The internet is one of the main resources for information.
Through internet information can be disseminated and retrieve from any location regardless of the political and geographical boundary.The ease of the internet encourages institutions of higher learning to employ the internet to support students' learning.Many studies have been conducted to access students, perception towards the internet usage.This paper aim to re-access the student usage of the internet to support their learning.The assessment is vital in order to understand students' internet usage as different group of student may perceive internet differently.Undergraduate students were chosen as they are among the active group if internet user.The findings show that all students are actively using internet to fulfill their academic requirement and social needs.The findings reflect that most of the undergraduate students pay high responsibility towards the use of internet as this facility is freely provided by their institution of higher learning.


【In steel making plant, sampling system for raw material such as iron ore, limestone is necessary for quality control purpose. For the sake of efficiency and productivity, automation of the sampling system is highly desirable. From technical standpoint, the development of the automated system requires multi-disciplinary domain knowledge such as mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, information technology and computer engineering. Up to present time, the development has been mainly carried out by a single domain expert with project manager. The automated system developed in this way caused problems in the final system. This paper suggests a systems engineering approach to the development of automation for raw material sampling plant via a tailored process called Plant Systems Engineering (PSE) Process based on ISO/IEC 15288. Through the PSE process, we could derive right requirements and architecture of the Systems Of Interest (SOI), and we were convinced that the PSE Process can be applied to many other Plant Systems.】


Submarine cables play a fundamental role in globa l telecommunications. In recent years, the internet traffic is experiencing a remar kable growth due to the large number of resource hungry applications which often require la ge traffic between data centers. In parallel with this traffic growth, optical transmission tech nologies have experienced a remarkable transformation providing large improvements in term s of transmission rates, spectral efficiency or OSNR tolerance.


One of the strategic objectives for FAO is to reduce the gender gap in the interests of rural development. This paper was raised to know the perception that the producers of the Ecuadorian double purpose bovine have on gender differences both in the family and in the production unit. A random sample of 132 family-productive units of tropical forest from Manabi was used. The information was obtained through a survey related to socioeconomic profile of the family, the production system and the perception of the role of the different genders. Results show that there are significant gender differences in rural Ecuador. Producers have strong beliefs in social and biological differences between sexes. The work and role of women is perceived only relevant in the domestic sphere. While in the production unit just assume responsibilities. Decision making is unique to man when it comes to the business world; while women participate with him in household decisions.


Abstract Polymeric hydrogels, as novel soft biomaterials, have found various applications in the medical field; for instance, as wound dressings and wound care management. In this study, in order to achieve wound dressings with improved properties, nanocomposite hydrogels using incorporation of nano zinc oxide (ZnO) in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), were prepared by a freezing-thawing method. The effect of ZnO loading on the mechanical, structural, physical and antibacterial properties of the samples was investigated and the morphology of the prepared nanocomposite hydrogels was determined by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results of mechanical tests of the nanocomposite hydrogels, using compressive and hardness tests, indicated that by adding increasingly amounts of the ZnO nanoparticles, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite hydrogels were improved. Structure-related properties of the hydrogels, such as swelling and gel fraction measurements, showed that the increase in ZnO content lead to a decrease in the swelling rate and increase in the gel fraction of the nanocomposites. Antibacterial and biocompatibility analysis revealed that, with increasing nano ZnO content, the antibacterial properties of the nanocomposite significantly increased and the cells viability rose, leading to slightly reduced toxicity. The results of this work indicated that the presence and quantity of added ZnO in the PVA hydrogels were very influential factors to obtain the desirable characteristics of wound dressings, such as absorbing the wound fluids and exudates, being biocompatible, anti-bacterial and nontoxic, and having mechanical stability and flexibility.


The kaon-cloud contribution to the magnetic moments of the nucleon octet is evaluated in the framework of the cloudy bag model. Only minor deviations from previously calculated values of magnetic moments are found. In particular the relative values of ..mu..- and ..mu../sub ..lambda../ cannot be explained with the help of the kaon cloud. This feature is expected to hold in any additive (at the bare-baryon level) and SU(6)-symmetric model in which meson-cloud (..pi..+K) effects can be treated perturbatively.


Intelligent Space is a platform for realizing multi agent systems. In order to build the multi agent systems, the most important element is a human interface technology in the Intelligent Space. It is important for this human interface technology to think about a "universal design approach" and a "cognitive science approach". These approaches are a convenient for all people: not only young people but also elderly people and handicapped people. In order to realise the human interface, the paper proposes "augmented sensing". Invisible information can be made visible by using this augmented sensing. The paper explains the augmented sensing in detail and shows the effectiveness of the augmented sensing in Intelligent Space.


An algorithm is developed which reduces the memory requirements of hash tables. Thisis achieved by storing only a part of each key along with a few; ezra bits needed to ensure that all keys are stored unambiguously. The fraction of each key stored decreases as the size of the hash table increases. Significant reductions in total memory usage can be achieved especially when the key size is not much larger than the size of a memory index and when only a small amount of data is stored with each key. The algorithm is based on bidirectional linear probing. Search and insertion times are shown by simulation to be similar to those for ordinary bidirectional linear probing. Index Terms Address calculation, bidirectional linear probing, hash storage, information retrieval, memory compaction, open addressing, performance analysis, scatter storage, searchfing.


that forge this story – Clement's concept of perfection is also defined by his polemical dialogue with other Christian authors and thinkers. While this section of the book is undoubtedly illuminating in terms of shedding light on Clement's own project of Christian perfection, it is even more effective at demonstrating the fluidity of Christian orthodoxy at this period. AshwinSiejowski shows how Clement and his contemporaries exchange extensive and sometimes heated writings on the subject of orthodoxy and heresy, demon strating clearly that no single version of Christianity existed or sprang into being during this period of late antiquity. Instead, the authors and thinkers of the day struggled to define the pre cepts of the religion ac cording to their own philosophies, beliefs and traditions, often battling bitterly against each other. In this way the boundaries of orthodoxy and heresy frequently shifted and switched until a universally acceptable set of concepts emerged. This valuable window into a secondcentury debate shows us a very positive blueprint for Christian living that could be accepted and accessed by all. Ashwin-Siejowski rightly wonders why the blueprint did not live on after Clement, and speculates that the Alexandrian's lack of disciples and the sheer stature of Origen who followed quickly on his heels were contributory factors in this regard. As a Christian project of perfection, therefore, Clement's work may have faded somewhat from view, but it does tell us much that is valuable about the Christian process of self-definition. While interesting on a theoretical side, however, this elegant and clearly written study has one fundamental lack – the audience of Clement's writ ing and oratory is portrayed as almost entirely 'academic' in nature. Ashwin-Siejowski depicts Clement and his learned contemporaries as exchanging polemical treatises and debating concepts in intricate detail, but we never see how these thought processes might have been received by ordinary Christians seeking guidance from their leaders. How did they interpret this blueprint for Christian perfection? This work is more a study of a scholarly debate taking place in an 'ivory tower' than a picture of how everyday Christian society defined its boundaries against the myriad of other influences abounding in the later Roman Empire. AIDEEN HARTNEY Dublin


With the market economic system, the development of huge suburban residential districts has brought serious urban problems, for example, the private-owned landscape resources. After analysing the formation cause of huge suburban residential districts, the author seeks the reasons from society, market and the behaviour of governments, and then puts forward the corresponding countermeasures.


Abstract Purpose: To evaluate topographic corneal changes in relatives of patients with Keratoconus (KCN ) Methods: As a prospective study 300 eyes of 150 relatives of 45 KCN patients were evaluated. Complete slit lamp examination, refraction, and then Corneal Topography was performed for all the eyes. The topographic indices for diagnosis of Keratoconus were based on Rabinowitz criteria. Results: The study included 84 (56%) female and 66 (44%) male subjects. Mean age was 32.4±15 years (range: 16-83). KCN was diagnosed in 14% of the subjects and other 7.3% as KCN suspect. The overall prevalence of astigmatism was 58% including 42.1% in the KCN group , 66.7% in the KCN suspect group, and 49.6% in the normal group. Thirty one eyes had high regular astigmatism ( >1.5 diopters) including 17 (54.8%) in the KCN, and 14 (45.2%) in the normal groups. Oblique astigmatism was seen in 33 eyes(11%) including 34.2% in the KCN, 47.6% in the KCN suspect, and 4.6% in the normal groups. Conclusion: Relatives of KCN patients have a high prevalence of undiagnosed KCN. Corneal topography is very important for the diagnosis of KCN and KCN suspects in family members of KCN patients. Therefore, keratorefractive surgery should be considered cautiously in these individuals.


Automatic Voltage regulator (AVR) is becoming a very vital tool for controlling the output voltage constant for the synchronous generator in the industries. To design a desired AVR model several controller model has been introduced, but among those PID Controller is the successful one. Now for the past few decades various number of optimization techniques has been proposed for tuning the PID controller and to enhance the stability analysis of the system. But among those proposed techniques some is able to optimize the system as per the requirement. Here in this paper we have present a relative analysis of the results of the (mainly the transient parameters result) different optimization techniques for PID controller tuning. Some of the results for the transient analysis are taken for different gain values of PID Controller for the same optimization techniques. This paper gives us a very good idea about the different results in transient behaviour for different optimization techniques, which is very much helpful for further studies regarding this field.


Aim: The main aim of this work is to measure the accuracy in the identification of mango leaf diseases using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) compared with Fuzzy Logic. Materials and methods: The data set contains 10 images collected from the seed buzz website and these images are used for training and testing the predictive model in MATLAB. Statistical analysis is done using SPSS software. In the SPSS tool, the measured accuracy of CNN is compared with the Fuzzy model accuracy. Result: The proposed system using CNN achieved high accuracy of 95.2%, whereas the fuzzy mean algorithm gives an accuracy of 93.5 with the significance value 0.038 for accuracy and 0.073 for sensitivity. Conclusion: The outcome of the study confirms that the CNN-based model provides better results in enhancing the accuracy of disease identification in mango leaves.


Bipolar Affective Disorder (BAD) is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression interspersed with episodes of complete recovery. However. some residual cognitive deficits are reported. The. present study examined cognitive symptoms of patients of bipolar affective disorder current episode mania in terms of deficits in attention/concentration, executive functions, memory, visual processing and language. Thirty patients with bipolar affective disorder current episode mania diagnosed according to ICD-10 criteria and thirty normal participants matched in age and gender were taken for the study. Participants were individually assessed on cognitive symptom checklist to examine the status of cognitive functions. In comparison to normal participants manic patients felt significant problems in almost all the areas under study except activities of daily living related to safety.


A Fourier transform solution for a small source on or in the vicinity of an elastic cylinder is developed. The case of acoustic radiation from the source and cylinder and, also, the direct mechanical coupling to an elastic shell are treated in a consistent manner that allows coupling through the transducer. Numerical results are given for a sample case of a thin-walled elastic tube and these results are compared with the limiting cases of a rigid and soft cylinder.


Aims: The persistence of rice blast, caused by the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae, continues to pose a significant threat to rice production worldwide, impacting both yields and food security. The primary goal of this study is to apply interval-valued independent weather data to accurately model the dependent variable of percentage disease incidence.
Study Design: In this paper, we present a detailed study on forecasting rice blast outbreaks through the application of Average method, Center method and Min Max method using interval valued weather data and percentage disease incidence.
Place and Duration of Study: The blast disease data include percent disease incidence (PDI) collected at the Paddy Breeding Station (PBS), Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, from 2018 to 2021.And Weather variables includes the following: Maximum Temperature, Minimum Temperature, Relative humidity (morning), Relative humidity (evening) from 2018 to 2021.
Methodology: The available interval weather parameter data and disease incidence data are utilized to fit a regression model, specifically employing simple linear regression and multiple linear regression, in the R version 4.3.0.
Results: Upon analyzing various methods, it is evident that the variables of Minimum temperature exhibit a significant relationship with a high level of significance, indicating a significance level at
 P 0.001.
Conclusion: Minimum temperature shows more contribution in disease incidence followed by relative humidity at evening.


Two-particle azimuthal correlations in central Au+Au coll isional at RHIC have revealed a broadened away-side structure, with respect to perpherial Au+Au , pp, and d+Au. This could be explained by different physics mechanisms such as: large angl e gluon radiation, deflected jets, Ĉerenkov gluon radiation, and conical flow generated by hydro dynamic shock-waves. We can discriminate the scenarios with conical emission, Ĉerenkov radiation and conical flow, from the other mechanisms though three-particle correlations. In a ddition, the associated particle pT dependence can be used to distinguish conical flow from simple Ĉer nkov gluon radiation. We will discuss three-particle correlation analyses that have bee n p rformed at RHIC and what can be done at the LHC.


In september 1989 the 'Musee national du Rwanda' was inaugurated in Butare (Rwanda). Construction and arrangement of the Museum were completed by the 'Musee royal de l'Afrique centrale' of Tervuren. For this occasion, Tervuren started to collect an 'ancient' photo-documentation of Rwanda, to supply the new  Rwanda-Museum with pictorial sources. Public as well as some private collections were gathered so that a final selection could be done. Up till now this photo-documentation is still kept in the Museum of Tervuren. For the sake of the historical research about Rwanda, our final purpose is, in co-operation with the Rwanda-Museum, to complete and to gather as much the photographic evidence as possible. Moreover, these sources need to be identified and described; only future and elaborated research will reveal more data about this important photographic documentation. KEY WORDS: African photo-history, photography, 'Musee national du Rwanda' (Butare), 'Musee royal de l'Afrique centrale'(Tervuren), photo-documentation, Rwanda


The state variable filter, also known as the KHN filter, is well known for its low sensitivities to the passive elements. However, its sensitivities to the finite gain bandwidth product of the operational amplifiers limit its performance for high frequencies. This modification consists in providing a positive feedback in the summing amplifier. Simulation of the proposed scheme and a comparison of the results with the conventional KHN filter is presented.


The present study analyses the current PM10 and PM2.5 pollution scenarios for Kota City (India) to evaluate human health and ecological environment risks associated with particulate matter pollution exposure. Particulate matter concentration revealed a falling trend during the research period, but PM10 and PM2.5 exceeded the Indian NAAQS and WHO standards. The dust ratio (PM10/PM2.5) has been increased over the years from 0.36 to 0.51. and continue to overgrow for Kota City, showing that fine particulates share more than 45% of total particulate matter. Kota exhibits a high exposure of population towards pollution compared to other megacities of the state. The ecological environment and health risk assessment showed the greater vulnerability of the people to potential risks caused by particulate matter as the risk level remained more than one throughout the research period. The exposure presents important conclusions to stakeholders and policymakers for the proper adoption of mitigation measures.


Hybrid axial-radial magnetic bearing (HARMB) is a combination of axial magnetic bearing and radial magnetic bearing. Power consumption, volume and weight of magnetic levitation system can be reduced when this kind of magnetic bearing is adopted. But its configuration and magnetic field distribution is complex that increases difficulties in parameter design. A parameter design method based on magnetic flux calculation was advanced. It should be figured out at first that how much bias and control magnetic flux was needed to get designed bearing force. Functional relationships between magnetic field flux density in soft magnets and structure parameters of the soft magnets were built up based on the calculated magnetic flux. Then the values of structure parameters of soft magnets could be figured out, which ensured the magnetic field flux density in soft magnets never exceed the linear range of the magnetization curve of soft magnets. The results of finite element (FE) simulation validate the rationality and validity of the design method. The axial and the radial displacements curves of the rotor and control currents curves of the magnetic bearing at 20 000 r/min are presented. The results of experimentation testify that the hybrid magnetic bearing designed by the method has good levitation performance.


When a politician stands before us and announces a plan to "cut healthcare costs" by "x" billion over 10 years, what exactly does that mean?


Taste classifies, and it classifies the classifier. Social subjects, classified by their classifications, distinguish themselves by the distinctions they make, between the beautiful and the ugly, the distinguished and the vulgar, in which their position in the objective classifications is expressed or betrayed.


Forintek Canada Corp. participated in a series of collaborative research projects with the National Research Council Canada and other organizations to determine fire‐resistance ratings for wood‐frame assemblies used in the construction of Canadian housing and small buildings. Over the course of those studies, Forintek's scientists observed a large number of full‐scale fire‐endurance tests on walls lined on both faces with gypsum board and floor assemblies with gypsum‐board ceilings. Those observations have given Forintek's researchers unique insights into the fire performance of wood‐frame assemblies and fire‐endurance testing. Those insights are the subject of this paper. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


This research uses quantitative methods. The population used is the Wafa Al Fitrah Micro WaqfBank customers, totaling 80 people. The sampling technique used is a saturated sample orsaturation sample, which uses the entire population. Data collection techniques used are usingquestionnaires and interviews. Data processing and analysis techniques in this study used theclassical assumption test, multiple regression analysis and hypothesis testing. The results of thisstudy indicate that simultaneously capital and Islamic financial literacy affect operating incomewith an F-count of 14.296 > F-table of 3.0178, with a significant value of 0.000. As for partially,capital has a positive effect on business income with a t-count value of 3.091 > t-table of 1.990with a significant value of 0.003. Islamic financial literacy has no effect on income with a t-countvalue of 1.859 > t-table of 1.990 with a significant value of 0.67. It can be concluded thatsimultaneously capital and Islamic financial literacy have a significant effect on the operatingincome of Wafa Al-Fitrah Micro Waqf Bank customers, while partially capital has a significanteffect on operating income and Islamic financial literacy has no significant effect on Wafa Al-Fitrah Micro Waqf Bank operating income.


Structural variations are genomic rearrangements that contribute significantly to evolution,natural variation between organisms,and are often involved in biological phenotypes and genetic disorders.Traditional microscope and array based methods are used for the detection of larger events or copy number variations.Next generation sequencing has enabled the detection of all types of structural variants from genome accurately.In practice,a significant challenge lies in the development of computational methods that are able to identify these structural variants based on the generated high-throughput sequencing data.In this project,the paper focuses on the design and implementation of the algorithms for multiple donor plant genomic structural variation identification with the combination of assembly,pair end mapping,split read and depth of coverage analyzing.


This book is devoted to the development and application of the quasiparticle approach in the modern theory of solids in order to present some new results, ideas and phenomena. Considerable attention is paid to defects in quantum crystals.The volume, presenting a detailed discussion of quasiparticle mechanics and kinetics in nonstationary deformed solids, would be of particular interest to a wide class of specialists, lecturers and students in physics and mathematics.


Electricity has become the most sought-after amenity for all of us. Gone are the days when Electricity would be only limited to cities. It is now reaching every distant part of the world. So, we have new а complex network of power systems. This power is being carried by the Transmission lines. These lines travel very long distances so while carrying power, а fault occurring Is natural. These faults damage many vital electrical types of equipment like а transformer, generator, and Transmission lines. For the uninterrupted power supply, we need to prevent these faults as much as possible. So, we need to detect faults within the shortest possible time. Miсrорrосessоr and miсrосоntrоller-bаsed systems used for this fault detection have been advancing rapidly. The simulates а Numerical Over current relay that detects faults using а Miсrосоntrоller and АDС. These relays are more reliable and have а faster response than the traditional eleсtrоmeсhаniсаl relays and Static relays. They have an increased range of settings, high ассurасy. Reduced size, and lower costs, along with many other functions, such as fault event Resetting. This project is about designing the Numeral relay upon where the fault is detected when the input value exceeds the reference value set in the relay which then gives the trig signal to the Circuit Breaker. 1.INTRОDUСTIОN The object of this paper is to determine the segment of transmission line fault from а base station. The transmission system is а common practice followed in many urban areas. While а fault occurs for some reason, at that time the repairing process related to that particular called is difficult due to not knowing each location of the called fault. The proposed system is to find each segment of the fault. To improve the reliability of а distribution system, accurate identification of а faulted segment is required to reduce the interruption time during fault.i.e.to restore services by determining а fault segment on time. In the convenient way of detecting а fault. an exhaustive search in large-scale distance Has been conducted. This is time-consuming and inefficient Not only that the manpower resources are not utilized, but also the Restoration time may vary depending on the reliability of the outage information. As such, deriving an efficient technique to location а fault can improve system reliability. International Journal of Scientific Research in Engineering and Management (IJSREM) Volume: 05 Issue: 06 | June 2021 ISSN: 2582-3930 © 2021, IJSREM | www.ijsrem.com | Page 2 2.BACKGROUND AND LITERATURE AND


Electronic forms have a wide applications,especially applied in the drilling well site calculation tools and the generation of the drilling engineering reports.This paper describes three kinds of Excel:unit lattice calculation,built-in macro calculation,and VBA two times development.It presents the practical examples and shows the solutions in the different conditions.It provides a reference to the drilling nell production in the operation and popularization.


Microbiological contamination with fungi and bacteria can pose a significant destroy to old manuscripts or health hazard to those working in archives or library. Among 520 selected old documents, 162 manuscripts (31.15%) macroscopically showed fungal growth or damage and number of 75 documents (14.42%) were positive for presence of fungi but by culture fungal contamination revealed in 30 manuscripts (5.77%). Also, about 199 representative fungal isolates developed on PDA medium were isolated from old manuscripts samples. Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium spp. were the main contaminating mould genera of all tested manuscripts and account over two third of contaminations. The fungal genera could be arranged on the basis of their frequent occurrence as follows: Aspergillus (45.57%), Fusarium (33.1%), Penicillium (8.6%), Alternaria (6.5%), Trichoderma (3.0%), Stymphylium (1.5%) and Nigrospora (0.5%) of the total fungal count. The obtained data also showed that of the 53 fungal isolates screened for cellulolytic activity on carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) only 31(58.49% ) had the ability to grow. Moreover, only 8 out off 31fungal isolates had a high ability to decompose cellulose powder in Czepek's medium. The growth of A. flavus was completely inhibited (100% inhibition) at rhiozolex concentration of ≤ 200ppm and benlate concentration of ≤ 400ppm. While, the growth of A. niger was also completely inhibited at rhizolex concentration of ≤ 400ppm and benlate at≤ 200ppm. The growth of F. oxysporum was completely inhibited by rhizolex at 1600ppm and benlate at ≤ 100ppm. On the other hand, fumigation with Para formaldehyde tablet for 9 days completely inhibited A. niger growth.


Abstract-Micro encapsulation is a technology and process in which chemical substances are introduced into an environment by the use of microcapsules the process has been known at least since the 1870's and in the 1980's when serious environmental impact due to petroleum spills on land and also Earth's oceans, ravaged Earth's oceans like the Exxon-Valdez oil spill near Alaska. However, today's current micro-encapsulation technologies lack the technological rapid advancements and prowess they exhibited in the 1980's, and do not address the current and future cellular, molecular and even atomic structural applications of the polluted conditions seen in Earth's soils and oceanic conditions, in order to address the pollution problems at these levels to help eradicate the affects of pollution at these levels which could affect all life, soil, and oceanic conditions on Earth.


A moment method for solving the linearized kinetic Boltzmann equation for arbitrary Knudsen numbers is presented. The isothermal flow of a rarefied gas around a cylindrical surface (the limiting cylindrical Couette problem) is investigated. The moments of the collision integral are calculated for the hard sphere model. The moment of resistance force acting per unit length of the surface, the profile of the gas flow velocity in the transient regime, and the gas velocity on the surface are calculated.


There has been a downward trend in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality in the United States (U.S.) since the 1980s; however, racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities persist.1 These disparities are the result of differences in CRC risk factors, screening, diagnosis, and quality of care.2,3 While many studies have demonstrated a role of race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) in CRC screening and diagnosis, the impact of these factors on time to treatment after CRC diagnosis is understudied.


A diode-pumped Nd:LuVO4 laser emitted at 1086 nm in σ polarization has been demonstrated. A power of 2.37 W at 1086 nm has been achieved in continuous-wave (cw) operation with a fiber-coupled laser diode emitting 18.2 W at 809 nm. Moreover, intracavity second-harmonic generation in cw mode has also been demonstrated with a power of 528 mW at 543 nm by using a LiB3O5 (LBO) nonlinear crystal.


Analytic solutions for the spatial distribution of elastic deformations, strains, and stresses induced on the surface and interior of an isotropic semi‐infinite material by an arbitrary temperature distribution are applied to an isotropic medium which is exposed to an intense cw laser beam. We demonstrate results of such calculations in the case of polycrystalline silicon. The method can be applied to any polycrystalline material, or even moderately anisotropic cubic crystals. The calculations show the presence of considerable amounts of thermal strains or stresses for laser power densities below melting.


A new semistable H<inf>2</inf> and H<inf>∞</inf> control framework is developed to address the robust optimal control issues of linear semistable control systems subject to white noise. To do this, a new notion of semistabilizability/semidetectability is proposed as a means to connecting semistability with the Lyapunov equation based technique. With this new notion, we develop a semistable H<inf>2</inf> and H<inf>∞</inf> control theory by exploiting the properties of semistability. Necessary and sufficient conditions for semistability of the closed-loop system have been derived in terms of the Lyapunov equation and semidetectability. Based on these results, we propose a convex optimization technique to solve the semistable H<inf>2</inf> and H<inf>∞</inf> control design.


We give a sufficient condition on a p-block of a finite group under which the block is p-radical. Let k[G] be the group algebra of a finite group G over an algebraically closed field k of characteristic p > 0. We call G p-radical if the induced module (kp)G = kp k[p] k[G] from the trivial k[P]-module kp is semisimple as a right k[G]-module where P is a Sylow p-subgroup of G (see [T; F, VI, 6]). Koshitani [Ko] showed that if the vertex vx(V) of V is contained in Ker V (the kernel of V) for any simple k[G]-module V then G is p-radical. We generalize this to a p-block form. Let B be a p-block of G and eB be the block idempotent in k[G] corresponding to B. We call B p-radical if (kp)G * eB is a semisimple k[G]-module following Tsushima [T]. Theorem. If the vertex vx(V) of V is contained in Ker V for any simple k[G]module V in a p-block B of G, then B is p-radical. Throughout this paper we keep the notation as in the theorem. See the book of Feit [F] for the notion of vertices and other terminology. Lemma 1. Assume that vx(V) C Ker V for any simple k[G]-module V in B. (a) [HM, Lemma 1.3; Ko, Lemma 1]. If H is a normal por p'-subgroup of G and B is a p-block of G/H such that B D B, then vx(V) C Ker V for any simple k[G/H]-module V in B. (b) [Kn2, 3.7 Corollary; Ko, Lemma 2]. If B is the principal block of G, then G is p-solvable. Lemma 2. Let H be a normal subgroup of G containing a defect group of B. If every block of H covered by B is p-radical then B is p-radical. Proof. By [KnI, Theorem 2.9] it suffices to show that (kp)G * eB is semisimple as a k[H]-module. Let {bi} be the set of all blocks of H covered by B. By Mackey decomposition (kp)G * eB is a direct summand of (@ (@ (kptnH)H . eb, i tEP\G/H Received by the editors July 31, 1990. 1980 Mathematics Subject Classification (1985 Revision). Primary 20C20. ( 1992 American Mathematical Society 0002-9939/92 $1.00 + $.25 per page


The present study is intended to study sole types necessary for shoe designs for elementary school students that are in age groups in growth periods, and 3D midsole design utilizing 3D printing technology. This study analyzed data from the 3D measurement of the feet of 1,227 elementary school students aged 7-13 years residing in the capital region conducted as part of the 6th Anthropometry of Size Korea. In addition, 3D midsoles by sole type were designed utilizing a Rhino CAD, and midsole prototypes were output utilizing a Zortrax-M200 3D Printer. Through a cluster analysis of sole shapes by type, sole shapes were classified into three types. Type 1 has small values of foot lengths and foot breadths, with large toe 1 angles and high arch heights. Type 2 has intermediate values of foot lengths and foot breadths, with small toe 1 angles and high arch heights. Type 3 has large values of foot lengths and foot breadths with small toe 1 angles and low arch heights. On reviewing the results of design of 3D midsoles by sole type, it can be seen that the midsoles were designed according to characteristics by sole type. The results of the sole type analysis in the present study are expected to be meaningful as basic data for the development of shoe insoles for elementary school students.


In this paper we present new regular polyhedra quadrature (RPQ) formulae to compute more efficiently and accurately derivatives of 3-D FE solutions of electromagnetic problems. This new version of the RPQ formulae employ a reduced number of integration points leading not only to a drastic reduction of the computational effort but also to a substantial increase of accuracy. An accuracy test is presented in order to show the advantages of the new formulae, consisting of a remarkable enhancement of accuracy obtained with a reduced computational effort


Cut-to-length (CTL) systems are not common in the southern United States. Currently CTL systems in the South generally work in first and second thinnings of pine plantations. This paper reports on two tracked swing-to-tree harvesters thinning natural pine/hardwood stands in west central Georgia. The two harvesters were a Timbco 415D fitted with a Quadco Ultimate 5600 processing head and a John Deere 653E fitted with a Fabtek 18-inch four roller processing head. A detailed time study was performed using a video camera and post data analysis. Stand data and detailed productivity data for both harvesters is reported. Average tree dbh for the Timbco was 18.7 cm (582 trees/ha) and the calculated productivity was 109 trees/PMH (44 tons/PMH). The John Deere's calculated productivity was 96 trees/PMH (52 tons/PMH) with an average dbh of 21.9 cm (420 trees/ha). Machine costs were $109 and $113/PMH for the Timbco and John Deere respectively. Productivity was best predicted by the square of dbh for the John Deere and the square of dbh and number of bucks per tree for the Timbco.


The properties of borosiloxane-containing copolyimides with borosiloxane in the main chain and in the side chain were studied. Two series of borosiloxane-containing copolyimides were synthesized by the reaction of 3,3′,4,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (s-BPDA) and 2,3′,3,4′-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (a-BPDA) with p-phenylenediamine (PDA), 4,4′-oxydialinine (4,4′-ODA) and different borosiloxane diamine monomers (BSiAs). The synthesized borosiloxane-containing copolyimides exhibited better solubility than borosiloxane-free copolyimides and showed high glass transition temperatures (320–360 °C), excellent thermal stability (570–620 °C for T10), great elongation at break (10% − 14%) and a low coefficient of thermal expansion (14–24 ppm °C−1). More specifically, the copolyimides containing BSiA-2 formed nano-scale protrusions and the copolyimides containing BSiA-1 formed micro-scale protrusions. The contact angles of the copolyimides increased from 72° for neat copolyimide to 96° for 5% of borosiloxane in the main chain of the copolymer up to 107° for 10% of borosiloxane in the side chain of the copolymer. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry


Europe has long cherished the illusion of immigration as a transient phenomenon. In this vision, common especially – but not only – in continental Europe, immigrants were Gastarbeiter (guest workers), individuals who came to work for a limited period of time and would eventually make their way back to their families and homelands. However, reality turned out to be rather different: immigrants settled down, tried to reunite with their families, and claimed their social and political rights. In short, as pointed out by Max Frisch, "We called for workers, but people came." Only when this fact became evident did European societies begin to adjust their institutional settings to the new reality, a process that is still ongoing.


In this paper, the Konopelchenko-Dubrovsky equation will be studied by the aid of traveling wave hypothesis and Lie symmetry analysis. The traveling wave hypothesis will extract the 1-soliton solution while the Lie symmetry approach will retrieve other solutions to this equation.


The Storvann Group is a sequence of metasedimentary rocks which constitutes the autochthonous Cambrian(?) sedimentary cover of the Precambrian Lofoten ter rane on east Hinnoy, North Norway. The Storvann Group is composed of impure quartzite overlain by progressively more aluminous quartz-rich schists, with sub ordinate calcite marbles, comprising a transgressive sequence. The general strati graphic similarity of the Storvann Group to autochthonous, unmetamorphosed sedimentary rocks of the Scandinavian platform supports a recent hypothesis that the Lofoten terrane was part of the Baltoscandian continental block prior to Caledonian orogenesis. The composition of the Storvann Group suggests a platformal or miogeoclinal environment of deposition. However, without some means of determining the original thickness and stratigraphic continuity of this sequence, the position it represents relative to the pre-Caledonian Baltoscandian continental edge remains unknown.


Wet-chemical and electron microprobe analyses, and X-ray diffraction analysis of material annealed in the temperature range 300'C and l200°C (at 1l00°C in air; a 5.567(3) b 14.460(7) c 5.199(3)A) and differential thermal analysis (exotherm at 760°C) of an "ampangabeite" from Madagascar identify the specimen as euxenite. The composition of the euxenite is compared to orthorhombic AB,O.type Nb-Ta-Ti oxides using the canonical plots of Ewing (1976). Specific gravity (4.92 to 5.32) and n (2.01 to 2.19) increase with heating.


The invention provides a GIS interval delivery withstand voltage test breakdown point locating method. Grounding down leads at the head and tail of a GIS interval are each sleeved with a high-frequency current sensor, a high-frequency pulse current produced by breakdown flows through the head and tail high-frequency current sensors when breakdown occurs at any position in the GIS interval, and the breakdown position is determined based on the time difference between the detection signals of the two sensors. The method has the advantages of a small number of sensors needed and accurate and convenient locating.


We demonstrate how to improve the first-year education based on a series of analyses including i) the freshman survey, ii) the first-year experience assessment and, iii) the University College Academic Advising Database System in Yonsei University. As a consequence, specialized academic advising system and cooperative major and career exploration system were developed and highly successfully implemented.


This chapter presents the main trends in national science, technology and innovation policies, with a particular focus on policies and programmes introduced between 2008 and 2010. It discusses developments relating to public-sector research, government support for business R&D and innovation, collaboration and networking among innovating organisations, globalisation of R&D and open innovation LinkToContentAt: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/sti_outlook-2010-6-en Knowledge Type: Thematic report [1] Other Tag: research and development tax credits [2] public research and development lab [3] higher education institutes [4] research and development tax incentives [5] research and development funding [6] research infrastructure [7] higher education research [8] Parent URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/sti_outlook-2010-en [9]


Based on survey research wih 5 majors at 13 aspects,the students' viewpoints on open laboratory are statistically analysised.The reasons which hindrancing the development of laboratory opening are presented.The countermeasures,how guiding and driving the students to participate in the open laboratory,and promoting the open laboratory comprehensively,thoroughly developing,are proposed.


Property tax is the second, after VAT, most contested issue to administrative courts. The reason for such a situation is wrongly determined subject of tax. This paper presents basic weaknesses of the regulations regarding buildings, structures and land. These problems may be eliminated only by radical changes in the binding law. Without them, this tax will still cause difficulties in its practical implementation.


The Platypus and other monotremes have fascinated, entranced, and puzzled Western biologists since John Hunter, then Governor of a penal colony in New South Wales sent a sketch and skin to the Philosophical Society of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1798. Neurobiologists are no exception to this. In the Neurobiology of Monotremes, Editor (and author) Ken Ashwell has produced a superb and lucid text that effectively reviews the state of mono-treme neuroscience, articulates current puzzles, and looks toward future experiments. A particular highlight is the final three chapters in which Ashwell, Craig Hardman, and Anne Musser present for the first time atlases for the central and peripheral nervous system of platypus and echidnas using the techniques of Paxinos and Watson (2007). This review will go further into great detail about the book's contents, given its high price (277 US dollars list!). The bottom line is that the Neurobiology of Monotremes comes highly recommended not only for the specialist, but also for anyone interested in broader questions of the evolution of brain and behavior and of sensory adaptation to the environment. The book is organized into 17 chapters, plus an index, references, glossary, list of abbreviations for the atlas' plates, and of great interest to the specialist, supplementary tables and figures of detailed measurements ranging from the diameters of platypus' eggs to sequences of developmental events. Reminiscent of Ashwell's (2010) book on Marsupials, the book begins in Chapter 1 with a discussion of monotreme evolution and classification by Musser. This is a critical chapter given that monotreme taxonomy and classification has long been debated, given the taxon's sparse fossil record coupled with a remarkable combination of unique specializations and evolutionarily retained features. This chapter, and the Preface preceding it, begins building a central argument of the book, namely, that mono-tremes are not living, primitive fossils but rather highly specialized creatures that show remarkable adaptations. Importantly, Chapter 1 ends with a revised taxonomy of monotremes, although Musser makes a particular point of emphasizing that it is interim. In Chapter 2, Stewart Nicol tackles monotreme' behavior and ecology. This chapter should have particular interest to behavioral neuroendocrinologists and those in related fields, given that monotreme' reproduction, mating system and behavior, and maternal care are well covered, especially when complemented by Griffiths (1999). There are also sections on monotremes' distribution and diet, and short sections on behavioral observations of wild and captive animals and cognition. It ends …


A series of amorphous fluoro-polyetherimides based on 2,2'-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl) hexafluropropane dianhydride (6FDA) and di-ether-containing diamines 4,4'-bis(3-aminophenoxy)diphenyl sulfone (m-SED), 4,4'-bis(4-aminophenoxy)diphenyl sulfone (pSED), 4,4-bis(4-aminophenoxy)diphenyl propane (BPADE) were synthesized. These melt processable polyetherimide polymers from pSED and BPADE showed excellent electrical properties. The dielectric constants, 2.74 and 2.65 at 10 MHz respectively, are lower than commercially available polyetherimide ULTEM@ 1000, and polyimide Kapton@ H films. In addition, we found that trifluoromethyl groups-containing polyimides not only show extraordinaxy electrical properties, but they also exhibit excellent long-term thermo-oxidative stability and reduced water absorption relative to non-fluorinated polyimides. The weight retention of these fluoro-polyetherimides at 3 15°C for 300 h in air varies from 93% to 98%. Whereas, their moisture absorption at 100 RH at 50°C was in the range of 0.3% to 1.05%, which is much lower than those of Ultem 1000 and Kapton H. In the case of fluoro-polyetherimides from pSED and m-SED @ara and meta isomers) diamines with 'ether' and sulfonyl (-SO,-) spacer groups, the d-spacing and Tg values decreased from 4.7d to 4.56A and 293°C to 244°C respectively. Similarly, the transparency of these polymer films (in the range of 80% to 90%) at 500 nm solar wavelength was higher than Ultem 1000 and Kapton H. 1. I"R0DUCTION romatic polyimides possess outstanding thermal A mechanical and electrical properties as well as excellent chemical resistance (1). The search for new polyimides with improved processability and higher glass transition temperatures (TJ than the commercially available polyetherimide Ultem 1000 has received significant attention from both academia and industries. It is also known that structural rigidity of dianhydrides contributes to the increase in the glass transition temperatures of those polyimides in the range of 300 to 400°C. Therefore, because of their poor solubility in common organic solvents and high softening temperatures, uses of these polymers in industrial applications are limited. Because of these


BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE
Kisspeptin-54, an endogenous naturally occurring ligand of the G protein-coupled receptor-54, stimulates GnRH-gonadotropin secretion and suppresses metastases in animal models of cancer but is subject to rapid degradation and inactivation. TAK-448 is an investigational oligopeptide analog of the fully active 10-amino acid C terminus of kisspeptin-54. This phase 1 study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of TAK-448 in healthy subjects and patients with prostate cancer (PC).

DESIGN
Healthy subjects aged 50 years or older received TAK-448 sc as a single-bolus or 2-hour infusion (0.01-6 mg/d; part A) and as a 14-day sc administration (0.01-1 mg/d; part B). In a subsequent, open-label, phase 1 study in PC patients aged 40-78 years, TAK-448 was given as a 1-month depot formulation.

RESULTS
Eighty-two healthy subjects received TAK-448; 30 received placebo. Grades 1-2 adverse events were reported in 26% of subjects during TAK-448 treatment. All dosing regimens resulted in dose-proportional exposures. The maximum observed plasma concentration occurred after 0.25-0.5 hours, and median terminal elimination half-life was 1.4-5.3 hours. T increased approximately 1.3- to 2-fold by 48 hours after a single bolus or 2 hour injections, whereas during the 14-day infusion, at doses above 0.1 mg/d, T dropped to below-baseline values by 60 hours and reached a subsequently sustained below-castration level by day 8. In PC patients, T decreased to less than 20 ng/dL in four of five patients dosed with 12 or 24 mg TAK-448 sc-depot injections. The prostate-specific antigen decreased greater than 50% in all patients dosed with 24 mg.

CONCLUSIONS
Continuous TAK-448 infusion was well tolerated by healthy males and resulted in sustained T suppression. Depot injection in patients with PC similarly reduced T and resulted in prostate-specific antigen responses.


The invention and the display; Input unit and; Memory and at least one of the information stored indicating the type of interactivity and; Communication unit for receiving at least one of a broadcast signal containing the interactive function with; At the time of reproducing the broadcast signal received by the communication unit, the information of the composed by the information corresponding to the type of interactive features that are included in the broadcast signal and a controller for displaying on the display device and the information display method therefor relates, there is an effect that by displaying information indicating the type of interactivity that is currently displayed in the broadcast scene, the user can easily check the type of interactivity that is currently displayed in the TV screen. Devices, digital broadcasting and interactive features


Since the discovery in 1967 of the phaeomelanin pathway the regulatory role of sulfhydryl compounds in epidermal melanin pigmentation has been a major focus in pigment cell research. The current state of knowledge in the field is briefly discussed, with special reference to some recent studies extending the possible targets of sulfhydryl compounds to pigment intermediates beyond the dopaquinone stage.


The thrust of federal educational policies in the United States is to treat differences between school children as marks of neediness and/or disability. Although these policies were developed to correct disturbing inequalities, we argue that they distort needs and portray them as exceptional and stigmatized. To demonstrate this distortion, we examine a "difference" among children with which many people are uncomfortable and thus reluctant to acknowledge—academic giftedness. Arguing that the education of children is a practice of care, we apply the theoretical insights and normative commitments of a feminist ethic of care.


Numerous works have been written about multiple sclerosis since Charcot gave his classic description of the disease about 100 years ago. Our knowledge, however, has not increased to the same extent. We know neither the cause, nor whether the disease is hereditary, of an infectious, toxic, auto-immune or allergic nature, whether it is influenced by nutrition and the nature of the soil, and to what extent, if any, by temperature and solar rays. Two interesting works on the occurrence of multiple sclerosis among American veterans were published in 1922. Bailey found it to be most frequent among veterans of Scandinavian descent, and Davenport showed that the frequency was greatest among veterans from the states bordering the Great Lakes. According to Acheson B Bachrach (1960) the same ratio applied to American soldiers after World War 11. A tendency to greater frequency of multiple sclerosis in the northern than in the southern states has been demonstrated by several investigators. Kurland (1952, 1953) especially has emphasized this in his numerous works on the prevalence of the disease. That multiple sclerosis was common in northern Europe is illustrated among others by Gram (1934), who found a prevalence figurc of 29 in Denmark; by Sallstrom (1942), who found a prevalence figure of 22 in Sweden; and by Allison (1931), who found one of 13 in North Wales. Later investigations have shown considerably higher prevalence figures. There have not been many investigations carried out using modern methods in eastern Europe, but in Russia multiple sclerosis is also commoner in the northern than in the southern latitudes (Grashchenkov et al. 1960). Several European prevalence figures are given in Table 1 and some American figures in Table 2. Fewer and less exact investigations have been carried out in the southern hemisphere where, according to Acheson (1961), on the basis of mortality statistics from countries under British rule, multiple sclerosis seldom occurs. Dean (1949) and Berman (1960) report from South Africa that the disease is very rare among the white people born there and that it is not found among the indigenous Bantu. Dean (1961) found it striking that


This paper describes our approach to participate on SemEval2016 Task12: Clinical TempEval. Our system was based on IBEnt, a framework to identify chemical entities and their relations in text using machine learning techniques. This system has two modules, one to identify chemical entities, and other to identify the pairs of entities that represent a chemical interaction in the same text. In this work we adapted both IBEnt modules to extract temporal expressions, event expressions and relations, by creating new CRF classifiers, lists and rules. The top result of our system was in phase2 for the identification of narrative container relations where it obtained the maximum score of precision (0.823) from all participants.


PB The Annals of Family Medicine encourages readers to develop a learning community of those seeking to improve health care and health through enhanced primary care. You can participate by conducting a RADICAL journal club and sharing the results in the Annals online discussion. RADICAL is an acronym for Read, Ask, Discuss, Inquire, Collaborate, Act, and Learn. "Radical" also indicates the need to engage diverse participants in thinking critically about important issues affecting primary care and acting on those discussions.1


Created in Canada, in the early 1990s, Model Forests are voluntary associative initiatives linking forestry, research, agriculture, recreation and other values and interests in a landscape. Today, the Model Forest program comprises one International and one, more specific, Mediterranean Network. Both are voluntary associations of partners working toward a common goal: the sustainable management of forest-based landscapes and natural resources.


ABSTRACTPrickly pear peels contain essential compounds such as taurine, amino acids, readily absorbable carbohydrates, minerals, vitamin C, flavonoids, tocopherols, and carotenoids. These compounds and derivatives were shown to be endowed with biologically relevant activities including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hypoglycemic and antimicrobial properties. The present study was designed to investigate some parameters of the chemical composition of prickly pear peels and the effect of their nutritional status on liver and renal injury in rats. Thirty adult male albino rats Sprague–Dawley strain were classified into 2 main groups fed several diets for 28 days as follows: The first negative control group (6 rats / normal group) fed on standard diet. The second group (24rat) injected by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4); 6 rats presented as a positive control group fed on basal diet. 18 rats were as subgroups 1, 2 and 3 fed on basal diet with 5, 10 and 15% prickly pear peels respectively. At the end of the experimental period (4 week) biological parameters; some biochemical parameters and the histology for liver and renal were evaluated. The results showed a high value of moisture, carbohydrates, protein in prickly pear peels. The positive control group had a significantly lower value of the body weight gain. Liver enzymes and renal parameter of positive control group were higher significantly than negative control group and treated groups. Prickly pear peel ameliorates the effect CCl4 on liver and kidney in rats.


Osteogenesis imperfect is genetically heterogeneous group of diseases which are characterized by bone brittleness and fractures. It was thought for a long time that this is happening due to mutations in collagen genes. However, within past decade the understanding of osteogenesis imperfecta etiology has changed as a result of genetics development. The majority of all cases is related to mutations in collagen genes whereas rare mostly recessive forms are related to mutations in genes encoding collagen post-translational modification. Mutations in SERPINF1 gene were chosen as molecular cause of osteogenesis imperfecta type VI in 2011. Thus the new pathophysiology of this disease was revealed. Children with osteogenesis imperfecta type VI have high-frequency of fractures despite the management with bisphosphonates because mineralized bone osteoid is considerably reduced.


Recent breakthroughs in cancer drugs have led to practice-changing paradigms in cancer care and new treatment options, yet patients, insurers, and policymakers struggle with determining how to afford them. Although cancer is currently among the fastest growing therapeutic areas for drug sales and the primary focus for industry research and development, rising cancer drug costs are unsustainable for the US health care system. Furthermore, financial toxicity compromises access to recommended therapies, reduces quality of life, and potentially shortens survival among patients with cancer. Averaging 12% to 15% growth each year, US health care spending on cancer drugs is projected to grow to $100 billion by 2022. In 2017, the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies, tisagenlecleucel (Kymriah; Novartis, Basel, Switzerland), and axicabtagene ciloleucel (Yescarta; Kite Pharma, Santa Monica, CA) broke the price record with one-time price tags of $475,000 and $373,000, respectively, far exceeding the estimated $150,000 average cost of cancer care and treatment.


The Coal-measures of the Brown Clee are of themselves extremely insignificant and unimportant. The total area is limited, and the thickness of the coals would not have entitled them to be considered of commercial value, if it were not for the fact, that from its elevated position it is placed well above the reach of water, and hence the great difficulties which beset early mining operations in freeing the mines from water did not affect the coal-mines of the Brown Clee; consequently, in those times they were worked to advantage, but there is very little coal remaining to be won. They have, however, a value to the geologist, as indicative of the much wider range of the Coalbrookdale Coal-measures than is shown by its present boundary, for there is an unmistakable analogy between both deposits, to which, we shall presently refer.


Context. The metal-rich bulge globular cluster NGC 6441 shows both a well-developed blue horizontal branch (Rich et al.), and a strong slope upward from the red clump to the blue of the RR Lyrae region. The former corresponds to the well–known second parameter problem. Both features are not explained by conventional evolutionary models. Aims. Helium self-enrichment is proposed as a possible solution to both questions, a mechanism already invoked for the interpretation of the peculiarities in NGC 2808 and M 13. Methods. We make use of horizontal branch simulations that cover a wide range of main sequence helium abundance to investigate whether the main features of the NGC 6441 horizontal branch population, including the RR Lyrae variables period, can be reproduced. Results. To describe the horizontal branch of NGC 6441, the following must be met. The helium content Y in the red clump must reach at least 0.35; values up to $Y\sim0.37$ are necessary to populate the RR Lyr region, also reproducing the observed mean long periods; depending on the dispersion in mass loss assumed in the simulations, values up to $Y\sim0.38{-}0.40$ are necessary to populate the blue HB. The total self-enriched population amounts to ~60% of the whole stellar content. Conclusions. Self-enrichment and multiple star-formation episodes in the early evolution of globular clusters appear more and more able to account for many of the chemical and population peculiarities observed in these systems. The very large helium abundances ($Y\ga0.35$) required for ~14% of the horizontal branch population pose some problems for the enrichment mechanisms.


We propose and experimentally demonstrate a batch dimension processing scheme based on the micro-ring weighting bank, which can at least quadruple the computing capability of the photonic tensor core without extra weighting units and power consumption.


Within the amygdala, AMPA receptors expressing the AMPA‐GluR1 (GluR1) subunit play an important role in basal glutamate signaling as well as behaviors associated with exposure to drugs of abuse like opiates. Although the ultrastructural location of GluR1 is an important functional feature of this protein, the basal distribution of GluR1, as well as its sensitivity to acute morphine, has never been characterized in the mouse central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Electron microscopic immunocytochemistry employing visually distinct gold and peroxidase markers was used to explore the distribution of GluR1 and its relationship with the mu‐opioid receptor (µOR) in the mouse CeA under basal conditions and after morphine. We also looked at the effect of morphine on other glutamate receptor subunits, including AMPA‐GluR2 (GluR2) and NMDA‐NR1 (NR1). In opiate naive animals, GluR1 and µOR were present in diverse populations of neuronal profiles, but mainly in somatodendritic structures that expressed exclusive labeling for either antigen, as well as those co‐expressing both proteins. Compared to saline treated animals, mice given morphine showed significant differences in the subcellular location of GluR1 in dendrites without co‐expression of µOR. Although GluR2 also showed similar changes in non‐µOR expressing dendrites, contrasting effects were seen in GluR2 and µOR co‐expressing profiles. These results provide the ultrastructural basis for basal interactions involving the modulation of GluR1 or µOR activity in the mouse CeA. Further, they indicate that the subcellular distribution of GluR1 is modified by acute opiates in a manner that compares, as well as contrasts, with GluR2. Synapse 67:692–704, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.


Application of corporate social responsibility concept in hotel companies should facilitate the establishment of conditions for successful market entry and raise of competitive advantages of a local hotel and tourism enterprises. Also, corporate social responsibility represents a direct factor in promoting sustainable development, especially when it comes to tourism and hospitality sector. The question of social responsibility concept application has been recently brought to the spotlight which has encouraged the creation of Montenegro law legislation regarding this matter and embracing various legislation acts such as the Law on Environmental Protection, Law on Consumers Protection, laws against corruption, adopting codes of business ethics and corporate management etc. Montenegrin hotels that should constantly improve their offer and place their focus on more emitting markets must recognize the importance of applying socially responsibility concept which will serve to the environment protection, consumer protection, energy efficiency improvement and promotion of sustainable development in Montenegro. This essay places its focus on the necessity of identifying levels of socially responsible behavior implementation in hotel companies with the aim of improving tourism product and sustainable development of Montenegro. The overall objective of the research is to get through the aspect of corporate social responsibility to help hotel enterprises in Montenegro to better position themselves in the minds of consumers on wider tourism market and improve their competitive advantage. Traditional Montenegrin code of social behavior expressed in humanity gives a proper interpretation of social responsibility "Humanity means protecting others from ourselves", of course, translated into the framework of modern business.


Objective To estimate the prevalence rate of depression in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus(DM),and to explore the factors that have influence on quality of life (QOL) of the patients with Type 2 DM complicated by depression.Methods Cluster sampling was used to sample the patients with type 2 DM in four communities in Beijing city. Self-rating depression scale (SDS) was used to screen depression in DM patients,then the factors that have influence on QOL of the patients with Type 2 DM complicated by depression were analyzed by multivariate linear regression.Results Totally 619 patients with type 2 DM were investigated.Among them,273 (SDS score ≥53) were regarded as suffering depression,and the prevalence rate of depression in DM was 44.10%.Multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that there were eight statistics significant factors that had influence on QOL of the patients with type 2 DM complicated by depression,including SDS score,complication,score of subjective social support,monthly income,total score of social support rating scale,treatment,education background,fasting plasma glucose (FPG);R2=36.5%.Conclusion Type 2 DM patients suffer high risk of complicated depression.The factors that have influence on QOL of the patients with type 2 DM complicated by depression include depression,complication,social support,and personal economic condition.


Leonardo's unfinished Adoration of the Magi, now in the Uffizi, is a work of such magnitude and power, of such stylistic novelty, that it commands the art histo rian's fullest attention (Fig. 1). Seemingly every aspect of the painting has been ana lyzed exhaustively: its chiaroscuro, com position, perspective, idealization, natural ism, figure types, generalization of form, architectural fantasy, and mysterious fig ures such as the embattled horsemen in the


The authors report significant differences based on aptitude, gender, and personal academic choices between students who took four years to graduate and students who took longer.


The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster has reminded us, once again, the potential for systemic failures in complex engineered systems. But such systemic failures are not limited to the chemical and petrochemical industries alone. The 2003 Northeast electrical power blackout was a systemic failure. Financial disasters such as Enron, WorldCom, subprime derivatives market, and so on, also belong to the same class. Given the size, scope, and complexity of these modern engineered systems and their interactions, it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to anticipate, diagnose and control serious abnormal events in a timely manner. Practitioners in the process industries view this as the next major challenge in control systems research and application. There are two different, but related, components of the overall systemic risks management problem. One deals with the problem of process safety during real-time operations. The other deals with safety issues during the design and/or modifications of the plant or the processes. In this paper, I will present an overview of the challenges and the opportunities. Recent progress has promising implications on the use of intelligent systems for a variety of applications in the chemical, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries for inherently safer design, operator training, abnormal events management, and optimal process operations.


ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is a large-scale scientific experiment that aims to demonstrate that it is possible to produce commercial energy from fusion reactions. Because of their physical and thermal properties, Beryllium and tungsten have been chosen for Plasma Facing Components to cover the interior surfaces of the vacuum vessel. Such metallic environment raises the issue related to reflecting internal surfaces which can disturb the machine protection system based on Infrared Thermography. In this paper we focus on evaluating the performance of the Pyroreflectometry method in reflective environment.


AbstractLambdacyhalothrin (LCT), a type II pyrethroid pesticide, is an efficacious pesticide. Its use in the environment has increased tremendously. Acute and chronic toxic effects of LCT were evaluated in male Rattus norvegicus. Lethal doses (LD) were determined and chronic effects on haematological and biochemical indices, sperm count, motility and morphology and histology of testes were evaluated using 5, 10, 20 and 40% of 96 h LD50. The 96 h LD50 value obtained for treated rats was 9.625 mg/kg bw. A significant reduction in values of packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell count was observed. Marked effects on haematological indices were at 1.925 and 3.850 mg/kg bw as the period of evaluation increased. Increase in mean cell volume and mean cell haemoglobin with slight variations in rats treated with 1.925 and 3.850 mg/kg bw indicates macrocytic anaemia. Increased serum glucose and cholesterol levels were observed, while a significant reduction in total protein and globulin was dose-depende...


BackgroundHeart failure is characterized by contractile dysfunction of the myocardium and elevated sympathetic activity. We tested the hypothesis that chronic &agr;-adrenergic (&agr;-ADR) stimulation modifies the molecular and contractile phenotype of cardiac myocytes. Methods and ResultsAdult rat ventricular myocytes in culture were exposed to &agr;-ADR stimulation (norepinephrine + propranolol) for 48 hours. &agr;-ADR stimulation decreased the mRNAs for sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and Ca2+ release channel by 56% and 52%, respectively, and increased mRNA and protein for the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger by 70% and 39%, respectively. After washout of the &agr;-ADR agonist, simultaneous measurement of [Ca2+]i transients with fura 2 and myocyte shortening by video edge-detection showed that [Ca2+]i amplitude and myocyte shortening were decreased in &agr;-ADR–treated myocytes, and the time to peak and time from peak to 80% decline of both [Ca2+]i and myocyte shortening were increased. The concentration-response curve for myocyte shortening by the Na+ channel activator veratridine was shifted leftward in &agr;-ADR–stimulated myocytes (EC50, 21.6±4.6 versus 105.8±10.5 nmol/L, P <0.001). ConclusionsChronic &agr;-ADR stimulation of cardiac myocytes causes decreases in the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase and the Ca2+ release channel that are associated with decreases in [Ca2+]i and contractility. &agr;-ADR stimulation simultaneously increases Na+-Ca2+ exchanger expression, thereby increasing sensitivity to intracellular Na+.


In this paper we have studied channel models (flat fading and frequency selective fading channels) estimation, adaptive equalization, and demodulation. The technique involves the optimization of the overall impulse response of the transmit and receive filters and effectively reduces the channel to one which is flat fading. This example showed the relative performance of linear and decision feedback equalizers in both frequency-flat and frequency- selective fading channels. It showed how a one-tap equalizer is sufficient to compensate for a frequency-flat channel, but that a frequency-selective channel requires an equalizer with multiple taps. Finally, it showed that a decision feedback equalizer is superior to a linear equalizer in a frequency- selective channel. Computer simulation results show that this equalization method works for channels with small delay spreads


The presence of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in milk was assessed in Italy in the framework of designing a monitoring plan actuated by the milk industry in the period 2005–10. Overall, 21 969 samples were taken from tankers collecting milk from 690 dairy farms. The milk samples were representative of the consignments of co-mingled milk received from multiple (two to six) farms. Systematic, biweekly sampling of consignments involved each of the 121 districts (70 in the North, 17 in the Central and 34 in the South regions of Italy). AFM1 concentration was measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay method (validated within the range of 5–100 ng kg−1) whereas an HPLC method was used for the quantification of levels in the samples that had concentrations higher than 100 ng kg−1. Process control charts using data collected in three processing plants illustrate, as an example, the seasonal variation of the contamination. The mean concentration of AFM1 was in the range between 11 and 19 ng kg−1. The 90th and 99th percentile values were 19–34 and 41–91 ng kg−1, respectively, and values as high as 280 ng kg−1 were reached in 2008. The number of non-compliant consignments (those with an AFM1 concentration above the statutory limit of 50 ng kg−1) varied between 0.3% and 3.1% per year, with peaks in September, after the maize harvest season. The variability between different regions was not significant. The results show that controlling the aflatoxins in feed at farm level was inadequate, consequently screening of raw milk prior to processing was needed. The evaluation of the AFM1 contamination level observed during a long-term period can provide useful data for defining the frequency of sampling.


Using level long arill-hole along rock level is a new technolgy.This paper introduces the newest research result of it. It has a guide significance to bring the gas under control at the face of high production and gas.


Counterfeiting is no longer limited to just fashion or luxury goods, the phenomenon has now reached electronics components which failure represents a high risk to the safety and security of human communities. One way for the semiconductor (SC) industry to fight against counterfeiting of electronic parts is to add technological innovation at the component level itself. The target is to enable the product authentication in a fast and reliable way. Because semiconductor manufacturing is a complex and delicate operation producing highly complex products which are sensitive to many environmental factors, any introduction of changes in its production - which the implementation of anti-counterfeiting (A/C) technologies must also comply to - must undergo thorough testing and qualification steps. This is mandatory to control the compliancy to the strict delivery requirements, quality and reliability level the industry has established, in line with the product performance specifications. This paper aims to explain the comprehensive requirements specification developed by members of semiconductor and related industries in Europe, to add authentication technologies solutions into IC packages. It also describes the qualification processes and testing plans to implement the most adequate and effective anti-counterfeiting technology (A/T). One of the main challenges in this A/C task is to make sure that the added A/C feature in electronic components does not create any additional reliability or failure issue, nor introduce additional risks that will benefit counterfeiters.


Loan agreement (foot and mouth disease emergency recovery project) between the eastern republic of uruguay and the international bank for reconstruction and development. Washington, 8 august 2001 [united nations, treaty series, vol. 2166, i-37912.]


O-Algebra is an object algebra designed for processing ObjectOriented Database (OODB) queries. We present the concept of internal type objects, which are uniform and represent the front-end objects. O-Algebra is an algebra whose operands are collections of internal objects. Due to uniform operands and simple operators defined in O-Algebra, a small yet powerful set of O-Algebra laws can be obtained, which is important for query optimization by algebraic rewriting. After presenting OAlgebra, we introduce an approach to transform OQL queries to O-Algebra queries. Since O-Algebra operations do not have complex arguments, the nested queries of OQL can be reduced by a general method after they are transformed t o O-Algebra queries. Compared to other approaches of reducing nested queries, this approach k more general because it is not restricted by the patterns of nested queries.


From international press coverage of the French government's attempt to prevent Muslims from wearing headscarves to terrorist attacks in Madrid and the United States, questions of cultural identity and pluralism are at the center of the world's most urgent events and debates. Presenting an unprecedented wealth of empirical research garnered during ten years of a cross-cultural project, Contested Citizenship addresses these fundamental issues by comparing collective actions by migrants, xenophobes, and antiracists in Germany, Britain, France, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

Revealing striking cross-national differences in how immigration and diversity are contended by different national governments, these authors find that how citizenship is constructed is the key variable defining the experience of Europe's immigrant populations. Contested Citizenship provides nuanced policy recommendations and challenges the truism that multiculturalism is always good for immigrants. Even in an age of European integration and globalization, the state remains a critical actor in determining what points of view are sensible and realistic—and legitimate—in society.


Citric-ferrite sol (CFS) has been synthesized by coating Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a layer of citric acid molecules and successfully tested as T2-weighed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) negative contrast agent with Magnevist for tumors and metastases. Sequential introduction of the CFS and Magnevist led to an increase in the image contrast for 40 h and brightness for 30 min, which significantly improved image quality on BIOSPEC BC 70/30 USR (Bruker) biospectrotomograph. Improved MRI was used to monitor oncogenesis during magnetohydrodynamic thermochemotherapy by magnetic anticancer drugs (Cyclophosphamide with dextran-ferrite sol). Such treatment of 300 mm3 Ca 755 metastased adenocarcinoma tumors in C57Bl/6j female mice for 30 min at 46°C has increased the life span by 200%, while treatment of 30 mm3 tumors led to tumor regression by 40% and to 300% increase in the life span.


A psychological evaluation can provide empirical data and expert objective opinion to
aid in answering questions about child abuse. However, too often psychological evaluations are not requested when they would be useful, are aimed at answering the wrong questions, or are too general to answer specific questions. The aim of this packet is to assist you in knowing when psychological evaluations can be useful and in making the most of psychological evaluations.


We report this case to focus on the importance of early diagnosis, challenges to reach the diagnosis in a low‐resource setting, and management that may result in a better prognosis of the patients.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore the regulatory effects of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-376b-3p on proliferation and apoptosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells by targeting Kruppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) and its mechanism of action.

PATIENTS AND METHODS
The expression of miR-376b-3p in NSCLC and para-carcinoma normal tissues, as well as NSCLC cell lines, was detected via quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). The effects of miR-548-3p on the proliferation, cycle distribution, and apoptosis of NSCLC cells were detected via colony formation assay, flow cytometry, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay, respectively. The interaction between miR-376b-3p and KLF15 was determined using Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay. In vivo tumorigenic ability of NSCLC cells was studied using nude mouse tumorigenicity assay. Furthermore, the expression of Ki67 in tumor in nude mice was detected via immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS
The expression of miR-376b-3p was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tissues when compared with para-carcinoma normal tissues (p<0.05). MiR-376b-3p was lowly expressed in NSCLC cells as well (p<0.05). After overexpression of miR-376b-3p, the proliferation ability of NSCLC cells remarkably declined (p<0.05). The apoptosis rate rose, and cell cycle was arrested in the G1/G0 phase. Dual-Luciferase reporter gene assay confirmed that miR-376b-3p could specifically bind to KLF15 3'UTR to regulate the expression activity of KLF15. After overexpression of miR-376b-3p, tumor volume and weight were significantly reduced in tumor-bearing mice (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
MiR-376b-3p plays an important role in the occurrence and development of NSCLC, which affects the proliferation and apoptosis of NSCLC cells by targeting KLF15.


At the University of Maryland we have been investigating the feasibility of using gyroklystrons as a possible RF source for the next generation of linear colliders. The preliminary sets of fundamental and second harmonic gyroklystron tube experiments have achieved a combination of pulse length, frequency and peak powers beyond the previous state of the art in RF capabilities. Production of 1 μsec pulse lengths at X and K band frequencies have shown that gyroklystrons can be a promising RF source but the achieved power levels of 30 MW still fall short of predicted requirements for future TeV colliders. An upgrade of the gyroklystron experimental facility to achieve 100 MW peak power levels will move us closer to realizing the goals for RF sources. This paper will detail the past achievements of the 30 MW system as well as modifications for the future 100 MW system.


The experiment of mixing-gas(air/steam) catalytic gasification of the high-metamorphous Fujian Yongan anthracite with lower volatile of 5.47% and higher ash of 29.45% using industrial sodium carbonate as the catalyst was carried out in a continuous fluidized bed with 123 mm i.d.and a height of 1.2 m.The effects of operation parameters such as the loading of sodium carbonate,the gasification temperature,and the ratio of steam to air were examined.With the 5% loading of sodium carbonate,the carbon conversion increases by 3 times,but the coal price only increases by 1.18 times.The temperature has an obvious accelerating action on the catalytic coal gasification.When T≥850 ℃,the reactions of gasification and steam decomposing will be promoted by the re-diffusing,fusing and migrating of sodium carbonate in the coal surface and inner aperture.However,when T≥900 ℃,the slagging will easily occur and shut down the operation.In order to to get higher gas yield,higher gas calorific value and steady operation,suitable operating parameters should be the temperature from 850 ℃ to 880 ℃ and the sodium carbonate loading of 5% with which the gas yield rises 2 times and the gas calorific value increases 5 times.It suggests that the mixing-gas(air/steam) catalytic gasification of the high-metamorphous Fujian anthracite in fluidzed beds using industrial sodium carbonate as the catalyst is of the practical application value.


The application of information technology in the economic market has brought new opportunities for the development of enterprises. In order to expand the industrial scale and improve the international status of the market, we carried out the research on the impact of cross-border e-commerce on foreign economic and trade. By analyzing the characteristics of cross-border e-commerce and the development status of foreign economic and trade market, we put forward that under the support of cross-border e-commerce, The two sides of the transaction do not need to meet through entities to conduct business transactions and business negotiations. In this process, it not only saves the transportation cost of meeting, but also saves the cost of manpower and material resources in the publicity process to a great extent. Therefore, it can be considered that cross-border e-commerce reduces the operating costs of foreign economic and trade. In addition, more and more enterprises use online transactions for resource interaction. Consumers can retrieve demand information on the Internet, and conduct capital transactions through electronic transactions and third-party platform verification, It can realize the convenience of foreign economy and trade.


Introduction. This paper analyzes the development of norms on the implementation of special forfeiture in Ukraine since its independence.
The purpose of the paper is determining the main periods of development of legal regulation of special forfeiture in Ukraine and highlighting the main features of each period.
Results. According to the criterion of development of features of structural placement of norms on special forfeiture in the Criminal Code of Ukraine, three main periods of regulation of the specified measure of criminal character are allocated. The main features of the first period of regulation of special forfeiture, which is the regulation of the implementation of the specified measure of criminal nature at the level of norms of the Special Parts of the Criminal Codes of Ukraine of 1960 and 2001, are characterized. The main problems concerning the law enforcement of the rules on special forfeiture, which arose in connection with the legislative approach to special forfeiture at this stage, are described. The peculiarities of the second period of development of regulation of special forfeiture are described, during which the latter was carried out at the level of both the General Part of the Criminal Code and its Special Part. The conflicts between the provisions of the General and Special Parts of the Criminal Code regarding special forfeiture that arose at this stage are described, as well as some inconsistent legislative steps to amend the provisions of the law on criminal liability relating to special forfeiture. The main features of the current stage of legal regulation of special forfeiture are described. The problems of making changes to the legislation related to the adoption of laws that do not take into account the peculiarities of the development of legal regulation of special forfeiture are described.
Conclusion. Relevant conclusions have been made, in particular, that special forfeiture, contrary to stereotypical views, is not a fundamentally new (implemented over the last decade) measure of a criminal nature in the criminal law of Ukraine. The stages of development of norms on special forfeiture are singled out. The chronological boundaries of each of the stages are set.


The effects of a combination hot-immersion and slow-charging method on the activation of a Zr-based alloy were investigated. A Zr{sub 0.7}Ti{sub 0.3}Cr{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.3}V{sub 0.4}Ni{sub 1.0} alloy electrode was treated with two steps: alloy electrodes were immersed at 80 C for 12 h in a KOH solution and then charged at a low current density for one cycle. It was found that the alloy electrode activation was greatly improved after this hot-immersion and slow-charging treatment, and furthermore the treated electrodes were fully activated at the first normal cycle. The effects of this treatment are discussed on the basis of results obtained by scanning electron microscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy. The hot-immersion and slow-charging method was successfully applied to the formation process of 80 Ah Ni/MH cells using this Zr-based alloy.


We study the influence of the order parameter on two-dimensional ultrashort optical pulses dynamics in their collision in the carbon nanotubes. The evolution of the electromagnetic field is modelled based on the wave equation supplemented by an equation determining the electric current in the system. The effect of the relaxation rate of the order parameter on the shape of the colliding ultrashort pulses is investigated.


This article discusses the issue of whether local utilities will take control and address increasing costs and the resulting affordability concerns that are raised, or shift the responsibility to another party at a higher cost. Although the U.S. water industry faces an unprecedented need for staggering rate increases, a new dialogue of rate straight‐talk is required. The article discusses in detail the following straight‐talk discussion topics: what full‐price costing really means (in order to set realistic expectations with customers and make critical ownership decisions); the need for and the availability of options regarding customer assistance programs; and, the recommended strategies for minimizing cost increases.


Abstract Tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)distibane, (Me3Si)4Sb2 is produced by reaction of tris(trimethylsilyl) stibine, (Me3Si)3Sb, with three or less than three equivalents of t-butyl iodide, with trimethyliodosilane, Me3SiI and iodine. The reaction of (Me3Si)3Sb with three or more equivalents of i-butyl iodide and methyl iodide also yields tri-t-butylstibine, trimethylstibine and Me3SiI


Service-providing firms compete for clients, creating market structures ranging from domination by a few giant companies to markets in which there are many small firms. These market structures evolve in time, and may remain stable for many years before experiencing a disruption in which a new firm emerges and rapidly obtains a large market share. We seek the simplest realistic model giving rise to such diverse market structures and dynamics. We focus on markets in which every client adopts a single firm, and can, from time to time, switch to a different firm. The markets of cell phone and Internet service providers are examples. In the model, the size of a particular firm, labelled i, is equal to its current number of clients, ni. In every step of the simulation, a client is chosen at random, and then selects a firm from among the full set of firms with probability pi = (beta + ni^alpha)/K, where K is the normalization factor. Our model thus has two parameters: alpha represents the degree to which firm size is an advantage (alpha>1) or disadvantage (alpha<1), relative to strict proportionality to size (alpha = 1), and beta represents the degree to which small firms are viable despite their small size. We postulate that alpha and beta are determined by the regulatory, technology, business culture and social environments. The model exhibits a phase diagram in the parameter space, with different regions of behaviour. In one region, oligopolies form in which a few large firms evenly split the market. In another, the market is divided into several firms with clearly defined ranks. (...) We compare the model to the markets of cell phone service providers in Germany and Canada, and find that it correctly predicts that the leader firm of the German market changes more often compared to leader firm changes in Canada, which is a more stable market.


The collective U.S. housing market, on a monthly basis, was mixed in April 2018. Encouraging were the year-over-year readings, which were overwhelmingly positive, except for existing house sales. Single-family housing starts, permits, and under construction improved on a monthly basis. Existing house sales were negative on a month-over-month and year-over-year basis. Regionally, data were mixed across all sectors.


BACKGROUND
Haemoglobin screening methods need to be highly sensitive to detect both low and high haemoglobin levels and avoid unnecessary rejection of potential blood donors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of measurements by HemoCue in blood donors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS
Three hundred and fourteen randomly selected, prospective blood donors were studied. Single fingerstick blood samples were obtained to determine the donors' haemoglobin levels by HemoCue, while venous blood samples were drawn for measurement of the haemoglobin level by both HemoCue and an automated haematology analyser as the reference method. The sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and correlation between the reference method and HemoCue were assessed. Cases with a haemoglobin concentration in the range of 12.5-17.9 g/dL were accepted for blood donation.

RESULTS
Analysis of paired results showed that haemoglobin levels measured by HemoCue were higher than those measured by the reference method. There was a significant correlation between the reference method and HemoCue for haemoglobin levels less than 12.5 g/dL. The correlation was less strong for increasing haemoglobin levels. Linear correlation was poor for haemoglobin levels over 18 g/dL. Thirteen percent of donors, who had haemoglobin levels close to the upper limit, were unnecessarily rejected.

DISCUSSION
HemoCue is suitable for screening for anaemia in blood donors. Most donors at Yazd are males and a significant percentage of them have haemoglobin values close to the upper limit for acceptance as a blood donor; since these subjects could be unnecessarily rejected on the basis of HemoCue results and testing with this method is expensive, it is recommended that qualitative methods are used for primary screening and accurate quantitative methods used in clinically suspicious cases or when qualitative methods fail.


The purpose of an aircraft takeoff performancemonitoring system is to provide to the pilot information pertaining to the level of safety with which a takeoff is proceeding. The concept of a takeoff performance monitoring system is not new. Instruments have been developed and flight-tested. However, the inclusion of a takeoff performance monitoring system as a standard instrument has yet to be embraced by manufacturers and operators. A simple theoretical dynamicmodel was developed to investigate the feasibility of using an observer systemduring the roll and takeoff phases of aircraft operation to provide to the pilot the information that is needed to maneuver safely. The viability of this simple model was validated using a prototype device installed in a 19-passenger commercial turboprop aircraft. Unlike previous work in this field, the Global Positioning Systemwas proposed as the sole source of kinematic information. This provided the possibility that a takeoff performance monitoring system could be devised that would require no additional ground-based installation. A Global Positioning System receiver and data acquisition systemwere installed in an aircraft operated by an airline servicing far-northernCanadian airports. The experimental investigation that was conducted to validate the theoretical model and signal processing technique showed that it was possible to predict the displacement of an aircraft to within 15 m, the length of the test aircraft, in sufficient time to aid the pilot in decision-making.


A two-dimensional horizontal seismic experiment with single axis and simultaneous two-axes excitations was performed to obtain the core seismic design data on the block-type high temperature gas-cooled reactor. Effects of excitation directions and core side support stiffness on characteristics of core displacements and reaction forces of support were revealed. The values of the side reaction forces are the largest in the excitation of flat-to flat of hexagonal block. Preload from the core periphery to the core center are effective to decrease core displacements and side reaction forces.


The performance of duo-antenna GPS/INS integrated system can be improved by combining the GPS's vehicle attitude information with the INS information. In practical application, a GPS receiver may be unable to provide the heading information for ships as it may subject to disturbing, therefore the performance of conventional Kalman filter may be degraded. The paper presents a modified adaptive Kalman filter which uses two FLCs(fuzzy logic control) to adjust the integrating modes of the two systems. The calculation of Kalman gain is based on the internal states of Kalman filter, GPS working status and the vehicle's kinetic states. The new adaptive Kalman filter thus can select appropriate fusion mode, adjust the noise intensity in the filter and prevent it from divergence, thus improving the system's performance. The actual measurement data from the INS and GPS have verified the effectiveness of the proposed FLC-based adaptive Kalman filter.