubility of celecoxib (CXB) in binary solvent mixtures of {carbitol (1) + water (2)} is reported at temperatures ranging from 298.2 to 313.2 K. Three cosolvency models, i.e. Yalkowsky model, Jouyban–Acree model and the Jouyban–Acree–van't Hoff model, have been used for correlating the reported data, and the mean relative deviations are employed to evaluate the accuracy of the fitness. Solubilities are also predicted by the generally trained version of the Jouyban–Acree model and its combined model with Abraham solute parameters previously proposed for {carbitol (1) + water (2)} binary mixtures. Furthermore, the apparent thermodynamic properties of dissolution process of CXB in all -investigated solvents were calculated according to van't Hoff and Gibbs equations.


Characterized by broad communication coverage, powerful processing capability, and ease of deployment, edge server enabled Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have emerged as a promising paradigm to provide computing services to task-intensive user devices. To cope with complex communication networks and diverse user computing requirements, the UAVs may take machine learning to adjust their edge service strategies. However, the strategy training process always costs a long time, which seriously undermines UAVs' service efficiency. We propose a transfer learning empowered aerial edge network that improving training efficiency through knowledge sharing among cooperative UAVs to address this drawback. Moreover, we design joint UAV deployment and edge resource scheduling schemes, which optimize the utility of the aerial network. Numerical results demonstrate that our proposed schemes outperform benchmark edge service strategies.


In this paper, two discrete-time control schemes are presented for Induction Motors (IMs) based on the discrete-time sliding mode technique. First controller is designed using the equivalent control method. The second controller is based on a discrete-time equivalent of the super-twisting algorithm, in which the sliding mode dynamics is robustified by adding an integral action. The non measurable rotor fluxes are estimated by two observers. First observer design is based on a simple copy of the rotor flux dynamics, meanwhile the second one is based on the sliding mode technique. A simulation study is carried on for the evaluation of the closed-loop performance of the IM at different sampling periods and to compare results with other discrete-time control techniques. Also the robust performance of the closedloop IM is investigated under external and internal perturbations. The simulation study predicts that the IM when closed-loop with one of the proposed controllers still performs well at a sampling time of 1250μs, meanwhile other control strategies start to lose accuracy. Real time experiments were finally carried out where the good performance of the propose strategy is verified.


Automated planning tools are complex pieces of software that take declarative domain descriptions and generate plans for complex domains. New users often find it challenging to understand the plan generation process, while experienced users often find it difficult to track semantic errors and efficiency issues. To simplify this process, in this paper, we develop a cloud-based planning tool with code editing and state-space visualization capabilities. The code editor focuses on visualizing the domain, problem, and resulting sample plan, helping the user to see how such descriptions are connected without changing context. The visualization tool explores two alternative visualizations aimed at illustrating the operation of the planning process and how the domain dynamics evolve dur-


s:This thesis mainly introduces the calculation equation calculation method and calculation steps of Redich Kwong equation revised by Soave.Using computer programme calculates and illustrates the density of real gas and compares the calculation results with experimental results.In addition,it compares the results calculated by ideal gas state equation with the experimental results.It in dilates that the results calculated by SRK equation approach the experimental results and the results calculated by the ideal gas state equation have a bigger error.Therefore,It's accurate and feasible to recommend the method for calculating the real gas density by SRK equation.


Recent years, researchers shifted their focus from mobile payment application acceptance to mobile payment continuous use intention. This study continues the line by proposing a research model to explain the intention to continue by combining the Information Systems Success Model (IS Success Model) and the Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM). A survey conducted online was used to collect data from 315 respondents in order to assess and confirm the suggested theoretical model by the structural equation model (SEM). The findings revealed that information quality, service quality, confirmation, post-usage perceived usefulness, and satisfaction are the most crucial predictors of continued intention to use mobile payment application. The model R2 is 0.532, indicating that these factors could adequately explain the continuous use intention.


Neo-Ricardians economics claims to possess a "rigorous" theoretical and algebraic framework which is the basis for their conclusion that Marxian labor values are redundant, inconsistent with prices of production, and, in fact, determined by them. This claim is challenged, and it is set out why labor appears as an integral aspect of Marx's notion of value, why the magnitude of value is measured by abstract labor time, and how this magnitude regulates and dominates prices. Also developed is the essential phenomena of Marx's theory of competition of capitals which is contrasted to the vulgar, ideologically based notion of perfect competition. Within this framework, the very same algebraic formulations which the neo-Ricardians use yield exactly the kinds of results Marx anticipates. Indeed, once it is established how heavily the neo-Ricardians are in debt to neoclassical (i.e. vulgar) concepts such as general equilibrium, perfect competition and the notion of profit as "cost" of production, then the bankruptcy of their theory becomes evident, and the logical contradictions and inconsistencies within their own analysis are thrown into sharp relief. It then becomes clear that the so-called rigor of their algebra merely disguises the true condition of their theory: rigor mortis.


This paper proposes an execution order control method of coarse grain distributed processes for parallelizing compiler on distributed computer environment. Currently proposed execution order control algorithms are designed for the basic-block-oriented distributed processes. However, we adopted an process generation algorithm based on function-oriented distributed processes and therefore propose new execution order control algorithm. Our algorithm gives more e ective and simple executable conditions than the currently investigated ones since it is designed for function-oriented distributed processes especially.


We use a comprehensive database of sovereign credit ratings (SCRs) from Moody's, Standard and Poor's and Fitch for a cross-section of 120 countries from 1986–2009. Using panel data, we find that GDP per capita, the GDP growth rate and the degree of industrialization positively affect ratings, while the government cash flow deficit, the current account surplus, inflation, the lending minus deposit rate interest spread, the S&P global equity index, and a country's default history negatively affect the sovereign rating of a country. An ordered probit model suggests that while earlier ratings may have been underestimated, recent Chinese sovereign credit ratings are not.


Sigli City Sub District is one of the Sub Districts affected by the 2004 tsunami. At that time, the community did not understand the danger of the tsunami and did not understand how to save themselves. The purpose of this study was to identify and to map out effective tsunami evacuation locations and routes in Sigli City Sub District using Dijkstra algorithm. Primary data (tsunami inundation) for this study were obtained from interviews with community representatives involving 32 people in 16 villages. Administrative map, topographic map, population density map, contour map and land use map (secondary data) were obtained from relevant institutions. The results of the study indicate that horizontal evacuation can be done through available paved road living the coastal area towads 4 recommended locations based on the physical feasibility of the land. For vertical evacuation, 24 buildings available in 7 villages can be recommended, on the condition that their structural feasibility and access standard are met.


This research aimed to understand the important powers that affect Related Party Transactions (RPTs) decisions. It used the agency theory perspective to examine the effect of corporate mechanism, comprising variables of controlling ownership, the CEOs characteristics, and independent board of directors, on the decision of RPTs regarding potential conflicts of interest.
A total of 310 financial reports of Turkish manufacturing listed companies in 2019 and 2020 were assessed. Subsequently, controlling shareholder and CEOs characteristics were discovered to play significant roles in the RPTs mechanism, while the independent board director variable had the highest impact.
The strength of the independent board director effect on RPTs decision represents the function of corporate governance mechanisms. Although entrenchment effects occur in RPTs, the denial or approval of independent board directors was dependent on minority interest. It also highlighted the impact of alignment on RPTs' decision, since the expropriation of ultimate power was balanced within the independent board director's role.


Forecasting currency exchange rates are an important financial problem that is receiving increasing attention especially because of its intrinsic difficulty and practical applications. During the last few years, a number of non-linear models have been proposed for obtaining accurate prediction results, in an attempt to ameliorate the performance of the traditional linear approaches. Among them, neural network models have been used with encouraging results. This paper presents improved neural network and fuzzy models used for exchange rate prediction. Several approaches including multi-layer perceprtons, radial basis functions, dynamic neural networks and fuzzy-neural-type networks have been proposed and discussed. Their performances for one-step a-head predictions have been evaluated through a study, using real exchange daily rate values of the US Dollar vs. British Pound.


I discuss the nature of the puzzle about the time‐asymmetry of radiation and argue that its most common formulation is flawed. As a result, many proposed solutions fail to solve the real problem. I discuss a recent proposal of Mathias Frisch as an example of the tendency to address the wrong problem. I go on to suggest that the asymmetry of radiation, like the asymmetry of thermodynamics, results from the initial state of the universe.


Organic conjugated polymers generally exhibited to show such unique properties as conductivity, complex formation, color, nonlinear optical properties, high gas permeability, photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties. Among the various type of conducting polymers, poly(aromatic heterocycle)s are the main-chain aromatic polymers, which are prepared by the chemical or electrochemical polymerization of the corresponding aromatic heterocyclic monomers. These materials have various application areas such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), chemical sensors, supercapacitors, organic photovoltaics (OPV), organic transistors (OFETs) and smart windows. This article deals with a brief review on the synthesis and application of poly(aromatic heterocycle)s.