Cluster-based segmentation usually involves two sets of variables: (i) the needs-based variables (referred to as the bases variables), which are used in developing the original segments to identify the value, and (ii) the classification or background variables, which are used to profile or target the customers. The managers' goal is to utilize these two sets of variables in the most efficient manner. Pragmatic managerial interests recognize the underlying need to start shifting from methodologies that obtain highly precise value-based segments but may be of limited practical use as they provide less targetable segments. Consequently, the imperative is to shift toward newer segmentation approaches that provide greater focus on targetable segments while maintaining homogeneity. This requires dual objective segmentation, which is a combinatorially difficult problem. Hence, we propose and examine a new evolutionary methodology based on genetic algorithms to address this problem. We show, based on a large-scale Monte Carlo simulation and a case study, that the proposed approach consistently outperforms the existing methods for a wide variety of problem instances. We are able to obtain statistically significant and managerially important improvements in targetability with little diminution in the identifiability of value-based segments. Moreover, the proposed methodology provides a set of good solutions, unlike existing methodologies that provide a single solution. We also show how these good solutions can be used to plot an efficient Pareto frontier. Finally, we present useful insights that would help managers in implementing the proposed solution approach effectively.


Preface General Introduction PART I: A VERY ORDINARY CULTURE I. A Common Place: Ordinary Language II. Popular Cultures: Ordinary Language III. Making Do: Uses and Tactics PART II: THEORIES OF THE ART OF PRACTICE IV. Foucault and Bourdieu V. The Arts of Theory VI. Story Time PART III: SPATIAL PRACTICES VII. Walking in the City VIII. Railway Navigation and Incarceration IX. Spatial Stories PART IV: Uses of Language X. The Scriptural Economy XI. Quotations of Voices XII. Reading as Poaching PART V: WAYS OF BELIEVING XIII. Believing and Making People Believe XIV. The Unnamable Indeterminate Notes


An acclaimed Polish cinematographer and documentary film director describes his meeting with Sergey Paradjanov in the 1970s in Kiev. Stok found himself there in connection with the shooting of Piotr Studziński's documentary film about one of Ukraine's mathematicians. Despite the difficulties created by the Soviet totalitarian state to isolate Paradjanov, Stok managed to reach the director and also to watch his documentary film about the frescoes in Kiev at a special secret club screening. In his essay – a memoir – the author describes the differences between life in the Soviet Union and in more liberal Communist-ruled Poland. He characterizes Paradjanov's artistic profile and his fate in the Soviet Union.


A novel and tunable α-hydroxylation/α-chlorination of benzyl ketone derivatives has been developed for the construction of hetero-quaternary carbon centers by iron(iii) chloride hexahydrate mediated selective transformations through the application of different oxidants, especially the crystal water in the catalyst as an OH source is firstly reported in this hydroxylation.


Transport of air (with solvent vapor) bubbles that sometimes appear in a polymer/solvent liquid are followed in the process of solvent casting the polymer. The concentration profile of the solvent in the developing casting is found to be the primary controller of bubble rise velocity. This velocity dependence on concentration is developed through experiment over the range of conditions in the casting [∼90 to 0% methylene chloride in poly(methyl methacrylate), molecular weight 300,000, and Tg 110°C]. Assumptions of quasi steady-state and penetration type theories are used to generate this simplest model, qualitatively (and semi-quantitatively) correct in predicting the skin layer/bubble layer/bulk layer structure in solid polymer pieces produced by the solvent casting process.


Disclosed are: a composite metal oxide; a positive electrode active material; a positive electrode; and a sodium secondary battery. The composite metal oxide has an α-NaFeO 2 -type crystal structure, has a spacing between faces (104) of not less than 2.16 angstroms and less than 2.18 angstroms, and is represented by formula (1): Na(Fe x Ni y Mn 1-x-y )O 2 (wherein x represents a numeral value of 0.1 to 0.6 inclusive; and y represents a numeral value of 0 to 0.9 exclusive).
The positive electrode active material comprises the composite metal oxide.
The positive electrode comprises the positive electrode active material.
The sodium secondary battery involves the positive electrode.


We will start our analysis by retelling, with some elaboration on my part, the story of the appointment of Saraputra to be one of the chief administrators of the Buddha's Songha. When Buddha Gautama first laid eyes on Saraputra as he was walking down the road toward him. Gautama immediately appointed him his principal disciple over the Songha. He did this without apparently knowing who he was since Gautama had apparently not met Saraputra before. To me such an appointment may have upset the gathered monks who had been with him for many years. In response, the Buddha might have pointed out to the monks that he perceived Saraputra as a follower of Buddha Anomadassi who lived in a much earlier aeon. At that time, as the text on Saraputra's life points out, Saraputra pledged to become the future Buddha Gautama's chief disciple. Referring to Diagram 1, this suggests to me that the Buddha Gautama was able to perceive Saraputra at both an earlier aeon and in his own aeon. (The earlier Buddha Anomadassi also saw that Saraputra would realize his aspiration to be the Buddha Gautama's chief disciple even as he made his pledge standing before him. This is quite interesting because Saraputra had not yet engaged in the causes and conditions at that point that would determine his future karma.) A further time paradox emerges from each Buddha's existence in a different aeon. The collapse of an aeon and its unique four dimensional world system followed by the formation of another aeon with a new four dimensional world system suggests that the two Buddhas are in relative temporal motion to each other, being separated by an aeonic bifurcation. They are situated in multiple space-time instants that are entirely given in their own world system


We describe the natural oxidation of silicon nanocrystals (SiNCs) and the method of etching the natural oxide layer of SiNC with hydrogen fluoride (HF) vapor. Electrical measurements are conducted in order to investigate the influence of the natural oxidation of SiNCs. The wet HF etching process, which is currently used in the semiconductor industry, results in the removal of all SiNCs from the substrate. Therefore, we use HF vapor etching, which can remove only the natural oxide layer without the removal of SiNCs from the substrate. Consequently, the HF vapor process is suitable for SiNC devices. From electrical measurements, it is observed that current increases by four orders of magnitude after the HF vapor etching treatment. In addition, it is revealed that we can control the thickness of the oxide layer of SiNCs by changing the HF vapor etching time.


We aim to approximate the distribution of the first-passage time of a particle moving according to a Gaussian process with increasing trend, i. e., the distribution of the first time a particle described, e.g., by a state-space model such as a constant-velocity or constant-acceleration model, arrives at a fixed location. Since the known approaches from the literature either consider processes from different families or lead to highly complex approximations, we seek a fast-to-compute method for the problem. Motivated by an engineering particle transport task for which we can assume that once a particle has arrived at this 10-cation it cannot move back, we derive an analytic approximation for the first-passage time probabilities and calculate its inverse cumulative distribution function analytically and the moments numerically. Furthermore, we propose a Gaussian approximation based on a linearization approach. The strengths and limitations of our methods are discussed and by comparison with Monte Carlo simulations, we show that in particular, the first one satisfies the requirements of engineering problems in terms of accuracy and computation time.


Aim: Antibiotics resistance of soil borne pathogens is a real problem for medical practitioners of India. In this investigation we have isolated a bacterium from the soil containing various types of dumps and observed its antibiotic susceptibility.
Materials and Methods: The isolate found from the serial dilution of soil sample was named as Sample H and was taken for staining, antibiotic susceptibility test and 16S rDNA characterization. Results and Discussion: Gram staining showed it to be Gram positive rods and 16S rDNA characterization showed it to be Bacillus cereus strain KD125. The Phylogenetic analyses showed the Sample H similar to Bacillus anthracis strain APT25 (GenBank Accession Number: KC519402.1). The antibiotic sensitivity test showed that this Sample H is sensitive to Linezolid (LZ) and Ciprofloxacin (RC) and resistant to Cefixime (CF). It was also seen that combinations Linolenic acid (LI) increases the antibacterial activity of LZ. Whereas, Doxycycline (DOC) decreased the zone of inhibitions of Ampicillin (AMP) and Tinidazole (TI) did not show any change in antibacterial activity of RC. It was also seen that antacid Digene (DIG) slightly increased the affectivity of RC but decreased the antibacterial activity of LZ, whereas Pantoprazole (PAN) increased the antibacterial activity of RC and LZ. Thus, it was found that Sample H was maximum sensitive to the combination of LZ+ PAN followed by LZ+ LI and was resistant to all combinations of CF.
Conclusion: Thus, sensitive antibiotics, effective combination of antibiotics or antacids obtain from this assay can help to treat this food poisoning causingpathogen Bacillus cereus efficiently.


Abstract : The bible of Soviet strategic thinking in the 1960s was the work edited by Marshal V. D. Sokolovskiy. Although the question of the work's obsolescence was raised in the 1970s, it was only with the appearance of a recent book, by Deputy Chief of the General Staff Gareev that the issue could be definitively settled. According to Gareev, Sokolovskiy is now out of date with respect to the specific features of modern war, and it is necessary to restore all the old strategic principles and categories that had been rejected or revised b Sokolovskiy.


The enforcement of financial supervisory system plays an important role in anti-corruption from source and system and reinforcing the construction of party conduct and an incorrupt government.We should,according to the feature and laws of reform in deepening the management of departmental budget,public budgetary revenues and budgeted expenditure,government buying and the two lines of revenues and expenditure and strengthening the supervision of the circulation of financial funds,reinforcing internal supervisory restration according to the balancing mechanism of budget-making and budget enforcement;carrying out all-sided supervision of budgetary management according to the establishment of the performance evaluation system of fiancial funds.So as to contain corruptions such as power's being out of control and abuse of funds from the source of the distribution and utilization of funds.


Lithium-ion batteries which are used in electric vehicles cannot be charged to their maximum capacity at the end of the charging period, a situation which is caused by inconsistency between the battery cells. This paper takes the 18650 ternary lithium battery as the research object and proposes an alternate equalization control system in the charging process. This system takes SOC consistency to be the equalization variable. Through controlling the relay, this system realizes the alternate recombination between different batteries in order to form a series battery group for charging, which achieves the goal of SOC equalization of the entire battery group. The simulation result of charge equalization, based on Matlab/Simulink, shows that at the end of the charging simulation, the SOC inconsistency of the battery group reduced from 10% to 1%. Finally, an experimental platform was built in order to verify the experiment. During the charge balance experiment, the maximum SOC inconsistency between the batteries reduced from 1.542% to 1.035%. The SOC inconsistency at the end of charging reduced from 1.214% to 0.8%, which represents an improvement of the equalization effect of the control system. The experimental results are consistent with the simulation results, which proves the effectiveness of the system's ability to control the battery SOC balance during the charging process.


Abstract The role of radiation cascades in void generation is investigated theoretically. Three following effects are pointed out: (i) decrease of surviving point defects due to recombination in cascade region; (ii) decrease of time of stable void formation; (iii) increase of the number of stable void. The last two effects are due to defect clustering in cascade region.


The invention discloses a stamping die of a splicing back plate, and a processing method of the splicing back plate. The processing method of the splicing back plate comprises the following steps: placing a heat dissipation plate and a supporting plate in the same die for processing; and then splicing and fixing the processed heat dissipation plate and supporting plate. The heat dissipation plate and the supporting plate are simultaneously processed in a set of die, accordingly, the original processing processes of two plates can be combined, and the processing step is shortened by half. In addition, the two plates are simultaneously processed in the same die, accordingly, the consistency of the two plates is good, and the flatness is better when the two plates are spliced.


Software testing is one of the most effective and directive methods to improve software reliability. This paper gives the concepts of software testing, the essential features of software testing, the goals of software testing and the key technology of software testing. This paper also presents several actual software testing methods.


Relates laser resonator for emitting visible radiation with reduced speckle noise, the optical resonator is formed by at least two mirrors at both ends of the visible radiation emitting lasing material, because the optical resonator enhances multimode operation , envelope function of visible radiation visible radiation emitting lasing material which emits visible radiation spectrally broadened, the widened spectrally has full width at half maximum in 1nm~15nm (FWHW).


Instrument chirurgical s'utilisant pour une operation sur une articulation de la hanche atteinte d'osteo-arthrose chez un patient humain. L'articulation de la hanche comprend un acetabulum qui fait partie de l'os iliaque, et la tete de femur qui constitue la partie proximale du femur. L'instrument chirurgical est concu pour faciliter l'operation de l'articulation de la hanche malade depuis le cote abdominal de l'os iliaque chez ledit patient humain.


Addition of two binary numbers is a fundamental operation in electronic circuits. Applications include arithmetic logic unit, floating-point operations and address generation. It is widely accepted that there is no single best adder implementation. Modern adder architectures utilize a hybrid scheme based on, among others, various parallel prefix, carry select and Ling architectures. The parallel prefix method implements logic functions which determine whether groups of bits will generate or propagate a carry. These functions are hierarchically combined to calculate the carry into any bit. Ling adders reduce delay by using a simplified version of the group generates. However, the method only reduces complexity at the first level; all subsequent combinations in the hierarchy have the same complexity as the parallel prefix method. In this article we present novel architectures, which have reduced complexity at all, levels.


In order to verify accuracy of values of grounding insulation resistance and distributed capacitance of underground low-voltage power grid measured by AC voltammetry and AC-DC voltammetry,the paper introduced theory analysis and deduction of calculating formula of the two methods,and made comparison for measuring results of the two methods by use of analog circuit of underground low-voltage power grid.It got conclusion that the error of values of grounding insulation resistance and distributed capacitance measured by AC-DC voltammetry is smaller.


Control precision of coiling temperature is one of the key factors affecting strip structure property,quality and shape during the cooling process of hot rolled strip.The core of temperature control is the establishment of cooling process control mathematical model and its adaptive feed-back control function.A cooling mathematical model with nonlinear structural characteristics for the cooling process of hot rolled strip was constructed.The adaptive capability of the model was greatly improved through the research of intelligent feedback control approach.The application results showed that the strip length with temperature difference(between measured coiling temperature and aimed temperature) within 5 ℃ amounts to 85 % of the whole length,whereas the strip length with the temperature difference within ±10 ℃ amounts to 98 %.Stable performance and high control precision of the mathematical model were proved by the in-situ application.Consequently,this model will lay a solid foundation for improving product quality.


ambient medium. While direct rneasurernnts of the local laser—inducedtemperature rise have actually been demonstrated in a few exceptionalcases, the information on the material transport is almost exclusivelybased on model calculations.In recent papers we have reported on theoretical investigations2 ntransport phenomena in pyrolytic laser-induced chemical processing


In empowering the school library as a learning resource center requires a good performance from a teacher-librarian. This study aims to determine the palnning and implementation of school library programs, efforts to empower school libraries and factors that support and hinder teacher-librarian in work. This research uses descriptive method with qualitative approach. Data collection techniques are: interview, documentation study and observation. The subjects of the study were: Teacher-Librarian, Principals, Teachers and Students. The results of the research indicate that: (1) The planning of library programs has been discussed together in regular school workshops involving all stakeholders. The library program is centered on three parts: collection development, collection organization and collection service. (2) Of the overall planned program, some have been implemented in accordance with the schedule that has been determined, some are partially wired, and some are not implemented. Teacher-librarian performance assessments fall into the low category. (3) Teachers-librarian doing library empowerment efforts that still revolve around library routine activities. Not yet based on creative and innovative programs. (4) Factors that support the performance of teacher-librarian come from individual teacher-librarian, while those that inhibit performance come from external factors.


The present invention relates to a modular upper impeller for constructing a wellbore which includes a rail for connection to at least one of: a floor and a tower of a drilling rig; and a drive motor. the motor unit includes: a first body; one driving motor which has a stator connected to the first body; one trolley that connects the first body to the rail; and a first latch for selectively connecting a drilling unit or coating unit to the motor unit. the upper impeller also includes a holder for holding any one among the drilling units, casing and cementing mobile in relation to the rail between a standby position and a connection position. trapped by the unit support is aligned with the motor unit in connection position and away from the motor unit to the standby position.


Maintaining and improving competitiveness is one key goal of economic policy. In the short run, it is primarily price and cost developments as well as exchange rate changes that have the biggest impact on the development of an economy's competitiveness. The competitiveness of Austrian manufacturing exporters has continued to augment since the country's entry into Economic and Monetary Union (EMU) – this has been confirmed by the 2006 revision of the price competitiveness indicator for Austria (deflated by the (Harmonised) Index of Consumer Prices – HICP/CPI) and even more so by the new cost competitiveness indicator (deflated by relative unit labor costs) launched in this context. The marked improvement of the cost competitiveness indicator in recent years reflects moderate wage policies coupled with comparatively solid productivity growth in the Austrian manufacturing sector. The lower gain measured by the price competitiveness indicator may be linked to the fact that the HICP/CPI was broadly driven by oil price developments in 2004 and 2005, which masked the favorable unit labor cost developments in the manufacturing industry. Contrary to the development in the manufacturing sector, the price competitiveness in Austria's travel and tourism sector has deteriorated somewhat: Even though price developments in Austria were more favorable than in the competition markets, they did not wholly offset losses in competitiveness related to exchange rate developments.


All authorities now agree that the clinical examination of an eye that has suffered a penetrating injury is incomplete without radiological assistance. The detection and accurate localisation of a radiopaque foreign body in the eye is the greatest help the ophthalmic surgeon can receive, as not only are the position, nature, size and shape indicated with precision, but also direct help is given to decide the most suitable surgical route for extraction. The big magnet is often the first "attraction," but it should always be remembered that a magnet only deals with magnetic bodies and sometimes even dangerously with them. Radiological work on an organ as small and delicate as an eye necessitates the greatest care, and the use of the most accurate apparatus and instruments.


Using a comparative historical methodology, this thesis seeks to answer the question: How have the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County managed to remain a distinct and flourishing group? The Amish are compared to three other similar groups, the "Ephrata cloister community, the Amana villages, and the Hutterites, in order to determine what factors are necessary to a successful group. The groups are researched by analyzing existing archival materials. Final analysis supports that the following factors must be present in a successful group: use of a historical text, social isolation, ties to the land, not relying on converts for new membership, encouraging marriage, and encouraging children. Introduction Sociologists predicted 50 years ago that the Amish would soon be absorbed into the larger society of the United States (Hostetler 1993). This prediction turned out to be in error; the Amish population has in fact tripled since 1950 (Hostetler 1993 :viii). In this thesis, I will attempt to answer the question: How have the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County managed to remain a distinct and flourishing group? This question has been asked many times, and usually the same reasons are given, some of which are: distinctive dialect, distinctive dress, assimilation of new members who already exist in their community (children of members), and strong attachment to the land (Hostetler 1964). In my thesis, I make cross comparisons between the Old Order Amish of Lancaster County and three other communities: the Ephrata cloister community (The Spiritual Order of The Solitary), the Amana villages (Gemeinde der WahrenInspiration/Society of True Inspiration). and the Hutterites (Hutterischen Briiderhof). The "old order" distinction is important because it distinguishes this particular group of Amish from other Amish groups. such as the New Order Amish and Beachey Amish. The New Order Amish and Beachey Amish arc generally less plain in dress than the Old Order Amish. and permit their members to usc modern technology to a greater degree than the Old Order Amish (KraybiIl2001). For simplicity's sake. from this point on. when I refer to "the Amish" I am referring to the "Old Order Amish'" The Amish of Lancaster County and Ephrata cloister were located in roughly the same place (Lancaster County. PA). during roughly the same time (the 1sth century). with practices dra\\ll from scnne of the same theological traditions (such as adult bJptism). However, the Ephrata were communal, whereas the Amish were and are not. This led me to involve the Amana for comparison, who were another communal group. The Ephrata and Amana were both by my definition unsuccessful, which led me to involve the Hutterites, a communal group that has been by my definition successful, as the Amish have, in maintaining their distinctive way of life. In my thesis, I define a successful group as one that is still viable and recognizable at this present date. I have chosen to analyze both successful and unsuccessful groups in order to better determine what factors have led to the success of the Amish. Two of my comparison groups, the Amish and Hutterites, are successful groups. The remaining two groups, the Ephrata and Amana, are unsuccessful groups. analyze these groups by comparing specific factors that I believe may be important to maintaining a successful group. Illustration I Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Accessed on March 20, 2005, from http://www.amishcountryinns.com/chlocation.html .COlymbY~;r-' WV / ,-&>.J ·c"~rlt;to:JVA .... ,' .. r·· VT NH\ : \. \--'--_~J-i.! lan:.1~tct CCI:n:,' PC~H1~i·I·...Hl:.1 In her work on communes and utopian societies. Kanter defines a successful gr~'1up as l'lne that existed as a commune ('r uh'lpian society for at least 25 years. what sociologists define as a generation (Kanter 1972). This is my major criticism of her work: how she could state by her definition that other groups, such as the Amana, are successful, when they only remained a distinct community for a fraction of the time that the Hutterites have. The Hutterites have been in existence since the 16 century, and immigrated to North America in the 1870s. I also question her choice in the timeframe of her analysis (1780 to 1860), because it deliberately ignores the s~ccess of the Hutterites. Kanter, like other authors, ignores the success of the Hutterites in her analysis, as if it is something that cannot be explained or will invalidate her explanations as to what is important for a successful group. The literature I have reviewed about my comparison groups has given me a list of testable hypotheses as to what factors are important in maintaining a successful group. This list is based on both the answers other authors have given for the success of the Amish, as well as factors I noticed that groups did or did not share and, through the course of my research. occurred to me might be important. Under the subheading of theological beliefs I have listed adult baptism and Pietism. Under historical contexts I have listed having been persecuted in Europe. having emigrated as a group. and using a historical text. Under cultural practices I have listed language, dress. education, and isolation. Under economic practices I have listed ties to the land and community of goods. And finally. under membership practices I have listed relying on cOln-erts. encouraging or discouraging marriage and families. and having a fonn of Rlll11springa. RIll11springa is the time in a young Amish person's life. beginning around age 16 and ending with the decision to become baptized. when Amish youth are allowed to "sow wild oats (Kraybill 2001 )... My comparison groups sometimes share factors with the Amish: for example, all four groups wore or wear some kind of distinctive garment that set them apart from nonmembers. All four of these groups hold a passage from the book of Romans (12:2, King James version) to be core to their beliefs: "Be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind that ye may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Hostetler 1993)." Following from this passage, each group believes that they must be "strangers in a strange lancr,'< and keep separate from "the World." In other words, they must be separate from the dominant culture, which they believe is full of sin. Other times, they do not share the same factors: the Ephrata (Alderfer 1985) and Amana (Andelson 1981). for example, did not have strong ties to an agricultural way of life in nearly the same capacity that the Amish do. What I have found in my final analysis is that the use of a historical text, social isolation, ties to the land, not relying on converts for new membership, encouraging marriage. and encouraging children are present in successful groups, and not present in unsuccessful groups. My methodology. based on Mills' case-oriented comparative methods. concludes from comparative analysis that these are causal factors for maintaining a successful group. These factors. when present in a group. create powerful boundaries between group membcrs and non-membcrs. It is thcse boundaries that finally detcn11ine whethcr or not a group willQc successful. I am not the first sociologist to rccognize thc importancc of boundarics in maintaining a succcssful group. Kantcr (1972) statcs that strong groups tcnd to ha\'c strong boundarics physical. social. and bcha\'ioral. Pcnncablc boundarics. which arc boundarics that arc opcn and pcnnit mo\'cmcnt across thcm. can bc dctrimcntal to maintaining a successful group (Kantcr 1972). All of my factors of analysis contribute to these strong boundaries, though through analysis I conclude that some factors, such as not relying on converts to perpetuate the group, help construct stronger boundaries than others, such as wearing a distinctive form of dress or speaking a distinctive language. My analysis of these unique religious groups is not one that is only limited to such groups. Much like Kanter, my analysis can be generalized to the question of what factors ~~,, help to maintain a successful group or community. From her analysis, Kanter (1968; 1972) draws three aspects of creating commitment to a group: continuation, group cohesiveness, and social control. Each of my factors of analysis can be categorized into one of these three aspects. I believe that these factors can be applied to other groups, religious or not, in helping to analyze what leads to group success or failure. These can not only be applied to analyses of other groups. but also perhaps by groups that wish to maintain success as a group. Methodology My methodology is based upon the case-oriented comparative method as described by Ragin (1987). The case-oriented strategy is built upon the methodology of John Stuart Mill" s (Ragin 1987) method of agreement and indirect method of difference. The method of agreement states that if two or more instances of a phcnomcnon under investigation have only onc of sevcral possiblc causal circumstances in common. then the circumstancc in which all the instances agrees is the cause of the phenomenon of intercst. Using this method. I havc investigated instances where a "spccific phenomenon" occurred (the success of a group). However, Mill cautioned against liberal use of the method of agreement and suggested that investigators use experimental designs whenever possible, such as the indirect method of difference. The indirect method of difference is a double application of the method of agreement. This method investigates not only instances of a specific phenomenon, but also instances where the specific phenomenon did not occur (Ragin 1987). I have also investigated instances where the "specific phenomenon" of groups successful in growing and maintaining their distinctive way of life did not occur, socalled "negative cases" (the Ephrata and Amana). If the hypothesis that distinctive dress is important to the success of a group is true


This article begins with a survey of the legal-historical and ecclesiological context for the plans of a modern structure of a synod of bishops, called Sodalitium episcoporum, discussed at the time of the fifth Lateran Council and largely unknown nowadays. The Sodalitum episcoporum is then compared with the composition and canonical structures of current-day bishops' synods, with particular attention to various aspects of, and problems associated with the legal relationship between Pope and bishops. From this comparison on the basis of legal considerations, there arise consequences for the legal norms for bishops' synods, based on the abiding principle of genuine collegiality, as articulated at Vatican II.


Atomic structures of hexagonal α' martensites in Ti-6mass%Al-4mass%V alloys have been studied by means of aberration corrected high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. There observed differences in atomic structures of the }11 10{ -type twin boundaries of the α' martensites: stacking faults, a few atomic layers in width, was observed at the twin boundary for the as-quenched alloy after solution treatment at 1100 o C (above the β transus), while the alloy solution treated at 950 o C (below the β transus) showed a clear-cut twin boundary. The excellent ductility is observed in the latter alloy.


This study aimed to investigate the differences between the "discourses" of science texts in English and Mandarin. The target texts concerned the physics of Newton's first law of motion and its Mandarin translation. A database of these texts was constructed, so that it could be studied in terms of systemic functional linguistics. The number of events, lexical density, and rank shifts of both texts were analyzed in order to clarify the differences between the English and Mandarin versions. It was found that the Mandarin science text used more events (e.g. one event might be the attempt to get a large truck to start moving by pushing on it with your hands) to describe the same scientific fact or concept than did its English-language counterpart. Each sentence of the English text was often composed of a single event; sentences always consisted of plural events in case of Mandarin. Furthermore, while the English text used more function words (such as prepositions, conjunctions, and so on) to present the context of the science events, the latter content words (Mainly include nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs). Both "packing" and "unpacking" processes were utilized in translating English discourses into Mandarin ones: the former "packs" two or more events in English into a single event, while the latter "unpacks" a single event into two or more events in Mandarin. These processes condense or unfold original discourses; both risk distorting the meaning. The implications for of Mandarin science textbook reading, teaching, and editing were discussed.


e19549 Background: Dd, a recombinant fusion protein designed to target interleukin-2 receptor-expressing malignancies, is the most extensively studied agent in patients with CTCL. Dd is approved for 8 cycles in CTCL. Here, we present data from study L4389-11 on the effect of treatment course on the efficacy of Dd.

METHODS
Subjects received Dd doses of 9 or 18 mcg/kg IV daily for 5 days, repeating every 21 days for up to 8 courses. The majority of subjects had CTCL stage ≤ IIa at baseline. Thirty three percent of subjects had received 2 prior anticancer therapies and 23% had received 3 prior anticancer therapies. For all subjects (n=144), the overall median age was 59 years. Tumor burden in skin, blood and lymph nodes and a physician's global assessment were determined at each study visit relative to baseline. Response confirmation was adjudicated by an independent Data Endpoint Review Committee (DERC) after 3 consecutive courses. The primary endpoint was ORR including CR (no clinical evidence of disease based on tumor burden assessments and photography and histopathology of skin biopsy indicated absence of atypical cells), CCR (no clinical evidence of disease based on tumor burden assessments and photography and either the presence of atypical cells was indicated by histopathology of a skin biopsy or histopathology was unavailable) and PR (≥ 50% reduction in measured tumor burden). Data reflect the first treatment course in which the best response was recorded for Dd-treated subjects who responded (n=44) based on the DERC assessment. All responses counted were confirmed in 2 successive assessments.

RESULTS
45% of best responses occurred in cycles 4 thru 8 and the evolution to CR occurred from 4 cycles and beyond.

CONCLUSIONS
These data support the approved 8 cycles of Dd therapy in CTCL. [Table: see text].


The available P2P streaming protocols are not compatible with each other for real-time video-on-demand (VOD) applications. As a result, they are not suitable for business usage on large-scale networks. In contrast, the BT protocol, which is a strictly-defined file sharing protocol, performs very well in data transferring and is supported by a large number of P2P file sharing systems. In this paper, we propose a speed-evaluation piece-selection algorithm based on a BT bucket priority downloading algorithm to optimize the BT downloading performance for the real-time VOD application. The experiments demonstrate that the improved algorithm meets the requirements of real-time and fluency for VOD applications. It provides BT protocols with a new business application, and greatly expands BT protocol's business usage.


Conductive rubber compounds fabricated into a variety of shapes are increasingly finding their way into military, industrial and consumer electronics products. They have a long history as switching devices in automotive horns, door activated lights and keyboards and are available in four configurations; buttons mounted in insulated carriers, alternating layered connectors (ALC), separate elements, and pads, which become conductive when pressure is applied. These connectors can provide connective densities up to 200 lines per inch, shock and vibration damping, gas tight sealing, tolerance forgiveness, replacement ease, low cost and mass production capability.


Combined with an HVDC transmission system closely, the voltage stability of the system is studied which is based on the sensitivity analysis method. First, a hybrid HVDC system sensitivity calculation method is deduced. On the basis of the method, the active and reactive power sensitivity matrix which is about the voltage amplitude of several AC transmission system important nodes to the DC channel and AC channel is calculated. The sensitivity matrix of the transmission active power and the absorbed reactive power of DC system is calculated under different control modes of DC system, as well as several important nodes voltage sensitivity under different control mode. Integrated the sensitivity indicators above, the operation control mode of AC/DC hybrid transmission system and the measures to improve the voltage stability are studied, providing the technical reference for the safe and stable operation of AC/DC hybrid transmission system.


Subject
 Prospects for the US economy to end-2018.

 Significance
 The tax cut at the end of 2017 is boosting activity. The economy is likely to grow by 3.0% this year before returning to a more normal 2.0-2.5% in 2019-20.


We developed CoO-doped nanocomposite films which change their optical transmittance by nitrogen oxide using co-sputtering method. Films sputtered from SiO2 target with CoO pellets on at 100W under 0.27 Pa Ar atmosphere showed reversible transmittance change by NO at 350°C in the wavelength range from 400 to 800 nm. Cobalt oxide dots 4-8 nm in diameter were observed in the CoO/SiO2 nanocomposite films by TEM observation. The heat-treated CoO/SiO2 film at 600°C which showed no transmittance change by NO still had cobalt oxide nanoparticles embedded in SiO2 matrix. The sensing properties is considered to be originated from nanostructure composed of functional nanoparticles which change their optical transmittance, nanopores which give paths of gas molecules and transparent matrix,


This research aims to describe students' mathematical representation skills in solving numeracy problem with profession context. This is qualitative descriptive research with 12 students for its research subjects. There are four steps in analyzing the data, those are data collection, data condensation, data display, and conclusions. To check the validity, researchers used techniques triangulation. This research shows that, among those 12 subjects, there are four types of model in solving numeracy problem with profession context. Those are first, students use visual and external representation; second, they perform visual, verbal, math model, and internal representation; third, they use verbal, visual, and external representation; and fourth of all, they use verbal and external representation. To make this result fruitfull, other researchers can try to design mathematics learning activities to train students' mathematical representation skill such that when students solve numeracy problems, they will not face any difficulties.


Financial crises typically occur because firms and financial institutions are highly exposed to aggregate shocks. We propose a theory to explain these exposures. We study a model where entrepreneurs can issue state-contingent claims to consumers. Even though entrepreneurs can use these instruments to hedge negative shocks, they do not necessarily do so because insuring against these shocks is expensive, as consumers are also harmed by them. This effect is self-reinforcing because riskier balance sheets for entrepreneurs imply higher income volatility for the consumers, making insurance more costly in equilibrium. We show that this feedback is quantitatively important and leads to inefficiently high risk exposure for entrepreneurs.


The data of roentgenological, endoscopical, thermovisional, ultrasonographical examination of 900 women with sterility were analyzed. The improvement of surgical treatment results was promoted by revealing of the sterility cause and also the concurrent diseases of small pelvis organs.


A series of organic deposits exposed in trial pits in the area immediately south of Brayford Pool, close to the centre of the City of Lincoln, have been examined to evaluate their bioarchaeological potential. Plant and invertebrate remains were present in all the samples examined, but some of the deposits C essentially characterised as woody or herbaceous detritus peats C contained much richer assemblages than did the humic silts. The richest assemblages were located in the northern and central parts of the area under investigation. It is recommended that a more detailed study of these deposits is undertaken if any threat to the long-term survival of the organic layers is posed by development since they represent a valuable source of information about prehistoric environments close to the area where the city of Lincoln was established.


Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread hazardous, hydrophobic pollutants made of fused benzene rings. Besides of being present in large quantities in petroleum and related products they are formed generally during the incomplete combustion of organic matter. During evolution, bacteria have become capable of using such recalcitrant compounds as growth substrates. Hundreds of species of bacteria have been identified that can metabolise a wide range of contaminants, being of potential use in bioremediation strategies. The types of molecules that can be degraded depend on the metabolic pathway in each species. The genes involved in the initial attack on fluorene by Sphingomonas sp. strain LB126 were investigated. The a and b subunits of a dioxygenase complex (FlnA1A2), showing 63% and 51% sequence identity respectively, with the subunits of an angular dioxygenase from the Gram-positive dibenzofuran degrader Terrabacter sp. strain DBF63, were identified. When overexpressed in E. coli, FlnA1A2 was responsible for the angular oxidation of fluorene, fluorenol, fluorenone, dibenzofuran and dibenzo-p-dioxin. Moreover, FlnA1A2 was able to oxidize polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heteroaromatics, some of which were not oxidized by the dioxygenase from Terrabacter sp. strain DBF63. Quantification of resulting oxidation products showed that fluorene and phenanthrene were the preferred substrates of FlnA1A2. Sphingomonas sp. strain LH128 harbors a naphthalene dioxygenase (PhnA1A2f) responsible for the oxidation of PAHs made of up to four rings, monochlorinated biphenyls and dibenzo-p-dioxin. PhnA1A2f shows exceptionally broad substrate specificity towards various pollutants in contrast to other naphthalene dioxygenases whose activity is limited to two- and three-ring PAHs. Moreover a conserved catabolic gene cluster could be isolated harboring 13 genes involved in PAH degradation. Sequence comparison with the initial dioxygenase of Sphingomonas sp. strain CHY-1 showed that the amino acids lining the catalytic pocket are conserved. The variation in substrate specificity of the two dioxygenases demonstrates that substitutions outside of the catalytic pocket can have marked effects on the substrate range of dioxygenase enzymes.


This research explores relationship between generalized trust of the population and the perception of corruption at a global level. Corruption is a problem that has taken on relevance at the institutional level worldwide but also at the level of academia for analyzing and studying it. This, given the repercussions of corruption on the proper functioning of political functions and the economy in general...


I investigate the effect of the radiation drag force on a star moving relative to the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) at z = 0. As expected, the perturbation is extremely small and has no observable consequences on orbital motions of stars within a galaxy or on orbital motions of galaxies within a cluster. The energy dissipated by cubic meter in a galaxy via this mechanism is 10^{14} smaller than the energy density of the CMB and, thus, is a negligible source of anisotropy. However, from the last scattering surface to population III stars (30 < z < 1000), radiation drag on particles may have played a major role in the apparition of anisotropy and rapid formation of densities.


It is shown that warps of spiral galaxies are not randomly oriented in the Milky Way neighbourhood. By adopting a previous model, in which warps are produced by intergalactic magnetic fields, and considering all northern hemisphere warped edge-on NGC spiral galaxies, an analysis of the intergalactic magnetic field in the ∼100 Mpc neighbourhood of our Galaxy is carried out. At the 100 Mpc scale the magnetic field is still rather homogeneous, having a direction given by (α = 289°, δ = 8°), but a characteristic scale of about 25 Mpc is found, inside which the dispersion is very low. The region containing the Virgo Cluster has a direction of the magnetic field different from the direction found in adjacent regions


It is not the purpose of this paper even to touch on all of the various phases of intestinal obstruction, but merely to call attention to a few features of this interesting affection. The first is the abuse of purgatives in this condition. Every surgeon has seen deaths caused by the injudicious use of purgatives. There are few things that require more judgment or skill than the correct exhibition of a suitable purgative at the proper time. Certainly in acute infectious diseases or in any case in which a toxemia is primarily present, a purgative is not only advisable, but absolutely necessary It is different, however, with acute obstruction from any other cause than that which has just been mentioned. A sudden obstruction, not due to nervous affections, always means one of two things: either an inflammatory condition of the peritoneum or else some form of mechanical obstruction, as bands,


Image processing is any form of information processing for which both the input and output are images, such as photographs or frames of video. Most image processing techniques involve treating the image as a two-dimensional signal and applying standard digital signal processing techniques to it. There are various techniques for processing an image such as linear scaling, optical methods, digital processing, fuzzy techniques. The general idea behind a filter to average a pixel using other pixels from its neighborhood and simultaneously taking care of other features such as edges, blurriness and haziness of the testing images. The main concern of the proposed filter is to distinguish between any variation of the captured digital image due to noise and image structure. The variation can be due to external reasons such as air, climate troubles, remote sensing , water on image structures. The most interesting image enhancement techniques involves edge detection techniques as well as noise removal techniques as loss of edges make the picture blurred or unfocused. However noise smoothing and edge enhancement methods are traditionally most conflicting tasks. In this paper a new fuzzy mechanism is developed for noise reduction of images corrupted by additive noise as well as protecting the edges. The proposed mechanism consists of 3 stages.(1). Define fuzzy sets in the input space to compute fuzzy derivative.(2).To construct if then else rule to perform fuzzy smoothing according to the contribution of surrounding pixel values (3). Define fuzzy sets in the outer space to get maximum noise free and edged image. Experimental results are obtained to show the feasibility of the proposed filter for two dimensional images.


Degradation of o-chlorophenol by sulfate radicals generated by heat activation of persulfate was investigated. This research focused on the influence of temperature,pH,humic acid( HA),inorganic ions to the degradation efficiency. The results indicated that the high temperature and persulfate concerntration promoted the degradation of o-chlorophenol. Degradation of o-chlorophenol exhibited a second-order kinetics and the activation energy was 4.32 kJ·mol-1. Acidic condition is more beneficial for the o-chlorophenol degradation than alkaline condition. Both HA and CO2-3inhibited the o-chlorophenol degradation. Cl-also inhibited the reaction at acidic and neutral conditions. However,at basic condition,such inhibition was not significant. It was presumed that o-chlorophenol was eventually mineralized. However,chlorophenol dimers as intermediates were detected during this process.


Abstract Objectives: To study the cellular distribution of endothelin receptors A and B (ETrA and ETrB) in the post-traumatic sensorimotor cortex and hippocampus. Materials and methods: We inflicted closed head trauma to male Sprague–Dawley rats and visualized ETrA and ETrB immunoreactivity with 3,3′-diaminobenzidine. Results: ETrA immunolabeling was the most prominent in pyramidal neurons 24 and 48 hours post-trauma, while it reached its peak in the microvasculature at hour 4. ETrB immunolabeling was observed in endothelial cells, perivascular neurons, smooth muscle cells (SM) and pericytes, the expression being the most pronounced 24 hours post-trauma. Discussion: The results suggest that the vasoconstrictor effect of endothelin-1 (ET-1) is mediated primarily by ETrA. The dual effects of ETrB are reflected in its vasoconstrictor role at the vascular bed and conversely, in the attenuation of ET-1 availability and synthesis. We conclude that both receptors play a role in the disturbed microvascular autoregulation and in the sustained reduction of blood flow following trauma to the brain.


The composition and content of dissolved gases in transformer oil are closely related to the type of faults in the transformer and the severity of potential hazards. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) in insulating oil is an important way to monitor the state of transformer equipment. CO, CH4, and C2H2 are one of the dissolved gases in the transformer oil. Based on the density functional theory, the optimal adsorption site of the transition metal atom Pt on the surface of WSe2, one of the typical layered transition metal disulfides (LTMDs), is determined in the beginning. Attaining the adsorption behavior of these three gases on the surface of Pt-WSe2. The optimal structure of gas adsorption, charge transfer, adsorption energy, electronic density of states (DOS), deformation charge density (DCD), and frontier orbital are analyzed. As an electron acceptor, Pt-WSe2 attracts electrons from all three gas molecules. The adsorption type of CO and C2H2 molecules is chemisorption, whose adsorption effect is strong. The CH4 adsorption is physical adsorption, whose adsorption effect is weak. The adsorption of all the three gas molecules leads to an increase in the bandgap of the Pt-WSe2, that is, the increase in the resistivity.


Two molecular mechanisms of T/natural killer (NK) cell‐mediated cytotoxicity, one perforin based and the other Fas based, have been demonstrated, and both systems induce cytotoxicity in the target cells. The Fas‐based mechanism involves the transducing molecule Fas and its ligand (FasL). In addition, perforin and/or FasL are also expressed in the cytotoxic T/NK cells. This study was thus designed to investigate the Fas and perforin pathways of the cytotoxic T/NK lymphoma cells in the nasal cavity.


The Philadelphia tapestry manufacture, 450.—The mills classed in Groups A, B, C, 452. — Hourly and weekly earnings at different mills compared, 453.—Entrances to Class A mills, 455.—Entrances to Class B mills, 459.—Entrances to Class C mills, 461.—Conclusion, 463.


Sport enjoyment is often overlooked by parents and coaches as a significant mediator or facilitator of performance compared to other mental training tools and skills (Burton & Raedeke, 2008). Often seen as a corollary or subcomponent of a larger idea, sport enjoyment has been shown to play a significant role in many aspects of athletes' sport experience, such as sport commitment (Scanlan, 1993), performance expectations (Scanlan & Lewthwaite, 1986), social development (Wankel, 1993), attrition (Gould, Horn, & Weiss, 1984), sport engagement (Fraser-Thomas, Cote, & Deakin, 2008) and development and participation (Scanlan, Stein, & Ravizza, 1989). Previous work on this topic (Barnicle, 2017; Barnicle & Burton, 2016) supported the efficacy of an enjoymentfocused applied sport psychology intervention, but a better understanding of how sport enjoyment may help promote athletes' competitive cognitions and athletic performance can provided evidence for inclusion and appreciation of enjoyment's place as an enhancement strategy in the field of applied sport psychology.


Objective To study the effect of cementless total hip replacement in treating later stage femoral head necrosis.Methods 23 cases of femoral head necrosis(27 hips) were undergone cementless total hip replacement.The clinical assessment of the standards were based on Harris score and image assessment on upright and lateral X-rays of both hips before and after operation,the position of acetabular cup and femoral prosthesis,the changing of surrounding bone,and the abrasion velocity and tendency of inner linings of acetabular cup.Results All the 23 cases gained a follow-up of 3 to 5 years.Harris score improved from 41.5±2.3 points before operation to 93.2±3.5 points postoperatively.The implants were all located in the anatomical position without infection and loosening.The preoperative leg length difference was 1 to 5 cm while 0 to 1 cm postoperatively.21 cases(25 hips) achieved complete pain remission and regained normal gait,while 2 patients(2 hips) resulted in mild pain with slight limp,but could return to normal daily living and work.Conclusions Cementless prosthesis in treating femoral head necrosis of later stage can provide ideal effects.The early and midterm clinical results are satisfactory.


we studies the grenade fragment to view damage effect of aiming an armored vehicle parts (fragment size, shape, fragment velocity) with the finite element method,The damage processs of grenade fragments of armored vehicle concept aiming component is simulated by the AUTODYN software. Through the analysis of the results of numerical simulation,weobtained parameters values at the damage assessment components (attenuation penetration depth, diameter and velocity degree) and grenade fragment to the gunner aimed at the damage rule, mirrorand lay the foundation for the fragment of the armored equipment parts damage assessment.


Data collected by the CUTLASS Finland HF radar are used to illustrate the significant difference between the cosine component of the plasma convection in the F-region and the Doppler velocity of the E-region coherent echoes observed at large flow angles. We show that the E-region velocity is 5 times smaller in magnitude and rotated by 30 clockwise with respect to convection in the F-region. Also, measurements at flow angles larger than 90 exhibit a completely new feature: Doppler velocity increase with the expected aspect angle and spatial anticorrelation with the backscatter power. By considering DMSP drift-meter mea- surements we argue that the difference between F- and E- region velocities cannot be interpreted in terms of the con- vection change with latitude. The observed features in the ve- locity of the E-region echoes can be explained by taking into account the ion drift contribution to the irregularity phase ve- locity as predicted by the linear fluid theory.


Abstract : Current activity related to the emittance of coated refractory metals was reviewed to update a similar survey made under a previous contract. The review disclosed new hypersonic vehicles environments of significance to emittance measurements, new emittance data, and progress in emittance measurement techniques. Under the experimental part of the program new total spectral emittance data were gathered for the Cr-Ti-Si, W-3 and Si-20Cr-20Fe sytems at 2700F to 2800F, and at 5 and 100 Torr. Total and spectral normal emittance measurements were made of the Si-20Ti-10Mo coating on TA 222 at 2000F, to 2800F at pressures from 0.01 to 760 Torr. Total normal emittance values ranged from 0.59 to 0.94 for this latter system. Complex chemical rearrangements were found to occur in the coating during heating; Ti02 formed and silica and molybdenum oxide were notably not present in the analysis. An emittance variation study of two batches of Si -20Cr-20Fe showed no statistical difference based upon limited sampling. A statistical study of the effects of composition and thickness variation on the emittance of the Si-20Cr-20Fe system showed that composition may be permitted to vary from Si-17Cr-17Fe to Si-21Cr-21Fe without affecting emittance more than plus or minus 0.025 units. Thickness may also vary. (Author)


In PVC pipes (40 X 5 cm), 30 em columns using silt loam soil samples were prepared and bulk density of 1.35 g cm-3 was achieved. Canal water (control) and Ca concentrations of 6, 10 and 14 me L-l were created in canal water by dissolving CaS04.2H20 equivalent to 100% GR of 3.5 kg soil, filled in each PVC pipe. The columns were leached under submergence and leachates collected at different times, and post-experiment soil samples were analysed. The results showed that leaching with canal water and Ca concentration of 6 me L-l practically stopped after the second leachate. However, with 10 and 14 me Ca L-l, the volume of leachate, removal of TSS, Ca, Na and Mg (me 24 hr") increased with time. All the treatments lowered EC. and pHs to safe limits while the SAR decreased with Ca addition only. However, SAR values were slightly higher in the lower half of the columns than the upper ones. The Ca concentration of 10 me L-l appeared optimum for the reclamation of this soil.


With the death of Carl Dahlhaus in a Berlin hospital in the early morning hours of March 13, 1989, musical scholarship and, indeed, human understanding and its literary diffusion generally, incurred a truly staggering loss. For, so extraordinary an intellectual, artistic and didactic force did he represent, no single individual, at least not from the musicological ranks, is likely to rise soon to the high standards he set, let alone the incredible demands he made upon himself. The prolific achievements of Carl Dahlhaus, the longtime professor of musicology at the Technical University of Berlin, rested squarely on the twin pillars of his exceptional capacity for factual control and a formidable measure of intellectual rigor, mitigated only by a rare artistic sensitivity. It was this unique combination of qualities that permitted him to broach the most diverse historical, philosophical, systematic and critical problems at virtually any level of sophistication. And, as a result, the discipline to which he was so completely devoted, has never been quite the same since he completed his G6ttingen dissertation on the masses of Josquin des Pres some thirty-five years ago. Covering the entire historical span from the Middle Ages to Schoenberg and beyond, drawing upon every possible source, whether primary or secondary, theoretical or philosophical, he plowed the field comprehensively and harvested abundantly with literally hundreds of publications offering not only new perspectives in virtually every instance but also profound insights rooted perhaps less in his awe-inspiring scholarship than in his deep sense of humanity. No era or area of European music was left untouched by his genius for penetrating analysis and brilliant synthesis. As the most cursory glance at the huge bibliography appended to the voluminous Festschrift offered to him on the occasion of his 60th birthday, his last, will demonstrate, and its title Das musikalische Kunstwerk Geschichte, Asthetik, Theorie clearly implies, there was hardly a limit to the substance and extent of an output in which, as a rule, matters of detail are treated at length not so much for their own sake as for their potential contribution to the clarification of a host of perennial musicological problems. Given a primarily conceptual frame of mind, Dahlhaus added immeasurably to our understanding of general historical trends and tendencies. But he never lost sight in the process of the isolated peaks attained by those few without whose creative achievements history would be largely meaningless: the Josquins, Bachs, Beethovens, Wagners and Schoenbergs. While musicological egalitarianism of the sort that has become fashionable in some quarters may prefer "objective" analysis according to some supposedly foolproof "system", the principal goal of Carl Dahlhaus was at all times the meaningful understanding of a given esthetic object or Kunstwerk by whatever methodological means seemed appropriate, barring only strictly ex post facto considerations, especially those with an ideological bent.


Building economic zone of "Nanning-Henei-Haifang" conforms to cooperative trend of international regions,which is put forward under the background of quickening to build and promote China-Eastern League free-trade area and deeply developing cooperation between China and Vietnam;It follows principle of mutual supplement of advantages,later advantages to generate,mutual profits and good relations of neighbouring and friends.Its goal is to build an integrated trans-national economic zone with double engines of Nanning and Henei,meeting points of small and medium cities along the line,launching out port of Haifang,perfect traffics,free goods flowing,mutual supplement of advantages and convenient cooperation within China-Eastern League trade area and "two economic zones".


Over a period of 3 summers, 21 colostrum-fed Holstein bull calves, 1-3 days of age, were selected to form 7 replicates, each consisting of 3 calves. The project was conducted during the summer because screen-testing of calves indicated a higher likelihood during warm months of obtaining calves without evidence of coronavirus infection.


PURPOSE:To cause developer in a magnetic brush developing device to smoothly circulate and to always form a stable magnetic brush having uniform toner concentration on a developer carrier. CONSTITUTION:Two augers 2 and 5 are arranged up and down so that their carrying directions are opposite to each other; the developer 9 is carried to circulate between a developer reservoir for stirring 6 and a developer reservoir for supplying 3 by the augers, and supplied to the developer carrier 7 provided with a fixed magnet adjacent to the auger 2 arranged in the developer reservoir for supplying, then it is peeled and moved to the auger 5 arranged in the developer reservoir for stirring in a developer circulating method for a magnetic brush developing device 1. In this method, the developer carrying ability(the amount of the developer carried per unit time) of the augers 2 and 5 is set higher than but lower than three times of that of the developer carrier 7.


Robert S. Carpenter studied with Dr. Wattenbarger and earned his doctorate in higher education from the University of Florida last year. He is presently the staff development coordinator at Everett Community College in Everett, Washington. recommendations concerning community college faculty inservice improvement. Staff development officers, community college presidents, consulting services, national associations, and other noted authorities have studied the procedures currently used for this improvement and a variety of solutions has been developed These may all be in the wrong direction, however. Even yet, the major recipients of such effortscommunity college faculty-have not been adequately represented in the decision maldng processes which deal with inservice improvement. Faculty values, needs, and perceptions should be the ones most central to planning inservice experiences at the local, state, and national levels; however, this has seldom been the case.


An improved method based on balloon snake for road contour extraction is proposed, the method initializes the road contour with the output of centerline detection and introduces an adjustable expansion coefficient, which is being tuned according to image gradient and contour curvature during road contour extraction process, the improved method can recover some missing road segments and solves the problem of the output's sensitivity to the expansion coefficient. The experimental results demonstrate its effectiveness and advantage.


Abstract The current manuscript proposes a new methodology for receiver clock offset estimation in IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System) which is also known as NavIC (Navigation Indian Constellation). This new methodology has been designed by clubbing the master clock concept with the traditional common view time transfer method and therefore it has been named as Common View Master Clock Method (CVMCM). The proposed methodology is intended to share the reference time uniformly and precisely across all the receiver clocks of IRNSS. The IRNSS receivers equipped at IRIMS (IRNSS Range and Integrity Monitoring Stations) acquire IRNSS satellite signals and generate code and carrier phase measurements on L5 and S frequencies. For ease of convenience, this range measurements and broadcast navigation messages are converted to standard RINEX (Receiver Independent Exchange) format in the form of RINEX observation files and RINEX navigation files respectively. As IRNWT1 (IRNSS Network Time Facility Bangalore) has been directly fetched to IRIMS Bangalore we have chosen IRIMS Bangalore as the master (reference) station. This is followed by time offset estimation of all IRIMS with respect to IRIMS Bangalore using the CVMCM method. This proposed methodology reduces all the error sources in IRNSS signals and produces very accurate time offsets results for all IRIMS. This helps in maintaining IRNSS reference time very precisely across all IRIMS with a proper time steering, thereby revamping the process of time synchronization in NavIC. Analyses were performed which establishes the stability and credibility of our results. In the process, it also corrects almost all the error sources in NavIC signals.


Local and global mechanical properties of atherosclerotic aorta were measured in 6 Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. Descending thoracic aortas were obtained from animals aged 8 months. Local initial elastic modulus Elocal and global incremental elastic modulus Hθθ were measured with pipette aspiration technique and pressure diameter tests, respectively. Opening angles were measured as an index of residual strain. Elocal of atherosclerotic lesion (fatty streak) was 19.1±1.9 kPa (mean±SEM), which was significantly smaller than that of preserved area (38.9±7.5 kPa). Hθθ of the whole specimen was 1 260±140 kl'a at 100 mmHg, and was not statistically different from the value measured in age matched controls, Japanese White rabbits. Opening angle was significantly larger in WHHL rabbits than in their controls. These results suggest that, in the early stages of atherosclerosis. (1) the lesion is more compliant than normal aortic tissues ; (2) macroscopic mechanical properties are not sensitive to local mechanical change ; (3) residual strain increases with the development of the disease. It is important to assess local mechanical properties and residual strain when studying mechanical properties of atherosclerotic aortas.


Controlled coral transplant experiments were used to determine the effect of piscine corallivores on growth, zonation, and distribution of scleractinian corals in Guam. Pocillopora daim- icornis L. generally occurs only on the reef flat, reef margin (crest), and in lagoon habitats of the Indo-West Pacific. Although P. damicornis grows in deeper reef habitats in the eastern Pacific, it is seldom found in fore reef zones of the Indo-West Pacific. Colonies were transplanted from a depth of 1.3 m in a barrier reef lagoon to depths of 15 and 30 m in fore reef zones of three fringing reefs, where P. damnicorrnis was absent. All transplanted colonies were heavily fed upon and branch tips were removed primarily by chaetodontid and balistid fishes, but none of the colonies was killed. This feeding removed about one-fourth of the colony wet weight in I wk (x = 23.7% + 2.4, .99 confidence limits, N = 118). There was a very significant difference in the amount of fish feeding on transplants between three different study reefs (F, = 459.30, P < .001). There was no significant difference in the amount of feeding between the two depths at each site on any one run. Polyp and mucus browsing by species which do not physically damage the coral skeleton was also substantial. When colonies of P. datnicornis from Apra Harbor (1.3 m) were transplanted with colonies of Pocillopora sp. from Fafai Reef (15 m) to Double Reef and attached to naturally occurring Pocillopora verrucosa colonies (15 m), fish discriminated between the three similar species and fed only on P. damticornis. While some authors have indicated that these species may comprise a species complex, the fish clearly discriminated between the species. Coral feeding by many reef fishes is a regular event and exerts great influence upon reef community structure. Although P. damicornis can survive and grow well in deeper habitats in fish exclusion cages, it generally does not occur in these zones in the Indo-West Pacific. It is therefore concluded that piscine corallivores are important in restricting the growth, local zonation, and general distribution of some coral species. Key wvordls: coral distribution; coral grow th; piscine corallix'ores; Pocillopora; reef (comlmunitv


Based on equation of Drago R S,the surface acid-base property of the components of four groups(AP/RDX/Al/HTPB)hydroxyl-terminated propellant was characterized with inverse gas chromatography(IGC).Then the enthalpy of interfacial acid-base function(ΔHAB)of the components were calculated.The results show that the bonding agent can be preferentially adsorbed on the solid filler surface,because the enthalpy between the bonding agent and the AP or RDX is higher than that between PU and the AP or RDX,and also the bonding agent and PU.Therefore addition of bonding agent can improve the interfacial bonding situation and enhance mechanical properties of composite solid propellant.


Primary cementing of production casing for cyclic-steam wells in shallow, weak formation is critical and presents several challenges. Maintaining well integrity over time is essential for project success.


Spain has no trust regulations at the national level. However, there are inheritance legal schemes with similar effects. Furthermore, certain autonomous regions of Spain could enact their own inheritance law regulations and provide legal institutions that are analogous to trusts. In this article, we review these institutions from both an academic and practical point of view.


Snail transcription factors mediate key cellular transitions in many developmental processes, including spermatogenesis, and their production can be regulated by TGF‐β superfamily signalling. SNAI1 and SNAI2 support many cancers of epithelial origin. Their functional relevance and potential regulation by TGF‐β superfamily ligands in germ cell neoplasia are unknown.


Historical Analysis of the Soviet Union can, at times, consist solely of the unpacking of symbols. It is clear that the Soviet regime, from its earliest days, utilised symbolism as a political tool to control the population in its efforts to establish a communist nation. By the second half of the twentieth century, this symbolism came to dominate the Soviet political landscape. The cult of personality instigated by Stalin undoubtedly accelerated this process, which had begun under Lenin in the early years of the Bolshevik regime.


(57) Abstract: rapid solidification, preferably Sm produced by melt spinning method (Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) by the addition of carbon-based alloy, good isotropic magnetic characteristics obtained. Importantly, these alloys are nanocomposite is that containing SmCoC Heat treatment of such materials for a conventional bonded magnets Sm (Co, Fe, Cu, Zr) good magnetic properties at low temperatures and / or short processing times are exhibited than powder.


Two field trials conducted in Gaziantep (Oğuzeli) between the years 2006 to 2010, by five red lentil cultivars, sowed in six different time and species of broomrape (Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. and Fors O. crenata) contamination, yield and yield components were investigated. Trials were set up according to "split-plot randomized experimental design" with four replications in the growing seasons of 2006-2007 (first trial) and 2009-2010 (Second trial) and sowing time in the main plots, lentil varieties sub-plots were established. In the first experiment, the highest number of branches and dry weight of broomrape in Seyran-96 cultivars planted plots, in the second experiment, the Yerli Kırmızı, Çağıl and Seyran varieties plots were determined. The effect of different sowing time on broomrape number of branches and dry weight of Orobanche in terms of the highest values in both experiment have been identified in early (20 October) sowing. The influence of sowing date and grain yield cultivars of lentils in the first experiment, the highest grain yield (835 kg ha) in Fırat-87 cultivar and 4 sowing time (November 30) from (861 kg ha); the second experiment, the highest yield (1064 kg ha) Altıntoprak variety and sowing time (November 15) from the (1013 kg ha) were obtained. Relationship of the sowing time x variety; the highest grain yield (1435 kg ha) from 15 November Altıntoprak variety and the lowest grain yield from I. sowing date Yerli Kırmızı cultivar (511 kg ha) were obtained. In the early sowing period with too much orobanche contamination lead to decrease of plant density and this situation caused to increase the plant height, number of pods per plant and increased the number of branches from the yield components. It is concluded that early varieties such as Altıntoprak planted late would be appropriate for reducing in Red lentil growing problem and a satisfactory yield for the reduction of orobanche contamination.


It is the flourish of newly-built college, the local-served purpose and the social demand of technology that makes the construction of applicant university become the hot spot and center in recent research area of Chinese higher education. Due to the five inward obstacles, this thesis elaborates the following five management systems to deal with the problems: break discipline barriers, quantitative assessment of the achievement, implement development platform mechanism, convergence of social power and construction of five management systems.


A simple model of accretion onto magnetized neutron stars predicts a large luminosity change during a transition from magnetospheric accretion to neutron star accretion. It is pointed out that, for this model, the ratio of the minimum neutron star accretion luminosity and maximum magnetospheric accretion luminosity depends on just the neutron star density and rotation period. Hence, the detection of such a luminosity gap would, at least in principle, give direct insight into the mass-radius relationship of neutron stars. Some potential problems that may affect this measurement are also discussed and some observational results are briefly reviewed.


The paper discusses the quantitative relationship between K ∞ and NHR10 assembly parameters. The assembly calculation was performed with the TRANP code. A lowerorder relationship was developed for subsections with a highorder relationship without considering the subsections. An approximate curve is given to relate K ∞ and the fuel assembly depletion. The results show that the arrangement of the gadolinium burnable poison has little influence on the K ∞ of the assembly. The lowerorder formulas for each subsection relate K ∞ and the enrichment, the number of gadolinium burnable poison and the mass percent of gadolinium. The subsection formula is more precise than that without considering the subsections. It gives an approximate method for assembly design to characterize K ∞ versus the fuel assembly depletion for fuel cycle analysis.


This study examines the experiences of a small number of coaches who work on an exercise referral scheme for children with special health care needs (SHCNs) such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD). Children with SHCNs can face significant barriers to involvement with peers in extracurricular physical activity and sports. These barriers arise due to difficulties directly related to a condition, such as immaturity in motor skills, problems with concentration and impulsivity, and because of the social stigma associated with these difficulties.


Little is known about the market performance of brands that carry light claims (i.e. light brands) in comparison to their regular counterparts. In order to fill this gap, we explore whether light brands a) perform similarly to regular brands in terms of brand performance measures, b) achieve similar loyalty levels to regular brands, and c) share the same customers (show similar partitions) as regular brands. The analysis is conducted on four product categories (Colas, Flavoured Carbonated Beverage, Soups and Margarine) using household panel data provided by TNS. The results show that when considering standard brand performance measures (i.e. market share, penetration and purchase frequency) regular brands perform better than light brands. With respect to loyalty, light brands achieve greater levels of loyalty than regular brands. Finally, light brands share their customers more than regular brands do, which suggests the existence of market partitions.


Abstract. Spring black stem and leaf spot of lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.), caused by Phoma medicaginis, is an important disease in temperate regions of the world. It is now a serious disease threatening global lucerne production. This experiment was designed to test the combined effects of the arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungus Funneliformis mosseae and the rhizobium Sinorhizobium medicae on growth, nutrient uptake and disease severity in lucerne. The results showed that F. mosseae increased plant phosphorus and nitrogen uptake and plant dry weight, and this beneficial effect was enhanced when in association with S. medicae. Rhizobial and AM fungal effects were mutually promoting; inoculation with AM fungus significantly increased the formation of root nodules, and inoculation with rhizobium increased the percentage of root length colonised by AM fungus (P < 0.05). After infection with P. medicaginis, typical leaf spot symptoms with the lowest disease incidence and disease index occurred on plants that were host to both F. mosseae and S. medicae. Plants with both symbiotic microorganisms had higher activities (concentrations) of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chitinase, β-1,3-glucanase, lignin, hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein and jasmonic acid. Therefore, the tested AM fungus (F. mosseae) and rhizobium (S. medicae) have the potential to reduce damage and yield loss in lucerne from spring black stem and leaf spot caused by P. medicaginis.


In this paper, the performance of cellular networks with joint multicell processing and dedicated relay terminals is investigated. It is assumed that each relay terminal is capable of full-duplex operation and receives the transmission of relay terminals in adjacent cells. Focusing on intra-cell time division multiple access and non-fading channels, a simplified relay-aided uplink cellular model is considered. Addressing the achievable per-cell sum-rate, two non-regenerative relaying schemes are considered. Interpreting the received signal at the base stations as the outcome of a two-dimensional linear time invariant system, the multicell processing rate of an amplify-and-forward scheme is derived and shown to decrease with the inter-relay interference level. A novel form of distributed compress-and-forward scheme with decoder side information is then proposed. The corresponding multicell processing rate, which is given as a solution of a simple fixed-point equation, reveals that the compress-and-forward scheme is able to completely eliminate the inter-relay interference, and it approaches a "cut-set-like" upper bound for strong relay terminal transmission power. The benefits of base-station cooperation via multicell processing over the conventional single site processing approach is also demonstrated for both protocols.


This paper presents an experimental investigation of microstructure and piezoresistive properties of phosphorus-doped hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si:H) thin films. The phosphorus-doped nc-Si:H thin films (5% doping ratio of PH3 to SiH4) were deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique. The microstructure and surface morphology of the deposited thin films was characterized and analyzed with Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM), respectively. The piezoresistive properties of the deposited thin films were investigated with a designed four-point bending-based evaluation system. In addition, the influence of temperature on the piezoresistive properties of these thin films was evaluated with the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) measurements from room temperature up to 80°C. The experimental results show that phosphorus-doped nc-Si:H thin films prepared by PECVD technique are a two-phase material that constitutes of nanocrystalline silicon and amorphous silicon, and they present a granular structure composed of homogeneously scattered nanoclusters formed by nanocrystalline silicon grains (6nm). Moreover, phosphorus-doped nc-Si:H thin films exhibit negative GF at room temperature and show good thermal stability from room temperature up to 80°C, and the value of GF and TCR is about-31 and-509ppm/°C, respectively. These features could make phosphorus-doped nc-Si:H thin films act as a promising material for piezoresistive-based MEMS sensor.


A major factor delaying the development of radioactivation analysis as a routine analytical tool is the large number of sequential. intendependent operations which are inherent in the various phases of the technique. These phases include the irradiation. the spectral measurement. and the headling of large volumes of data resulting from the measurements. An automatic system was developed which will permit the rapid activation. counting. and the handiing of data resulting from radioactivation analysis of samples containing large numbers of constituents. The computer programs. both analog and digital. which are necessary for the handling of this data. were completed and tested, as has an anticoincidence gamma spectrometer specially designed for this application. An automatic sample-handling device is currently under design and is being built to complete the automated radioactivation analysis system. In addition to accelerating the handling of data, the use of high-spedd computers enhances the accuracy of radioactivation aaalysis through the application of statistical tests to the data. tests which could not be applied manually without a significant loss of time. Rapid mechanical sample preparation. irradiation. and counting techniques are necessary to permit the accumulation of the input data for the computer if full advantage is to be taken ofmore » the computer-s very great data- handling spedd. The factors which insure the production of meaningful data include: the physical and nuclear characteristics of the sample. the precise positioning and re-positioning of the sample. the necessary re-counting frequency. the irradiation dosage characteristics. both in dose rate and flux level. the stability of the amplifiers and other electronic devices in the system. and the characteristics of the spectroscopy crystal. among many others. The activating radiation source. the counting system. the multi-channel analyzer. and the computer may be alterdd to suit particular applications since the computer progmms are written so that tuey may be easily translated. Thus far. an AGN 201 reactor neutron source. an Argonne design 256-channel analyzer with an anti-coincidence gamma detector. and both an 118M7O4 digital computer and a 40- ainplifier analog computer (the EESEAC) were used. The sophistication which is necessary for tue automated systems depends upon the extent of uncertainty in the sainple composition, the nuclear properties of the activation targets product. and the number of components present. The memory of the digital computer and its speed in recalling stored information determine the rapidity with which it can handle data. The nuclear properties of tue composite sample govern the required waiting intervals between countings. as well as the maximum permissible activation time: and thus. the sample properties determine the minimum over-all sainple analysis time. The combination of a neutron source. a computer. and a gamnna spectrometer will permit the rapid analysis of large numbers of sainples to very high onders of sensitivity on an automated basis. (auth.)« less


In the past several decades, individuals 65 and over have experienced remarkable declines in their official poverty rate, from 35.2 percent in 1959 to 9.1 percent in 2012. These poverty rates, however, are based on self-reported income data from the Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC), also known as the March Supplement. Retirement income (other than Social Security or Veteran's benefits) is a significant portion of income reported by the elderly, but some analysts have suggested that the shift from pensions to individual retirement accounts may cause surveys like the CPS ASEC to mismeasure retirement income. In this paper I evaluate the quality of the retirement income data in the 2010 CPS ASEC by individually matching respondents to IRS 1099-R forms filed with tax returns for the 2009 tax year. I find that recipiency of retirement income may be underreported on the CPS ASEC, as only a third of individuals with matched 1099-R forms reported receiving any retirement income. Much of this discrepancy, however, may be due to differences in scope, as the 1099-R covers a wider set of payments than is intended to be captured in the CPS ASEC retirement income items. In cases where positive amounts are reported on the CPS ASEC, however, those amounts appear to be quite accurate. Among cases with positive reported income, the correlation between CPS ASEC and 1099-R log amounts is 0.769. Upon modeling 1099-R recipiency as a function of age with discontinuities at various policy-relevant age cutoffs, I find a 14.0 percentage-point jump in recipiency at age 59½, the age at which IRA withdrawals are allowed without penalty. Taken together, these results provide suggestive evidence that retirement income may represent an underestimated contribution to the material well-being of the elderly.


Aim/Purpose The dynamic nature of the information systems (IS) field presents educators with the perpetual challenge of keeping course offerings current and relevant. This paper describes the process at a College of Business (COB) to redesign the introductory IS course to better prepare students for advanced business classes and equip them with interdisciplinary knowledge and skills demanded in today's workplace. Background The course was previously in the Computer Science (CSC) Department, itself within the COB. However, an administrative restructuring resulted in the CSC department's removal from the COB and left the core course in limbo. Methodology This paper presents a case study using focus groups with students, faculty, and advisory council members to assess the value of the traditional introductory course. A survey was distributed to students after implementation of the newly developed course to assess the reception of the course. Contribution This paper provides an outline of the decision-making process leading to the course redesign of the introductory IS course, including the context and the process of a new course development. Practical suggestions for implementing and teaching an introductory IS course in a business school are given. Findings Focus group assessment revealed that stakeholders rated the existing introductory IS course of minimal value as students progressed through the COB program, and even less upon entering the workforce. The findings indicated a complete overhaul of the course was required. Intro IS Course Redesign 114 Recommendations for Practitioners The subject of technology sometimes requires more than a simple update to the curriculum. When signs point to the need for a complete overhaul, this paper gives practical guidance supplemented with relevant literature for other academicians to follow. Impact on Society Students are faced with increasing pressure to be proficient with the latest technology, in both the classroom where educators are trying to prepare them for the modern workplace, as well as the organization which faces an even greater pressure to leverage the latest technology. The newly designed introductory IS course provides students, and eventually organizations, a better measure of this proficiency. Future Research Future research on the efficacy of this new course design should include longitudinal data to determine the impact on graduates, and eventually the assessment of those graduates' performance in the workplace.


In order of assess the results of introduction of the programs aimed at maintenance and support of the breast-feeding it is necessary to use uniform indicators, which guarantee consistency, reliability and comparability of the data. Aim : to perform complex medical and social assessment of the prevalence and duration of the breast-feeding by the example of the Chechen Republic (CR) and the Republic of Ingushetia (RI). Patients and methods : mothers of children aged 12–36 months old were interviewed (n  =2200). Statistical analysis was performed with the means of the software «SPSS.17». Results : the mean duration of the breast-feeding in the CR was 9,5 ± 0,22 months among urban population and 10,8 ± 0,29 months among rural population (p  0,05). Up till the age of 6 months 17,6% of urban infants and 36,8% of rural infants of the CR (p  0,05) received exclusive breast-feeding. It was established, that duration of the breast-feeding was influenced by the mothers' attitude to the issue or the dominant mothers' ideology, as well as by the duration of the only breast-feeding itself. Besides, prolongation of the breast-feeding period is contributed by introduction of the modern medico-organizational measures aimed at support and maintenance of the breast-feeding. Conclusions : complex medical and social research allowed to assess prevalence and duration of the breast-feeding in the CR and the RI, in accordance to modern recommendations of the WHO experts. The main social and medico-organizational factors and predictors of the breast-feeding long duration and the exclusive breast-feeding were revealed.


Internal auditory canal osteomas (IACOs) are rare, slow-growing, and benign bone tumors. They are most often found incidentally with few-reported cases. Osteomas involving the internal auditory canal (IAC) are particularly rare. The symptoms of the IACO usually arise due to direct pressure on the vestibulocochlear nerve; however, etiology, mechanism, and management remain unclear. The present report describes the rare case of IACO involving a 15-year-old male who was referred to a tertiary referral center with a history of chronic supportive otitis media, which was otherwise asymptomatic. The ensuing discussion and brief literature review address whether to wait or operate. IACO in this patient exhibited slow-growing features, and audiology assessment revealed no sensory neural hearing loss. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a round, radiopaque pedunculated bony outgrowth in the right IAC. Magnetic resonance imaging using a selected T2-weighted sequence revealed the osteoma projecting from the posterior superior aspect of the right IAC. Accordingly, clinical observation was recommended. Observation, including serial CT, is recommended for asymptomatic patients. Surgery is not advisable in slow-growing and asymptomatic cases because the risks are due to its dangerous location. Decisions regarding the management must consider according to symptom severity, progression, and risks in surgery. The question of whether to operate, therefore, should be carefully considered depending upon patient complaints and medical findings.


A case of postoperative intussusception in an 11-month-old girl is reported. She underwent posterior gastropexy for sliding hiatal hernia, but because of a passage disturbance of the pylorus, pyloroplasty was done on the 12th postoperative day. Nasogastric output increased on the 4th day after pyloroplasty. Abdominal plain X-P showed dilatation of the intestinal loops. Because of her stable hemodynamic condition, nonoperative management was continued. When her condition changed to the toxic state 4 weeks later, emergent laparotomy was performed and ileo-ileal intussusception was reduced manually. Subsequent convalescence was uneventful. Postoperative intussusception should be suspected in any infant with early evidence of intestinal obstruction, and prompt laparotomy should be undertaken.


High-quality programs make time to explore questions related to program quality, such as "How are we doing?" or "How can we improve?" Early childhood programs should work to embody the same reflective practices that we try to instill in our teachers by embedding an effective and useful evaluation approach into their day-to-day functioning. The following resources offer a variety of ways that programs can collect and review data (e.g., child progress, family involvement, consumer satisfaction, standards alignment) as a regular part of ongoing management and continuous improvement.


Purpose: To study the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases and the correlations of left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV GLS) in patients 3 months after proven COVID-19 pneumonia.Material and methods. 369 patients with proven COVID-19 pneumonia underwent a comprehensive clinical examination and echocardiography (EchoCG) after 3 months ± 3 weeks after their discharge from the hospital. Mean age of the patients was 54 [46; 61]; 50.9% of them were women. LV GLS was studied in 284 (77%) of patients with optimal visualization quality during echocardiography. LV GLS was considered reduced in the limit of > –18%. Study Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04501822.Results. 3 months after discharge, obesity was noted in 46.5% of patients, cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed in 73.4%, including de novo in 8.4%. Arterial hypertension occurred in 71.5% of patients, coronary artery disease — in 22.5%. The average left ventricle (LV) ejection fraction was 67.8 ± 5.0%, the average LV GLS was –19.5 ± 2.3%. LV GLS was reduced in 24.4% of the patients. LV GLS showed no correlation with the patient age, NYHA functional class and LV ejection fraction. Reduced LV GLS was independently associated with male sex (OR 1.399; 95% CI 1.239–1.580; p < 0.001), obesity (OR 1.268; 95% CI 1.132–1.421; p < 0.0001), diabetes mellitus (OR 1.204; 95 % CI 1.017–1.425; p = 0.031) and hypertension (OR 1.120; 95% CI 1.002–1.252; p = 0.046). LV GLS showed moderate positive correlations with echocardiographic parameters of right ventricle (RV): the length (r = 0.346), diastolic (r = 0.333) and systolic area (r = 0.326), width at the basal (r = 0.358) and midlevel (r = 0.321), as well as with the dimension of the proximal RV outfl ow tract (r = 0.302, all p < 0.001). LV GLS showed a weak correlation with the severity of lung lesions during hospitalization (r = 0.184; p = 0.002).Conclusions. 3 months after COVID-19 pneumonia, cardiovascular diseases were diagnosed in 73.4%. Reduced LV GLS was observed in 24.4% of survivors and was associated with male sex, obesity, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and linear and planimetric RV dimensions.