The thermal degradation kinetics of epoxy resin, triglycidyl-paminophenol (TGAP), and its flame-retarded formulations are investigated by thermogravimetric analysis {TGA) under oxidative conditions and are modelled using a simple global multi-step mechanistic scheme. Experimental TGA data acquired under non-isothermal conditions is used to optimise the kinetic parameters for selected boundary linear heating rates. These optimised kinetic parameters which adequately describe the thermal degradation process of epoxy resin formulations over the defined range of experimental conditions are then applied in the prediction of mass loss profiles of investigated materials under different heating conditions.


Abstract:Exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) is associated with children's internalizing and externalizing problems. IPV is thought to impair mothers' ability to scaffold young children's emotion regulation through coregulated interactions. Mother–child language style matching (LSM) is an index of coregulation that has yet to be examined in IPV-exposed samples. We hypothesized that LSM would mediate the association between IPV and children's behavioral problems. Participants were 194 mother–child dyads. IPV was assessed annually when children were ages 1–4. LSM was derived from speech during a free-play interaction at age 4, and children's behavior problems were assessed concurrently and again at age 10. Chronic IPV exposure in early life was associated with lower levels of mother–child LSM. LSM also mediated the association between IPV and later internalizing problems. These findings provide evidence that mother–child LSM may be a useful index of parent–child interaction quality in the context of IPV.


Accumulation of manure on dairy feedlot surfaces (DFS) generates great amounts of dissolved constituents that can impact surface water and groundwater quality. Application of fluidized bed combustion (FBC) residue has been suggested to stabilize DFS and to minimize the environmental impact on water quality. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of using FBC residue (to stabilize DFS) on the mobility of elements in Lily loam soil (Typic Hapludult). Seepage generated from simulated dairy manure (DM)-, FBC-, or DM/FBC-feedlot surfaces was applied to 70-cm soil columns at 10 weekly intervals. Using FBC with DM decreased the amount ofN, P, Si, Mg, K, Na, and organic C retained by the soil and increased the retention of Ca, S, B, and Cl. A large portion of elements (e.g., P, B, Ca, Mg, K, Na) was retained in the surface 20 cm of the soil and decreased with depth. However, using FBC with DM enhanced the release of native soil Al, Fe, and Mn. Mechanisms responsible for this depletion could include (i) dissolution of soil minerals by SO 4 , (ii) replacement of elements on exchangeable sites by Ca, (iii) reduction of high-valence elements to more soluble forms, and (iv) formation of soluble element-organic complexes. We concluded that two sets of reactions should be considered when evaluating the impact of the stabilization process on water quality: (i) reactions between DM and FBC constituents that control chemical composition of the seepage and (ii) reactions between the seepage and soil components that control elements attenuation and mobility.


The article mainly discuss the background,meaning,principle and content about Sweden land bank's establishment,compare the difference and sameness about land storage operation system,operation mode and government management between China and foreign countries,research the successful operation experiment of Sweden land bank,carry out referenced-value policy suggestion for our country's city land storage management.


The first results on an injection-locked high-power Nd:YAG ring laser with 172W single frequency output power in a stable linearly polarized fundamental mode operation for the next generation of gravitational wave detectors will be presented.


In recent years many US corporate pension plans have closed and entered their "end-state." As end-state plans have become more prevalent, their special portfolio management challenges, including asset allocation, have gained attention. Pure immunization with public fixed income assets ("hibernation") is a possible investment management strategy to try to minimize funding ratio variability. But this may not be sufficient for all end-state plans. For example, mortality risk could cause the actual cash liabilities to deviate from the estimated cash liabilities. This risk may argue for the inclusion of return-seeking assets. In addition, some plans have had good performance experience with their illiquid private assets (e.g., private real estate, private equity, and private credit funds). How can a CIO evaluate the potential of these private assets remaining in their end-state portfolio? We use our asset allocation framework (OASIS™) to help end-state investors solve for optimal asset allocations. An asset allocation solution seeks to maximize the end-state portfolio's expected horizon value while meeting future cash obligations at a desired confidence level and keeping the funded status at a target level of stability over the investment horizon. We show that private assets can play an important role in helping end-state portfolios achieve their return objectives while meeting their liquidity and funded status stability constraints. CIOs managing end-state portfolios may impose additional constraints to address their specific concerns. For example, CIOs may impose an upper limit on their total allocation to private assets, impose a floor on the plan's funding ratio, or express views on expected private asset performance and their fund-selection skills. Making asset allocation constraints more restrictive typically implies a less risky portfolio, with a lower allocation to private assets. The OASIS framework helps CIOs measure this tradeoff between performance and their constraints, allowing them to make better business decisions.


The strategic importance of quality management has grown in recent years. However, although the competitive implications of adhering to a quality agenda have been much alluded to within the literature, the evidence from a review of published studies suggests that service quality and strategy issues have been addressed as separate concerns by researchers. This study examines managerial perceptions of quality implementation and shows that two factors are important when implementing quality practices: 'managers' feelings about things that they perceive themselves to control' and 'managers' fears about areas outside their control'. Respondent managers clearly emphasise 'areas within their control' to be important when implementing quality practices. However, at the same time, the findings illuminate managerial fears towards practices associated with implementation. Further research ivill need to be carried out to examine managerial attitudes towards the actual practice of quality management in hotel organisations and to evaluate whether the factors are of importance or are perceived to be important by managers within the industry.


The aim of this research was to evaluate the
phytochemical profiles of flour from red, yellow and green fruits of Capsicum pubescens (commun name: locoto)
and compare with "locoto" commercial powder (Lcp). Soluble protein (SP), total sugar (TS), free
phenolic compounds (FPC), ascorbic acid (AA), total monomeric anthocyanin
(TMA), condensed and hydrolizable tannin (CT, HT) and carotenoids (C) were
determined by spectrophotometric methods. Multielemental composition by ICP-MS
was also done. The flour showed low amounts of calories and high potassium and
low sodium levels. Flour from "locoto" fruits contained mainly carotenoids
(0.82 to 20 g Eβ-C/100g DW), polyphenolic compounds (681 - 822 mg GAE/100g DW) and ascorbic acid (100 - 199 mg AA/100g DW). The polyphenolic profile
of Lcp was similar to flour obtained in our laboratory but the level of
carotenoid was lower than that of flour. The fiber content of flour was around
3% in all cases. All preparations obtained from flour and Lcp showed
antioxidant activity with SC50 values between 1.4 and 3 μg GAE/mL.
Inhibitory capacity on Lipo-oxygenase enzyme was also demonstrated. Non
mutagenic effect was detected. The "locoto" flour showed nutraceutical
characteristics that are demanded by functional food and could be used as a dietary supplement.


A parametric effect amplifier has been built at 200 kHz (input) and 1.84 MHz (output) using a MEMS time-varying capacitor. The capacitor is composed of a thin low stress metallized silicon-nitride diaphragm and is pumped by a large signal voltage at 1.64 MHz. This results in a large change in the capacitance, and parametric amplification of an input signal at 200 kHz. To our knowledge, this device is the first-ever mechanical up-converter parametric-effect amplifier, with an up-conversion ratio of 9:1.


To investigate the differential effects of viewing four patterns of figure movement on the performance of a dynamic balance task, 48 male Ss watched a visual figure moving in a horizontal, vertical, circular clockwise, or circular counterclockwise pattern while performing on a Dynabalometer. A two-way analysis of variance showed there was a significant difference among the balance scores while performing the visual tasks. Scheffé tests indicated that the differences occurred between the vertical versus horizontal and between the vertical and counterclockwise conditions. Balance was best while viewing the vertical pattern, followed by the clockwise and horizontal patterns, and poorest with the counterclockwise pattern.


Image held by East Melbourne Library.
Built 1862, by Ravenscroft & Oldfield for Eugene von Guerard, artist.
Classified, National Trust Historic Buildings Register. Please also refer to ID 15004.
From 'East Melbourne - earliest existing residences 1850 - 1864'. Personal album compiled by Winston H. Burchett, 1978.


Trading of 0-day computer exploits between hackers has been taking place for as long as computer exploits have existed. A black market for these exploits has developed around their illegal use. Recently, a trend has developed toward buying and selling these exploits as a source of legitimate income for security researchers. However, this emerging "0-day market" has some unique aspects that make this particularly difficult to accomplish in a fair manner. These problems, along with possible solutions will be discussed. These issues will be illustrated by following two case studies of attempted sales of 0-day exploits.


This paper reports on the PsychoPhysiological Assessment Component which measures the emotional/psychological state of serious game players, to support their competence development within a novel Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) platform. The authors describe the methods used to build and validate the emotional-state Naive Bayes classifier (NBC). Our approach is tested in two experiments. In the first experiment, participants had to perform emotional- elicitation tasks and we achieved an arousal classification accuracy of ~92%. In the second experiment, participants were asked to play the TEL serious game and we achieved an arousal classification accuracy of ~68%. The results show that our arousal classification system, based on a simple set of sensors, can provide a real- time index of what can be considered a baseline measure of the player's capacity to learn: in a state of increased arousal/activation, the potential to learn is higher.


Objective:To discuss the clinical significance of the reflux of the contrast medium during hysterosalpingography.Methods:The obvious reflux of the contrast medium during hysterosalpingography in 72 cases was analyzed and correlated to the clinical data.Results:65 of the 72 cases with obvious reflux sign showed varying lesions mostly associated with inflammation such as the tuberculosis.Conclusion:The reflux sign during the hysterosalpingography is not specific for a certain disease,however,it is very useful for the diagnosis and treatment planning of the diseases.


Pyrolysis mechanism of nitrogen in carbon fibers, heat-treated at various temperatures, was investigated, in relation to the nitrogen chemical bonding states. Nitrogen content shows exponential decreasing with increased temperature and extended time. The pyrolysis of nitrogen exhibited time-temperature equivalence. Nitrogen atoms containing hydrogen in the amorphous region and at the edge of microcrystalline, and the double-bonded nitrogen in pyridine rings are easily pyrolyzed, while nitrogen atoms in the six-member ring of the graphite sheets are difficult to be pyrolyzed.


Microorganisms especially sponges-associated bacteria are
widely investigated because they can produce antibacterial metabolites,
including Bacillus tequilensis BSMF isolated from Halichondria panicea.
The production of antibacterial metabolites is influenced by components
of growth media, environmental physicochemical factors such as pH,
temperature, media, dissolved oxygen conditions, and production time.
This research aims to determine pH and optimum temperature of
antibacterial metabolites production from Bacillus tequilensis BSMF
symbiosis Halichondria panicea in Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) media.
The solid fermentation method was used in the production of Bacillus
tequilensis BSMF antibacterial metabolite, while the antibacterial activity
test for Bacillus tequilensis BSMF against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC
25923 and Eschericia coli ATCC 25922 used agar diffusion method. The
result shows that the optimum pH was reached at pH 8±0,5 and optimum
temperature was attained at 32±1oC.


According to the Australian Department of Health and Ageing, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men have the worst health of any group in Australia, says Jacob Prehn, a proud Worimi man and social worker.


Aim: Accurate detection and diagnosis of caries in primary molars is challenging, especially for proximal lesions where direct visual examination is difficult. Therefore, the aim of this in-vivo and in-vitro study was to assess the validity, reproducibility and acceptability of a laser fluorescence pen and compare these outcomes with those of conventional methods of proximal caries detection in primary molar teeth.
Methods: Eighty-two children (aged 5-10 yrs) were recruited. Initially 1030 proximal surfaces were clinically examined using meticulous visual examination (ICDAS), bitewing radiographs, and a laser fluorescence device (LF pen). Temporary tooth separation (TTS) was achieved for 447 surfaces and these surfaces were re-examined visually (ICDAS) and by the LF pen. The teeth were subsequently extracted and serially sectioned for histological validation. Proximal surfaces were further assessed in-vitro using direct visual examination and the LF pen. The validity of all diagnostic methods was assessed. Results of both in-vivo and in-vitro assessments were compared. Intra- and inter-examiner reproducibility were assessed, the second examiner re-examined 10% of surfaces. Patient acceptability of the different diagnostic methods was measured using self-completed questionnaires.
Results: At D₁ (enamel and dentine caries) diagnostic threshold, the sensitivity of ICDAS visual examination, TTS, radiographic examination and LF pen examination was 0.52, 0.75, 0.14, 0.58 and the specificity at this threshold was 0.89, 0.88, 0.97, 0.85 respectively. At D₃ (dentine caries) diagnostic threshold, the sensitivity of the ICDAS examination, TTS, radiographic examination, and LF pen examination was 0.42, 0.49, 0.71, 0.63 respectively, while the specificity was 0.93 for both ICDAS examination and TTS, and 0.98 and 0.87 for radiographic and LF pen examinations respectively. ROC comparison of the different methods showed the radiographic examination to be superior at D₃ level. Intra-examiner reproducibility was 'substantial' to 'almost perfect' for all examinations, with the Kappa coefficient varying from K=0.75 at D₁ to K=0.95 at D₃. Inter-examiner reproducibility for ICDAS and radiographic examinations also demonstrated 'substantial' to 'almost perfect' agreement which varied from K=0.73 at D₁ to K=0.0.85 at D₃. The LF pen had significantly higher validity in-vitro than in-vivo. However, in-vitro LF pen readings were significantly different from the in-vivo readings (P<0.05). Regarding acceptability of these different approaches, children found TTS to be significantly less acceptable than the other methods.
Conclusions: Meticulous visual examination should be supported by radiographs. The LF pen did provide additional diagnostic information particularly at the D₁ threshold but not as much as


Aim: regarding appropriate materials and techniques for onlay restorations. Background: compromised posterior teeth. These restorations are bonded directly to the tooth using resin cement and can actually increase the strength of a tooth by up to 75%. Many techniques have been suggested for the preparation of onlays. Advances in adhesive composite resins and ceramics have enabled clinicians to use conservative preparations to place restorations that also reinforce the remaining tooth structures. In addition, these restorations satisfy the incre developed systems with fiber optimism for the future application of these restorations to the dail


This article assesses the operational challenges faced by the non-sectarian Alliance Party of Northern Ireland and seeks to determine whether use of the PR-STV voting system has a negative electoral impact on the party. It argues that whilst PR-STV is favourable to small parties as it allows inter-party lower order preference votes (or transfers) to be cast, it is of limited benefit to Alliance. This is due to most unionist and nationalist party first preference voters making only intra-bloc transfers, which disadvantages Alliance as it is the only significant non-sectarian party in Northern Ireland. Furthermore, for Alliance to encourage its first preference voters to transfer to an ethno-national party in the hope that this advice is reciprocated would go against its staunchly non-sectarian position. The party does not, therefore, benefit from PR-STV to the extent that many ethno-national parties do. Non-sectarian parties are, however, a product of ethnic party systems. In deeply divided societies dominated by ethno-national parties, PR-STV at least has the potential for these to moderate towards the centre ground in an attempt to acquire transfers from the widest possible audience. This article does not, therefore, recommend the implementation of an alternative electoral system in Northern Ireland.


The effects of osmotic dehydration on mass transfer properties and microbiological profile were investigated in order to determine the usefulness of this technique as pre-treatment for further treatment of meat. The process was studied in two solutions (sugar beet molasses, and aqueous solution of sodium chloride and sucrose), at two temperatures (4 and 22 °C) at atmospheric pressure. The most significant parameters of mass transfer were determined after 300 min of the dehydration. The water activity (aw) values of the processed meat were determined, as well as the change of the microbiological profile between the fresh and dehydrated meat. At the temperature of 22 °C the sugar beet molasses proved to be the most suitable as an osmotic solution, despite the greater viscosity.


The North Atlantic region has experienced significant climate fluctuations during the Holocene. It has been shown that these fluctuations affected the terrestrial environment in Iceland, including its glaciers and ice caps. However, the full Holocene development of Icelandic glaciers, including the large Vatnajokull ice cap and its outlet glaciers, is not fully known. In this thesis, a sediment sequence covering the past 10 500 years from Lake Logurinn in eastern Iceland has been analysed. This glacier-fed lake currently receives meltwater and sediments from Eyjabakkajokull, which is a surging outlet glacier that drains the northeastern part of Vatnajokull. Using a multi-proxy approach, proxies for glacial meltwater variability and surge periodicities of Eyjabakkajokull have been examined to infer its Holocene development. In addition, changes in sediment transport from a non-glaciated catchment adjacent to Lake Logurinn have been analysed to reconstruct winter precipitation in the Lake Logurinn region during the past ca. 750 years. The sediments and proxy records show a dynamic development of Eyjabakkajokull during the current interglacial. After the final phase of the last deglaciation in eastern Iceland, glacially derived sediments more or less ceased to be deposit in Lake Logurinn between ca. 9000 and 4400 years BP (BP = calendar years before 1950 AD), which suggests that Eyjabakkajokull was much reduced in size or possibly non-existing in early and mid-Holocene. During this time, the biologic productivity in Lake Logurinn increased. This increase is inferred to reflect a switch from glacio-lacustrine to lacustrine conditions in the lake, which likely was caused by higher temperatures both in the lake and in the ambient atmosphere. The Holocene Thermal Maximum is inferred by a period of maximum Holocene aquatic productivity, and dated to ca. 7900-7000 years BP. By 4400 years BP, glacial meltwater and sediments were again transported to Lake Logurinn, thus marking the return of the Eyjabakkajokull glacier and the onset of Neoglaciation in eastern Iceland. The Neoglacial expansion of Eyjabakkajokull caused the glacier to begin to surge ca. 2200 years BP. During the last 1700 years, the glacier has surged at a fairly constant periodicity except for the later part of the Little Ice Age (ca. 1600-1900 AD), when the surge periodicity almost halved. This increased surge activity was likely caused by increased mass accumulation of Eyjabakkajokull, which eventually caused the glacier to reach its maximum Holocene extent since the last deglaciation. This expansion and increased surge activity may to a large extent be related to increased winter precipitation, in combination with lower annual temperatures.


This paper discusses the CDO pricing with single factor model,where the probability distributions of common factor and idiosyncratic factor involved in asset values of CDO reference portfolio are mixtures of standard Ganssian distribution and NIG distribution.In addition,instead of fiat correlation, the correlations that we consider are stochastic correlations.We mainly analyze the cases of stochastic correlation for Bernoulli structure and three state dependence structure.For deriving the fair spreads of CDO tranches,we present the semi-analytic approach.Moreover,we give the joint distribution of accumulated loss via Fourier transform and inverse Fourier transform.


This study was conducted mainly in the Jordan Valley and some other regions during the year 2011, to investigate possible occurrence of the silverleaf nightshade (Solanum elaeagnofolium) and its range of distribution in agriculture land and environment in Jordan. Through the survey it was possible recording places occupied by this weed species, crops infested, weed density, economic and ecological negative effects that weed exert on the environment and causes to farmers in the area. Information were recorded on its habitats, biology, methods of reproduction, magnitude of its distribution, agricultural pests harbored by the weed, botanical description, morphology and any visible variations in individuals morphology and between populations. The study also dealt with methods of nightshade control followed by local farmers and those used by farmers in the world and all were discussed. The paper included some recommendations that help in limitation of this invasive weed and its infestation to agricultural land and environment in general. The survey showed the danger and threat that this weed species exerts on agriculture in Jordan as an invasive species, and how it is difficult to control.


A field experiment was conducted during winter (rabi) seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 at Regional Research Station of the University, Wadura, Sopore (Jammu & Kashmir) to find out the relative performance of 3 genotypes ('SKL 9', 'SKL 16' and 'Shalimar Masoor 1') and inoculation methods on growth, yield, N and P uptake and nodulation of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik). The mean performance indicated significant superiority of 'Shalimar Masoor 1' to 'SKL 16' and 'SKL 9' in terms of growth, yield attributes, grain yield (0.81, 0.72 and 0.64 tonnes/ha), N and P uptake and nodulation and also recorded marked reduction in days (5.9 days) to flowering and maturity. Rhizobium inoculation with seed and soil inoculation methods significantly improved the growth, yield attributes, grain yield, straw yield, nodulation and N and P uptake in lentil. Pseudomonas alone either seed inoculated or soil inoculated recorded markedly more number and dry weight of nodules at all the intervals and growth and yield attributes and yield over uninoculated control. Seed inoculation with Pseudomonas markedly enhanced dry matter production (142.6 g/m row), grains/pod (1.69), grain weight/plant (1.45 g), grain yield (0.72 tonnes/ha), straw yield, N and P uptake and nodulation at all the intervals over soil inoculation with Pseudomonas was at par in terms of days to flowering and maturity and pods/plant. Dual inoculation of Rhizobium+Pseudomonas with both the methods recorded significantly higher number and dry weight of nodules, N and P uptake, yield, yield attributes and growth parameters over individual inoculation with Rhizobium and Pseudomonas with respective methods. Dual inoculation of seed with Rhizobium+Pseudomonas markedly gave 21.2 and 48.9% higher grain yield and 28.5 and 55.9% more straw yield over the dual inoculation of soil with Rhizobium+Pseudomonas and uninoculated control respectively. Seed inoculation method gave more occupancy in nodules than soil inoculation with all the treatments. Dual inoculation of Rhizobium+Pseudomonas recorded markedly higher nodule occupancy than Rhizobium alone at different root portions with both seed and soil inoculation methods.


The diversion tunnel of a hydropower station is located in a mountain valley area.Underground excavation will mainly affect the stress distribution in the range which is 6 times of the diameter of the chamber for the surrounding rock,so it has little effect on the overall stability of the slope.But slope excavation will remove part of the support rock mass,so it will lead to the greater negative impact on slope stability.Based on the stability problems which may occur in the process of slope excavation,this paper uses numerical simulation to analyze the relevant indexes of the slope during excavation such as maximum imbalance force,displacement,deformation,stress state and stability factor,and concludes that there exists the possibility of slope instability in natural slope work case,which provides a basis for engineering design and a reference for similar projects.


The article considers the campaign of the Macedonian King Philip II against the Scythians in 339 B.C. The principal objectives of this study were to determine the plans of King Philip II and the balance of the forces of the opposing parties. The study also analysed the course of the military operations and the results of the campaign. The study uses a multifaceted approach to probe the ancient narrative sources. It also makes a content analysis of the data, retrieved from various national scientific schools. The analyses reveal that Philip conducted a military campaign against Ateas with the help of small expeditionary forces that moved from Byzantion to the mouth of the River Istros (Danube).  Philip's enemy Ateas was a ruler of a small Scythian kingdom in Dobrudzha. The primary goals of the Macedonian king's campaign were to capture booty and help the local allies. A desire to morally compensate for the unsuccessful completion of the sieges of Perinthos and Byzantion was the central motive of the campaign. The result of the war was determined in a single pitched battle. Despite the defeat of the Scythians in Dobrudzha, Philip could not deliver the captured booty to Macedonia because of the limited forces. The Triballoi captured this booty, and this devalued the success of the whole Scythian campaign.


The author aims at drawing up a taxonomy of meanings of the general concept of action and using it as a basis for identifying characteristic semantic oppositions. He therefore proposes to channel the taxonomy towards three fundamental notions: behaviour, action (in the strict sense) and practice (in the praxeological version). A verification of potential connections between the contributions present in this syl-loge, but also more generally between the approaches traditionally adopted to the theme of action, enable the permanence of methodological demarcation lines to be determined.


The Australian Research Council is acknowledged for
the financial support and the authors acknowledge the use of
facilities in the Centre for Advanced Microscopy (AMMRF
node) and the ACT node of the Australian National Fabrication
Facility for this work.


This research has analysed differences by gender and age on perceived motivational climate and goal orientations of students in their Physical Education less...


Recent scholarship conceptualizing primitive accumulation as an ongoing process in global capitalism has noted the difficulties faced in bringing struggles against exploitation and dispossession together. While some scholars suggest that an 'organic link" exists between these conflicts. they have yet to clearly specify the conditions and mechanisms through which such a link can form. Examining cases in Bolivia at the turn of the twenty-first century. I argue that struggles against exploitation and dispossession do not merely converge when facing a common oppressor. but also as the changing forms and geographies of exploitation and dispossession bring people together in more proximate locations. I illustrate that the changing means through which Bolivia was incorporated into the global economy enhanced levels of marginalization and subsequently resulted in patterns of migration that led to a convergence of peasant and proletarian struggles. As both segments of Bolivian society were excluded from the country's major economic sectors. they migrated to the places where they thought they could best satisfy their livelihood needs. But as people continually struggled to meet these needs, these places became spaces of marginalization, and eventually, spaces of resistance.


We constantly direct our eyes to the object of interest with the help of the extraocular muscles, and thereby use foveal fixation to attain the best possible visual acuity. The muscles around the eye are rather different from other skeletal muscles, being, for example, simultaneously the fastest muscles in the body and impossible to exhaust. The most exciting property of the extraocular muscles is their unique response to disease, as they often remain unaffected in muscle conditions which lead to severe handicap and premature death. Understanding the coping strategies that allow the extraocular muscles to remain unaffected may provide clues for the future treatment of severe diseases such as muscle dystrophies.


This paper expands the content of public investment from traditional government investments into the state-owned investment led by governments,and uses the Granger-causality test model and impulse-response function to analyze the economic development effects of state-owned fix investment.By empirical analysis,it expounds that state-owned fix investments on infrastructure have positive effects to economic development,but state-owned fix investments on commercial industries have no obvious positive effects to economic development.The main reason is about the dual attribute of regional financial platform companies which is the main carriers of state-owned fix investment: half government and half business.It made its lead function to social capital become lower and had obvious crowding-out effect to private capital in competition industries.Focused on the current financial risk and low promotion effects to economic development,this paper raises that the key of regional financial platform companies'regulation development is based on the policies of"grade regulation,classified management"on the different stated-owned fix investment.


Along with the gigabit Ethernet is becoming popularization in the intranet, the implement of ethernet QOS and the multicast is needed pressingly by more and more real-time multimedia applications. In the light of the latest developments of the technology, this paper analyzes the principle and the method of the implement of Ethernet QOS and the multicast, and indicates the existing problems.


Objective:To establish the gene diagnostic method of oral leukoplakia(OLK) and to make research base for clinical early diagnosis of OLK.Methods:OLK tissue and non-OLK tissue were detected by RT-PCR to obtain tumor-related genes(NF-1,ACP-2,BCL-2,CLK-3,FKBP-8,SOCS-3,XRCC-1,CTNNB-1,GDF-15) expression levels.A database was established using SPSS 11.5 software,and a discriminant equation was inferred by Fisher discriminant analysis.Cross-validated(a) method was used to evaluate the discriminant method.Results:In this study,a discriminant equation was established to discriminate OLK tissues.The formula was Y=-27.503 +0.094 X(GDF-15)-0.122X(NF-1) +0.368 X(SOCS-3),and the discriminant cutoff Yc=-1.186,that was:greater than-1.186 for non-OLK tissue,less than-1.186 for the OLK tissue.The total identification rate was 100%,the interaction determine rate was 100.00%,the sensitivity was 100%,and the specificity was 100%.Conclusion:In this study,a clinical gene diagnosis method was provided for OLK.


Acyl, phosphoryl, and sulfuryl transfer reactions involving esters and amides are ubiquitous in the biochemical world, and these reactions are found throughout the biochemical pathways involving proteins, nucleic acids, and other compounds essential for life. Such compounds are also common in commercial chemical processes. The use of isotopes has contributed greatly to our understanding of the chemistry of these compounds. There is an enormous body of literature on the use of isotopes in such studies, and this review does not do justice to this great body of knowledge. We cover a selection of reactions for which multiple experimental applications using isotopes have been used in the advancement of mechanistic studies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


In the discussion of the secondary causes of hypertension, one important factor was not mentioned: anxiety. Anxiety disorders often present physically, even without manifest anxiety, as tachycardia, shortness of breath, cardialgia, dizziness, multifocal pain, high temperature, and arterial hypertension (1). In somatized anxiety attacks, systolic blood pressure can reach 300 mmHg, and diastolic blood pressure 120 mmHg.

The explanation for this is as follows: latent feelings of anxiety put the autonomic nervous system, muscle tone (pains), and the thyroid (hyperthyroidism) into "high gear." Anxiety should therefore be considered in every case of resistant high blood pressure, particularly when other equivalents of anxiety such as nocturnal waking with sweating and craving for food are identified. The authors even lump together high blood pressure and anxiety under the heading of "white-coat hypertension."

In these patients, blood pressure values usually fall significantly after discussion of their anxiety, of which they were not previously conscious, and its biographical origin. Anger or grief can also be associated with anxiety. The decisive factor is to put a name to the emotion ("Your high blood pressure is anxiety/anger/etc.") and to understand it.

Only after diagnosis and treatment have addressed the emotional component of hypertension, and receptive methods have been exhausted, should the invasive procedure of renal denervation be considered.


BACKGROUND
A robust integrated pest management (IPM) programme is needed to reduce the use of insecticides in controlling Helicoverpa armigera. Therefore, a 2 year field study was conducted to evaluate the use of alternative control measures (biochemical use) for H. armigera relative to exclusively using chemical insecticides. The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana, jasmonic acid and the insecticide chlorantraniliprole were each applied twice during the chickpea growing season.

RESULTS
All three applied materials (either alone or combined) significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced the larval population of H. armigera and pod infestation. Effects increased with time, and the maximum difference was observed 7 days after the second application in each year. The lowest numbers of larvae per plant and pod infestation were in the B. bassiana 3.21 × 106 + chlorantraniliprole treatment in both 2009/2010 and 2010/2011 year. The reduction in the larval population and pod infestation increased chickpea yield and the highest yield in both seasons, and the maximum yield was obtained in the B. bassiana 3.21 × 106 + chlorantraniliprole treatment. The populations of natural enemies were highest in the jasmonic acid treatment.

CONCLUSION
The results suggest that B. bassiana, jasmonic acid and chlorantraniliprole may be useful components for the H. armigera IPM strategy. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.


Effects of elastic coupling between a ferroelectric thick film and a supporting substrate or underlayer with finite thickness on the apparent longitudinal piezoelectric coefficients are analysed in this work. General analytical solutions of the effective d33 converse piezoelectric coefficients of a film–substrate couple are given as a function of the electromechanical properties, crystalline structure and orientation, as well as the thickness ratio of the couple. Computations of effective d33 coefficients as a function of the thickness ratio are performed for typical tetragonal and rhombohedral lead zirconate titanate ferroelectric films with a composition near its morphotropic phase boundary. These results are compared with those for thin films with the same compositions, where the substrate clamping effect is dominant.


The purpose of this literature review is to systematically examine policy and practice intervention research and assess the impact of those interventions on high school dropout and school completion rates. This systematic review extends the literature by (a) describing both policy and practice interventions, (b) synthesizing findings from experimental or quasi-experimental research, and (c) examining the common elements of effective interventions. Specifically, this review addresses two main questions. First, what are the characteristics of the empirical literature examining high school dropout or school completion interventions? Second, what are the common elements of effective policy or practice interventions for reducing high school dropout rates or increasing school completion rates? Findings indicate that despite research highlighting the need to address multiple risk factors and the need for early intervention, the bulk of current empirical research is focused on single-component, individual, or small group interventions delivered at the high school level. Further research is needed to provide guidance to schools regarding the integration of dropout efforts with other school initiatives. Multitiered frameworks of support are suggested as a structure for accomplishing this effectively and efficiently.


Quantifying the diversity of species in rich tropical marine environments remains challenging. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding is a promising tool to face this challenge through the filtering, amplification, and sequencing of DNA traces from water samples. However, the reliability of biodiversity detection from eDNA samples can be low in marine environments because eDNA density is low and certainly patchy in this vast, heterogenous and dynamic environment. So, the number of sampling replicates and filtered volume necessary to obtain accurate estimates of biodiversity in rich tropical marine environments using eDNA metabarcoding is still unknown. Here, we used a paired sampling design of 30L per replicate on 68 reef transects from 8 sites in three tropical regions and identified fish Molecular Taxonomic Units (MOTUs) using a 12S marker. We quantified local biodiversity variation as MOTU richness, compositional turnover and compositional nestedness between replicated pairs of seawater samples. We report strong turnover of MOTUs between replicated pairs of samples undertaken in the same location, time, and conditions. Paired samples contained non-overlapping assemblages rather than subsets of one-another. As a result, localised diversity accumulation curves showed that even 6 replicates (180L) in the same location underestimated local diversity (for an area <1km). However, sampling of regional diversity using ∼25 replicates in variable locations (often covering 10s of km) achieved saturation of biodiversity accumulation curves. Our results demonstrate high variability of diversity estimates perhaps arising from heterogeneous and local distribution of eDNA distribution in seawater or highly skewed frequencies of eDNA traces. This high compositional variability has consequences for using eDNA to monitor temporal and spatial biodiversity changes of local assemblages. Future biomonitoring efforts could be strongly undermined by a high level of false-negative detections under low replication protocols. We reveal the need to increase replicates or increase sampled water volume to better inform management of marine biodiversity using eDNA.


When a number of studies in the academic community fixed "routine",formed,that is substantially the same basic problems and research areas,using similar analytical methods and knowledge resources,a common logical basis,it can be said to have a research paradigm.Based on the analysis of Kuhn's paradigm theory,concept,analysis in-depth academic research paradigm established signs.Learning from the basis of the research results of other scholars,according to the research paradigm theory summarizing the characteristics of China's sports law research,sports law research in China,I think that there are four research paradigms: political law,legislation law,the interpretation of law and social science law.Expectations of the study,outlined the broad contours of the characteristics of China's sports law research,has a certain reference role of sports law research.


The creation of an organization's self is the attribution of a collective will and agency to a group of individuals, thereby constituting them into an organization able to interact with its peers. As such, the organization's self represents a central issue for collective action, as studied through the prism of the 'communicative constitution of organizing' (CCO). Performances, as communicative and spectacular events during which a collectivity presents its self and displays a given message, represent a little-studied opportunity to understand the constitution of the organization's self, and to explore the links between the organization's self and the selves of its members. The empirical part of this study analyses the French feminist activist group, La Barbe, which uses innovative performances to denounce the absence of women at the top of organizations. The article's contribution is twofold: first, the analysis presents how visual and symbolic performances can help to constitute an organization's self, notably through what performances produce for the organization: visibility, coordination and mobilization. Second, it shows the impact of performances on those who execute them, which retroactively has important organizational effects by ensuring their engagement in the organization.


BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Pycnogenol® supplementation in terms of safety and tolerability in the setting of preclinical or borderline, initial symptoms of benign prostatic hyperthrophy (BPH), in otherwise healthy subjects, using Pycnogenol® over a period of 60 days.

METHODS
Seventy-five healthy men with symptoms and signs of initial BPH were included. The subjects were divided into three groups: 1) control group using only the standard management (SM); 2) a group using SM plus Pycnogenol® 150 mg/day; 3) a group using standard pharmacological management.

RESULTS
BPH symptoms like emptying, frequency, intermittency, urgency, weak flow, straining, nocturia, were all significantly improved with Pycnogenol® (P<0.05) and the difference with both control groups was statistically significant (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Pycnogenol® may be an important option for self-management of BPH in otherwise healthy men.


The invention discloses a phase-change energy-storage temperature-regulation foam concrete and a preparation method thereof, wherein the phase-change energy-storage temperature-regulation foam concrete comprises the following components in parts by weight: 70-100 parts of cement, 0-30 parts of fly ash, 10-50 parts of phase-change lightweight aggregate, 0-0.6 part of fiber, 0.2-0.4 part of water reducing agent, 0.1-0.3 part of cell regulator, 0.1-0.3 part of early strength agent, 0-1.5 parts of reinforcing agent, 0-3 parts of waterproof agent, 2-9 parts of chemical foaming agent and 25-40 parts of water. Therefore, the phase-change energy-storage temperature-regulation foam concrete has strong heat storage capacity and a temperature regulation function.


In the article substantive provisions of self-diagnosing of computing systems with a wandering diagnostic kernels are resulted on the basis of flexible structure of verifying communications. The new way of tracking of the current structures of verifying communications of the system, based on characteristic numbers diagnostic the graph of system is offered


Cryptography is a science of encryption techniques, where the data to be encrypted will be encrypted using a key into data that is difficult to read for other parties who do not have a decryption key. DES algorithm is a symmetric cipher block cryptographic algorithm that uses a block size of 64 bits and a key size of 56 bits. LUC algorithm is an asymmetric cryptographic algorithm that uses two primes to generate public keys and secret keys. Hybrid crypto systems can provide a greater level of security. In this study the DES algorithm will be used to encrypt the message, while the LUC algorithm is used to encrypt the DES external key before the key is sent to the recipient. The results of the study are the length of the file character is directly proportional to the time of the encryption and decryption process. In combination the DES algorithm and the LUC algorithm are very dependent on the LUC key generation process. If the p value and the q value used are greater the longer the LUC key generation process. The repeated encryption process with the same DES external keywords using the LUC algorithm will produce different cipherkeys. Message security using hybrid DES and LUC algorithm cryptography is better because the cipherkey generated from DES external key encryption is different and longer.


Today, museums allegedly focus more and more on experience due to multiple societal challenges, such as the growing competition of the leisure industry, financial uncertainty and changing desires of museum visitors. Some fear of spectacularization of the museum, others even argue that the museum is losing their worth because of this focus on experience. Yet, are museums indeed experientializing their practices increasingly or are there nuances to be determined? Hence, to modernize understandings on current museum practices and cultural legitimation, this research gauged the prevailing idea of museums increasingly embracing an experience-orientation.
This thesis presents a study exploring how Dutch, British and American museums experientialize their practices and whether differences and similarities could be ascribed to certain museum characteristics, namely: museum type, intended audience and country of residence. A mixed methods approach was applied, consisting of a qualitative and quantitative content analysis of official websites of 21 museums belonging to seven categories (history, art, natural history, ethnology, science and technology, house, and fusion). Text as well as website design were examined concerning a focus on experience, which was defined along four indicators, namely: participation, sociability, entertainment, and memorability.
 Results indicated that certainly not all museums embrace an experience-orientation, refuting the prevailing idea of an increasing focus on experience among museums. When museums do experientialize they mainly focus on participation, onsite as well as online. Sociability, entertainment and memorability seem of less importance. Furthermore, museum type didn't seem a strong factor concerning how museums embrace an experience-orientation. A museum's intended audience and country of residence seem to have more influence, yet only moderate, on the manner and degree of experientialization: museums targeting an audience of families seem more likely to have a stronger experience-orientation, as well as British and American museums. Still, this strong focus on experience primarily involved a focus on participation; hence, museums aren't representing themselves so much as experiential, but rather as participatory.


The aim of this study was to reveal and to describe the structure of the verbalized concept of «flirting». The main method of the research was a psycholinguistic experiment. The sample comprised 400 young people (aged 18-35), males and females being equally represented. The concept of «flirting» is represented by eleven clusters, four of them are core: «verbal and non-verbal ways of communication», «forms and ways of interaction», «emotions, feelings, states», and «gender». Two psycholinguistic meanings of «flirting» concept were described: «The stage of courtship with no intimate relation», «Sexual relationship». The semantic content of the concept of «flirting» does not depend on gender identification. The general attitude of the respondents to the stimulus «lightness» is quite positive.


A study has been made of the activity of pentasils in reactions of oligomerization and aromatization of olefins, which take place (respectively) on the outer surface and within the channels of the pentasil. ESR has been used in a comparative study of the formation of carbonaceous deposits on pentasils and mordenite. It has been shown that the nature of ''coke'' that is formed is basically different for these two zeolites. In the case of the pentasil, condensation products are formed, localized on the outer surface of the zeolite; when these are subjected to thermooxidative treatment, they are readily converted to highly graphitized ''coke.'' In contrast to the pentasil, the aromatic compounds that are formed on H mordenite by conversions of olefins are strongly chemisorbed within the channels, preventing the occurrence of further catalytic conversions. It is suggested that along with the geometric factor, the density of active centers in the zeolite channel plays an important role in the processes of forming the condensation products.


Purpose. The analysis of the prerequisite appearing of the unfair competition in the market of research services to prevent raiding in science. Methodology . During the conducting of this study methods of scientific analysis and synthesis, the benchmarking method, the method of expert estimations were used. Findings. Possible methods of uncompetitive struggle during the performing of scientific research were examined. The urgency of this problem was proved. Therefore, the problem of the prerequisite appearing for incompetence on the market of research services and the task of its prevention and minimization of adverse effects for the development of science and technique is relevant, especially in the period of formation and the reform of the leading branches of the Ukrainian economy. The prerequisite appearing and conditions for the existence of incompetence in scientific activity were analyzed. The classification of the main ways of raiding was proposed and its justification was proved. Originality. The investigation of the phenomenon of unfair competition in the field of research services was pro-posed. The methods and means of competition between scientific organizations and individual scientists in some fields of knowledge were analyzed. The concept of "raiding" was introduced for the first time in the intellectual sphere. Practical value. The research results can be used to analyze the activity of scientific and engineering organizations, which carry out various studies to assess the validity and legitimacy of the obtained results, and to prevent raiding in science. The results of the study have practical value for public and private organizations in the determination of the competent performers to conduct research and development services, including expertise, and especially related to the evaluation of material losses or lost earnings when the impartiality and independence of this assessment is the guarantee of obtaining the reliable and objective results.


Virtual reality systems have been extending their usability in many areas that could not be contemplated before. One of these fields is paleontology, which can now use virtual reality to build realistic models of real fossils with many goals, including preservation of originals, optimized visualization, or even for restoring missing parts. In this paper we present an immersive system where a entire scenario is reconstructed using digital photogrammetry and Mosis LAB application. The system has shown useful for many applications from touristic purposes and paleontological studies, since the immersive system provides an increased sense of manipulation, as well as the possibility of detailed inspection both inside and outside structures.


A 68 year-old-woman presented with a 20-year history of progressive difficulty in walking. A neurological examination showed hatchet face, impaired extraocular movement and facial and limb weakness with percussion and grip myotonia. Brain computed tomography (Picture A, C) and T1weighted magnetic resonance imaging (Picture B, D) showed the symmetrical thickening of the inner table of the frontal bone, "hyperostosis frontalis interna" (HFI). Her serum creatine kinase level was within the normal range (65 U/L). Her serum calcium level was normal (9.3 mg/dL; normal range, 8.6-10.6), but her phosphorus level was low (2.0 mg/dL; normal range, 2.5-4.5). Large cytosine-thymine-


The main goal of this paper is to adopt a multidimensional approach to poverty that goes beyond focusing on a unidimensional measure of income or expenditure when attempting to ascertain the main aspects of the living conditions of households. In order to obtain multidimensional poverty measures the paper uses an approach based on fuzzy sets. This methodology is applied to data from the Demographic and Health Surveys for the years 1995 and 2005 in order to obtain an aggregated index of the Standard of Living for each household. The evolution of the Standard of Living of households between 1995 and 2005 as well as the uneven progress registered in the index of education as assessed by Egyptian HDR (2008) lead us to investigate the impact of non- income growth on poverty. Thus, following the study of Grosse et al. (2008), extended growth incidence curves (Ravallion and Chen, 2003) are applied to the index of the Standard of Living and to education in order to assess if progress has been biased in favour of the poor.


With the promulgation and implementation of Law of the People's Republic of China on Tenders and Bids and the corresponding regulations, China's bidding career is promoted for the further development. However,bidding agency have exposed some problems and contradictions at the present, which directly hampers the bidding agency for further healthy development.


Background: Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease; the glomerular filtration rate was considered the best overall method of estimating the renal function. Serum creatinine is not an ideal marker of GFR. Methods: 70 adult diabetic patients with renal impairment were enrolled in this study; in each patient, serum cystatin c and serum creatinine were determined and creatinine clearance was calculated using the Cockcroft–Gault, Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas and serum cystatin C-based equation. The serum cystatin C was determined by using particle enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay. Results: The highest diagnostic accuracy and the highest proportions of well stratified patients were obtained by cystatin c over creatinine (P < 0.01). The Cockcroft-Gault overestimated GFR in stage 1 (P < 0.01) and 2 (P < 0.05), and was the least accurate. The Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formulas, however, underestimated glomerular filtration rate for patients without CKD (P < 0.01). The cystatin c based equation correlated best with i-GFR (r = 0.90) Conclusion: serum cystatin c is a reliable endogenous marker for the assessment of renal function or glomerular filtration rate in diabetic patients with renal impairment.


Sustainable development is not possible without continuous improvement of economic, social and ecological activities through innovation modeling. The purpose of the article is to substantiate the economic and ecological innovation activity of industrial and natural parks based on Helix-modeling in its evolutionary context. Within the proposed conceptual approach the role of regulation in the modeling of innovation activity in the context of sustainable development is revealed: the combination of state, market and social regulation is the key to formulating effective policies to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, namely through: the formation of frameworks and the minimum necessary control over the observance of the rules of behavior in the market of innovative goods and services. Particular attention is paid to the projection of Helix modeling into the plane of park activity in its evolutionary context: Triplex Helix → Quadruple Helix → Quintuple Helix. The evolution of Helix-modeling can be in the opposite direction: on the one hand, it is advisable to combine the experience of environmental management (ecologization of industrial parks), and, on the other, to attract investment in the economy of environmental management (economization of natural parks) in the implementation Sustainable Development Goals 2030. The division into evolutionary stages is conditional in the sense that parallels can be drawn between the evolution of the conceptual model of innovation and the conception of sustainable development; Helix-model analytically accompanies the course of sustainable development. The inclusive approach has been defined as a common in the formation of economic and ecological innovations in the activities of parks, first of all, experience and wellness tourism.


Why can't I accept an invalid SSL certificate if domain names mismatch in Firefox, even if I am fully aware of what this implies ?!?


In order to develop electric vehicles (EVs), electrochemical scientists and engineers have paid great attention to the study of batteries in recent years. Now, while new types of batteries are still in development, the valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA) battery is a near-term candidate for EV applications in mass markets. The recharge time for valve-regulated lead-acid batteries has been reduced and is now less than 5, 15, and 240 min for 50, 80, and 100% charge. However, many other problems arise from pulse charging such as reduced cycle life of the battery, corrosion of the positive-electrode grid, loss of electrolyte, and thermal management. The kinetic processes of both PbSO{sub 4} oxidation and the oxygen evolution reactions were studied under pulse charging conditions. Three kinds of diffusion processes appeared in the positive active mass. The time intervals required to relax the respective concentration polarizations were about 0.1, 300, and more than 10,000 s. At the beginning of the pulse charge, the passivation layer formed between the grid and active mass at the positive plates exhibited a poor electronic conductivity and impeded the diffusion of O atoms. Thus, the electrode polarization increased and oxygen evolution accelerated. Following the initial pulse, the diffusion of Omore » atoms became rapid while the concentration of ions such as HSO{sub 4}{sup {minus}} and SO{sub 4}{sup 2{minus}} at the reaction surface increased gradually so that their diffusion became dominant in the solution near the reaction surface. For longer times, the charge rate was controlled by the diffusion of these ions in the micropores of the active mass. The electrode polarization, oxygen evolution, and loss of water can be inhibited by using a pulse discharge or/and prolonging the off-time of pulse charge.« less


This work presents strong evidence that human car-following behaviour can be described by a linear model with no more than three parameters to an amazing degree of precision. From this result it can be inferred that any microscopic traffic flow model can be composed of the car-following behaviour plus a couple of rules that fixes boundaries of the behaviour in terms of limitations to speed, acceleration, and safety.
These limitations, however, usually have a clear physical meaning and understanding and are the only non-linearities needed to built a microscopic traffic flow model.


The involvement of wood decay fungi and the importance of their enzymes in polyethylene degradation is well documented. Therefore, decay-resistant hardwood associated fungi should be better degraders with their versatile enzymatic systems. In the current study, decaying hardwood associated fungi were isolated and their ability to degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) was assessed. Thirty-three isolates were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer region of nuclear ribosomal DNA. Randomly selected isolates were tested for laccase producing abilities. Three species were selected to test their potentials in LDPE sheet degradation. Fungi were incubated in Czapek-Dox broth containing 20-micron LDPE sheets at room temperature for 60 days. The biodegradation signatures were assessed by analyzing the changes in structural characteristics of LDPE using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), percent reduction of tensile properties, and weight loss. FTIR analysis revealed changes in certain functional groups compared with the control, indicating chemical changes resulting from the treatment. LDPE sheets incubated with fungi showed cracks and holes under SEM analysis, percent reduction in tensile properties, and weight loss, which are the signatures of degradation. This study revealed that the hardwood decaying basidiomycetes, Phlebiopsis flavidoalba, Schizophyllum commune, and Phanerodontia chrysosporium have the potential for in vitro LDPE degradation.


Spending on the major entitlement programs, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, is a primary target of those seeking to reduce the federal deficit. In this paper, we focus on the debate over Medicare. Much of the discussion about the need for substantial reform in Medicare ignores the cuts in the Affordable Care Act (ACA) of about $500 billion over 10 years. This has reduced the projected growth rate in spending per beneficiary to about 3.5 percent, similar to the projected rate of growth in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (3.8 percent). However, increases in physician fees that are likely to occur will add $300 billion to Medicare spending over 10 years, adding about 0.7 percent to the growth rate. Nonetheless, significant steps to address Medicare spending growth have already been taken. In short, Medicare's projected fiscal problem is major one, but is now being driven more by growth in population served rather than program inefficiency as commonly asserted.


Purpose: To determine whether cyclotorsion occurs when a patient moves from the seating to supine position fixating with one eye. Methods: The axis of stigmatism was measured with the handheld automated refractometer (Retinomax K-plus, Nikon, Japan) in 33 eyes having more than -1.0D cylinder in seated and supine positions under monocular fixation. Results: There was a cyclotorsional deviation in 30 eyes (90.90%). Excyclotorsion was shown in 22 eyes (66.67%) and incyclotorsion in 8 (24.24%). Seventeen eyes (51.50%) had a torsional deviation less than 4 degrees, 5 eyes (15.15%) from 5 to 6 degrees, 7 eyes (21.21%) from 7 to 14 degrees and one eye greater than 15 degrees. Conclusions: Positionally induced cyclotorsion occurs under fixation with one eye simulating refractive surgery. Surgeons should therefore make an effort to align the wavefront measurement to the ablation onto the cornea.


The finite element (FE) method is used to conduct an analysis of liquid storage tanks This research has focused on the behaviors, under static condition, free vibration and buckling of steel liquid tanks which are designed according to API 650 standards. The mechanical characteristics of the materials and the real geometrical and load measures have been considered in the numerical model. These storage tanks are connecting with American standard steel shape profiles. The equivalent stress (Von-Mises) distribution, deformation in the circular wall of the liquid tank, buckling load and fundamental frequency are computed using finite element method in order to investigate the effect of type of the stiffener, number of course and location of stiffener on the structural behavior of liquid tanks. The uses of the stiffener decrease the stress of wall tank and improve the other structural behaviors


This paper describes and analyzes a dithering technique for accurately specifying small values of opacity ({alpha}) that would normally not be possible because of the limited number of bits available in the alpha channel of graphics hardware. This dithering technique addresses problems related to compositing numerous low-opacity semitransparent polygons to create volumetric effects with graphics hardware. The paper also describes the causes and a possible solution to artifacts that arise from parallel or distributed volume rendering using bricking on multiple GPU's.


The necessity of the integrated management of innovation processes within vertically integrated production chain of tea based on the availability of innovative cross-flows. A model of the management of innovation in vertically integrated production chain of tea.


Dimension reduction based techniques, such as singular value decomposition (SVD) and non-negative matrix factorization (NMF), have been proved to provide excellent performance for robust and secure image hashing by retaining the essential features of the original image matrix while preventing intentional attacks. In this paper, we introduce a recently proposed low-distortion, dimension reduction technique, referred as fast Johnson-Lindenstrauss transform (FJLT), and propose the use of FJLT for image hashing. FJLT shares the low-distortion characteristics of a random projection but requires a much lower complexity. These two desirable properties make it suitable for image hashing. Our experiment results show that the proposed FJLT-based hash yields good robustness under a wide range of attacks. Furthermore, the influence of secret key on the proposed hashing algorithm is evaluated by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) graph, revealing the efficiency of the proposed approach.


Observations of the test trees in this study indicate that (presumably because of in-continuity of chilling) a varying portion of apple and pear buds may fail to open, even after a winter such as 1964–65 which provided 1,560 hours of chilling temperatures. Good chilling during both December and January is especially critical. Since winter-chilling is insufficient, or poorly distributed in the important pear-producing districts of the state more often than in the apple districts, the results emphasize the importance of heading back vigorous upright branches on young pear trees to insure near-to-normal foliation and branching. Except after the mildest winters, or with varieties having a high chilling requirement like Rome Beauty, such a pruning practice is seldom beneficial on apple trees, however.


Users of data envelopment analysis (DEA) often presume efficiency estimates to be robust. While traditional DEA has been exposed to various sensitivity studies, network DEA (NDEA) has so far escaped similar scrutiny. Thus, there is a need to investigate the sensitivity of NDEA, further compounded by the recent attention it has been receiving in literature. NDEA captures the underlying performance information found in a firm?s interacting divisions or sub-processes that would otherwise remain unknown. Furthermore, network efficiency estimates that account for divisional interactions are more representative of a dynamic business. Following various data perturbations overall findings indicate positive and significant rank correlations when new results are compared against baseline results - suggesting resilience. Key findings show that, (a) as in traditional DEA, greater sample size brings greater discrimination, (b) removing a relevant input improves discrimination, (c) introducing an extraneous input leads to a moderate loss of discrimination, (d) simultaneously adjusting data in opposite directions for inefficient versus efficient branches shows a mostly stable NDEA, (e) swapping divisional weights produces a substantial drop in discrimination, (f) stacking perturbations has the greatest impact on efficiency estimates with substantial loss of discrimination, and (g) layering suggests that the core inefficient cohort is resilient against omission of benchmark branches. Various managerial implications that follow from empirical findings are discussed in conclusions.


Background Fungal corneal ulcer is a visual-threatening eye disease,and drug therapy has a limiting efficacy.Corneal transplantation or eye enucleation sometimes is necessary to the severe patients.Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) is an effective method for some corneal diseases,but the study on CXL for fungal corneal ulcer is lack.Objective This study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness and safety CXL for fungal corneal ulcer.Methods Fifteen 8-week-old healthy New Zealand white rabbits were used in this study and other 5 rabbits served as normal controls.Fungal corneal ulcer models were established in the right eyes of other 10 rabbits by infecting sickle bacteria liquid after corneal scratching and removing corneal epithelium,then decellularized ostrich corneal patch covered the defected cornea.The models were randomly divided into the non-treatment group and the CXL treatment group.Corneal lesions were examined under the slit lamp microscope every day,and cornea was pictured by laser scanning confocal microscope on the 3rd,7th,14th,21st and 28th day individually after CXL.All rabbits were sacrificed and corneal tissues were obtained 4 weeks after treatment,and the collagen fiber diameter and fibrocytes were observed under the scanning electron microscope.Results Fungal corneal ulcer models were successfully established by corneal scratching and decellularized ostrich cornea covering.The gray ulcer lesions and hypbae like bean pod were seen by slit lamp microscope and laser scanning confocal microscope 3 days after modeling.Corneal ulcer deepened and expanded 1 week later,and there were a large number of spore and hyphae criss-crossing as short rod in shallow stroma.Inflammatory cells were observed in corneal endothelial cells and ocular anterior chamber.In the CXL treatment group,the range of corneal epithelial deficiency was less than that in the nontreatment group on the 3rd,7th,14th,and 21st (all at P< 0.05).The diameters of collagen fibers were (24.6± 1.8) nm,(24.9 ± 1.9) nm and (43.0 ± 7.4) nm in the normal control group,non-treatment group and CXL treatment group,showing a significant difference among the 3 groups (F =27.05,P =0.00),and the collagen diameters were thicker in the CXL treatment group than those in the normal control group and non-treatment group (t =5.40,-5.30,both at P<0.05),and fibrocytes were seen among the collagen fibers.No significant difference was found in the collagen diameters between the non-treatment group and normal control group,and the fibrocytes were less in the non-treatment group.Conclusions CXL therapy can treat fungal corneal ulcer by enhancing collagen,promoting fibrocytes proliferation,suppressing fungus and inflammatory response and accelerating tissue repair.

Key words:
Corneal collagen cross-linking;  Fungus;  Corneal ulcer/therapy;  Laser scanning confocal microscope;  Collagen fiber;  Disease model/animal;  Rabbit


Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a global health problem in which the prevalence is increasing over periods. This disease is a significant cause of disorders in the upper gastrointestinal tract with very complex pathogenesis. Oxidative stress (OS) due to gastric acid reflux plays a role in the inflammatory response of the esophageal epithelium. Several OS markers have been widely studied and are thought to affect the severity degree of the esophageal mucosa. However, there has been no research on total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and OS index (OSI) in the adult with GERD; hence the aim of this review was to determine the association between TOS, serum TAS, and OSI with the GERD degree. A literature review was conducted by searching articles related to the TOS, TAS, OSI, and its correlation with GERD degree on an online database, particularly Pubmed and Google scholar. We conclude that TAS and OSI might influence the severity of GERD; however, further clinical study is needed to prove this theory.


The present study focuses on total quality management (TQM) implementation in service companies. The purpose of the study is to determine the latent factors of the TQM practices implemented as well as the dimensions of the respective performance outcomes. A research project was carried out in 72 Spanish service companies, using the questionnaire method. Two measurement models were formulated. The first model includes the TQM practices, while the second contains the performance outcomes. Exploratory factor analyses are applied to extract the latent factors. The TQM factors revealed by this study are the quality practices of top management, process management, employee quality management, customer focus and employee knowledge and education. The dimensions of the performance outcomes are financial performance, customer satisfaction, product/service quality performance and operational performance. In this study, TQM adoption in service companies is decoded by determining specific TQM factors. Moreover, the performance outcomes from TQM are classified. The TQM factors and the dimensions of performance outcomes expand the literature on TQM in the services sector.


International engineering procurement construction (IEPC) is a complex subject interconnected with risk transfer. In-depth understanding of risks in IEPC projects is essential for effective risk management and managerial strategies. Most related studies focus on the critical risks based on the perceptions of stakeholders or their direct "contribution" to the project loss. This study aims to investigate risk interconnection in IEPC projects through social network analysis, with a focus on the critical risks, risk interactions, and risk mitigation strategies. Three approaches were employed. First, the risk register and interconnection between IEPC projects were identified through a literature review. Second, the risk register and interrelationships were investigated using a questionnaire to formulate theoretical risk-interdependent networks. Third, practical IEPC projects were analyzed using network metrics to identify mitigation strategies for the associated critical risks. From the obtained results, we concluded that controlling security and contract risks in project management can reduce the occurrence or impact of other risks. Moreover, environmental issues related to contractors are also critical in international construction projects. Investigating relationships between risks has uncovered different risk-propagation mechanics within IEPC projects, thus extending the theoretical knowledge for international construction and risk management.


When first-year students enter university, they experience many changes and challenges that require adjustment and adaptation. Previous studies have suggested that social support is one factor related to college adjustment. However, scientific support for the relationship between these variables in Indonesia is limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between social support and college adjustment in the Indonesian university context. We used the adapted version of the Student Adjustment to College Questionnaire (SACQ) and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) to measure college adjustment and social support in 281 first-year students enrolled in Universitas Indonesia. The social supports measured in this study include peer support and family support. Our analysis confirmed that social support was positively correlated with college adjustment (r = 0.468, p < 0.001, one-tailed). The results suggest that social networks, including family and peers, are important to students during their transition period from high school to higher education.


Theory of Evolutionary Algorithms. Basic Theory (7 papers). Interactions between Operators (5 papers). Extensions of Evolutionary Algorithms. Genetic Algorithms (5 papers). Evolution Strategies (4 papers). Representations and Operators (6 papers). Applications of Evolutionary Algorithms. Optimization Problems (5 papers). Computer Science and Engineering (6 papers). Chemistry and Biology (3 papers). Neural Nets (4 papers). Other Biological Metaphors (7 papers). Parallel Implementations (8 papers). Keyword Index. Author Index.


Microorganisms are an important biological component of the soil ecosystem and play an vital roles in soil fertility through their roles in nutrient cycling and organic matter decomposition. Soil borne bacteria and fungi by their degradative capacity play an important role in the formation and enrichment of humus. Soil actinomycetes are prokaryotes with extremely various metabolic possibilities. Actinomycetes are gram positive filamentous bacteria, characterized by the formation of aerial mycelium and spores on solid media with DNA high in G+C content of 6070%. Actinomycetes have considerable potential for the biotransformation and biodegradation of pesticides. Hundreds of pesticides in different chemical moieties are widely used for agricultural purpose. Chlorpyrifos is a broad spectrum organophosphate pesticide widely used to control pest. Exposure to this moderately hazardous pesticide creates health problems due to choline esterase inhibition, immunological effects, psychological and neurotoxicity. Intensive use of chlorpyrifos has resulted in its ubiquitous presence as a contaminant in soil and surface water streams. Thus, it is critically important to develop bioremediation methods to degrade and break down the pollutant from environment. The present investigation focused on isolation of actinomycetes from coffee plantation soil, degradation of chlorpyrifos and their residual analysis by GC-MS. Total 29 isolates were recovered and subjected for morphological and biochemical characterization studies, isolates are belonging to Streptomyces species. Biodegradation of pesticides were detected by using chlorpyrifos as sole source of carbon in different concentrations and further bulk cultured with potent isolates to detect residues by GC-MS.


We determine all possible values of the integer group determinant of ${\rm C}_{4}^{2}$, where ${\rm C}_{4}$ is the cyclic group of order $4$.


1 Chater S, Viola R, Paterson J et al. Sedation for intractable distress in the dying – a survey of experts. Palliat Med 1998; 12: 255–69. 2 Ventafridda V, Ripamonti C, De Cono F et al. Symptom prevalence and control during cancer patients' last days of life. J Palliat Care 1990; 6(3): 7–11. 3 Fainsinger R, Miller MJ, Bruera E et al. Symptom control during the last week of life on a palliative care unit. J Palliat Care 1991; 7(1): 5–11. 4 Morita T, Inoue S, Chihara S. Sedation for symptom control in Japan: the importance of intermittent use and communication with family members. J Pain Sympt Manage 1996; 12: 32–38. 5 Stone P, Phillips C, Spruyt O et al. A comparison of the use of sedatives in a hospital support team and in a hospice. Palliat Med 1997; 11: 140–44. 6 Morita T, Tsunoda J, Inoue S et al. Decision-making process on sedation for symptom control (in Japanese). Japanese Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care 1999; 9: 65–72.


It's important to keep a record of your personal and family medical history. In this tab an authorization to release health care information could be helpful as well as a living will. Keep all your financial information together. Include in this your home, land and cemetery plot deeds. Escrow mortgage accounts. Proof of loans made and paid. Vehicle titles. Stocks and bonds, brokerage and retirement/pension/IRA /401K or 403B accounts. Don't forget your tax returns and life insurance policies. Have a list of all bank accounts with the list of user names and passwords. Rental or other forms of property ownership documents. Safe deposit box information.


Abstract Background: Assessment of thyroid function is important during postpartum period. However, measurements of total thyroxine (TT4) and total triiodothyronine (TT3) levels by immunoassays are mostly inaccurate during pregnancy and postpartum period, as immunoassays are interfered by hormone-binding proteins. LC-MS/MS is known to be selective and specific for the analysis of endocrine hormones and can be utilized for the analysis of TT4 and TT3. The aim of this study is to evaluate the reliability of TT4 and TT3 results measured by LC-MS/MS during postpartum period. Materials and Methods: Serum samples (n = 358) were obtained within postnatal 48 hr from participants. TT4 and TT3 levels were measured by LC-MS/MS method (TT4MS and TT3MS). Levels of free T4 (FT4), free T3 (FT3) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were measured by immunoassay methods (FT3IA, FT4IA, and TSHIA). Results: Statistically significant correlation was found between TSHIA and TT4MS (r = −0.13 and P = 0.01), whereas no correlation was detected between TSHIA and FT4IA, TT3MS or FT3IA. Conclusions: Significant negative correlation between TT4MS and TSHIA, and lack of correlation between FT4IA and TSHIA indicates that TT4MS measured by LC-MS/MS could be a more reliable parameter in the diagnosis of thyroid deficiency during postpartum period. Graphical Abstract


Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is recurrent upper airway obstruction caused by a loss of upper airway muscle tone during sleep, which leads to intermittent hypoxia and sleep fragmentation 1 . OSA is a common disorder affecting 25-30% of adult population and more than 50% of obese individuals 2 . Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) relieves OSA, but poor adherence severely limits its use 3 . Mandibular advancement devices have better compliance, but not as effective as CPAP 4 . There is no effective pharmacotherapy. have collapsible compensatory of the upper a low arousal threshold, an overly sensitive ventilatory control . Anatomic predisposition plays a primary role in OSA pathogenesis , neuromuscular mechanisms during sleep fail to compensate adequately for compromised pharyngeal patency 7 .


The New World strangler figs of the subgenus Urostigma and possibly most of the epiphytes, stranglers and banyans of the subgenera Urostiga and Ficus in the Old World bave viscid achenes. When these achenes are ingested by birds and bats they are voided without offering any apparent change in viability or in the vise id coat. Digestion of the viscid coat by soil bacteria prior to germination explains why Urostigma seeds in the New World always germinate where there is soil and organic matter as well as humidity (floor of the forest, soil-containing cracks or cavities in tree trunks and rocks). Urostigm a and mulberry ( Morus rubra ) seeds planted experimentally in sterilized soil failed to germinate, but responded favorably when inoculated with untreated soil.


Water conservation is one of the important ecosystem services and forest soil plays a dominating role in conserving and regulating rainfall.With the increasing demand for clean water,the water conservation of forest ecosystem arouses considerable concerns.Based on the data of Category Ⅱ inventory of the forest resources in Anji County(2007) and daily precipitation,the water conservation of the forest ecosystems was estimated,using dynamics of soil water storage method.We also generated the spatial grid data of soil water storage capacity and precipitation and made raster calculations to show the spatial difference of water conservation.The results showed that a volume of 19.66×108 t was conserved in the forest ecosystem,and the water conservation capacity per unit area reached 14788 t/hm2.The volume of water conservation had a downward trend from upstream to downstream of Xitiaoxi River basin.The bamboo forest was the main contributor to the water conservation in Anji forest ecosystem(52.26%),followed by the broadleaf forest and the coniferous forest.


Despite progress made over the past two decades, current international anti-corruption efforts continue to struggle with implementation issues in individual nations. The present study proposes an approach to anti-corruption policy implementation that considers the fight against public malfeasance in terms of its potential costs and benefits for political leadership. The existence of a political cycle for anti-corruption initiatives is proposed and tested through an examination of Peru's National Anti-Corruption Commission from 2001 to 2005. The empirical analysis supports the theoretical tenets, showing how the government of President Toledo created and later devolved the anti-corruption commission due to private interests and political circumstances.


The hygroscopic growth of particles produced from 12 consumer spray products was studied to provide the quantitative basis for modeling their respiratory deposition. A tandem differential mobility analyzer (TDMA) was used for the measurement of growth of aerosol particles produced by spray from three disinfectants, four deodorants, four air fresheners, and a cooking medium. The soluble fractions of the aerosol particles were measured for each product and from the growth theory, the molecular weights of the products were estimated. The size distributions of the spray product aerosols were also measured using a low-pressure impactor. It was observed that some of the spray product aerosol do not grow at all, while others showed moderate to high growth. The growth ratio ranged from 1 to nearly 4 depending on the nature of the product and the initial size of the aerosol. The soluble fractions and molecular weights were in the range 0.04–0.96 and 15–700, respectively. The mass median aerodynamic diameters of th...


Wherein in one or more species can be reduced IL20-mediated activation of both the IL20R1 / IL20R2 and IL22R1 / IL20R2 receptor complexes, including humans - as well as human IL20 monoclonal antibodies, for example to design or obtain from such an antibody, antigen - describes a method for producing a binding molecule-binding antibody fragments, antibody derivatives, and multi-specific antigen, such as a molecule-binding molecules, and such antibodies or other antigen. These antibodies or other antigen-binding molecules can be used in the treatment of various diseases and disorders, including autoimmune or inflammatory disease or disorder.


Although the LST cut of quartz offers better frequency-temperature stability than the regular ST cut, LST-cut SAW (surface acoustic wave) filters show a greater increase of insertion loss as temperature rises than do regular ST-cut devices of the same frequency (see C.S. Lam and D.E. Holt, 1988). This additional increase of insertion loss for LST-cut filters was attributed to an increase of power loss caused by leakage of the leaky wave. The authors present calculations that indicate that the earlier assertion is indeed correct. They also show that this leakage-temperature dependency varies in magnitude near the LST-cut region. By changing the thickness of the interdigital finger metallization of the LST-cut filters, it is possible to improve the frequency-temperature stability while maintaining an acceptable increase of insertion loss due to the leakage-temperature dependency.<<ETX>>


Women participation in economic development has been identified to be of importance, most especially in the area of entrepreneurship. However, women the world over play a substantial role in the socio- economic and political development of any country. Given this, the current study examined the effect of socio-cultural factors on women entrepreneurship development in Kaduna state. The specific objectives of the study include: to examine the effect of religion on women entrepreneurship development in Kaduna State; to examine the effect of culture on women entrepreneurship development in Kaduna State; and to examine the effect of gender roles on women entrepreneurship development in Kaduna State. Using descriptive survey research design, data were collected from 332 women entrepreneurs in Kaduna metropolis and then analyzed via correlation and regression analyses techniques to examine the cause, effect, strength and degree of the relationship between socio-cultural factors and women entrepreneurship development. The study found that there is a significant relationship between socio-cultural factors and women entrepreneurship development in Kaduna metropolis, indicating significant relationships between religion and women entrepreneurship, between culture and women entrepreneurship and between gender role and women entrepreneurship development in Kaduna metropolis. The study recommends that women entrepreneurs in Kaduna metropolis should be proactive in doing business by bearing in mind various socio-cultural factors such as religion, culture and gender roles that may hinder the smooth running of their businesses.


In the literature on migration to the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), authors generally mention that labour migrants, predominantly from South and Southeast Asia, live in overcrowded, low-class accommodation, sharing rooms and 'doing bed-space', without giving a clear picture of what this practice entails. This paper is an ethnographic account of what it actually means to live in 'bed-space' accommodation. It explores how West African migrants cope with the difficulties of this type of housing. The paper is based on 6 weeks of fieldwork in Dubai and draws on Achille Mbembe's 'Provisional Notes on the Postcolony'. The analysis reveals that African migrants undermine and modify the established practices of exclusion that relegate them to urban slums through strategic responses to challenges in their everyday lives and that their experiences and responses vary in relation to gender.


The group of approximately two dozen White House staff titled "assistant to the president" form a president's core leadership team, making turnover at this level particularly important for the stability and direction of the presidential decision-making process. Among the assistants to the president group, President Donald Trump's White House had the highest turnover of top-ranked staff experienced by any recent president. At 20 months, two-thirds of assistants appointed by President Trump in his first year in office left or announced their imminent departure. That level of turnover led to leadership changes in the dozen White House offices that are key to the processing of presidential decisions; to the policies a chief executive develops, initiates, and implements; and to those units charged with managing a president's relationships with those outside of the administration. Without a team working together, it is difficult for a president's staff to coordinate its plans and work as well as develop and articulate commonly shared presidential priorities and goals.


Abstract : Since 1 October 1991, Dr Min-Chang Lee and his students at MIT and Boston Univ., have conducted experimental and theoretical research aimed at investigating ionospheric plasma disturbances which can significantly affect radio wave propagation from satellite communications systems. His efforts have developed a theory to explain reflectivity of radio waves from lightning induced plasmas. In addition, his research has focused on enhanced radar backscatter, source mechanisms for generating symmetric lower hybrid sidebands in the upper ionosphere, and the characteristics of the HF enhanced plasma lines.


An approximate, yet useful methodology to simulate the neutronics of BWR fuel bundles using a series of 1-D unit cell calculations was developed using the code sequence SAS2H of the SCALE-5 code package. Based on experimentation with a number of different bundle axial power distributions and of different number of axial zones the bundle is divided into, it is concluded that the preferred approach for predicting the BWR k{sub {infinity}} evolution and discharge burn-up is to consider the entire enriched fuel region as a single zone having the average region power density and water density. This procedure was then applied to construct two-dimensional maps of attainable discharge burn-ups for BWR cores as a function of the BWR clad outer diameter and pitch-to-diameter ratio. It was also found that SAS2H can adequately account for the bound hydrogen scattering kernel of zirconium hydride. (authors)


The events of the last year or two have brought home to us the precarious state of universities in many western countries. If in this country we feel a little more secure than some, it is a matter for gratification but not complacency — there are by now enough examples to show that the real crisis, when it comes, cannot be resolved by improvisation.


There is provided a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising the step of forming field oxide insulating film, said insulating field oxide film forming step includes forming a field oxide insulating film (12), such that when viewed in plan view of the semiconductor substrate (11) when, in the active region (13), (13a) toward the front portion of the centrifugal force direction (F) has a curved surface projecting laterally of said portion (13a) corresponding to a side of said active region (13) opposing surface portions, the side surfaces along a portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate (11) of the rotation center (O) of the coated surface of the semiconductor substrate (11) in the direction of the centrifugal force (F).


Dr. WILFRID Fox said he saw a similar case in appearance, but of much wider distribution. The patient came from the North Polar region, where, presumably, he had no chance of acquiring venereal disease. Twice there was a negative reaction to Wassermann, and strong anti-syphilitic treatment produced no effect. X-rays did him a little good for the time being, but gave no permanent result. Cataphoresis of zinc and copper was also tried, but without any marked effect. The only treatment which appeared to be of any use, and which eventually cured the case, was that of extensive scraping and excision of the undermined edges, which was carried out by Mr. Jaifrey. Dr. Fox believed it was a case of septic granuloma. Mr. McDoNAGH said he cut a piece out of this case and examined it microscopically. He found plasma-cells, the arrangement of which differed from that usually met with in a syphilitic lesion. He had also done the von Pirquet reaction and a Moro test, which were negative. There was also no reaction after tuberculin. He had grown a fungus from the present case, but as he had not yet worked it out properly, he could not say more about it.


The popular perception is that teachers only work school hours, 9 'til 3 o'clock. This paper challenges that notion and argues that school teachers work long hours and have a heavy workload. Large workloads have a negative effect on teachers' health, well-being and work-life balance. The findings of the study indicate that regardless of gender, role, sector and employment fraction, the majority of all teachers work long hours. Further, many teachers are dissatisfied with their workload and balance between work and personal life. In light of the findings, it is argued that policies need to be developed to restrict teachers' workloads. Without such policies, the flow of teachers out of the profession will continue.


How to cite this article: Saurabh S, Sahu SK, Sadishkumar A, Kakkanattu JC, Prapath I, Ralte IL, et al. Screening for skin diseases among primary school children in a rural area of Puducherry. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol 2013;79:268. Received: September, 2012. Accepted: November, 2012. Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: Nil. Screening for skin diseases among primary school children in a rural area of Puducherry