has been a great gainer: the number of men constantly on the sick list from malarial fever has fallen of late years so considerably as to be equivalent to an addition of at least two men a day to the effective strength. A striking feature of the'address is the statement that in all Government and grant-aided schools in the coloty hygiene now forms part of the curriculum, special care being taken to ensure that the theory of malarial infection and prevention shall be well understood by those who attend these schoJols.


This study attempts to understand to what extent the actual priority setting in the municipalities of Türkiye as a developing country aligns with idealised rational models based on theoretical principles and successful cases in developed countries. For that purpose, the study examines the cases of priority‐setting process of service provision in Turkish municipalities through an exploratory qualitative research method involving focus group meetings with the representatives of 30 municipalities and field observation in two municipalities. The findings reveal key aspects of the prioritisation process, including approaches taken by the municipalities, citizen and stakeholder engagement, the role of managers, criteria used for the assessment of alternatives, and evaluation methods. The analysis identifies two distinct patterns, that is the idealised rationalist versus pragmatic, in all the key aspects examined. These findings contribute to a better understanding of what aspects of idealised rationalist and pragmatical decision‐making processes are distinct from each other, and to a more comprehensive international perspective in public organisations, especially in which top manager such as the mayor is elected into office in developing countries. The study cautions against uncritical acceptance of oversimplified rationalistic as well as universalistic assumptions behind priority‐setting models and advocates for a more substantiated and contextualised understanding of decision‐making processes.
Adopting a priority‐setting approach (technique, method, or criteria) necessitates considering the unique conditions and challenges of one's organisation and the local context. It is imperative to blend theoretical principles with practical realities to achieve optimal decision‐making and superior outcomes.
Priority setting in public organisations of developing countries diverges from idealised rational models used in developed countries due to contextual factors like culture and limited resources. Policy advisors from international organisations and developed countries should endorse knowledge and experience sharing that acknowledges both ideal and practical realities. Concurrently, practitioners in developing countries must critically assess the applicability of advised models to their specific context before adoption.
If the mayor takes a dominant role in the priority setting that outweighs institutional strategies and priorities, effective prioritisation among alternatives may be hindered. To rebalance power, it is crucial to foster an organisational culture that embraces participative decision‐making and professionalism and implements mechanisms such as auditing, transparency, and accountability.


The erstwhile East/Southeast Asian miracle economies were hit by a sudden crisis in 1997. What started as a currency depreciation in Thailand in July of that year developed into an all-out financial and economic crisis enveloping all the major economies in the region. They were adversely affected in the second half of 1997 and the whole of 1998. This article traces the evolution of the East Asian crisis and, based on the overall review, draws a few lessons for the Indian economy and society.


Multiseriate and true‐branching cyanobacteria are at the peak of prokaryotic morphological complexity. However, little is known about the mechanisms governing multiplanar cell division and morphogenesis. Here, we study the function of the prokaryotic cytoskeletal proteins, MreB and FtsZ in Fischerella muscicola PCC 7414 and Chlorogloeopsis fritschii PCC 6912. Vancomycin and HADA labeling revealed a mixed apical, septal, and lateral trichome growth mode in F. muscicola, whereas C. fritschii exhibits septal growth. In all morphotypes from both species, MreB forms either linear filaments or filamentous strings and can interact with FtsZ. Furthermore, multiplanar cell division in F. muscicola likely depends on FtsZ dosage. Our results lay the groundwork for future studies on cytoskeletal proteins in morphologically complex cyanobacteria.


Energy systems with high fractions of renewable energy-based resources require adequate assets providing flexibility in electricity usage to maximize the benefits of renewable energy. In this paper, we provide an analytical approach to estimate the flexibility requirements of such energy systems, with forecast uncertainties in both demand and generation. Our analytical results show that even with forecast errors, the expected system operating cost decreases with an increase in the amount of flexibility capacity – however, there is an inflection point, beyond which addition of further flexibility capacity does not reduce expected system cost any further. Additionally, an enumeration-based approach is presented to estimate the maximum flexibility capacity needed to optimize the operating cost. Numerical experiments conducted on a network-abstracted modified IEEE 30-bus system are used for empirical validation and gaining additional insights on the effect of prosumers' willingness to offer flexibility on the dispatch performance.


It is generally argued that white-collar criminals will be particularly influenced by punishment policies. White-collar crime is seen as a highly rational form of criminality, in which the risks and rewards are carefully evaluated by potential offenders, and white-collar criminals are assumed to have much more to lose through sanctions than more common law violators. In this article we examine the impact of sanctions on the criminal careers of 742 offenders convicted of white-collar crimes in seven US. district courts between fiscal years 1976 and 1978. Utilizing data on court-imposed sanctions originally compiled by Wheeler et al. (1988b), as well as information on subsequent criminal behavior provided by the Identification Bureau of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, we assess the effect of imprisonment upon the oficial criminal records of people convicted of white-collar crimes. Comparing prison and no-prison groups that were matched in terms of factors that led to their receipt of a prison sanction, we find that prison does not have a specific deterrent impact upon the likelihood of rearrest over a 126-month follow-up period.


Titled research work has been dealt with different types of PWM technique for Multilevel Inverter with reduce number of switches. In the past decades, the researchers have dealt with the conventional topology, which possesses twelve switches of Multilevel Inverter is applied to PWM method. The present research work has been introduced a new method of multilevel inverter using 5 switches is applied with different PWM technique. In introduction part the conventional cascaded multilevel inverter & switching pattern are explained. In second part PWM technique of proposed work and circuits is explained. The comparative analysis for different PWM techniques and with and without filter using different modulation index is demonstrated using MATLAB / SIMULINK.


In this paper, buckling behavior of symmetric functionally graded plates resting on elastic foundation is investigated and their critical buckling load in different conditions is calculated and compared. Plate governing equations are derived using the principle of minimum potential energy. Afterwards, displacement field is solved using Galerkin method and the proposed process is examined through numerical examples. Effect of FGM power law index, plate aspect ratio, elastic foundation stiffness and metal core thickness on critical buckling load is investigated. The accuracy of this approach is verified by comparing its results to those obtained in another work, which is performed using Fourier series expansion.


In Brazil, the inclusive education policy and curriculum practices of disabilities students have been the subject of inquiry and debate. These students, despite having guaranteed access to regular education, find restrictions in their schooling processes due to lack of their learning characteristics. In regular school and in special education still predominate questions about what and how to teach these students and which curriculum and practices could improve their conceptual elaboration processes. In this paper, we analyze testimonies of teachers, (resulting from group interview) and episodes of interactions and teaching actions effected in specialized education support (Salas de Recurso Multifuncional -SRM) from the regular schools in the Vale do Itajai, SC. The purpose is to problematize: orientations of policy, curricular practices and the role of SRM in these students' schooling. The testimonies and analyzed episodes are an illustrative excerpt of collaborative research with SRM' teachers in 2012/2013, which is linked to two National Observatories of Special Education, articulated to the CAPES' National Education Observatory Program and to the Foundation for Research and Innovation of the State of Santa Catarina (FAPESC). The results of the research indicate contradictions, segmentations and the fragility of policy in relation to the locus and the processes of schooling and the potential curricular practices of the disabilities students' conceptual elaboration.


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With the continuing developments in materials synthesis and characterization at the nanoscale the potential of true materials tailoring has been enhanced substantially. In general this class of materials involves structures that have at least one dimension at the nanometer scale (usually taken to be up to 100 nanometers). The utilization of these fibers in polymer composites not only enables the development of uniquely created structures but also provides a means for the development of unique properties and functionalities at levels not possible with conventional fiber reinforced composites. It is the goal of this chapter to introduce the advances in CNT nanocomposite research with specific emphasis on processing routes used to disperse, align and fabricate carbon nanotube reinforced polymer nanocomposites for enhanced physical and mechanical properties. Acknowledging that the potential for CNTs as reinforcement and conductive media has not yet been fully realized, a discussion on future trends is also given.


Paper number: 16-021Received: 22 Febuary 2016; Revised: 18 March 2016/21 March 2016; Accepted: 21 March 2016AbstractThe present study aims to develop a real-time surface image velocimeter (SIV) using an Android smartphone. It can measure river surface velocity by using its built-in sensors and processors. At first the SIV system figures out the location of the site using the GPS of the phone. It also measures the angles (pitch and roll) of the device by using its orientation sensors to determine the coordinate transform from the real world coordinates to image coordinates. The only parameter to be entered is the height of the phone from the water surface. After setting, the camera of the phone takes a series of images. With the help of OpenCV, and open source computer vision library, we split the frames of the video and analyzed the image frames to get the water surface velocity field. The image processing algorithm, similar to the traditional STIV (Spatio-Temporal Image Velocimeter), was based on a correlation analysis of spatio-temporal images. The SIV system can measure instantaneous velocity field (1 second averaged velocity field) once every 11 seconds. Averaging this instantaneous velocity measurement for sufficient amount of time, we can get an average velocity field. A series of tests performed in an experimental flume showed that the measurement system developed was greatly effective and convenient. The measured results by the system showed a maximum error of 13.9 % and average error less than 10 %, when we compared with the measurements by a traditional propeller velocimeter.Keywords: velocity measurement, surface image velocimeter, image processing, smartphone, Android


This paper considers a massive MIMO network that includes one multiple-antenna base station, one multiple-antenna eavesdropper, and  $K$  single-antenna users. The eavesdropper operates in passive mode and tries to overhear the confidential information from one of the users in the down-link transmission. In order to secure the confidential information, two artificial noise (AN)-aiding schemes are proposed. In the first scheme, AN is injected into the downlink training signals to prevent the eavesdropper from obtaining the correct channel state information of the eavesdropping link. In the second scheme, AN is deployed in both downlink training phase and payload data transmission phase to further degrade the eavesdropping channel. Analytical expressions and tight approximations of the achievable secrecy rate of the considered systems are derived with taking imperfect channel estimation and two types of precoding, i.e., maximum-ratio-transmission and zero-forcing, into consideration. Optimization algorithms for power allocation are proposed to enhance the secrecy performance of the proposed AN-aiding schemes. The results reveal that deploying AN in the downlink training phase of massive MIMO networks does not affect the downlink channel estimation process at users while enabling the system to suppress the downlink channel estimation process at eavesdropper. As a consequence, the proposed AN-aided schemes improve the system performance significantly. Furthermore, implementing AN in both phases allows the considered system having a flexible solution to maximize its secrecy performance at the price of higher complexity.


IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD
Metastatic bone disease results from interactions between cancer and normal bone cells. These growth factor and cytokine-mediated interactions lead to stimulation of both osteoclast and osteoblast function with uncoupling and imbalance in bone remodelling, reflected in changes in bone biomarkers.

AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW
To evaluate the application of bone biomarkers in the clinical management of metastatic bone disease through a detailed review of the medical literature What the reader will gain: Clinicians and laboratory scientists interested in bone markers will be introduced to a range of highly specific and easily and reliably measured bone biomarkers available for clinical use.

TAKE HOME MESSAGE
Bone biomarkers provide information on the rates of bone resorption and formation. Although this information is insufficient to enable earlier diagnosis of bone metastases than is possible with imaging and clinical assessments, the rate of bone turnover, especially bone resorption, provides powerful, clinically useful, prognostic and predictive information. Patients with elevated bone marker levels are significantly more likely to experience a bone complication than those with normal levels. Also, clinical benefit from bisphosphonates appears to be related to the effective suppression of accelerated bone turnover. Bone complications are fewer and survival better in patients achieving normal rates of bone resorption. These observations provide an opportunity to personalise therapy, avoid overtreatment and improve cost-effectiveness by adjusting treatment to maintain a normal rate of bone resorption.


African contact with the Western World right from the fifteenth century marked the gloomy dawn of imperialism, and an unending trail of exploitation of the continent. This process which lasted many centuries led to a plethora of institutions, values and etiquette which over time consolidated an alien social order. The prime motive of all these was to unceasingly appropriate the essential resources of the colonies, and subject the continent 'within the ambit of international commercial flows'. Unfortunately, extant literature on imperial rule of Africa has concentrated on the activities of a few countries, with amazing disregard or slight attention to the Italian imperial forage in the continent. The aftermath is that Italian legacy in Africa seem to be withering away. The focus of this paper therefore, is to analytically demonstrate the unique role Italy played in the imperialist coup d'grace of the continent. The paper argues that its entry into the scramble for Africa brings to the fore the fallacy of Western civilizing mission to Africa. Most interesting is the fact that almost all the countries subjugated by Italy had no trace of mineral endowment. Perhaps this may have accounted for the haphazard colonial administration which left the countries in an intractable post-colonial conflicts and wars such as in Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia. Consequently, an objective exposition of Italian imperialist motivation in Africa will enrich the comprehension of the theory of imperialism. It concludes that this understanding will go a long way in addressing some of the lingering post-colonial and postconflict challenges in the continent.


The capability of additive manufacturing (AM) of making the monolithic, multi-material structure allow the fabrication of complex parts with varying mechanical properties. Many AM processes and equipment utilize proprietary material stocks from equipment vendors. A better understanding of the digital material mixing behavior to form traditional material configurations during AM is critical.
 Many jetting-based AM processes also have the capability to print different material gradient and build them layer by layer in a specific concentration of two or more base materials. This paper investigates the tensile strength and mechanical behavior of these digital materials formed by mixing or multi-material interfaces fabricated by material jetting.
 Further, due to the flexibility of orientating the digital design in AM, a part can be created in any orientation; however, processing-induced variation affects the performance of parts, as the way AM forms part is different from traditional manufacturing that leads to many artifacts. These artifacts affect the mechanical properties and behavior of final parts formed in AM. To eliminate the process-induced effect that exits in traditional 2D test coupon, this paper evaluates a homogenized 3D configuration test coupon which reduces the geometric effects in AM, that we had recently proposed and investigated.


A consistent finding in studies surrounding sports commentary on white and black athletes is that (a) white athletes are frequently praised for their perceived "intellect" and "leadership capacity," while (b) black athletes are often praised for being "naturally talented" (Davis & Harris, 1998). A mediated conclusion that one could derive from such findings is that black athletes are expected to succeed athletically; conversely, white athletes are expected to have an innate ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds to accomplish their athletic stature. This study examined the broadcast commentary surrounding white and black athletes at the 2000 NCAA Men's and Women's Final Four College Basketball Tournaments. The content analysis of 1,118 descriptors embedded in commentator discourse revealed that, while black athletes continue to be praised for their athleticism and physicality, they also are receiving a greater number of comments about their intelligence and ability to lead.


1. Presynaptic beta-adrenoceptor activity was studied in rat isolated atria, previously loaded with [3H]-noradrenaline. The stimulation-induced release of 3H transmitter was measured in the presence of cocaine, and adrenaline was used as a facilitatory beta-adrenoceptor agonist. 2. Adrenaline (0.1 and 2 nM) increased, by about 50%, the evoked efflux of tritium. With phenoxybenzamine present, the same activity was shown with 10 nM adrenaline. 3. The beta 2-selective adrenoceptor blocking drugs: IPS 339 and ICI 118 551 caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the activity of adrenaline. Cardioselective beta-blocking drugs: acebutolol, beta-xolol, nebivolol and its isomers (R 67 138 and R 67 145) also reduced dose-dependently the agonistic action of adrenaline. The order of potency for nebivolol and its isomers was R 67 138 greater than nebivolol greater than R 67 145. The activity of pindolol was not concentration-dependent. The inhibitory effect of acebutolol was also observed in the presence of blockade of alpha-adrenoceptors. 4. The postsynaptic beta-adrenoceptor blocking activity of nebivolol and its isomers was studied in pithed rats. They reduced isoprenaline-induced tachycardia without altering hypotensive responses. The order of potency was: R 67 138 greater than nebivolol greater than R 67 145. 5. It is concluded that in rat isolated atria, presynaptic beta 2- and beta 1-adrenoceptors coexist and that facilitatory beta 1-adrenoceptors are stereospecific.


Objective To observe the outcomes of nonsuspicious contralateral nodules with active surveillance in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Methods 4pt?>Consecutive patients who underwent lobectomy for PTC were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with one or more nodules with nonsuspicious ultrasonography (US) features in the contralateral lobe were included. Results Two hundred and eighty-three patients were included. All patients underwent thyroid lobectomy with ipsilateral prophylactic central neck dissection. A total of 123 patients (43.5%) were classified as ATA low-risk, and 160 patients (56.5%) were classified as intermediate-risk. The median size of the contralateral nodules was 3 mm (range, 2 to 16 mm). After a period of follow-up, the median size change of contralateral nodules was 0 mm (range, -7 to 8 mm). Eight patients (2.8%) had nodule growth >3 mm, 223 patients (78.8%) had stable or decreased nodules, and 52 patients (18.4%) had no detectable nodules. Nodules in 24 patients had suspicious US features, 16 of which were diagnosed with PTMC by either cytology after FNA (in 7 patients) or histopathology after completion thyroidectomy (in 9 patients). Another four patients received completion thyroidectomy for ipsilateral cervical lymph node metastasis. The 5-year residual lobe recurrence (RLR) rate and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate were 7.4% and 89.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that multifocality and ATA intermediate-risk were independent predictors for RLR (HR4.083, 95%CI 1.480-11.261, P = 0.007; HR 6.045, 95%CI 1.370-26.662, P = 0.017, respectively) and RFS (HR 5.240, 95%CI 2.114-12.991, P < 0.001; HR 5.223, 95%CI 1.353-17.765, P = 0.008, respectively). Conclusions Active surveillance for nonsuspicious contralateral nodules in patients with low-risk and selected intermediate-risk PTC is safe. Multifocality and ATA intermediate-risk are predicters for recurrence. Early detection and salvage surgery are effective.


Oligomeric proanthocyanidins were successfully identified by UHPLC-PDA-HRMSn in a selection of plant-derived materials (jujube fruit, Fuji apple, fruit pericarps of litchi and mangosteen, dark chocolate, and grape seed and cranberry extracts). The identities of 247 proanthocyanidins were theoretically predicted by computing high-accuracy masses based on the degree of polymerization, flavan-3-ol components, and the number of A type linkages and galloyls. MSn fragments allowed characterization on flavan-3-ol based on the monomer, connectivity, and location of A-type bonds. Identification of doubly or triply charged ions of 50 PAs was made on the basis of theoretical calculations. A single catechin standard and molar relative response factors (MRRFs) were used to quantify the well-separated PAs. The ratios of the SIM peak counts were used to quantify each of the unseparated isomers. This is the first report of direct determination of each of the proanthocyanidins in plant-derived foods and proanthocyanidins containing an epifisetinidol unit in grape seeds.


Abstract Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is diagnosed in ∼1% of children. The main goal of treatment is preservation of renal function by preventing recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) refractory to antibiotic therapy. Surgical treatment options include endoscopic injection or ureteral reimplantation. Subureteral Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene) injection (STING) is an endoscopic treatment option no longer in common practice. Use of Teflon is no longer advised because of a number of documented complications secondary to local and distant migration of injected material. We present a case of delayed ureteral obstruction secondary to the STING procedure occurring 21 years after initial surgery and managed using a novel endoscopic method.


This paper proposes an inlet guide vane control law optimization technique for improving the off-design working condition thermal efficiency of triaxial gas turbine. Gas turbine dynamic and steady component-level simulation models are established in MATLAB/SIMULINK via Newton-Raphson algorithm based on component characteristic maps. After validating the models against experimental data and Gasturb software, they are applied to determine the effects of guide vane angle on gas turbine performance parameters.
 High Efficiency Mode (HEM) is utilized to adjust the power turbine inlet guide vanes to enhance the gas turbine efficiency and decrease the specific fuel consumption under off-design working conditions on account of the above gas turbine overall performance analysis results. The optimal angles of power turbine inlet guide vanes for various working conditions are acquired based on the steady gas turbine model as-established. HEM enhances the gas turbine's thermal efficiency without exceeding its temperature or rotational speed constraints. The Radial Basis Function (RBF), a three-layer, feedforward neural network, is employed to fit the optimal guide vane angles and establish the corresponding relationship between the angles and various working conditions by system identification. The control strategy and gas turbine dynamic simulation model are tested in MATLAB/SIMULINK to verify their effects on gas turbine performance. The guide vane angle is found to significantly influence the gas turbine operating parameters, and HEM to effectively optimize gas turbine performance even within unpredictable atmospheric environment and working conditions.


In many international studies, brentuximab vedotin (BV) has been shown to be highly effective in adult patients with primary refractory forms or recurrent Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). The group of children and adolescents received BV is not sufficient yet to assess the effectiveness and toxicity as in adults. In multicenter randomized trials BV was shown to be highly effective in adult patients. Aims: to evaluate the effectiveness and toxicity of anti-relapse therapy with BV followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children, adolescents and young adults with primary refractory forms of Hodgkin's Lymphoma (HL) and in patients with relapses of the disease. This study was approved by the Independent Ethical Committee and the Academic Council of Dmitriy Rogachev National Medical Research Center of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, Immunology Ministry of Healthcare of Russian Federation. In the 2012–2019 period 54 patients with primary refractory course and relapses of LH (Hodgkin's Lymphoma) were enrolled, among them 24 (44.4%) boys and 30 (55.6%) girls aged 4 to 25 years at the time of diagnosis of HL (average age-13.84.4 years). Therapy included BV as a part of block BB (brentuximab vedotin, ribomustin, dexamethasone) (n = 44) and BV monotherapy (n = 12). Complete response was achieved for 44 (81.4%) patients (pts) received BV (as a part of block BB - 37 pts and as monotherapy – 7 pts). Seven (12.9%) among 54 patients were transferred to therapy with PDL1 inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) due to progression/refractoriness. Three (5.7%) patients were lost from observation. In our study, toxicity was observed in 7.4% of patients (n = 4) received brentuximab as a part of block BB: grade 4 hematological toxicity (n = 3) and infectious complications in the form of mucositis (n = 1). There was no evidence of any toxicity among pts received BV as monotherapy. BV in children, adolescents and young adults with primary refractory course and relapses of LH had shown high efficiency, which was not accompanied by significant toxicity.


BACKGROUND
Upper extremity injuries may prevent adults from returning to work, impacting productivity, and engagement in meaningful employment.

OBJECTIVE
The scoping review identified various non-physical factors that impact return to work (RTW) after an upper extremity injury.

METHODS
Database searches included: CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. The authors further hand searched the journals Work and The Journal of Hand Therapy. Inclusion criteria included articles published in English, published from 2000-2020, and addressed the following topics: upper extremity injury, the client's psychosocial perceptions of the injury, and return to work.

RESULTS
After title and abstract review, 9 studies were identified for full-text review that examined various patterns related to non-physical factors that impact RTW. Three themes emerged from the full-text reviews including client self-efficacy, social determinants of health, and the need for holistic intervention approaches.

CONCLUSIONS
Practitioners involved in the rehabilitation of working age clients with upper extremity injuries should remain cognizant of the non-physical factors that can impact return to work and incorporate holistic approaches like monitoring and addressing self-efficacy, psychosocial well-being, and social determinants of health into clinical practice.


Electricity industries are being transformed worldwide, driven by the need for more energy, urbanization, scarcity of natural resources and global warming. Building a safe, reliable and highly stable power grid system has become an inevitable trend. The smart grid came into being therefore. Automatic control is an advanced modern communication technology. Automatic control system can improve network security and stability effectively, what refers to in the paper is a typical automatic control mode mentioned, the PI control, through theory and experiment we demonstrate the feasibility of improving the motor's stability by PI control.


The Anjou region is located in the western part of the Paris
Basin at the south-east of the Armorican Massif. The Cenomanian
clays of Le Brouillard quarry (near Ecouflant, Maine-et-
Loire) yielded exceptionally preserved plant macroremains. They
included centimetric compressions of Conifers, Ginkgoales, and
Angiosperms. This quarry was studied during the second half of
the 20th century but was partially filled in 2005, rendering further
studies impossible. However, in 2006, new fossiliferous deposits
were discovered in the Hucheloup quarry, located one kilometer
west of Le Brouillard. The Hucheloup quarry displays a succession
of sand and clay, presumably Cenomanian in age. Clays yield
a diverse fossil assemblage which was already, partly, studied by
Neraudeau et al. (2013) and Durand (2014). It is dominated
by coastal marine and brackish bivalves, mostly of the genera
Brachidontes (fam. Mytilidae) and Protocardia (fam. Cardiidae),
and contains an important diversity of plant impressions
and compressions, mainly preserved as fragmented leaf remains,
with or without cuticle. The plants have been transported, only
the brackish bivalves seem to be autochtonous. Plants were
ascribed to diverse Pinales (29%), Pteridophytes (29%), Ginkgoales
(24%), Angiosperms (17%) and Cycads (1%). The most
abundant species are Frenelopsis alata (Pinales) and Eretmophyllum
andegavense (Ginkgoales). The co-occurence of those two
species is frequently found in Europe in estuarine mid-Cretaceous
deposits. The fauna also includes arthropod remains such as insect
eggs and a fragmented carapace of Meyeria sp. (Crustacean),
as well as bryozoans and brachiopods. The taphonomical, sedimentological,
and palaeoecological data revealed that the fossil
remains were deposited in a brackish lagoon or the lower part
of what was likely an estuary. It allowed the preservation of a
rich biodiversity that developed under a tropical climate, at the
ocean/land transition.


It has been a key question of European communication research whether the growing transnationalisation of politics in the European Community has been paralleled by a similar Europeanisation of public political communication. In particular, scholars have scrutinized the ability of the mass media to engage the European public in a transnational political dialogue. In taking up this line of inquiry in the new field of computer-mediated communication, the paper develops a methodological design able to quantitatively assess the degree of Europeanisation on the Internet. Applied to German online campaigns in the 2004 European Parliamentary Election, this approach provides empirical evidence of Europe being a 'missing link' in German e-campaigning: Party and campaign websites lacked a genuinely Europeanised profile, were nationally focused and partisan biased in their hyperlink structure, and replicated the shortcomings of traditional mass media's EU coverage in their online news.


Eosinophils are considered a homogenous cell population, contributing to the allergic asthma phenotype by promoting mucus hypersecretion and airway hyperresponsiveness. Here, we identified a previously unrecognized vacuolated CD11cdim eosinophilic population (vEOS) which accmulates exclusively in the lung tissue and in mediastinal lymph nodes but not in the airways in a house dust mite-mediated allergic asthma model and an IL-33 mediated pulmonary inflammation. In addition to the vEOS, we found classical SiglecF+CD11c− eosinophils (EOS) in the airways and the lung. Both cell types shared typical structural features of eosinophils and expressed CCR3. In contrast to EOS, vEOS expressed higher levels of the CD11a, CD11b and CD18 integrins. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that vEOS were located exclusively near arteries and airways, where they were in close contact with T cells. Moreover, vEOS took up antigen and expressed costimulatory molecules more efficiently than EOS. Consequently, in co-culture experiments with OVA-TCR transgenic T cells, vEOS and dendritic cells (DCs) drove T cell proliferation. However, in the presence of vEOS, T cells divided more frequently than in co-culture with DCs. Further, T cell activation in response to co-culture with vEOS together with DCs markedly enhanced IL-17 but not IL-13 production.
 Collectively, our data demonstrate that vEOS are an important subset of eosinophils, which differ from EOS in their location and their ability to activate T cells. Further, they suggest that cross-talk between vEOS and DCs might be a crucial step for the induction of Th17 cells in allergic asthma. Thus, vEOS may serve as an important target for Th17-associated steroid-resistant asthma.


Non-destructive direct measurements of mechanical properties of biological tissue, such as that of the crystalline lens of the eye are difficult to obtain. More often indirect measurement methods are used, which then require post processing of the data to extract meaningful results which can be translated into material properties, such as the shear modulus of elasticity of the crystalline lens. This paper will present how COMSOL® can be used as a tool for the processing step of deducing the shear modulus of the crystalline lens. Moreover, we will discuss the use of the COMSOL® Optimization module to reverse engineer the material property; as well as the use of COMSOL's® Application Builder to create a Graphical User Interface (GUI) which enables non-simulation experts to use the simulation model.


ABSTRACT Companies apply dual-channel supply-chain (DCSC) by allocating online facilities without leaving conventional retailers. As a result, carbon emissions from production activities have increased in the company structure. Nowadays, DCSC researchers have a tendency to set their models in deterministic settings. These models cannot cope with the structure complexity. This research used Response Surface Methodology to analyse uncertainty in DCSC. The decision variables were the retailers and online prices, while the responses were price channel sensitivities (βo and βr), cross-channel sensitivities (γor and γro), profit estimation, and carbon emission estimation. In illustrating the real-world competition under oligopoly games, the optimisation phase used nonlinear programming under cooperative and non-cooperative scenarios. The result showed that in each channel, price combination had a significant effect on the response variables. Price differences on each channel could confirm the changes of customer preference channel. This study finds that the application of a response surface methodology can describe the significance of price to the DCSC system.


Background: Researchers commonly use job-exposure matrices (JEMs) and self-reports to characterize occupational exposures in epidemiologic studies of respiratory diseases. JEMs provide more objective assessments than self-reports, but the latter are easy to collect and have performed well in some studies. We investigated whether one of these exposure estimates had a stronger association with severe exacerbation of asthma in a study of adults with asthma. Methods: We used data from a telephone survey of 557 working adults with asthma in the eastern United States. Severe exacerbation was defined as having had at least 2 events with unplanned care or hospitalization for asthma in the 12 months before interview, and occupational exposure was determined for the same time period using both a recently-developed asthma-specific JEM and self-reports of being exposed to dust, smoke, gas, or chemical fumes at work. We used regression to model severe exacerbation and examine exposure-exacerbation relationships while controlling for potential confounders. Results: Occupational exposure was assessed as present for 254 using the JEM and 334 by self-reports, and the two groups overlapped by 175. Twenty-seven percent (n=150) fulfilled the criteria for severe exacerbation. The contrast in frequency of severe exacerbation for exposed versus unexposed was greater with the JEM (31% vs 23%, p=0.05) than self-reports (28% vs 25%, p=0.57), and this difference persisted after controlling for sex and education. Conclusion: Occupational exposures assessed using a JEM had a stronger association with severe exacerbation of asthma than self-reported exposures.


Fibronectin coating increases implant biocompatibility by enhancing surface endothelialization via integrin-mediated binding. Surface properties determine the fibronectin orientation and conformation, dictating which ligands are presented, and therefore altering the bioactivity of an implant surface. In this study, polyurethane was treated with oxygen plasma, which allowed for a simultaneous modification of the surface chemistry and topography to modulate fibronectin adsorption. By varying the parameters of the treatment, human plasma fibronectin adsorbed on the surfaces in different conformations, orientations, and binding affinities, which was investigated by atomic force microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, monoclonal and polyclonal antibody staining and reflectometric interference spectroscopy. Apart from the most hydrophilic rough surfaces, the adsorbed fibronectin showed a lower binding affinity and less conformational change on the more hydrophilic surfaces. A large amount of exposed fibronectin-cell binding was detected on the rough treated and the smooth untreated surfaces. Primary isolated human umbilical vein and human microvascular endothelial cells showed a significantly higher cell adherence on the absorbed fibronectin with a low binding affinity and low conformational changes. Significant differences in the formation of mature focal adhesions and the reorganization of F-actin were identified on the rough treated and the smooth untreated surfaces. Our data suggest that oxygen plasma treatment is a reliable technique for the modulation of fibronectin adsorption in order to adjust fibronectin bioactivity and impact cell responses to implant surfaces.


Caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV) is a retrovirus that naturally infects goats and induces chronic inflammatory and degenerative disease. Infection of goats has a worldwide distribution but it has not been previously recognized by molecular method in Iran. For this reason, 95 blood samples were taken from 4 months to 3 years goats to determine naturally infected animals with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method. The PCR primers were designed to amplify a 433 base pair region of the proviral gag gene. Results showed that 15.7 percent of sampled goats (15 cases) were positive for CAEV. The present study was confirmed the presence of CAEV genome in goats flock of Iran for the first time.


We derive the area theorem for light pulses interacting with inhomogeneously broadened ensemble of two-level atoms in a single-mode optical waveguide and present its analytical solution for Gaussian-type modes, which demonstrates the significant difference from the formation of $2\pi$ pulses by plane waves. We generalize this theorem to the description of photon echo and apply it to the two-pulse (primary) echo and the revival of silenced echo (ROSE) protocol of photon echo quantum memory. For the first time, we implemented ROSE protocol in a single-mode laser-written waveguide made of an optically thin crystal $Tm^{3+}:Y_3Al_5O_{12}$. The experimental data obtained are satisfactorily explained by the developed theory. Finally, we discuss the obtained experimental results and possible applications of the derived pulse area approach.


Abstrak
Repurchase Intention is the desire and the actions of a consumers to buy a certain product again, because the satisfaction that consumers receive equal to what he wants in a product. Repurchase intention are influenced by several factors, including: customer satisfaction, Price competition reflected in the price level of products, as well as from his own experiences during consumption of a certain products and services. There is a close connection between mobile phone products to the aspect of customer loyalty that is reflected through Repurchase Intentions.
 The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of Customer Satisfactions, Price Competition, Brand Image and Customer Experience towards Repurchase Intention Students of Faculty of Economics, Sebelas Maret University towards Mobile Phone brands Nokia.
 This research based on objective can be categorized into the hypothesis testing. The method used in this research is survey method. Target population of this study is the Students of Faculty of Economics, Sebelas Maret University that using the Nokia cell phone products. 100 respondents is used as the samples. Sampling techniques used are non-probability purposive sampling. This is done to obtain accurate information.
 Testing the validity using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) test and reliability testing using Alpha Cronbach formula. Hypothesis testing using multiple regression analysis, t test, F test, and the coefficient of determination (R2).
 Based on the results of data analysis conducted, the results indicated that the Customer Satisfactions, Price Competition, Brand Image and Customer Experience has a positive and significant impact towards Repurchase Intention mobile phone products brand Nokia.


Abstract: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a human neurodegenerative disorder of unknown origin that is characterized by progressive degeneration of corticospinal tracts and anterior horn cells in the brainstem and spinal cord. Previous studies have indicated that motoneuron degeneration associated with ALS may be triggered by mechanisms leading to increased intracellular Ca2+. In the present report, Ca2+‐activated phospholipid‐dependent protein kinase C (PKC) was evaluated in cervical spinal cords from ALS patients and control subjects. In patients who died with ALS, PKC histone H1 phosphotransferase activity was significantly increased by 330% in cytosolic‐ and 118% in particulate‐derived extracts compared with controls. This increase in PKC phosphotransferase activity appeared to be partially due to an increase in the amount of PKC protein present in ALS spinal cord tissue. PKC histone H1 phosphotransferase activities of cytosolic‐ and particulate‐derived extracts from motor and visual cortex of ALS patients and controls were not statistically different, nor were there differences in PKC histone H1 phosphotransferase activity in platelets and leukocytes. The specific nature of PKC alterations in affected regions of the CNS supports a role for PKC in the events leading to motoneuron death in sporadic ALS.


We experimentally investigated the influence of the geometries of a modulated wave train on the vertical-bending and torsional moments acting on a container ship in bow-quartering sea conditions. We conducted a towing experiment with a hydro-structural container ship model in the Actual Sea Model Basin (ASMB) (80 m deep, 40 m wide, and 4.5 m deep) at the National Maritime Research Institute. The ship model is made of urethane foam and was designed to have similar vertical bending and torsional vibration mode shapes to an actual ship. A modulated wave train was generated in the ASMB by the higher-order spectral-method wave generation (HOSM-WG) method such that the maxim crest appeared at the center of the basin. The ship model was towed in the modulated wave train with a relative heading angle of 120 degrees. A series of tests was performed by varying the encounter timing of the ship model and the maximum crest of the modulated wave train. In the experiment, fiber-Bragg-grating strain gauges successfully measured whipping vibrations of the ship model due to a slamming impact. The experimental results revealed that the rear wave height Hr and the ratio of the rear and front wave heights Hr/Hf were the dominant parameters governing the maximum sagging and torsional moments of a ship in bow-quartering modulated wave trains.


The article presents results of studies application of foliar fertilizing pears in plantations for the period 2007-2010 as a way of increasing plant resistance to negative weather conditions.


Ten experiments have investigated competition between winter oilseed rape and Stellaria media (common chickweed). Yield losses caused by this weed were often high, but differed greatly between experiments, 5% yield loss being calculated to be caused by 1.4-328 plants m -2 . Predictions of yield loss based on relative weed dry weights [weed dry weights/(crop + weed dry weights)] in December were somewhat less variable than those based on weed density, 5% yield loss being caused by 1.4-10.6% relative weed dry weight. The variations in yield loss were related to variations in the competitiveness of the oilseed rape and the S. media, caused by weather differences between years and sites, and the long period between weed assessment and harvest (8-10 months). However, despite the lack of precise relationships, there were indications that the greater the crop dry weights in December, the lower the final yield loss. Delayed sowing of oilseed rape until late September did not clearly increase the competitive effects of the weed compared with late August/early September sowings. Weed competition was not clearly affected by reduced crop density (44-113 plants m -2 ), because of the compensatory ability of the lowest density. The results of the experiments are discussed in relation to the prediction of yield loss and, thus, possible adjustment of weed control strategies to meet expected crop losses.


Early twentieth-century South Africa was a composite society—"part settler state and part African colony … includ[ing] diverse recently conquered African polities as well as a divided white population." Mining industrialization and British imperialism, particularly after the discovery of substantial gold deposits and the founding of Johannesburg in 1886, put pressure on southern African peoples and states to function as an integrated labor market, and on their leaders to submit to an overarching political authority. These developmental and administrative rationalizing forces were given greater scope in the years following the South African War of 1899 to 1902, especially in the defeated Boer republics of the interior. Renamed the Transvaal and Orange River Colonies, these territories were initially under the direct rule of British High Commissioner Alfred Milner. They took the lead in a process of state-building that continued well beyond their political amalgamation with the coastal colonies of the Cape and Natal to form the Union of South Africa in 1910. It has been argued that this institutional reconstruction left South Africa with "a modern civil service, with controls and an information-gathering capacity sophisticated enough to … make the competence, helpfulness, and honesty of individual state officials relatively less crucial."


This article presents our system for supporting basketball players with enhanced training information using augmented reality. A calibrated head mounted display guaranties the precise overlay of real environment and virtual objects. Visual information of the ideal and actual parabola and their deviation can be displayed. The setup is limited momentarily on free throw situations.


Theories on visual change detection imply that attention is a necessary but not sufficient prerequisite for aware perception. Misguidance of attention due to salient irrelevant distractors can therefore lead to severe deficits in change detection. The present study investigates the mechanisms behind such perceptual errors and their relation to error processing on higher cognitive levels. Participants had to detect a luminance change that occasionally occurred simultaneously with an irrelevant orientation change in the opposite hemi-field (conflict condition). By analyzing event-related potentials in the EEG separately in those error prone conflict trials for correct and erroneous change detection, we demonstrate that only correct change detection was associated with the allocation of attention to the relevant luminance change. Erroneous change detection was associated with an initial capture of attention toward the irrelevant orientation change in the N1 time window and a lack of subsequent target selection processes (N2pc). Errors were additionally accompanied by an increase of the fronto-central N2 and a kind of error negativity (Ne or ERN), which, however, peaked prior to the response. These results suggest that a strong perceptual conflict by salient distractors can disrupt the further processing of relevant information and thus affect its aware perception. Yet, it does not impair higher cognitive processes for conflict and error detection, indicating that these processes are independent from awareness.


Abstract. We report on observations of a diverging ion flow along the geomagnetic field that is often seen at the EISCAT Svalbard radar. The flow is upward above the peak of the electron density in the F-region and downward below the peak. We estimate that in such events mass transport along the field line is important for the ionization balance, and that the shape of the F-layer and its ion composition should be strongly influenced by it. Diverging flow typically occurs when there are signatures of direct entry of sheath plasma to the ionosphere in the form of intense soft particle precipitation, and we suggest that it is caused by the ionization and ionospheric electron heating associated with this precipitation. On average, 30% of all events with ion upflow also show significant ion downflow below. Key words. Ionosphere (polar ionosphere; ionization mechanism; plasma temperature and density)


Elevation of adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) levels in Necturus gallbladder (NGB) epithelium activates an apical membrane Cl- conductance and decreases transepithelial fluid transport (Jv). Acetylcholine (ACh), which had no effects on Jv by itself, antagonized the electrophysiological effects of forskolin (FSK) and theophylline and the decrease in Jv produced by FSK. By itself, ACh had no effects on basal cAMP levels but antagonized the increases in cAMP induced by FSK and theophylline. ACh had no effect on phosphodiesterase activity and prevented both the electrophysiological response and the elevation in cAMP by theophylline. In conclusion, the effect of ACh is mediated by inhibition of adenylate cyclase. A pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive G protein may mediate inhibition of adenylate cyclase because pretreatment with PTX prevented the reversal of the electrophysiological effects of FSK by ACh, and PTX catalyzed the ribosylation of cell membranes from NGB epithelium. ACh could have a physiological role in modulating the effects of secretagogues that act via elevation of cAMP levels.


Neural Radiance Fields (NeRFs) have made great success in representing complex 3D scenes with high-resolution details and efficient memory. Nevertheless, current NeRF - based pose estimators have no initial pose prediction and are prone to local optima during optimization. In this paper, we present LATITUDE: Global Localization with Truncated Dynamic Low-pass Filter, which introduces a two-stage localization mechanism in city-scale NeRF. In place recognition stage, we train a regressor through images generated from trained NeRFs, which provides an initial value for global localization. In pose optimization stage, we minimize the residual between the observed image and rendered image by directly optimizing the pose on the tangent plane. To avoid falling into local optimum, we introduce a Truncated Dynamic Low-pass Filter (TDLF) for coarse-to-fine pose registration. We evaluate our method on both synthetic and real-world data and show its potential applications for high-precision navigation in large-scale city scenes. Codes and dataset will be publicly available at https://github.com/jike5/LATITUDE.


Visual data analytics is increasingly becoming an important part of wildlife monitoring and conservation strategies. In this work, we discuss our solution to the image-based Amur tiger re-identification (Re-ID) challenge hosted by the CVWC Workshop at ICCV 2019. Various factors like poor quality images, lighting and pose variations, and limited images per identity make tiger Re-ID a difficult task for deep learning models. Consequently, we propose to utilize both deep learning and traditional SIFT descriptor-based matching for tiger re-identification. The proposed deep network is based on a DenseNet model, fine-tuned by minimizing a classification cross-entropy loss regularized by a pairwise KL-divergence loss that promotes better semantically discriminative features. We also utilize several data transformations to improve the model's robustness and generalization across views and image quality variations. We establish the efficacy of our approach on the 'Plain Re-ID' challenge task by reporting results on the pre-cropped tiger Re-ID dataset. To further test our Re-ID model's robustness to detection quality, we also report results on the 'Wild Re-ID' task, which incorporates learning a tiger detection model. We show that our model is able to perform well on both the plain and wild Re-ID tasks. Code will be available at https://github.com/FGVC/DelPro.


Purpose. The analysis aims to evaluate the new balance of the interests of employers and employees as established in the recently adopted Lithuanian Labour Code. Design/ methodology/ approach. The analysis considers the main reforms of Lithuanian labour law. The very essence of reforms is presented in the context of the labour market situation and former regulations.  Findings. Notwithstanding the results of implementation remaining unclear, the new Labour Code manages to reach a balanced relationship between the employer and the employee. Research limitations/implications. It is focused on the essential changes regarding introduction of flexibility measures, new rights of employees and measures taken to encourage collective labour relations.  Originality/ value. The analysis contributes to the ongoing debate on labour law reforms in Eastern European countries. Paper type. Issues paper.


My topic is historical rather than philosophical. I want to consider what Kant aimed to achieve in the Critique of Pure Reason. In 1909 Prichard wrote, "Kant's problem is similar to Locke's. Locke states that his purpose is to inquire into the original, certainty, and extent of human knowledge." Many have maintained that Kant's purpose was to mediate between rationalism and empiricism in epistemology. Hermann Cohen held that the aim of the Critique is to provide a theory of experience, an account of empirical knowledge. Ernst Cassirer and other neo-Kantians have held that its aim is to furnish a philosophy of science.


PURPOSE
To compare the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) in eyes with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept.

METHODS
In this retrospective case series, the medical records of 28 patients with nAMD treated with at least 3 consecutive monthly injections of ranibizumab (0.5 mg/0.05 mL) or aflibercept (2 mg/0.05 mL) between December 2013 and June 2014 and who were followed up for at least 3 months were reviewed. Subfoveal choroidal thickness was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS
Choroidal thickness decreased over time in the aflibercept group, but was unchanged throughout the study in the ranibizumab group. At each time point, the decrease was significantly greater in aflibercept-treated eyes compared with ranibizumab-treated eyes (P<0.05). No significant change in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was seen in either group during follow-up. There was no correlation between change in choroidal thickness and age, sex, duration of previous antivascular endothelial growth factor treatment, number of previous injections, spherical equivalent, baseline choroidal thickness, and the BCVA outcome in either group.

CONCLUSIONS
Subfoveal choroidal thickness appeared to decrease significantly in eyes with nAMD during 3 months of aflibercept treatment. No corresponding decrease in choroidal thickness occurred in ranibizumab-treated eyes.


The formation of highly noble morale based on Islamic law is very important in creating an ideal personality. Since every human being has different personalities and behavior, it is necessary for us to refine the issues pertaining to a various of human personality. Thus, this paper aims to discuss the concepts',key and the sources of personality based on Al-Quran and Sunnah. In reality, the lack understanding in defining the personality traits has resulted in the existence of various problems, subsequently affecting the relationship and daily interaction among people. Therefore, the ability to practice personality trait in a consistent way based on Islamic principles is a benchmark in producing of positive work values. To a gerater degree, the understanding the concept of personality based on the Islamic perspective, should be able help us to lead a better in the world and be closer to Allah as the Creator of the world in our journey towards the Hereafter.


Abstract The present paper reviews current studies on various aspects of reproductive isolation in a series of closely related phytophagous ladybird beetles called the Epilachna vigintioctomaculata complex, which is composed of two groups and four species: group A comprising E. vigintioctomaculata, and group B comprising one northerly distributed species, E. pustulosa, and two southerly distributed species, E. niponica and E. yasutomii. Being broadly sympatric from middle through northern Japan, the two groups are reproductively isolated by a combination of several factors, each of which functions as an incomplete barrier to gene flow: difference of host plants, weak sexual isolation, and low hatching rates of eggs produced by interspecific matings. Conspecific sperm precedence further lessens the probability of producing hybrids in mixed populations. By contrast, the two sympatric species of group B, E. niponica and E. yasutomii, are reproductively isolated from each other solely by fidelity to different host plants. However, there are no effective barriers to gene exchange between either of these two species and the northerly distributed E. pustulosa. These situations have relevance to various controversial issues in evolutionary biology, covering the mode of speciation in host specific insects, role of postinsemination barriers to fertilization, reinforcement of reproductive isolation, and treatment of allopatric populations in speciation studies. The E. vigintioctomaculata complex thus offers a rare opportunity to extend our understanding of the nature of animal species and their origin.


The flow and heat transfers inside high-pressure (HP) compressor rotating cavities are buoyancy driven and are known to be extremely difficult to predict. The experimental data of laser-Doppler anemometry (LDA) measurements inside an engine representative cavity rig are presented in this paper. Traverses using a two component LDA system have been carried out in the shaft bore and the cavity regions in order to map the axial and tangential velocity components. The velocity data are collected for a range of Rossby, Rotational, and Axial Reynolds numbers, Ro, Reθ, and Rez, 0.08<Ro<0.64, 7×105< Reθ<2.83×106, and 1.2×104< Rez<4.8×104, respectively, and for values of the buoyancy parameter βΔT, 0.284<βΔT<0.55. Numerical study using unsteady Reynolds-averaged-Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations has been carried out to elucidate flow details for a few selected cases. The experimental results revealed that the Swirl number (Xk) varies from a value < 1 near the bore to near solid body rotation at increased radii within the cavity. The analysis of frequency spectrum of the tangential velocity inside the cavities has also shown the existence of pairs of rotating and contra-rotating vortices. There is generally satisfactory agreement between measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. There is also convincing evidence of two or more separate regions in the flow dominated by the bore flow and rotation.


We present a theoretical study of the impact of an electric field combined with a magnetic field on the rotational dynamics of open-shell diatomic molecules. Within the rigid rotor approximation, we solve the time-independent Schrödinger equation including the fine-structure interactions and the Λ-doubling effects. We consider three sets of molecule-specific parameters and several field regimes and investigate the interplay between the different interactions identifying the dominant one. The possibility of inducing couplings between the spin and rotational degrees of freedom is demonstrated.


ABSTRACT: We develop estimates of a firm's foreign earnings designated as permanently reinvested (PRE) and the unrecorded deferred tax liability (TAX) associated with PRE that are independent of whether a firm explicitly discloses this information. We then investigate firms' noncompliance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740 provisions that require financial statement disclosure of PRE and either the tax associated with PRE or a statement that calculating the tax is not practicable. We find that a nontrivial portion of firms do not comply with the PRE disclosure requirements and that the amounts of undisclosed PRE and the related tax are substantial in magnitude. Cross-sectional evidence suggests managers opportunistically choose when to disclose PRE and TAX and that compliance with PRE disclosure requirements increased following the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, which increased incentives to disclose PRE. JEL Classifications: M40; M41; H25; K34. Data Availability: Data used in this stud...


The dramatic nature of severe allergic conditions focuses the attention of the physician and the patient on treatment of the immediate symptoms. When these have been controlled, attempts are made to learn the causes of the attack and to institute measures to prevent future symptoms. If these attempts are successful and no troublesome symptoms occur, the physician is usually satisfied with the result, despite the fact that the patient may be far from well in the sense of the fulfilment of his potentialities of health. In the adult such a result may be quite satisfactory, since, as Todd1has pointed out, "whatever we may do for the adult is but repair work for today." But the child is the citizen of tomorrow. His adult status will be determined by his reaction to the various influences to which he will be exposed during his period of growth and development. That


Mesenchymal stromal or stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most promising candidates for a myriad of cell therapy applications. Despite showing promise in numerous preclinical and clinical studies, MSC-based therapy is not yet a reality for regenerative medicine due to its suboptimal outcome at the clinical endpoint. The mechanical environment is a critical determinant of MSC gene expression and function. This study reports that MSC population becomes phenotypically heterogenous and commits to an unwanted osteoprogenitor pathway when it experiences an abnormal mechanically stiff environment, compared to its native softer environment. A method is developed to measure the heterogeneity using nuclear shape, chromatin state, and CD73 marker. Heterogeneity is shown to be associated with a larger spread in the nuclear shape parameters and a smaller spread in the chromatin openness. Subsequently, intervention strategies are investigated to create a more homogeneous MSC population. Culturing MSCs on soft surfaces or inhibiting actomyosin on stiff surfaces can make them more homogeneous, while inhibiting YAP, Runx2, and actin polymerization helps maintain but does not fully homogenize them. This study offers insights for cell and tissue engineers, aiding in the design of optimal conditions and materials for MSC culture, ultimately enhancing their therapeutic potential.


The increasing competitiveness in the business sector forces facilities managers in reducing expenditure on "non‐core" activities. Consequently, the integration of different domains related to facilities management (FM) motivates the development of a quantitative model, which may contribute both to the planning of FM activities and to the improved effectiveness of FM units. Three methodologies were used in the research presented in this paper: a structured FM survey conducted among acute care facilities in Israel; a statistical analysis of the data; and the conceptual development of an FM model. The proposed model is divided into three main phases that deal with the following five main FM domains. The outcomes of the model produce a set of variables, which can be analysed according to a given facility. In addition, the model provides guidelines for the methodological design and management of healthcare facilities from a life‐cycle perspective.


Abstract In soil near tailings from an antimony (Sb) mine, we found micro-grains coated with an antimonyrich layer. These grains were characterized in detail using multiple advanced analytical techniques such as micro-X‑ray absorption near edge structure (μ-XANES), micro-extended X‑ray absorption fine structure (μ-EXAFS), micro-X‑ray diffraction (μ-XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). The EPMA showed that one soil grain (grain A) locally accumulated a large amount of Sb in the secondary phases (40-61 wt% Sb2O5) with significant Fe (20-28 wt% Fe2O3). The spatial distribution of Sb in the grain was similar to that of iron. Both Fe μ-XANES and μ-XRD of the Sb hot spots in grain A consistently showed that the secondary products were dominantly composed of ferric antimonate, tripuhyite (FeSbO4). Fits to the Sb K-edge μ-EXAFS of this phase showed second-neighbor coordination numbers -30% smaller than in bulk tripuhyite, indicating that the tripuhyite included in grain A is nanoparticulate and/or has a high structural disorder. The TEM analysis suggests that the particle size of tripuhyite in grain A was around 10 nm, which is consistent with the size range indicated by μ-XRD and μ-EXAFS. This is the first report showing tripuhyite with nanocrystallinity in natural soil to date.


Abstract. Aerosol–cloud interactions are complex, including albedo and lifetime effects that cause modifications to cloud characteristics. With most cloud–aerosol interactions focused on the previously stated phenomena, there has been no in–situ studies that focus explicitly on how aerosols can affect droplet clustering within clouds. This research therefore aims to gain a better understanding of how droplet clustering within cumulus clouds can be influenced by in–cloud droplet location (cloud edge vs. center) and aerosol number concentration. The pair–correlation function (PCF) is used to identify the magnitude of droplet clustering from data collected onboard the Center for interdisciplinary Remotely–Piloted Aircraft Studies (CIRPAS) Twin Otter aircraft, flown during the 2006 Gulf of Mexico Atmospheric Composition and Climate Study (GoMACCS). Time stamps (at 10−4 m spatial resolution) of cloud droplet arrival times were measured by the Artium Flight Phase–Doppler Interferometer (PDI). Using four complete days of data with 81 non–precipitating cloud penetrations organized into two flights of low (L1, L2) and high (H1, H2) pollution data shows more clustering near cloud edge as compared to cloud center for all four cases. Low pollution clouds are shown to have enhanced overall clustering, with flight L2 being solely responsible for this enhanced clustering. Analysis suggests cloud age plays a larger role in the clustering amount experienced than the aerosol number concentration, with dissipating clouds showing increased clustering as compared to growing or mature clouds. Results using a single, vertically developed cumulus cloud demonstrate more clustering near cloud top as compared to cloud base.


Along with the rise of child-targeted programming became the belief that TV would be a very effective educational tool that could subconsciously or at a subliminal level feed information to the young mind and, with that, vocabulary growth would occur. Much programming was created that dealt with the direct educating of children that tried to create a way of communication with the child as a target. The paper discusses the influence of TV in children's language development. It investigates the notion that children's educational TV programs may result in vocabulary learning. It stresses the values of these educational programs, but also emphasizes that TV and other screen media have become a reality of life, and it is wise to utilize them only as a supportive tool for educating children. The interactions of parents co-viewing such programs with their children are necessary to optimize the child's language learning from TV programs that target children. The paper concludes with the implications of the current research as well as suggestions for further research.


The documented prevalence of alternative medicine practices in the United States warrants a critical evaluation of this field. Although adequate scientific evaluation is needed, it is doubtful that such research will take place unless other factors are taken into account that remain overlooked. We have previously proposed a conceptual definition of alternative medicine practices and outlined those sociological, political, economic, and regulatory factors independent of the alternative healthcare community that could potentially hamper the optimal evaluation of alternative medicine. In the present article, we discuss other relevant issues to which the alternative healthcare community contributes. These factors originate both from within biomedicine (e.g., demands for specific scientific approaches, explanatory models) and within the alternative medicine community itself (e.g., the use of jargon, insularity, a profit-minded research agenda).


Introduction. The article is devoted to assessing the effectiveness of drug and non-drug treatment of tobacco dependence in health care workers. Material and methods. The study included 621 medical workers (237 men and 384 women) working in hospitals in Moscow, at the average age of 48.3 ± 5.6 years, including 207 doctors and 414 nurses. The medical workers were divided into 2 groups depending on the anti-smoking program used. The first group consisted of 316 medical workers who received non-drug methods of treatment: psychosocial support, using cognitive aspects; psychotherapy; breathing exercises; acupuncture; increase physical activity. The second group consisted of 305 medical workers who, in addition to non-drug methods (described above), received Varenicline treatment (Champix® - tablets) and, if necessary, nicotine replacement therapy. Results. In medical workers from the 2nd group, besides non-pharmacological therapy, received the drug Varenicline, 195 out of 305 (64%) persons completely stopped smoking; In the 1st group of Medical workers receiving non-drug therapy, 177 out of 316 (56% ) cases completely quit smoking (OR= 1.40; 95% CI: 1.01-1.93; p=0.0423). 6 months after the end of the treatment program, in the first group 84 (26.7%) medical workers) in the 2nd group - 31 medical workers (10.2%) restarted smoking, (OR=3.02, 95% CI: 2.05-5.02; p<0.00001). Conclusion. Thus, the antismoking program, including drug Varenicline and, if necessary, nicotine-replacement therapy, as well as non-drug effects, including psycho-social support; psychotherapy; breathing exercises; acupuncture; an increase in physical activity showed higher efficacy compared with the antismoking program without Varenicline, moreover, high efficacy remained even after the treatment carried out for 6 months.


I am honored and humbled to stand before you today, as I follow in the footsteps of the distinguished prior Surgical Infection Society (SIS) Presidents, Doctors Stephen F. Lowry, John C. Marshall, Timothy R. Billiar, Edwin A. Deitch, and Philip S. Barie, who have served in the last five years. As I contemplated the choice of topic for my Presidential Address, I reviewed the addresses of each of these individuals (Fig. 1). I also reviewed the history of the SIS and its first President, Doctor William A. Altemeier, a true pioneer in surgical infectious diseases. The topic of Doctor Altemeier's presidential address was ''Sepsis in Surgery,'' and the paper was read at the first annual meeting of the Society in Chicago on April 25, 1981. In this address, he stated: ''Infection has always been a prominent feature of human life, and sepsis in modern surgery continues to be a significant health problem throughout the world. For this reason, the Surgical Infection Society has been formed and is holding its first meeting here today'' [1]. I hope you will indulge me today, as I have chosen to return to the topic of surgical infections to provide a current perspective and to contemplate what the future holds and the role the SIS may play. I review three categories of surgical infections: (1) surgical site and skin infections; (2) complicated intra-abdominal infections, and (3) nosocomial and other healthcare-associated infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter-related blood stream infections (CR-BSI). Lastly, I touch on the topic of acute care surgery and discuss the role the SIS may play in the development of this emerging field.


Delamination cracks originating from transverse cracking in two types of cross-ply laminates (90/O), and (O/90), are analysed for three types of loadings : plane strain extension, plane strain bending and antiplane shear. The asymptotic solution for stress and displacement field is constructed based upon the Stroh formalism for anisotropic elasticity and the method of eigen- function expansion. Its structure is determined from appropriate near-field conditions leading to the eigenvalue equation, and then the singular hybrid finite element method in conjunction with a quadratic programming procedure for treating the partial contact of crack faces is employed to complete the field solution. The stress intensity factor properly defined for anisotropic interfacial cracks and the energy release rate are computed from the complete solution. The stability of crack growth and the effect of the relative ply thickness upon the crack growth stability are examined in terms of the energy release rate and the phase angle.


Who wouldn't want a personal butler? Technological developments have moved us closer to that dream. The rise of digital personal assistants has already changed the way we shop, interact and surf the web. Technological developments and artificial intelligence are likely to further accelerate this trend. Indeed, all of the leading online platforms are currently investing in this technology. Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, Facebook's M, and Google Assistant can quickly provide us with information, if we so desire, and anticipate and fulfill certain needs and requests. Yet, could they also reduce our welfare? Could they limit competition and transfer our wealth to the providers? And if so, can competition law safeguard our welfare while enabling these technological developments?


Disease relapse and drug resistance occurs in the majority of multiple myeloma (MM) patients despite improvements offered by new treatments. There is an urgent unmet need for new therapies that can overcome drug resistance and prolong patient survival after failure of standard-of-care. ONC201, founding member of the impridone class of compounds, has robust preclinical efficacy in a variety of tumor types. A first-in-human ONC201 clinical study has demonstrated exceptional safety, therapeutic pharmacokinetics and evidence of tumor engagement that has led to several Phase I/II advanced cancer studies. Given the pronounced sensitivity of B-cell lymphomas to ONC201, we assessed the efficacy of ONC201 in MM preclinical models. We treated human MM cell lines and patient-derived cells isolated from bone marrow aspirates with ONC201 for 72 hours. ONC201 treatment decreased MM cell viability in CellTiter-Glo assays, with IC50 values that were 1 μM to 1.5 μM, even in high risk MM cell line RPMI8226. Consistent with prior reports, the efficacy of ONC201 was independent of TP53 status, as MM.1S or NCI-H929 cells with wild-type TP53 and OPM-2 or RPMI8226 with mutated TP53 had a similar sensitivity towards ONC201. Additionally, ONC201 was equally effective in paired MM cell lines with TP53 wild type or knockout. Western blot analysis showed increased apoptosis, cleavage of caspase-9, caspase-3, and PARP. We also found that ONC201 induced expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bim in MM cells, which can occur downstream of ERK inactivation. shRNA knockdown of Bim expression in MM cells abrogated ONC201-induced apoptosis in annexin-V binding assays. Phosphorylation of Bim at Ser69 by Erk1/2 has been shown to promote proteasomal degradation of Bim. In accordance with this mechanism, we observed that ONC201 treatment reduced levels of phosphorylated Erk1/2, an indicator of Erk1/2 kinase activity, and downregulated Bim pSer69. In addition, ONC201 induced apoptosis in dexamethasome-, bortezomib-, and carfilzomib-resistant MM cell lines with the same efficacy as in wild-type cells. As a rational strategy to increase the efficacy of ONC201 by enhancing its inhibition of proteasome-mediated Bim degradation, we tested combinations of ONC201 with proteasome inhibitors. Synergistic reduction in cell viability and enhanced Bim expression and PARP cleavage was observed with ONC201 in combination with bortezomib or carfilzomib in MM cells. The combination of ONC201 and bortezomib enhanced the levels of Bim and cleaved PARP in MM cells. Overall, these findings demonstrate that ONC201 inhibits the Erk1/2 signaling pathway and induces Bim expression to induce apoptosis in MM regardless of p53 status and resistance to standard-of-care therapies. Our studies provide a strong rationale for clinical trials of ONC201 as a single agent or in combination with approved drugs in relapsed/refractory MM. Citation Format: Yongsheng Tu, Jin He, Huan Liu, Richard Eric Davis, Robert Z. Orlowski, Varun Vijay Prabhu, Joshua Allen, Jing Yang. Imipridone ONC201 efficacy in refractory multiple myeloma via Erk1/2 inhibition and pro-apoptotic Bim upregulation: single agent and combinatorial approaches [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1066. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-1066


In the Philippine countryside, where barrio folks are closely entwined with their natural environment, their close contact especially to the adjoin dipterocarp forests makes them more knowledgeable on the different uses of plants. This study focuses on the exploration of the traditional knowledge of plants more specifically on its medicinal uses. An enhanced and adapted semi structure interview guide was employed and a qualitative approach was incorporated in data gathering. The study recorded a total of 136 plant species of which 52% (81 species) were of medicinal uses, the foremost plant part used were the leaves (58%), route of administration was internal application (67%) and the most commonly method of preparation is boiling (58%). The dosage frequently given was 3x a day. Results showed a rich diversity of plant species in Tagkawayan and the barrio folks are knowledgeable on the traditional uses of plants, but this knowledge were not yet explored because these are trapped among older generation that are transferred through verbal means. Development of a reading material will be of great help for preservation and information dissemination of these beneficial uses of plants.  The use of leaves is an indication that the biodiversity in the place is ensured and continued reliance on the use of herbal plant showed that plants could be a better alternative for synthetic drugs in treatment of common diseases.


abstract: Because of the frequent flooding in teh city of Painan then how to maintain the suistainability of drainage utilization in accordance with development plan. For this reason it is necessary to carry out operations, maintenance and handling management that must be planed properly. Besides that there is funding support from the government of the southern coastal district so that the drainage can function optimally in the city of Painan and avoid flooding. The purpose of this study was to identify strengths, weaknesses, oppurtunities and threats in the operation of drainage assets in the city of Painan, and determine the optimal drainage maintenance operation strategy in the city of Painan. The research method used is a qualitative method by means of interviews and documentation. The result of this research that efforts made in the management and supervision of drainage system is the garbage removal who furnished with two. Kata Kunci : Managemen, Maintenance, Drainage.


Arboleda de los enfermos is a religious treaty written in the middle of 15th century by Teresa de Cartagena, a nun from Burgos, after her hearing loss. In her treaty, Teresa de Cartagena attemps to show to those who also suffer from an illnes a way to heal their souls. The text presents some characteristics of mystic Spanish literature, as it exposes the comprehension process of an inner reality in wich the soul needs to follow a crucial path of suffering. This paper analizes the symbolism in the treaty, from the Scholem and Lotman's perspectives about the symbol as a vehicle of tradition and mystical experience, to later explain the relationship between symbols of the Christian and Jewish traditions presented on the text. Teresa de Cartagena could have known this second tradition due to the Jewish converso origins of her family, in wich her grandfather, the ex rabine Pablo de Santa María, and her uncle Alfonso de Cartagena were counted, both prominet humanist and educated in Hebrew tradition.


Clouds are largely responsible for the spread of climate models predictions. Here we focus on the uncertainties in cloud shortwave radiative effect due to the parameterization of liquid cloud single scattering properties (SSPs) from liquid water content (LWC) and droplet number concentration (N), named parameterization of cloud optical properties. Uncertainties arise from not accounting for the droplet size distribution (DSD)—which affects the estimation of the effective radius (reff) and modulates the reff‐dependency of the SSPs—and from averaging SSPs over wide spectral bands. To assess these uncertainties a series of reff‐dependent SSPs parameterizations corresponding to various DSDs and spectral averaging methods are derived and implemented in a radiative code. Combined with the DSD‐dependent estimation of reff they are used to compute the bulk radiative properties (reflectance, transmittance, absorptance) of various clouds (defined in terms of LWC and N), including a homogeneous cloud, more realistic case studies, and outputs of a climate model. The results show that the cloud radiative forcing can vary up to 20% depending on the assumed DSD. Likewise, differences up to 20% are obtained for heating rates. The estimation of reff is the main source of uncertainty, while the SSPs parameterization contributes to around 20% of the total uncertainty. Spectral averaging is less an issue, except for atmospheric absorption. Overall, global shortwave cloud radiative effect can vary by 6 W m−2 depending on the assumed DSD shape, which is about 13% of the best observational estimate.


In this paper, planar printed-circuit board (PCB) transformers with different winding arrangements are presented. Three different arrangements of the primary and the secondary meander-type windings are designed and fabricated. The electrical parameters of the transformers for all three designs are analyzed and compared. A significant increase of inductance of the primary and the secondary winding is achieved with an appropriate meander-type winding arrangement. In the frequency range of interest, the inductance is approximately 145 nH for the first design, whereas the inductance is approximately 1250 nH for the second and the third design. The coupling coefficient is 0.14 for the first design, whereas it is around 0.9 for the second and the third design. The transformer of the proposed design is to be used in low-power DC/DC converters; therefore, the core with high permeability Ferroxcube 3C90 was chosen. In addition, the transformers of the same winding arrangements were tested with Ferroxcube 3F3 core.


Abstract : From May 31, 1989 to June 6, 1991, I commanded the 54th Forward Support Battalion (FSB) supporting Third Brigade, Third Armor Division in Friedberg, Germany. This great battalion has many achievements to its credit but none so outstanding as its performance in the Southwest Asian Theater of Operations from early January to mid June 1991. I write this monograph for several reasons. First, to give due credit to the incredible courage and determination of the soldiers who never failed to surprise me with what they accomplished in the most trying of circumstances. Second, to illustrate that there is no substitute for training in preparation for war. Lastly, to discuss several logistic issues that require the attention of the Army leadership. I discuss the experience from the perspective of a forward deployed CSS commander. Therefore, a good deal of the discussion focuses on logistics rather than the details of battle. However, Appendix A provides a general timeline that may aid the reader. At Appendix B is the VII Corps Deployment and Plan of attack in which Third Armor Division participated. it will help place the reader geographically. At Appendix Care the graphics of the Third Armor Division's campaign, Operation Desert Spear 24-28 February 1991.


Xenoceratops foremostensis gen. et. sp. nov., a new centrosaurine ceratopsid from the Foremost Formation (Campanian) of Alberta, is described based on frill material from at least three adult-sized individuals collected from a low-density bone bed. The material can be assigned to Centrosaurinae based on features of the preserved squamosal. Although the parietals are incomplete, the shape of the diagnostic parietal can be inferred from several overlapping serial elements. The parietal of the new taxon shares with all other centrosaurines, except Centrosaurus apertus, spike-like ornamentation at the posterolateral (P3) locus under traditional coding methods. At approximately 78 Ma, it is the oldest known Canadian ceratopsid, approximately 0.5 Ma older than Albertaceratops from the lower Oldman Formation of Canada and approximately 1.0 Ma younger than Diabloceratops from the Wahweap Formation of Utah. A phylogenetic analysis resolves the new taxon as the basalmost centrosaurine and places Centrosaurus brinkm...


A family of generalized Erdélyi-Kober type fractional integrals is interpreted geometrically as a distortion of the rotationally invariant integral kernel of the Riesz fractional integral in terms of generalized Cassini ovaloids on RN. Based on this geometric point of view, several extensions are discussed.


We study the effects of electron-electron interactions and hole doping on the electronic structure of Cu-doped NaFeAs using the density functional theory plus dynamical mean-field theory (DFT+DMFT) method. In particular, we employ an effective multi-orbital Hubbard model with a realistic bandstructure of NaFeAs in which Cu-doping was modeled within a rigid band approximation and compute the evolution of the spectral properties, orbital-dependent electronic mass renormalizations, and magnetic properties of NaFeAs upon doping with Cu. In addition, we perform fully charge self-consistent DFT+DMFT calculations for the long-range antiferromagnetically ordered Na(Fe,Cu)As with Cu $x=0.5$ with a real-space ordering of Fe and Cu ions. Our results reveal a crucial importance of strong electron-electron correlations and local potential difference between the Cu and Fe ions for understanding the \textbf{k}-resolved spectra of Na(Fe,Cu)As. Upon Cu-doping, we observe a strong orbital-dependent localization of the Fe $3d$ states accompanied by a large renormalization of the Fe $xy$ and $xz$/$yz$ orbitals. Na(Fe,Cu)As exhibits bad metal behavior associated with a coherence-to-incoherence crossover of the Fe $3d$ electronic states and local moments formation near a Mott metal-insulator transition (MIT). For heavily doped NaFeAs with Cu $x \sim 0.5$ we obtain a Mott insulator with a band gap of $\sim$0.3 eV characterized by divergence of the quasiparticle effective mass of the Fe $xy$ states. In contrast to this, the quasiparticle weights of the Fe $xz$/$yz$ and $e_g$ states remain finite at the MIT. The MIT occurs via an orbital-selective Mott phase to appear at Cu $x\simeq0.375$ with the Fe $xy$ states being Mott localized. We propose the possible importance of Fe/Cu disorder to explain the magnetic properties of Cu-doped NaFeAs.


The purpose of the present srudy was to develop a structural model, of which the effect of parents` psychological control, depressive dispositions, and depression upon the self-esteem of adolescents. The participants were 458 adolescents recruited from high schools and universities (M age=17.4 yrs; SD=1.75) in Seoul and its vicinity. Data were collected through self-reporting questionnaires for adolescents. Firstly, we estimated the hypothesized meditation model which includes paths from parents` psychological to self-esteem through adolescents` depressive experiences and depression. Structural Equation Modeling analysis using AMOS revealed that the hypothesized mediation model yielded an acceptable model fit and all hypothesized path coefficients were found to be significant. Specifically, it indicated that the more parents try to exert psychological control over their children, the more depressive experiences adolescents have and in turn, they had a greater tendency towards becoming depressed and having lower self esteem. It was also found that neither gender difference nor age difference existed in the structural model.


Abstract The morphology and composition of the corrosion products of archaeological arsenical copper alloys buried in a specific environment for a long time were investigated using optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), micro X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The analyses demonstrated that the alloy composition of the artifacts was copper-arsenic (Cu-AS) with significant amounts of lead in some samples. Cuprite, malachite, and copper (II) hydroxychlorides were observed on a completely mineralized matrix. The surface of the objects was covered by two main corrosion layers formed on the internal cuprous oxide. However, several successive layers of corrosion products were recognized on the artifacts in some cases. Furthermore, phosphatic corrosion products including, mimetite [Pb5(AsO4)3Cl], and pyromorphite [Pb5(PO4)3Cl] were identified. Conichalcite [CaCu(AsO4)](OH), which grew in the form of Liesegang rings, was also identified as a corrosion product of one of the objects. As and Pb exhibited some enrichment in the corrosion crusts of the artifacts. Environmental changes in burial conditions, particularly due to seasonal streams and consequent changes in soil corrosivity, vicinity of objects to bone material, along with the migration of alloy elements, especially lead and arsenic, can explain the morphological features of these archaeological objects.


Scientific applications require special data computing and analysis software, which may not mature enough at a production level. Software provisioning, especially in a cloud computing environment, bring new challenges. In this work, software package management systems are summarized. A customized software provisioning service is developed using virtualization technology. According to users' requirements, virtual machines with required software deployed ready-for-use can be obtained in a very straightforward way. This work is being applied in the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory) Scientific Collaboration for gravitational-wave data analysis. With software virtual machines available, scientific applications can benefit from cloud computing technology and resources.


In this work, we propose a new model called triple-path attentive recurrent network (TPARN) for multichannel speech enhancement in the time domain. TPARN extends a single-channel dual-path network to a multichannel network by adding a third path along the spatial dimension. First, TPARN processes speech signals from all channels independently using a dual-path attentive recurrent network (ARN), which is a recurrent neural network (RNN) augmented with self-attention. Next, an ARN is introduced along the spatial dimension for spatial context aggregation. TPARN is designed as a multiple-input and multiple-output architecture to enhance all input channels simultaneously. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of TPARN over existing state-of-the-art approaches.


Reducing fertilizer use is key to curbing agricultural pollution and ensuring food safety. Land transfer enables farmers to obtain a more appropriate production scale, but its effect on the intensity of fertilizer application is not theoretically certain. On one hand, farmers with more land may adopt more scientific production methods, thus reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. On the other hand, the short-term behavior of land grantees on transferred land may increase fertilizer use intensity. This paper attempts to theoretically elucidate the specific mechanisms by which land transfer affects the intensity of fertilizer application and to verify the relationship between the two using data from fixed rural observation sites across China from 2011–2014 with the fixed-effects model and the mediating effect model. This paper concludes that (1) land transfer significantly reduces the intensity of fertilizer use; (2) land transfer increases the land size and promotes the use of machinery by farmers, but only the increase in land size further reduces the intensity of fertilizer application; (3) the effect of land transfer on fertilizer application intensity is significant only for food crops and not for cash crops, and (4) the effect of land transfer on fertilizer application intensity is most pronounced in western China, where land fragmentation is the severest and insignificant in eastern China, where agricultural modernization is more advanced.