Vernadsky is rightly associated with the seminal contemporary concept of the 'Biosphere', which acknowledges that the world we belong to is a functionally integrated, global phenomenon. Beyond this fundamental idea (that ecology should be thought of at the planetary scale, presaging the concept of Earth System Science), Vernadsky also anticipated the idea of the so-called Anthropocene, i.e. the recent geological era dominated by the global environmental impact of human expansion and activities. Yet, this two-fold legacy of Vernadsky seems still underestimated when it comes to its philosophical implications. In this paper, I explore more particularly three philosophical implications of the planetary and cosmic view that Vernadsky had of the role of ecological/biological organization (including that of humankind) in the great chemical cycles of the Earth, with regard to epistemology, ethics and (in a more speculative way) metaphysics.


Distributed computing is an adaptable, financially savvy and demonstrated conveyance stage for giving
business or shopper administrations over the Internet. Distributed computing underpins conveyed administration over
the Internet as administration situated design, multi-client, and multi-space regulatory foundation, henceforth it is all
the more effortlessly influenced by security dangers and vulnerabilities. Distributed computing goes about as another
worldview where it gives a unique situation to end clients and furthermore ensures Quality of Service (QoS) on
information secrecy. Believed Third Party guarantees the verification, respectability and classification of included
information and interchanges however bombs on keep up the higher level of secret rate on the flat degree of security
cloud administrations. TrustedDB on the cloud protection safeguarding neglects to make sure about the question
parsers result for creating effective inquiry plans. To produce proficient protection saving question plans on the cloud
information, we propose Shamir's Key Distribution based Confidentiality (SKDC) Scheme to accomplish a higher
level of secrecy by dwelling the cloud information with polynomial insertion. The SKDC plot makes a polynomial of
degree with the mystery as the main coefficient and the rest of the coefficients got up to improve the protection saving
level on the cloud foundation. The test assessment utilizing SKDC is completed on the elements, for example,
framework execution time, privacy rate and inquiry preparing rate, which improves the effectiveness of classification
rate and question handling while at the same time putting away and recovering in cloud.


In a number of recent articles and essays, I have investigated various translational problems, especially as they arise from the occurrence of quotes, cryptoquotations, allusions, and similar intertextualities.' There is no reason here to go into any theoretical details, all the more so since I have already discussed them elsewhere, however briefly2: what matters, in each and every case, is the concrete text. Truth cannot but reveal itself as something graspable and demonstrable; it resides in, and emerges from, practice. Hence, let us jump headlong at our examples. That one encounters, every so often, instances of absolute untranslatability is of course a truism. In view of them, even the best, the most conscientious, most knowledgeable and experienced translator is doomed to failure, and needs must toss in the sponge. A strophe by the Scotchman Walter de la Mare, who lived from 1873 to 1956, constitutes a both playful and exhilarating case in point. This tiny excerpt runs as follows:


We propose in this paper a new ICA method, namely SAUD, based on a Semi-Algebraic Unitary Deflation procedure. SAUD is able to identify one by one the independent components avoiding the drawbacks of an adaptive solution (slow convergence, etc.). Computer results, representative of the biomedical context (EEG), show the good behavior of SAUD compared with other algorithms such as COM2, DEFA and FastICA.


Ageing has significant impacts on the organization of healthcare systems and on social inclusion—especially for elderly people affected by Cognitive Impairment (CI). These people are significantly exposed to undeniable risks that can affect their health and wellbeing (falling, malnutrition, hygiene issues, etc.) – especially when living alone. This paper defines a Business Model (BM) allowing independent living for elderly people affected by CI. This BM include: (i) an up-to-date, modular, flexible and scalable organizational model describing the activities to be accomplished by regulators and service suppliers; and (ii) a digital platform based on innovative and easy-to-replicate information and communication technologies. The organic approach to the development of the BM is then focused in an Italian use case as a part of "DECI", a "Horizon 2020" project with four pilot projects in Israel, Italy, Spain and Sweden.


Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the enhancement and suppression of heat transfer for hybrid nanofluids (Cu–Al2O3/water) in a square enclosure containing a thermal-conductive cylinder when the Lorentz force is applied to the hybrid nanofluids.

Design/methodology/approach
Since the inner conductive cylinder in present research has a complex geometry, an in-house meshless method, namely, the local radial basis function (LRBF) method, is applied to solve the 2 dimensional (2D) incompressible Navier–Stokes equation in the fluid domain and Fourier heat conduction equation in solid domain. The solid–fluid interface remains the physical continuity of temperature and heat flux. Only the Lorentz force is considered for the presence of the magnetic field. The conjugate natural convection is assumed to be steady, thus only fully developed heat exchange from the nanofluids to solid or vice versa is comprehensively investigated.

Findings
It can be concluded that Lorentz force plays a more significant role than hybrid nanofluids in enhancing/suppressing heat transfer when the orientation of magnetic field is the same to the x direction. The thermal conductivity ratio can dramatically change the isotherms and streamlines as well as the mean value of the Nusselt number, resulting in totally different heat transfer phenomena. The included angle of magnetic field also has a significant effect on the heat transfer rate when it changes from horizontal to vertical.

Research limitations/implications
The constant thermo-physical properties of incompressible fluid and the 2D steady flow are considered in this study.

Originality/value
The conjugate MHD natural convection of hybrid nanofluids is numerically investigated by an in-house meshless LRBF method. The enhancement and suppression of heat transfer under the combined influence of the volume fraction of nanoparticles, Hartmann number and the thermal conductivity ratio are comprehensively investigated.


Abstract Background Tobacco users with mental health conditions are a vulnerable population in tobacco research, yet few studies have evaluated the association of depressive and anxiety symptoms with multiple tobacco product (MTP) use among young adult electronic cigarette (ENDS) users. Methods Cross-sectional survey data on U.S. young adult past 30-day ENDS users (N = 2348) were collected via Amazon MTurk from May-July 2019. Binary logistic regressions evaluated the association of tobacco use pattern (exclusive ENDS use, ENDS + one other tobacco product [OTP; dual use], ENDS + two or more OTPs [poly-use]) with depressive (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptoms. Among MTP users (n = 1736), we evaluated the association of ENDS use relative to OTP use and same-day MTP use with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Results The sample included 26% exclusive ENDS, 27% dual, and 47% poly-users. We observed a gradient-relationship for depressive and anxiety symptoms: poly-users had greater odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to dual users (aOR = 1.86 [95%CI:1.50–2.30] and aOR = 1.61 [95%CI:1.30–2.01], respectively), and dual users had greater odds of depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to exclusive ENDS users (aOR = 1.42 [95%CI:1.11–1.81] and aOR = 1.56 [95%CI:1.20–2.02], respectively). MTP users who used ENDS more often than OTPs (vs. less often than OTPs) had greater odds of depressive (aOR = 1.38 [95%CI:1.06–1.80]) and anxiety (aOR = 1.37 [95%CI:1.04–1.79]) symptoms. Conclusions The majority of young adult past 30-day ENDS users in this sample reported OTP use. Future research on MTP use should distinguish between dual and poly-use. Tobacco prevention efforts for young adults with mental health symptoms are needed.


A comparison is made between the rotovibrational Raman bands of fluid nitrogen at room temperature in the 180–355 amagat density range and the corresponding pure rotational bands reported previously. Accurate moment values are derived from the Raman spectra, accounting for the response of the entire experimental apparatus, after subtraction of the unwanted isotope band and of the leaking polarized Q branch. Correlation times are also calculated for both rotovibrational and pure rotational spectra accounting for the finite instrumental slitwidth. Intermolecular torques and orientational correlation times derived from the two spectra are in good agreement for almost the entire available density range. Small discrepancies, particularly evident in the low density correlation times, are discussed and related to the rotation-vibration interaction. Intermolecular correlations are found to be negligible.


Age-related cataract (ARC) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly. This study investigated DNA repair genes, XPD, XRCC1, OGG1, APE1, and WRN single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to clarify their relationship with ARC in Hani patients from Mojiang region in Yunnan. Polymerase chain reaction-ligase detection reaction (PCR-LDR) was used to perform genotype analysis in ARC patients and healthy control. The genotype frequency distribution of XPD, XRCC1, OGG1, APE1, and WRN SNP in Hani accorded with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium principle. OGG1 genotype analysis: the frequency of allele G was significantly higher than the control (P = 0.008; OR: 1.468; 95% CI: 1.106-1.949); the risk of allele G was 1.468 times of allele A; CC genotype may be associated with ARC (OR: 1.716; 95% CI: 1.460-2.018); the risk of this genotype was 1.716 times of CG and GG genotypes. GG genotype may have protective effect on ARC (OR: 0.684; 95% CI: 0.568-0.823). XRCC1 genotype analysis: AG genotype may be associated with ARC (OR: 1.464; 95% CI: 1.108-1.934); AG genotype frequency was higher than control (P = 0.007); the risk of this genotype was 1.464 times of GG and AA genotypes; Alleles A frequency was significantly higher than the control (P = 0.010; OR: 1.329; 95% CI: 1.131-1.561); Allele A risk was 1.329 times of allele G. XPD, APE1, and WRN genotypes showed no relationship with ARC risk. OGG1 and XRCC1 gene polymorphisms were associated with ARC risk in Hani from Mojiang region in Yunnan.


The T wave on an electrocardiogram (ECG) represents typically ventricular repolarization. However, various waveform morphologies may present as an indication of benign or clinically significant injury or insult to the myocardium. Understanding the differential diagnosis for T wave discrepancies is crucial to the successful and safe management of various cardiac pathologies. This article summarizes the ECG T wave in its entirety, including how it is defined, measured, and how it may vary.


Aim of this study was the investigation of
 potential influences of a special nutrient supply (copper/zinc/methionine
 respectively selenium or silica) on feather growth and -quality under
 conditions of a non - supplementation (negative control group) and a
 supplementation of the diet with major and trace elements as well as vitamins
 (positive control group).
 Supplementation was achieved by one gram of
 rusk meal for each bird daily in addition to sunflower-seed and millet (both shelled).
 By measurement of the development of the 8th
 pinions of wing (the 8th pinion of wing was removed bilaterally by
 hand at the beginning of this study) the potential influences of
 supplementations on feather growth and -composition were examined (point of
 time the feather left the follicle, growth rates, development of length and
 mass). Finally at the end of the 45 days lasting study (A/B with change in
 treatment) an assessment on feather colour was done by using the
 CIEL*a*b*colour-system.
 Results:
 1.      The offered additives
 (mixed with rusk meal) had partly a negative effect on the acceptability.
 Thereby the aspired supply of nutrients was not compassed in the respective
 groups of the experiment. For this reason only the individuals, in which the nutrient additives had a real effect on the
 overall supply, were involved into the evaluation. 2.      With feed intake,
 the following nutrient concentrations were achieved in the negative
 respectively in the positive group:
 Tab. VII-1: Real intake of the additives in
 the negative- and positive control group
 negative control group
 positive control group
 Cu
 (mg/kg DM)
 12.3
 19.1
 Zn
 (mg/kg DM)
 44.2
 73.6
 Se
 (mg/kg DM)
 0.05
 0.11
 Met
 (g/kg DM)
 5.45
 5.81
 3.      The special
 additives lead to following concentrations of additives in the three other
 groups (in the totally absorbed dry matter):
 Tab. VII-2: Realistic intake of the additives
 during addition of copper, zinc and methionine  respectively selenium or silicia
 addition of Se
 addition of CZM
 addition of Si
 Cu
 (mg/kg DM)
 11.9
 19.8
 12.1
 Zn
 (mg/kg DM)
 43.4
 146
 47.9
 Se
 (mg/kg DM)
 0.60
 0.05
 0.05
 Si
 (g/kg DM)
 -
 -
 0.82
 Met
 (g/kg DM)
 5.46
 6.53
 5.59
 4.      Without a
 significant effect of the treatment, the replaced feather (8th pinion
 of wing) opted out of the feather papilla after ~10.5 days. In case of the
 exclusive supply with selenomethionine, this stadium was identifiable
 slightly retarded (day 11.2).
 5.      The maximum
 length-growth in all groups was reached - independently of the treatment -
 between day 18 and 24 of the experiment (~2.30 to 3.15 mm/day). If special
 additives (major- and trace elements as well as vitamins; positive control)
 were offered, significant higher growth-rates could be observed.
 6.      In the end of
 the particular test-phase (45 days) length and mass of the replaced feather
 were on similar levels (65.7 to 66.0 mm; 16.0 to 16.6 mg). In case of the
 supply with copper, zinc and methionine as well as silicea the feather-masses
 were significantly higher. 7.      The different
 additives (in this case invariably in comparison to the negative-control) had
 - with the exception of Se-supply - no essential effect on the contents of
 copper and zinc in the feathers (the average values amounted between 15.9 mg
 Cu respectively 194 mg Zn/kg fat-free DM).
 Indeed the extra allowance of selenium obviously lead to higher contents in
 the feathers (Neg.-C.: 0.07 mg Se per kg
 fat-free DM; addition of Selenium: 0.44 mg Se per kg fat-free DM).
 8.      The treatment
 had no influence on the quality of the plumage-coloration (determination of
 lightness, red- and yellow-proportions by a chromameter).
 9.      It should be
 mentioned, that a supply of all major- and trace elements as well as vitamins
 (positive control) and accordingly copper, zinc and methionine with the basic
 diet lead to the advantageous conditions for the replacement of feathers. Conclusions:
 The presented experimental study shows, that
 the process of feather regeneration  respectively the replacement of
 feathers proceeds - even under the condition of marginal nutrient supply
 (negative-control) - almost undisturbed, respectively these processes are not
 stimulated essentially by referring special nutrient supplies. Admittedly the
 supply (from the basic components) was not clearly inadequately for one of
 the interesting nutrients (i.e. lower than the bottom maintenance
 requirement). If the importance of single nutrients (which were of interest
 in this study) should be investigated in following studies, a
 negative-control on basis of pure nutrients (synthetic diets) is required to
 reduce the basic supply articulately. On the condition of an exclusive intake of
 seed stores (without the offer of corresponding additives respectively the
 refusal of acceptance), a special offer of copper, zinc and methionine or a
 total supplementation of all major- and trace elements as well as vitamins
 can be advised for the support of the feather-generation. From the data of
 the presented study, no arguments derived for an isolated supply of selenium
 or silicea.


Douglas Lilburn in his living room at his house at 22 Ascot Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington. Photographed by an unknown photographer some time in the 1960s.
Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).
Physical Description: Silver gelatin print, 11.6 x 7.8 cm


The present invention provides a return valve in a fluidized bed reactor comprising a vertical downcomer portion connected to the dipleg for collecting released from the dipleg solids, located at the lowered horizontal tube portion tube portion downstream located the horizontal pipe riser section downstream portion, and located in the rising tube portion downwardly downstream of the inclined tube portions, by which the solid particles are brought to a fluidized bed reactor. The helical tube portion also provided with ejector the gas underflow from the cyclone introduced; Preferably, the eductor motive particles produced fluids to the production of fuel and the plurality of particulate carrier gas. Also provides a fluidized bed reactor and a method for the production of synthesis gas from coal and steam using the loop seal.


Objective: To study the changes of hepatic caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities during liver regeneration in rats. Methods: Liver regeneration model was produced by 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) in male SD rats. Then the rats were sacrificed and the liver homogenate were prepared. Hepatic caspase-3 and caspase-8 activities were determined at 8 different time points during the liver regeneration at the absorbance of 405 nm. Results: Hepatic caspase-3 activity increased significantly 3 h, 6,72 h,120 h and 168 h after PH compared with that of control group (P<0.001); Hepatic caspase-8 activity increased 168 h after PH (P<0.05) and had no obvious change at any other time points. Conclusion: Our result suggests that the increase of caspase-3 activity during the liver regeneration may be mainly induced by the mitochondrial pathway.


INTRODUCTION The PU industry is currently flooded with possible solutions to enhance a drastic reduction or even a phase out of CFC usage. The situation compares more and more to a department store in which an abundance of goods leaves the shopper with the problem to make a good choice, which means a good article for an economically acceptable price. The choice for the foamer is more difficult because he is not a very experienced shopper in environmental articles. We can generally identify him as: /-small to medium sized-more oriented to plastics than to chemicals (although making-relying heavily on advise from his suppliers (who are more skilled in polyurethane foams is a chemical process) chemistry). A skilled shopper would inform himself through consumer reports on quality and price. are however scarce. There is enough summarizing and " advertising " but the real con~umer reports, where the product is tested is the only thing that effectively would help the consumer. Luckily for the consumer there are consumer organizations " , in the flexible foam area Europur for Western Europe, PFA for the United States of America. An important task for these organizations is to help in dealing with environmental matters and to bring order in the confusing amount of concepts that are offered for resolution. Consumer reports about solutions for CFC phase out I t This presentation summarizes the experience of the industry with the different potential solutions for CFC reduction and CFC phase out and, more in particular, Recticel's evaluation work on this matter. Our company has, along with industry organizations, announced to pursue a phase out of the use of hard CFC's and is, through its International Development Center in Belgium, actively investigating in possible alternatives. The so called Montreal Protocol has brought a dynamic in the worldwide discussion of the usage and especially the non-usage of CFC's-that will irresistibly lead to an agreement on complete or almost complete phase out of hard CFC's. The issue for the flexible foam industry is not so much anymore a phase out-yes or no-but much more-when and what. The UNEP " Flexible and Rigid Foams Technical Options Report " from June 1989 states 5 virtual elimination of CFC's worldwide in all foam uses as (conditionally) technically achievable around 1995. WESTERN EUROPE It seems that the only agreement in Europe concerning CFC's is the direction towards a drastic reduction or even phase out. …


There are inequalities at all levels of the South African education system, and these are more visible in higher education, which, until recently, was inaccessible to most people. Levelling the turf and bringing about true transformation in higher education institutions requires redress of past inequalities and catering for all students who seek admission. To increase participation levels by students from varied backgrounds and achieve justice, it is essential for higher education institutions, particularly those offering open distance e-learning, to devise plans towards tackling challenges confronting students and possible ways to overcome them. This chapter discusses the purpose of higher education in offering support to students in the context of massification. It also explores the manner in which higher education institutions model transformation, how they bring about equity and redress to overcome challenges and to pursue justice. Lastly, it concludes with possible considerations for these institutions to tackle inequalities and attain social justice for their students.


Southeastern Mexico, particularly Tabasco's flatlands which experienced a severe flood in 2007, was used as a case study for testing a methodology for the estimation of direct damage looses on agricultural crops by flooding. We proposed an accurate delineation of agricultural lands of multispectral images (SPOT-5) which consist on ensemble classifiers trough a majority voting, that combine spatial and spectral information. Finally in order to evaluate the impact of floodwater, a radar data (RADARSAT-1), were used for both, delineating the flood extent and estimating water depth. These layers were overlaid on the agricultural crop classification layer, and crop yield damage was estimated using a depth damage function. The results of this research quantified and evaluated the overall economic loss (tangible damage) from the impact of floodwater on agricultural crops.


The Author considers some cases of pregnancies following to cardiovascular operations; these cases were observed at the Clinica Ostetrica e Ginecologica of the University of Rome since 1953 until today. It is in evidence that: 1) operations for mitral valve commissurotomy almost always contributed to carry out those pregnancies successfully; 2) operations for radical corrections of congenital malformations - including three cases of tetralogy of Fallot - favoured an almost normal evolution of pregnancy.


Calculation for the fundamental natural period of vibration for steel frames-reinforced concrete shear wall mixed structure is analyzed,considering semi-rigid connection of beam-column of steel frame,compared with the steel frames-reinforced concrete shear wall mixed structure without considering the semi-rigid connection of beam-column of steel frame.The semi-rigid connection of beam-column of steel frames is considered,the inter-story drift stiffness of steel frame of steel frames-reinforced concrete shear wall mixed structure is derived,then the fundamental natural period of vibration is gained.The calculation results show that it is advantageous for earthquake resistant of structure considering semi-rigid connection.


Based on agency theory, we focused on the influence of corporate governance in the dividend policy of large listed firms with headquarters in continental Europe countries. Previous research focused on the influence of corporate governance on the performance and risk of listed firms, but the influence of corporate governance on the dividend policy has rarely been addressed despite the importance of dividends for shareholders and the implications on the free cash-flow, whose application may be a source of conflicts between managers and shareholders. In this paper, we study the influence of a set of governance mechanisms on the dividend policy over 12 years (2002 to 2013). The results, based on a panel data analysis, support the importance of governance mechanisms toward the protection of shareholders' interests, and reveal that the decisions on whether to pay dividends and how much to pay are grounded on different antecedents.


The invention discloses a first quantum node, a second quantum node, a secure communication architecture system, a service key transmission method and a route switching method. The first quantum node is used for generating a quantum key pair with an adjacent second quantum node through quantum channel negotiation, and thus, according to the quantum key pair, encryption processing and decryption processing are carried out on a service key accessed to user service data, and a data packet after processing is obtained. The processed data packet is transmitted to the adjacent second quantum node through a typical channel according to a route protocol.


Aspects of the vehicle dynamics like handling, ride, comfort, and durability as well as of controlled subsystems are discussed. The increasing importance of simulation to support the development and application process of vehicles with control systems is shown. The role of the tire and the corresponding tire models is highlighted and requirements for the modeling and parameterization of tire models are derived.


The visual attention and concentration are psychological valences that can be related to different neural ways and different cognitive processes. With this work, we intend to bring, in the light of Sports Sciences, the contribution of a single physical training session and a single mental training session for the improvement of visual attention and concentration. The results for the physical training session showed significant differences on concentration assessment, but no significant difference for bottom-up processes of visuospatial attention. However the results for the mental training session showed significant differences on both situations. © Cien. Cogn. 2010; Vol. 15 (2): 142-154.


The firings of excitable systems can phase lock to periodic forcing. In many situations however, the firings are separated by a random number of forcing cycles, even though they occur near a preferred phase of the forcing. Also, the associated interspike interval histograms display peaks over a continuous range of integer multiples of the forcing period, and the peak heights are a unimodal function of increasing multiples of the period. This paper focusses on these patterns of stochastic phase synchronization and their alteration by physiologically relevant stimuli that modulate the amplitude of the periodic forcing. Specifically, two regimes of the FitzHugh–Nagumo system exhibiting stochastic phase locking are considered. We discuss how internal noise, originating from e.g. synaptic or conductance fluctuations, must interact with either suprathreshold or subthreshold dynamics, and in some instances with subthreshold chaos, to produce such firing patterns. These responses to constant amplitude "carriers" are then compared to those from carriers with random band-limited amplitude modulations (AM's). The comparison is based on the mean firing rate, as well as phase synchronization computed using a suitably defined input–output phase difference. Further, using the stimulus reconstruction technique to characterize synchrony between random AM's and spikes, the internal noise is shown to help transmit information about random carrier AM's in the subthreshold and slightly suprathreshold cases. This transmission also depends nonmonotonically on the carrier frequency. Our results provide biophysical insight into the dynamics of neural signal encoding that combines a mean rate code on long time scales and a precise temporal code based on phase locking on the shorter time scale of the carrier period.


Enantiomerically enriched a-hydroxy-functionalized phosphonates and phosphonic acids have been widely employed to synthesize pharmaceutically and biologically active compounds. Catalytic asymmetric hydrophosphonylation by addition of an appropriate phosphorus nucleophile to the carbonyl bond can provide a very convenient route to the corresponding optically active a-hydroxy phosphonates, which is probably the most general and widely applied approach. Much effort has been directed towards the development of this important type of asymmetric reaction. Shibasaki and co-workers described the first highly enantioselective addition of aldehydes with dimethyl phosphite using a heterobimetallic multifunctional catalyst based on 1,1'-bi-2naphthol (binol). However, the catalytic system only gave rise to moderate enantioselectivities for aliphatic aldehydes. A breakthrough was achieved with the C1-symmetric [Al(salalen)] complex by Katsuki and co-workers (salalen= salen/salan hybrid; salen=N,N,-bis(salicylidene)ethylene diamine; salan=N,N,-bis(O-hydroxybenzyl)-1,2-diaminoethane). Quite recently, Feng and co-workers presented another highly enantioselective example promoted by the tridentate Schiff base/Al complexes. However, among these most outstanding examples, relatively high catalyst loadings and/or extended reaction times were generally required to induce acceptable conversions. Clearly, the development of more efficient and practical catalytic systems for a broad range of phosphites and aldehydes (both aromatic and aliphatic) is a highly challenging topic. The strategy of synergistic activation by two or more reactive centers constitutes a versatile approach for the development of high-performance asymmetric catalysis. Recently, the concept of self-assembly by metal–organic coordination has been successfully employed to construct combinatorial chiral catalysts. We wish to report the combination of the two concepts mentioned above to obtain a new type of bifunctional catalyst generated by the metalorganic self-assembly of substituted binols and cinchona alkaloids in combination with Ti(OiPr)4 [13] for the asymmetric hydrophosphonylation of aldehydes. The chiral Lewis base moiety (cinchona alkaloid) in these self-assembled bifunctional catalysts spontaneously coordinates to the central metal of the chiral Lewis acidic moiety (binol–Ti complex) to form the metal–organic assemblies (Figure 1).


Astrocytes are non‐neuronal cells that govern the homeostatic regulation of the brain through ions and water transport, and Ca2+‐mediated signaling. As they are tightly integrated into neural networks, label‐free tools that can modulate cell function are needed to evaluate the role of astrocytes in brain physiology and dysfunction. Using live‐cell fluorescence imaging, pharmacology, electrophysiology, and genetic manipulation, we show that pulsed infrared light can modulate astrocyte function through changes in intracellular Ca2+ and water dynamics, providing unique mechanistic insight into the effect of pulsed infrared laser light on astroglial cells. Water transport is activated and, IP3R, TRPA1, TRPV4, and Aquaporin‐4 are all involved in shaping the dynamics of infrared pulse‐evoked intracellular calcium signal. These results demonstrate that astrocyte function can be modulated with infrared light. We expect that targeted control over calcium dynamics and water transport will help to study the crucial role of astrocytes in edema, ischemia, glioma progression, stroke, and epilepsy.


Oral contraceptives are effective in curbing down endometrial inflammation and decreasing endometriosisrelated dysmenorrhea. This antiinflammatory action is mediated by the progestin component of the pill and it involves the blockade of the NF-kappa.B inflammatory cascade. One of the genes activated by NF-kappa.B is the one that codes for angiogenic factors such as VEGF. In this respect, oral contraceptives would be expected to block VEGF expression in the endometrium. However, the use of oral contraceptives alone failed to significantly decrease the percentage of endometria testing positive for VEGF. Introducing pycnogenol to the treatment regimen, on the other hand, significantly reduced the percentage of VEGF-positive cases in oral contraceptive users. Since pycnogenol blocks NF-kappa.B gene transcription after its binding to DNA, the combination of oral contraceptives with pycnogenol would be expected to have a synergetic effect on the eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients. The expression of other inflammatory-induced genes in the endometrium, such as aromatase, is also significantly diminished with the use of oral contraceptives alone. However, this inhibitory effect was significantly enhanced with the concomitant use of pycnogenol. These results suggest that the concomitant use of pycnogenol with oral contraceptives is more effective in reducing VEGF and aromatase expression in the eutopic endometrium of endometriosis patients than the use of oral contraceptives alone.


A design of a 3-element simultaneous transmit and receive (STAR) antenna system is presented. The transmitter is an array of two equal-phase collinear half wavelength dipoles positioned such to create 180° near-field phase difference at the receiver's location. With proper amplitude excitation, this configuration achieves isolation better than 70dB at the antenna resonant frequency and >45dB within a 13% bandwidth. The proposed antenna system maintains similar E- and H-plane patterns for both, the transmitter, and the receiver. The proposed configuration can be tuned (phase and amplitude) for better isolation at any frequency within the bandwidth while maintaining consistent and similar radiation patterns.


In this paper, a fiber-optic sensing interrogation system for simultaneous measurement of temperature and transversal loading based on a single-passband RF filter has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated. This sensing interrogation system consists of a fiber Mach–Zehnder interferometer (FMZI) as the sensing device and a dispersive medium. The FMZI also acts as the spectrum slicer to induce continuous sampling, which results in the single-passband frequency response together with the dispersive medium. Two arms of the FMZI are used to measure the temperature and transversal loading respectively. The temperature change on one arm introduces the variation of fiber refractive index, which will change the central frequency of the RF filter's passband, while the transversal loading induces the change of polarization state of the light, and thus, the amplitude of the RF filter's passband will be changed accordingly. By tracking the central frequency and amplitude changes of the passband, temperature, and transversal loading can be monitored simultaneously. With the proposed fiber-optic sensing interrogation system, the temperature and transversal loading variation-induced optical spectra changes can be converted to the variation of frequency and amplitude of the RF filter's passband in electronic domain, which greatly facilitates the measurement.


This paper analyses the contents of the Jerusalem Master Plan in light of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over Jerusalem. Focus is on the theme of residential construction, the treatment of which is illustrated in relation to the various groups in the population (Arabs and Jews). Generally speaking, the thesis is supported that the master plan could be considered a document substantially consistent with the Israeli strategy of controlling the city through urban policies as practiced since 1967, though it is interesting to point out some elements that run counter to this trend.


One of the purposes of the establishment of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is to carry out various humanitarian aid missions. This means that they are trying to help those in need to get a better life. Donation collection activity is one of the methods often used by the NGOs to raise fund to help the needy. At the same time, they are also allowed to take a small commission from the public donation to cover the management cost of their organization. The purpose of this study is to identify the factors that affect the determination of commission rate from public donation. Besides, it is to propose a sharia compliant guideline on the commission management of public donation by non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The methodology used in this research is qualitative method by using document analysis and semi-structured interview to the six (6) NGOs in Malaysia. The findings of the research show that there are four factors that affect the determination of commission rate to the five (5) NGOs which are; i) wage of amil, ii) decision of top management, iii) guideline from mufti, zakah institution and other NGOs and, iv) according to the project and management cost. However, only one (1) NGO that does not take any commission from the public donation. Moreover, a sharia compliant guideline on the commission management of public donation by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is created for the reference to the other NGOs in the future.


The above paper presents a general relation to calculate the noise of arbitrarily shaped resistors. However, the derivation of this exact formula was already presented by Butterweck in 1975. This comment presents a list of literature on this subject, and some applications of the general relation. Even the generalization of the exact formula for a four-electrode configuration was already applied in 1977.


Embryonic and fetal growth involves a complex interaction of mitogenesis, tissue induction, cell migration and differentiation which occurs within a temporal programme. These tissue interactions are controlled by the extracellular matrix, cell-cell recognition systems, and the release of hormonal messengers such as peptide growth factors. The growth factors include peptides which potentiate growth, such as the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), and also growth inhibitors, such as transforming growth factor-p. Additionally, some growth factors potentiate and some block tissue differentiation. Studies of whole embryos have shown that growth factors are present and are withdrawn in particular structures at predetermined times. However, discrepancies may exist between sites of synthesis and action due to growth factor distribution being influenced by cellular binding mechanisms. A picture emerges of a paracrine system of growth control which may be controlled by external influences, including insulin and nutritional metabolites. The most obvious parameter of embryonic and fetal growth is the size of the conceptus. However, increasing mass is only one aspect of a complex series of events that constitute early growth. During blastulation inductive effects cause the appearance of the mesoderm from the primitive ectoderm. From this point on the growth of the embryo is asymmetrical, some tissues remaining in a rapidly growing and relatively undifferentiated state while others are differentiated and functionally active. For instance, the anterior somite blocks form and differentiate while the posterior somites have yet to condense. The events of mitogenesis, induction and differentiation therefore take place within the additional developmental dimension of time. At least three primary control mechanisms have been identified; the deposition and subsequent modification of extracellular matrix molecules, the expression and withdrawal of cell-cell recognition molecules, such as the cadherins, and the selective expression of humoral intercellular messengers, such as peptide growth factors.


Objective:To explore in clinical features of acetabular bothcolumn fractures and surgical methods of inner fixation.Methods:48 cases of acetabular bothcolumn fractures were treated with inner fixation through anterior and posterior approaches.The methods of fixation included internal fixation with reconstructive plate and sacroiliac lag screw.Results:41 of 48 cases reached anatomical reduction,5 imperfect reduction and 2 unsatisfacrory reduction.Followed up 18 months(range,6 months to 48 months),the joint fuction were excellent in 39 cases in group with anatomical reduction and 4 cases in group with unsatisfactory reduction,which was fine in group with anatomical reduction and in 1 case in group with unsatisfactory reduction.2 cases had poor joint function in group with unsatisfactory reduction.Conclusion:The inner fixation operation through anterior and posterior approaches is the best choice for acetabular both-column fractures.


This report details a design study based on eigenstructure assignment theory, to derive flight control laws for the BO-105 helicopter to meet ADS-33E-PRF handling qualities requirements in the pitch and roll axes. Both state variable and output feedback control laws are derived and their relative merits discussed. Minimal order observers are used to reconstruct the state variable feedback laws. In all cases robustness of the design using higher order truth models and realistic perturbation models is demonstrated


: One of the many types of mechanical springs that are widely used in automotive and mechanical systems are helical springs. Residual stresses are produced in springs during the process of cold coiling. To relieve these undesirable stresses, stress relieving is done. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of stress relieving process of helical compression springs made of stainless-steel wire. Experimentation is carried out on sixteen different springs. Stress relieving (tempering) is carried out at different temperature ranging from 180°C to 330°C. Change in outer diameter and no. of turn are noted and analyzed. The result shows slight change in outer diameter and no. of turn. This study is useful for spring manufacturers.


The first atmospheric spectra recorded by a MAESTRO instrument were collected during the MANTRA 2002 field campaign. These spectra will be used in the development and testing of retrieval algorithms for the MAESTRO satellite instrument.


At present ,e-commerce has already become a kind of global and str ategical management ,the enterprises net only need the professional and technica l persons of e-commerce, but also has put forward higher demands to basic qualit y ,knowledge structure and practical ability for international trade, business a dministration, financial investment, etc. So it is very important and essential to set up and use the e-commerce laboratory.


Clinical characteristics Spondylocostal dysostosis (SCDO), defined radiographically as multiple segmentation defects of the vertebrae (M-SDV) in combination with abnormalities of the ribs, is characterized clinically by: a short trunk in proportion to height; short neck; non-progressive mild scoliosis in most affected individuals, and occasionally, more significant scoliosis. Respiratory function in neonates may be compromised by reduced size of the thorax. By age two years lung growth may improve sufficiently to support relatively normal growth and development; however, even then life-threatening complications can occur, especially pulmonary hypertension in children with severely restricted lung capacity from birth. Males with SCDO appear to be at increased risk for inguinal hernia. Diagnosis/testing The diagnosis of SCDO is based on radiographic features. The subtype is defined by identification of biallelic pathogenic variants in one of the six genes known to cause autosomal recessive SCDO: DLL3, MESP2, LFNG, HES7, TBX6, and RIPPLY2. Management Treatment of manifestations: Respiratory support, including intensive care, is provided as needed for the small proportion of cases with acute respiratory distress and chronic respiratory failure. Inguinal hernia are treated as per routine. Surgical intervention may be necessary when scoliosis is significant; external bracing (e.g., by use of an expandable prosthetic titanium rib) may be attempted but experience is limited. Prevention of secondary complications: Expert management is indicated for chronic respiratory failure, which can result in pulmonary hypertension and cardiac failure. Surveillance: Growth, development, respiratory function, and spinal curvature should be monitored. The parents/care providers of young males need to be alert for the signs of inguinal hernia and its potential complications. Genetic counseling SCDO caused by pathogenic variants in DLL3, MESP2, LFNG, HES7, and RIPPLY2 is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. At conception, each sib of an affected individual has a 25% chance of being affected, a 50% chance of being an asymptomatic carrier, and a 25% chance of being unaffected and not a carrier. SCDO caused by biallelic TBX6 pathogenic variants is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner and the same genetic counseling principles apply. However, heterozygous TBX6 pathogenic variants have also been reported in individuals with autosomal dominant SCDO and some individuals with congenital scoliosis where the pattern of inheritance is uncertain. When autosomal recessive inheritance clearly applies, carrier testing for at-risk family members and prenatal testing for pregnancies at increased risk are possible if the pathogenic variants in the family are known. In experienced hands, detailed fetal ultrasound scanning is sensitive enough to detect M-SDV as early as 13 weeks' gestation.


Modeling exercises are designed around the popular game Wordle. These exercises can possibly be used in a computational or modeling laboratory course or in a course on modeling operations research (OR) problems. They assume some familiarity with modeling integer programs, a programming language like Python for basic text processing, and optimization software like AMPL or PYOMO. These exercises were tried in a master's-level course on modeling OR problems. Two sessions of three hours each are ideal for the whole exercise.


The observed thermal relaxation of transiently accreting neutron stars during quiescence periods in low-mass x-ray binaries suggests the existence of unknown heat sources in the shallow layers of neutron-star crust. Making use of existing experimental nuclear data, we estimate the maximum possible amount of heat that can be deposited in the outer crust of an accreting neutron star due to electron captures and pycnonuclear fusion reactions triggered by the burial of x-ray burst ashes.


Liquid metal embrittlement (LME) in Zn-based coating plates during hot stamping is an abnormal phenomenon where intimate contact between liquid Zn and a steel matrix results in the penetration of liquid Zn into the matrix, causing ruptures. In order to alleviate LME phenomenon, this paper designed a series of eutectic Zn-Al-Mg coating alloys to improve the uniformity of the Zn element distribution in the coating during heat treatment and inhibit the reaction between Fe and Zn. The high temperature mechanical properties of the coated steels are determined using thermal simulation to calculate the relative reduction in fracture energy, which is used to evaluate the LME level of the different composition coatings. It is suggested that the Zn-4.5Al-3.0Mg coating shows the highest LME resistance at 920 °C. The microstructure of these Zn-Al-Mg coated steels is observed after austenitization at 850 °C~920 °C for 3 min, which shows that the uniformity of the microstructure after austenitizing is affected by the composition of the coating and the austenitizing temperature. The higher temperature benefits the homogenization of the coating and steel and inhibits LME. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for the development of ternary Zn based LME resistant coatings.


A novel method for image watermarking robust to geometric distortions is proposed. A binary watermark is embedded in a grayscale or a color host image. The ability of progressive watermark detection enables fast and robust watermark detection even after several geometric distortions of the watermarked image. Simulation results indicate the ability of the proposed method to deal with the aforementioned attacks. Experiments conducted using the Stirmark benchmarking tests, indicate the superiority of the proposed method.


Governments undertake expenditures to pursue a variety of objectives, one of which is economic growth. This paper examines aggregated and disaggregated expenditure on economic growth in Ghana over the period 1970–2004. Expenditure on education and health represents human capital development, while expenditure on roads and waterways captures infrastructure development. The study reveals that the aggregated government expenditure retarded economic growth. The study's findings show that expenditures on health and infrastructure promote economic growth, while those on education had no significant impact in the short run. In addition, the political economy variables−namely the nature of governance (democracy) and political instability (years of changes in government and military dictatorship)−proved significant in explaining Ghana's economic growth over the study period.


Abstract The reproductive success of some Nothofagus species from South Chile is poor. Although self‐incompatibility is known to occur, seed set by out‐crossing pollination is still low. Therefore, in this study we focused on the pollen physiology of these species. Using direct and indirect methods, the viability and longevity of pollen grains from young and mature individuals of the species N. antarctica, N. obliqua, N. dombeyi, and N. betuloides were assessed. Pollen germination in vivo was evaluated in hand‐pollinated and naturally pollinated receptive stigmas of both categories. To assess pollen viability indirectly, in vitro germination on a sucrose‐agar culture medium was performed. Alexander's procedure (an indirect method) was used to evaluate viability immediately after pollen collection and longevity after 3, 6, and 12 months of storage. Pollen germination in vivo ranged from 52 to 74% in young individuals and 68 to 84% in mature trees. In vitro germination ranged from 46 to 71 % in young individuals and 49 to 85 % in mature trees. Fresh pollen dyed with Alexander's stain reached 91–100% viability. Similar values were obtained after three months of storage. After 6 months, pollen viability reduced to 66% and after one year of storage, viability had dropped to 21 to 50%, with mature individuals showing the highest loss of viability. The relevance of these findings to breeding programmes and pollination studies is discussed.


Executive Summary: Genetically modified trees with reduced lignin composition have been proposed as a geoengineering scheme that could potentially reduce environmental impact from chemically harsh pulping practices within the paper industry. Lignin is the complex chemical compound that gives trees their protection against climate, disease, and animal activity. However, the presence of lignin in wood demands the use of toxic chemicals in pulping and paper mills, which constitute sa health hazard to mill workers as well as the natural environment. Decreasing the amounts of lignin in trees raised specifically for the paper industry should result in increased productivity in paper-making and lessen the need for harsh chemicals. Although lignin reduction is a potential method to maximize efficiency and minimize the environmental footprint of the paper industry, it may have unintended consequences upon the environment. Potential side effects associated with lignin reduction include decreased fitness of the transformed trees, transgene escape, and changes in herbivorous insect populations. These are significant because they may endanger the wellbeing of other species and the entire ecosystem. The proposed experiment calls for a long-term field trial that will study and quantify the effect of lignin reduction on trophic interactions in the surrounding environment. Specifically, the field trial will genetically transform Populus tremuloides, or trembling aspen, a species that is commonly used for papermaking, and observe the populations of associated insect herbivores and non-herbivores. The anticipated results of this field trial are that there will be little to no effect on trophic interactions. Although the experiment will not capture the impact of lignin reduction on an entire ecosystem, the results of the field trial should deepen our understanding of how the effects of such a genetic modification permeate through different trophic levels. Ever since the Chinese developed the first papermaking process in the 2 nd century CE, paper has been one of the largest and most widespread commodities across the globe. The eventual mechanized production of paper through the printing press in the early 19 th century drove up the demand for newsprint and books since paper became relatively cheap and easy to produce. The increase in international demand for paper has consequently led to the chemical pollution of aquatic environments by paper mills as well as deforestation. Before wood is made into paper, it undergoes the pulping process. The breakdown of lignin, the complex chemical compound that gives trees their protection against climate, pathogens, and …


In some schools, teachers do not apply suitable teaching media. Therefore, every time they teach the media and methods used remain the same without regarding the topics and materials. According to the Law of National Education System 2003 education is conscious effort to develop learners' potential to make them religious, intelligent, and have good attitude and skill needed to develop self, society, and nation. This implies that to achieve the goal as mandated by the Law, the teachers implement good teaching method, materials, and media.


The recent realization that entire communities fuse and separate (community coalescence) has led to a reappraisal of the forces determining species diversity and dynamics, especially in microbial communities where coalescence is likely widespread. To understand if connectedness by coalescence results in different outcomes from connectedness by individual dispersal, we investigated chance processes leading to loss of species diversity using a model of a neutral two-species metacommunity. Two scenarios were investigated: pairwise coalescence where the communities coalesce in pairs, intermix and then separate; and diffuse coalescence where several communities mix as a pool and are re-distributed to their original patches. When standardized for the same net movement, both types of coalescence led to a longer time to single species dominance than dispersal. Coalescence therefore may be an important process contributing to the surprisingly high microbial species diversity in nature.


Recent experiments [Phys. Rev. Lett. 123, 092503(2019); Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 222501 (2017)] have made remarkable progress in measurements of the isotopic fission-fragment yields of the compound nucleus $^{239}$U, which is of great interests for fast-neutron reactors and for benchmarks of fission models. We apply the Bayesian neural network (BNN) approach to learn existing evaluated charge yields and infer the incomplete charge yields of $^{239}$U. We found the two-layer BNN is improved compared to the single-layer BNN for the overall performance. Our results support the normal charge yields of $^{239}$U around Sn and Mo isotopes. The role of odd-even effects in charge yields has also been studied.


In this work, we propose a method to build a behavior selector for the autonomous vehicle AutoMiny. With this, the vehicle was able to: drive lane-keeping and under the speed limit, pass parked cars, stop if a pedestrian (or another obstacle) appears in front of it, and park when the "passenger" sends a signal. The behavior selector designed was a feed-forward neural network where the inputs are seven binary variables whose values change depending on the sensors' data, and four neurons in the output correspond to four driving maneuvers.To detect and localize traffic signs, other vehicles, and commons obstacles on the road (like pedestrians, dogs, cats, etc.) a convolutional neural network with YOLOv3 architecture was designed, trained, and implemented. With this, it was possible to process the camera's images and define several states for the decision-making neural network. All proofs were realized using the Gazebo-ROS software in a simulator designed for the AutoMiny vehicle.


The Spring Conference 2021 focused on the theme of the gut microbiome and health that was divided across three separate but inter-related areas from the impact of nutrition on the gut microbiome, the cause and effect of nutrition and health on the gut microbiome to the interaction between pathogens and gut microbiota. The programme was supported by two plenary lectures, the first discussed the computational methods commonly employed to examine gut microbiota and the concluding lecture presented the interaction between the gut microbiome, nutrition and health in older populations. This short report provides a summary and highlights of the conference.


The study was carried out to assess effect of gamma radiation on the acidity and vitamin C content of the Citrus macroptera (Satkora) and Citrus assamensis (Ginger lime). Irradiation with doses 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 kGy were applied to assess the effect on the titrable acidity and vitamin C contents every one week interval for total five weeks. Both titrable acidity and vitamin C content of C. macroptera, and C. assamensis are sensitive to both gamma radiation and storage time; have decreased with increase of radiation does as well as storage time and this changes of vitamin C and titrable acidity content with gamma radiation and increasing storage period have found statistically significant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijarit.v2i1.13986 Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. & Tech. 2 (1): 1-6, June, 2012


The aims of this study are to understand and describes conformity in adolescents who consume alcoholic beverages. The subjects in this study were selected by purposive sampling, and they are adolescents aged 16-21 years living in P village Pekalongan city, and their status are students. This research using descriptive-qualitative approach, while the data collection method is using a semi-structured interview. The Data analysis technique used in this research is content analysis technique. Results showed that the subject, consumed alcoholic beverages are as a form of self-respect to friends in their home complex to be accepted so that they are free from fear of being dumped and mocked by his friend. When the subject gathered out with his friends, the subject feels happy because of the acceptance from his friend. The factors that may affect the conformity of alcoholic adolescents caused by internal factors such as a stress reliever, the principle of one drunk-all must be drunk, curiosity of the taste of alcoholic beverages, and the fear of being dumped. While the external factors are, the easy access alcoholic beverages, parents awareness of subject's alcoholic behavior, respect burden with fellow alcoholic friends, the influence of alcoholic fellow, and getting mocked or bullied.
Kata Kunci: conformity, alcoholic beverages, adolescent


The technology developed to provide a medium-power enhancement to Plessey's GaAs foundry MMIC (monolithic microwave IC) process and design capability is described. These process improvements have been in two major areas, namely, the identification and optimization of an ion implantation routine for power MESFET devices, and the development of a suitable heatsink technology compatible with the standard foundry IC process. Novel integral heatsink structures are developed which involve fabricating 'bathtub-shaped' heatsinks under the FET. A range of power FET devices fabricated using ion implanted material incorporating a p/sup -/ compensating layer are characterized. The devices have shown excellent performance in terms of gain, peripheral power density, and power added efficiency. These devices dissipate 20 watts of heat through the integral heatsink, thus clearly demonstrating the effectiveness of the new heatsink technology. A method for fabricating power GaAs MMICs on a substrate of manageable thickness has thus been demonstrated.<<ETX>>


It is a recent widerspread tendcy that marine diesel engines are operating with the heavy fuel of low quality, thereby causing trouble of engine plants to rise, and also works on board and repair expenses to increase.It is expected that the quality of marine fuel will deteriorate steadily for the future.In order to meet these trends, improvements of heavy fuel treatment have been taken up as the main study themes in shipping companies.Under circumastances, authors have continued on the reseach and development of heavy fuel treatment system which may cope with the fuel of low quality.Our reseach has succeeded in bringing forth the new type heavy fuel oil pretreatment system. the "HOPE SYSTEM".This paper describes the influenses upon diesel engine plants by the heavy fuel of low quality and the detail relation to research and development of the HOPE SYSTEM.


the coronary vessel wall (Figure E,F). The patient was discharged from hospital free from chest symptoms. MCTD is a systemic collagen disease characterized by coinciding features of systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and polymyositis/dermatomyositis. Patients diagnosed with MCTD, as well as with other collagen diseases, may experience cardiovascular complications. We present a huge CAA as a cardiovascular complication seen in a MCTD patient. The presence of CAA should be noted as possible for patients with collagen diseases such as MCTD.


With the proliferation of the new practice of wolf packing, the incidence of toehold ("TH") collaborations as part of a takeover campaign is likely to increase as well. In addition to affecting the size of the TH, potentially transforming the TH into a foothold, TH collaborations may include asymmetric agreements between the collaborators that distort the incentives of the bidders and lead to inefficient results. For example, the asymmetric agreement may include contingent distribution rights that make losing the takeover bid to a rival bidder, even to a higher-value use bidder, undesirable. Losing may become so prohibitively expensive that the bidder may continue to bid beyond its reservation-value. As a result, ex-ante, asymmetric TH collaborations are likely to deter potential rival bidders, which may motivate the collaborators to enter into such agreements. Bidders may use TH collaborations to present a credible threat of winning determination in order to curb competing bids, including efficient bids, which will negatively affect both shareholder value and social wealth. This Article demonstrates and analyses potential distortions caused by TH collaboration agreements.


The effectiveness of bioleaching is highly dependent on many biological factors.Four factors were investigated:sucrose concentration,spores concentration,fly ash concentration,and the time of fly ash addition.By using the central composite design,the non-linear equations,which described the relationship between the concentration of extracted heavy metals and the four factors above were obtained.Besides,the range of optimal bioleaching conditions were determined as follows:the concentration of sucrose,spores,fly ash was 114~126g/L,1.6×107~2.1×107 spores/mL,29~39g/L,respectively,and the time of fly ash addition was 3.6~4.4d.The trial was carried out in the optimum conditions by bioleaching 70g/L fly ash for 20 days.The concentration of extracted heavy metals was up to 901mg/L,which was 41% of the total heavy metals in fly ash.


Significance We take a phylogenetic approach to search for molecular partners of PRDM9, a key meiotic recombination gene, by leveraging the fact that the complete PRDM9 gene has been lost at least 13 times independently in vertebrates. We identify two genes, ZCWPW1 and its paralog ZCWPW2, whose presence or absence across vertebrates is coupled to that of PRDM9. ZCWPW1 was recently shown to be recruited to sites of PRDM9 binding and to aid in the repair of double strand breaks. ZCWPW2 is likely recruited to sites of PRDM9 binding as well; its tight coevolution with PRDM9 across vertebrates suggests that it too plays an important role in mammals and beyond, either in double strand break formation or repair.


COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL xi The new millennium is already rife with rapid-fire "high alert" responses, an increasing trend that is especially pronounced in the United States (though most certainly felt elsewhere, too), where past catastrophes shape expanding perceptions of imminent danger. September 11, 2001, looms as an inescapable spectral presence, defining an important baseline for the ramping up of biosecurity measures. Nevertheless, one need only consider a cursory list of other calamities—some of which are decades old—to realize the propensity by the late twentieth century for localized dangers to go global. The AIDS pandemic, Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, mad cow disease, avian and swine flus, the tsunami of 2004, and the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear crises—all instigated security measures on a grand scale before and after 2001. Beneath the aegis of a new world order of disaster awareness, human safety is conceived of as tenuous at best. Today, "biosecurity" has ballooned into an everyday and increasingly mundane aspect of human experience, serving as a catchall for the detection, surveillance, containment, and deflection of everything from epidemics and natural disasters to resource scarcities and political insurgencies, enabling newly conceived mandates in nation-states to police citizens, migrants, and refugees; to reconfigure urban zones, rural landscapes, and border zones; and to regulate precious—albeit basic—goods and services, such as food, water, land, medicines, and biofuels. The bundling together of security measures, their associated infrastructure, and their modes of Introduction


Lucaogou tight oil reservoir, located in the Junggar Basin, Northwest of China, is one of the typical tight oil reservoirs. Complex lithology leads to a wide pore size distribution (PSD), ranging from several nanometers to hundreds of micrometers. To better understand PSD and fractal features of Lucaogou tight oil reservoir, the experiment methods including scanning electron microscope (SEM), rate-controlled mercury injection (RMI) and pressure-controlled mercury injection (PMI) were performed on the six samples with different lithology. The results indicate that four types of pores exist in Lucaogou tight oil reservoir, including dissolution pores, clay dominated pores, microfractures and inter-granular pores. A combination of PMI and RMI was proposed to calculate the overall PSD of tight oil reservoirs, the overall pore radius of Lucaogou tight oil reservoir ranges from 3.6[Formula: see text]nm to 500[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m. The fractal analysis was carried out based on the PMI data. Fractal dimension (Fd) values varied between 2.843 and 2.913 with a mean value of 2.88. Fd increases with a decrease of quartz content and an increase of clay mineral content. Samples from tight oil reservoirs with smaller average pore radius have stronger complexity of pore structure. Fractal dimension shows negative correlations with porosity and permeability. In addition, fractal characteristics of different tight reservoirs were compared and analyzed.


To determine the well‐being of urologists worldwide during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, and whether they have adequate personal protective equipment knowledge and supplies appropriate to their clinical setting.


Relevance of the research topic. The development of public relations requires an increase in the effectiveness of budgetary resource management in solving the priority tasks of the country's socio-economic development and obtaining the maximum socially beneficial effect from the use of budgetary funds. Issues of strategic program targeted management of budgetary resources in the mechanism of social development, evaluation of the effectiveness of budgetary expenditures, the introduction of medium-term budget planning are becoming of current importance. Formulation of the problem. The issue of ensuring rational formation, optimal distribution and efficient and effective use of budgetary resources to meet the needs of society require a deepening study of the theoretical and methodological foundations of the program targeted management of budget expenditures in the system of state strategic planning, evaluation of the effectiveness and socio-economic efficiency of budget expenditures and budget activities, medium-term budget planning taking into account the criteria for priority and budget effectiveness. Analysis of recent research and publications. The issues of program targeted management of budgetary resources are devoted to the works of foreign and domestic scientists C. Weiss, E. Vedung, A. Premchand, V. Tanzi, L. Vasyutinskaya, I. Zapatrina, N. Kornienko, L. Lysyak, Y. Ostryshchenko, V. Fedosov, I. Chugunov and others. Selection of unexplored parts of the general problem. The study of program targeted management of budgetary resources in the mechanism of social development is actualized due to the need to effectively address the strategic priorities of the country's development in various spheres of public relations, the use of budget expenditures as an effective tool for regulating economic and socio-demographic processes in the country. Setting the task, the purpose of the study. The task of the study is to reveal the features of the effective functioning of the program targeted management of budgetary expenditures in the system of state strategic planning and forecasting to rationalize the distribution and use of budgetary resources in order to achieve priorities of the budget and socio-economic policy of the state. The purpose of the study is to reveal and improve the theoretical and methodological basics of the program targeted method of managing budgetary resources in the mechanism of public development. Method or methodology for conducting research. The article uses a set of scientific methods and approaches, including dialectical, systemic and structural methods, comparative and factor analysis, methods of scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis. Presentation of the main material (results of work). The essence of the program targeted method of managing budget resources and the peculiarities of its functioning in the mechanism of public development are revealed; improved provisions for long-term forecasting and medium-term program targeted planning of budget expenditures in the system of state strategic planning and forecasting; developed approaches to assessing the effectiveness and socio-economic efficiency of budget expenditures and budget activities. The field of application of results. The results of the study can be used in the process of formation and implementation of state policy in the field of budget expenditures. Conclusions according to the article. Strategic program targeted management of budgetary resources provides for long-term forecasting of budget expenditures within the framework of the country's socio-economic development strategy, budget strategy, sectoral strategic plans, as well as medium-term program targeted planning of budget expenditures within the framework of a long-term budget expenditures forecast, taking into account the criteria for prioritizing public development and budget effectiveness. A systematic assessment of the effectiveness and socio-economic efficiency of budget expenditures allows you to create an integrated closed-loop budget expenditure management system aimed at ensuring dynamic optimization of the allocation and use of budgetary resources based on the criteria of the expected and achieved level of budgetary expenditures effectiveness in order to minimize budget losses and maximize budget results for all stages of the budget process.


The depth-based image rendering (DIBR) uses monoscopic image with its corresponding depth map to generate stereoscopic images for 3DTV. The main difficulty in the DIBR is that holes appear in the stereoscopic images because of the occlusion between objects. However, the previous depth smoothing methods to reduce holes usually destroy the perceived depth quality or the perceived naturalness. This paper proposed a new depth smoothing method to solve these problems by applying a new directional Gaussian filter guided by edge direction in the hole-flag area iteratively. The subjective evaluation results show that our proposed method can generate better stereoscopic images with good perceived depth quality as well as perceived naturalness.


This paper experimentally studies the parasitic impact of metal fill on a spiral inductor fabricated in a 180nm Bi-CMOS process. Metal fill design aspects such as placement (in-plane vs. off-plane) and size are considered. We demonstrate larger impact on the quality factor (Q) and self-resonance frequency for off-plane metal fill compared to in-plane metal fill. A 70% decrease in fill size with unchanged metal density gives a 13% improvement in measured Q.


Facing with the fierce competition in the project cost consultation at home and abroad,project cost consultation enterprises in mainland China with current consultation service have difficulty to cope with the challenge.The paper analyzes the development provision of building surveying in the project cost consultation.


Objective To investigate the complementarity of ELISA and nucleic acid amplification test(NAT) in blood screening,and to improve the security of clinical blood transfusion.Methods A total of 45 022 blood samples from the blood donors without payment from June 2007 to March 2008 were enrolled in the study.ELISA was applied to determining HBsAg,anti-HCV,anti-HIV,anti-treponema pallidum(anti-TP) and ALT,and then the normal samples for the above parameters(serologically negative for HBsAg,anti-HCV,anti-HIV,anti-TP and ALT) were detected with NAT.The complementarity of ELISA and NAT was analyzed.Results Totally 803 cases(1.98%) were unqualified(serologically positive) out of the 45 022 blood samples.The qualified 36 806 samples were further detected with NAT.The results showed 3 cases were HBV-DNA positive,but none was positive for HBV-RNA and HIV-RNA.Conclusion The complementary action of ELISA and NAT is due to different window phase for detected subjects,technological difference and different influencing factors.


The 2014 High Level Meeting (HLM), held on 11 April 2014 in Washington, DC, was the largest meeting the Sanitation and Water for All partnership has yet convened. It was attended by 42 developing countries, 12 donors, and four development banks, as well as senior representatives from UN agencies and civil society. Twenty developing countries were represented at the level of their minister of finance, and in addition, 35 ministers responsible for water and sanitation attended. At SWA HLMs, developing countries and donor partners present commitments designed to overcome the barriers holding back progress towards universal access. In April 2014, 43 countries prepared and tabled more than 300 commitments. An analysis was carried out to examine responses to the call for commitments that specifically targeted inequalities, revealing that 26 countries, 60 per cent of those that tabled commitments, made 46 commitments that could be considered to address inequalities, either through direct intervention or strength...


The optical CT (Computerized Tomography), which utilises light transmitted through a semi-opaque object extends vision to the inside of objects. The projection profiles of the optical CT are smeared due to the scattering of light in a translucent medium. In the image reconstruction for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), FID (Free Induction Decay) signals consisting of decaying sinusoids inevitably produce smeared spectra. The chirpz transform provides an effective means which reduces such smearing, when the DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) used in different stages of image reconstruction processes, is replaced by the CZT (Chirp z-Transform). This paper discusses the peak value and the bandwidth of the improved spectrum by CZT in relation to the ordinary DFT (Discrete Fourier Transform) method and proper selection of a contour for a given set of data. The validity of replacing DFT by CZT in different image reconstruction schemes is also discussed. The improvement in image quality is demonstrated for the experimental data obtained from an optical CT system and that obtained from MRI specifically for the purpose of chemical-shift imaging.


ABSTRACT Axiorygmanethertoni is described from material collected in about 30 m of water off the Key Largo area of the Florida Keys, and from 52-58 m in the Gulf of Mexico off the west coast of Florida. The genus is characterized by the possession of sexually dimorphic chelipeds, and by the absence of an appendix masculina in the male. The species burrows in sand flat areas around coral heads, with densities of up to 80/m2. The burrows, usually about 15 cm long, are often blocked by debris such as calcareous algal fragments. The species is considered to play an important role in the transfer of material across the sediment-water interface.


The Pernambuco-Alagoas Domain, NE is a complex tectonic feature that includes units from Archean to Ediacaran ages. It is marked by voluminous syn- and post-collisional Cyrogenian to Ediacaran granitic magmatism related to the Brasiliano collisional orogeny. The Santana do Ipanema granitic batholith (over 6000 km 2 ) is one of the three large intrusions in this domain. The batholith is composed of over twenty plutons, with U-Pb zircon crystallization ages varying from 643 to 616 Ma. They consist of high-K calc-alkalic to shoshonitic metaluminous to peraluminous quartz monzonite, quartz syenite and granites and contain biotite ± amphibole as major mafic phases. Primary epidote is found in almost all, and clinopyroxene in two plutons. Rocks show overlapping major and trace element compositions, but Nd isotopes reveals two distinct groups: the oldest plutons (643-625 Ma) present (cid:72) Nd(t) slightly positive to negative, while plutons (cid:100) 621 Ma show more negative values. In both groups the older t DM values, more negative (cid:72) Nd(t). REE normalized patterns are less fractionated in the older plutons than in the younger ones, and show larger negative Eu anomaly. Geochemical variation amongst the various plutons suggest they derived from similar depths above plagioclase stability field. Probably magmas derived from remelting of lower crust, with larger older supracrustal material input with time. Crystallization ages indicate


As one important part of the infant art education,singing activity promotes the development in the aspects concerned with infants' emotion,attitude,ability,knowledge and skills.Therefore,the development of infants' knowledge and skills can not be neglected while the importance is attached to infants' emotion and aesthetic taste cultivation.What is emphasized in the paper means that the knowledge and skills should not be "over-emphasized" in infants' development,but it doesn't means no knowledge and skills.If the training in knowledge and skills is "over-emphasized",both teachers and infants' ability of imagination and creation is restricted and the way is ex parte.Hence,singing activity in infant education is to promote an infant's development in all aspects.


Land is the source of all things,people's life and production are based on the land,and social development and human being's progress are inseparable from the land.Starting from the current situation of and existing problems in land's economical and intensive use in Taiyuan City,this paper puts forward some suggestions on the economical and intensive land use.


Markers are primarily used as position indicators, hence estimation of marker position is a very important task in the field of localization. Localization can be done in many ways one of the most popular method of localization is using image processing technique. Sometimes marker localization by image processing needs highly complex processing which becomes extremely difficult in case of real time processing with limited processing capacity like onboard computer of Autonomous robot. Hence here the whole marker localization process is revisited to select propped marker in order to localize it with minimum processing.


The tourism resources of big western Hunan in China and even in the world have a comparative advantage,and its devel-opment should implement the tourism-leading strategies.On the one hand,rural tourism should be innovated and rural tourism devel-opment frame should form the mode of governmental guide,market operation,department coordination,enterprise management,and farmer participation.On the other hand,the development of agriculture and countryside should be attached importance to,rural em-ployment should be enlarged,the interactive mode between rural tourism and labor transfer on-spot should be explored,and Three Agricultural Problem should be solved to improve the life of the people and to construct harmonious society.


In order to investigate the cause of local variation in sea cliff retreat, the author surveyed the sea cliffs along the Pacific coast of Ohmika, Haranomachi City in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan (Fig. 1). Throughout this coast of 3 kilometers in length, we find sea cliffs with a height of 5 to 25 meters. Most of them are 20 meters high cutting a marine terrace, but some of them at the northern part are found on a side of another lower fluvial terrace, which is about 5 meters high. An obtuse angled cape divides this coast into two: northern and southern parts (Fig. 2). Judging from the old (1912) and the recent (1959) maps of this area, it is possible to recognize a clear difference of the land area lost between the northern and southern parts (Fig. 4). The southern part showed more loss than the northern one, though the former has a wider beach in general. Moreover, there is a difference in type between the northern and southern cliff profiles (Fig. 3). The northern cliffs are almost everywhere characterized by a vertical bluff just like a wall showing a smooth face. Deep sea-caves at their foot and narrow stepped platforms in the middle of the cliff profiles also can be seen at some places in thenorthern part. On the other hand, the southern cliffs are rough and vertical at the lower part and also quite steep, but not vertical, at the upper. There are no sea-caves but shallow notches at their foot. Wave-cut benches could be seen at the foot of the cliffs in the southern part. As regards to the fallen debris at the foot of these cliffs in the southern part, a large amount of all sizes having fresh faces and sharp edges are to be found. On the contrary, in northern part, there are less debris but most of them are larger and well-rounded. As for the geology of this coast, they consist generally of sand and gravel deposits at the upper, a sandy mudstone layer at middle and lower (Fg.5). At the southern part, this sandy mudstone layer is divided into two by an inserted unconsolidated stratum of sand, and this sandy stratum locates just at the foot of the southern cliffs, The middle and lower parts of the northern cliffs consist of only homogeneous mudstones. To know one of the resisting powers of these strata against wave attack, the author measured hardness for every stratum on the southern and northern cliffs by using a penetrometer, an instrument for measuring soil consistency (Tab.2). The strikes and intervals of the joints in the mudstone layers are also important factors for destruction of the cliffs by storm waves. In the southern part, the strikes are oblique to the present shoreline. On the contrary, the strikes of the northern cliffs are parallel to the shoreline. Other factors concerned with destruction of these cliffs such as wave, wind (Fig.7) and shallow water topography (Fig.6) were also examined, but the author considered that they are not so much concerned with the difference of cliff retreat as geological factors in this coast are. Finally it was proven that the main cause of local variation in cliff retreat, and cliff profiles between the northern and southern parts on this coast depend mainly upon the geological factors, such as differences in stratigraphy, joints in mudstone layers and hardness of strata on this coast.


A dual-functional organic-inorganic film with gas barrier and hydroxide ion conductivity properties was fabricated via the layer-by-layer assembly of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplates and quaternary ammonium grafted polysulfone (QAPSF). By incorporating inorganic flakes with high ionic conductivity and gas barrier effects into an ion-conductive polymer matrix, this work overcomes the commonly-believed incompatibility between gas blocking and ionic conduction.


One of the most active research fields in single-pixel imaging is the influence of the sampling basis and its order in the quality of the reconstructed images. This paper presents two new orders, ascending scale (AS) and ascending inertia (AI), of the Hadamard basis and test their performance, using simulation and experimental methods, for low sampling ratios (0.5 to 0.01) in low resolution images (up to $128\,{\times }\,128$ ). These orders were compared with two state-of-the-art orders, cake-cutting (CC) and total gradient (TG), using TVAL3 as the reconstruction algorithm and three noise levels. These newly proposed orders have better reconstructed image quality on the simulation data set (110 images) and achieved structure similarity index values higher than CC order. The experimental data set (2 images) showed that the AS and AI orders performed better with a sampling ratio of 0.5, while for lower sampling ratio the performance of AS, AI and CC was similar. The TG order performed worst in the majority of the cases. Finally, the simulation results present clear evidence that peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is not a reliable image quality assessment (IQA) metric to assess image reconstruction quality in the context of single pixel imaging.


Shows a model of the environment in which the stress-strain state of the rocks in coal extraction is estimated taking into account the speed. Algorithm for comput ing is implemented in the software package. With specific examples demonstrate the difference between the displacement of rocks at different speeds coal extraction. Presented prelimi nary recommendations for the correction of existing rules.


The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) appears to contribute significantly to osmoregulation of fasting northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris) pups; however, RAAS has not been characterized in fasting adult seals. Therefore, this study examined the contribution of RAAS to water turnover rates in fasting adult male northern elephant seals. Blood samples were obtained twice during their breeding fast at an interval of 6.5 wk, and water efflux rate was estimated by isotopic dilution during the same period. Serum electrolytes (Na , K , Cl ) and osmolality were unaltered between the two sampling periods, indicating ionic and osmotic homeostasis during the fast. Despite the lack of an increase in vasopressin, serum angiotensin II and aldosterone were increased and were significantly and positively correlated. Changes in aldosterone concentration and water efflux rate were significantly and negatively correlated, suggesting that the greater the increase in aldosterone, the smaller the loss of water. Adult male seals maintain ionic and osmotic homeostasis similar to that of fasting weaned pups, and this homeostasis appears to be mediated, at least in part, by RAAS, which probably contributes to increased water retention as well. The hormonal mechanisms by which northern elephant seals maintain water and electrolyte balance during fasting conditions appear to be similar regardless of age. * Corresponding author. Present address: School of Natural Sciences, University of California, P.O. Box 2039, Merced, California 95344; e-mail: email@example.com. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology 79(6):1106–1112. 2006. 2006 by The University of Chicago. All rights reserved. 1522-2152/2006/79065122$15.00 Introduction Few mammals have adapted to prolonged periods of fasting. Hibernators such as the American black bear (Ursus americanus; Brown et al. 1971), the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus; Clausen and Storesund 1971), the little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus; Gustafson and Belt 1981), prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus and Cynomys ludovicianus; Harlow and Braun 1995), and the yellow-bellied marmot (Marmota flaviventris; Kastner et al. 1978) experience periods as long as 7 mo without food and water, but they are essentially metabolically inactive during this time. In contrast, camels (Camelus dromedarius) may withstand prolonged periods (2–3 wk) of food and water deprivation in arid and hot environments without exhibiting deleterious effects (Ben Goumi et al. 1993; Yagil 1993). As with the aforementioned species, fasting for protracted periods (1–3 mo) is a natural component of the life-history year of the northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), occurring twice a year, regardless of age or sex (Le Boeuf et al. 1972). Nonetheless, the contributions of the osmoregulatory hormones arginine vasopressin (AVP), angiotensin II (Ang II), and aldosterone to the maintenance of water and electrolyte homeostasis during periods of prolonged fasting in adapted mammals remain largely unresolved. Pups of the northern elephant seal maintain fluid and ionic homeostasis throughout their postweaning fast by conserving the water derived from the oxidation of their large body fat stores (Ortiz et al. 1978). In fasting pups, body water is conserved by increasing urine osmolality (Ortiz et al. 1996) and decreasing urine output (Adams and Costa 1993; Ortiz et al. 1996). By increasing the tubular reabsorption of electrolytes, pups are able to reduce the excretion of Na and K and thus are able to maintain electrolyte homeostasis (Adams and Costa 1993; Ortiz et al. 1996). In addition, pups maintain a state of metabolic quiescence similar to that of hibernators during their postweaning fast, which allows them to further reduce energetic expenditures and metabolic water losses. In contrast, adult male seals are physically more active during their fasting period associated with the breeding season, exhibiting high rates of mass loss and energy expenditure (Deutsch et al. 1990). This increase in activity could potentially impede their ability to maintain ionic and osmotic homeostasis, which is observed in the relatively inactive fasting pups. However, the osmoregulatory adThis content downloaded from 18.104.22.168 on Thu, 10 Jul 2014 20:51:56 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions Osmoregulation in Adult Seals 1107 justments made by fasting adult elephant seals, especially during the breeding season, when animals are physically more active, have yet to be examined. In mammals, the reabsorption of solute-free water from the collecting duct is mediated by AVP (Wade et al. 1982). As part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the precursor hormone, angiotensinogen, is cleaved by renin to produce angiotensin I, which is further converted to Ang II by angiotensin-converting enzyme (Funder 1993). Ang II, in turn, stimulates the adrenal release of aldosterone (Morris 1981; Funder 1993). Both Ang II (Ichikawa and Harris 1991) and aldosterone (Morris 1981; Funder 1993) have been reported to possess an antidiuretic function in the distal tubule of the mammalian kidney, in addition to regulating Na reabsorption. Under normal fasting conditions in elephant seal pups, the renal conservation of water and electrolytes appears to be regulated, at least in part, by an increase in the response of RAAS without an increase in AVP (Ortiz et al. 2000). Although water reabsorption does not appear to be mediated by AVP under natural fasting conditions in elephant seal pups, other studies in adult seals suggest that water retention may be associated with AVP (Bradley et al. 1954; Page et al. 1954; Hong et al. 1982; Skog and Folkow 1994). In addition, AVP concentrations are greater in adults of other species of pinnipeds compared to those of conspecific pups (Zenteno-Savin and Castellini 1998), suggesting that concentrations of AVP in adult elephant seals may also be greater than those previously measured in pups and may increase with the breeding fast. However, concentrations of AVP, Ang II, and aldosterone have not been previously reported in adult elephant seals during fasting conditions. In addition, data on RAAS in marine mammals, especially during fasting conditions, are scarce, which contributes to our lack of thorough understanding of osmoregulation in this group of animals. Unlike the postweaning fast observed in pups of the northern elephant seal, in which pups minimize activity by slumbering for a majority of the fast, the fast of adult males during the breeding season is associated with levels of high activity, including combat with other males to establish dominance, copulations, and frequent periods of terrestrial locomotion. Such stark differences in physical activity between pups and actively breeding males could potentially be associated with differences in osmoregulatory capabilities, since increased physical activity could burden total body water stores. For that reason, in order for seals to adapt to increased levels of activity during fasting periods as they mature, renal function and capabilities, as well as hormonal content, may change with development and age to accommodate such an adaptation. Thus, the assumption that the osmoregulatory alterations observed in fasting pups under natural conditions are similar to those of conspecific adults would be inappropriate. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine whether breeding adult male elephant seals maintain ionic and osmotic homeostasis and to examine the changes in levels of aldosterone, Ang II, and AVP during their natural prolonged fast.


Because patientsso often get better or worse on their own, no matterwhat we do, clinical experience is a poor judge of whatdoes and does not work. Hence the need foradequately powered randomised controlled trials.A second reason is we are taught that because medi-cine is based on the sciences, understanding the patho-physiology of disease is essential to effective treatment.And so it is for many treatments. Use of insulin for dia-betic coma needs a full understanding of thepathophysiology. Similarly, our appreciation of howparachutes slow falls means we do not need a placebocontrolled trial of parachutes.


The paper studies the role of social media marketing in consumer behavior on Georgian tourism market. The main attention is paid to the fact that social media marketing engages the consumer and determine the different tools of social media in tourism development. The current study evaluates the impact of social media marketing of tourist company on consumer buying decision. To determine the attitude of Georgian consumers to social media, conducted a marketing research. The study revealed the strong relationship between Activity of tourist company regarding to social media marketing and consumers behavior, as well as among Interest, reliability and satisfaction about social media marketing of tourist company and consumer buying decision.