To study the role of testosterone on the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, young intact male Wistar rats were given acute (24 h) or chronic (5 days) subcutaneous treatments of 500 micrograms testosterone propionate (TP) or vehicle alone. Plasma LH, prolactin and testosterone levels were measured both basally and after administration of LH-releasing hormone (LHRH) or human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) by means of specific radioimmunoassay systems using materials supplied by the NIADDK. After acute treatment with TP there was an increase in basal plasma testosterone concentrations and no modification in the hCG response when compared with vehicle-treated animals. No difference could be detected in basal plasma testosterone levels after the chronic treatment, but a significant reduction in the hCG response was observed. Both acute and chronic treatments with TP resulted in a significant decrease of basal plasma LH levels. A reduced LH response to LHRH in acutely treated rats and no response in the chronically treated rats was detected. Plasma prolactin levels showed an increase after both acute and chronic treatments. To evaluate the possible role of the increased plasma prolactin levels on the above modifications during TP treatment, another group of animals was treated with TP and bromocriptine (dopamine agonist) simultaneously to avoid the increase in plasma prolactin levels. In this situation, neither basal plasma LH levels nor the response to LHRH were altered when compared to vehicle-treated rats; a normal testosterone response to hCG stimulation was observed in spite of the high basal plasma testosterone levels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)


Assumptions of normality of residuals for carcass evaluation may make inferences vulnerable to the presence of outliers, but heavy-tail densities are viable alternatives to normal distributions and provide robustness against unusual or outlying observations when used to model the densities of residual effects. We compare estimates of genetic parameters by fitting multivariate Normal (MN) or heavy-tail distributions (multivariate Student's t and multivariate Slash, MSt and MS) for residuals in data of hot carcass weight (HCW), longissimus muscle area (REA) and 12th to 13th rib fat (FAT) traits in beef cattle using 2475 records from 2007 to 2008 from a large commercial operation in Nebraska. Model comparisons using deviance information criteria (DIC) favoured MSt over MS and MN models, respectively. The posterior means (and 95% posterior probability intervals, PPI) of v for the MSt and MS models were 5.89 ± 0.90 (4.35, 7.86) and 2.04 ± 0.18 (1.70, 2.41), respectively. Smaller values of posterior densities of v for MSt and MS models confirm that the assumption of normally distributed residuals is not adequate for the analysis of the data set. Posterior mean (PM) and posterior median (PD) estimates of direct genetic variances were variable with MSt having the highest mean value followed by MS and MN, respectively. Posterior inferences on genetic variance were, however, comparable among the models for FAT. Posterior inference on additive heritabilities for HCW, REA and FAT using MN, MSt and MS models indicated similar and moderate heritability comparable with the literature. Posterior means of genetic correlations for carcass traits were variable but positive except for between REA and FAT, which showed an antagonistic relationship. We have demonstrated that genetic evaluation and selection strategies will be sensitive to the assumed model for residuals.


This paper presents the results of experimental fingerponds: an integrated flood recession aquaculture–agriculture production system in the Lake Victoria wetlands in Kenya. The overall aim of the study is to assess the potential of fingerponds as a sustainable wetland farming system for improving food security at the subsistence level and within the context of the existing livelihood activities. The contribution of this new activity to rural household livelihoods is evaluated. Since it is a sustainable technology, based on natural events, the production level is intermediate and the benefits may not be high in the short term. Economic analysis shows that the gross margin and net income of fingerponds is about 752 and 197 Euros per hectare per year, respectively. This is about an 11% increase in the annual gross margin of an average rural household around Lake Victoria. The additional per capita fish supply is 3 kg per season or more from a 192 m2 pond. The potential fish protein supply of 200 kg/ha is high compared with most existing terrestrial protein production systems. Fingerponds have the potential to contribute to household food security and to improve livelihoods. Sensitivity analysis indicates that biophysical variations, which may occur from one wetland to another, have implications for the functioning, and consequently the economic performance, of fingerponds. This reinforces the need for the integration of these systems into other household activities to buffer the household against potential risk.


Despite the success of deep neural networks, there are still many challenges in deep representation learning due to the data scarcity issues such as data imbalance, unseen distribution, and domain shift. To address the above-mentioned issues, a variety of methods have been devised to explore the sample relationships in a vanilla way (i.e., from the perspectives of either the input or the loss function), failing to explore the internal structure of deep neural networks for learning with sample relationships. Inspired by this, we propose to enable deep neural networks themselves with the ability to learn the sample relationships from each mini-batch. Specifically, we introduce a batch transformer module or BatchFormer, which is then applied into the batch dimension of each mini-batch to implicitly explore sample relationships during training. By doing this, the proposed method enables the collaboration of different samples, e.g., the head-class samples can also contribute to the learning of the tail classes for long-tailed recognition. Furthermore, to mitigate the gap between training and testing, we share the classifier between with or without the BatchFormer during training, which can thus be removed during testing. We perform extensive experiments on over ten datasets and the proposed method achieves significant improvements on different data scarcity applications without any bells and whistles, including the tasks of long-tailed recognition, compositional zero-shot learning, domain generalization, and contrastive learning. Code is made publicly available at https://github.com/zhihou7/BatchFormer.


Space-filling curves (SFC, also known as FASS-curves) are a useful tool in scientific computing and other areas of computer science to sequentialize multidimensional grids in a cache-efficient and parallelization-friendly way for storage in an array. Many algorithms, for example grid-based numerical PDE solvers, have to access all neighbor cells of each grid cell during a grid traversal. While the array indices of neighbors can be stored in a cell, they still have to be computed for initialization or when the grid is adaptively refined. A fast neighbor-finding algorithm can thus significantly improve the runtime of computations on multidimensional grids.
In this thesis, we show how neighbors on many regular grids ordered by space-filling curves can be found in an average-case time complexity of $O(1)$. In general, this assumes that the local orientation (i.e. a variable of a describing grammar) of the SFC inside the grid cell is known in advance, which can be efficiently realized during traversals. Supported SFCs include Hilbert, Peano and Sierpinski curves in arbitrary dimensions. We assume that integer arithmetic operations can be performed in $O(1)$, i.e. independent of the size of the integer. We do not deal with the case of adaptively refined grids here. However, it appears that a generalization of the algorithm to suitable adaptive grids is possible. To formulate the neighbor-finding algorithm and prove its correctness and runtime properties, a modeling framework is introduced. This framework extends the idea of vertex-labeling to a description using grammars and matrices. With the sfcpp library, we provide a C++ implementation to render SFCs generated by such models and automatically compute all lookup tables needed for the neighbor-finding algorithm. Furthermore, optimized neighbor-finding implementations for various SFCs are included for which we provide runtime measurements.


Information flow control (IFC) is useful in preventing information leakage during software execution. Our survey reveals that no IFC model is applied on the entire software development process. Applying an IFC model on the entire software development process offers the following features: (1) viewpoints of all stakeholders (i.e., customers and analysts) can be included and (2) the IFC model helps correcting statements that may leak information during every development phase. In addition that no IFC model is applied to the entire software development process, we failed to identify an IFC model that can reduce runtime overhead. According to the above description, we designed a new IFC model named PrcIFC (process IFC). PrcIFC is applied on the entire software development process. Moreover, PrcIFC is disabled after software testing to reduce runtime overhead.


Objective: To evaluate the indications of primary cesarean section in multipara and to assess the obstetric outcome including maternal, fetal morbidity and mortality, perinatal outcome. Study Design and Setting: It was a hospital based study of primary caesarean sections (CS) done on multiparous patients in duration of two years between January 1, 2016, and December 2017 at Jinnah medical college hospital Karachi. Methodology: Multiparous patients were those who had delivered through vaginal route one or more times (i.e. 28 weeks of gestation or above) or had 1–4children and grand-multiparous are those who had 5 or more children. All the cases included in the study were hospital based and cesarean section was decided by specialist. The procedure was performed by registrars and specialists. The selected patients were followed up till they were discharge from the ward with minimum hospital stay of three days. Data was compiled and results were carried out by SPSS version 23. Results: During the two years of study period, the number of total deliveries were 2064. The primary CS rate in multipara was 37.17%. These women have more likely to have an emergency cessarean sections compared to elective i.e. 85% and15%. The mean age of women was 29.5 years, booked cases were 72.5% and unbooked were 27.5%. Regarding indications for cesarean sections, non-progress of labour ranked first 25.5% followed by fetal distress 20%, pre eclampsia 12 % and ante partum hemorrhage 10.5% etc. Increase incidence of morbidity and mortality was seen in patients undergoing cesarean section due to different reasons. Conclusion: Primary caesarean sections in multipara comprise only a small percentage (37.17%) of total deliveries but were related to high maternal and fetal morbidity


Depressive disorders are chronic conditions that produce both emotional and physical symptoms. Increasing evidence suggests that in some patients with depressive disorders a neurodegenerative process may occur, highlighting the importance of early and aggressive intervention. Serotonin (5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) neurotransmitter systems influence neuroplasticity in the brain, and both are involved in mediating the therapeutic effects of most currently available antidepressants. Some dual-action antidepressants have been shown to be effective in managing the pain symptoms associated with depression. These agents may have advantages over others by treating a wider array of physical symptoms. Additionally, these agents may also have a role in modulating neurogenesis and other neuroplastic changes, thereby leading to more complete recovery in patients suffering from the emotional and physical symptoms of chronic depression.


In discussing the operative treatment of squint, I shall limit my remarks to concomitant squint because I feel that this type is most frequently neglected. Much more can be accomplished for the young squinter than is being done. The child learns to walk, to talk and to fuse the two retinal images during the first years of life. This, then, is the only time when one can cure squint. Could one eliminate the many time-worn fallacies, such as the belief in ultimate cure by the prolonged use of glasses and the vague hope that the child may outgrow the condition, and attack the problem early, from both a scientific and a surgical standpoint, the final results would be far more gratifying. If glasses do not cure squint, or at least markedly improve it, in from two to three months, they probably never will. Notwithstanding this fact, a majority


This paper proposed a Parallel K-means Algorithm for High Dimensional sparse Text data (PKHT). By using GPU (Graphic Processing Unit) and MPI (Message-passing Interface), the proposed algorithm achieves a up to 11x lower running time.


We present a viable communication infrastructure and protocols to support the versatile data exchange in a network of smart cameras. Each node in network is an embedded smart camera whose hardware/software architecture was carefully designed to meet the performance requirement while providing sufficient flexibility. We introduce a novel scalable clustering approach, which uses asynchronous event exchange among the neighboring camera nodes. The new software-based event exchange structure is integrated into a Hardware Object Request Broker (ORB), which guarantees the real-time performance for transmission in and the seamless design of the network. The empirical results from case studies prove the viability of the proposed event exchange for a set of FPGA-based embedded smart cameras.


Abstract Background Scientific evidence has shown that an increase in regular physical activity is associated with a decrease in the development of many types of cancer. Potential mechanisms that link physical activity to reduced cancer risk include a decrease in systemic inflammation, hyperinsulinemia, insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I), sex hormones, pro-inflammatory leptin and other obesity-related cytokines, and a significant increase in anti-inflammatory adiponectin levels. In addition, physical activity improves immune function and the composition and diversity of the gastrointestinal microbiota. Moderate physical activity is important for cancer protection, but the most significant changes in the inflammatory profile are conferred by physical activity performed at higher intensities. Thus, there is a need for further investigation into the type, intensity, and duration of physical activity for the prevention of some types of cancer and the development of effective recommendations. Conclusions There is a strong evidence that physical activity of moderate to vigorous intensity protects against colon and breast cancer, and probably against cancer at all other sites.


Royal jelly (RJ) is a honeybee product containing proteins, carbohydrates, fats, free amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. As its principal unsaturated fatty acid, RJ contains 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), which may have antitumor and antibacterial activity and a capacity to stimulate collagen production. RJ has attracted interest in various parts of the world for its pharmacological properties. However, the effects of RJ on ultraviolet (UV)-induced photoaging of the skin have not been reported. In this study we measured the 10-HDA content of RJ by high-performance liquid chromatography and tested the effects of RJ on UVB-induced skin photoaging in normal human dermal fibroblasts. The effects of RJ and 10-HDA on UVB-induced photoaging were tested by measuring procollagen type I, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 after UVB irradiation. The RJ contained about 0.211% 10-HDA. The UVB-irradiated human skin fibroblasts treated with RJ and 10-HDA had increased procollagen type I and TGF-β1 productions, but the level of MMP-1 was not changed. Thus RJ may potentially protect the skin from UVB-induced photoaging by enhancing collagen production.


Human hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious public health problem worldwide, as it is one of the main risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cross-species transmission of HBV has been reported in non-human primates, and pigs may also be infected with HBV or an HBV-like agent. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the presence of HBV antigens and anti-HBV antibodies in pig sera, providing further support for the existence of HBV or an HBV-like agent in pig populations. The HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen (HBeAg) in pig serum samples were detected using HBsAg and HBeAg ELISA Kits, respectively. Antibodies to HBsAg and the Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg) in serum samples were also detected using anti-HBsAg and anti-HBcAg antibody ELISA Kits, respectively. HBsAg and HBeAg were detected in 7 of 442 (1.6%) and 7 of 184 (3.8%) pig serum samples, respectively. Furthermore, antibodies specific to HBsAg and HBcAg were identified in 45 of 442 (10.2%) and 39 of 434 (9.0%) pig serum samples, respectively. However, neither HBV DNA nor antibodies to HBeAg were detected in 409 and 298 pig serum samples, respectively. HBV antigens and anti-HBV antibodies were both present in a considerable number of pig serum samples, suggesting that pigs could be infected with a variant HBV or an HBV-like agent. Further studies will be necessary to confirm cross-species infection of pigs with HBV.


New zeolitic frameworks can be prepared through the Assembly-Disassembly-Organisation-Reassembly (ADOR) process by exploiting the lability of Ge-O bonds in germanosilicate zeolites to control their hydrolysis. In the disassembly step, two key factors are water and germanium content, but their exact roles remain unknown. Nevertheless, we combined experimental water-vapor adsorption with first principles simulations to identify the mechanism of germanosilicate zeolite disassembly. The results showed that water vapor adsorption on UTL germanosilicate proceeds in reversible (at low partial pressures) and irreversible (at higher partial pressures) modes. Based on our ab initio molecular dynamics simulations, we related these two modes to weak physisorption at low water loading and to reactive transformations at high water loading, via collective mechanisms requiring high local water concentrations. This bimodal behavior also depends on the germanium content as high Ge-content further decreases UTL hydrolytic stability by opening up yet another low-energy disassembly pathway at high water loading. Overall, we discovered, verified and explained the mechanisms of UTL disassembly and its factors. These findings will likely be generalized to other ADORable germanosilicate zeolites and help to find the optimal protocol for the synthesis of new zeolites.


Financial evaluation and strategic analysis have long been considered two distinct approaches to evaluating new capital initiatives. An emerging valuation approach, known as real options, attempts to align finance and strategy through a new perspective: the value of an asset lies not only in the amount of direct revenues that it is expected to generate, but also in the options that it creates for flexible decision-making in the future. In general, the more uncertain the future is, the higher the value of flexibility embedded in an asset, whether financial or real. This perspective has significant implications for the economics of flexible processes. Applied to software development, it could imply that a light-weight process that is well positioned to respond to change and future opportunities creates more value than a heavy-duty process that tends to freeze development decisions early. Thus, the feasibility of Extreme Programming (XP) can be supported by the option value of flexibility inherent in it. What is the theory that underlies this statement? How does it relate to the fundamental assumptions of XP? How does it impact the value of an XP project? What are the implications of such value propositions for project decisions? If you are curious, read on...


To study the function behind the molecular arrangement of single integrins in cell adhesion, we designed a hexagonally close-packed rigid template of cell-adhesive gold nanodots coated with cyclic RGDfK peptide by using block-copolymer micelle nanolithography. The diameter of the adhesive dots is < 8 nm, which allows the binding of one integrin per dot. These dots are positioned with high precision at 28, 58, 73, and 85 nm spacing at interfaces. A separation of > or = 73 nm between the adhesive dots results in limited cell attachment and spreading, and dramatically reduces the formation of focal adhesion and actin stress fibers. We attribute these cellular responses to restricted integrin clustering rather than insufficient number of ligand molecules in the cell-matrix interface since "micro-nanopatterned" substrates consisting of alternating fields with dense and no nanodots do support cell adhesion. We propose that the range between 58-73 nm is a universal length scale for integrin clustering and activation, since these properties are shared by a variety of cultured cells.


[Objective] To scientifically and reasonably evaluate the service efficiency,quality and the economic efficiency in each department,also to establish a fair and square hospital performance rating method by a salary system depending on work position and performance.[Methods] Case classification software was used to upload the first page of case history into the 'Hospital Case Classification System'.All of the discharged cases from our hospital were classified with this system and the quality indexes as ratio of severity,excellent rate of cases,case comprehensive value and diagnosis rate were calculated.Using these indexes,we evaluated the working efficiency and quality in each department comprehensively.[Results] After using this method,medical prognosis in 2009 was better than the last year,such as the reduction of average costs,a shorter average length of stay and significant improvement of medical quality.[Conclusion] The use of 'Hospital Case Classification System' in the hospital performance administration is helpful to regulate the clinical behavior and to enhance and consummate hospital administration.


Currently, the voltages of power supply on electric vehicle are far higher than the level that people can endure. Aiming at the high voltage safety of electric vehicle, a solution based on FPGA is introduced, which gives a real time detection for creepage of power supply and person's getting an electric shock on electric vehicle, and which cuts off the power supply immediately when the danger is detected. In the solution, a kind of voltage-sampling circuit is provided for the power supply on electric vehicle while the device of FPGA is used to count the insulated resistance to ground of power supply and control the switches. Using FPGA to realize the controlling function in place of MCU can increase the speed and stability of system. The result of experiment indicates that, applied on electric vehicle, this solution takes effect on the detection and protection for the creepage of power supply and person's getting an electric shock.


In an era when sentencing of mentally disordered offenders has been progressively influenced by protective considerations, the role psychiatrists play in the sentencing process is problematic. Where an offender's legitimate expectation of proportionality in sentencing can be trumped by psychiatric assessments, not of therapeutic need, but of either predictions of risk or untreatability or both, leading to disproportionate and potentially damaging custodial sentences, then psychiatrists should recognize that they are ethically compromised.


This paper successfully addresses an important class of hybrid optimal control problems of practical significance. It provides a viable general approach to hybrid optimal control based on nonlinear optimization and it shows that when this approach is applied to linear quadratic problems it leads to computationally attractive algorithms. Unlike conventional optimal control problems, optimal control problems for switched systems require the solutions of not only optimal continuous inputs but also optimal switching sequences. Many practical problems only involve optimization where the number of switchings and the sequence of active subsystems are given. This is stage 1 of the two stage optimization method proposed by the authors in previous papers. In order to solve stage 1 problems using efficient nonlinear optimization techniques, the derivatives of the optimal cost with respect to the switching instants need to be known. In this paper, we focus on and solve a special class of optimal control problems, namely, general switched linear quadratic problems. The approach first transcribes a stage 1 problem into an equivalent problem parameterized by the switching instants and then obtains the derivative values based on the solution of an initial value ordinary differential equation formed by the general Riccati equation and its differentiations. Examples illustrate the results.


For HTS electro-technical devices overload currents due to faults in grids are the operational reality. Overloads are working modes for fault current limiters as well. In this work we reproduce experimentally overload conditions in different HTS 1-G and 2-G tapes by use rectangular current pulses with different amplitudes and durations. Voltages and temperatures along tested samples have been measured. These experiments permitted us to follow the change of heat developments during overloads due to a difference of cooling regimes in the liquid nitrogen. Measuring of characteristic times of a heat development in different modes provides the data about possible surviving time of HTS devices and bearable current overloads. We also studied an influence of different shunting or reinforcing methods of HTS tapes on heat development. The obtained data can be used to analyze overload conditions at HTS power cables and HTS resistive FCL.


INTRODUCTION: This editorial aims to introduce the papers of
this special dossier and critically reflect on the
connection between the ongoing financial
crisis and crises in the sphere of environment
and development. The environmental crisis
relates to the interconnected global crises of
climate change, biodiversity loss, ocean acidification,
forest loss, and so forth (Heynen et al.
2007; CBD 2010). The development crisis is
one of global inequality or the further accretion
and concentration of wealth in fewer
hands while large pockets of poverty remain or
become entrenched across the developed and
developing world (Edward 2006; Harvey 2010;
Saith 2011). Both, we argue, are inherent to
contemporary capitalism, but have not received
the type of concentrated political and economic
investment of capital that we have
observed during the financial crisis.


The microstructure of thin polycrystalline films formed by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) has been studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Beneficial compressive residual stress was introduced by cavitation impacts. Surface morphology was characterized using atomic force microscopy (AFM). The films show two distinct microstructural regimes at the low and high end with an intermediate transition region. Homogeneous nucleation and growth in the bulk of the films were observed. Numerous planar twins are observed on the lower end while the polysilicon films has a highly textured columnar microstructure. The textured grains had rough edges. Both homogeneous nucleation and growth in the bulk of the films and heterogeneous nucleation and growth in the film-substrate interface are observed. The main defects have been identified as dislocations and microtwins. The locations of the dislocations are also discussed.


ABSTRACT Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) are important mediators of cell–cell communication with respect to diverse physiological processes. To further understand their physiological roles, understanding blood sEV homoeostasis in a quantitative manner is desired. In this study, we propose novel kinetic approaches to estimate the secretion and clearance of mouse plasma–derived sEVs (MP-sEVs) based on the hypothesis that blood sEV concentrations are determined by a balance between the secretion and clearance of sEVs. Using our specific and sensitive sEV labelling technology, we succeeded in analysing MP-sEV clearance from the blood after intravenous administration into mice. This revealed the rapid disappearance of MP-sEVs with a half-life of approximately 7 min. Moreover, the plasma sEV secretion rate, which is presently impossible to directly evaluate, was calculated as 18 μg/min in mice based on pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis. Next, macrophage-depleted mice were prepared as a model of disrupted sEV homoeostasis with retarded sEV clearance. MP-sEV concentrations were increased in macrophage-depleted mice, which probably reflected a shift in the balance of secretion and clearance. Moreover, the increased MP-sEV concentration in macrophage-depleted mice was successfully simulated using calculated clearance rate constant, secretion rate constant and volume of distribution, suggesting the validity of our PK approaches. These results demonstrate that blood sEV concentration homoeostasis can be explained by the dynamics of rapid secretion/clearance.


The purpose of this paper is to compare the Bayes factor and the likelihood ratio test in a pharmaceutical trial where the two treatments are a new drug and a control (a positive control or a placebo). The goal is to jointly answer the questions (1) is the new drug or the control toxic? (2) Is the new drug more effective and safer than the control? We consider a bivariate model where each treatment is characterized by a target effect (a continuous primary response y) and by a side effect (a continuous supplementary response xi). Using a Bayesian approach, we account for the uncertainty resulting from prediction of the side effect, by making use of the physician's prior inputs about the target-toxicity relationship and the maximum tolerated target effects that are considered to be safe. Finally, we consider an example about a sleeplessness drug, and we show that the Bayes factor provides a more flexible and informative tool than the likelihood ratio test in simultaneous testing. Advantages are greater when the number of experimental subjects is small.


The discipline of agricultural communications has been developing for nearly two centuries. As the discipline has adapted, professional organizations such as the American Association of `Agricultural College Editors (AAACE) and the Association for Communication Excellence in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Life and Human Sciences (ACE) have published literature representative of the topics and issues that have impacted the discipline through magazines and journals such as the AAACE, ACE Quarterly, and the Journal of Applied Communications ( JAC). The purpose of this study was to review the literature published in AAACE, ACE Quarterly, and JAC from 1968-2015 to identify primary and secondary literature themes. There were 13 emergent themes identified. The most prolific primary theme identified was Channel Development, Use or Research while the most prolific secondary theme identified was Educating Professionals. A count of the number of articles classified as "professional development" and "research" revealed a shift in the focus in the journal outlets. In earlier years, the discipline focused mainly on professional development articles (AAACE and ACE Quarterly), but transitioned almost completely to research ( JAC). This research acknowledges that the discipline has experienced significant literary shifts and provides a recommendation for further research in audience analysis of the literature coming from the journals of the discipline.


Abstract—The configuration of shear walls in plan of building will affect the seismic design of structure. The position of these walls will change the stiffness of each floor in the structure, the diaphragm center of mass displacement, and the drift of floor. Structural engineers preferred to distribute the walls in buildings to make the center of mass almost close enough to the center of rigidity, but to make this condition satisfied, they have many choices: construct the walls on the perimeter, or use intermediate walls, or use walls as core. In this paper and by using ETABS, each case is studied and compared to other cases according to three parameters: lateral stiffness, diaphragm displacement, and drift. It is found that the core walls are the best choice for the position of the walls in the buildings to resist earthquake loads.


Acknowledging the role of the youth in nation building as stated in the Republic Act also known as Youth in Nation-Building Act in the Philippines, youth organizations take part in the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law for the Bangsamoro people in the said country. However, various challenges have been faced. This study aimed to determine the challenges these youth organizations have experienced during their participation in the law's ratification. It also sought to identify the coping mechanisms they have employed to cope with those challenges during the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. To determine the challenges faced and coping mechanisms of the youth organizations, a qualitative type of research was used, and data was presented in narrative form. The participants which were selected purposely were officers of Al-Jalis As-Salih, Inc. (AAI); United Youth for Peace and Development (UNYPAD); Ittihadun – Nisa Foundation (INFO); Bangsamoro Youth Project Organization (BYPO); Young Centrist Union (YCU); and United Youth of the Philippines – Women (UNYPHIL). Purposive sampling was used in selecting the participants. The study found out that the youth organizations faced series of challenges during the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law such as receiving threat and having a hard time convincing people to vote for "YES" which means agreeing for the law's ratification. The youth also faced challenges during the posting of materials in Cotabato City, Philippines since the City Mayor is not in favor of the Bangsamoro Organic Law which led to various heated situations. Other challenges experienced are related to local traditional politics, different dynamics within the ground, differences of religion, capacity and resources of organization, financial concerns, the misinterpretation and misconception and myths on Bangsamoro Organic Law. It is then concluded that despite the challenges faced by the youth, they maximized their utmost participation and did not give up. Their steadfastness in achieving their goal is what made them tough to counter the waves of challenges.


Abstract Parque Bicentenario in the Área Natural Protegida El Espino-Bosque Los Pericos, considered the "last green lung of San Salvador", is the most important forested area in central El Salvador. We performed a survey to provide the first inventory of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) of the park. Collections were conducted monthly for one year (August 2018–July 2019) by using baited pitfall, aerial, and ultraviolet light traps. Four subfamilies, nine tribes, 14 genera, 20 species (8% of the total richness of the family in El Salvador), and 1,584 individuals were captured. The most abundantly collected species in the park were the scarabaeines Onthophagus batesi Howden and Cartwright, Onthophagus belorhinus (Bates), Dichotomius centralis (Harold), Coprophanaeus corythus (Harold), Dichotomius yucatanus (Bates), and Coprophanaeus boucardi (Nevinson).


In TGD framework one can argue that hypnosis represents an example about the fact that brain is not "private property": hypnotist uses the biological body and brain of the subject as instrument. Therefore remote mental interaction is in question. This idea generalizes: if one accepts self hierarchy, one can assign to any kind of higher level structure - family, organization, species, .... - a higher level self and magnetic body carrying dark matter, and these magnetic bodies can use lower level magnetic bodies as their instruments to realize their intentions. Biological bodies would be an important level in the hierarchy, which would continue down to cellular, molecular, and perhaps to even lower levels.

This view challenges the prevailing views about brain as a sole seat of consciousness and the assumption that conscious entities assigned with brains are completely isolated. Given magnetic body can use several biological bodies although one can assign to it the one providing the sensory input - at least during wake-up state. Note however that it is easy to produce illusion that some foreign object is part of biological body.

For more than decade ago I proposed a model for so called bicamerality based on the notion of semitrance. In semitrance the brain of subject becomes partially entangled with a higher level self - in this case the self of family or more general social group uses the biological body of member for its purposes. Higher level self gives its commands and advice interpreted by the bicameral as "God's voice". The consciousness of schizophrenic might be basically bicameral. Also hypnotic state and dream consciousness are candidates for bicameral consciousness.

In this article I develop essentially this idea but using as input the recent understanding of about TGD inspired theory of consciousness and quantum biology and end up with a proposal for a detailed mechanism for how the magnetic body hijacks some parts of the brain of the subject: prefrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex are argued to be the most plausible targets of hijacking. Also a mechanism explaining how the sensory hallucinations and motor actions are induced by hypnotist by inhibiting a halting mechanism preventing imagined motor actions to become real and sensory imagination to become "qualiafied".


Terms such as "life cyele management," "industrial ecology," "industrial metabolism," and "industrial symbiosis" are common in the literature on enviwnmentally conscious production, but the precise definition of these concepts and the distinction between them varies with authors. For clarity on these topics, we wll present a brief review of the work done by authors who first proposed these disciplines of study and related concepts. We also intend to explain how industril ecology is embedded within the development of related disciplines. This approach is relevant because a multidisciplinary approach is followed in implementing industrial ecology. Because of its multidisciplinary character, the field that is covered by industrial ecology has been gradually extended to domains beyond its original concepts. Therefore, it might be useful to redefine industrial ecology while reconsidering the original definitions of this topic. The essential aspect in which industrial ecology differs from other approaches is in the comparison between the industrial system and the naturaJ ecological system. This comparison is not only of academic interest, but it is considered a tooI for the redesign of the industrial system on various levels of aggregation aimed at achieving i.ncreased sust.linability. Must of the industrial ecologists advocate the closing of the materials cycles as an essential path toward this end. The method of quantitative materials-and energy flow analysis - also called industrial metabolism, is the principal instrument for achieving this goal. Therefore, this chapter describes the basic concepts of industrial metabolism.


If ground fault coils are used in high tension overhead systems and underground cable networks, earth leakage relays may be employed to indicate the location of single ground faults. The influence of the contact resistance at the point of the ground is explained. Earth leakage relays in compensated networks, their operation in radial and meshed networks, and the means for determining their correct operation by tests, are described. The paper is based on the practical experiences gained from such installations in England and in Continental Europe.


Circular intersections have been used in transportation systems since the 1900s. Three types of circular intersections have been used in the United States: traffic circles, rotaries and roundabouts. While the use of traffic circles and rotaries in recent decades was found to have resulted in high crash rates, safety issues have been mitigated for roundabouts through the use of improved geometric designs. Nevertheless, all three types of circular intersections face capacity problems during periods of high traffic volume, resulting in long queues and delays. Signal metering was introduced to reduce long queues and delays on the dominant approaches to circular intersections by stopping the flow of traffic from other approaches. This methodology was found to ease congestion for circular intersections with historically high traffic volumes. However, most signal metering at those intersections employ fixed signal timing, in which the metering rate is not responsive to changes in traffic condition. This study investigates the performance of an adaptive metering system for circular intersections. The system was implemented on a real traffic circle having high and unbalanced volumes. The model was calibrated, and a case study was simulated for peak-hour traffic conditions. Using the PTV VISSIM application programming interface, the algorithm was tested and the performance of the system was compared to the current intersection operation. The results showed that adaptive metering can significantly reduce delays and queues at a traffic circle. This preliminary study can be a useful reference for the development of prioritycontrolled circular intersections.


Motor neurone disease is a progressive degenerative disease of motor neurones leading to incapacitating neurological disability and death in over 1000 adults in Britain each year. About 5% of cases are familial; no specific treatment exists. The average length of survival from the onset of symptoms is only three years.

A recently reported controlled trial of riluzole, which inhibits release of glutamate,1 in the treatment of motor neurone disease (known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in the United States) raised patients' hopes. It concluded that riluzole slightly slowed the fall in muscle strength and increased survival at one year in a small subgroup of patients.2 Unfortunately, the overall results are not convincing of a significant benefit on a number of statistical and methodological grounds, and the findings of a larger, international trial are awaited.

The precise cause of motor neurone disease remains unknown. Excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, growth factors, and immunological abnormalities have all been included in pathogenetic theories, and current therapeutic trials are based on these concepts. The excitotoxic theory proposes that excess excitatory neurotransmitters, especially glutamate, …


Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a worldwide prevalent disease. It is estimated to be the 3rd leading cause of death worldwide in 2020, and it is also a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALY's). COPD accounts for just over 3% of the total health care budget in the European Union. The majority of these costs are attributed to acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). Given the contribution of exacerbations, it is of paramount importance to improve the current treatment of exacerbations to reduce the burden of disease for patients (mortality and DALY's) and for society (costs). Treatment of AECOPD generally consists of corticosteroids and antibiotics, mostly in one-size fits all fashion. Pulmonary physicians are well aware of overuse of antibiotics, but lack the tools to decide which medication to give. Biomarkers may aid towards a more personalized treatment of AECOPD by identifying which patient would benefit from antibiotics. Procalcitonin (PCT) is the precursor of calcitonin and is released in response to a bacterial infection. PCT levels are minimally raised in viral infections, making it a relative specific diagnostic tool for bacterial infections. Several trials have shown a reduction in antibiotic consumption in AECOPD when using a PCT-guided treatment algorithm. One meta-analysis suggested that PCT-based protocols may be superior to standard care, but the authors stated that appropriately powered confirmatory trials are necessary. The objective of our study is to assess that at hospitalization for a severe AECOPD, PCT-guided treatment to guide antibiotic administration is non-inferior to usual care, in terms of treatment failure at day 30. Methods: The study is set up as a prospective randomized trial. A total of 693 patients with a severe exacerbation of COPD will be included and randomized between usual care and PCT-guided treatment regarding antibiotic therapy. The primary endpoint will be treatment failure within 30 days after inclusion, the endpoint comprises disease-related mortality and other disease-related adverse events. Discussion: We believe this trial can add to the currently available evidence with PCT being tested in a clinical setting in a treatment algorithm specifically in COPD with the primary objective being treatment failure. Trial registration: Netherlands Trial Register. Registration number: NL9122. Date of registration: 24-11-2020. URL of trial registry record: https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/9122


The paper is devoted to the question of crime committer and assisting offender activities distinction in the interpretation of the current criminal legislation and judicial practice, accumulated over the last twenty years.An examination of the Special Part of the Criminal Code articles is made as to the compliance with the general provisions on complicity. The empiric basis consists of the cases on crimes against human life and health, sexual inviolability and sexual freedom of the person; against property; against public security, human health and public morality; ecological crimes and crimes related to bribery court practice.The article covers the key documents of the Russian Federation Supreme Court containing clarifications on the question of differentiating the crime committer and assisting offender roles. The article analyses judicial acts containing ambiguities, generating discussion in academic community and the lack of uniformity in enforcement practice. The paper contains a case selection which sets out the courts position different from the Supreme Court clarification.A particular attention is paid to the federal law Art. 205, added to part 3 of the Criminal Code, which stated abetting in terrorism as an independent crime, and to the state authorities positions, set out in the reviews to the draft. This law has set the tendency to confuse the concepts of crime committer and assisting offender concepts at the legislative level. The tendency was continued by the addition to the Criminal Code Art. 291 'Mediation in bribery'. There is also the analysis of the draft laws which are currently under consideration in the State Duma. In case of their adoption abetting in some crimes committing will be recognized as independent crimes and persons committed these crimes will be recognized as crime committers.The author notes that the Supreme Court is often beyond the permissible interpretation and its position is an application of the law by analogy but not the explanation. The author supports the proposal to make the p. 5 Art. 33 of the Criminal Code activities list open to avoid difficulties with this rule application. In general, the author concludes that there is a tendency to blur the distinction between the crime committer and assisting offender roles, lack of uniformity in judicial practice and calls for the development of the general provisions on complicity in the General Part of RF Criminal Code.


Abstract As efforts to restore coastal habitats accelerate, it is critical that investments are targeted to most effectively mitigate and reverse habitat loss and its impacts on biodiversity. One likely but largely overlooked impediment to effective restoration of habitat-forming organisms is failing to explicitly consider non-habitat-forming animals in restoration planning, implementation, and monitoring. These animals can greatly enhance or degrade ecosystem function, persistence, and resilience. Bivalves, for instance, can reduce sulfide stress in seagrass habitats and increase drought tolerance of saltmarsh vegetation, whereas megaherbivores can detrimentally overgraze seagrass or improve seagrass seed germination, depending on the context. Therefore, understanding when, why, and how to directly manipulate or support animals can enhance coastal restoration outcomes. In support of this expanded restoration approach, we provide a conceptual framework, incorporating lessons from structured decision-making, and describe potential actions that could lead to better restoration outcomes using case studies to illustrate practical approaches.


Correlative early and late deposit types in the Cananea district correspond to similarly classified deposit types in other porphyry copper districts. Potassic alteration, massive silicates in the Colorada orebody, and prograde skarn were produced by early, probably predominantly magmatic-hydrothermal fluids from a limited number of porphyry stocks. Later stockwork-disseminated deposits associated with sericitic alteration were contemporaneous with breccia pipes, retrograde alteration of skarn, and limestone replacement deposits. Fluids associated with the relatively late deposits were probably predominantly meteoric-hydrothermal, but geologic relations suggest that the earliest fluids in some of these deposits may have included fluid exsolved from porphyry. Mineralization in both early and late deposits precipitated in the sequence: silicates followed by sulfides, except for early molybdenite in some pipes.Many pipes in the district appear to have formed by collapse into open space at depth. Consistent paragenetic sequences, structures, and textures shared by these pipes suggest that collapse occurred into space formed at the same time relative to emplacement of the responsible porphyry phases and evolution of the associated hydrothermal systems. A possible analogue of the space into which collapse took place is abreccia at the outer contact of a large porphyry stock. Small outlying structures containing sulfide mineralization and breccia or intensely fractured rock appear to be associated with the upper terminations of pipes.Late mineralization has high overall pyrite/Cu(Fe) sulfides ratios, greater than 1. Wherever the sulfide sequence could be established, it is (1) pyrite, (2) Cu(Fe) sulfides, and (3) sphalerite + galena + tetrahedrite, except for small amounts of second-stage sulfides. Zoning of these numbered sulfide stages in breccia pipes in quartzofeldspathic rock and also in limestone replacement deposits is inferred to be 1, 1 + 2, 1 + 2 + 3, and 1 + 3 from the proximal to the distal ends of the deposits. Pipes within disseminated deposits contain the lower portion of the pattern. Textures indicative of local replacement of wall rock and early gangue minerals by later phases (e.g., sulfides) are common. The common occurrence of late paragenetic stages in a pipe indicates that the pipe remained open during precipitation of the main stage of economic sulfides.Garnet in pipes in quartzofeldspathic rock is diagnostic of limestone at depth nearby. Early adularia and quartz-adularia alteration of wall-rock fragments in the Cananea-Duluth pipe persist to much greater distances above limestone than garnet does and might prove to be similarly diagnostic.


This study is concerned with the increasing use of impolite
 language that one observes during interactions which take place over the
 Internet. Drawing on a number of Instagram posts uploaded by
 various socialites and public figures, this study proposes the notion of a
 'Basic Moral Perspective' as being a window to an understanding of the nature of
 some impolite language witnessed on social media. I define 'Basic Moral
 Perspective' as the moral predisposition which interactants possess. As the
 study shows, in contexts in which there appears to be little relational history
 between interactants, the 'Basic Moral Perspective', amongst other factors, that
 interactants bring to an interaction can potentially result in impolite
 language. As will be shown throughout the study, the interactants' Basic Moral
 Perspective can provide a clue as to how certain interactions are responded
 to.


Structural determination of adsorbed atoms on layered structures such as clay minerals is a complex subject. Radioactive cesium (Cs) is an important element for environmental conservation, so it is vital to understand its adsorption structure on clay. The nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters of 133Cs, which can be determined from solid-state NMR experiments, are sensitive to the local neighboring structures of adsorbed Cs. However, determining the Cs positions from NMR data alone is difficult. This paper describes an approach for identifying the expected atomic positions on clay minerals by combining machine learning (ML) with experimentally observed chemical shifts. A linear ridge regression model for ML is constructed from the smooth overlap of atomic position descriptor and gauge-including projector augmented wave (GIPAW) ab initio data. The constructed ML model predicts the GIPAW data to within a 3 ppm root-mean-squared error. At this stage, the 133Cs chemical shifts can be instantaneously calculated from the Cs positions on any clay layers using ML. The inverse analysis, which derives the atomic positions from experimentally observed chemical shifts, is developed from the ML model. The input data for the inverse analysis are the layer structure and the experimentally observed chemical shifts. The Cs positions for the targeted chemical shifts are then output. Inverse analysis is applied to montmorillonite, and the resultant Cs positions are found to be consistent with previous results (Ohkubo, T.; et al. J. Phys. Chem. A 2018, 122, 9326-9337). The Cs positions on saponite clay are also clarified from experimentally observed chemical shifts and inverse analysis.


Background: The idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) is characterized by the triad of gait impairment, incontinence, and dementia. Cases that do not comply with the diagnostic criteria of ventriculomegaly have increased. It has led to the questions about the current criteria of guidelines. As the number of patients with dementia increases with aging, iNPH is importantly placed as a treatable dementia. The purpose of this study was to verify the validity of radiological diagnostic criteria of ventriculomegaly in iNPH. Materials and Methods: A board-certified neuroradiologist retrospectively examined 80 patients with definite iNPH about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings of Evans index (EI) and disproportionately enlarged subarachnoid space hydrocephalus (DESH). The score of mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was measured to represent the cognitive function. The presurgical score of MMSE (pre-MMSE) and postsurgical best score of MMSE (best-MMSE) were compared statistically between patients dichotomized by either EI >0.3 or DESH. Results: The pre-MMSE was not different regardless of dichotomization by EI >0.3 or DESH. The MMSE score (median) increased significantly (P < 0.0001) by shunt from 20.0 to 26.0 in patients with EI >0.3 and from 21.5 to 25.5 with EI ≤0.3. No difference in the best-MMSE was observed between EI >0.3 and EI ≤0.3. The MMSE score increased significantly (P < 0.0001) by shunt from 21 to 27.5 with DESH and from 20 to 24.5 with non-DESH. Regardless of fulfilling or notfulfilling Japanese radiological diagnostic criteria (combination of EI >0.3 and DESH), cognitive function was significantly (P < 0.0001) improved to the same level. Only 24 cases (30%) fulfilled Japanese radiological diagnostic criteria. Conclusion: Cognitive function of iNPH patients was significantly improved by shunt regardless of MRI-findings. Radiological diagnostic criteria of iNPH may need careful reconsideration.


This paper describes the development of a numerical model to predict the vibro-acoustic behavior of an externally fluid loaded shell with non-uniformly space stiffeners and transversal bulkheads. This model constitutes an extension of the existing semi-analytic capability in predicting the acoustics of axisymmetric structures. It is based on the circumferential admittance approach (CAA) which consists in substructuring the problem so that the fluid loaded shell constitutes one subsystem and the frames constitute other independent subsystems. These subsystems are coupled together by assembling the circumferential admittances that characterize each uncoupled subsystem. Different numerical approaches can be used to estimate these admittances. The standard finite element code is well adapted for evaluating the admittances of the internal frames whatever their cross-section geometries and material properties. Classical discretization methods such as finite elements and boundary elements are too time-consuming for the fluid loaded shell. To avoid this obstacle, three different approaches with different degrees of approximation are proposed to estimate the shell admittances. Comparisons with a reference case are proposed to evaluate the accuracy and the efficiency of each of these three approaches. With the optimal approach, CAA gives very good results in satisfactory computing time. It is well-adapted for analyzing the behavior of a submarine pressure hull in a wide frequency range of interest.


It has been evidenced by several studies that human activities cluster in space. Applied research and scientific tasks are no exception to these tendencies (Frenken et al., 2009; Maggioni and Uberti, 2009; Hoekman et al., 2010). In light of the empirical results presented in chapter 3 and the identified research gaps, the spatial patterns of research collaboration and inter-regional co-patenting networks within Europe are of central interest. However, Harris (2008, 22) recently argued that


This paper describes the motivations and the design of a communication architecture for Large-Scale Virtual Environments on the Internet. We propose an approach at the transport-layer, using multiple multicast groups and multiple agents. Our approach involves the dynamic partitioning of the virtual environment into spatial areas and the association of these areas with multicast groups. In our work, we describe a method based on the theory of planar point processes, to determine an appropriate cell-size so that the incoming traffic at the receiver side remains with a given probability below a sufficiently low threshold.


Embedded microprocessors are an important component of reconfigurable architectures. Fine-grain (e.g., cycle-accurate) power analysis of such processors has been used to improve power and energy efficiency, and detect implementation vulnerabilities, in embedded applications. However, such analysis is difficult to conduct; it requires either specialized and often expensive equipment, or construction of test architectures using disparate acquisition and analysis tools. In this research, we expand the Flexible Open-source workBench fOr Side-channel analysis (FOBOS) to facilitate exact time-domain correlation of clock cycle and device state to power measurements, and to perform power analysis on a soft core processor. We first validate the fine-grain power analysis capabilities of FOBOS through cycle-accurate analysis of power consumption of AES encryption running on a soft core processor in the Spartan-6 FPGA. We then analyze the results in the context of Simple Power Analysis side-channel attacks, and confirm power correlation of certain instructions with Hamming Weight or Hamming Distance of secret key bytes. Finally, we show that an assumption of a pure Hamming Distance power model for load-to-register instructions is not sufficient for this embedded processor architecture, and that power models using both Hamming Distance and Hamming Weight should be considered for Differential Power Analysis.


This collection of essays explores the ethical issues that arise when information technology seems to exceed and even contradict the purpose of its creators. The studies focus upon the management of information technology, specifically the Internet, considering the most ethical ways of generating, using, and controlling information technology in our time. Section One includes essays pertaining to Africa's place in the 21st century, including democracy, information flow, connections with the world through the Internet, telecommunications, Uganda and the digital divide, and an examination of a pilot study in South Africa for developing a universal tool to measure information poverty. The essays of Section Two cover topical library issues, such as professional information organizations and their ethic codes, communicating ethics when teaching electronic research to undergraduates, pay-for-placement search engines, consumer health information services, laws applying to confidentiality of library records, privacy control after September 11, cybercrime investigation, and the technologies protecting copyright. The essays were originally presented at the "Ethics of Electronic Information in the 21st Century" symposium held at the University of Memphis on October 24-27, 2002. Each includes references and helpful Internet resources.


Interest in hybrid materials has grown substantially as researchers recognize that the ability to tailor the organization of organic/inorganic composites at nanometer length scales provides access to materials with properties nonlinearly related to the bulk properties of the individual components. Efforts to tailor nanostructure through the design, synthesis and processing of nanocomponents and the investigation of intermediate and final properties have intensified, driven in part by the roadmap that guides miniaturization in the electronics and photonics industries. This book creates a forum for researchers involved in the synthesis, characterization, processing and properties analysis of organic/inorganic hybrid materials to develop ideas and points of view. Topics include: well-defined nanobuilding blocks-precursors for hybrids; strategies to functional lamellar hybrid materials; chemical strategies for the design of new hybrids; biomaterials, biogels and biomimetic approaches of materials; templated growth to nano/meso/macrostructured hybrid materials; advanced processing for hybrid materials; processing and properties of functional hybrids (optical, electrical and mechanical) and properties of hybrids (optical, electrical, mechanical and catalysis).


The authors used the intracarotid and subarachnoid methods of infusion of antibiotics for treatment of purulent meningitis, brain abscesses. The methods are considered to be fairly effective.


Abstract The interaction between an eccentric matrix crack and a circular inclusion in composites was investigated numerically to explore the strain rate effects on the crack deflection/penetration behavior at the matrix-inclusion interface. It is found, with the increase of strain rate, that there will occur in turn the crack deflection, the double-crack fracture and the crack penetration processes for a certain material. Moreover, both higher relative interfacial strength and smaller eccentric angles can redound to the crack penetration. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the strain rate effect on the composite strength is a local structural response characteristic rather than an intrinsic material property, which sounds in agreement with that proposed by previous authors.


This paper provides an analysis of recent research and publications on the icon painting of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of late XVII – early XIX centuries. Briefly reviewed publications of P. Zholtovskoho, P. Umantsev, L. Mylyaevoyi, O. Lopuhinoyi, O. Pitatelevoyi, A. Kondratyuk, Ya. Lytyvynenko, V. Shydenko, O. Sitkarovoyi, H. Byelikovoyi, L. Chlenovoyi, Yu. Korenyuka, O. Ryzhovoyi. It was found that the icon painting of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the end of XVII – beginning of XIX century, which largely remains in the territory and in the collection of the National Kyiv-Pechersk Historical and Cultural Preserve, may conditionally be divided into two groups. The first group includes icons from ensembles that have been preserved in situ in the Kiev- Pechersk Lavra. The iconostasis of the Trinity Gate Church (1734-1735 biennium) and the Church of All Saints (1741) on the Еconomic gate relates to the first half of the XVIII century. The complex of monuments of the second half of XVIII and beginning of XIX century iconostasis includes cave church (1760-1762 years) St. Theodosius of the Caves, four icons (1767-1769 years) of the iconostasis of the church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross and Icon from its back side (1789 's), as well as icons of the iconostasis cave church of the Nativity (1802). During all the time the iconostasis ensemble of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra was considered outstanding monument of sacred art and served for visual patterns. In many ways, these icons were "extremely important" in Kiev icon painting of their time. This branch – iconostasis icons of Kiev Pechersk Lavra – is the greatest in Lavra icon painting. The second group includes the icons that came to our century without their iconostasis but were titles especially for them – they are the icons of the end of XVII century (1691) from the iconostasis of the cave church of reverend Varlaam Pecherskiy (are kept in the church's north wall) and the icons of XVII – XVIII centuries (1700) from church of Exhalation of the Holy Cross at Blizhni caves (are kept at fond of NKPIKZ), also the icons of the holiday row of the main iconostasis (1719 – 1729) and the iconostasis' cartouches of the front narthex (1725 – 1729) of Uspenskiy cathedral (are kept at the NHMU collection). Surprisingly, there's no general art historical research of such bright phenomenon as the icon painting of Kiev – Pechersk Lavra, time borders of which cover the end of XVII – beginning of XIX century. Already famous attractions are too scattered or fragmented and published intermittently. Art analysis is limited to the designation of certain icons belonging to a particular "manners." Therefore, this fact does not allow tracing the evolution of art forms. Therefore, the relevance of the study is to deepen scientific knowledge of icon-painting school of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra and do a thorough, art generalizations regarding one of the most important phenomena of Ukrainianiconography end of XVII – beginning of the XIX century, involving historical, archival and literary sources, iconographic material, factual study of the works. The purpose of the study is to trace and identify issues of formation and development of the Kiev-Pechersk school of icon painting and assembling special Lavra iconography. To achieve this goal it is necessary to perform the following tasks: process studies, which are devoted to the iconography of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra end of XVII – beginning of XIX century, to define the source base and terminology research, classify and to characterize the textual, visual and material sources, which are formed on the basis of style and iconography monuments and carry out thorough investigations of art and trace the formation and development of style and iconography, to track changes iconic traditions, to determine the characteristic stylistic and iconographic features icons created in icon painting workshops of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the end of XVII – beginning of XIX century. The object of the research is the process of formation and development of the style and of iconography the icon painting school of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the end of XVII – beginning of XIX century. The subject of the study is, first and foremost, memo icon painting school of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the end of XVII – beginning of XIX century, preserved in situ, as well as from museum collections NZSK, NKPIKZ, National Art Museum. Secondly, text, visual and material sources, formed the basis for the style and iconography in icon painting school of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of the end of XVII – beginning of XIX century. Thus, gradually, along with the study of the works and primary sources, you can at least come close to being able to create a single research about the history of icon painting school of Kiev-Pechersk Lavraof the end of XVII – beginning of XIX century. The most comprehensive list of publications on the icon painting school of Kiev-Pechersk Lavra of XVII – beginning of XIX century is given in the "Вibliography".


Gastrointestinal duplications are rare congenital malformations occurring in embryonic period of development of digestive system. These abnormalities are usually found in infancy or early childhood. Clinical presentation is extremely diverse depending on dimensions, localization and type of duplication. The authors present duplication of antral and pyloric parts of the stomach, the 1st segment of the duodenum and pancreatic tail. Mother with a 6-month-old child turned to the hospital. According to the mother, the child was sick for about 3 days when episodes of periodic anxiety first appeared. Upon admission, abdominal neoplasm was suspected after ultrasound. On the second day after admission, anxiety increased. There was impairment of appetite, and the child rejected food. Abdominal asymmetry in umbilical area was observed. Considering clinical data on intestinal obstruction, emergency transverse right-sided laparotomy was performed. A tubular structure was found resembling intestinal tube was found between the stomach and transverse colon. Surgeon found duplication of antral and pyloric parts of the stomach, the 1st segment of the duodenum and its perforation. During further revision, additional pancreatic tail was diagnosed. En-bloc resection of gastrointestinal duplications was carried out. Postoperative period was uneventful. Enteral feeding was initiated after 5 days, and the patient was transferred to surgical unit. The child was discharged after 12 postoperative days.


Glucose solution containing wheat straw hemicellulose-B and ovoglycopeptide (W-O-G) has no effect on Ehrlich ascites tumors but completely regresses Ehrlich solid tumors. The carcinostatic effect of this mixture is lost or decreases markedly whenever one of the three substances is lacking. For this glucose solution to possess a carcinostatic effect it is necessary that this hemicellulose-B of W-O-G is the hydrolysate of the extract with 20% NaOH from the residue obtained after extraction of wheat straw with 10% NaOH.


Slaves, ex-slaves, and their descendants have taken multiple and complex routes toward emancipation in East Africa. Their experiences varied regionally, with status contests most clearly traceable in those areas where slavery had been most concentrated, especially on the coast. As scholars have established, the legal abolition of slavery did not lead directly to emancipation in East Africa, but it contributed to the quick erosion of slavery-based labor regimes around 1900. Ex-slaves pursued economic security and livelihoods through access to land and wage labor and sought to shed the stigma of slave origins by seeking religious affiliations, education, ethnic identities, and kinship ties. Routes to emancipation were highly gendered as female slaves within owners' households lacked both political support and legal rights to their children. Moreover, male ex-slaves' ambitions to assert their own patriarchal status by controlling women could be a major obstacle for ex-slave women's search for emancipation. Although political independence in the 1960s encouraged the condemnation of slavery as an aberration from a different era, slavery-derived social differences linger, and people with a genealogy of slavery may face status implications in certain situations. Though East African societies, rural ones especially, are readily characterized as timelessly egalitarian, they struggle to this day with the legacy of slavery and incomplete emancipation.


A sensitive spectrophotometric assay has been developed for thiol (sulfhydryl) groups using an inactive disulfide derivative of papain (papain-S-SCH3). The thiol-disulfide interchange reaction of a thiol with papain-S-SCH3 results in the stoichiometric formation of active papain (papain-SH). The reactivated papain catalyzes the hydrolysis of a chromogenic substrate, resulting in an amplified spectrophotometric signal proportional to the initial amount of thiol. A variety of thiols, e.g., cysteine, glutathione, penicillamine, cysteine methyl ester, and cysteamine, yield similar linear plots for the activity of papain vs the initial amount of thiol. An unknown concentration of a thiol is measured using a standard plot for the activity of papain vs the amount of thiol, obtained for the same thiol or for a similar thiol. Thiol groups on proteins and thiol groups of high values of pKa (2-mercaptoethanol, 3-mercaptopropanoic acid) can also be assayed using papain-S-SCH3 in the presence of excess cystamine. The assay is about 100-fold more sensitive than that using Ellman's reagent [5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid)]. A 0.4 microM solution of cysteine produces an absorbance change of 0.55 at 410 nm after 30 min in the assay, compared to a predicted change in absorbance of 0.0054 using Ellman's assay.


Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) is a widely used tool for chemical structural analysis. However, 1H-NMR spectra suffer from natural aberrations that render computer-assisted automated identification of these spectra difficult, and at times impossible. Previous efforts have successfully implemented instrument dependent or conditional identification of these spectra. In this paper, we report the first instrument independent computer-assisted automated identification system for a group of complex carbohydrates known as the xyloglucan oligosaccharides. The developed system is also implemented on the world wide web (this http URL) as part of an identification package called the CCRC-Net and is intended to recognize any submitted 1H-NMR spectrum of these structures with reasonable signal-to-noise ratio, recorded on any 500 MHz NMR instrument. The system uses Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) technology and is insensitive to the instrument and environment-dependent variations in 1H-NMR spectroscopy. In this paper, comparative results of the ANN engine versus a multidimensional Bayes' classifier is also presented.


The lithium-sulfur battery is an attractive option for next-generation energy storage owing to its much higher theoretical energy density than state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries. However, the massive volume changes of the sulfur cathode and the uncontrollable deposition of Li2 S2 /Li2 S significantly deteriorate cycling life and increase voltage polarization. To address these challenges, we develop an ϵ-caprolactam/acetamide based eutectic-solvent electrolyte, which can dissolve all lithium polysulfides and lithium sulfide (Li2 S8 -Li2 S). With this new electrolyte, high specific capacity (1360 mAh g-1 ) and reasonable cycling stability are achieved. Moreover, in contrast to conventional ether electrolyte with a low flash point (ca. 2 °C), such low-cost eutectic-solvent-based electrolyte is difficult to ignite, and thus can dramatically enhance battery safety. This research provides a new approach to improving lithium-sulfur batteries in aspects of both safety and performance.


Rate effects in sheared disordered solids are studied using molecular dynamics simulations of binary Lennard-Jones glasses in two and three dimensions. In the quasistatic (QS) regime, systems exhibit critical behavior: the magnitudes of avalanches are power-law distributed with a maximum cutoff that diverges with increasing system size L. With increasing rate, systems move away from the critical yielding point and the average flow stress rises as a power of the strain rate with exponent 1/β, the Herschel-Bulkley exponent. Finite-size scaling collapses of the stress are used to measure β as well as the exponent ν which characterizes the divergence of the correlation length. The stress and kinetic energy per particle experience fluctuations with strain that scale as L^{-d/2}. As the largest avalanche in a system scales as L^{α}, this implies α<d/2. The diffusion rate of particles diverges as a power of decreasing rate before saturating in the QS regime. A scaling theory for the diffusion is derived using the QS avalanche rate distribution and generalized to the finite strain rate regime. This theory is used to collapse curves for different system sizes and confirm β/ν.


Antimicrobial resistance is an important issue in Belgium. For more than a decade, national projects aiming to promote the prudent use of antimicrobials and to decrease antimicrobial resistance in ambulatory, nursing-home and hospital settings have been launched by the Belgian Antibiotic Policy Coordination Committee (BAPCOC), coordinated by the Federal Public Service of Public Health, Food Chain Safety and Environment. In this paper, we describe the implementation of the e-Bug Project in Belgium by the University of Antwerp in collaboration with BAPCOC and supported by the Ministries of Education, and how e-Bug complemented a new national campaign focusing on antibiotic use in children first started on the European Antibiotic Awareness Day in 2008. We also describe the impact of the organization of education in Belgium on the implementation process, as well as plans for the future of e-Bug in our country.


Objective: A study was conducted to explore the clinical efficacy and radioactive results of the bridge-type ROI-C interbody fusion cage (ROI-C) and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion with plating and cage system (ACDF) for cervical spondylopathy.Methods: From January 2014 to January 2018, 45 patients who underwent operations were retrospectively analyzed, including 24 cases of ROI-C (group A) and 21 cases of ACDF (group B). The operation time, blood loss, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association score (JOA), postoperative complications, imaging results including cervical Cobb angle, and fusion were compared between groups.Results: All patients were successfully treated with surgery. No cerebrospinal fluid leakage, esophageal fistula, or hoarseness occurred after the surgery. The operation time and blood loss in group A were lower than those in group B (P<0.05). During the follow-up period, JOA score increased and NDI score decreased after the operation (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between the groups (P>0.05). In group A, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was 12.5%, which returned to normal after 1 month. In group B, the incidence of postoperative dysphagia was 38.1%, which was 19% after 1 month and 4.8% at the final follow-up. In group A, the fusion rate was 83.3% at 3 months after surgery and 100% at the last follow-up. The rate of adjacent level ossification development was 12.5%. In group B, the fusion rate was 85.7% at 3 months after surgery and 100% at the last follow-up. The rate of adjacent level ossification development was 23.8%.Conclusion: Both ROI-C and ACDF achieved satisfactory results, but ROI-C had a shorter operation time, less bleeding, and lower incidence of dysphagia in the short term.


The article presents a simple sediment deposition model, based on current knowledge of the processes of transport and deposition of suspended material. It indicates possibilities of interpreting flow conditions from grain‐size distributions at two localities, situated along the water flowline. The model reveals new information on ancient hydrological and sedimentological processes and events. Previously the model has been applied to forecast trap efficiency of reservoirs and predict reservoir sedimentation. In this study the model is used as a palaeohydrological method in studies of annual varves. In varve geochronology a major attention has been paid to varve correlations and varve thickness variations, whereas other sedimentological data have been more or less disregarded. In this article new information on the spatial distribution of particle sizes demonstrate that further knowledge can be gained by careful studies of the patterns of grain‐size distributions. Annual variations in water discharges during late glacial time were studied in the Indalsälven and Dalälven valleys in Sweden. Water discharges during the deglaciation seem to have been of the same order of magnitude as in present‐day rivers during normal years. During some years catastrophic events occurred, resulting in exceptional water discharges. The magnitudes of these discharges were estimated, and drainage directions were established. It appears from the studies that there are promising prospects of finding out both the magnitude and frequency of processes that until now have been described only in qualitative terms.


This Undergraduated thesis entitled "Crusade III: Richard Lionheart and Shalahuddin Al Ayyubi's Strategy in the struggle for the Holy City of Jerusalem (1189-1192)". In general, this study discusses the strategy and pattern of battle carried out by Richard Lionheart as the leader of the Western nations and also Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi as the leader of the Arabs. This research uses a historical method which consists of four steps of research: heuristics, criticism, interpretation, and historiography. This research also uses a multidisciplinary approach by taking the concepts of war, leadership and the holy city in an effort to discuss the research themes raised. Based on the results of the study, Richard Lionheart and Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi had different journeys in their background occupying positions that made them leaders of two different nations, where Richard Lionheart became a King of British while Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi became King of the nation Arab, besides that Richard Lionheart and also Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi also has a strategy and pattern of fighting that is different from one another, with its advantages and disadvantages giving each of them an advantage over their opponents, besides that the two nation's leaders fighting over the Holy City of Jerusalem has the same importance to the Holy City of Jerusalem, for both the leaders of this nation, both Western and Arab nations, Jerusalem is a city that not only has a religious relationship for these two nations, which in addition to having the religious ties, the two nations also had the same historical ties in the past to this Holy City of Jerusalem. These two nations feel they have the same rights in control of the Holy City of Jerusalem.

Keyword: Richard Lionheart; Shalahuddin Al-Ayyubi; Jerusalem; Third Crusade.


Masu salmon Oncorhynchus masou has been listed as national second-class protected species in China, and many of its local populations have been under threats of decline because of environmental deterioration by human activity, such as habitat loss, water pollution, or dams. Genetic characteristics should be clarified in wild masu salmon population for an effective protection and recovery. In the present study, we explained genetic relationship and structure of masu salmon population in Mijaing River by sequencing the COI gene and analyzing microsatellite makers. Results of COI sequences analysis revealed 15 gene variable sites in approximately 696 bp, which defined 12 haplotypes, including some haplotypes related to geographic regions. The NJ tree indicated genetic relationship that we preliminarily inferred, that is, the masu salmon from Mijiang River belonged to the cherry salmon family (O. masoumasou). Results based on 14 microsatellite loci showed high haplotype diversity and low nucleotide diversity, indicating low genetic diversity of wild masu population in Mijaing River. The observed genetic structure was influenced primarily by bottlenecks due to overfishing and habitat loss. Since masu salmon has become highly vulnerable in China, we recommend to strengthen the protection of resident masu salmon population.


The objective of this study was to determine the response of dairy cows in early lactation to diets based on the recommendations of the Agricultural Research Council or the NRC for sustaining milk yield. Diets were formulated to satisfy the nutrient requirements of Holstein cows weighing 600 kg and yielding 35 kg of 3.5% fat milk/d according to either Agricultural Research Council recommendations or NRC recommendations for RUP. A third diet was a 1:1 (wt/wt) mixture of the Agricultural Research Council and the NRC diets. The same forage was fed in all diets at a forage to concentrate ratio of 40:60, and the RUP supply was altered by substituting fish and corn gluten meal for canola meal. The calculated effective degradabilities of CP for the TMR were 70.1, 66.1, and 62.1% for the Agricultural Research Council diet, the mixture of Agricultural Research Council and NRC diets, and the NRC diet, respectively. Milk composition was similar for the three dietary treatments. Multiparous cows showed a linear yield response (30.4, 31.6, and 33.7 kg/d) to increasing inclusion of the NRC concentrate in the diet. No response to additional RUP was observed for first lactation heifers. Agricultural Research Council recommendations for dietary RUP underestimated the requirements for multiparous cows in early lactation yielding > 25 kg of milk/d.


This article discusses the problem posed by linguistic variation for interlingual translation, in particular by the relation between language, context and identity in speech and orality, within the framework of descriptive translation studies. It starts by defining linguistic variation as a correlation of linguistic form, communicative meaning and sociocultural value. It examines the particular case of literary representation of varieties to suggest strategies and procedures for their translation. It ends with an analysis of selected examples of canonized British fiction and their translation into European Portuguese, and a discussion of causes and consequences of the patterning resulting from the translation of speech and orality in fiction.


This paper focuses on new characterizations of convex multi-choice games using the notions of exactness and superadditivity. Further- more, (level-increase) monotonic allocation schemes (limas) on the class of convex multi-choice games are introduced and studied. It turns out that each element of the Weber set of such a game is ex- tendable to a limas, and the (total) Shapley value for multi-choice games generates a limas for each convex multi-choice game.


Hericium erinaceus (HE) is an edible and medicinal mushroom traditionally used for the treatment of gastric injury in clinical practice. However, scientific evidence of its pharmacological activities has not yet been revealed. This study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effect of HE mycelia in submerged culture on ethanol-induced chronic gastric injury (ECGI) in mice. Gastric injury model was induced by ethanol with chronic and binge ethanol feeding in mice, and then mice were treated with HE mycelia. The stomachs were removed for histopathological examination and inflammatory cytokines measurement. Meanwhile, total proteins of gastric tissue were analyzed by isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling analysis to quantitatively identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in three groups of animals. Bioinformatics analysis of DEPs was conducted through clustering analysis, Venn analysis, Gene Ontology (GO) annotation enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways enrichment. The histopathologic characteristics and biochemical data showed that HE mycelia (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) exhibited therapeutic effects on the ECGI mice. Based on the results of iTRAQ analysis, a total of 308 proteins were differentially expressed in the ethanol group when compared with the control group; 205 DEPs in the high dose of HE (HEH) group when compared with control group; and 230 DEPs in HE group (1.0 g/kg) when compared with ethanol group. KEGG analysis showed that the p53 signaling pathway was closely related to the therapeutic effect of HE mycelia on ECGI. Furthermore, the expression levels of several DEPs, including keratin (KRT) 16, KRT6b and transglutaminase E (TGE), were verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). In conclusion, H. erinaceus mycelia could relieve ethanol-induced chronic gastric injury in mice by ameliorating inflammation as well as regulating epidermal differentiation.


In wireless sensor networks (WSNs), providing source-location privacy through secure routing is one of the most prosperous techniques. In this paper, we propose a routing technique to provide adequate source-location privacy with low energy consumption. We introduce this technique as the Sink Toroidal Region (STaR) routing. With this technique, the source node randomly selects an intermediate node within a designed STaR area located around the SINK node. The STaR area is large enough to make it unpractical for an adversary to monitor the entire region. Furthermore, this routing protocol ensures that the intermediate node is neither too close, nor too far from the SINK node in relations to the entire network. While ensuring source location privacy, our simulation results show that the proposed scheme is very efficient and can be used for practical applications.


This paper presents a three-phase four-wire grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) system to play as a power generator and active filter (AF) compensator. This system is flexible enough to efficiently remove current harmonic components and balance the line currents drawn from grid by an unbalanced nonlinear load. Simultaneously power conversion system injects the maximum power available from the PV array to the grid by using a fast and precise control strategy. The controller enjoys both modified PQ0 transformation and Fuzzy Logic Incremental Conductance (FL-IC) method to accomplish the Maximum Power Point operation Tracking (MPPT) of PV array. The control strategy is described and the whole system is built and simulated by PSCAD/EMTDC software with reference to different operation conditions. The results from simulations confirm the theoretical aspects of the proposed PV power supply and effectiveness of the control techniques to compensate non-linear unbalanced loads as well as utilization of the maximum PV power production.


1. Clinical, hematological, genetic and peripheral blood globin synthesis studies were carried out on 17 symptomatic Brazilian thalassemics and their parents who live in the northeast of São Paulo State. The group included 8 beta zero-thalassemia homozygotes, 7 carriers of at least one beta + gene, one delta beta zero/beta zero-thalassemia double heterozygote and one beta zero homozygote also carrying the alpha-chain variant Hb Hasharon (alpha 2(47) His beta 2). 2. The mean non-alpha/alpha ratio for globin biosynthesis of the patients lacking HbA (beta zero homozygotes and delta beta zero/beta zero double heterozygotes) was 0.26 +/- 0.11 (mean +/- SD), which is not statistically different from the value of 0.32 +/- 0.06 obtained for the carriers of at least one beta + gene. In contrast, the mean non-alpha/alpha ratio for the thalassemia major patients (0.22 +/- 0.07) was significantly lower than that obtained for the milder cases (0.34 +/- 0.06) although the beta/alpha ratios for the parents of the two groups were similar. 3. The heterogeneity within this group of Brazilian patients having two thalassemic genes, i.e. 60% who are beta zero homozygotes and 40% who are carriers of at least one beta + gene, is consistent with the Italian origin of most of these patients.


A case of diabetic coma with a blood sugar of 900 mg. per hundred cubic centimeters of blood was reported recently by Gray and Sansum. 1 Attention was drawn to the relatively few cases that have been reported in which recovery followed such a marked hyperglycemia. They were able to find only three cases besides their own. There can be no doubt that such cases are rare, but we feel that if all the unreported cases were collected the number would be somewhat increased. We here report three cases that were successfully treated in the metabolic ward of the Philadelphia General Hospital during the past five years. Case 1. —M. M., a woman, aged 58, white, was admitted in coma, with no history of diabetes. Members of the family stated that in the past six months she had lost 40 pounds (18 Kg.), in spite of a voracious appetite, and


Abstract Pedological, palynological, soil-micromorphological, geochemical and soil-faunal data are presented for a weakly developed free-draining ferric podsol soil profile in which three securely dated, known-age inputs (non-native tree pollen, spheroidal carbonaceous particles, 137Cs) have been added to the soil surface and incorporated over the last c. 150 years, from c. 1840 ad. We can thus observe the mechanisms of particle incorporation over time-spans appropriate to those of pedogenic processes, and analyse the rates, depth, extent and significance of mixing processes in a soil type that has often been seen as providing secure stratigraphic contexts for subfossil pollen analysis. Our data indicate that pollen and other particles are thoroughly and completely mixed within the L/F horizon of podsols. Mixing occurs predominantly by ingestion and bioturbation by large near-surface feeding invertebrates. Mixing is also very rapid. Transfer of pollen to lower organic horizons occurs through the liberation of pollen as large invertebrate excrement is itself ingested by enchytraeid populations, but bioturbation in these lower horizons is insufficient to move further the already-mixed pollen assemblages. The absence of earthworm populations in these acid soils means that subsequent vertical transfer to mineral horizons does not occur in any significant way. This ability of organic horizons in podsols to store pollen, the complete mixing of particles in near-surface horizons, and the prolonged time-spans over which these mixing processes can operate, indicate that resultant pollen stratigraphies are normally probably too coarse in temporal resolution to be of value in palaeoecological interpretation.


We investigate the cyclical properties of non-bank credit and its relevance for financial stability. We construct a measure of non-bank credit for a large sample of countries and find that its cyclical properties differ from those of bank credit. Non-bank credit cycles are highly correlated with bank credit cycles in some countries but not in others. Moreover, non-bank credit cycles are less synchronised than bank credit cycles across countries. Finally, non-bank credit cycles could act as a leading indicator for currency, but not for systemic banking, crises. The opposite is true for bank credit cycles. These findings highlight the value added of monitoring non-bank credit.


Objectively, Saharan cyclones have been detected for the period from 1967 to 2019 using mean sea level pressure (SLP); their tracks have been specified from nearest neighbor cyclonic positions and classified into long/short tracks depending on the area of influence of the cyclones. Additionally, the detected long tracks have been objectively classified into five main routes directed generally eastward, northeastward and northward, accounting for approximately 41.6%, 19.7% and 30.4% of the total long tracks, respectively. Mainly for long tracks, three cyclogenesis areas, where more than 99% of cyclones are generated, were identified, with more than 61% generated in the Atlas region. Moreover, four far cyclolysis areas were identified, where approximately 74% of these cyclones terminated, with more than 66% of them terminating in the eastern study region. Furthermore, statistical analysis indicated that Saharan cyclones are commonly generated in the spring and summer, with ~35.3% and 46.3%, respectively. However, the highest numbers occur in spring in the northern Saharan and in summer in the southern Saharan, with ~49.1% and 57.7%, respectively. Temporally, the monthly distribution indicates that most of the cyclones moving along the five main routes are generated in warm months, namely, May to August. Approximately 85% of these cyclones have a lifespan of three days, while only 1% span more than five days.


In the present study, two gray cast iron specimens were diffusion bonded at the temperatures of 700, 750, 800, 850, and 900 °C, the furnace used atmosphericexperiment under a pressing load of 1 and 2 ton for 15, 30 and 60min. After diffusion bonding, shear test measurements of interface region were made. As a result, from the microstructural observations, a good bonding along the interface of the bonded couples were detected since the interface is free from voids and microcracks. To evaluate the bond strength, the shear test investigation was used. The actual bonded area was calculated by using a computer package called (Auto Cad 2006). The results shows that the bond strength increases with increasing the temperature and holding time. Fracturography of the interface was carried out by using optical microscope before and after the experiments. The microstructure results shows the formation of carbide. Its precipitation increases with increasing the bonding temperature and time.


The primacy purpose of this article is to discuss national security and trade policy of the new Biden administration. First, I will look at the historic and dubious claims of the Trump administration in utilizing national security as a cover for protectionist trade actions, as well as at the federal court cases addressing these claims. I will then assess the cases that have come before the WTO over the last two years, raising for first time the issue of the national security exception under GATT Article XXI. Finally, I conclude that President Biden's overwhelming priority is to resurrect American democracy and alliances. But he will also need to address a broad range of trade issues and to restrict reliance on national security as a cover for populist and protectionist policies.