We discuss the combined constraints on a Finite Scale Factor Singularity (FSF) universe evolution scenario, which come from the shift parameter R, baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) A, and from the type Ia supernovae. We show that observations allow existence of such singularities in the 2x10^9 years, in future, at the 1{\sigma} CL, and that at the present moment of the cosmic evolution, one cannot differentiate between cosmological scenario which allow finite scale factor singularities and the standard dark energy models. We also show that there is an allowed value of m = 2/3 within 1{\sigma} CL, which corresponds to a dust-filled Einstein-de-Sitter universe limit of the early time evolution.


Power electronic device (100) comprising: - at least a first power electronic component (108) disposed at a first main face of a first substrate (106); - at least one electrical contact element (114) disposed on the first power electronic component such that the first power electronic component is disposed between the electrical contact element and the first substrate and is electrically connected to a first main face of the electrical contact member; wherein the first substrate, the first power electronic component and the electrical contact element together form a stack such that a first side face of at least one electrical contact element, substantially perpendicular to the first main face of electrical contact element is disposed against at least one metallization (104) of a support (102) forming at least one electrical contact of the first power electronic component.


The essential oils obtained from different parts of Alpinia malaccencis (Burm f.) (Zingiberaceae) collected from Kỳ Sơn Districts, Nghệ An Province, Vietnam, has been studied. Determination of essential oil components from the leaves, stems, roots and fruits of A. malaccencis was performed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). β-Pinene (leaf: 56.%; stem: 46.0%; root: 31.7% and fruit: 18.5%) and αpinene (leaf: 10.3%; stem: 9.8%; root: 6.3% and fruit: 5.9%) were the major constituents of the oils. In addition, β-phellandrene was present in the amount of 12.1%, 12.9% and 12.9% in the stem, root and fruit oils but absent in the leaf. Methyl cinnamate (27.8%) was identified in higher quantity only in the fruit oil but absent in the leaf while α-phellandrene (5.7%) was present in the stem and α-selina-6-en-4-ol (5.5%) was a significant compound of the root oil. The compositions of the root and fruit essential oils were reported for the first time. Original Research Article Huong et al.; EJMP, 7(3): 118-124, 2015; Article no.EJMP.2015.074 119 Aims: The aim of the research is to investigate for the first time the volatile constituents from A. malaccencis collected from Kỳ Sơn Districts, Nghệ An Province, Vietnam. Study Design: Extraction of essential oils from the air-dried leaves, stems, roots and fruits samples of A. malaccencis and investigation of their chemical constituents. Place and Duration of Study: Leaves, stems, roots and fruits of A. malaccaencis were collected from plants growing in Kỳ Sơn Districts, Nghệ An Province, Vietnam, in May 2014. Methodology: Air-dried and pulverized samples were hydrodistilled in a Clevenger-type apparatus according to Vietnamese Pharmacopoeia to obtained volatile oils whose chemical constituents were analyzed by GC and GC/MS. Results: Monoterpene hydrocarbons were the dominant class of compound in the leaf oil (74.0%) and stem oil (81.3%) of A. malaccencis. Sesquiterpene compounds (21.5%) were identified in appreciable quantity in the roots oil, although monoterpene hydrocarbons (59.3%) are abundant. Oxygenated monoterpenes (31.1%) and monoterpene hydrocarbons (46.7%) constituted the main classes of compounds identified in the fruit oil. Conclusion: The literature about the oils of A. malaccencis indicates a high variability in the chemical composition of the essential oils.


Summary: Item parameters for several hundreds of items were estimated based on empirical data from several thousands of subjects. The logistic one-parameter (1PL) and two-parameter (2PL) model estimates were evaluated. However, model fit showed that only a subset of items complied sufficiently, so that the remaining ones were assembled in well-fitting item banks. In several simulation studies 5000 simulated responses were generated in accordance with a computerized adaptive test procedure along with person parameters. A general reliability of .80 or a standard error of measurement of .44 was used as a stopping rule to end CAT testing. We also recorded how often each item was used by all simulees. Person-parameter estimates based on CAT correlated higher than .90 with true values simulated. For all 1PL fitting item banks most simulees used more than 20 items but less than 30 items to reach the pre-set level of measurement error. However, testing based on item banks that complied to the 2PL revealed that, o...


This article aims at observing the perception of th e teachers in the Letras Course from a public University situated in the eas tern-center of Parana, about their preparation to use the textual genre approach in th eir classroom experiences. As our theoretical framework, we base ourselves in Cristov ao (2002, 2007, 2010) Machado (2005, 2009), Abreu-Tardelli (2007, 2009) e Marcuschi (2008). The adopted methodology is based in qualitative and interpretat ive analysis and it concerns on the application of a problem solving inventory (MACEDO, 2002) in three Foreign Language 3rd year-classrooms: French, English and Spanish. Through the answers we have obtained, it was possible to confirm our hypot hesis that these teachers are not being prepared for taking as a teaching methodology the approach based on textual


Primarily, academic libraries and librarians' objective is to satisfy library users. Customer satisfaction in business seeks to maintain and enhance the relationship between customers and organizations to win loyalty and ensure survival in the competitive world of information explosion. Customer satisfaction, therefore, implies customers' perception that his or her expectations have been met or surpassed. The purpose of this study was to assess the customer service provision for enhanced user satisfaction in academic libraries with a focus on St Paul's University Library. The objectives of the study were to establish the quality of information resources/services offered at the library; to determine the level of awareness and accessibility of the existing information resources; to establish strategies/methods used to ensure effective customer satisfaction; and to determine challenges encountered by library users while seeking information services at St. Paul's university library. The study was both quantitative and qualitative in nature and descriptive survey method was used. The study was carried out at St Paul's university library main campus, which is located in Kiambu County, along Limuru Road, about 32 Kms from the City of Nairobi. The target population included144 full time second, 159 third year full time students, 65 full time lecturers, 31library staff and the Chief University Librarian. The researcher used stratified random sampling to select the respondents and a sample size of 161 respondents was selected from the target population. Data was collected using different questionnaires administered to the students, lecturers and library staff while the interview schedule was used on the University librarian. Data was analyzed, interpreted and presented using descriptive statistics. The findings showed that the library is well equipped with quality information materials both in written and electronic formats and that generally, the services offered at the library were of good standards and library users were treated with respect and courtesy while seeking library services. The findings showed that it is important for librarians to increase communication between library users and library staff, conduct regular staff training on customer care to enhance customer service practices.  The findings further showed that a large number of the users visit the library to be able to access and retrieve information materials from online sources; library users get to know about new information materials acquired by the library through: library visits, current awareness service (CAS), Own initiative or visits and notice boards. In conclusion, this research will be used to improve services in the library and also better the library profession as well as contribute majorly to the body of knowledge in the area of library customer service provision and user satisfaction. This study recommended that there is need to transform, re-engineer and improve library services to conform to changing user's academic needs in the University.


Some results of a recent European Project for specification, design and evaluation of Distributed Real and Virtual Learning Environments for Mechatronics and Tele-service (DERIVE) will be presented. The project aimed at the development and evaluation of a new kind of multi-perspective human-machine system. It was motivated from industrial practice and vocational education in the emerging professions of Mechatronics and Tele-Service. In these domains a combination of real and virtual, local and remote media to support concrete and abstract views has been found to be desirable for learning processes and for system maintenance. A concept has been developed to support a free choice of perspectives and tools. Although at first aiming at a learning environment, the environment may also be used for systems design, gradual implementation and maintenance, where on-site and remote components of a technical system, their real and virtual representations, functional, symbolic and illustrative models merge into one cooperative learning and design process.


Generally, the unknown coefficients of neural nets are estimated by nonlinear least squares. Therefore, prediction intervals for the true value of the target feature exist. The paper proposes to use such intervals for class prediction and model selection. Only in this way, the uncertainty of class predictions can be indicated.


The purpose of the present action research is to develop and evaluate a teaching plan. The plan features the usage of picture books to improve creative thinking skill with a group of third graders. The study also discusses the feasibility and possible value of such a plan. It produced three results. First, good learning environment and interaction between teacher and students contribute to student& learning. Secondly, students need to be specifically encouraged to develop creative thinking ability. Finally, teaching with picture books is an effective way to help the students who are less confident with art appreciation.


The 16-channel laser serial synchronized scanning technology is provided based on the FPGA and DDS,to overcome the single-channel laser scanning raster plotter's low efficiency at 12000 DPI.The number of scanning spot can be increased from 1 to 16 in the same time of 215 ns by 16 TDM.The system's working principle and the corresponding hardware and software design are specified.The efficiency of this technology can be improved to 2~4 times than that of the 4-channel parallel laser scanning raster plotter and validated by experimental analysis at high DPI.


Printed circuit board as the carrier of electronic components, the vibration characteristic of printed circuit board is related to the performance of the whole electronic equipment and the stability of the system. The printed circuit board material has non-linear characteristics, and because in engineering applications to solve the nonlinear vibration problem is very complex, and there is no suitable software to calculate. Therefore, this paper focuses on how to linearize the nonlinear vibration dynamic model of printed circuit board. In addition, the effect of concentrated mass on printed circuit board is studied by means of experimental modal analysis, which provides a simple and convenient method for studying the vibration characteristics of printed circuit boards. Circuit board on the reliability of components provided an important basis. Keywords-printed circuit board; finite element; linear vibratio;, nonlinear vibration; vibration test system; modal analysis; natural frequency; vibration mode; reliability


In the companion paper,a prediction method of structure-borne noises of high-speed railway bridges in whole frequency bands was put forward on the basis of the theories of the boundary element method(BEM)and statistical energy analysis(SEA) of train-track-bridge spatial coupling vibration and steady-state acoustic radiation.In this paper,a 32 m simply supported concrete box girder was selected for case study and field test results were compared with computed values to verify the reliability of the theoretical model.The analysis results indicate as follows:Structure-borne noises of the concrete box-girder appear mainly below 200 Hz and attenuate slowly in the direction perpendicular to the railway line;the maximum sound pressure level(SPL) lies in the the frequency band with the central frequeney of 50 Hz,and it demonstrates the obvious tonal characteristic at some speeds;acoustic resonance at extension joints appears in the frequency band with the central freuqueney of 315 Hz and at remarkable degrees,however its attenuation rate is fast in the direction perpendicular to the railway line.When measures are taken to conduct noise abatement,it is better to start from the frequency with the maximum SPL,which would be more effective.


Objective: To investigate the policy implementation of"Zero Price Difference of Drugs"in Xianning District and provide exploratory suggestions on programs of new medical reform. Method: Investigate 400 residents and 200 medial w orkers from three parts in Xianning District by questionnaires and interview s. Result: The results of practicing "Zero Price Difference of Drugs"are the reduction in drug expense in grassroots medical institutions and the masses,earning reduction of village doctors w hich causes the reduction in w ork enthusiasm and poor service attitude,no obvious decrease in financial burden of the masses w ith grave diseases and the uneven directory drugs. Conclusion: It is necessary to intensify policy propaganda of "Zero Price Difference of Drugs",increase the number and quality of directory drugs and increase drug subsidies for basic medical institutions.


N,N,N-Triethyl-N-[β-formyl-vinyl]-ammoniumperchlorat (1), a cationic α, β unsaturated aldehyde reacts with water at the carbonyl group. No addition was found to the olefinic double bound. This unusual behavior will be explained. The temperature dependence of the equilibrium constant measured by 1H NMR spectroscopy result in ΔH = —3.8 ± 0.5 kcal/Mol, ΔS30°C = —20 ± 3 e. u.


Based on Tangshan's regional advantage and the teaching practice of adult higher education,the paper discusses specialty construction and development of adult higher education in inorganic nonmetallic material engineering in four aspects: training objectives,course system,quality assurance system of teaching management and teaching bases.


Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to monitor one's own and other people's emotions, to discriminate between different emotions and label them appropriately, and to use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior. Work-life balance is a concept including proper prioritizing between "work" (career and ambition) and "lifestyle" (health, pleasure, leisure, family and spiritual development/meditation). The ways in which corporations especially Information Technology companies have modeled the "ideal worker" does not compliment the family lifestyle, nor does it accommodate it. Long hours and near complete devotion to the profession makes it difficult for working mothers to participate in getting ahead in the workplace. Should a woman seek a position of power within an organization, she must consider the toll on other facets of her life, including hobbies, personal relationships and families. Work life balance should be maintained for an efficient and effective life. Here, a question arises what is the role of emotional intelligence in balancing work-life of women employees especially IT professionals. This study has made an attempt to answer the above question. The study is designed to analyze role of emotional intelligence on work life balance of women IT professional in Bangalore city. The study employed survey method of data collection using structured questionnaire. According to Krejcie and Morgan (1970), the minimum number of sample size was determined as 383 employees. The study has employed Regression analysis to find out role of emotional intelligence in work life balance of women IT professionals.


The present article is the result of a research that approaches the state of knowledge of environmental marketing strategies in Brazil. Studies have been performed to provide an overview of the empirical research previously carried out, published by the means of the Foundation for the Coordination and Improvement of Higher Level or Education Personnel (Capes), appointing the most relevant performance on the topic at issue. The obtained data permitted to understand how environmental marketing added value to brands, as well as to recognize the profile of customers and the companies' methods of behavior so that they become genuinely "green". These strategies were identified to increase the social value and profitability of products via marketing, to balance the needs of society and environmental protection, thus contributing so that the business actions accomplish the expected return with the use of these strategies.


A goal of research in radiobiology is to identify the radiation-sensitive target(s) in cells and characterise the mechanisms of damage and repair. To this end, a microbeam of ionising radiation (ions or x-rays) able to deliver a defined dose to individual cells or sub-units of cells is a useful tool. Low energy, micro-focus X-ray-generators are now commercially available, but only few of them are used in radiation biology experiments. Therefore I'm dealing in the following with ion microbeams only.


"Como lo oyes" is the third part of the series "Usos del espanol". This book looks deeper into the contents covered broadly or partially in the previous books. "Como lo oyes" is organized into 17 units, and each of them is divided into three sections: La Pizarra - its main objective is providing a synthetic analysis of the main points covered in the unit; Ejercicios - this section provides exercises to practise what has been learnt; and, Que me cuentas - vocabulary section containing new words and constructions. The book includes at the back the answer key to the exercises.


This paper examines whether U.S. shareholder level tax influences organizational form changes in Korea. Analyzing 70,973 firm-year observations during the period of 2007-2012 for unlisted corporations in Korea, we document evidence that unlisted corporations owned by U.S. shareholders are more likely to switch their organizational forms to limited companies in order to take advantage of the "check-the-box regulations" for U.S. tax purposes, even after we control for the other nontax factors to affect organizational form changes. This likelihood is more (less) pronounced when U.S. shareholders expect to mitigate (increase) more of their U.S. tax liabilities if the Korean subsidiary is regarded as a flow-through entity for U.S. tax purposes.


Abstract Background Dalbavancin (DALBA) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (2014) and European Medicines Agency (2015) for treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections. Dalbavancin activity was assessed against a large collection of S. aureus clinical isolates with decreased susceptibility (S) to key antimicrobial agents used to treat severe S. aureus infections. Methods The organism collection included isolates with decreased S to vancomycin (VAN; MIC ≥2 μg/mL; n = 1,141), daptomycin (DAPTO; MIC ≥2 μg/mL [resistant (R) per CLSI and EUCAST]; n = 48), telavancin (TLV; MIC ≥0.12 μg/mL; n = 73), teicoplanin (TEICO; MIC ≥4 μg/mL [non-S (NS) per EUCAST]; n = 143), and/or linezolid (LNZ; MIC ≥8 μg/mL [R per CLSI and EUCAST]; n = 25). Isolates were selected among 59,903 US isolates tested in 2002–2016. S testing was performed by CLSI methods and MIC results were interpreted per CLSI and EUCAST criteria. Results Only 8 of 59,903 (0.01%) S. aureus isolates tested were categorized as DALBA-NS (MIC, >0.25 μg/mL). DALBA retained activity against 99.3% of isolates with VAN MICs of ≥2 μg/mL (Table), whereas DAPTO (MIC50/90, 0.5/1 μg/mL) and LNZ (MIC50/90, 1/2 μg/mL) were active against 96.8% and 99.6% of isolates, respectively. DALBA (Table) and VAN (MIC50/90, 2/2 μg/mL) retained activity against 95.8% of DAPTO-NS S. aureus. When tested against TEICO-NS (EUCAST) isolates, S rates for DALBA, DAPTO, VAN, and LNZ were 95.1%, 95.8%, 97.9%, and 100.0%, respectively; and DALBA was 4- to 32-fold more potent than these comparator agents. All LNZ-R isolates (100.0%) were S to DALBA (MIC50/90, 0.06/0.06 μg/mL), DAPTO (MIC50/90, 0.5/0.5 μg/mL), and VAN (MIC50/90, 1/2 μg/mL), but DALBA was 8- and 16- to 32-fold more potent than DAPTO and VAN, respectively. MRSA rates ranged from 71.2–96.0% among these R subsets. Conclusion DALBA retained potent in vitro activity against S. aureus isolates, displaying decreased susceptibility to agents commonly used to treat serious infections and was consistently more potent than comparator agents. Disclosures H. S. Sader, Allergan: Research Contractor, Research grant; R. E. Mendes, Allergan: Research Contractor, Research grant; L. R. Duncan, Allergan: Research Contractor, Research grant; M. A. Pfaller, Allergan: Research Contractor, Research grant; R. K. Flamm, Allergan: Research Contractor, Research grant


N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) modification is the most common modification that occurs in eukaryotes. Although substantial effort has been made in the prevention and treatment of gastric cancer (GC) in recent years, the prognosis of GC patients remains unsatisfactory. The regulatory mechanism between m6A modification and GC development needs to be elucidated. In this study, we examined m6A modification and the downstream mechanism in GC.


Field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) are co-processing hardware used in image and signal processing. FPGA are programmed with custom implementations of an algorithm. These algorithms are highly parallel hardware designs that are faster than software implementations. This flexibility and speed has made FPGAs attractive for many space programs that need in situ, high-speed signal processing for data categorization and data compression. Most commercial FPGAs are affected by the space radiation environment, though. Problems with TID has restricted the use of flash-based FPGAs. Static random access memory based FPGAs must be mitigated to suppress errors from single-event upsets. This paper provides a review of radiation effects issues in reconfigurable FPGAs and discusses methods for mitigating these problems. With careful design it is possible to use these components effectively and resiliently.


The role of social media in information dissemination and agenda-setting has significantly expanded in recent years. By offering real-time interactions, online platforms have become invaluable tools for studying societal responses to significant events as they unfold. However, online reactions to external developments are influenced by various factors, including the nature of the event and the online environment. This study examines the dynamics of public discourse on digital platforms to shed light on this issue. We analyzed over 12 million posts and news articles related to two significant events: the release of ChatGPT in 2022 and the global discussions about COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. Data was collected from multiple platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, YouTube, and GDELT. We employed topic modeling techniques to uncover the distinct thematic emphases on each platform, which reflect their specific features and target audiences. Additionally, sentiment analysis revealed various public perceptions regarding the topics studied. Lastly, we compared the evolution of engagement across platforms, unveiling unique patterns for the same topic. Notably, discussions about COVID-19 vaccines spread more rapidly due to the immediacy of the subject, while discussions about ChatGPT, despite its technological importance, propagated more gradually.


Grabtree and Evelyn fragrant herbal enhancing your life with aromatic herbs and essential oils , Grabtree and Evelyn fragrant herbal enhancing your life with aromatic herbs and essential oils , مرکز فناوری اطلاعات و اطلاع رسانی کشاورزی


Reflections on Resistance and Accommodation in Morocco During the Great War, 1914-1918 In August, 1914, large areas of Morocco were fiercely resisting the imposition of a French Protectorate (1912) over the country. Yet the Moroccan sultanate, technically and legally still an independent regime and not officially a belligerent in the Great War, responded immediately to the French call to arms. Moroccan troops showed remarkable steadfastness and courage, fighting along the Western Front to the war's end in 1918. Comprehending their willingness to die for France, even while France was in the process of imposing its Protectorate over their country poses a number of important questions regarding collaboration and resistance.


The use of graphite anode renders practical lithium‐ion batteries for effective energy storage. However, graphite anode is the bottleneck to achieve the fast charging of a battery, ascribed to its low operating potential and corresponding incidental lithium plating. Herein the principle of a thin nanoscale layer on the graphite surface to improve charging capability is investigated by applying a three‐electrode device to precisely record the working behavior. The Li+ diffusion rate is significantly improved by coating a nanoscale turbostratic carbon layer, in which abundant active sites and additional fast Li+ diffusion pathways at the basal‐plane side of graphite sheets render small polarization in a working battery. This fresh understanding enriches the fundamental insights into enhancing the rate performance and facilitating the practical applications of graphite in fast‐charging batteries.


The article presents and analyses the results of a research project and pedagogical action on the exploration of socio-spatial dynamics in informal settlements in Bogota and the proposals of public space developed, in a summer international design studio with students from Colombia and Mexico, in which members of the community also took part. The workshop sought to encourage students' reflection on popular public space and to understand the difficulties and responsibilities when facing the informal city. In addition to the cultural exchange with students of different countries that facilitates a more complete and complex vision of the discipline. The article argues the importance of these tasks for the training of future architects and the contribution to the thinking and development of large areas of our Latin American cities.


In this paper,wear-resistant ceramic coatings were fabricated by fused corundum,mullite,silicon carbide as the aggregate,calcium alumina cement as the binder,added composite SiO2 power and composite water reducer.The test of the samples shows that the mechanical properties are obviously influenced by the addition of the cement binder.The samples has the better properties when CA-70 cement has been added instead of CA-50 cement.The better performance can be obtain when there is silicon carbide in the aggregate.


Engaged Dharma Israel (EDI) activists resist their state's occupation of West Bank Palestinians by offering them solidarity and support. Whereas most Israelis consider such Palestinians' houses unsafe, EDI participants "feel at home" when acting as polite guests there, experiencing the hospitality of their politically subordinate counterparts as poignant. Such activists value intimacy—crossing boundaries between self and other on both personal and national levels—which they substantially realize during their visits. However, they also seek to promote Israelis' and Palestinians' mutual autonomy, or nonintervention in each other's personal and communal affairs, an often‐competing value that the visits likewise help effectuate. These capacities of hospitality result from its ritualized nature—namely, its tendency to follow conventional scripts that do not require certain inner states (e.g., sincerity). Hospitality can therefore be usefully approached as a ritualized arena that enables people to promote multiple values, or culturally valorized ideals, including ones frequently found in tension. This ability of hospitality to work out and negotiate participants' plural ethical commitments is embedded in the power dynamics and political inequalities that normally characterize hospitality events.


The building sector is a prioritized area in the European Unions (EU) ambition to reduce the total final energy use by 20 %; lower the emission of greenhouse gases by 20 % and using energy 20 % mor ...


A set of nonlinear equations with practical simplifying assumptions on the governing motion equations and operational boundary conditions can improve the dynamic analysis of marine drilling risers. The dynamic analysis of marine drilling risers includes time domain and frequency domain analyses. This article simplifies the four-order nonlinear partial differential equation and boundary conditions used to describe marine drilling riser motion. The nonlinear dynamic analysis is numerically simulated by using a finite difference method. The top tension on marine risers was studied using four sea states that correspond to increasingly difficult drilling modes. The results from this numerical method are consistent with those from an analysis of a riser in operation. The paper describes the mathematical model, the numerical method, and drilling limitations, and gives an example calculation.


Introduction: Radioiodine (131I) is an effective and inexpensive alternative to surgery in the treatment of thyroid hyperfunction. The debate today concerns the maximum and minimum ablative doses, and factors leading to hypothyroidism. Patients & Method: 1035 hyperthyroid patients treated with weight-adjusted ablative doses of 131I were retrospectively assessed for treatment outcome or correlated with sex, age, underlying pathology, and administrated dose of 131I. Results: Thyroid hyperfunction was 3.5 times more common in women. The greatest proportions of patients were in the 31-40 years age group and the smallest proportion over-70. The commonest underlying pathology was Grave's disease. Men had a lower response rate to 131I therapy, with 2.4-fold greater probability of persistent hyperthyroidism (P<0.0001). The probability of post-131I hypothyroidism decreased with increasing age (P<0.0001). The best response to 131I therapy was seen in patients with toxic adenoma, (P=0.0001). The incidence of hypothyroidism did not show a positive correction with increased administered dose of 131I (P<0.001). Average time to develop clinical hypothyroidism was 7.1 months. 131I was effective in reducing thyroid nodule size. There were 18 cases of temporary hypothyroidism, all of which recovered to euthyroid status within 12 months. Conclusion: One dose of radioiodine was effective in treatment of hyperthyroid patients in 91.2% of cases. Age, sex and underlying pathology were determining factors. In most cases the average time to hypothyroidism was reasonably short, obviating the need for long time follow up in these patients.


The Hereford World Map, created around 1300 and housed today in the treasury of Hereford Cathedral, is celebrated among extant medieval mappae mundi as the only fully preserved, monumental example (Fig. 1). Although it has been well studied and acknowledged as a major work of late medieval English art with profound Christian and historical significance, the relationships between its imagery, audience, and the political and ideological aspirations of Edward I (1239–1307), under whose reign it was produced, have yet to be interrogated. In this study, I examine these relationships in order to explore how an Edwardian reading of the map can advance our understanding of contemporary perception of the king's legacy in relation to the 1290 expulsion of the Jews and the formation of an English nation. I argue that the map's unique Exodus iconography in its wider cartographic context provided ex post facto justification for the expulsion as part of a larger contemporary discourse on Edward and a triumphant English nation ultimately grounded in the well-established medieval idea of the gens Anglorum as God's chosen people. My broader aims are, first, to expand the Anglo-Jewish dimension of the current debate on the formation of English national identity during the Edwardian period; in particular, by presenting the map as additional evidence of the correlation during this period between the development of ideas about English nationhood and the rise of antisemitism. Second, I aim to highlight the ex-


Thus far the academic study of revolution has not proved much of an intellectual success. A variety of different lines of analysis have been essayed, some, like the work of Chalmers Johnson,' naively functionalist in orientation, others, like that of Ted Gurr? essentially social-psychological in focus, others still like those of Barrington Moore, Eric Wolf and Charles till^,^ distantly Marxist in initial theoretical inspiration but sufficiently eclectic in design and execution to avoid commitment in their outcome to any clear analytic paradigm for the analysis of revolution as such. More belligerently Marxist approaches to the analysis of revolutions as a category of socioeconomic transformations have encountered at least equal theoretical difficulties and have responded, where they have responded intellectually at all, by employing more and more blatantly evasive devices for theoretical self-defence, drawn particularly from that astonishing inventory of devices for theoretical evasion, the work of Louis Althusser. An especially striking contrast is furnished in the wake of these developments by setting the depth and illumination of Marxist historiography of the great revolutions (a necessarily theoretically a posteriori and concrete intellectual practice) against the poverty of Marxist social and political theory about revolutions in general, a necessarily a priori mode of theorizing and one which tends all too readily towards the abstract. One possible moral which could well be drawn &om this disarray, the characteristic trajectory from hubris to bathos in theoretically holistic social analysis, is crudely nominalist. The fact that revolution as a name for historical episodes is so indiscriminately and heterogeneously applied certainly provides no grounds in itself for conceiving revolutions as a natural class, and, once clearly recognized, furnishes sound reasons for doubting whether revolutions sans phrase are in any sense at all a suitable


It is an important to design FIR filters with maximally flat characteristics in the passband and equiripple characteristics in the stopband to reduce ringing and to maximize the stopband attenuation. The design method of such FIR filters by the Remez algorithm has been proposed. However, since the delay of linear-phase filters is half of filter length, the delay of high-order linear-phase filters is large. In this paper, we present a design method of low delay FIR bandpass filters with maximally flat characteristics in the passband and equiripple characteristics in the stopband by a successive projections method. The resulting filters have lower delay in the passband compared with linear-phase FIR filters of the same order.


Activities suitable for planting with hydroponic systems in the midst of covid 19 pendemi are in great demand by utilizing limited land. One of the elements in suitable planting activities is water, because 70 percent of the molecules in plants are water. Water serves as the raw material of plants in the process of photosynthesis and can also keep plant moisture from withering. Currently the method of watering plants is still done manually by checking the condition of the soil, if the soil condition is dry then the new water pump is turned on for watering. But the method is considered less effective because it requires farmers to do regular checks and should not forget so that the soil does not dry so that the plants do not wither. To answer these problems in this study want to provide certainty how the plant gets enough water. One of the efforts that can be done is to make an automatic watering tool that without having to take time so as to give an efficient impact. The tool is made using Arduino Mega 2560 Components that serve as controllers in the watering system with the help of smartphones for remote control.


The S 1 gene hypervariable region primer specific for IBV_M 41 stain was designed and a fragment of 1.7 kb to IBV_A strain was gotten by reverse transcription_polymerase chain reaction.The amplified product was purified and inserted into PGEMR_T Easy vector,then transformed into JM109 bactera.In the same time,the positive plasmid DNA by restriction enzyme assay was sequenced and compared with other IBV strain such as M 41 ,T ect.using OMIGA 2.0 and DNASIS software.Then the results showed the homogeneity of IBV_A strain with IBV_M 41 strain was 99 %,with IBV_T staint was 80 %.The acadermic enzyme cleavage fingerprinting atlas showed the IBV_A strain was the same genetype with IBV_M 41 and partially common antigen with T strain.It's the same results with the serotype.


Hay presents a comprehensive overview of the world's best requirements analysis practices, organized into a coherent architectural framework that helps analysts choose the best approach for each project, and execute it successfully. Hay helps current and prospective analysts focus more clearly on their goals: to accurately represent the business's fundamental structures, identify key information processing gaps, and discover which information technologies may best address them. He addresses requirements analysis from two viewpoints: the system development life cycle (the steps required to build and implement a system) and the architecture framework (the perspectives of key players in the development process).


This paper explores the origins and continued relevance of Clarence Ayres' definition of technology as a process involving both physical tools and a scientific method of reasoning, where science is understood to achieve cross-cultural explanatory power by virtue of technological validation. Ayres' concept of technology derived from his training as a Pragmatist and was primarily philosophical rather than descriptive, but is congruent with the work of modern historians of technology and remains useful in addressing a variety of concerns about both the promise and dangers of technological change. Copyright The Author 2009. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Cambridge Political Economy Society. All rights reserved., Oxford University Press.


Heuristic Evaluation (HE) of usability of web systems has received special attention in the literature. Traditional heuristics are not sufficient to evaluate such systems. In HEs, it is recommended that expert evaluators be employed in HEs. An evaluator became expert after several years of job in usability area. However, many companies resort to novice evaluators in HEs. The effect these evaluators cause in HE is not well known, and deeper research studies about this still remain as a gap in the literature. This study aims to investigate if a set of heuristic focused on usability of web systems can help novice evaluators to find more usability problems than traditional heuristics in a HE of a web system. Results from the HE were compared to results of a test with real users. Obtained results showed the effect of using different sets of heuristics and the quality of reports of novice evaluators. The conclusions of the study showed the importance of investigating the effects of novice evaluators in HE, as well as the extent to which using different sets of heuristics can help improve the overlap between HE results performed by novice evaluators and problems encountered by real users.


Free radicals are constantly formed in the cell causing oxidative stress when the precarious balance is broken, in favour of free radicals proceeding to variety of pathophysiological disorders. Antioxidants that can scavenge free radicals are thus effective in ameliorating the progress of oxidative damage. The present study was designed to estimate phenolics and flavonoids present and to evaluate the antiradical activity of Justicia wynaadensis leaf extracts. Series of in vitro models like DPPH, lipid peroxidation, reducing ability, superoxide scavenging, nitric oxide scavenging, hydroxyl scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity were employed to assess the antioxidant activity of different extracts of J. wynaadensis. Few fractions of J. wynaadensis leaf extracts showed antioxidant activity comparable to that of the standards such as BHT, Ascorbic acid, Quercetin, Curcumin and Mannitol to certain extent. The in vitro assays revealed the effective antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of the leaf extract of J. wynaadensis.


The article is aimed at addressing the assembly process of electrical contacts of the two size types. The proposed solution automates the entire process of installation clamps in two sizes, with the use of robot SCARA. The workplace is composed of a rotary table with 6 positions, the two pneumatic screwdrivers, vibratory trays and conveyors. The electric contacts are used to connect cables carrying the voltages of 400 V and currents 32 or 63 A.


In the rotating machinery one of the commonly known reasons of vibration is misalignment of rotating shaft. In this present work experimental investigation is carried out on three phase induction motor to detect rotor misalignment. Proximity and current probes are used to monitor the vibration and current signal respectively. Fast Fourier Transform is used for signal processing. A full spectrum analysis is presented for both current signal and vibration signal to reveal the fault-specific whirl signatures. The results clearly indicate the potential and feasibility of the discussed approach for the rotor misalignment diagnosis in a shaft/rotor system coupled with a three phase induction motor.


Introduction Restorative dentistry has entered a phase of deep conceptual rupture, demarcating two camps, the traditional one, pursuing the convention of human-conceived and fabricated restorations, and the modern one, celebrating new technologies in all aspects and steps of a restorative treatment and limiting tremendously the manual contribution of the dentist. However, even the most enthusiastic, modern professionals recognize that no technology can equate to the excellence and perfection of a powerful brain and agile hands acting in synergy, while the most conservative ones also admit that digital dentistry has the potential to elevate the level of mass dentistry. What is the most reasonable attitude? Probably a position in between the extremes. Freehand direct bonding can then be looked at from different perspectives as well: it will soon be abandoned and replaced by either CAD/CAM and 3-D printed restorations, or on the contrary, even further developed, using some new digital technologies to improve its outcome and practicality, fueled worldwide by a slowing economy and the quest for an ultraconservative treatment approach. The latter vision is from far the most realistic one, as many restorations cannot be approached simply by new technologies owing to the limits of the cavity or restorative geometries and the irrational complexity, preparation imperatives or technology immaturity of CAD/CAM and 3-D printing systems if applied unrestrictedly.


【Task】 The present invention is related to DC / DC voltage converter including a charge pump capacitor (C), the charge pump capacitor (C) is means for controlling the switches (T1, T2) (10,20) and are installed in parallel, and a predetermined voltage range, and is configured to hold both ends of said means (10) for controlling the upper switch (T1). Wherein said control means (10, 20), when said upper switch (T1) is open, close the lower switch (T2), by applying a zero potential to the center pin (O) of the star connection, It is configured to forcibly charge the charge pump capacitor (C). .Field


In this paper, we describe an efficient image-based approach to computing and shading visual hulls from silhouette image data. Our algorithm takes advantage of epipolar geometry and incremental computation to achieve a constant rendering cost per rendered pixel. It does not suffer from the computation complexity, limited resolution, or quantization artifacts of previous volumetric approaches. We demonstrate the use of this algorithm in a real-time virtualized reality application running off a small number of video streams.


The polarized Raman spectra of a natural air hydrate single crystal from a deep ice core recovered at Dye-3 Greenland have been measured in order to examine the crystal-orientation dependence of the Raman spectra. Since the crystal had facets, the orientation of the crystal was determined by using the Miller indices of facets. When the angle θ between the polarization plane of the incident laser beam and the direction of [111] of the crystal varied, it was observed that the intensities of the stretching modes of the two major guest molecules (nitrogen and oxygen) varied with θ. Since the dodecahedron cage in the air hydrate are distorted along the 〈111〉 axis, the variations of the scattering intensities of N2 and O2 have been calculated by using a simple model that assumes N2 and O2 are on the plane of {111} in the dodecahedron cage. The results obtained from experiments are consistent with the calculations made by using this simple model. We concluded that the anisotropy of the intensities of N2 and O2 w...


Background: Several toothpaste ingredients have also been proven to prevent dental caries. An alternative material like xylitol can reduce biofilms and caries' formation. Objective: This study aims to test the antibacterial xylitol toothpaste against Streptococcus mutans biofilm. Materials and Methods: The type of this research was true experimental by using two kinds of toothpaste with xylitol active ingredient (samples 1 and 2) and toothpaste with fluoride (sample 3). The toothpaste was diluted using the serial dilution method, and then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericide concentration (MBC), minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC), and minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) were examined. The data were analyzed with ANOVA and Pearson correlation with a significance value of p0.005. Results: The MIC values of samples 1, 2, and 3 were 0.39%, 0.78%, and 0.39%, respectively. The MBC of samples 1, 2, and 3 were 12.5%, 25%, and 6.25%, respectively. The results of MBIC samples 1, 2, and 3 were 1.56%, 1.56%, and 0.78%, respectively. The results of MBEC samples 1, 2, and 3 were 6.25%, 6.25%, and 1.56%, respectively. There was a difference in the decrease of the mass of Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175 biofilm after administration using xylitol and fluoride toothpaste, with a p-value of 0.0295. Additionally, there is a correlation between the time of administration of xylitol toothpaste with the changes in the mass of the biofilm Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. Conclusion: Xylitol toothpaste can inhibit the growth and eradication of Streptococcus mutans biofilm ATCC 25175.


E-Agriculture is an emerging field focusing on the enhancement of agricultural and rural development through improved information and communication processes. More specifically, e-Agriculture involves the conceptualization, design, development, evaluation and application of innovative ways to use Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in the rural domain, with a primary focus on agriculture. Information of the required quality always has the potential of improving efficiency in all spheres of agriculture. Information Technology (IT) has long been viewed as having great potential for improving decision making in agriculture. IT has connected the world globally and is now changing our life style and social consciousness dynamically. The role of information technology to develop agricultural research, education and extension to improve quality of life in rural area is well established. Keywords: E-Agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), sustainable agriculture;


The utility model provides a false proof mark which comprises a base and a false proof structure level which comprises a printing ink zone of veined material which is fixed at the designated area of the surface or the back of the base through positioning printing. The utility model is capable of positioning and printing at the designated area the veined material that is casually distributed according to actual needs rather than the whole of it, thereby saving the veined material. In this way, the relative information of a product can be printed at the other position of the type area, therefore it is convenient for the consumers to read and recognize, which can also increases the esthetics of the product. At the same time, the desiccated printing device can effectively associate the prior false proof mark with the designs of various package type areas, and can print the false proof structure level at the designated areas of the packages; therefore, further manufacturing small marks on the packages is needed, thereby saving the costs.


A new catalytic-spectrophotmetric method for determination of formaldehyde in food has been setup.In this method nanogold is used as the catalyst,which catalyzes the reaction of formaldehyde and Fehling reagent,and its product,cuprous oxide(Cu2O) particles,shows a broad absorption peak between 400~900 nm.A spectrohpotometric methed is used to measure the Cu2O absorption value at 870 nm.Experimental conditions of the formaldehyde-Fehling reagent-nanogold catalytic reaction were optimized.In the proposed method,the measured formaldehyde content obeyed Beer's law in the range of 1.2~600.0 μg/mL,with a linear regression equation of ΔA870 nm= 0.0014 C + 0.0627,a correlation coefficient of 0.999 2 and a detection limit of 0.45 μg/mL.Owing to high sensitivity,good selectivity,low-cost reagents,fast and good accuracy,the method has been applied to the determination of formaldehyde in food samples with satisfactory result.


Temperature hysteresis of the cholesteric pitch in planar cholesteric layers was observed in [1,2]. A similar hysteresis of the cholesteric pitch in planar layers has to take place in the applied electric (magnetic) field. The restriction on the sample characteristics and strength of the surface anchoring potential are found which ensure defectless mechanism of the pitch field and temperature variations (jumps in the pitch value). The equations describing temperature and field pitch variations are presented and analysed. For weak field an universal character of the pitch variations, similar to those for the temperature variations and dependent on the value of some parameter only, is revealed. In the frame of Rapini model anchoring potential the field and temperature dependencies of the pitch variations and the hysteresis in the pitch jumps for specific values of the mentioned parameter are calculated. Transmission optical spectra of the layer for normal incidence of light are calculated at the points of pitch jumps.


During dynamic exercise, substantial cardiorespiratory adjustments are made to meet the increased requirement for oxygen as a substrate for aerobic metabolism, and to maximize clearance of carbon dioxide in defence of acid–base homeostasis. It is generally regarded that the ventilatory response to exercise manifests in response to multiple drivers of pulmonary ventilation, including central command and sensory feedback from various peripheral sites. The carotid bodies aremultimodal sensors, pivotal to the control of breathing. The cardiopulmonary response to exercise is usually sufficient tomaintain normal arterial oxygen status. However, there are many additional changes in arterial blood chemistry, arising during intense exercise, which provide substrates for enhanced chemoafferent input from the carotid bodies to the brainstem circuits that govern respiratory timing and motor outflow, which are relevant to exercise-induced hyperpnoea. Pulmonary ventilation is facilitated during increased metabolic demand by active expiration. Recruitment of abdominal muscles in the late expiratory phase of the respiratory cycle, arising fromdisinhibition of theexpiratoryoscillator (parafacial respiratory group), complements enhanced inspiratory motor drive and serves to accelerate respiratory frequency and increase tidal volume, allowing for impressive gains in the magnitude of pulmonary ventilation. It is established that peripheral chemoreceptor inputs modulate active expiration (MalheirosLima, Silva, Souza, Takakura, & Moreira, 2020). In this issue of Experimental Physiology, Spiller, da Silva, Francescato, and Moraes (2020) explore whether the carotid bodies are necessary for the recruitment of active inspiration and expiration during lowand highintensity exercise in rats. Rats were trained to run on a treadmill and perform low-intensity constant load exercise and progressive incremental high-intensity exercise to volitional exhaustion. Next, the animals were surgically


The study shows that oil production and consumption in the various sectors accounted for over 80% of the rising GHG emissions, especially CO2. Additionally, the study examines the solar PV potential of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, using computational modelling. The results show that the yearly average global horizontal irradiation (GHI), direct normal radiation (DNI), and diffuse horizontal irradiations (DHI) are 2244 kW/m2, 1967 kW/m2, and 863.3 kWh/m2, respectively. Other results are the yearly sum of monthly global tilted irradiation (GTI) and an average yearly daily sum of GTI are 2348.4 (kWh/m2) and 6.44 (kWh/m2), respectively. These results show that Jeddah has huge solar PV potential.


Aerosol photoresist particles, that formed during spin-coating of silicon wafers, were contained by modifying the spin-cup of a photorésist coater. The aerosol particles were counted, using an optical particle counter, and collected for SEM inspection with a cascade particle inipactor. We measured the effect spin-coating process variables had on the nuniber, size and shape of photoresist aerosol particles. Both negative and positive photoresist coatings, having photoresist aerosol particles on their surfaces, were exposed and developed to demonstrate the type of pattern defects that fornied.


Multi-class channel coded layered asymmetrically clipped optical orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (LACO-OFDM) is proposed, where the achievable rate of the system is derived based on our mutual information analysis. We conceive a multi-class channel encoding scheme integrated with the layered transmitter. At the receiver, both the coded and uncoded likelihood ratios are extracted for inter-layer interference cancellation and symbol detection, respectively. Simulations are conducted, and the results show that our design approaches the achievable rate within 1.1 dB for 16-QAM four-layer LACO-OFDM with the aid of a half-rate eight-iteration turbo code at  $\text {BER}=10^{-3}$ , outperforming its conventional counterpart by about 3.6 dB.


We present an X-ray absorption line spectroscopic study of the large-scale hot interstellar medium (HISM) in the Galaxy. We detect Ne IX Kα absorption lines in the Chandra grating spectra of seven Galactic low-mass X-ray binaries. Three of these sources also show absorption of O VII Kα, O VII Kβ, and/or O VIII Kα. Both the centroid and width of the lines are consistent with a Galactic HISM origin of the absorption. By jointly fitting the multiple lines, accounting for line saturation, and assuming the collisional ionization equilibrium, we estimate the average absorbing gas temperature as ~(2.4 ± 0.3) × 106 K (90% confidence errors). We further characterize the spatial density distribution of the gas as 6.4 exp(-|z|/1.2 kpc) × 10-3 cm-3 (a disk morphology) or 6.2[1 + (R/2.3 kpc)2]-1 × 10-3 cm-3 (a sphere morphology), where z and R are the distances from the Galactic plane and Galactic center (GC) respectively. Since nearly all the sight lines with significant absorption lines detected are somewhat toward GC and at low Galactic latitudes, these results could be severely biased. More observations toward off-GC sight lines and at high latitudes are urgently needed to further the study. Nevertheless, the results demonstrate the excellent potential of X-ray absorption line spectroscopy in the study of the HISM.


The primary goal of this and a previous paper1 is to determine whether molar volume makes significant contributions to the partitioning of solute molecules between different phases. The previous paper considered the entropies of mixing of chainlike solvent molecules where volume effects arising from chain connectivity were found to raise the chemical potential of dissolved solutes. In this paper we consider the case of spherical solvent molecules. An expression is derived for the entropy of mixing of hard spheres under additive volume conditions. In addition to suggesting how volume effects may be related to molecular shape, our results allow us to consider the relationship between various theories which have related mixing entropies to molar volume. It is shown that volume-dependent contributions to solvation entropies can be interpreted in terms of pressure−volume effects involving hard sphere or ideal pressure rather than ambient pressures. Entropic effects result directly from changes in free volume r...


This work illustrates the gender discourse in Lolita fashion. Lolita clothing is a kind of clothing in ancient European style which is adapted by Japanese designers, and Lolita subculture is cultivated by mass as a result of its popularity. Most of its enthusiasts are female, thus it will be beneficial to the development of female subculture if the gender discourse signified by Lolita fashion is analyzed thoroughly. Based on Gramsci's "hegemony" theory, this paper analyzes the male hegemony, female resistance and their "negotiation" in texts about Lolita fashion. They are divided into two categories, one is ideological and related to man's gaze, another is economic and related to division of labor between sexes. It is concluded that Lolita fashion or subculture is a field of "negotiation" between male chauvinism and female resistance. These two discourses tend to compromise with each other, while it is still difficult to tell which one is dominant at present.


The article is devoted the analysis of activity of educational courses on preparation of educators for preschool establishments of USSR. Listeners was taught on them mainly from rural locality with.. Exactly they and made basic part of preschool workers.


Introduction: The goal of VESPA (Virtual European Solar and Planetary Access) is to build a Virtual Observatory (VO) for Solar System Sciences, based on the infrastructure developed in a previous program EuroplanetRI, and reusing mechanisms which have been developed for the Astronomy VO [1,2]. PDS 4 uses a different system description. We propose to present a first test result of PDS data query using the VESPA client.


Rubidium–strontium whole-rock ages are reported from the Nejanilini – Great Island area in northeastern Manitoba. This area is part of an extensive zone of Archean basement that was metamorphosed and intruded by granitic magma during the Proterozoic; it extends into Saskatchewan and southern District of Keewatin, Northwest Tertitories. An age of 2577 ± 42 Ma (1σ error) for the extensive Nejanilini granulite massif (Nejanilini domain), considered one of the oldest rock units in the area, is interpreted as a minimum age for late Archean granulite-facies metamorphism. A minimum age of 2052 ± 41 Ma (initial ratio 0.7150) for quartz–feldspar porphyry that intrudes the Seal River volcanic suite constrains the age of these volcanics and could represent a partially reset Archean age. Early Proterozoic quartzite and metagreywacke of the Great Island Group unconformably overlies the quartz–feldspar porphyry. These metasedimentary rocks, which are probably correlative with the Daly Lake Group (Saskatchewan) or the H...


Composite interval mapping is the inclusion in the linear model of the effects of QTL located in marker intervals unlinked to the interval being analysed. These QTL can be assumed to be located at a marker position, in which case the regressor variable is an allele transmission probability (ATP) for the chosen marker, or the QTL can assumed to be located somewhere in an interval, in which case the regressor variable is an average ATP. Simulation is used to compare CIM that uses single position ATP and average ATP with conventional interval mapping (IM). The results show both methods of CIM to be more powerful than IM. Test statistic profiles are generally higher and better defined. In cases where alleles are not equally informative within markers CIM with average ATP has more power that CIM with single position ATP.


MANY authors (Ehrich, 1929; Conway, 1937; Osterlind, 1938; Ringertz and Adamson, 1950; Congdon and Makinodan, 1961) have suggested that the formation of germinal centres in conventional animals is a cellular event associated with the injection of an immunogenic material. However, their results are difficult to interpret, since germinal centres at various stages of development and numerous cells of the plasma-cell series were already present when the animals were challenged with the test antigen. The influence of antigens other than the test antigen on the cellular changes can be largely overcome by using animals that are maintained in a germ-free environment. The spleen of germfree chickens less than 4 wk old is almost devoid of germinal centres and contains few cells of the plasma-cell series (Thorbecke et al., 1957). In the present study, germinal centres were induced in the spleen of germ-free chickens by injecting a killed suspension of Staphylococcus uureus, and the cellular events involved in both the primary and secondary response are described.


. We propose a geometrical model of brane inflation where inflation is driven by the flux generated by opposing brane charges and terminated by the collision of the branes, with charge annihilation. We assume the collision process is completely inelastic and the kinetic energy is transformed into the thermal energy after collision. Thereafter the two branes coalesce together and behave as a single-brane universe with zero effective cosmological constant. In the Einstein frame, the four-dimensional effective theory changes abruptly at the collision point. Therefore, our inflationary model is necessarily five-dimensional in nature. As the collision process has no singularity in five-dimensional gravity, we can follow the evolution of fluctuations during the whole history of the universe. It turns out that the radion field fluctuations have a steeply tilted, red spectrum, while the primordial gravitational waves have a flat spectrum. Instead, primordial density perturbations could be generated by a curvaton mechanism.


Reaction of N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,4-phenylenedimethanamine with copper(II) acetate under high-dilution conditions at room temperature in methanol yielded a dimetallocyclophane in 85% yield. In the crystal structure of the dimeric complex, two rotational isomers of the phenylene bridging groups were observed. For one isomer, the nearly parallel arrangement of these groups provided a cavity with dimensions 7.31 × 5.23 A. The rings were exactly perpendicular in the second rotational isomer. The distance between ring centers in this perpendicular arrangement is identical to the optimized value for the edge-to-face CH–π interaction determined by molecular dynamics calculations for liquid benzene, suggesting a strong edge-to-face interaction in this rotational isomer.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the use of a dermal biopsy punch for accurate and quick removal of ectopic cilia in dogs.

ANIMALS STUDIED
This study reports the treatment of ectopic cilia detected in 12 dogs during the period from June 2002 to December 2004. Five cases were affected with ectopic cilia in the right eye, and five in the left eye, with two cases affected bilaterally. Nineteen ectopic cilia were detected in 12 dogs.

PROCEDURE
The technique described in this study consists of using a 2-3-mm skin biopsy punch with the aid of an operating microscope.

RESULTS
No recurrence was noted in any of the cases. The presurgical blepharospasm due to the presence of the cilia resolved as well as uneventful corneal healing of any associated corneal erosions or ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS
This method offers a simple, practical alternative to the traditional scalpel procedure as described in the veterinary ophthalmic literature.


Objective Recent researches showed that Eph/Ephrin tyrosine kinase family plays an important role in the development and functional maintanence of nervous system,but it is unclear if it affects sympathetic nervous system.The study is to detect the effect of EphB/Ephrin-B1 signal on the currents of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor(α7-nAChRs) on ciliary ganglion neurons.Methods Currents of α7-nAChRs on cultured and acute-associated ciliary ganglion neurons were recorded respectively.Cells were randomly divided into four groups: the control group,the Ephrin-B1Fc treated group(cells stimulated with different concentrations of Ephrin-B1Fc which is a recombination of IgG and Ephrin-B1),IgG treated group(cells stimulated with IgG at the same concentration of IgG needed for Ephrin-B1Fc recombination),Ephrin-B1 treated group(cells stimulated with Ephrin-B1 at the same concentration of Ephrin-B1 needed for Ephrin-B1Fc recombination).Results There was no difference between the control,IgG and Ephrin-B1 groups,but Ephrin-B1Fc could inhibit α7-nAChRs currents of both cultured and acute-associated CG neurons in a concentration-dependent manner.The inhibition happened quickly and was reversible.IC_50 of I_peak/C_m of cultured and acute-associated cells was 0.032mg/L and 1.4mg/L respectively.Conclusion The results showed that EphB/Ephrin-B1 signal can affect currents of CG α7-nAChRs.Is suggests that it may play some important roles in the regulation of sympathetic nervous system.


A regional metabolism analysis model based on three dimensional physical input-output tables (PIOT) was developed to analyze the intra-flows, i.e. the distribution, use and transformation of materials inside economic system. There're four major features in the design of the 3D-PIOT. The first is that it consists of a main input-output table, a series of sub-tables and supplementary tables, in which the structure of main table and sub-tables are the same, while that of supplementary tables are a little different. The second is that the material flows are measured in mixed units. The existing PIOTs are all measured in tons and those products measured in non-mass units are neglected. It is called for to use proper units to measure different kinds of products during the methodological development of PIOT, while the model in this paper is designed to meet this demand. The third is the treatment of waste. A sub-table is specially designed to record all the recycled waste flows, which describes the generation, reuse, disposal, recycle and discharge of the recycled wastes. The fourth is that the consumptions, including government and household, are regarded as sectors of intermediate use. This makes the system boundary clearer, while input-output analysis model can still be further developed based on such design. Some other problems and techniques about PIOT compilation are also discussed in this paper. Based on the 3D-PIOT, indicators of regional metabolism can be defined from different aspects and levels, such as industrial structure, techniques and socio-economic conditions. The 3D-PIOT and the derived indicators are useful to identify material metabolism and the structural characteristics of regional economic system. A planning table is also afforded in this paper for further constructing input-output analysis model to plan the natural resource use and waste discharge in a region, and to provide decision-making support for regional developmental transformation. The model was applied to Yima city for the first time, which is a pilot city demonstrating circular economy development in China. A three dimensional regional PIOT called YMPIOT2002 was compiled, which laid solid foundation for planning the circular economy development in Yima.


The International Monetary Fund and the World Bank have for a long time embarked on what can be described as a 'trustee' relationship with countries in the Commonwealth Caribbean. From the latter half of the 1970s, countries such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Barbados as well as Grenada were 'forced' because of their chronic need for 'hard' currency loans to approach the IMF and the World Bank. These loans were accompanied by structural adjustment measures. This paper attempts, for the first time, to evaluate, in the case of Jamaica, whether the measures introduced by the Lending Agencies resulted in some measure of economic growth in the countries under review. The paper then examines the new agreements entered into by these countries and the measures that accompanied them. The overarching argument is that the forces of globalization as well as austerity measures introduced by lending agencies such the IMF and the World Bank prevents rather than encourages small island governments1 to embark on 'national' development plans and programs. In other words, the primary argument of this paper is that these countries are constrained in their ability to 'govern' themselves; rather their economic decisions are largely crafted by the forces of globalization and further reinforced by international lending agencies such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.


In response to the Federal Clean Water Act of 1972 and the Florida Restoration Act of 1999, a series of best management practices (BMPs) was implemented to improve surface and ground water quality. BMPs are cultural practices that, when implemented as a plan, help reduce the environmental impact of production while maintaining yield and quality. One of these BMPs includes the use of controlled-release fertilizer, which is an enhanced-efficiency fertilizer. This publication describes the common enhanced-efficiency fertilizers and the factors affecting their use in Florida vegetable production. This 9-page fact sheet was written by Luther Carson and Monica Ozores-Hampton, and published by the UF Department of Horticultural Sciences, October 2014.


this work deals with the application of the macroindentation technique to the determination of the elastic parameters of composite with polypropylene matrix and reinforced with ductile and brittle fibers. The aim is to obtain a representatives average values taking into account the influence of the holding time and type of the used reinforcement (ductile or brittle reinforcement) on the overall elastic modulus of the studied polymers. To do this, the diameter of the indenter used ischosen relatively large (diameter of 16 mm) and the load equal to 6 kN. The various results obtained made it possible to see the effects of the holding time and the type of reinforcements used on the evolution of the elastic modulus of the reinforced composite


We present an analog rotating ring decoder for decoding an LDPC convolutional code. The decoder architecture uses a window of soft received L-values, K time units in the past and K time units in the future, to decode a given bit. The window of 2K+1 time units is arranged in a ring structure, and decoding proceeds in a continuous fashion by rotating around the ring. Simulation results indicate performance almost identical to that achieved with digital decoding.


The problem on analying the Multi-Class tumor gene expression profile datasets,and researching the classification of tumors and normal tissues start,tries to find the infor-mative genes for distinguishing tumor from normal tissues.Using the decision tree to the classification of tumor gene expression profiles,and tries to introduce genetic algorithm to optimize the classification rules derived by the decision tree.The result shows that this method can distinguish objects accurately and improve the precision.


Gibberellic acid (GA2), Salicylic acid (SA) and β-naphthol (β-N) hasten the emergence of ears and also increase the number of branches, ears, seeds/ear and 1000 seed weight in Italian millet


In (1, Theorem A), Beidleman and Robinson proved that if a group satisfies the permutizer condition, it is soluble, its chief factors have order a prime number or 4 and G induces the full group of automorphisms in the chief factors of order 4. In this paper, we show that the converse of this theorem is false by showing some counterexamples. We also find some sufficient conditions for a group satisfying the converse of that theorem to satisfy the permutizer condition. ∗Supported by Proyecto PB97-0674-C02-02 and Proyecto PB97-0604 from DGICYT, Ministerio de Educación y Ciencia


Abstract This experimental study was conducted to investigate the effect of NaOH concentration and treatment time on the flexural properties of Luffa cylindrica fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Significant improvement (up to 84.92%) in the flexural properties for the treated fiber composite compared with the untreated fiber composite was observed. Both treated and untreated fiber composites were then subjected to different environmental treatments (saline water, distilled water, and subzero temperature). To find out the changes in flexural strength immediately after treatment, the same test was carried out on the composites. Degradation in the flexural strength of both treated and untreated fiber composites, when subjected to environmental treatments, was observed. They were found within the range of 2%–20% and were found to be least in subzero treatment. The SEM micrograph indicates that alkali treatment is effective in improving the adhesion between the fiber and matrix.


The technics of preparation for carbonaceous adsorbents from sewage sludge with H3PO4 activation were studied.The effects of H3PO4 solution concentration,activation temperature,activating time and the impregnation ratio of H3PO4∶sawdust were investigated.It was showed that the experimental conditions for preparation of sewage sludge-based activated carbon were the concentration of H3PO4 50%,activation temperature of 450 ℃,activating time 1 h,the impregnation ratio of H3PO4:sawdust 1.5∶1.Under the conditions,the iodine value of the sludge activated carbon was 210 mg/g.This sludge activated carbon was used to treat wastewater,and the effect of adsorption was satisfactory.


Abstract : Six pilot studies were conducted to determine the effects of training on range estimation performance for aerial targets, and to identify some of the relevant variables. Observers were trained to estimate ranges of 350, 400, 800, 1,500, or 2,500 meters. Several variations of range estimation training methods were studied, including immediate knowledge of results after making an estimation, 'paired associate' presentation of observed aircraft position with actual range information, and the use of an occluding object as a range estimation aid. Two variables that tended to influence performance were aircraft elevation and incoming-outgoing directions of flight. (Author)


Banana exports are becoming important sources of Thailand's revenue since bananas are perceived as full of nutrients and people consume them not only as a food staple but also as a nutritious supplement. Since consumers are concerned about the health effects of chemical residue in food, it is becoming important for banana exporters to make sure bananas are not contaminated by chemicals, bacteria, mold or insects. This means improving standards in banana production processes. The receiving and packaging steps begin first, when bananas arrive from the farm. Then bananas are inspected and information is recorded. Next, bananas are weighed, tested, cleaned, cut, and packed. After the final packing data is recorded, labels are put on cartons. Finally, specific storage procedures are required before determining delivery dates for target destinations. Effective banana processing practices will sustain Thailand's competitive edge in the world banana market.


Most of the popular explanations of the observed anomalies in the semileptonic $B$-meson decays involve TeV scale Leptoquarks (LQs). Among the various possible LQ models, two particular LQs -- $S_{1}(3, 1, 1/3)$ and $U_{1}(3, 1, 2/3)$ seem to be most promising. Here, we use current LHC data to constrain the $S_{1}(3, 1, 1/3)$ and $U_{1}(3, 1, 2/3)$ parameter spaces relevant for the $R_{D^{(*)}}$ observables. We recast the latest ATLAS $\tau\tau$ resonance search data to obtain new exclusion limits. For this purpose, we consider both resonant (pair and single productions) and non-resonant ($t$-channel LQ exchange) productions of these LQs at the LHC. For the limits, the most dominant contribution comes from the (destructive) interference of the non-resonant production with Standard Model backgrounds. The combined contribution from the pair and inclusive single production processes is less prominent but non-negligible. The limits we get are independent and competitive to other known bounds. For both the models, we set limits on $R_{D^{(*)}}$ motivated couplings.


The assessment of osteoporotic subjects from X-ray images poses a significant challenge for pattern recognition and medical diagnostic applications. Textured images of bone micro-architecture of osteoporotic and healthy subjects exhibit high degree of similarity hence amplifying difficulty of classifying such textures. This research is focused on exploring different texture based methods to segregate osteoporotic from healthy controls. We enacted set of well evaluated preprocessing model to enhance the prospects of drawing a distinct line between two classes while exercising diverse texture analysis approaches including Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM), two-dimensional and one-dimensional Local Binary Patterns. Finally we propose a hybrid technique to attain an enhanced class distinction. Consequently experiments were conducted on two populations of osteoporotic patients and controls, with comparative analysis of the results.


New and seed-stage technology-oriented companies play a vital role in a state's economy. Because of their high-risk nature, however, these companies have limited access to venture capital. "Angel investors" often are the only source of capital for companies operating in the "equity gap" that exists between the founder's funds and subsequent financing rounds from traditional banks and venture capital funds. Several states have enacted qualified investment tax credit programs, also known as "angel investor programs," to encourage individuals to invest in these seed-stage companies. Angel investor programs are economic development tools designed to provide an angel investor a state income tax credit in the amount of a defined percentage, generally 20% to 40%, of an investment in a seed-stage company.


This paper elaborates on a simulative study based on a survey in Miao Lake in Wuhan including sampling of lake sediment and water,and an experiment with a unit containing the sediment and overlying lake water.By orthogonal test method the experiment was conducted on how changes of the environmental factors affect nitrogen release of sediment,the factors including temperature,pH and dissolved oxygen.In addition,N-releasing formula was deduced from the regression analysis,which could be used to estimate nitrogen releasing rate under the condition of temperature,pH and DO,and thus offering a reference for controlling the Lake's endogenous pollution.


Cash waqf was introduced as an alternative for individuals who do not have an immovable asset but rather have the cash to donate as waqf. It can be observed, however, that Muslims in Kano State narrow their perception of waqf only to be in the form of a kind but not in cash. It is to say that public awareness and understanding of cash waqf are insignificant. Therefore, this study aims to assess factors influencing the intention to accept cash waqf among entrepreneurs in the Kano metropolis with particular reference to Singer Market. The study employed partial least square–structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and was theoretically guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Structured survey questionnaires were administered to 379 respondents whom were registered entrepreneurs in Singer Market based on a convenience non-probability sampling technique. Descriptive statistics using charts and tables were employed to analyze the demographic information, while data collected from the respondents were analyzed utilizing AMOS, version 21. The study uncovered that perceived behavioral control and religiosity significantly influenced the intention to accept cash waqf among entrepreneurs in Singer Market in Kano Metropolis, while awareness and attitude did not. This paper recommends that the management of the Kano State Zakat and Hubsi Commission (KSZHC) should establish sensitization programs to create awareness and promote cash waqf for the public to mobilize more potential waqf donors in the state.


The subject innovation relates to a window frame for a connection bracket for securing the window frame to which the jaw balcony window system and installation that requires double-glazed windows, etc. of the apartment and Heavy. The window frame connecting bracket of the subject innovation, the balcony jaws my be bolted to the side so that the bottom of the screw fastening the window frame made in a state extending in the balcony inward from the upper end of the balcony jaw "b" shape bending the molded sash mounting bracket with and; The window frame as soon binder into the bent portion side of the fixing bracket is at the same time entered at the bottom and screw the window frame is secured to the upper balcony jaw, a "b" shape a top surface corresponding to the bottom of the window frame to form a "T" shape forming a horizontal plane characterized by consisting of a bent molded balcony bracket. Therefore, molding produced according to the present invention, through a press working than the respective rectangular panel on "T" character also welded in the form and at the same time that the welding of the horizontal side and the conventional window frame connecting brackets for the reinforcing piece is fixed welded on between the vertical side which has an excellent effect such as to significantly reduce the assembly and the simplicity of the window frame constructions as well as production process and the production time for this between the respective brackets. Balconies, window frame, connecting bracket, press bending, fitting, window frame fixing bracket, balko Needle fixing bracket, reinforcing piece, mortar, sealing


Abstract A two-time-scale perturbation expansion is used to derive a cross-section-averaged convection–dispersion equation for the particle distribution in the flow of a concentrated suspension of neutrally buoyant, non-colloidal particles through a straight, circular tube. Since the cross-streamline motion of particles is governed by shear-induced migration, the Taylor-dispersion coefficient ${\mathscr{D}}_{eff} $ scales as ${U}^{\prime } {R}^{3} / {a}^{2} $ , ${U}^{\prime } $ , $R$ and $a$ being the characteristic velocity scale, the tube radius and the particle radius, respectively. Here ${\mathscr{D}}_{eff} $ is found to decrease monotonically with an increase in the particle concentration. The linear dependence of ${\mathscr{D}}_{eff} $ on ${U}^{\prime } $ implies that changes in the cross-section averaged axial concentration profile are dependent only on the total axial strain experienced by the suspension. This stipulates that the spatial evolution of a fluctuation in the concentration of particles in the flowing suspension, or the width of the mixing zone between two regions of different concentrations in the tube will be independent of the suspension velocity in the tube. A second interesting feature in particulate dispersion is that the effective velocity of the particulate phase is concentration-dependent, which, by itself (i.e. without considering Taylor dispersion), can produce either sharpening or relaxation of concentration gradients. In particular, shocks with positive concentration gradients along the flow direction can asymptotically evolve into time-independent distributions in an appropriately chosen frame of reference, and concentration pulses relax asymmetrically. These trends are contrasted with those expected from the classical problem of Taylor dispersion of a passive tracer in the same geometry. The results in this paper are especially relevant for suspension flows through microfluidic geometries, where the induction lengths for shear-induced migration are short.


Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) is a framework for integrating business processes and supporting IT infrastructure as secure, standardized components-services-that can be reused and combined to address changing business priorities. Services are the building blocks of SOA and new applications can be constructed through consuming these services and orchestrating services within a business process. In SOA, services map to the business functions that are identified during business process analysis. Upon a successful implementation of SOA, the enterprise gain benefit by reducing development time, utilizing flexible and responsive application structure, and following dynamic connectivity of application logics between business partners. This paper presents SOA reference architecture blueprint as the building blocks of SOA which is services, service components and flows that together support enterprise business processes and the business goals. Keywords : Service Oriented Architecture, SOA Reference Architecture


Opioid‐induced hyperalgesia is a state of nociceptive sensitisation secondary to opioid administration. The objective of this meta‐analysis was to test the hypothesis that high‐dose intraoperative opioids contribute to increased post‐operative pain and hyperalgesia when compared with a low‐dose regimen in patients under general anaesthesia.


We investigate present types of automatic adaptation to noise influence and we design a receiver structure which allows the realizing of a new method of adaptation by sensitivity.


(57) [summary] method of inhibiting nucleoside and nucleobase (nucleobase) transport in mammalian cells, as well as the inhibition of viral replication, and discloses a method of enhancing the phosphorylation of nucleoside analogs, here, each method uses a carbostyril derivative as an active ingredient.


Information propagation in the social network as well as the network evolution have been actively researched in the past decades. In this paper, we explore the correlation between the information propagation along the social network and dynamics of the social relation. Besides existing observations on network dynamics in the literature, we also observed the real-world dataset to discover various structural dynamics in the social network, and we further found that information with different contents led to different patterns of network dynamics. Furthermore, we found in the dataset that traditional influence maximization mechanisms deteriorate in the dynamic networks with structural change. Therefore, we modeled the social influence's influence on the structure of the social network based on the real-world dataset, and then we proposed the extended Linear Threshold influence propagation model where such interaction is well characterized - the social influence propagation affects the structure and the structure changes in turn affects the influence propagation. To validate our model, we run simulation in real-world datasets, and we found the simulated network dynamics resemble that of the real-world social networks very well.


Engineering developments introduced of 1981 American cars include: the new Cadillac engine that can be operated on 8, 6, or 4 cylinders, the GM Computer Command Control system for reducing emissions, the Chrysler K Cars, the Ford Escort/Lynx cars powered by the new Compound Valve Hemispherical engine, and the new AMC light weight 6-cyl engine.


An agreement on the attorneys fee is a subject of contractual relationship between the attorney and his or her client. There are three forms of...


The article considers various design options for devices contrast to the thermal effect on the individual zones of the human body.


Purpose: Massive allografts have been used in orthopaedic surgery for many years. Early results have generally been encouraging, but the risk of long-term resorption remains to be evaluated. We analysed resorption of 39 allografts implanted more than 10 years earlier. Material and methods: Thirty-nine massive allografts implanted to sheath hip, knee or shoulder prostheses were studied a mean 13 years (range 10 – 17) after implantation. These allografts had been prepared in the same manner: preservaton at −30°C, sterilisation by 25000 Gy before implantation. A radiological scale was used to class graft resorption as minor (less than 5 mm in depth and less than 1 cm in length), moderate, or major (concerning the entire thickness of the allograft over three quarters of the circumference, irrespective of the length involved. These allografts measured more than 15 cm and were used for revision of loosened total hip arthroplasties, or reconstruction after tumour resection (tibia, femur, humerus). Among the 39 patients, 21 had received postoperative chemotherapy alone or in combination with radiotherapy. Results: The allograft healed within the first or second postoperative year. Peripheral resorption was only observed at last follow-up. Among the 39 massive allografts assessed more than 10 years after implantation, 28 exhibited radiologically visible resorption. Among these 28, resorption was minimal for 15, moderate for nine and major for four. The first factor favouring resorption was complementary treatment, particularly local radiotherapy after carcinological resection. To a lesser degree, chemotherapy, given alone, also favoured resorption. None of the allografts implanted during a revision procedure for loosened total hip arthroplasty exhibited signs of absorption 10 years later. Two patients who had undergone resection of a chondrosarcoma with no complementary treatment exhibited only minor allograft resorption. Minor and moderate resorption was observed preferentially in the upper portions of the tibia and humerus, compromising the implant (three loosenings at more than 10 years. Peripheral resorption of the allograft appeared generally between the third and seventh postoperative year. Beyond that time, resorption did not appear to occur or increase. Evident polyethyl-ene wear observed in several patients operated on more than 10 years earlier was not associated with endosteal osteolysis of the subjacent allograft. Discussion: Resorption of massive allografts is preferentially observed in the upper portions of the humerus and tibia, and generally occurs in patients who have undergone carcinological resection of a tumour followed by complementary treatment. Resorption is exceptional for allografts inserted during total prosthesis revision.


Variable Reluctance(VR) resolver is widely used in automotive industry as rotor position sensor. VR resolver generates output signal of SIN, COS. these signals are converted to position angle through Resol ver-to-Digital Converter(RDC). This paper deals with the Resolver-to-Digital Converter(RDC) algorithm for position angle. The proposed method does not require much time and increases the accuracy of position angle.


A via reliability test of PCB board using embedded MLCC was evaluated by HALT and Pressure Cooker Test PCT. The reliability of HALT was evaluated at 125 , 4Vr, and 12Hr. The purpose of this test was to verify the stability of the MLCC by predicting the lifetime of the PCB. The PCBT conditions were measured at 85% humidity and 2 atm, and the reliability of the PCBs under severe conditions than HALT was evaluated. The basic characteristics of MLCC size are 0603 (600x300um), Capacitance 100nF, thickness 150µm. The initial electrical characteristics of the MLCC size are 0603 (600 x 300 um), Capacitance 100 nF, thickness 150 um. The initial electrical characteristics of the MLCC were measured at a rated voltage (10V) with a capacitance value of 98 ~ 103 nF, a loss rate of 0.048%, and an insulation resistance of 1.08 x 1010 (omega). The HALT test results showed that all the measured samples showed a value of 1 x 107 (omega) or more, and passed for the HALT test. The PCBT test resulted in failure, and the first sample fell below the poor insulation resistance at the start of the PCBT test. In the case of the second sample, the insulation resistance dropped to less than the defective insulation resistance for more than 30 hours, and the third sample has an appropriate insulation resistance of 1.0x106 even for more than 60 hours. It is confirmed that there is the greatest the possibility of failure in the part between the embedded chip and via that Cu plating is performed to form via by fill plating. Therefore, it is necessary to optimize the plating thickness and size conditions because the embedded MLCC has a high probability that defects mainly occur in VIA crack or delamination


In a model of N volume-excluding spheres in a d-dimensional tube, we consider how differences between the drift velocities, diffusivities, and sizes of particles influence the steady-state distribution and axial particle current. We show that the model is exactly solvable when the geometrical constraints prevent any particle from overtaking all others—a notion we term quasi-one-dimensionality. Then, due to a ratchet effect, the current is biased towards the velocities of the least diffusive particles. We consider special cases of this model in one dimension, and derive the exact joint gap distribution for driven tracers in a passive bath. We describe the relationship between phase-space structure and irreversible drift that makes the quasi-one-dimensional (q1D) supposition key to the model's solvability.


The purpose of this article is to share three challenge-based lesson plans that can be implemented by physical educators in their classroom. Each of the lesson examples addresses the three learning domains: psychomotor, cognitive and affective. Additionally, each lesson is aligned with SHAPE America's National Standards for K-12 Physical Education. Challenge-based lessons provide physical educators with the opportunity to address learning outcomes through non-traditional activities that can be easily implemented in the physical education classroom.


This paper summarizes an evaluation of multimegawatt (MMW) nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) and solar electric propulsion (SEP) for a piloted Mars exploration scenario. The figures of merit used in this study were total initial mass in low earth orbit (IMLEO) and the trip time. The MMW NEP and SEP systems to an aerobraked chemical (O2/H2) propulsion system are compared. A good performance compromise between a low IMLEO and short trip time can be obtained using MMW NEP systems; they can be both lighter and faster than the baseline chemical system. However, a MMW SEP system does not appear capable of providing as short a trip time as MMW NEP, in part due to the higher specific mass and non-constant power output of a SEP system.


The authors present a case that demonstrates the diagnostic challenge of mediastinal tumors. They describe the clinical presentation of a patient who had a central endobronchial tumor that was identified as a primary mediastinal spindle cell neoplasm.


The quantification of the antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is considered relevant for identifying possible vaccine failure and estimating protection time. Various types of vaccines have been produced to suppress the development of SARS-Cov2 from numerous approaches, starting from the use of inactivated whole viruses, genetic material (mRNA), and transmembrane proteins (spike protein-RDB). The strategy to increase herd immunity to SARS-cov2 infection through the vaccination program is estimated to impact health significantly. The presence of post-vaccination antibodies (IgG) needs to be monitored to determine the effectiveness of vaccines that have been immunized on a person, how long the protective power is produced from vaccinations that a person receives so that other vaccination programs can be confirmedly determined to obtain herd immunity and eliminate transmission of COVID-19 nationally. This study aimed to study the polyclonal character of the antibody induced by the specific protein from post-vaccinated patients. In this study, we also determined the highest antibody titer among groups using the ELISA method. According to SDS-PAGE visualization, we found a specific band, a 158 kDa, found explicitly in post-vaccine groups only. This protein will be selected as a protein antigen to produce rabbit polyclonal antibodies for further study. Based on the results of the polyclonal antibody production, it can be concluded that a 158 kDa protein isolate can stimulate a humoral immune response by a polyclonal antibody with the highest antibody titer detected at fifth-week blood collection. The selected polyclonal antibody specificity test was able to identify protein isolates from post-vaccinated patient's serum with a molecular weight of 158 kDa. © 2023 American Institute of Physics Inc.. All rights reserved.