We investigate the relation between the spectrum of a non-normal matrix and the norm of its resolvent. We provide spectral estimates for the resolvent of matrices whose largest singular value is bounded by $1$ (so-called Hilbert space contractions) and for power-bounded matrices. In the first case our estimate is optimal and we present explicit matrices that achieve equality in the bound. This result recovers and generalizes previous estimates obtained by E.B. Davies and B. Simon in the study of orthogonal polynomials on the unit circle. In case of power-bounded matrices we achieve the strongest estimate so far. Our result unifies previous approaches, where the resolvent was estimated in certain restricted regions of the complex plane. To achieve our estimates we relate the problem of bounding the norm of a function of a matrix to a Nevanlinna-Pick interpolation problem in a corresponding function space. In case of Hilbert space contractions this problem is connected to the theory of compressed shift operators to which we contribute by providing explicit matrix representations for such operators. Finally, we apply our results to study the sensitivity of the stationary states of a classical or quantum Markov chain with respect to perturbations of the transition matrix.


Reactions of R1GeCl3 (R1 = CMe2CH2COMe) with (Me3Si)2E (E = S, Se, Te) yield three new organogermanium chalcogenide complexes [(R1GeCl)2S2] (1), [(R1GeCl)2Se2] (2), and [(R1GeCl)2Te2] (3) with functionalized ligands R1 = CMe2CH2COMe. NMR titration experiments clearly demonstrate that these dimeric complexes are intermediates in the formation of the well-known sesquichalcogenide clusters [(R1Ge)4E6]. In striking contrast to related tin compounds that were recently reported, the mono-bridged complexes of the type "[(R1GeCl2)2E]" and defect-heterocubane-type clusters "[(R1Ge)3E4Cl]" do not form on the NMR time scale for E = S or Te, and only in traces for E = Se.


In this paper, we present a disassemble-and-pack approach for a mechanism to seek a box which contains total mechanical parts with high space utilization. Its key feature is that mechanism contains not only geometric shapes but also internal motion structures which can be calculated to adjust geometric shapes of the mechanical parts. Our system consists of two steps: disassemble mechanical object into a group set and pack them within a box efficiently. The first step is to create a hierarchy of possible group set of parts which is generated by disconnecting the selected joints and adjust motion structures of parts in groups. The aim of this step is seeking total minimum volume of each group. The second step is to exploit the hierarchy based on breadth-first-search to obtain a group set. Every group in the set is inserted into specified box from maximum volume to minimum based on our packing strategy. Until an approximated result with satisfied efficiency is accepted, our approach finish exploiting the hierarchy.


The method, apparatus, and user equipment (UE) for transmitting a multi-cell scheduling information is provided. At least two cells are user equipment: when serving (User Equipment UE), a method of transmitting a multi-cell scheduling information (multi-cell scheduling information) is the main cell (main cell) of the UE from the at least two cells determining; And in the main cell, and transmitting the scheduling information of the main cell and auxiliary cell serving the UE. In the technical solution provided in an embodiment of the present invention, because the main cell to notify the scheduling information of the multiple cells to the UE to the UE, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the system radio resources. At the same time UE is reducing the power to the detection time and the control signaling, because it is only possible to detect a control channel from the main cell.


The hospitality industry is facing tough competition due to new actors (i.e. online travel agencies, comparison websites, etc.). Furthermore, Covid-19 has made it worse with travel restrictions and health measures. This study aims to identify the needs and expectations of hotel guests in a post-pandemic context, and how hotels can acquire and manage resources in a strategic way. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was employed to assess the importance of 9 hotel attributes via pairwise comparison. The data were collected from 537 guests who stayed in 3- and 4-star hotels in Paris from April to June 2021. In addition, in-depth interviews of 19 hotel managers were conducted to gain insights into how they are acquiring and managing their resources. Theoretical and practical implications, and future research directions are presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)


Context. The ice surface of Europa is unique due to its high concentration of sulfur compounds such as SO4, SO2, and H2S. Energetic ion impacts originating from the magnetosphere of Jupiter may alter the composition of the ice surface.
Aims. We explore the chemical alteration of the surface due to a 20 MeV sulfur ion impact, for which the most pronounced effects are expected, and monitor the chemical transformations occurring inside the ice.
Methods. Molecular dynamics simulations are used based on a reactive (REAX) potential, which allows for the molecular breakups and the ensuing reactions to be followed on an atomistic scale.
Results. We observe dissociation of SO4 and also a loss of SO2, while SO3 is created; this is in qualitative agreement with laboratory experiments. Hydrolysis of water leads to abundant formation of H+, H3O+ and OH−; in addition, we predict the presence of both sulfurous acid, H2SO3, and sulfuric acid, H2SO4, as well as traces of carbonic acid, H2CO3. The irradiation produces H2 and O2, which are free to escape from the surface, in agreement with the tenuous Europa atmosphere detected.
Conclusions. Since magnetospheric sulfur ions have a high mass and may possess large energies, they provide a unique source of high energy deposition in the ice surface of Europa leading to abundant radiolysis fragments and products. In addition, sulfur compounds existing in the ice are chemically transformed, for example, by sulfite formation.


This study determined and evaluated soil properties and distribution of biogenic
(copper, iron, manganese and zinc) and non-biogenic (arsenic, cadmium, chromium,
nickel, lead and wolfram) trace metals in the road side topsoil (0-10 cm) and subsoil
(10-20 cm) at six sites in Uppsala City. The hypothesis of the study was that
depending on the, location traffic intensity, history and industrial activities soil
contents of the metals vary regardless of similar bedrock.

Four composite samples 20 m apart were taken 10 m from the roadside. Soil texure
was detemined by the pipette method, total C on Leco CNS-200 equipment, chemicals properties (cation exchange capacity (CEC) in BaCl2 solution at pH 8.1, pH in deionised H2O and in calcium chloride solution and metals by digestion in aqua regia and measuring on ICP-MS equipment.

The soils were characterized mainly as sandy clay loams and the pH was nearly
neutral. The CEC ranged between 10.6 and 37.9 c mol kg-1, with a mean of 20.0 c
mol kg-1 . Percentage base saturation was below 100.

The biogenic trace metals were evenly distributed in both the topsoil and subsoil,
whereas the pattern for non-biogenic metals was not consistent. The results of
biogenic metals were lower than the limits set by the Swedish Environmental Code,
whereas some of the non-biogenic metals were close to the limits. The distribution of
non-biogenic metals may suggest anthropogenic source of metals.

Metal accumulation, especially Pb, Cd, and Ni did not conform to trends of traffic
intensity; rather it tended to follow the age of the road. Thus, although the E4
highway (relatively young road) with traffic density of 25000-40000 per d, Pb
accumulation was not as high as Pb determined on the roadsides of Kungsgatan, the
oldest street in central Uppsala with traffic intensity of 15000-20000 per day.
Surprisingly the soil were enriched with W. Some of the metal contents could in the
long term enhance health and environmental concerns, especially at school and
children's day centres located close to the roadsides, where the risk of repeated
exposure is apparent. More investigations are justified to verify these risks.


Objectives: Few studies have examined the prevalence of electronic cigarette use among the inpatient population regardless of the patients' cessation goals. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of electronic cigarette use among counseled tobacco users admitted to 2 academic hospitals. Methods: Cross-sectional data of hospitalized adult tobacco users who were admitted between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 and who received bedside tobacco cessation counseling from a tobacco treatment service counselor were examined. Demographic and smoking history items were compared as a function of electronic cigarette use using chi-square and independent t tests. Logistic regression was used to test independent associations with electronic cigarette use. Results: Of 2194 hospitalized tobacco users counseled, 22% had used an electronic cigarette. Most of these patients used electronic cigarettes to quit or reduce use of combustible cigarettes. Adjusted odds of electronic cigarette use were higher for females (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.60 for male patients, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.76), younger patients (AOR 0.98 for older patients, 95% CI 0.97–0.99), and individuals who initiated tobacco use earlier in life (AOR 0.97 for later smoking initiation, 95% CI 0.95–0.99). Conclusions: Screening hospitalized cigarette smokers for electronic cigarette use offers an opportunity to counsel all patients on evidence-based quit aids. Young, female patients are most likely to use electronic cigarettes and may benefit most from directed discussions about electronic cigarette use and Federal Drug Administration-approved cessation methods during smoking cessation counseling.


Tixagevimab–cilgavimab is effective for the treatment of early COVID-19 in outpatients with risk factors for progression to severe illness, as well as for primary prevention and post-exposure prophylaxis. We aimed to retrospectively evaluate the hospital stay (expressed in days), prognosis, and negativity rate for COVID-19 in patients after treatment with tixagevimab–cilgavimab. We enrolled 42 patients who were nasal swab-positive for SARS-CoV-2 (antigenic and molecular)—both vaccinated and not vaccinated for COVID-19—hospitalized at the first division of the Cotugno Hospital in Naples who had received a single intramuscular dose of tixagevimab–cilgavimab (300 mg/300 mg). All patient candidates for tixagevimab–cilgavimab had immunocompromised immune systems either due to chronic degenerative disorders (Group A: 27 patients) or oncohematological diseases (Group B: 15 patients). Patients enrolled in group A came under our observation after 10 days of clinical symptoms and 5 days after testing positivite for COVID-19, unlike the other patients enrolled in the study. The mean stay in hospital for the patients in Group A was 21 ± 5 days vs. 25 ± 5 days in Group B. Twenty patients tested negative after a median hospitalization stay of 16 days (IQR: 18–15.25); of them, five (25%) patients belonged to group B. Therefore, patients with active hematological malignancy had a lower negativization rate when treated 10 days after the onset of clinical symptoms and five days after their first COVID-19 positive nasal swab.


Purpose: Nepal has taken an initiative to provide the various government services to its citizens by the use of ICT. However in developing countries like Nepal there are many challenges in front of Government in implementing these services through internet. So, the main target of this study is to formulate a proposed model of e-Governance based on G2C based on identified the basic achievement factors (BAFs) for viable execution of e-Government services.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Key focus of the research is to develop a model through modification of existing model of developed country which could be applied in Nepal. Content analysis of literature along with key informant interviews and 5 ranking Likert scale questionnaire survey has been applied for getting the objective. It is an approach towards creation of digital sustainability as digital transformation is taking rapid development.
Findings/Result: Since most part of the population is below poverty line and even the literacy rate towards IT services is also very less, it is a challenge for the implementing agencies. The authorities in Nepal have been continuously endeavoring to offer citizen offerings in a higher way. There had been numerous a success initiatives and lots of noteworthy initiatives had been undertaken in Nepal like citizen App. This paper has tried to identify the CSFs for the execution of E-Administration in Nepal to develop a proposed model of e-Government to Consumer (G2C) to enhance the effectiveness of E-Governance.
Originality/Value: The study contributes to develop a model for e-Government to adopt digitalization.
Paper Type: Research paper


In spite of the general appreciation of the need for usability evaluation, systematic evaluation studies of new products are the exception. This paper describes the evaluation conducted at Siemens of the prototype for a novel interface of a cellular telephone. The interface design itself is presented followed by a description of the test method, the 80 subjects sample, and the results. The conclusions focus on lessons learnt through the study and on the need of integrating usability evaluation into the product cycle.


Historically, Telecom Networks were a Mixture of TDM/Circuit Switched and Packet/Datagram based and used techniques such as TDMoIP and IPoTDM for internetwork communication. Voice and Data Networks were separate. NGN was envisioned as a pathway towards a converged ALL-IP network capable to cater to Voice, Video and Data services. Around 2005, newer services such as SAN's, NAS's, CDN's, WSNs, Location Aware Services, BYOD, Data Centers, Cloud-Based Services, Big Data, XaaS, Internet of Things, Over-the-Top Content etc. were developed that required a more Flexible and Scalable network infrastructure. These services are Application Focused and require the network to be more Service-Centric than Infrastructure- Centric. This gave rise to the Concept of Software Defined Networks (SDNs) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). However, these concepts saw strong opposition from Telecom Equipment Manufacturers and it was not until late 2010 that Telecom OEMs started adopting SDN and NFV. This research tries to develop a Simple and Modular Router/Protocol that implements Telecom Functions as opposed to the more


To analyze main factors affecting the separation reliability between a missile and adapters for the launching process,a six DOF underwater dynamic model for the missile and adapters is utilized to simulate the separation process,considering elastic forces of separating springs,hydrodynamic forces,gravity and buoyancy.Moreover,a criterion based on the maximum separating distance is put forward to determine whether adapters separate with the missile reliably.The results show that the magnitude and position of elastic force,the wedge angle and mass of the adapter significantly affect the separating process.The local sensitivity analysis for the reference status of design parameters demonstrates that the wedge angle of adapters has the maximum influence about 70.4% on the separating distance.


Chromatin structure plays an essential role in eukaryotic gene expression and cell identity. Traditionally, DNA and histone modifications have been the focus of chromatin regulation; however, recent molecular and imaging studies have revealed an intimate connection between RNA epigenetics and chromatin structure. Accumulating evidence suggests that RNA serves as the interplay between chromatin and the transcription and splicing machineries within the cell. Additionally, epigenetic modifications of nascent RNAs fine-tune these interactions to regulate gene expression at the co- and post-transcriptional levels in normal cell development and human diseases. This review will provide an overview of recent advances in the emerging field of RNA epigenetics, specifically the role of RNA modifications and RNA modifying proteins in chromatin remodeling, transcription activation and RNA processing, as well as translational implications in human diseases.


Persistent xenobiotics are potentially hazardous for the bee larvae despite that they are not directly exposed in
contrary to adult foraging bees. The crucial phase of larval development is the first six days after hatching
when young larva grows exponentially and during this phase larvae are potentially exposed to xenobiotics via
diet. That is why the life cycle of honeybee is still a great challenge for scientists. OECD reflected "this need"
and adopted the OECD 237 protocol (Honey bee (Apis mellifera) larval toxicity test, single exposure) on 26th
July 2013. The protocol addresses the requirements formulated by the United States, Canada, and Europe to
test the toxicity of chemicals compounds on larvae fed with spiked food under laboratory conditions in a tier1
strategy.


Abstract. Marsupial immune responses were previously touted as 'primitive' but we now know that the marsupial immune system is complex and on par with that of eutherian mammals. In this manuscript we review the field of marsupial immunology, focusing on basic anatomy, developmental immunology, immunogenetics and evolution. We concentrate on advances to our understanding of marsupial immune gene architecture, made possible by the recent sequencing of the opossum, tammar wallaby and Tasmanian devil genomes. Characterisation of immune gene sequences now paves the way for the development of immunological assays that will allow us to more accurately study health and disease in marsupials.


Seventy-four heifers, 7 to 12 months old, were randomized in four groups: group A, 8 heifers as controls; group B, 19 heifers vaccinated subcutaneously with 9 X 10(10) Brucella abortus strain B 19; group C, 19 heifers vaccinated as in group B, then revaccinated by the conjunctival route 6 to 8 months later with 5 X 10(9) bacteria; group D, 28 heifers vaccinated twice by the conjunctival route with the same dose and time intervals as in group C. Serological responses in agglutination, complement fixation and Rose Bengal tests were typical of those following standard vaccination with Strain B 19 in group B. Iu group C after the booster vaccination, there was a transient rise in titers which lasted about 3 months. Iu group D, titers were infrequent, low, and lasted no more than 8 weeks, after both primary and secondary vaccination. Fifty of the heifers, when 4 1/2 to 6 1/2 months pregnant, were challenged by the conjunctival route, with 16 X 10(6) B. abortus strain 544. Calves were born at full term (greater than or equal to 264 days) to 1/7 heifers in group A, 6/12 in group B, 8/II in group C and 14/19 in group D. Serological tests every two weeks after challenge; bacteriological examination of vaginal mucus, colostrum, foetuses and dead calves; bacterial enumeration of ten mixed samples of lymph nodes and organs taken at slaughter about 6 weeks after parturition, were made to determine the infection status of the heifers. Brucella was isolated at some time from 7/7 heifers in group A, II/I2 in group B, 6/I2 in group C and I4/I9 in group D. Five heifers (2 in B, I in C, 2 in D) cleared themselves of infection between parturition and slaughter, The average degree of infection per group at slaughter, expressed as a logarithmic index of the number of Brucella isolated from the ten samples, was significantly lower in the three vaccinated groups than in the controls, and in groups C and D than in groups B, and it was not significantly different in group C and D. For field vaccination, a booster vaccination by the conjunctival route, as in group C, would provide more protection than the standard vaccination without serious interference in routine diagnostic tests. Two vaccinations by the conjunctival route, as in group D, would be simpler, more economical and at least as effective as the standard system of vaccination, and would have the advantage that vaccination could be done at nay age without risk of serological response.


Analysis of dual sports performance typically involves observational techniques to gather data samples during actual competition. These techniques are limited by the amount of data that can be collected and the need to define the observable variables in advance. Today's advanced technologies have considerably overcome these limitations, enabling high‐volume data collection for post‐recording analysis. The present study was based on the three‐dimensional kinematic data recorded by the automated ball‐tracking Hawk‐Eye system between the 2003 and 2008 seasons in elite tennis tournaments, which provided a database of 262 596 points. The analysis consisted of an examination of the relationships between the various characteristics of the serve summed up by the resulting ball trajectory and winning‐point probabilities. The influence of factors such as serve speed, serve location, court surface, gender differences, and spin intensity on the winning‐point rate was assessed to gain insight into efficient serve tendencies in world‐class tennis. The implications for practitioners are highlighted and directions for future research in tennis performance analysis based on automatic ball tracking are proposed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Statistical Analysis and Data Mining: The ASA Data Science Journal, 2016


Kidney disease (KD) represents a major public health problem in developed and developing countries. Attempts at dealing with renal diseases have been worrisome. This study describes an Expert System for Diagnosis and Management of Kidney Diseases. The structure of the system, its components and their functions are described. The system has about 76 rules. It can detect various types of Renal Diseases. The system has been tested and gave promising results. Symptoms and risk factors associated with renal failure are taken as the basis of this study. The building tool for the system is CLIPS expert system version 6.3.


ABSTRACT This article presents the results of a field experiment in which fictitious parents of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) sent inquiries to schools in Sweden about admission of their children to the mandatory preschool class. Results show that inquiries concerning a child with no medical condition were more likely to receive an invitation for a visit and more likely to receive a promising placement response than inquiries concerning a child with ADHD and T1DM. Discrimination was more prominent in the private sector and when the child was a boy or had ADHD.


Background
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly aggressive, high-incidence malignancy. Several biomarkers associated with the prognosis and metastasis of CRC have been identified. Our study aimed to evaluate the value of ATG16L2 protein as a new biomarker to predict the prognosis of patients with CRC.

Methods
One hundred and fifty-two pairs of paraffin-embedded tissue samples and 19 fresh tissue samples were collected from the Department of Pathology of Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. All the patients had undergone surgery in the hospital's Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery between 2013 and 2014. The samples were arranged on two tissue microarrays of normal (n=152) and tumor (n=152) tissue. The tissues were immunostained and graded as low (<50%) or high (≥50%) according to the proportion of ATG16L2-positive cells. An overexpression plasmid was constructed and transfected into RKO cells, and the cell proliferation and migration ability were detected. Finally, Flag-ATG16L2 RKO cells subcutaneous injection into the skin of BALB/c nude mice to determine the effects of ATG16L2 on the growth of subcutaneously transplanted tumors.

Results
ATG16L2 expression was negatively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P<0.05) and tumor-node-metastasis stage (P<0.05). High ATG16L2 expression in tumor tissues was related to a good prognosis, with patients with a high expression of ATG16L2 displaying longer overall survival. In vitro, overexpression of ATG16L2 in a CRC cell line RKO cell led to a decrease in cell proliferation but had no obvious influence on cell migration. In vivo, the mice in the Flag-NC (as control) group exhibited faster tumor growth than those in the experiment group.

Conclusions
ATG16L2 expression is positively associated with patient prognosis in CRC. Further, ATG16L2 can negatively affect CRC cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo.


Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has affected billions of lives and is expected to impose a significant burden on the economy worldwide. Vaccination is the only way to prevent the infection. However, convincing people to get themselves vaccinated is challenging in developing countries such as Pakistan. Therefore, a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted (n = 982 participants) all over Pakistan to evaluate the perception, knowledge, attitude, and acceptance of the general public towards the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, in general, and a booster dose of SARS-CoV-2, in particular. The highest number of participants were from the province of Punjab (84.5%), followed by Islamabad (3.8%), Sindh (3.7%), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2.7%), Baluchistan (2.6%), Gilgit Baltistan (1.4%), and Azad Jammu and Kashmir (1.4%). A total of 915 participants were vaccinated against COVID-19, out of which 62.2% received one booster dose, followed by double booster doses (25.5%) and single vaccine shots (12.3%). The highest number of vaccinated participants were from Punjab (85.8%), followed by Islamabad (3.9%), Sindh (2.8%); Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (2.6%); Baluchistan (2.3%); Gilgit-Baltistan (1.3%); and Azad, Jammu, and Kashmir (1.2%). Among the vaccinated individuals, 71.4% were unemployed, 27.4% were employed (653), and 1.2% were retired from service. However, no significant association was observed among genders and educational levels in regard to acceptance of the booster vaccine. The outcomes of the study revealed that the increased acceptance of booster doses of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines among the public was associated with the intent of personal and family protection. Moreover, individuals with low socioeconomic status and pregnant females showed the least acceptance towards the vaccine inoculation. The study also revealed a decline trend of accepting SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among children.


A permanent-magnet microwave ion source has been built for use in a high-yield, compact neutron generator. The source has been designed to produce up to 100 mA of deuterium and tritium ions. The electron-cyclotron resonance condition is met at a microwave frequency of 2.45 GHz and a magnetic field strength of 87.5 mT. The source operates at a low hydrogen gas pressure of about 0.15 Pa. Hydrogen beams with a current density of 40 mA/cm(2) have been extracted at a microwave power of 450 W. The dependence of the extracted proton beam fraction on wall materials and operating parameters was measured and found to vary from 45% for steel to 95% for boron nitride as a wall liner material.


Here we examine newly collected Nuer data to show that Western Nilotic language Nuer distinguishes three degrees of vowel length. A minimal triplet cak 'tick.SG.NOM" ~ ca:k "milk.PL.NOM" ~ ca::k "milk.PL.GEN" provides an example of this contrast.  Since vowel length plays a crucial role in nominal inflection, we examine distribution of the three degrees of vowel length in the nominal paradigm.  Our preliminary conclusion is that Nuer vowels are lexically specified for two degrees of vowel length only – short and long, and that overlong vowels emerge only as an outcome of a morphological operation which lengthens short and long vowels.   Since we conclude that the three degrees of vowel length do not have equal status in the Nuer grammar, our findings therefore are in line with the reported typological markedness of the three-way contrast in vowel length.


As investigated in neutrophils, the very weak luminescence accompanying the arachidonic acid cascade is associated with the lipoxygenase pathway. The emission is dramatically enhanced by energy transfer to chlorophyll a. The number of chlorophyll molecules excited to the fluorescent state per oxygen consumed, (the S1/O2 ratio), equal to the product of the quantum yields of chemiexcitation and of energy transfer, is 5.4 × 10−6. The quantum yield of chemiexcitation is inferred to be higher than 1 × 10−3. The two most likely chemiexcitation routes point to triplet conjugated carbonyls as the most likely candidates for the excited species that transfer to chlorophyll. As such the emission intensity may reflect the level of hydroperoxyeicosatetraenoic acid. This is the first case where addition of a biotic substrate to a cellular system results in substantial generation of electronic excited states without any drastic loss of cell viability. Whether the formation of excited states in the arachidonic acid cascade in neutrophils is accidental or has a biological role is an open question.


Security function outsourcing has witnessed both research and deployment in the recent years. While most existing services take a straight-forward approach of cloud hosting, on-path transit networks (such as ISPs) are increasingly more interested in offering outsourced security services to end users. Recent proposals (e.g., SafeBricks [40] and mbTLS [34]) have made it possible to outsource sensitive security applications to untrusted, arbitrary networks, rendering on-path security function outsourcing more promising than ever. However, to provide on-path security function outsourcing, there is one crucial component that is still missing — a practical end-to-end network protocol. Thus, the discovery and orchestration of multiple capable and willing transit networks for user-requested security functions have only been assumed in many studies without any practical solutions. In this work, we propose Opsec, an end-to-end security-outsourcing protocol that fills this gap and brings us closer to the vision of on-path security function outsourcing. Opsec automatically discovers one or more transit ISPs between a client and a server, and requests user-specified security functions efficiently. When designing Opsec, we prioritize the practicality and applicability of this new end-to-end protocol in the current Internet. Our proof-of-concept implementation of Opsec for web sessions shows that an end user can easily start a new web session with a few clicks of a browser plug-in, to specify a series of security functions of her choice. We show that it is possible to implement such a new end-to-end service model in the current Internet for the majority of the web services without any major changes to the standard protocols (e.g., TCP, TLS, HTTP) and the existing network infrastructure (e.g., ISP's routing primitives).


Abstract:  The Kuehneosauridae (Late Triassic, Britain, USA) had remarkable adaptations, most notably their elongate mid‐dorsal ribs that were presumably covered with a skin membrane in life. These lateral 'wings' have always been linked with some form of gliding adaptation, but quantitative studies have been limited. Here, we provide a thorough aerodynamic analysis of both genera of British kuehneosaurids based on theory and on experiments with life‐sized models in a wind tunnel. Of the two genera, Kuehneosuchus, with elongate 'wings', was a glider, and Kuehneosaurus, with much shorter 'wings', was a parachutist. Kuehneosuchus most probably had highly cambered wings and no additional skin membranes on hands or feet, nor did it have a cruropatagium. Lappets on the hyoid apparatus, as seen in Draco, were probably present to enhance pitch control. Kuehneosuchus was capable of gliding at angles (θ) between 13 and 16 degrees, at speeds between 7 and 9 m/s, and was probably very manoeuvrable when airborne. Kuehneosaurus was capable of parachuting (θ > 45 degrees) at speeds between 10 and 12 m/s. It is unclear whether the British kuehneosaurid material represents two genera, as assumed here, two species of one genus, or sexual dimorphs of a single species, where the gliding Kuehneosuchus was the male, which used its gliding and perhaps highly coloured 'wings' to display to the parachuting Kuehneosaurus.


It is widely accepted that experimental work is essential for the student engineer. However, in the area of optoelectronics, the scope of many experiments has been limited by the issues of safety for the student, and the cost and complexity of the instruments and devices required. A step has been taken towards overcoming these limitations with the development of an integrated software environment for the automated characterisation of semiconductor lasers. This paper will firstly describe the software which has been developed. This is followed by a description of a brief introductory study whereby a small number of students compared their experiences of an experimental demonstration with that of a lecture oriented approach. An attempt is made to quantify their reaction through a short test paper however the main purpose of the study was to illustrate the feasibility of the concepts described. The network capabilities of the software can be used as a basis for a set of undergraduate experiments. Many students would have remote access to a single measurement set-up over a computer network. Alternatively, virtual measurements may be used by allowing students access to a database of laser data previously collected. Both proposals address the issues of safety and cost and thus the software developed offers a much wider scope for the introduction of optoelectronic experimental work.


protocol for labour and Caesarean section using a combined spinal/epidural (CSE) needle through needle technique, involves the prior removal of the inner stylet of a long, 11.9 cm, 27G B-D Whitacre spinal needle. This is then passed via a 16G Portex Tuohy needle, located in the epidural space, through the dura into the subarachnoid space. After using this CSE technique for many years, we too have found instant detection times (the appearance of CSF at the needle hub in less than 1 s). However with our method, no suction effect is utilised. Our protocol also improves the success rate of the spinal component of a CSE, since CSF appears at the hub of the spinal needle immediately after piercing the dura. In addition, the laws of physics would predict from the Hagen Pouiselle equation, that the greater length (1 1.9 cm) of our long 27G B-D spinal needle would reduce CSF flows and therefore increase detection times. Clearly this is not the case in clinical practice. In fact several investigators have studied the flow characteristics of various spinal needles and have shown that the internal diameter and not the external diameter, is a primary determinant of flow as well as the production quality of the internal surface of the needle [I , 21. We further propose that factors such as the capillary effect may also influence CSF flow through smaller gauge spinal needles. This capillary effect, which is dependent on the surface tension forces between the CSF and the inner walls of the spinal needle, although negligible in larger gauge needles such as the 22G B-D Whitacre, may play a role in spinal needles of 26G to 29G (personal communication with B-D, technical division). The extent of this surface tension effect on CSF flow is yet to be determined. In conclusion, the practice of inserting a spinal needle through the dura without its stylet during CSEs shows that there is no suction effect influencing CSF 00w and that other factors are responsible.


Using differential thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, microscopy and electron microprobe, phase equilibria in the Ti-rich corner of the Ti-Si-Ge-Al system were studied. Projections of the solidus and liquidus surfaces were constructed. At the solidus temperatures Ti 5 (Si,Ge,Al) 3 (Z) phase coexists with -based solid solution (β), resulting in a wide two-phase β + Z region. The solidus surface has a temperature maximum at 1540°C for 70Ti-5Si-5Ge-20Al. The isopleth at 5 at.% Si + 5 at.% Ge is given. The liquidus surface is characterised by the bivariant eutectic surface L ↔ β + Z. Microhardness of the primary phases, corresponding to the boundaries of the homogeneity ranges, and eutectic mixtures was measured. Partial substitution of silicon for germanium does neither change the character of the phase equilibria nor the temperatures of phase transformations.


It has been proposed that, during translational initiation, structures in the 5' untranslated region of mRNA are unwound. eIF4A, a member of the DEAD box family of proteins (those that contain a DEAD amino acid sequence), separately or in conjunction with other eukaryotic initiation factors, utilizes the energy from ATP hydrolysis to unwind these structures. As a step in defining the mechanism of helicase activity in the wheat germ protein synthesis system, we have utilized direct fluorescence measurements, ATPase assays, and helicase assays. The RNA duplex unwinding activity of wheat germ eIF4A is similar to other mammalian systems; however, eIF4F or eIFiso4F is required, probably because of the low binding affinity of wheat germ eIF4A for mRNA. Direct ATP binding measurements showed that eIF4A had a higher binding affinity for ADP than ATP, resulting in a limited hydrolysis and procession along the RNA in the helicase assay. The addition of eIF4B resulted in a change in binding affinity for ATP, increasing it almost 10-fold while the ADP binding affinity was approximately the same. The data presented in this paper suggest that eIF4F or eIFiso4F acts to position the eIF4A and stabilize the interaction with mRNA. ATP produces a conformational change which allows a limited unwinding of the RNA duplex. The binding of eIF4B either prior to or after hydrolysis allows for increased affinity for ATP and for the cycle of conformational changes to proceed, resulting in further unwinding and processive movement along the mRNA.


According to the complex, nonstationary and nonderivative characteristics of partial discharge (PD) ultrasonic signal, the piecewise self-affine iterated function system (IFS) model of PD ultrasonic signals is established. The IFS parameters of this model are calculated to realize data compression. The IFS fractal dimension is extracted based on this model which is provided for partial discharge pattern recognition. The novel route is that both the tasks of compression and feature extraction in a single step, affords a new tool for on-line monitoring of partial discharge in a transformer.


Purpose: the purpose of the presented research is to expand the possibilities of using information-logical models for the analysis of forecasting "bottlenecks" and quantitative assessment of ways to eliminate them in the development of socio-economic systems. Methods: the implementation of this research is based on the use of basic principles, properties and rules of construction of phased informationlogical models for solving complex problems. Their development involves the introduction of quantitative assessments of ways to reduce the negative potential of "bottlenecks" and comparing the expected results of their elimination with the initial state. Results: the authors presented a method of analytical directed search and elimination of "bottlenecks" in the development of complex systems. This method is based on the use of rules for building information-logical models. A quantitative analysis of the potential for reducing the potential of identified "bottlenecks" assumes the construction of a linear graph based on the information-logical model, as well as the calculation of integral estimates of the expected compensation of the initial potential of "bottlenecks". conclusions and Relevance: the developed method of analytical representation of the possibilities of eliminating "bottlenecks" in the development of socio-economic systems is applicable for the analysis of the prospects of eliminating "bottlenecks" on the basis of building a scheme of a full cycle of decision-making. Testing of the presented approach on the example of analysis of known problem situations showed that the proposed tools allow a priori to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed mechanisms, simulate their expansion and effectiveness in terms of impact on the final result. This increases the possibilities for finding effective solutions to complex scientific, technological and socioeconomic problems. In addition, it will be very useful in the examination of various projects and programs.


We conduct a comparative study on selecting subsets of acoustic data for training phone recognizers. The data selection problem is approached as a constrained submodular optimization problem. Previous applications of this approach required transcriptions or acoustic models trained in a supervised way. In this paper we develop and evaluate a novel and entirely unsupervised approach, and apply it to TIMIT data. Results show that our method consistently outperforms a number of baseline methods while being computationally very efficient and requiring no labeling.


The unified construction of cyano-substituted 1,2,4-triazoles, particularly the 5-cyano counterparts, remains underdeveloped. Herein we describe a three-component method to access a wide range of 1-aryl 5-cyano-1,2,4-triazoles using readily available 2-diazoacetonitriles, nitriles, and aryldiazonium salts. This regiospecific synthesis relies on the dipolar [3 + 2] annulation of the in situ formed nitrile ylides with aryldiazonium salts. Furthermore, this protocol can be amendable to gram-scale synthesis, chemical transformations of the nitrile moieties, and access to chiral bis(cyano-triazole)-1,1'-naphthalene, which would all be likely applicable in the synthesis of structurally diverse bioactive compounds and novel bidentate ligands for asymmetric catalysis.


Abstract Prolactin (PRL) secreting adenomas are associated with high incidence of headache. The role of hyperprolactinemia in the headache context is not clear, nor is the effect of its treatment on headache. Methods: The present longitudinal study evaluated hyperprolactinemic patients (69), in terms of presence and characteristics of headache before and after hyperprolactinemia treatment. Results: Headache was reported by 45 (65.2%) patients, independent of the etiology of hyperprolactinemia. The migraine phenotype was the most prevalent (66.6%). Medications used in the treatment of headache not changed during the study. The first line of treatment of hyperprolactinemia was dopaminergic agonists. In the last reevaluation, PRL level under treatment was within the reference range in 54.7% of the cases, and it was observed complete or partial resolution of the headache in 75% of the cases. The median PRL at this time in patients with complete headache resolution was 17 ng/mL, in those who reported partial recovery was 21 ng/mL, and in those in whom the headache did not change was 66 ng/mL, with a significant difference between the group with complete headache resolution vs. the group with unchanged headache (p=0.022). In the cases with complete headache resolution, the median fall on PRL levels was 89% and in those cases with partial headache resolution 86%, both significantly different (p<0.001) from the fall in the cases with an unchanged headache. Conclusion: Data allow us to conclude that, in this series, in the majority of cases the reduction in the level of PRL was followe3d by cessation or relief of the pain.


Thirty-three consecutive patients treated surgically for "tethered cord syndrome" over a 3-three year period were reviewed. The main presenting complaints were back and leg pain, progressive lower limb and spinal deformity, and neurological deficits. Untethering of the cord was achieved in 32 patients, in whom the filum terminale was divided in 17. There were no serious complications; one patient had a CSF leak which required surgical repair. The mean postoperative follow-up was 15 months and 20 of the patients reported improvement, the rest were unchanged. There was no neurological deterioration in any of the patients. Our series suggests that cord release in patients with "tethered cord syndrome" improves or arrests the progression of neurological deterioration.


Formation of trophendothelial cells is associated with trophoblast differentiation and is regulated by HES1. Trophoblast differentiation–induced TRAIL secretion directs preferential demise of ECs located in their vicinity, aiding trophoblast vasculogenic mimicry. Trophoblast invasion is a hallmark of hemochorial placentation. Invasive trophoblast cells replace the endothelial cells of uterine spiral arteries. The mechanism by which the invasive trophoblast cells acquire this phenotype is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that, during differentiation, a small population of trophoblast stem (TS) cells trans-differentiate into a hybrid cell type expressing markers of both trophoblast (TC) and endothelial (EC) cells. In addition, a compendium of EC-specific genes was found to be associated with TS cell differentiation. Using functional annotation, these genes were categorized into angiogenesis, cell adhesion molecules, and apoptosis-related genes. HES1 repressed transcription of EC genes in TS cells. Interestingly, differentiated TCs secrete TRAIL, but its receptor DR4 is expressed only in ECs and not in TCs. TRAIL induced apoptosis in EC but not in TC. Co-culture of ECs with TC induced apoptosis in ECs via extrinsic apoptotic pathway. These results highlight that (a) TS cells possess the potential to trans-differentiate into "trophendothelial" phenotype, regulated by HES1 and (b) trophoblast differentiation-induced TRAIL secretion directs preferential demise of ECs located in their vicinity. Graphical Abstract


Pacific oysters were introduced into west coast of the USA from Matsushima Bay in Japan, infected with low levels of Haplosporidiumsp. identical to H.nelsoni(MSX) which causes high mortalities of Eastern oyster (C. virginica). A highly specific and sensitive DNA probe for H. nelsonican also detect Haplosporidium sp. in C.gigas of western US and Japan (Burreson and Stokes 2000).In 2002, H. nelsoni was detected in Japan using the same probe (Kamaishi and Yoshinaga 2002).Lesson: it appears that H. nelsoni does not cause serious disease in Pacific oysters; H. nelsoniis now speculated to have been introduced into the Pacific US by apparently healthy but infected C. gigas. Infected C. gigaswere introduced onto the east coast of the US where the parasite shifted its virulence into a new host, infecting Eastern oystersand causing mass mortalities. H.nelsoni has also been reported from Korea in 1971 at that under the name of Minchinia sp. (Kern 1976). H. nelsoni has been reported from Pacific oyster in France (Renault et al. 2000) and may have been introduced with P. oyster imports to replace Ostrea edulis devastated by Marteilia refringens and Bonamia ostrea. Canada reported for the first time H. nelsoni infection in 2002.


Purpose The purpose of this study was to compare the precision and accuracy of commercially available tear film osmometers. Methods Contrived tear solution target values representing the physiological range of tear osmolarity (normal eyes 297 mOsm/L, moderately dry eyes 342 mOsm/L, and severe dry eyes 383 mOsm/L) were constructed using a mix of mono- and divalent electrolytes, metabolites, serum albumin, and pH balanced to 7.4. Solution values were randomized and masked from the investigators during testing. Osmometers (Wescor 5520 Vapro Pressure Osmometer: device A, TearLab Osmolarity System: device B, and i-Med Pharma i-Pen: device C) were calibrated according to manufacturer instructions. Each level was tested 64× on each osmometer across two sites. Accuracy was reported as a correlation coefficient against expected linear dilutions, precision was calculated as percent coefficient of variation. Results Device A reported a correlation with known solutions of r2=0.98, with averages of 305.6±4.0, 352.2±5.5, and 389.8±4.0 mOsm/L, and coefficient of variations (CVs) of 1.3%, 1.6%, and 1.0%, respectively. Device B reported an r2=0.96, with averages of 300.6±3.7, 341.4±7.9, and 376.8±5.1 mOsm/L, and CVs of 1.2%, 2.3%, and 1.4%, respectively. Device C reported an r2=0.03, with averages of 336.4±21.5, 342.0±20.7, and 345.7±22.0 mOsm/L, and CVs of 6.4%, 6.1%, and 6.4%, respectively. Conclusion In this randomized, masked, in vitro study, device A and device B had significantly better accuracy and precision in measuring osmolarity of contrived tear solutions of known target values compared to device C. Device C showed insufficient performance to accurately and precisely delineate osmolarity levels in the physiological range. Furthermore, in vivo studies would be required to compare performance in human subjects.


Downhole determination of hydrocarbon phase is a significant subsurface challenge in many highly depleted fields. Reservoir production results in fluid compositional changes and variable hydrocarbon saturation distributions. Standard petrophysical techniques such as analysis of density and neutron porosity logs can give misleading results under such conditions. Most commonly, oil reservoirs can display a neutron-density response indicative of gas. There is significant business impact in error of hydrocarbon phase determination. Mistakes can lead to poor completion decisions, incorrect reserves estimation and suboptimal well and reservoir management. The fluid phase uncertainty resulting from interpretation of standard Logging While Drilling (LWD) datasets can be unacceptably high. Additional tools or techniques are therefore required. Downhole fluid sampling is one such technique. It is routinely and successfully acquired in exploration and appraisal wells and gives robust fluid phase determination. However, it is not economically feasible for frequent acquisition for in-fill production wells where low cost LWD acquisition is the norm. In addition, overbalanced wells drilled through highly depleted reservoirs lead to acquisition risk in stationary openhole logging techniques. Advanced Mud Gas logging (AMG) is an established tool for delivering real-time quantitative fluid composition in exploration, appraisal and early production wells. However, successful applications in highly depleted fields have not been published as AMG analysis can be complicated by compositional changes. In this paper we present a case study calibration of AMG with downhole fluid samples resulting in a robust, cost effective and safe tool for improved hydrocarbon phase determination in depleted reservoirs.


My thesis investigated whether performance on complex scene and object
perceptual and memory tasks would be influenced by possession of different variants of
the APOE gene. A particular focus was on the effect of the APOE-e4 allele on scene
processing. APOE-e4 is known to increase risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) in later life
and is associated with structural and functional changes in the medial temporal lobe
(MTL) and posteromedial cortex, regions known to be affected early in AD. Previous
studies have shown sensitivity to spatial processing in AD, including difficulties in
differentiating scene, but not object, stimuli (Lee et al., 2006), impairments remembering
scenes over a delay (Bird et al., 2010), and deficits in navigation around spatial
environments (Pengas et al., 2010). These findings suggest that difficulties with complex
spatial processing may be a hallmark of AD, and that investigation of scene processing
in individuals at greater risk of developing AD later in life may be of interest in
understanding the genesis of these later life cognitive impairments.
In Chapter 1, I provide an overview of relevant literature on the APOE gene and
its relationship to AD, and discuss experiments which have demonstrated brain and
behaviour differences between APOE-e4 carriers and non-carriers. I interpret these
findings in the context of recent models of memory which focus on representational
networks, and where distinctions between scene and object processing are a key feature
(Bussey & Saksida, 2007; Graham, Barense, & Lee, 2010; Murray, Wise, & Graham, 2017).
The subsequent chapters describe experiments which aimed to extend the research
described in Chapter 1 by investigating scene perception and memory in carriers of
different APOE alleles in early- and mid-adulthood. In Chapter 2, I describe findings
from applying a novel conjunctive learning task, in which participants were required to
discriminate between objects and scenes. In Chapter 3, I report results from applying a
new visual paired-comparison task in the same group of participants. Chapter 4 extends
the approach outlined in Chapter 3, using the visual paired-comparison task in middle-
aged participants, again focusing on the comparison of performance in groups with
different APOE genotypes. Finally, in Chapter 5, I assess how performance in the tasks
used in Chapters 2-4 are related to the volumes of brain regions (in the MTL and
extrastriate cortex). As these have been strongly linked to object and scene perception
and memory, I was interested in whether volume would be associated with performance
on my new tasks. The final chapter summarises the experimental findings from Chapters
2-5 and explains how these build upon our current body of knowledge about how the
APOE gene affects cognition in both early- and mid-adulthood.


Three-ring bent-core bis(4-subst.-phenyl) 2-methyl-iso-phthalates exhibiting nematic, SmA and SmC phases are reported. The occurring mesophases have been identified by their optical textures and X-ray diffraction measurements which give also geometrical structural parameters like layer spacing and molecular tilt. Quantum chemical calculations on single molecules and X-ray structure analysis in the crystalline state indicate wide opening angles (about 155°) of the molecular legs due to the lateral methyl group in position 2 of the central phenyl ring. However solid state NMR spectroscopy in the liquid crystalline phases finds stronger molecular bending (bending angle to be about 138° in the SmA and about 146° in the nematic phase). Dielectric and SHG measurements give evidence that in the SmA phase a polar structure can be induced by application of an electric field which disappears in the isotropic liquid phase. The electric field not only leads to a slight textural change even in the SmA phase but also polar-type electric current response (PS about 200 nC cm−2) is observed. This unusual electro-optical behaviour is discussed on the basis of the orientation of polar clusters formed by the bent molecules. In the paper we not only attempt to characterize the mesophases and to describe their physical properties, but we also show that these types of molecules represent the borderline between bent-shaped and calamitic liquid crystals.


Purpose The present study aimed to develop and validate a preoperative model based on gadobenate-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for predicting microvascular invasion (MVI) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) size of ≤5 cm. In order to provide preoperative guidance for clinicians to optimize treatment options. Methods 164 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC and preoperative gadobenate-enhanced MRI from July 2016 to December 2020 were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression (forward LR) analyses were used to determine the predictors of MVI and the model was established. Four-fold cross validation was used to verify the model, which was visualized by nomograms. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated based on discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility. Results Elevated alpha-fetoprotein (HR 1.849, 95% CI: 1.193, 2.867, P=0.006), atypical enhancement pattern (HR 3.441, 95% CI: 1.523, 7.772, P=0.003), peritumoral hypointensity on HBP (HR 7.822, 95% CI: 3.317, 18.445, P<0.001), and HBP hypointensity (HR 3.258, 95% CI: 1.381, 7.687, P=0.007) were independent risk factors to MVI and constituted the HBP model. The mean area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy values for the HBP model were as follows: 0.830 (95% CI: 0.784, 0.876), 0.71, 0.78, 0.81 in training set; 0.826 (95% CI:0.765, 0.887), 0.8, 0.7, 0.79 in test set. The decision curve analysis (DCA) curve showed that the HBP model achieved great clinical benefits. Conclusion In conclusion, the HBP imaging features of Gd-BOPTA-enhanced MRI play an important role in predicting MVI for HCC. A preoperative model, mainly based on HBP imaging features of gadobenate-enhanced MRI, was able to excellently predict the MVI for HCC size of ≤5cm. The model may help clinicians preoperatively assess the risk of MVI in HCC patients so as to guide clinicians to optimize treatment options.


Rural settlement patterns on the island of Java conform in general type to the dominant mode throughout the rest of monsoon Asia: a nucleated residential unit surrounded by the lands cultivated by the residents, forming a community with political, economic, and religious dimensions. The dominant form of agriculture depends upon irrigated lands planted primarily with rice. In upland areas, where the topography has limited the spread of the irrigated land, the residential units are relatively small and isolated, and a characteristic village organization has developed in which the daily patterns of interaction can encompass the entire village. The much larger part of Java's population, however, lives in lowland areas where gentle, even gradients, plentiful sources of water, and the seasonal rains have permitted the establishment of widespread systems of irrigation. Here the residential units have expanded and coalesced into large blocks and strips of several square miles, alternating with large uninterrupted areas of irrigated land. Under these conditions, village units have expanded far beyond the daily interaction group, and vaguely denned neighborhoods (barisan or lingkungan) have developed within which most of the daily patterns of mutual interest and aid take place. Within the area studied, the average population of the lowland rural village is roughly 600, with a range from 200 to 2000. The average area encompassed by each village is roughly a quarter square mile, with a range approximately proportional to the population.


In this paper the application of the Genetic Algorithms (GA) as a search method of a geometric configuration of elementary dipoles that solve the inverse problem of electromagnetic radiation are reported. The inverse problem of electromagnetic radiation appears as a new application in the electromagnetic compatibility area that allows estimating the far field radiation from near field measurements.


In any business, recordkeeping is an important practice for financial success. In agriculture, recordkeeping can help producers understand the production/input efficiency, breakeven values, cost structure and profitability drivers for their business. A major benefit can also be financial health analyses. University of Tennessee Extension has developed the Dairy Gauge benchmarking program to help dairy producers better understand what their financial statements and key ratios suggest about the financial health of their business. Within the program, there are three areas that were developed specifically for gauging a dairy business' financial health. The three areas are 1) balance sheet and profitability dairy benchmarks, 2) dairy feed benchmarks, and 3) dairy non-feed income and expense benchmarks. This publication is focused on dairy feed benchmarks.


The fluid flow in an agitated tank has been studied in a laboratory vessel and using computational fluid dynamics (commonly known as CFD). The investigation has been focused on power draw measurements at different rotational speeds for various agitators determining the power number curve. The experiments have been carried out in a laboratory tank while CFD simulations by means of a commercial software (ANSYS program).
Data measured in the laboratory and plotted show the expected curves (Power number versus Reynolds number) and they have been compared with data obtained from CFD simulations.
Despite the fact that the majority of CFD simulations have not converged, it exists reasonable agreement between the experimental and computational results. This indicates the validity of CFD model formed by geometry, mesh building and fluent setting but it needs improvements and modifications to obtain more accuracy.
A valid CFD allows industry to work scaling up due to changes of geometry, input fluxes, production etc. CFD offers a fast and economic way of working in agitations, which are chemical operations used in industries.


We study decay rates for the energy of solutions of the damped wave equation on the torus. We consider dampings invariant in one direction and bounded above and below by multiples of $x^{\beta}$ near the boundary of the support and show decay at rate $1/t^{\frac{\beta+2}{\beta+3}}$. In the case where $W$ vanishes exactly like $x^{\beta}$ this result is optimal by work of the second author. The proof uses a version of the Morawetz multiplier method.


Owing to a theoretical hydrogen storage capacity of 10.5 wt% H2, Ca(BH4)2+MgH2, the so-called calcium reactive hydride composite (Ca-RHC), has a great potential as a hydrogen storage material. However, its dehydrogenation temperature (∼623 K) is too high for any mobile applications. By addition of 10 mol% of NbF5 into Ca(BH4)2+MgH2, a decrease of the dehydrogenation onset temperature by ∼120 K is observed. In order to understand the reasons behind this desorption temperature decrement two sets of samples [Ca(BH4)2+MgH2 and Ca(BH4)2+MgH2+0.1NbF5] in different hydrogenation states, were prepared. The structural investigation of the above mentioned sets of samples by means of volumetric measurements, anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is reported here. The XAS results show that after the milling procedure NbB2 is formed and remains stable upon further de/rehydrogenation cycling. The results of Nb ASAXS point to nanometric spherical NbB2 particles distributed in the hydride matrix, with a mean diameter of ∼10 nm. Results from Ca ASAXS indicate Ca-containing nanostructures in the Ca-RHC+0.1NbF5 samples to be ∼50% finer compared to those without additive. Thus, a higher reaction surface area and shorter diffusion paths for the constituents are concluded to be important contributions to the catalytic effect of an NbF5 additive on the hydrogen sorption kinetics of the Ca(BH4)2+MgH2 composite system.


This paper deals with input performance limitations of feedback control. The achievable input performance depends on the joint controllability and observability of unstable poles and is exactly quantified for single input single output (SISO) and multi input multi output (MIMO) systems with and without time delay. We also present a modification of /spl mu/-interaction measure to assess the feasibility of decentralized stabilization with independent designs of loops. The results are useful for various purposes including designs of the process, control structure and optimal controller synthesis.


Single-use plastics emanating from the food and beverage industry are polluting the environment, and there is increasing public pressure to find 'green' solutions to plastic pollution. The introduction of more bio-based and biodegradable plastics (possibly manufactured by disruptive technologies), increased plastic recycling, and enhanced degradation of plastics (micro, meso, and macro) in the environment can holistically contribute to solving the problem for future generations. In order to inform future research, it is imperative that robust background data and information are available. This review provides details about the volumes and categories of food and beverage packaging manufactured and recycled, and available data (qualitative and quantitative) on environmental plastic pollution in South Africa, and to a lesser extent, in Europe and globally. In addition, current and future trends and technologies for recycling, enhanced degradation, and manufacturing of plastics are discussed, with an emphasis on the manufacture of bioplastics.


Writing has a higher level of difficulties in the students mind. Writing is defined not only a matter of composing a text, but also as a matter of transferring ideas, thought, and feeling which cover the acceptable written language and linguistic as well as the communicative competence of students.The researcher tries to use feedback. feedback can be definedas any form of response by a teacher to a student's performance, attitude or behaviour, at least where attitude or behaviour impinges upon performance.It is very important for students and the teacher. By using feedback, students can do self-corrective capabilities, or in other words as a means of correction to the students' progress. It is very important for the student's writing since it makes the students realize their mistakes and their weaknesses on their writing. A Hortatory exposition is a type of spoken or written text that is intended to explain the listeners or readers that something should or should not happen or be done. To strengthen the explanation, the speaker or writer needs some arguments as the fundamental reasons of the given idea. The purpose of this research is to answer some research questions; (1) how is the teacher feedback on student hortatory exposition, (2) What are the challenges in giving feedback experienced by teacherto the students. Therefore the research entitled "The Teacher's Feedback on Students' Hortatory Exposition Text".
This research used case study method involving two instruments (questionnaire and interview). Subject is designed in qualitative research and is analytically described. Those two instrument were used to validate the data from the English teacher and second grade students of SMAN 1 Purwadadi.
The finding of this research about teacher feedback on student hortatory exposition show that 44.4% students like receiving praise of feedback. The teacher prefers using praise feedback to using criticism and suggestion feedback toward students' hortatory exposition and about challenges in giving feedback are 47% students need motivation from teacher because motivation can increase learning hortatory exposition, students' understanding in teaching writing, student understanding about feedback. And the result interview are The students will not understand what the teacher says and receiving negative feedback, therefore student need motivation from teacher because motivation can be increase to learn hortatory exposition and 60% students like receiving praise, 40% feel statisfied give praise, 80% students got problem such as having difficulties in understanding feedback, and 40% students answered hortatory exposition text is easy to understanding by using. On the other hand students' comprehension and the way of evaluation are not challenges in giving feedback.
The research the conclusion represented the whole sequence of the investigation. Those findings were in step with the reseach question. The researcher also gives some recommendation to the teacher can overcome challenges in giving feedback. Besides for student can improve their writing hortatory exposition ability.


This paper concerns the 3D simulation of corona discharge using high performance computing (HPC) managed with the message passing interface (MPI) library. In the field of finite volume methods applied on non-adaptive mesh grids and in the case of a specific 3D dynamic benchmark test devoted to streamer studies, the great efficiency of the iterative R&B SOR and BiCGSTAB methods versus the direct MUMPS method was clearly demonstrated in solving the Poisson equation using HPC resources. The optimization of the parallelization and the resulting scalability was undertaken as a function of the HPC architecture for a number of mesh cells ranging from 8 to 512 million and a number of cores ranging from 20 to 1600. The R&B SOR method remains at least about four times faster than the BiCGSTAB method and requires significantly less memory for all tested situations. The R&B SOR method was then implemented in a 3D MPI parallelized code that solves the classical first order model of an atmospheric pressure corona discharge in air. The 3D code capabilities were tested by following the development of one, two and four coplanar streamers generated by initial plasma spots for 6 ns. The preliminary results obtained allowed us to follow in detail the formation of the tree structure of a corona discharge and the effects of the mutual interactions between the streamers in terms of streamer velocity, trajectory and diameter. The computing time for 64 million of mesh cells distributed over 1000 cores using the MPI procedures is about 30 min ns−1, regardless of the number of streamers.


The protective effect on mast cells of some non-steroid antiphlogistics in the carrageenin-induced edema of the rat hind paw was studied with histological methods. The number of the mast cells was counted in the inflamed connective tissue of unpretreated animals and also such pretreated with acetylsalicylacid, phenylbutazone and indometacin and the results of the test periods were compared with one another. The number of mast cells in the inflamed connective tissue of unpretreated animals was reduced in comparison to the controls during the first 5-35 min after inflammation. Six hours after inflammation the number of mast cells increased. Our investigations demonstrated that the used antiphlogistics produced a significant reduction of mast cell degeneration during the first 5-70 min after inflammation. The results are discussed.


Summaries of first drafts of Environmental Health Criteria (EHC), which were circulated for comments by IPCS in the period of 1993 approximately 1994, are presented. EHC drafts on 10 compounds were received in this period.


This article discusses the training of mental health workers whose basic job is with clients that have been seriously affected by armed conflict and/or natural disasters by using 'helping through talking', and who have had little education that is relevant to this work. It sums up the characteristics required of the workers, their learning needs, the messages that the training needs to convey, and the characteristics and potential contents of a tailor made, participants-oriented 1 In earlier publications (e.g. van der Veer, 2003; 2006) referring to the same approach the first author has used the term person-oriented or contact-focussed. programme. This approach is illustrated with a few key points from such a training programme.


The stability of the disordered glassy phase in the relaxors PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3 and (PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3)0.88(PbTiO3)0.12, called PMN and PMN-PT, was investigated by preparing partially polarized samples and allowing them to age at zero field in the temperature range for which the phase is history-dependent. The PMN-PT polarization would spontaneously increase until long-range order formed, first appearing as giant polarization noise. Thus the thermodynamically stable phase in PMN-PT appears to be ferroelectric. In contrast, a PMN sample lacking the sharp first-order field-driven transition found in some other samples spontaneously depolarized, consistent with its glassy state being thermodynamically stable. Detailed thermal depolarization results in PMN show two distinct broad peaks as well as a small fraction of material with a distribution of abrupt melting transitions.


This study examines conditional financial development from information sharing in 53 African countries for the period 2004-2011, using contemporary and non-contemporary quantile regressions (QR) which enable the assessment of the effect of information sharing throughout the conditional distributions of financial development dynamics. The policy relevance of the QR approach builds on the motivation that blanket policies on the role of information sharing in financial development may not be effective unless they are contingent on initial levels of financial development and tailored differently across countries with low, intermediate and high levels of financial development. Information sharing is measured with private credit bureaus (PCB) and public credit registries (PCR) while financial development is proxied with dynamics of depth, efficiency, activity and size. The following findings are established. First, for financial depth, while there is a positive threshold effect from PCR in money supply and liquid liabilities, the effect from PCB is mixed. Second, for financial efficiency, there is a: (i) contemporary positive threshold from PCR and mixed effect from PCB in banking system efficiency and (ii) U-shape and positive threshold from PCR and PCB respectively in financial system efficiency. Third, for financial activity, there are consistent positive thresholds from PCR and PCB in banking system activity and financial system activity. Fourth, there are negative thresholds from PCR and PCB in financial size. Positive thresholds are consistent incremental financial development rewards from PCR and/or PCB with increasing financial development and vice-versa for negative thresholds. Mixed effects are characterised by S-shaped, Kuznets or wave-like patterns. As a main policy implication, initial conditions in financial development are essential to materialise incremental benefits from PCR and PCB. Other policy implications are discussed.


In this paper, we propose a novel technique for direct recognition of multiple speech streams given the single channel of mixed speech, without first separating them. Our technique is based on permutation invariant training (PIT) for automatic speech recognition (ASR). In PIT-ASR, we compute the average cross entropy (CE) over all frames in the whole utterance for each possible output-target assignment, pick the one with the minimum CE, and optimize for that assignment. PIT-ASR forces all the frames of the same speaker to be aligned with the same output layer. This strategy elegantly solves the label permutation problem and speaker tracing problem in one shot. Our experiments on artificially mixed AMI data showed that the proposed approach is very promising.


Literature on association mining, the data mining methodology that investigates associations between items, has primarily focused on efficiently mining larger databases. The motivation for association mining is to use the rules obtained from historical data to influence future transactions. However, associations in transactional processes change significantly over time, implying that rules extracted for a given time interval may not be applicable for a later time interval. Hence, an analysis framework is necessary to identify how associations change over time. This paper presents such a framework, reports the implementation of the framework as a tool, and demonstrates the applicability of and the necessity for the framework through a case study in the domain of finance.


Strengthening of un-reinforced masonry (URM) structures to improve its seismic performance is not only well recognized among the research community but also getting attention of practicing engineers around the globe. The estimation of lateral capacity and performance of masonry becomes complex because of heterogeneous nature of its constituent materials and other associated problems. Heterogeneous and homogenous approaches are generally adopted for analysis of masonry. In heterogeneous approach, bricks, joints and bed mortar are modeled separately whereas; in homogeneous approach the masonry is modeled as one continuum body. Earlier approach requires more efforts but level of accuracy of both the approaches is almost same. In the present work, the homogenous approach is used to model the masonry wall panels. The behaviour of the un-reinforced and steel strengthened masonry wall panels is determined from push over analysis using a commercial finite element package MSC-MARCS 2003. The aim of this analysis was to study the lateral load– displacement behaviour and failure mechanism of strengthened masonry under monotonic lateral loading. Four single leaf panels with aspect ratio of 1.0 were constructed on strong floor of structural laboratory. The square panels having dimension of 1200 mm were constructed using same type of material and workmanship. Of them; one wall panel was unreinforced reference and remaining were strengthened with square steel mesh. Firstly the specimens were tested till failure under monotonic lateral loading and later finite element analysis of the same specimens was carried out using MARCS2003. The analytical lateral force lateral displacement relationship and region of stress concentrations were analyzed to depict the lateral capacity and failure mechanism of strengthened masonry wall panels. At the end the analytical results were compared with the experimental recorded values and the analytical results were found in good agreement with the experimental values.


PURPOSE: To test and compare the relative prevalence of primary vascular dysregulation (PVD) symptoms in randomly selected population group in Russia. METHODS: Subjects of randomly selected population group of Moscow and Moscow region filled out a questionnaire containing 15 questions related to signs and symptoms of primary vascular dysregulation (159 people: 90 male, 69 female). RESULTS: In Russian population the most frequent symptoms are the following: low blood pressure, reduced sense of thirst, increased sense of smell, a tendency toward perfectionism, a long sleep onset time. From the literature we that predominant differed in Russian population from those in Korean and Swiss populations (depending on CONCLUSION: Data on PVD signs and symptoms prevalence in Russia and was obtained. The relative frequency of different PVD signs and symptoms in randomly selected average population varies between different countries. Therefore, if the diagnosis of PVD is based on patients' self-reported signs and symptoms, they should be compared to general prevalence of signs and symptoms in relevant population.


Objective There is limited and inconsistent evidence concerning rural versus urban differences in birth and infant outcomes for Indigenous peoples. We assessed birth and infant outcomes among Inuit, First Nations and French mother tongue groups by rural versus urban residence in Quebec, Canada. Study Deign A retrospective birth cohort study of 5,184 First Nations, 2,527 Inuit and 652,940 French mother tongue (the majority reference) births in Quebec, 1991–2000. Results In general, rural living was associated with slightly less favorable birth outcomes for French mother tongue women, but somewhat better outcomes for Indigenous women. For both Inuit and First Nations, rural births were half as likely to be small-for-gestational-age compared to urban births. Among First Nations, the difference in infant mortality rates comparing urban to rural areas was not statistically significant. Compared to infants of French mother tongue women, Inuit and First Nations infants were much less likely to be small-for-gestational-age in rural areas, while such an "advantage" diminished for First Nations and reversed for Inuit in urban areas. The disparities in infant mortality among First Nations versus French mother tongue births were greater in urban than in rural areas. These patterns of results remained after adjusting for maternal characteristics. Conclusion Living in urban areas was not associated with better birth and infant outcomes for Inuit and First Nations in Quebec despite universal health insurance coverage, strongly indicating a need for improved socioeconomic conditions, perinatal and infant care for Indigenous people living in urban areas.


Nursing traditions in Swedish psychiatric care during the first half of the 20th century The study concerns the history of Swedish psychiatric nursing in the first half of the 20th century. Its primary purpose is to draw on the experiences and insight of nurses to increase our knowledge of the history of Swedish psychiatric nursing. Subjects for the partial studies have been selected on the basis of twenty-two interviews carried out between 1982 and 1993 with nurses who had worked in Swedish psychiatric care before 1953. In addition to interviews, literary works, contemporary scientific literature and medical archives have been used as sources. The selected subjects deal with fear and violence in psychiatric care as well as the method of prolonged baths. The dissertation consists of five partial studies. Phenomenological hermeneutics based on Paul Ricoeur's philosophy has been used as the method of analysis. The first partial study deals with narratives about fear. A nurse's choice of psychiatric care as her field of activity, as well as professional pride, appears to be associated with perceptions of her personal ability to control fear. The narratives provide examples of strategies for coping with fear. The second partial study concerns narratives about violence against nurses. These narratives present the perception that violence against nurses was rare. Nurses express the opinion that the common notion of mental patients as violent and dangerous is exaggerated. Patients are perceived as being able to exercise self-control. When violence is mentioned in the narratives, it is linked to specific situations that were stressful for the patient, inappropriate treatment routines, or the staff's attitudes or lack of knowledge. The term violence is used in reference to actions that represented a serious risk of violence, attempts to inflict serious injury to another person, or acts of violence resulting in serious or permanent physical injury. Less severe forms of violence were regarded as a nursing problem. Female patients are described as being more prone than male patients to violence against female personnel. Nurses appear to have developed a body language that signalled non-violence. The third partial study discusses the method of prolonged baths on the basis of nurses' narratives. Working with prolonged baths was described as a very arduous and taxing task. Prolonged baths were said to have been used for "the most severely disturbed", "violent" or "untidy" patients. Nurses describe the patients' discomfort and protests, but also point out that the baths had the intended calming effect on severely disturbed patients. The fourth partial study aims to provide an understanding of how prolonged baths were experienced from the patient's perspective and is based on two autobiographical novels. Both accounts feature nurses forcing their patients into the bath. While unpleasant experiences are described, baths are also described as imparting a sense of calm and physical relaxation. The fifth partial study deals with the ideological underpinnings and practical application of prolonged baths in Swedish psychiatric care. In the early decades of the 20th century, prolonged baths in combination with bed rest came to be associated with a humane, scientifically based form of psychiatric care that offered alternatives to confinement in cells and mechanical restraints. However, prolonged baths gradually came to be increasingly associated with coercion. The water temperature was about 35°C in order not to affect the body temperature. A review of patient records shows that prolonged baths were used primarily in the care of aggressive and motorically restless patients. The use of prolonged baths as restraints, as well as other types of restraints, was more extensive in female patients. The longest uninterrupted administration of a prolonged bath is stated as 24 hours. It is extremely rare for the effect or side effects of the bath, or the patient's attitude to the bath, to have been noted in the patient record. Prolonged baths extending over four to six hours were used as a calming, tranquillising and sleep-inducing modality. Prolonged baths also formed part of a modified sleeping cure in combination with drugs. They were used as well in the care of somatic symptoms and conditions, including the presence of ulcers, and were administered to dying patients, as in the final stage of neurosyphilis. Although most prevalent in the early decades of the 20th century, prolonged baths were still being used in the 1940s.


Backgroun Breast cancer is the second commonest cause of cancer-related deaths in Saudi Arabia and the commonest type of female cancer. However, unfortunately several women bypass early discovery and management possibilities related to the shortage of data, knowledge, and recognition of breast cancer, as well as cancer screening manners in general. This study aims to assess the knowledge, and screening behaviour of female teacher regarding breast cancer.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the governmental secondary girls' schools in Buraydah city, Saudi Arabia, during the period 2018–2019. A cluster multistage random sampling technique was used to recruit female teacher. The data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire.Results The study included 316 female teachers. The age of 55.4% of them was below 40 years. The total breast cancer knowledge score was abnormally distributed, as evidenced by significant Shapiro-Wilk test, p < 0.001. The mean ± SD score was 10.66 ± 3.73 (maximum possible score was 15) and the median (IQR) was 11 (8–13). Less than half (42.7%) of the teachers reported performing BSE while only 9.5% went to a clinic for clinical breast examination. BSE was performed on monthly basis by only 14.8% of those practiced it. Ignorance of the examination and fear to discover a tumour were mentioned by 24.9% for each as a reason for not performing BSE whereas 42.5% of those who did not practice it had no reason for that. Mammogram was ever practiced by 22.5% of the female teachers. About one-third of the participants (33.5%) claimed that they will perform mammogram in the coming year. Older teachers (40–50) reported higher rates of performing mammogram compared to those aged < 40, p = 0.012. Also, teachers who had friends with breast cancer were practiced mammogram at higher rated than their counterparts, p = 0.025.Conclusions The study indicates that breast cancer knowledge among governmental female secondary school teachers in Buraydah city, Saudi Arabia is overall insufficient, regarding risk factors and clinical presentation. Performance of breast cancer screening techniques is not enough. Improving knowledge regarding breast cancer risk factors, presentation and screening tools as BSE and mammogram through educational programs is highly recommended for prevention and early detection.


Purpose: There is no one standard procedure encompassing the needs and differences of the entire pediatric population for inguinal hernia repair (IHR). Several techniques can be used, including open repair, laparoscopic, and robotic-assisted laparoscopic repair. This is a report of a single pediatric hospital's experience performing robotic-assisted IHRs in an adolescent population. Methods: Robotic IHRs performed by the pediatric surgery department were prospectively captured and reviewed. The operation performed was a modified robotic transabdominal preperitoneal approach with ProGrip mesh. Results: Between January 2016 and August 2020, 11 robotic-assisted IHRs occurred. All patients were male, median weight interquartile range (IQR) was 76.6 kg (67.425-90.4 kg) and median age (IQR) was 17 years (17-18.5). All together median (IQR) total operative time was 111 (97.5-126) minutes, median (IQR) total console time was 60 (55.5-75.5) minutes. There were no complications or conversions, with all patients discharged on the day of the operation. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a safe and reliable approach to repairing inguinal hernias using robotics through a small initial case series. Robotic-assisted IHR should be considered a viable technique to optimize the surgical care of adolescents.


Abstract Epicenters determined for instrumentally observed earthquakes occurring around the turn of the century have figured prominently in estimates of seismic hazard along the Alaska-Aleutian Arc. Unfortunately, because of poor timing control and a sparse station distribution, the locations quoted in the older catalogs can be very unreliable. More reliable epicenter estimates and quantitative assessments of the errors associated with these estimates are needed to address issues related to seismic hazard. Seventeen earthquakes with surface-wave magnitudes above 6.8 that were recorded between 1898 and 1917 are relocated using a modified least-squares criterion. Epicentral estimates are determined using P , S , and S-P arrival times with the a priori constraint that the final location must be near the geographically defined arc. Although epicenters determined using a standard least-squares criterion can be located up to 800 km from the arc, the arc-proximity constraint provides tectonically more meaningful locations, which to a high degree of confidence fit the travel-time observations as well as the unconstrained locations. Epicentral shifts of up to 1,200 km are observed between the relocations and those reported in the earlier catalogs. Seventy-five per cent confidence bounds on the along-arc location of each event vary from 30 to 400 km. Several large events ( M s > 6.9) occurred within or near the rupture zone of the 1965 Rat Islands earthquake and may indicate that this zone failed in a sequence of events around the turn of the century. Of the four events previously suggested as being possible candidates for rupturing either the Shumagin or Unalaska Seismic Gaps, none relocate near these arc segments. The relocation of a large ( M s = 7.9) earthquake which occurred in 1917 within the Shumagin Islands region, however, provides the first strong evidence of largescale seismic moment release within this intensely studied seismic gap.


Nowadays, owning to the failure of the Traditional Educational System, the only option left is the Virtual Educational, which will change the educational system at 180 degrees. The aim of this study was to investigate and evaluate the relationship between different factors associated with the level of satisfaction amongst students of Medical Science University during the pandemic outbreak of COVID-19. This cross-sectional study was performed among students of Birjand University of Medical Sciences in 2020. They completed the questionnaire was created using a Google platform and their answers was collected online. Satisfaction towards virtual educational learning plus total evaluation scores for various dimension of questionnaire was analyzed. A total of 320 out of 2700 students participated in the study voluntarily. Students' satisfaction with blended method in teaching style was higher and significant than two separate styles (p<0.05), but there was no significant relationship between satisfaction level and some demographic characteristics. Also, the majority of participants (41.7%) have a medium level of Satisfaction. There was significant relationship between the amount of computer skills, Semester and sex with overall satisfaction (p<0.05). Students demonstrated a moderate satisfaction and positive attitude towards VR educational system which comprises of a "Virtual Learning Room" at home for both the teacher and student. To be able to implement education in medical universities in the coronavirus crisis, electronic and internet infrastructures need to be completed quickly, and officials should take steps to empower students and teachers to take advantage of this opportunity.


A 53 year old obese male presented with the signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis and a family history suggesting the possibility of a malignant hyperthermia trait. In spite of spinal anaesthesia the patient developed malignant hyperthermia during the appendicectomy and the attack was successfully aborted with the early use of dantrolene sodium (Dantrium, Norwich Eaton).


While English-language studies of Japanese law have enjoyed remarkable growth in the past half-century, scholars have given only scant attention to the broad sweep of Japan's constitutional history. Deftly combining legal and historical analysis, Lawrence W Beer and John M Maki contrast Japan's two modern-era constitutions -- the Meiji Constitution of 1889 and the Showa Constitution of 1947. Moving beyond a narrowly focused study of the documents themselves, Beer and Maki present these constitutions as key to understanding differences in Japanese society and politics before and after World War II. Their clear and fluid presentation makes this an engaging and approachable study of not only constitutional law but also this remarkable period in Japanese history.


Fiber metal laminates (FMLs) are a new class of hybrid materials that consist of thin metal sheets and fiber reinforced epoxy composite layers. Due to their significant characteristics, FMLs have been widely employed in a variety of engineering applications specifically aerospace industry. In this paper, the lateral-torsional buckling behavior of thin-walled FML beams with varying I-section is perused using an innovative and accurate methodology. Considering the coupling between the bending displacements and the twist angle, the system of lateral stability equations are derived via energy method in association with Vlasov's model for thin-walled beam and the classic lamination theory. By uncoupling the equilibrium differential equations, the system of governing equations is transformed to a fourth-order differential equation in terms of the twist angle. The differential quadrature method is then applied to solve the resulting equation and to acquire the lateral buckling loads. The accuracy of the proposed methodology has been investigated by comparing the results with the outcomes obtained using ANSYS finite element software. In the following, the effect of significant parameters such as stacking sequence, fiber angle, fiber type, web tapering ratio, load height parameter and volume fraction of metal on lateral buckling load of fixed-free FML tapered I-beam under uniformly distributed load has been investigated.


Fossils of wood, bone and teeth found along the Upper Purus River οf Amazonia. were studied using conventional microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Mass spectometry was also used to investigate minor and trace element signatures of bone samples.The microsopy studies showed that there was little alteration of original textures. In the fossil wood samples, identified In thin section as tropical hardwood trees, the replacement of the original material with siderite suggests that fossilization occured in shallow sediments in which interstitial waters were saturated with respect to iron carbenate. In samples of both fossilized bone and wood, precipitation of secondary iron phases was commonly observed in cracks and voids. Other secondary phases Included silica, iron oxides, manganese carbonate. The intimate assοciation οf these secondary phases with the original biological structures could be evidence for a microbiological role in the formation of these phases. The similarity in rare earth element (REE) signatures for 2 fossil bone samples from different modern locations indicates their having shared similar diagenetic histories.The virtually complete preservation of original textures suggests that microscοpic studies could be useful in classifying fossil and even in identifying original materials. Rare carth signatures in fossilized bone may reflect ground water compositions at the time of fossilization.


The current investigation probes frustration that arises in a Blume-Emery-Griffiths system due to competing biquadratic (+/-K) interactions while uniform bilinear and crystal-field interactions are maintained. This competition directly affects the clustering and density of nonmagnetic impurities. All calculations have been conducted using a hierarchical lattice in conjunction with renormalization-group methods. Phase diagrams have been calculated for a series of planes of constant biquadratic coupling while varying the temperature and concentration of annealed vacancies in the system. Each phase diagram reveals three qualitatively unique basins of attraction, each sharing renormalization-group trajectories that flow to common sinks.


Thin films of boron nitride in its sp2-hybridized form (sp2-BN) have potential use in UV-devices and dielectrics. Here, we explore chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of sp2-BN on various cuts of sapphire; Al2O3(112̅0), Al2O3(11̅02), Al2O3(11̅00) and Al2O3 (0001) using two CVD processes with different boron precursors; triethylborane (TEB) and trimethylborane (TMB). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that sp2-BN grows on all the sapphire substrates, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), 2θ/ω diffractograms showed that only Al2O3(112̅0) and Al2O3(0001) renders crystalline films and using phi(ɸ)-scans the growth of rhombohedral polytype (r-BN) films on these substrates is confirmed. These films are found to be epitaxially grown on an AlN interlayer with a higher crystalline quality for the films grown on the Al2O3(112̅0) substrate which is determined using omega(ω)-scans. Our study suggests that Al2O3(112̅0) is the most favorable sapphire substrate to realize the envisioned applications of r-BN films.