Screen can provide any disturbed resistance that affects the change in characteristics of turbulence, velocity and pressure distributions of the flow field, and thus it has been widely used to control the flow. Some previous related studies for compressible flows have limitations such as, considering relatively low-Mach-number flows in the range of 0.3 ~ 0.7, and not observing the detailed shock structures of the flow fields. An experimental study on highly compressible axi-symmetric supersonic jet flow fields behind wire-gauze screen has thus been carried out. Continuous/instantaneous flow images by Schlieren flow-visualization technique and the information of Pitot pressure/flow-noise measurements of the flow field behind the screen for various jet expansion conditions have been obtained. Effects of various porosity and inclination angles of the screen at the nozzle exit have also been investigated, and the experimental results have been compared to the case with no screen installed.


China's Cap on Coal Consumption (CCC) Policy serves as a key strategy to address the serious air pollution in China, and it helps to address coal's climate, environment and health damages. Current implementation of it focuses on substituting coal used in power plants and boilers with natural gas, whereas phasing out household coal use is less emphasized. This study estimates the benefits and costs of interventions for phasing out coal used in power plants and in households in Beijing. The results suggest that the phasing out of household coal use can result in net social benefits. However, coal-to-gas projects for power plants actually bring net social losses, a result largely attributable to the relative high price of natural gas in China. In addition to the actual policy evaluations of phasing out coal, this study outlines how to conduct economic analysis of air pollution policies in China taking into account uncertainty and correlations of key parameters. With the importance at a national and global level to reduce the negative effects of coal consumption, together with the trend of scaling up coal reduction interventions in China from local pioneers to the national level, this study provides implications on how to achieve more socially beneficial results for such interventions.


Several experiments have proved that water in liquid phase can be present at the anode of a PEM fuel cell due to vapor condensation resulting in mass transport losses. Nevertheless, it is not yet well understood where exactly water tends to cumulate and how the design of the gas channel (GC) and gas diffusion layer (GDL) could be improved to limit water cumulation. In the present work a three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann based model is implemented in order to simulate the water cumulation at the GC-GDL interface at the anode of a PEM fuel cell. The numerical model incorporates the H2-H2O mixture equation of state and spontaneously simulates phase separation phenomena. Different simulations are carried out varying pressure gradient, pore size and relative height of the GDL. Results reveal that, once saturation conditions are reached, water tends to cumulate in two main regions: the upper and side walls of the GC and the GC-GDL interface, resulting in a limitation of the reactant diffusion from the GC to the GDL. Interestingly, the cumulation of liquid water at the interface is found to diminish as the relative height of the GDL increases.© 2014 ASME


The purpose of the paper is to offer a reflective overview of the state of Peace and Conflict Studies in Asia. Given the complexity and the wide range of topics covered by the theme of the paper is general rather then specific in its approach. One key dimension is the challenges and opportunities offered by the broad discipline of Peace and Conflict Studies and its relationship with more established disciplines within the Social Sciences. The possible role of scholarly networks is discussed with a focus on the Southeast Asian Conflict Studies Network and the Asian Political and International Studies Association.


When the panels in a photovoltaic (PV) array are subjected to a nonuniform irradiance level, some bypass diodes may turn on, and the overall power production might be affected significantly. An increase of the power delivered by the whole array might be obtained by means of its electrical reconfiguration, that is, the change of the series-parallel connection among the panels of which it is made up. The computation of the electrical connection among the panels that ensures the maximum delivered power is a combinatorial problem requiring powerful optimization methods. This paper is devoted to the formulation of an optimization procedure for determining the best electrical configuration among the panels. The proposed algorithm requires simple mathematical calculations, and it uses a vectorized structure; thus, it is suitable to be implemented in any embedded system for the purpose of a real-time PV array reconfiguration. The algorithm is first explained by using a pilot example, and afterward, its performance is shown by applying it to a real domestic PV field. The results show that the optimization algorithm computes an optimized configuration with a low computational burden.


A waffle-shaped precast concrete panel named WAS has been newly developed as a floor system. Compared to the conventional double tee (DT), the WAS has a more spacious connection area between the panels while having a shallower depth, which possibly results in an enhanced performance of the connection. Experimental studies were performed to examine the flexural behavior of the WAS according to several primary parameters: the panel types, prestress levels applied to the panels, panel sizes, and the existence of steel ties. Connection tests were also performed on the short and long edges of each panel against out-of-plane shear. The test results showed that the WAS panels yields satisfactory flexural capacity similar to the DT up to ultimate state, and they satisfy the deflection limit for serviceability while their stiffnesses were less than those of DT panels. It was also found that the ultimate flexural strength of the WAS panel increases as the applied prestress increases, and that the connections can undertake the applied bending moment and properly transfer the developed shear force between WAS panels. The enhanced performance of the WAS connection makes it possible to efficiently design the panels addressing the moment distribution, and to enhance the serviceability (less deflection and cracking) and structural continuity/integrity of the WAS system while still being able to reduce its depth.


Objectives: To compare forehead height (FH), facial heights (FaHs) and the ratios of biparietal diameter (BPD) and femur length (FL) to these heights in midtrimester normal and Down syndrome (DS) fetuses. Methods: 150 normal and 26 DS fetuses were scanned at 15-25 weeks of gestation. At the mid-sagittal image of the fetal profile, FH, FaH, upper facial height (UFaH) and lower facial height (LFaH) were measured in millimeters with "two line distance" tool. The results were expressed as multiples of the gestation-specific normal median (MoMs) using the regression of the equation derived from normal fetuses. The ratios of BPD/UFaH, BPD/LFaH, BPD/FaH, BPD/FH, FL/UFaH, FL/LFaH, FL/FaH, FL/FH were also assessed. Results: In normal fetuses, FH and FaHs increased linearly with gestational age (GA). UFaH increased linearly from 5.2 mm at 15 weeks to 15.7 mm at 25 weeks. LFaH increased from 9.3 mm at 15 weeks to 32 mm at 25.2 weeks. FaH increased from 16 mm at 15 weeks to 39 mm at 25 weeks. FH increased from 17.7 mm at 15 weeks to 42.8 mm at 25 weeks. Only UFaH was found to be significantly smaller in DS fetuses (with a mean of 0.91 MoM, 95% CI, 0.7-1.1, p = 0.003), than in normal fetuses (1 MoM, 95% CI, 0.6-1.3). Concomitantly, none of the ratios changed with gestation and all were found to be statistically higher in DS fetuses (p < 0.05). Conclusions: UFaH, is smaller in DS fetuses compared with normal fetuses in the midtrimester of pregnancy. The ratios of BPD and FL to all heights are higher in fetuses with DS than in normal fetuses.


Neurons and other cells require intracellular transport of essential components for viability and function. Previous work has shown that while net amyloid precursor protein (APP) transport is generally anterograde, individual vesicles containing APP move bi-directionally. This discrepancy highlights our poor understanding of the in vivo regulation of APP-vesicle transport. Here, we show that reduction of presenilin (PS) or suppression of gamma-secretase activity substantially increases anterograde and retrograde velocities for APP vesicles. Strikingly, PS deficiency has no effect on an unrelated cargo vesicle class containing synaptotagmin, which is powered by a different kinesin motor. Increased velocities caused by PS or gamma-secretase reduction require functional kinesin-1 and dynein motors. Together, our findings suggest that a normal function of PS is to repress kinesin-1 and dynein motor activity during axonal transport of APP vesicles. Furthermore, our data suggest that axonal transport defects induced by loss of PS-mediated regulatory effects on APP-vesicle motility could be a major cause of neuronal and synaptic defects observed in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) pathogenesis. Thus, perturbations of APP/PS transport could contribute to early neuropathology observed in AD, and highlight a potential novel therapeutic pathway for early intervention, prior to neuronal loss and clinical manifestation of disease.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the indications for hysterectomy, preoperative assessment, and available alternatives required prior to hysterectomy. Patient self-reported outcomes of hysterectomy have revealed high levels of patient satisfaction. These may be maximized by careful preoperative assessment and discussion of other treatment choices. In most cases hysterectomy is performed to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. The patient's preference regarding treatment alternatives must be considered carefully.

OPTIONS
The areas of clinical practice considered in formulating this guideline are preoperative assessment including alternative treatments, choice of method for hysterectomy, and evaluation of risks and benefits. The risk-to-benefit ratio must be examined individually by the woman and her health practitioners.

OUTCOMES
Optimizing the decision-making process of women and their caregivers in proceeding with a hysterectomy having considered the disease process, and available alternative treatments and options, and having reviewed the risks and anticipated benefits.

EVIDENCE
Using Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database, English language articles were reviewed from 1996 to 2001 as well as the review published in the 1996 SOGC guidelines. The level of evidence has been determined using the criteria described by the Canadian Task Force on the Periodic Health Examination.

BENEFITS, HARMS, AND COSTS
Hysterectomy is the treatment of choice for certain gynaecologic conditions. The predicted advantages must be carefully weighed against the possible risks of the surgery and other treatment alternatives. In the properly selected patient, the result from the surgery should be an improvement in the quality of life. The cost of the surgery to the health care system and to the patient must be interpreted in the context of the cost of untreated conditions. The approach selected for the hysterectomy will impact on the cost of the surgery.

RECOMMENDATIONS
Benign Disease 1. Leiomyomas: For symptomatic fibroids, hysterectomy provides a permanent solution to menorrhagia and the pressure symptoms related to an enlarged uterus. (I-A) 2. Abnormal uterine bleeding: Endometrial lesions must be excluded and medical alternatives should be considered as a first line of therapy. (III-B) 3. Endometriosis: Hysterectomy is often indicated in the presence of severe symptoms with failure of other treatments and when fertility is no longer desired. (1-B) 4. Pelvic relaxation: A surgical solution usually includes vaginal hysterectomy, but must include pelvic supporting procedures. (II-B) 5. Pelvic pain: A multidisciplinary approach is recommended, as there is little evidence that hysterectomy will cure chronic pelvic pain. When the pain is confined to dysmenorrhea or associated with significant pelvic disease, hysterectomy may offer relief. (II-C) Preinvasive Disease 1. Hysterectomy is usually indicated for endometrial hyperplasia with atypia. (I-A) 2. Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in itself is not an indication for hysterectomy. (I-B) 3. Simple hysterectomy is an option for treatment of adenocarcinoma in situ of the cervix when invasive disease has been excluded. (I-B) Invasive Disease 1. Hysterectomy is an accepted treatment or staging procedure for endometrial carcinoma. It may play a role in the staging or treatment of cervical, epithelial ovarian, and fallopian tube carcinoma. (I-A) Acute Conditions 1. Hysterectomy is indicated for intractable postpartum hemorrhage when conservative therapy has failed to control bleeding. (II-B) 2. Tubo-ovarian abscesses that are ruptured or do not respond to antibiotics may be treated with hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy in selected cases. (I-C) 3. Hysterectomy may be required for cases of acute menorrhagia refractory to medical or conservative surgical treatment. (II-C) Other Indications 1. Consultation with an oncologist or geneticist is recommended when considering hysterectomy and prophylactic oophorectomy for a familial history of ovarian cancer. (III-C) Surgical Approach 1. The vaginal route shoe should be considered as a first choice for all benign indications. The laparoscopic approach should be considered when it reduces the need for a laparotomy. (III-B) VALIDATION: Medline searches were performed in preparing this guideline with input from experts in their field across Canada. The guideline was reviewed and accepted by SOGC Council and Executive.

SPONSOR
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.


A simple flow culture apparatus was designed for the short-term in vitro culture of adult schistosomes. The use of this system allowed sensitive estimation of relative rates of glucose uptake by different species of schistosome. These data suggest that in parasites maintained carefully in conditions within the physiological range of glucose concentration, uptake of glucose is entirely carrier mediated. The rates of glucose uptake by Schistosoma haematobium and its close relative Schistosoma bovis were more than twice that recorded for Schistosoma mansoni. The relationship between reproductive output, glucose requirements, and susceptibility to immune attrition as adults is considered.


Adult patients with scoliosis often have back pain, but that pain may or may not be due to the curvature. A careful history, physical examination, routine radiographic examination, and, on some occasions, specialized radiographs, CT, myelography, discography, and facet joint injection will help the physician or surgeon separate out those pain syndromes owing to the curvature versus those not owing to the curvature. Only after these critical evaluations have been done can a decent decision be made as to the area of the spine to be treated, either surgically or nonsurgically.


Introduction The management of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in pediatrics remains controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of recurrence after non-surgical treatment vs. surgery, the difference in the length of stay (LOS) between various treatment options, and the role of computed tomography (CT) in the management of PSP. Materials and Methods We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to our Pediatric Surgery Unit for an episode of PSP between June 2009 and July 2020. Medical records including clinical presentation at admission, diagnostics, treatments, complications, and LOS were collected. Results Twenty-three patients (22 males and 1 female) were included in this study. Median age was 15.65 (range 9–18). Chest X-rays were performed in all patients and showed 5 small (22%) and 18 large (78%) PSP. Chest drain was used for large PSP (≥2 cm) if the patient was clinically unstable. Eleven patients (48%) were managed non-operatively with observation alone and a recurrence rate of 18%, chest drain was used in 11 patients with a recurrence rate of 36%, and surgery was deemed necessary as a first treatment choice in one case. Six patients (27%) had an episode of relapse after non-operative management or chest drain placement. Following surgery, a relapse occurred in 2 of the 6 patients. Chest drain insertion was associated with a longer LOS than observation alone (6.36 vs. 2.4 days), and surgery resulted in a longer LOS than other types of treatment (P = 0.001). Conclusion According to our experience, small PSP or clinically stable larger PSP can be treated conservatively with observation alone. Operative management should be taken into consideration in children with large symptomatic PSP, persistent air leak, and/or relapse after chest drain insertion.


School dental service data indicate that whilst Melbourne eight-year-old children had worse dental health than similar children in the Geelong area in 1979, the situation in 1985 was the reverse. In order to investigate this, and determine the effects of socio-economic level (SEL), residential history, and fluoride history on dental caries status, 208 eight-year-old children in the Melbourne area and 209 eight-year-old children in the Geelong area were examined for dental caries. A questionnaire was administered to gain details of subjects' exposure to water and supplement fluorides. The SEL of the subjects' school was used in place of individual SEL. A high proportion (46 per cent) of Geelong subjects used a fluoride supplement at some stage, but few continued this for most of their life. Residential history was important, with 2.4 per cent of the Melbourne subjects living most of their life in a nonfluoridated area and 3.4 per cent of Geelong subjects living most of their life in a fluoridated area. There was a significant difference between the dmft in Melbourne and Geelong when only children who had lived all their life in the city in which they were examined and did not use a fluoride supplement were included. A large part of this difference is attributed to water fluoridation in Melbourne. A substantial number of children would benefit from fluoridation of the reticulated water supply in Geelong, particularly those in the lower social classes.


WHEN librarians meet and talk "shop," it isn't usually long before someone is trying to argue about the provision of lighter material— the ephemeral novels, travel, and biography, the stocking of which none of us is prepared to justify on their merits, but for which there is steady, and heavy, public demand. It is, perhaps, a pity that "shop" is much less often concerned with the old than the new. The omission may be due to the fact that many librarians have become unduly obsessed with new books. We are told that a public library is judged by its service of new books. It might be better, I think, to judge it by its service of books.


BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE
 The National Resident Matching Program's (NRMP) Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) places unmatched applicants in residency programs. We examined the outcomes and experience of family medicine residency programs that matched with residents through SOAP.

METHODS
 In 2020, all program directors in a regional family medicine residency network whose programs had participated in SOAP (n=23) completed a survey on their experience with SOAP and characteristics of residents who were matched via SOAP (n=52) anytime between 2012 and 2020. Resident outcome measures included graduation, remediation, leadership, fit, and comparisons of Milestones areas. Experiences with the SOAP process included factors that may have led the program to SOAP and advice for other programs participating.

RESULTS
 Eighty-seven percent of residents matched via the SOAP graduated, and the majority compared favorably to other residents. Two-thirds of program directors were very likely to hire their residents matched via the SOAP. Rural programs had similar outcomes, although rural-track positions represented 30% of all residents matched via the SOAP in the study. More than half of all responding program directors reported being underprepared for the SOAP process. Program directors recommend getting familiar with the NRMP resources and setting aside time for key personnel in case a program needs to participate in SOAP.

CONCLUSIONS
 The vast majority of residents matched via the SOAP are well prepared for training, contribute to their programs, and perform as well as other residents. Rural programs are more likely to place residents via SOAP than nonrural programs.


Rotating machineries often work under severe and variable operation conditions, which brings challenges to fault diagnosis. To deal with this challenge, this paper discusses the concept of adaptive diagnosis, which means to diagnose faults under variable operation conditions with self-adaptively and little prior knowledge or human intervention. To this end, a novel algorithm is proposed, information geometrical extreme learning machine with kernel (IG-KELM). From the perspective of information geometry, the structure and Riemannian metric of Kernel-ELM is specified. Based on the geometrical structure, an IG-based conformal transformation is created to improve the generalization ability and self-adaptability of KELM. The proposed IG-KELM, in conjunction with variation mode decomposition (VMD) and singular value decomposition (SVD) is utilized for adaptive diagnosis: (1) VMD, as a new self-adaptive signal processing algorithm is used to decompose the raw signals into several intrinsic mode functions (IMFs). (2) SVD is used to extract the intrinsic characteristics from the matrix constructed with IMFs. (3) IG-KELM is used to diagnose faults under variable conditions self-adaptively with no requirement of prior knowledge or human intervention. Finally, the proposed method was applied on fault diagnosis of a bearing and hydraulic pump. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the conventional method by up to 7.25% and 7.78% respectively, in percentages of accuracy.


The wear and corrosion behavior of SS 409M have been evaluated and compared with Mild steel ferritic stainless steel SS 430, and austenitic stainless steel SS 304. The SS 409M is a utility grade ferritic stainless steel, and has a very low Ni percentage less than 0.30%. Annealed SS 409M contains ferrite and low percentage of tempered martensite whereas normalized SS 409M has low ferrite and higher percentage of tempered martensite. The manufacturing cost for this steel is low as compared to other grades of stainless steel but it has high strength with excellent corrosion resistance, abrasion resistance and can be easily fabricated. Thus SS 409M has been found to be a suitable material for replacing mild steel in structural applications. SS 409M has also got good wear resistance and this can be considered as an alternate material for mild steel in the railway wagons, track armor, and chemical tanks. The dry wear test has been carried out using the pin on disc machine for all the specimens. The results show that 409M has higher wear resistance as compared to mild steel and SS 430. The corrosion test has been carried out using the potentiostat for SS 409M both in annealed and in the normalized condition and the results are compared with SS 430 and SS 304. SS 304 and SS 430 stainless steels show excellent corrosion resistance while SS 409M both in annealed and in normalized condition reveal higher corrosion resistance than mild steel. Results are discussed with published work on these steels.


1. Historical background 2. Process of decolonization 3. UN documents on the situation in East Timor after the Indonesian invasion 4. Human rights situation in East Timor 5. Views of Indonesia, Fretilin, UDT and Portugal 6. Responses of third states 7. Dispute over the Timor Gap Treaty 8. The Timor Gap Treaty in the International Court of Justice.


Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a condition characterized by exercise intolerance. The level of activity tolerated by an individual cannot be predicted by classical parameters of left ventricular performance. Therefore, considerable attention has been focused on the role of peripheral factors such as skeletal muscle, which are determinants of work capacity. In recent years, many alterations in the skeletal muscle have been described in patients with chronic heart failure. This knowledge has dramatically changed the treatment of patients with CHF. Previously, patients were asked to avoid excessive strain and physical exercise. Recently, however, patients are asked to participate in a supervised physical training program to increase their exercise capacity and to counteract the molecular changes occurring in the skeletal muscle. This review will focus on molecular and biochemical alterations especially in the skeletal muscle and how these alterations are influenced by exercise training finally contributing to better skeletal muscle performance.


Microvalve is one of the most important components in microfluidic systems and micropumps. In this paper, the three-dimensional incompressible flow through a Tesla microvalve is simulated using FLUENT computational fluid dynamic package. The flow is laminar and SIMPLE algorithm is used. The second-order upwind method is implemented for descretizing convective terms. The velocity and pressure fields are considered in intermediate symmetric plane. The numerical analyses reveal that the mechanism of diodicity occurs at the T-junction and side channel. If inlet and outlet channels are eliminated, diodicity can be increased by 2. Pressure field analysis shows that the pressure drop is much severe at the junction of the reverse flow compared to the forward flow. The obtained numerical results are compared with those of experimental and a good agreement between them is noticed.


In our time, rational and scientific knowledge prevails, or a positivist logic that prevents us from admitting all that cannot be conceptually transcribed. From humanist approaches, it is recognized that in many works of art there is always something unexplainable and even ineffable, that we cannot translate into linguistic terms, thus, placing us further away from the discursive logic. Its meaning is seldom reflected in an univocous interpretation or conceptualization but it is manifested in terms of ambiguity, complexity and polysemy. This poetic dimension of the artistic creation allows us to appreciate the closeness between art and a particular conception of philosophy. The rational logic evades also the existing link between art and spirituality that can bring us closer to mystery. This consideration of the artistic creation as a symbolic expression stands out the relevancy of the intuition and the subconscious to facilitate the access to a more poetic and deeper dimension of things.


The present study was carried out for quantitative analysis of the mean MCC/optical field and also MCD/sq. mm in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral lichen planus (OLP), oral leukoplakia (OL), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and normal buccal mucosa which constituted control group. This study was carried out in the Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, Jaipur Dental College, Jaipur. Histologically confirmed 10 cases each of OSMF, OL, OLP and OSCC were selected. The sections were obtained and stained with toluidine blue. The number of mast cells/optical field and mast cell density/sq. mm were assessed. An assessment of the role of mast cells in the etiopathogenesis of oral submucous fibrosis, oral lichen planus and oral leukoplakia and oral squamous cell carcinoma was reviewed. The following conclusions were drawn from our study. An increase in both mean MCC/optical field and MCD/sq. mm in OSMF, OLP, OL & OSCC. This increase in the values was statistically significant when compared with that of normal buccal mucosa which constituted the control group. An increase in both mean MCC/optical field and MCD/sq. mm was found in precancerous condition & lesion and also in potentially malignant and malignant oral lesions. This increase in the values was statistically significant when compared with that of normal buccal mucosa which constituted the controls.


abstract:In Milton's Paradise Lost, creation is mediated from the beginning. The Fall of humanity changes some modes and degrees of mediation, but the epic suggests that considering differences among kinds of mediation is more fruitful than seeking to avoid it. Paradise Lost offers a useful context for our own debates about incessant digital distractions by exploring the affordances and challenges of different kinds of mediation, by positing links between femininity and mediation, and by considering how mediation affects attention.


This design note describes a special device for dilatometric measurements on bar-shaped materials (length standards in particular). The main part of the device is a new Fizeau-type interferometer with two cube-corner reflectors. The test piece is placed between these reflectors, inside a thermostatically controlled box. Its thermal expansion coefficients are measured completely automatically. Measurement results obtained on various materials and length standards are presented. The overall uncertainty for measurements of bars 1 m in length amounts to less than .


Diet is associated with 5 of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S., including coronary heart disease, certain types of cancer, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes. Physicians can play a pivotal role in promoting nutritional management of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important that valid instruments are created so administrators can better assess the educational needs of prospective physicians, their practices, and patient outcomes. Two comparable studies, one year apart, were undertaken to create an instrument that measures nutritional competence and self-efficacy among prospective physicians. This paper: (a) describes the development of a nutrition self-efficacy scale (NSES) and (b) demonstrates reliability and validity of the NSES using Rasch modeling. It concludes with a discussion of potential contributions of this scale for assessing mastery of applied nutrition among prospective physicians.


Trying to develop the new sophisticated methods of teaching teachers sometimes forget to use the basic and the first principle of quality management, which is customer orientation. The study proposes the way how to involve students to education improvement process. The emphasis is put on the student´s expectations investigation, expectation transformation into actions and student´s satisfaction survey. It may be assumed, that treating students as customers or even as a collaborative partner makes students involved in the education improvement process. The study is based on the assumption that we know the requirements of other stakeholders and the teacher constantly monitors the latest trends in the field of lecturing, which incorporates into lectures. To verify the study´s hypothesis, two surveys were conducted. Students´ expectations and students´ satisfaction after the education process survey data were drawn from a sample of 27 of 27 (100% sample) students of the subject Quality Audits. Our variables under study were related to studentsâ?? satisfaction with the educational process. Building on prior literature, the results from this research allow identifying the main strategies for studentsâ?? involvement into the educational process. The presented research is intended to be a useful reference to teachers and scholars interested in continuous improvement process in education. This article first makes a brief interpretation of some concepts concerning customer satisfaction in terms of continuous improvement process in higher education. Then, our methodology and research approach is presented. The next part of the study discusses the results of the two surveys carried out to follow if the curriculum improvement based on students´ expectation awareness can improve students´ satisfaction with the subject. The paper suggests the standardized curriculum development process in basic steps of the cyclic model of the PDCA on the basis of a profound analysis of studentsâ?? expectations following and meeting. For instance, it provides a basis for differentiating and linking evaluation results to continuous improvement. Finally we present the principal findings of the research, limitations and conclusions.


This paper presents single event effect (SEE) characteristics of UC1845AJ pulse width modulators (PWMs) by laser testing. In combination with analysis to map PWM circuitry in the microchip dies, the typical SEE response waveforms for laser pulses located in different circuit blocks of UC1845AJ are obtained and the SEE mechanisms are analyzed. The laser SEE test results show that there are some differences in the SEE mechanisms of different circuit blocks, and phase shifts or changes in the duty cycles of few output pulses are the main SEE behaviors for UC1845AJ. In addition, a new SEE behavior which manifests as changes in the duty cycles of many output pulses is revealed. This means that an SEE hardened design should be considered.


Introduction: Despite the numerous advantages of laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty over the open access hernioplasty, described in the literature, the general clinical experience is that patients have severe pain in the first few days, hence early postoperative pain is a challenge in this procedure.The aim of this study was to compare early postoperative pain and whether there was statistically significant difference in the intensity of postoperative pain among patients operated with open and laparoscopic approach with IPOM hernioplasty during resting and activity. Material and methods: A randomized, prospective, comparative study was performed on 63 patients who met the inclusion criteria, operated with the IPOM technique and divided into two groups: open access in 32 patients and laparoscopic approach in 31 patients. In both groups, postoperative pain was compared at eight time intervals during rest and activity, quantified using VAS. The statistical processing and analysis of the data was done in the statistical programme SPSS version 23.0. Results: The results of the study showed that at rest and activity, patients in both groups had significantly different pain intensities on the day of the intervention, the first and second day after the intervention (p<0.0001). At these time points, the intensity of pain was significantly stronger in patients undergoing laparosopic hernioplasty. On the third and seventh postoperative days, as well as one and six months after the intervention, there was no significant difference in pain intensity between the two methods during rest and activity. Discussion: The general clinical experience confirmed in our study is that patients after laparoscopic ventral hernioplasty suffer from severe pain in the early postoperative period and it is the biggest challenge and problem after these operations. The explanation is that it is the result of transfascial sutures for mesh fixation in both groups and additionally multiple lesions of the parietal peritoneum in the laparoscopic method due to the numerous fixations of the mesh with tackers. Future research should focus on developing new non-traumatic methods for mesh fixation (Fibrin Glue) and studies that will analyse in detail the impact of postoperative pain on quality of life. Keywords: Laparoscopic IPOM technique, open IPOM technique, absorbable tackers, transfascial sutures, postoperative pain. DOI: 10.7176/JHMN/80-08 Publication date: September 30 th 2020


Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous group of disorders that can be discriminated by morphology, immunophenotyping or more recently by cytogenetic and molecular techniques. By cytogenetics two major groups of AML can be discriminated: One group with detectable chromosomal aberrations accounting for approximately 52 % of all de novo AML and the second group without cytogenetically detectable karyotype abnormalities. In the first group two major subtypes can be further distinguished. The first group comprises AML with balanced aberrations mainly consisting in t(8;21), t(15;17) and inv(16). The second group comprizes cases with unbalanced aberrations including particularly 5q-, 17q- -5 and AML with complex karyotypes. AMLs with balanced aberrations have a good prognosis with long term survival being achieved in approximately 60 %-80 % of cases. AMLs with non-balanced aberrations on the other hand have a poor prognosis with only 10 %-15 % long-term survivors. AMLs with no detectable abnormalities or other cytogenetic aberrations comprise a group with an intermediate prognosis in which long term survival is achieved in approximately 25 %-30 % of cases. Biologically, AMLs with balanced aberrations regularly involve the deregulation of transcription factors resulting in an impairment of cell differentiation and proliferation. AMLs with unbalanced aberrations are mostly characterized by a loss of genetic material resulting in an alteration of cell cycle control and DNA repair. A new view on the biology of AML has recently been made possible through the analysis of gene expression profiles. This technique is still under investigation. First results, however, already show that gene expression patterns have a high diagnostic potential and allow to detect biology subgroups with a high accuracy. Furthermore, by this technique pathways can be identified that are altered in the leukemic process. Gene expression profiling therefore opens a new and exciting perspective in leukemia biology and therapy that may have substantial impact on the improvement of diagnosis and more importantly may guide therapeutic strategies.


This study is devoted to test quality of timed systems. In order to produce reliable systems, they need to be tested before industrial development, but system testing costs a lot of money and time. We suggest to make some preliminary analysis of the system in order to evaluate the cost before starting the tests. This test quality is evaluated by means of four factors. We detail each factor and show how to measure them in all different cases of system specification.


Whereas the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) categorizes individuals with similar self-reported symptoms, the research domain criteria offers a new approach for classifying mental disorders on the basis of dimensions of observable behaviors and neurobiological measures. The objective of this proof-of-concept study was to adopt this approach by distinguishing individuals on the basis of disorder-related personality traits during an experimental manipulation that targeted a disorder-related biological mechanism. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study design, we examined whether attachment style moderated the effect of oxytocin administration on social behaviors and cognitions during a social-exclusion test in individuals with social anxiety disorder. Among participants who received oxytocin, as opposed to a placebo, only individuals with low attachment avoidance displayed more social affiliation and cooperation, and only those with high attachment avoidance showed faster detection of disgust and neutral faces. Thus, attachment style moderated oxytocin's effects among individuals who shared the same DSM diagnosis. We conclude that neurobiological tests can inform new classification strategies by adopting a research domain criteria framework.


Hyperpolarised Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) permits the real time determination of metabolic fluxes in the living heart. In contrast to conventional thermal-equilibrium MRS, the hyperpolarisation technique increases the signal-to-noise ratio of acquired spectra by many orders of magnitude, and therefore allows isotopically labelled probes to be injected into an organism and followed through their subsequent biochemical pathways. We show here that [1–13C]acetoacetate and [1–13C]β-hydroxybutyrate can be hyperpolarised and probe ketone body metabolism in both the ex vivo perfused and in vivo rat heart. Downstream metabolites were observed within the perfused heart, including acetylcarnitine, citrate, and glutamate. In the in vivo heart, a statistically significant increase in acetylcarnitine production from acetoacetate was observed in the fed state, as well as a potential reduction in glutamate, when compared to fasted controls. The metabolism of acetoacetate and β-hydroxybutyrate is known to be altered in various disease states, including diabetic cardiomyopathy, and this proof-of-principle study shows that hyperpolarisation can probe the role of ketone bodies in the diseased heart. The increased rate of acetylcarnitine production following feeding is consistent with its reported role as a store of acetyl moieties should they be abundant in a post-prandial state, into which ketone oxidation is directed. In the fasted state, apparent glutamate levels were higher, which is consistent with an increased flux of ketone bodies into the TCA cycle during fasting. Further work will aim to quantify these fluxes, and explore the role of ketone bodies in animal models of cardiac disease, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy.


ABSTRACT This study aimed to establish the optimal cut-off point(s) between classes in a new, evidence-based classification system for VI judo. We collected results from international VI judo competitions held between 2012 and 2018. Data on visual acuity (VA) and visual field (VF) measured during classification were obtained. Performance was determined by calculating a win ratio for each athlete. VA was significantly associated with judo performance (r = −.33, p <.001), VF was not (r =.30, p =.15). Decision tree analysis suggested to split the data into two groups with a VA cut-off of 2.5 logMAR units. Stability assessment using bootstrap sampling suggested a split into two groups, but showed considerable variability in the cut-off point between 2.0 and 3.5 logMAR. We conclude that to minimise the impact of impairment on the outcome of competition, VI judo should be split into two sport classes to separate partially sighted from functionally blind athletes. To establish an exact cut-off point and to decide if other measures of visual function need to be included, we argue for continued research efforts together with careful evaluation of research results from a multidisciplinary perspective.


The author presents a systematic evaluation of transport properties of semiconducting submicron structures as predicted by computer simulations based on the Boltzmann equation. The influence of variations in the relaxation time of the collision process and the geometry of a model n+nn+-diode are studied. Both ballistic and nonballistic situations are considered and compared to approximating moment models. Already small ballistic effects, showing up as nonuniform features in the high velocity behaviour of the distribution function, cause considerable error in the moment model predictions for the I-V characteristics.


With a view to investigate the incorporation of sludge generated in ETA Tamandua masses for red ceramics, such as disposal method, this paper aims to characterize the sludge ETA Tamandua and four clays of western Parana used to produce structural red ceramic and artistic ceramic, to evaluate the technological potential of this residue. In this first experimental phase of characterization, we determined the moisture, chemical composition by X-ray fluorescence, crystalline compounds by X-ray diffraction, Atterberg limits of soils (Atterberg), size distribution and structure of particles by electron microscopy (SEM). It is noteworthy that the clays have properties favorable for the production of red ceramics. The sludge has basic features of the raw material of low plasticity, composed mainly of SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3, with high loss on ignition (20.4%), low plasticity index equal to (7.4), fraction clay corresponding to 5.3%. These characteristics suggested the possibility that, in the second stage, incorporate the sludge with natural moisture (75%) as an additive in ceramic body, to reduce the shrinkage and to minimize the addition of water to the masses for the production of red ceramics.


1 Werner EB. Manual of visual fields. New York: Churchill Livingstone, 1991: 39-89. 2 Safran AB, Mermoud C. A neuro-ophthalmological global analysis program (NI) developed with the Octopus measurement unit. In: Heijl A, ed. Perimetry update 1988/1989. Amsterdam: Kugler, 1989: 151-5. Figure 2 Leftfindus, showing25 excyclotorsion. 3 Locke JC. Heterotopia of the blind spot in ocular vertical muscle imbalance. AmJ Ophthalmol 1968; 65: 362-74. 4 Safran AB, Almeida E, Mermoud C, Desangles D, de Weisse C, Lang R. Intraocular and interocular variabiity of blind spot surface measurements by means of automated perimetry. In: Mills RP, Heijl A, eds. Perimetty update 199011991. Amsterdam: Kugler, 1991: 409-12.


--- The herbal medicine is in the great demand in the developed as well as developing countries for primary health care because of their large biological activities, higher safety margin and lesser cost. one of the common traditional herbal drugs is Emblica officinalis , commonly known as Amla, is a member of a small genus Emblica (Euphorbiaceae). The earlier study has demonstrated potent anti-microbial, adaptogenic, hepatoprotective, anti-tumour and anti-ulcerogenic activities in the fruits of Emblica officinalis . Leaf extracts have been shown to possess anti-inflammatory activity. vitamin C, tannins and flavonoids present in amla have very powerful antioxidant activity. Due to rich in vitamin C amla is successfully use in the treatment of human scurvy. The extracts from various parts of E. officinalis , especially fruit, contain numerous phytoconstituents viz. higher amount of polyphenols like gallic acid, ellagic acid, different tannins, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, fixed oils, and flavonoids like rutin and quercetin. The extract or plant is identified to be efficacious against diversified ailments like inflammation, cancer, osteoporosis, neurological disorders, hypertension together with lifestyle diseases, parasitic and other infectious disorders. These actions are attributed to either regulation of various molecular pathway involved in several pathophysiology's or antioxidant property which prevents the damage of cellular compartments from oxidative stress. However, serious efforts are required in systemic research to identify, isolate and evaluate the chemical constituents for nutritional and therapeutic potentials.


The potential of mobile phones to revolutionize access to financial services in developing countries is exemplified powerfully by the success of the M-Pesa mobile money service in Kenya. But the apparent difficulty of replicating M-Pesa's success even in neighboring countries suggests that some contexts may be more receptive to such an innovation than others. In this paper we seek to understand the environmental dynamics affecting the uptake of mobile money. We demonstrate that, aside from strong strategy and good business models, the impact of financial services in developing countries is dependent on the extent of market penetration and the political environments in which they take root.


Steady-state and time-resolved intrinsic fluorescence, fluorescence quenching by acrylamide, and surface testing by hydrophobic label ANS were used to study the structure of inactivated alpha-actin. The results are discussed together with that of earlier experiments on sedimentation, anisotropy of fluorescence, and CD spectrum in the near- and far-UV regions. A dramatic increase in ANS binding to inactivated actin in comparison with native and unfolded protein indicates that the inactivated actin has solvent-exposed hydrophobic clusters on the surface. It results in specific association of actin macromolecules (sedimentation constants for native and inactivated actin are 3 and 20 S, respectively) and, consequently, in irreversibility of native-inactivated actin transition. It was found that, though the fluorescence spectrum of inactivated actin is red-shifted, the efficiency of the acrylamide collision quenching is even lower than that of the intact protein. It suggests that tryptophan residues of inactivated actin are located in the inner region of protein formed by polar groups, which are highly packed. It correlates with the pronounced near-UV CD spectrum of inactivated actin. The experimentally found tryptophan fluorescence lifetimes allowed evaluation rotational correlation times on the basis of Perrin plots. It is found that oscillations of tryptophan residues in inactivated actin are restricted in comparison with native one. The inactivated actin properties were invariant with experimental conditions (ionic strength, the presence of reducing agents), the way of inactivation (Ca2+ and/or ATP removal, heating, 3-5 M urea or 1.5 M GdmCl treatment), and protein concentration (within the limits 0.005-1.0 mg/mL). The same state of actin appears on the refolding from the completely unfolded state. Thermodynamic stability, pronounced secondary structure, and the existing hydrophobic clusters, tested by ANS fluorescence and reversibility of transition inactivated-unfolded forms, allowed us to suggest that inactivated actin can be intermediate in the folding-unfolding pathway.


This paper presents a statistical survey of index-of-refraction variations as recorded by an airborne microwave refractometer. Scales and intensities of the index variations are given, as well as the parameter \overline{\DeltaN^{2}}/l , for data taken over southwest Ohio during summer months and over the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of Washington in August and of California in October. Heights from 2,000 to 25,000 feet, msl, were considered with most of the data taken between 2,000 and 12,000 feet. Approximately 1,200 samples taken on 34 flights were analysed. The composite of the data gave the following median values: Index Scale = 130 feet Index Intensity = 0.3 N \frac{\overline{\DeltaN^{2}}}{l} = 7 \times 10^{-4}N^{2} /ft


Background Some patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have normal acute phase reactant (APR) values despite high clinical disease activity measured by joint counts and global assessments. This group of patients may have different clinical outcomes compared with patients with elevated APRs in regards that they might have less aggressive disease or disease activity might be underestimated since Disease Activity Score (DAS)28 used in routine clinical practice includes an APR in its scoring. Objectives The objective of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of patients with clinically active RA but has normal APR values enrolled in the KORean Observational study Network for Arthritis (KORONA). Methods Of 2,583 patients with RA, 400 patients who had the duration within 2 years, the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) score of >2.8 at baseline, biologics-naive, and ESR and CRP drawn at both baseline and two year follow-up visit were identified. Patients were grouped according to baseline APR levels; neither elevated ESR nor CRP (normal APRs), either ESR or CRP elevated (one APR positive), and both elevated ESR and CRP (both APRs positive). Results Of 400 patients with active RA, 39% had normal APRs; 27% had one APR positive; only 34% had both APRs positive. The APR groups did not differ in baseline age, sex, disease duration, socioeconomic status, and positivity for rheumatoid factor or anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody. Baseline disease activity measured by tender and swollen joint counts, DAS28, CDAI, and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) score were significantly lower in normal APRs group compared with APRs positive group. At two-year follow-up, DAS28, CDAI score, and HAQ-DI score were significantly lower in normal APRs group. Patients with normal APRs were less likely to use glucocorticoids and biologics. Significantly more patients in normal APRs group achieved remission defined by DAS28 compared with one APR or both APRs positive groups (51.7% vs 34.34% vs 28.7%, p=0.0003). However, remission rate defined by CDAI was comparable in all 3 APR groups. Conclusions Active RA patients with normal APRs have milder disease, require less aggressive treatment, and better clinical outcomes compared with APRs positive patients. Composite disease activity measures which do not include APRs in its scoring should be considered for monitoring disease activity in normal APRs group because of the risk of misclassification for disease activity by DAS28. References Kay J, Morgacheva O, Messing SP, Kremer JM, Greenberg JD, Reed GW, et al. Clinical disease activity and acute phase reactant levels are discordant among patients with active rheumatoid arthritis: acute phase reactant levels contribute separately to predicting outcome at one year. Arthritis Res Ther. 2014;16:R140. Disclosure of Interest None declared


Background: Oxygen therapy is considered the most common drug in the treatment of many life-threatening diseases such as respiratory failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and others. Particularly now, with the spread of the Coronavirus outbreak, it has become the main drug to save the patients' lives and care for them. As a result, the nurse should have more kills and experience to performing this procedure in the aim to maintain the patient's life safe and avoid complications associated with incorrect oxygen administration technique.
Aims of the study: To assess nurses' knowledge and practice regarding oxygen therapy in (critical care units), (emergency units), (oncology units) at Al-Haboby Teaching Hospital and Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al-Nasiriya City.
Methodology: A descriptive research design was adopted to conduct this study during the period of (14 November 2020 to 20 March 2021).The study was purposive (non-probability) sample of (60) nurses who are working in (critical care units), (emergency units), (oncology units) at Al- Haboby Teaching Hospital and Al-Hussein Teaching Hospital in Al- Nasiriya City. A self-administered questionnaire was constructed by the researcher for the purpose of data collection regarding nurse's knowledge and practice about oxygen therapy. It consisted of three parts: Part I: Part one contains (12) item including demographic data, Part II: This part deals with nurse's knowledge and consists of five domains, and Part III: Observational Checklist about nurse's practice during oxygen administration, it contains (26) items. Study began after requested permission to use the tool. The validity of the study instrument (questionnaire) are determined by experts, who have more than five years' experience in their fields to determine the clarity and adequacy of the questionnaire to achieve the study objectives. They are (8) faculty members of College of Nursing / University of Baghdad, (1) faculty members of College of Nursing /University of Karbala, (1) faculty member of College of Nursing /University of Thi-Qar, (2) specialized physician in Thoracic diseases and (2) Board anesthesia &intensive care. The questionnaire was finalized after the pilot study was used to test the instrument, the results of the reliability for the questionnaire were the reliability of knowledge was r=0.832 and the reliability of practice by (intra observation) was r=0.821 it considered within the acceptable range and the questionnaires had an adequate level of internal consistency and equivalence measurability. The data were analyzed by applying descriptive and inferential data by application of statistical package for social science program (SPSS) version 23.0.
Results: show that, the study sample was presented a low level of knowledge at all five domains related (general knowledge of oxygen therapy and recognizing hypoxemia, indications for acute oxygen therapy, oxygen prescription, and oxygen delivery practices). While in relation to practice, the sample presented low level of practice at both domains (before administering oxygen therapy and during administering oxygen therapy), while presented moderate level of practice at domain (nursing intervention after administering oxygen therapy).
Conclusion: The nurses ' knowledge and practices about oxygen therapy were inadequate.
Recommendations: Conduct training sessions to improve the performance of the nursing staff on the correct use of oxygen therapy. We recommend researchers to do extensive research in the future on the subject of oxygen therapy, including an educational program.


common bile duct measuring more than 2 mm in diameter suggests a pathologic or physiologic obstruction. Congenital hepatic tumors including hemangioblastomas and hepatoblastomas can be imaged sonographically. Benign vascular tumors of the liver including hemangioendotheliomas and mesenchymal hamartomas present as complex hepatic masses associated with dilated abdominal aortic and venous structures. About 15% of neonatal abdominal masses arise from the gastrointestinal tract. These include omental and mesenteric cysts and gastrointestinal tract duplications. The hypoechoic concentric muscular thickening of pyloric stenosis is easily diagnosed by ultrasonography. Gastrointestinal masses can be distinguished from retroperitoneal masses and free intraperitoneal fluid due to peritonitis or hemorrhage can also be detected. Many additional applications include the use of ultrasound to define normal neonatal genitalia and imaging pelvic masses in a newborn. One can also use ultrasonography to detect tethering of the neonatal spinal cord and to locate the level of the distal pouch in evaluating cases of imperforate anus. Diagnostic applications of rapid, noninvasive, high-frequency ultrasonography in neonatal abdomens continue to increase. BARBARA A. CARROLL, MD


Abstract : At their 15th year of service, military personnel who are eligible and intend to serve for 20 years must choose (1) High-3 retirement plan or (2) a reduced retirement (REDUX) and $30,000 bonus at the 15th year of service. This paper is designed to help servicemembers make that decision. We describe the bonus in the second choice as an early, partial cash-out of the servicemembers retirement pension, as the member with pay back the bonus in the form of reduced retirement checks over the entire lifetime. We calculate how much the servicemember will pay back (the reduction in pension benefits) and we calculate the implied APR or interest rate for this loan. For example, an E-7 who retired in 2006 at age 38 is paying an implied interest rate of 13.6% and would see retired pay reduced by $331,316 if he or she lived to 79 years. Even if the servicemember received the bonus tax free, the repayment amount is over 10 times the amount of the loan ($30,000). If the servicemember lives to 85, the repayment amount would be $438, 116.


Ethical trade has arisen in the context of globalization. Globalization has been associated with economic liberalization and deregulation of labour markets. This contributed to a competitive 'downward spiral' in labour conditions in export sectors. Ethical trade is a paradox of globalization, involving the introduction of company codes of conduct covering employ standards through private sector initiatives, often in collaboration with other stakeholders. Ethical trade could improve employment conditions in global exports for current and future generations, but it has limitations. It can complement but is not a substitute for broader strategies that address the problems of development in an era of globalization. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.


An accurate theory of two‐photon dissociation with strong laser pulses, which goes beyond the adiabatic approximation, is developed. Criteria for adiabatic behavior in two photon dissociation (enabling via adiabatic passage the complete population transfer to the continuum), are derived. We obtain the minimal pulse duration needed to ensure adiabaticity as a function of the field intensities and detuning. In addition, we develop a simple, rapidly converging, iterative scheme, built on the adiabatic approximation, for the exact solution of the two‐photon dissociation problem. Each iteration step requires a computational effort that scales as N2 (N being the system dimension) for full matrices, or N log N for sparse matrices. The iterative scheme is tested by comparing it to the Runge–Kutta–Merson direct integration algorithm. It is found to work well even when the adiabatic approximation fails completely.


Purpose. Damageability estimation of carbon steel in the conditions of cyclic loading. Methodology. The steel fragments of railway wheel rim and rail head served as material for research with chemical composition 0.65 % С, 0.67 % Mn, 0.3 % Si, 0.027 % P, 0.028 % S и 0.7 % C, 0.82 % Mn, 0.56 % Si, 0.025 % P, 0.029 % S accordingly. The microstructure of tested steels corresponded to the state of metal after a hot plastic deformation. The fatigue research was conducted in the conditions of symmetric bend using the proof-of-concept machine of type «Saturn-10». Full Wohler diagrams and the lines corresponding to forming of sub-and micro cracks were constructed. The distribution analysis of internal stresses in the metal under cyclic loading was carried out using the microhardness tester of PMT-3 type. Findings. On the basis of fatigue curves for high-carbon steels analysis the positions of borders dividing the areas of convertible and irreversible damages were determined. The article shows that with the growth of carbon concentration in the steel at invariability of the structural state an increase of fatigue limit is observed. At the same time the acceleration of processes, which determine transition terms from the stage of forming of submicrocracks to the microcracks occurs. The research of microhardness distribution in the metal after destruction confirmed the nature of carbon amount influence on the carbon steel characteristics. Originality. Regardless on the stages of breakdown site forming the carbon steels behavior at a fatigue is determined by the ration between the processes of strengthening and softening. At a cyclic loading the heterogeneity of internal stresses distribution decreases with the increase of distance from the destruction surface. Analysis of metal internal restructuring processes at fatigue loading made it possible to determine that at the stages prior to incubation period in the metal microvolumes the cells are already exist with inhomogeneous position of crystalline structure defects and, primarily, dislocations. Practical value. Increase of carbon content from 0.65 to 0.7%, in the conditions of cyclic loading of steel with the structure of lamellar pearlite is accompanied by the fatigue durability increase approximately on 40%. The increase of carbon content in steel accelerates transition from the stage of forming the convertible damages of internal structure to irreversible ones that is confirmed by the increase of angular coefficient of French curves.


ABSTRACT Live attenuated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) vaccines are considered unsafe because faster-replicating pathogenic virus variants may evolve after vaccination. We previously presented a conditional-live HIV-1 variant of which replication can be switched off as an alternative vaccination strategy. To improve the safety of such a vaccine, we constructed a new HIV-1 variant that depends not only on doxycycline for gene expression but also on the T20 peptide for cell entry. Replication of this virus can be limited to the level required to induce the immune system by transient administration of doxycycline and T20. Subsequent withdrawal of these inducers efficiently blocks viral replication and evolution.


A high reliability system has the characteristics of complexity, modularization, high cost and small sample size. Throughout the entire lifecycle of system development, storage and use, the high reliability requirements and the risk analysis form a direct contradiction with the testing expenses. In order to ensure the system, module or component maintains good reliability status and effectively reduces the cost of sampling tests, it is necessary to make full use of multi-source prior information to evaluate its reliability. Therefore, in order to evaluate the reliability of highly reliable equipment under the condition of a small sample size correctly, the equipment reliability evaluation model should be built based on multi-source prior information and form scientific computing methods to meet the needs of condition evaluation and fund assurance of high reliability system. In engineering practice, high reliability system or module gradually develops from normal state to failure state, generally going through three working states of "safety-potential failure-functional failure". Firstly, the historical test data under the three states can be used for the data source for the reliability evaluation of the system at the current stage, which supplements the deficiency of the field data; secondly, due to the lack of accurate judgment on the working state of a high reliability system or modules and analysis of the health status, the unnecessary maintenance may aggravate the evolution speed from potential failure to functional failure; thirdly, when high reliability system or module operates under overload or harsh conditions, the potential failure will be worsened to a certain extent. Aiming at the difficulty of multi-state system reliability evaluation, a reliability evaluation method based on non-information prior distribution is proposed by fusing multi-source prior information, which provides ideas and methods for reliability evaluation and optimization analysis of high reliability system or module. The results show that the three-state reliability evaluation method proposed in this article is consistent with the actual engineering situation, providing a scientific theoretical basis for preventive maintenance of high reliability system. At the same time, the research method not only helps evaluate the reliability state of a high reliability system accurately, but also achieves the goal of effectively reducing test costs with good economic benefits and engineering application value.


The orbital magnetic moment of localized electrons is considered, both in the absence and in the presence of the electron-phonon interaction. This magnetic moment, proportional to the persistent current circulating around groups of at least three localized states, arises from interference of the localized electronic wave functions. It is shown that for the isolated electronic system the magnetic moment has a definite sign which alternates as the location of the Fermi level is varied. When the electrons are coupled to the thermal bath, the orbital magnetic moment decreases due to two effects: (i) the appearance of a current that flows in the opposite direction to that of the isolated system\char22{}this countercurrent results from resonant electron-phonon processes, suggested by Holstein; (ii) an overall Debye-Waller factor that diminishes the magnitude of the orbital response to the external magnetic field. A possible experimental realization to observe the countercurrent is discussed.


Carbosulfan (OMS 3022), a carbamate and pyraclofos (OMS 3040), an organophosphate were evaluated for their biological activity against vector mosquitoes, both in laboratory and field conditions. Carbosulfan (25% EC), was found to be active against adults and immatures of Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti. The LD values for adults were 6.65, 5.19 and 8.35 micrograms/cm2 and LC 50values for immatures were 5.4 X 10(-5), 1.6 X 10(-4 and 5.4) X 10(-4) 50mg/1 respectively. Pyraclofos (50%) showed neither larvicidal nor adulticidal activities. The residual effect of carbosulfan (25% WP) on cement, thatch and mud surfaces at 400 mg (ai)/m2 lasted for 3, 16 and 21 weeks respectively. In the field, carbosulfan at 2.00 kg (ai)/ha resulted in complete control of C. quinquefasciatus larvae for a period of one week in cement tanks and less than a week in other polluted water bodies, such as cesspits, cesspools and drains. Pyraclofos was not effective at a dose of 2.00 kg (ai)/ha in any of the habitats.


A survey regarding complications of sinus surgery was mailed to 6969 otolaryngologists; 3933 responses (56.44%) were obtained, and 3043 of these physicians (77.37%) reported that they performed ethmoidectomy. Completed questionnaires were available for review from 42.21% of all Academy fellows (2942 physicians). Responses were tabulated and summarized question by question. Physicians generally did not rate their residency training in ethmoidectomy highly. The survey confirmed that there has been a marked rise in the frequency of ethmoidectomy and in the amount of training in ethmoidectomy since 1985. Empirical complication rates were calculated for different procedures and time periods. Poisson regression models were then constructed to describe the rate of complications under varying conditions such as the type of surgery performed, time period, experience and training of the surgeon, and type of complication encountered. The models permitted determination of the statistical significance of variables in relation to Incidence of complications. The study did not demonstrate a clear and consistent statistical relationship between the incidence of complications, the type of surgery performed, and the quality of training. Moreover, physicians who provided data from record review tended to report higher rates than those who estimated responses. The majority of physicians discussed specific potential complications with their patients before surgery and routinely performed preoperative computed tomography. The study demonstrated that physicians who experienced complications at higher rates were more likely to discuss these complications with patients before surgery.


Multicollinearity is often ignored in censored regression model. In this respect, Tobit Liu estimation is proposed as an alternative in order to dispel the adverse effects of multicollinearity on the maximum likelihood estimation. Tobit Liu estimator is compared with Tobit ridge estimator and Tobit maximum likelihood estimator, theoretically via mean square error. For empirical analysis, we prefer Mroz dataset which is a phenomenon in the context of censored regression. Since many studies have investigated Mroz dataset by neglecting multicollinearity, we handle this dataset in the context of multicollinearity in this paper. Moreover, it is seen that multicollinearity is not included in pioneer studies' simulation designs. Therefore, we conduct a Monte Carlo simulation study where we take account of different levels of multicollinearity while generating data. Briefly, this study contributes to filling an important gap in the literature and proposes to investigate other econometrically censored data in the context of multicollinearity.


Problems in myocardial revascularization for coronary impairment due to Kawasaki disease were assessed in five patients 1 to 4 years old. Each patient had significant stenosis or complete obstruction with aneurysm formation. There were no operative or late deaths in the follow-up period of 1 to 10 years after operation. The coronary arteries, including the first diagonal branch and obtuse marginal branch, were 1 to 1.5 mm in diameter. Eight saphenous vein grafts used were 2.5 to 3.5 mm in diameter and the internal mammary arteries used in two patients, ages 2 and 4 years, were 1 mm in diameter. All nine grafts examined in the early postoperative period were patent. However, only three of eight saphenous vein grafts were patent in the late postoperative studies. One saphenous vein graft to the right coronary artery was found patent 7 years after surgery in a patient who had been operated on at the age of 3 years. Internal mammary artery grafts used in the last two patients in the series were both patent throughout the late postoperative period. This experience suggests that myocardial revascularization is surgically feasible and beneficial even in young children and that further study is warranted.


Background The NIAID/FAAN criteria have been widely applied to identify anaphylaxis despite having only modest specificity.1,2 Objectives To evaluate the predictive value of the NIAID/FAAN criteria to identify evidence of immune activation in subjects with chronic refractory gout treated with pegloticase in randomized clinical trials (RCTS) who experienced infusion reactions (IRs), by assessing the capacity of biochemical testing for immunologic activation to confirm the likelihood of anaphylaxis. Methods During the RCTs supporting the approval of pegloticase for treatment of chronic refractory gout, subjects remained on therapy despite becoming nonresponders, which reflected the development of anti-drug antibodies (ADA); ∼60% of subjects continued to receive pegloticase despite elevated ADA titers and many had IRs. In subjects receiving pegloticase every 2 weeks (q2w), 22/85 (25.9%) had a total of 43 IRs and 34/84 (40.5%) receiving pegloticase every 4 weeks (q4w) had a total of 70 IRs. 21/22 (95.5%) and 29/34 (85.3%) subjects with IRs in the q2w and q4w groups, respectively, were nonresponders. The 113 total IRs were categorized post hoc as to whether they met NIAID/FAAN criteria for anaphylaxis. Six IRs in 6 subjects met criteria, 53 IRs in 33 subjects had only one feature and were designated as "hypersensitivity", and 54 IRs in 29 subjects had no features and were designated "other". The clinical courses of these IRs and whether they were associated with elevated tryptase levels as a measure of mast cell degranulation or complement consumption as a measure of immune complex activity were assessed. Results Of a total of 852 infusions in subjects receiving q2w pegloticase, 43 (5.0%) were associated with IRs as were 70 of 830 infusions (9.5%) in subjects receiving q4w pegloticase. Of the 70 IRs associated with q4w administration, 3 (4.3%) met the criteria for anaphylaxis, 31 (44.3%) for hypersensitivity and 36 (51.4%) were other. The respective values for subjects receiving pegloticase q2w were 3/43 (7.0%),22/43 (51.1%), and 18/43 (41.9%). A total of 14 IRs (12.4%) were associated with elevated tryptase and 31 (27.4%) with decreased complement CH50 levels. Immunologic abnormalities were not significantly different in the 3 groups, with 16.7%, 17.0% and 7.4% of anaphylaxis, hypersensitivity and other IRs, respectively, having increased tryptase; and 0%, 30.2%%, and 27.8%, respectively, having decreased complement. No subjects were classified as experiencing anaphylaxis by investigators, none required hospitalization, and 60.7%, continued to receive pegloticase. Conclusions Post-hoc designation of pegloticase-treated subjects as meeting NIAID/FAAN criteria for anaphylaxis was not associated with a higher frequency of biochemical evidence of immune activation or a more severe clinical course. In pegloticase-treated subjects, the NIAID/FAAN anaphylaxis criteria did not identify subjects with IRs associated with elevated tryptase and decreased complement CH50 levels. References Sampson HA, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2006;117:391–397. Campbell RL, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2012;129:748–752. Disclosure of Interest L. Calabrese Consultant for: BMS, Genentech, Horizon, Crescendo, Pfizer, GSK, Regeneron, UCB, Abbvie, Janssen, A. Kavanaugh Consultant for: Abbvie, Amgen, Janssen, BMS, UCB, Pfizer, A. Yeo Consultant for: Horizon Pharma, P. Lipsky Consultant for: AstraZeneca, Celgene, EMD Serono, GSK, Horizon Pharma, Janssen, Medimmune, Pfizer, Roche, Sanofi, UCB


An accurate analytical method is normally the preferred choice in engineering practice since this approach usually does not require additional software and can be applied for different situations. A number of analytical methods have been proposed for the air bending process, however, none of them has the capacity to deal with large radius bending. Large radius bending is characterized by a high ratio of the punch radius to the die opening and it is often applied for high-strength steels because of their limited bendability. This bending mode is used to fulfill the imposed level of maximum strain during the forming process. This contribution develops an analytical solution based on the assumption that the bent plate profile can be represented by two straight lines and a circular segment. Three different hardening laws—linear, Swift, and Aerens—are used for the bending moment calculation. Unit moment measurements are used in order to avoid extrapolation of hardening curves obtained by tensile testing. The model is compared with a wide range of experiments using the coefficient of determination, relative and absolute average errors, in addition to the mean standard error. The analytical prediction based on the circular approximation is found to be an accurate and robust tool for the calculation of the major bending characteristics for large radius air bending of high-strength steels.


Antisera against representative strains of infectious hematopoletlc necrosis virus (IHNV) from each of the 5 electropherotypes were prepared in rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss following injections with live virus. Serum cross-neutralization comparisons by 50 % plaque neutralization tests (PNT) showed low antigenic heterogeneity between the vlruses, as calculated by l / r , a measure of the antigenic relationship between 2 virus types. The only vlrus strain clearly different from the others was the representative electropherotype 2 isolate (CST-82), with l / r values from 5.2 to 15.6 when compared to the other isolates. The l l r values obtained for the type 2 IHNV isolate were, however, not greater than 20, a value established as the cnterion for distinguishing serotypes. The other IHNV isolates tested formed a hon~ogeneous group sharing l / r values of 2.1 or less. These studies p rov~de the first evidence that rainbow trout respond distinctly with respect to the production of serum neutralizing antibodies between certain strains of IHNV. A further characterization of these responses will be important to the interpretation of ep~demiological studies and the development of vaccines for the control of IHNV. The salmonid rhabdovirus infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) causes commercially significant losses in susceptible populations of both captive and wild fish (Wolf 1988). This agent is endemic among populations of salmon on the west coast of the USA and Canada but is also known from Europe, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, and the People's Republic of China (Sano et al. 1977, Chen et al. 1985, Bovo et al. 1987, Hattenberger-Baudouy 1988, Luqi & Zhizhuang 1988, J . Park, Ulsan University, Korea, pers. comm.). Although fry are the most susceptible stage to virusinduced mortality (Amend & Nelson 1977), larger fish also suffer from both active infections and the sequelae of IHNV. 'Addressee for correspondence O Inter-Research 1993 Attempts to group or separate IHNV isolates have followed the virus since its initial identification. Three presumably different viral diseases were described among sockeye salmon Oncorhynch~is nerka in Oregon (OSV), Sacrament0 h v e r chmook salmon in Cahfornia (SRCV), and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus myhss and sockeye salmon in British Columbia (IHNV) (Wolf 1988). McCain et al. (1971) compared these 3 virus strains by neutralization using a polyclonal rabbit antiserum and found that OSV and IHNV were indistinguishable while SRCV was closely related to the other 2 viruses. Because of the inability to easily distinguish strains or serotypes of IHNV using polyclonal rabbit serum, alternative approaches were sought. Hsu et al. (1986) found that differences in the electrophoretic patterns of the N and G structural polypeptides using SDS PAGE could be used to separate IHNV strains into 5 groups or electropherotypes. The potential antigenic relationships of viruses in different electropherotypes were pursued by Engelking et al. (1991) who compared viruses from each of these 5 electropherotypes using 2 rabbit antisera prepared against types 1 and 4 whole virus and 2 antisera to the partially purified G protein of types 1 and 4 IHNV. Although their comparisons did not include full crossneutralizations for each of the 5 electropherotypes (5 sera X 5 viruses), they concluded that the antigenic differences observed between virus strains were sufficient to define variants but not multiple serotypes. Addtionally, they demonstrated that fish irnnlunized with partially purified G protein from type 1 virus were protected when challenged with type 2 or 5 virus. These comparisons and those of McCain et al. (1971) and others studying different phenotypic characters of the virus suggested that there are no great differences among strains of IHNV and that strains of the virus tend to be related more by geographic location than by host origin. Dis. aquat. Org. 15: 229-233. 1993 RB-7 6 Steelhead Deschutes River, OR 1976 1 CST-82 Rainbow trout Clear Springs, ID 1982 2 Trinity Coho salmon Trinity River, CA 1985 3 SRCV Chinook salmon Sacramento River, CA 1966 3 Coleman Chinook salmon Sacramento River, CA 1983 4 Cedar Sockeye salmon Cedar River, WA 1979 5 The use of monoclonal antibodies (mabs), both neusimilar to that described by Burke & Mulcahy (1980). tralizing and binding, has helped to overcome in part Modifications to that method included incubation of the poor resolving powers of low titered rabbit antisera virus dilutions at 4 "C for 16 h prior to a 1 h adsorption used in early comparisons (Winton 1991). Winton et on EPC cells at 15°C after which a methylcellulose al. (1988) and Ristow & Arnzen (1991) have shown that overlay was added. at least 4 groups of viruses can be distinguished by Preparation of fish antisera: Antisera to the 6 IHNV panels of currently available mabs. strains were prepared in 2 yr old rainbow trout. At Although antibodies raised in rabbits and mice have least 3 trout were injected for production of antisera been and will continue to be useful in examining imagainst each virus isolate. These fish were obtained portant viral epitopes involved in virus neutralization, from the American River Hatchery, California Departfish antibodies to IHNV are the ultimate indicators of ment of Fish and Game, Rancho Cordova, CA, and the salmonid's response to viral infections. The use of were maintained at the Fish Disease Laboratory at this serological response for epidemiological studies Univ. of California, Davis, in 650 1 tanks receiving 15 "C and vaccine development therefore depends upon a well water and fed a commercial pelleted ration daily. better understanding of the fishes' capability to distinThe American River Hatchery has no history of IHNV guish between strains oi IHNV. Tne existence and and testing of serum prior to ir,'cctio:: shswed nc evisignificance of neutralizing antibodies in salmonids dence of anti-IHNV neutralizing activity. The fish were infected with IHNV were first demonstrated by Amend anesthetized with MS-222 (0.1 mg 1-') prior to & Smith (1974) and practical tests for the demonstraintraperitoneal injections with virus or coiiection of tion of antibodies were developed by Hattenbergerblood samples. Trout received 4 injections at 3 wk Baudouy et al. (1989). Using this latter technique we intervals with 0.1 m1 of cell-free supernatant containhave examined the relatedness of 6 IHNV isolates, ing approximately 107 PFU ml-' of IHNV. Blood samrepresenting each of the 5 electropherotypes, by their ples were drawn from the caudal vein at 10 d after the response in cross-neutralization tests to hyperimmune last injection. The antisera were heat inactivated for serum prepared in rainbow trout. 30 min at 45 "C prior to storage at -70 "C. Materials and methods. Cell culture: All virus iso50 % plaque neutralization test (50 % PNT): The lates were propagated in the EPC (epithelioma papuloPNT technique was performed as previously described sum cyprini) cell line, derived from common carp by Olesen & Jsrgensen (1986) for viral hemorrhaqc Cyprinus carpio (Fijan et al. 1983). The cells were septicemia virus (VHSV) but the neutralization time grown in minimal essential medium (MEM) containing was increased from 1 to 16 h (Hattenberger-Baudouy Eagle's salts supplemented with 7.5% fetal bovine et al. 1989). All virus-antibody mixtures in 96-well serum, 2 mM L-glutamine, 50 IU ml-' of penicillin and culture plates were performed in the presence of 50 ~g ml-' of streptomycin. normal trout serum diluted 1 : 40 as a source of compleVirus isolates: Six isolates were used in this study ment. Both negative and positive serum controls were (Table 1). They were selected to represent each of the included in each test. Initial positive control sera were 5 electropherotypes of IHNV as described by Hsu et al. kindly provided by Dr P. de Knkelin (INRA, Jouy-en(1986). A second type 3 virus isolate from coho salmon Josas, France) but later were replaced by anti-RB-76 0. kisutch adults at the Trinity River Hatchery (CA, IHNV trout serum. Negative control sera were from USA; LaPatra et al. 1989) was also included. The isovirus-free trout. Eight 3-fold dilutions of trout sera lates were not plaque purified before use. To estimate were mixed with 120 p1 of virus (2000 PFU ml-'). After concentrations needed for subsequent plaque neutral30 min at 15°C a complement source (trout sera) was ization tests (PNT), viruses were titrated by a method added and then the mixtures were incubated at 4OC for 16 h. The mixtures were then placed Table 1. Representative isolates of mfectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (W) onto EPC monolayers in 24-well culture from the 5 electropherotypes used for comparison by cross-neutrahzation plates, adsorbed for 1 h at 15°C prior to adding a methylcellulose overlay. The HSU et al. (1986); banadromous rainbow trout Isolate Host species Location (USA) Year Typea plaques were observed in the negative controls (6 to 7 d). The cells were then fixed and stained with 10 % formalin and 1 % crystal violet, the plaques counted, and the 50% PNT calculated as the reciprocal value of the highest serum dilution causing 50% reduction of the number of plaques found in the presence plates were incubated until clear virus Basurco et al.: Comparison of IHNV strains 23 1 Rainbow trout Isolateb antiserum' RB-76 CST-82 Trinity SRCV Coleman Cedar (1) (2) (3) (3) (4 (5) Anti-RB-76 21870 81


Background: The Tuberculosis (TB) disease has immense impact on physical, psychological, economic and social well-being of an individual. It is desired that the patient with any kind of TB disease should lead a respectable and happier life during their course of TB treatment. Currently, the quality of life (QOL) is an important indicator to assess the well-being of a person and there is paucity of such information among TB patients. Hence, we conducted to assess and compare the QOL of Revised National TB Control Programme registered Drug sensitive TB patients, Drug resistant TB patients and general population of Gadag district in Karnataka, India. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Gadag district, Karnataka from March 2017 through March 2018 among drug sensitive, drug resistant TB patients and general population. A Non-probability purposive sampling was adopted to select the samples that were matched for age, gender and ward. The select patients were administered WHO QOL-BREF questionnaire by trained personnel. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 12 analysis software. Results: The scores obtained for the four domains of QOL were (a) physical health: 69.62 + 18.29 (b) Psychological: 66.96 + 18.62 (c) Environment: 60.99 + 15.05 and (d) Social relationships: 53.5 + 19.93. Conclusions: The drug resistant TB patients have poor QOL when compared to drug sensitive and general population.


ABSTRACT Wu, C.; Wen, G.; Wu, X.; Han, L.; Xu, J.; Wang, W.; Xie, H., and Li, R., 2015. Calculation method of the pull-back force for cable laying of the trenchless completed power pipeline. Typically, trenchless drilling rig is used in cable laying in power system. Then through the windlass; the cable is pulled into the pipeline. Although the size of the pull-back force is very important to calculate the pull-back force in cable laying, the existing calculation equation for pull-back force is targeted at pull-back force in pipeline laying. This article analyzes the frequently-used calculation equations and its service condition in pipeline laying. And a pull-back force test instrument in cable laying is designed, by which a large number of pull-back force of cable laying in practical engineering project is collected. Through the comparison of the measured values and calculation values by the equation for pull-back force, it is founded that the equation for pull-back force in pipeline laying is suitable for the calculation of pull-back force in cable laying in case that it multiplied by a certain coefficient.


Epoxy micro-nanocomposite specimens incorporated with 66 wt% of silica micro fillers and 0.7 wt% of ion trapping particles as nano fillers, are coated with four different variants of coal. The conductivity of the coal deposited samples is observed to be in direct correlation with the percentage carbon content present in the coal samples. The epoxy micro-nanocomposite specimens coated with different variants of coals were successfully classified by using Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) assisted by various machine learning techniques. It is noticed that the classification through Logistic regression method (LRM) has reflected a higher training as well as testing accuracy of 100% and 98%, respectively when compared to other machine learning methods.


The history of the 80-year activity of the Institute of Military Medicine, established in the Workers and Peasants, Red Army, Soviet Union. The Institute was founded in 1930 in Moscow and was originally called the Military Sanitary Institute. In a subsequent Institute repeatedly reformed, had different names, with the first years of its existence, has made and continues to contribute significantly to the development of means of medical services and other medical devices. The concrete results of operations and information about the staff are established.


The Internet has culminated in the development of tools for human communication that began with the appearance of languages and continued with the inventions of writing, typography, radio, and television, leading to the contemporary computer-mediated communication. At each stage throughout history, applying these new tools in human society changed its basic functions deeply. The sphere of religion was obviously not left outside these transformational processes. With the rise of contemporary information technologies, radical changes on the religious scene can be predicted, parallel to those of communication revolutions in the past. It can be supposed that the religious traditions that will most effectively adapt to new technologies will be the most successful ones on the globalized market of world religions. Based on this observation, this article is trying to find features that should enable religious movements to succeed in this process. The main source for the prognosis originates in the research of the religious activities in the Chinese environment, especially those of the Falun Gong movement. As China will soon become the key actor in reshaping (not only) the cyberspace of the future, the observations made in this environment can be an important inspiration for predicting the further development of religious life on the entire Internet.


Passively monitoring a driver's activities constitutes the basis of an automobile safety system that can potentially reduce the number of accidents by estimating the driver's focus of attention. In this project a complete accident avoidance system is proposed by determining the driver's behavior. As the main causes of vehicle accident were related to human factors, they could be labeled in one of the main driver's distraction categories such as drowsiness, yawning and distracted vision. The main causes of the traffic accidents, discovered in the analysis of the driver behavior with the help of our system, will be used for the development of assistant devices and alarm systems that could help the driver to avoid risky situations. In this project we are implementing two image processing tool to get the facial geometry based on Viola Jones algorithm and skin color face detection method combined tracking. Frequencies of eye blinking and eye closure are used as the indication of sleepy and warning sign is then generated for recommendation, secondly outside an ego vehicle, road traffic is also analyzed. BP sensor is introduce to check the heart-beat of the driver, if any variation occurs in heart beating stop the car. Ultrasonic sensor is used to measure distance in front of cars. Break failure also detected.


On 19 May 2013, Ruairi Quinn T.D, Minister for Education and Skills, announced a review of apprenticeship training in Ireland. The terms of reference of the review were
"to determine whether the current model of apprenticeship should be retained, adapted or replaced by an alternative model of vocational education and training for apprentices –taking into account the needs of learners, the needs of employers, the needs of the economy and the need for cost effectiveness into the future."
The Review Group was asked to complete its work before the end of 2013. A Technical Group was also established to provide background evaluative data for the review. To provide a context for the review, a Background Issues Paper 1 was prepared by the Department of Education and Skills and published at www.education.ie in May 2013
.


Background Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-induced nephrotoxicity is related to high plasma tenofovir concentrations. Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a tenofovir prodrug with 90% lower plasma tenofovir concentrations. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in tenofovir-induced nephrotoxicity in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive patients who switched from TDF to TAF. Materials and Methods We identified all HIV-positive patients who switched from elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/TDF to elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/TAF at a tertiary hospital. We assessed tubulopathy and renal dysfunction before TDF administration, at the time TAF was used following at least 3 months of TDF use, and 3 months after TAF administration. Tubulopathy was defined by the presence of at least three abnormalities in fractional excretion of phosphate, fractional excretion of uric acid, urinary β2-microglobulin, urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase, glucosuria or proteinuria. Renal dysfunction was defined as decreased by more than 25% in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) relative to baseline. Results In 80 patients, the mean eGFR was 96.8 mL/min/1.73 m2 before administration of TDF, 81.2 (P <0.001) at the time of change to TAF, 90.9 (P <0.001) after TAF administration. Renal dysfunction occurred in 19 patients (23.8%) after TDF use for a median 15 months, 11 (57.9%) of these patients recovered from renal dysfunction after TAF administration. Six patients (7.5%) had tubulopathy before TDF administration, 36 (45.0%) after TDF administration (P <0.001), 12 (15.0%) after TAF administration (P = 0.002). Conclusion Tenofovir-induced nephrotoxicity in HIV-positive patients receiving TDF was mostly reversible after changing to TAF. Thus, TAF-containing regimens can be administered safely to HIV-positive patients with tenofovir-induced nephrotoxicity.


The flip-chip package provides a high chip-density solution to the demand for more I/O pads of VLSI designs. In this paper, we present the first routing algorithm in the literature for the pre-assignment flip-chip routing problem with a pre-defined netlist among pads and wire-width and signal-skew considerations. Our algorithm is based on integer linear programming (ILP) and guarantees to find an optimal solution for the addressed problem. It adopts a two-stage technique of global routing followed by detailed routing. In global routing, it first uses two reduction techniques to prune redundant solutions and create a global-routing path for each net. Without loss of the solution optimality, our reduction techniques can further prune the ILP variables (constraints) by 85.5% (98.0%) on average over a recent reduction technique. The detailed routing applies X-based grid- less routing to complete the routing. Experimental results based on five real industry designs show that our router can achieve 100% routability and the optimal global-routing wirelength and satisfy all signal-skew constraints, under reasonable CPU times, while recent related work results in much inferior solution quality.