During at-speed test of high performance sequential ICs using scan-based Logic BIST, the IC activity factor (AF) induced by the applied test vectors is significantly higher than that experienced during its in field operation. Consequently, power droop (PD) may take place during both shift and capture phases, which will slow down the circuit under test (CUT) signal transitions. At capture, this phenomenon is likely to be erroneously recognized as due to delay faults. As a result, a false test fail may be generated, with consequent increase in yield loss. In this paper, we propose two approaches to reduce the PD generated at capture during at-speed test of sequential circuits with scan-based Logic BIST using the Launch-On-Shift scheme. Both approaches increase the correlation between adjacent bits of the scan chains with respect to conventional scan-based LBIST. This way, the AF of the scan chains at capture is reduced. Consequently, the AF of the CUT at capture, thus the PD at capture, is also reduced compared to conventional scan-based LBIST. The former approach, hereinafter referred to as Low-Cost Approach (LCA), enables a 50 percent reduction in the worst case magnitude of PD during conventional logic BIST. It requires a small cost in terms of area overhead (of approximately 1.5 percent on average), and it does not increase the number of test vectors over the conventional scan-based LBIST to achieve the same Fault Coverage (FC). Moreover, compared to three recent alternative solutions, LCA features a comparable AF in the scan chains at capture, while requiring lower test time and area overhead. The second approach, hereinafter referred to as High-Reduction Approach (HRA), enables scalable PD reductions at capture of up to 87 percent, with limited additional costs in terms of area overhead and number of required test vectors for a given target FC, over our LCA approach. Particularly, compared to two of the three recent alternative solutions mentioned above, HRA enables a significantly lower AF in the scan chains during the application of test vectors, while requiring either a comparable area overhead or a significantly lower test time. Compared to the remaining alternative solutions mentioned above, HRA enables a similar AF in the scan chains at capture (approximately 90 percent lower than conventional scan-based LBIST), while requiring a significantly lower test time (approximately 4.87 times on average lower number of test vectors) and comparable area overhead (of approximately 1.9 percent on average).


To the Editor: Dr. Perouansky's insightful and provocative retrospective about Claude Bernard's influence on theories of general anesthesia1 was a delightful read, as was the accompanying editorial.2 The article presented an interesting mix of metaphors, at first alluding to Claude Bernard's "long shadow," and ending with a warning against only "searching where the light is bright." In addition, Dr. Perouansky discussed Bernard's influence in terms of a long-lived Kuhnian paradigm, implying that Bernard's influence persists, without concluding whether the paradigm has indeed shifted, and if so, what catalyzed this change. Here, I introduce another metaphor to illustrate the concept of "paradigm shift" and other perspectives on this question. An illustrative metaphor for a scientific paradigm is that of an ever-expanding underground mine, where veins of knowledge are explored and illuminated by scientific mine workers. Kuhnian "normal science" expands and elaborates established veins within the mine, extracting an ever-increasing collection of knowledge, while also increasing the area to be explored (the walls bounding the mine tunnels). The material surrounding the mine walls represents nascent knowledge, mapped to varying degrees by scientific theory. The essential scientific tools are imagination and experimental methods (along with people and funding). As with real mining for valuable ore or gemstones, different veins yield at different rates and to different tools (depending on the hardness of the region). Some veins expand to reveal new side veins, attracting more scientists. In contrast, some veins stop yielding after a period of exploration, when ideas are disproven or methods fail. Kuhnian "paradigm shifts" markedly increase the extent of this scientific mine and, more importantly, change where scientists choose to explore. Paradigm shifts may be actively sought when scientific ideas are failing, indicating the need for new theoretical directions. Sometimes a new theory emerges suddenly, because a connection to another scientific discipline is made, guiding exploration in a new expansive direction. Paradigm shifts may also be triggered by new scientific methods that enable "breakthroughs" in previously impenetrable scientific barriers. In this context, I believe that a paradigm shift has indeed occurred in the science of general anesthesia and that it was multifactorial. Karl Popper3 defined a viable scientific hypothesis as a postulate that can be experimentally falsified. As Dr. Perouansky emphasizes, the studies of Meyer and Overton successfully elaborated on Bernard's "unitary" framework by focusing on lipids. A variety of more detailed lipid hypotheses ensued, each focused on different biophysical properties of lipids. These hypotheses were experimentally based, yet none met Popper's criteria of falsifiability. yes, exceptions to the Meyer–Overton correlation were found, and mostly set aside without full explanation or exploration, but experimental model systems that might definitively disprove the role of lipids in anesthesia did not exist when these theories were formulated, and for the most part, they are still lacking. Thus, some lipid hypotheses remain viable (although neglected), although Popper would deem these hypotheses "unscientific" until we develop new approaches to test them. Metaphorically, this is blasting away at soft parts of the wall, although critical knowledge is only in the hard parts, for which we have few tools to excavate. Conceptual and experimental advances in the broader scientific fields of biophysics, molecular biology, and neurobiology also influenced theories of general anesthesia. Franks and Lieb4 launched their assault on lipid theories using then new biophysical tools (neutron diffraction) that accurately measured effects of clinical anesthetic concentrations on the structure of lipid bilayers. Although Franks and Lieb4 may not have fully envisioned the paradigm shift to come, they deserve credit for leading the field away from a barren area (lipids) toward richer scientific territory (protein). This shift was facilitated by concurrent developments in molecular biology. Molecular tools enabled scientists to insert mutations into suspected anesthetic binding sites on potential target proteins ("reverse pharmacology"), including neuronal ion channels, and eventually to alter anesthetic target proteins in transgenic animals ("knock-ins"). These were hard experiments but provided definitive advances in understanding anesthetic mechanisms and helped further undermine unitary concepts. Dr. Perouansky touched briefly on a foundational issue that, in my opinion, truly heralds the occurrence of a paradigm shift in our field: redefining general anesthesia. Embedded within the unitary hypothesis was the idea that general anesthesia is a singular state transition, from irritable to unresponsive, even to noxious stimuli (minimum alveolar concentration-immobility). The distinct concept of minimum alveolar concentration-awake,5 together with clinical evidence that perceptive awareness and memory formation can occur in anesthetized immobile patients, led both clinicians and researchers to a more nuanced and neurobiological framework for understanding and studying general anesthesia. It is now widely accepted that anesthetics produce distinct neurobehavioral (and clinically relevant) endpoints via actions on separate neural circuits and networks. Furthermore, distinct classes of anesthetics can be recognized based on relative potencies for clinical endpoints, correlating with activity at distinct sets of molecular targets.6,7 These observations defy unitary concepts at multiple system levels. In summary, the last few decades have been a period of maturation and diversification in research on general anesthesia, and there is little room now for 19th century


Pakistan has a high magnitude of cancer from its independence. The burden of lymphoma cancer continues to increase in Pakistan. The low socioeconomic districts of Punjab such as those in Faisalabad most severely affected by lymphoma. The objective of this study was to analyze the lymphoma cancer registry record of patients from the districts in Faisalabad in order to achieve a net lymphoma incidence for use in raising future health program against cancer. The medical records of 110 patients registered at the Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine in Faisalabad were investigated. Information regarding age, gender, socioeconomic status, affected sites and cancer type were obtained. Among 110 cases of lymphoma cancer, the male: female ratio was 3:1, with an age range of 5-85 years. Of the 110 patients, 74% were male and 26% were female. Similar to the subtype distribution of lymphoma in the different areas of Faisalabad and its surroundings, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) was more frequent, 74 cases (67%) than Hodgkin's disease (HD), 36 cases (33%).The leading cancers were breast 36% (n=248), lymphoma 16% (n=110), and prostate cancer 10% (n=68). The growing burden of cancer especially lymphoma in Faisalabad is extremely alarming. Since the current work was an initial investigation, it could play a leading role in prevention and future planning regarding the battle against lymphoma in Pakistan. Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(2): 342-346 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v3i2.12756


A terrorist attack involving chemical and/or biological warfare agents is a growing possibility. Since anthrax is considered as an immediate public-health threat that can be created by a warfare agent, it is imperative to investigate the potential remediation technologies effective against this threat. In this study, the effectiveness of two gaseous disinfectants, ozone and chlorine dioxide, to inactivate B.subtilis spores - as surrogate to B.anthracis that can cause the infectious anthrax disease - was investigated. The inactivation rates and mechanisms of the spores by these disinfectants were investigated in both the gaseous and aqueous phases under various experimental conditions. In the gaseous phase, chlorine dioxide was found to be at least ten times more effective than ozone for inactivation of the spores under the similar conditions. The rate of inactivation by both disinfectants increased with increasing gas concentration, contact time and relative humidity (RH). Inactivation was found impractical at humidity levels below 70%. The concentration X time, or the CT concept, was valid only under limited conditions. A diffusion limited disinfection model was proposed to mechanistically explain the deviations from the linear CT rule. The experiments with different surface materials showed that the type of surface on which the spores rest may affect the inactivation rate significantly. In the aqueous phase, the CT concept was applicable to the inactivation rate data for both disinfectants. Ozone was shown to be much more effective than chlorine dioxide in inactivating spores in the aqueous phase. The presence of the main growth nutrients was found to be essential for the growth and the resistance of the spores. The presence of several cations, especially magnesium and manganese, in the growth medium was required to create spores with high resistance against the gaseous disinfectants. In conclusion, this research provides the groundwork for application of ozone and chlorine dioxide for remediation of an enclosed space that is subject to contamination by biological agents. In addition, it offers valuable kinetic and mechanistic information on the inactivation patterns of B.subtilis spores by ozone and chlorine dioxide in both the gaseous and the aqueous phases


Hybrid scenarios in present machines are characterized by improved confinement compared to the IPB98(y,2) empirical scaling law expectations. This work concentrates on isolating the impact of increased s/q at outer radii (where s is the magnetic shear) on core confinement in low-triangularity JET and ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) experiments. This is carried out by predictive heat and particle transport modelling using the integrated modelling code CRONOS coupled to the GLF23 turbulent transport model. For both machines, discharge pairs were analyzed displaying similar pedestal confinement yet significant differences in core confinement. From these comparisons, it is found that s/q shaping at outer radii may be responsible for up to ∼ 50% of the relative core confinement improvement observed in these specific discharges. This relative improvement is independent of the degree of rotational shear turbulence suppression assumed in the GLF23 model. However, employing the full GLF23 rotational shear model leads to an overprediction of the ion temperatures in all discharges analyzed. Additional mechanisms for core confinement improvement are discussed and estimated. Further linear threshold analysis with QuaLiKiz is carried out on both pairs of discharges. This work aims to validate recent predictions of the ITER hybrid scenario also employing CRONOS/GLF23, where a high level of confinement and resultant fusion power sensitivity to the s/q profile was found. PACS numbers: 52.25.Fim 52.55.Fa, 52.65.-y, 52.65.Tt


Fibre interferometry holds many advantages for the online measurement of high precision surfaces. However, the method requires stabilising against path length change due to temperature drift and vibration. A method of stabilising such an interferometer using intensity feedback was examined and shown to be ineffective at low frequencies. A second method, using real-time calculated phase feedback was also investigated, and was observed to be more robust.
This paper investigates wavelet theory and techniques for the extraction of morphological structures from micro/nano scalar surfaces. The basic conceptions of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and some typical microstructured surface such as MEMS-based sensors, hard disk surfaces, micro-lens arrays and the chip pin surfaces is are introduced. A novel complex wavelet model is then presented, the complex wavelet model can be used in solving the problems of surface texture with microstructured features, in which small shifts of the input signal can cause large variations in the distribution of energy between wavelet coefficients at different scales. As a result, micro channel and step features on a surface topography can be identified and extracted with refined accuracy. A case study is conducted using MEMS-based sensors to demonstrate the application of using the new wavelet model in the assessment of surface topography.


Purpose: The purpose of this work is to make interest among SMEs practitioners and to deliver useful data to scientists conducting research on agility and opportunity recognition and the relationship between these topics by conducting a concise bibliometric analysis of the literature addressing these issues. Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic review of the literature bases for all pairs of keywords agility, opportunity recognition, and SMEs was conducted. Briefly reviewed publications from 2017-2021. Findings: There is an extensive literature on each individual keyword. This was pointed out in the introduction. The literature for the combined words is more modest. Works linking agility and opportunity recognition with SMEs published between 2017 and 2021 have been selected and briefly discussed. Practical Implications: The selected and succinctly discussed publications from 2017-2021 provide SME practitioners with useful information that can initiate or develop their interest in agility and opportunity recognition issues and researchers with bibliometric data useful for their further work. Originality/Value: The originality of this work lies in the fact that it discusses the literature dealing with the issues relatively rarely presented in publications, namely the conjunction of agility and opportunities recognition in SMEs. It is valuable for practitioners who want to learn about these issues and for scientists who conduct research in this field.


The usage of natural products is becoming an increasingly common consumer phenomenon due to increasing health consciousness, and because of their naturalness, and medicinal qualities of the products. African countries are very rich with natural products resources and supplies. The continent's rich botanical heritage offers an excellent opportunity to diversify away from other traditional exports. Europe and the USA are particularly promising markets for natural products. Thus, it is advantageous to examine development of natural products exporting as alternative or complimentary economic opportunities for many African people, especially those in the rural areas. This paper has explores both factors which promote and which act as obstacles to the natural products market, specifically in the retail and wholesale portions of the value chain in Ghana and Rwanda.


: The article describes primary issues related to measurements of welding distortions performed using 3D scanning methods. The study includes a review of available industrial 3D scanning solutions. The research involved the experimental investigation of high-strength steels containing welding distortions as well as the SAW surfacing of steel S960QL steel performed using various welding parameters. The research-related tests included the selection of an appropriate 3D scanning technology. During the tests, steel plates were measured using GOM ATOS III Triple Scan and 3D scans were obtained using Kinect for Windows v1 and v2, DAVID SLS-3. The research results demonstrated that the choice of a me-trology-grade 3D scanner used for measurements of weld distortions ensured the obtainment of required accuracy of measurements.


Entry into Regulation of Kukar Regions no. 6/2012 On Structuring and Fostering of Traditional Markets, Shopping Centers and Modern Stores in Barengi with the establishment of new market Mangkurawang. Where the market is a market that is made to meet the standards of environmentally friendly green market, thus this market also has waste management that meets the environmentally friendly standards as regulated in Law Number. 32 of 2009 Environmental Law Protection and Management. Through the sociological juridical approach, the study found that the implementation of Perda No.6 / 2012 was not maximized because of the lack of awareness of the local community about the purpose and purpose of the old market shift allocated to Pasar Baru Mangkurawang, besides the lack of supervision from Satpol PP to curb the market arrangement of the foot trader five and the lack of counseling socialization of local regulations through the extension of the hand of the market agency through the district and local kelurahan, thus the Implementation of Perda can not be realized maximally.


Chronic toxicity tests using Ceriodaphnia dubia are conducted across the United States by facilities releasing wastewaters into bodies of freshwater, as well as by the appropriate agencies governing environmental protection. Until recently, the chronic values used for decision making were the "No Observable Effect Concentration" (NOEC), the "Lowest Observable Effect Concentration" (LOEC) and the "Chronic Value" (ChV). Currently, "Inhibition Concentrations of a Given Percent" (IC P ) are being considered, for effluent permitting, by a number of states. The IC P value is the concentration at which the reproduction of C. dubia is inhibited by "p" percent. It has been asserted that the IC 2 5 is approximately equivalent to the NOEC and that the IC 5 0 is similar to the ChV. Using data collected in a series of chronic toxicity tests, these values were compared. The results came from 3-brood Ceriodaphnia Survival and Reproduction tests that had been performed with 10 different metal cations. Results showed that the IC 2 5 values were similar to the NOEC, LOEC and the ChV. However, the IC 2 5 correlated best with the ChV, having only 7 (28%) of the values differing by more than 20%. In contrast, the LOEC and NOEC had 12 (48%) and 18 (72%) values, respectively, that were not within 20% of the IC 2 5 . Likewise the LOEC and IC 5 0 were most comparable to each other, with only 2 (8%) values differing by a factor of two or more, while the ChV had 9 (36%) and the NOEC had 12 (48%) such values. Finally the IC 1 0 was the most similar to the NOEC for these experiments, with only 6 (24%) values differing by more than 20%. This implies that the more recent philosophy of regulating to the IC 2 5 , instead of the NOEC, may not be as protective of aquatic life, if the wastewater contains metals.


In this work we present a comprehensive comparison of ultra thin thermally nitrided (TN) to plasma nitrided (PN) gate dielectrics (GD). We will show that thermal nitridation is a promising technique to increase the nitrogen concentration up to 25%. Furthermore, we will demonstrate that ultra thin thermally nitrided GD have the potential to be an alternative solution compared to plasma nitrided GD. This work includes the analysis of physical and electrical parameters as well as reliability results from reliability characterization. Additionally, we investigated the impact of Deuterium on electrical parameters and reliability behavior.


A drencher system is commonly installed to substitute a fire resistive barrier. Operating the system is expected to stop the spreading of heat and smoke. It is important to assess whether the discharged water curtain (or screen) can block thermal radiation and prevent smoke spreading. The amount of air voids denoted by porosity in the water curtain is the key issue and will be studied experimentally in this paper. Three nozzles commonly used in the industry were selected and evaluated experimentally with two parts of study. The first part was on taking photographs of the moving water curtain discharged from the nozzles. The porosity describing the amount of air voids inside the discharged spray was then analyzed. The second part was full-scale experiments on assessing the fire resisting behaviour. A tworoom structure was constructed with a fire room and a protected room. A water curtain was discharged to isolate the opening between the rooms. Thermal radiative heat fluxes in the protected room before and after discharging the water curtain were studied. Smoke spreading through the water curtain from the fire room was also observed. Results indicated that the water curtain discharged from the three selected nozzles would give high porosity. Therefore, only thermal radiation can be blocked. Smoke can still spread through the water curtain. However, the protected room can be kept relatively cool.


Recent text-to-image generation models like DreamBooth have made remarkable progress in generating highly customized images of a target subject, by fine-tuning an ``expert model'' for a given subject from a few examples. However, this process is expensive, since a new expert model must be learned for each subject. In this paper, we present SuTI, a Subject-driven Text-to-Image generator that replaces subject-specific fine tuning with in-context learning. Given a few demonstrations of a new subject, SuTI can instantly generate novel renditions of the subject in different scenes, without any subject-specific optimization. SuTI is powered by apprenticeship learning, where a single apprentice model is learned from data generated by a massive number of subject-specific expert models. Specifically, we mine millions of image clusters from the Internet, each centered around a specific visual subject. We adopt these clusters to train a massive number of expert models, each specializing in a different subject. The apprentice model SuTI then learns to imitate the behavior of these fine-tuned experts. SuTI can generate high-quality and customized subject-specific images 20x faster than optimization-based SoTA methods. On the challenging DreamBench and DreamBench-v2, our human evaluation shows that SuTI significantly outperforms existing models like InstructPix2Pix, Textual Inversion, Imagic, Prompt2Prompt, Re-Imagen and DreamBooth, especially on the subject and text alignment aspects.


With the rapid development of the subgrade or the foundation over recent years in China, there is a growing tendency for tall building to orient its directions to the more numbers of plies, much higher and more complex in plane layout. Moreover, some buildings adopt tube structure or bundled tube structure and so on to diversified development. The changing-rigidity of ground or foundation has obvious effects on superstructure when the buildings act on much higher and huge type. Therefore, in view of this, taking the bundled-tube structure of super high building for example in the paper, the method, equal the bundled tube structure of super high building and its foundation to stiffening-thin wall-combination, is adopted, then based on the three-dimensional model, the rigidity of subgrade and foundation's effect on superstructure are given by calculation with semi-analysis. The calculated result indicated that there exist remarkable influence on sideway of the top end, the sideway between layers, the warp of the tube and the stresses between the subgrade and the bottom of the foundation.


We have examined the effects of crystallization kinetics of poly(3-hexylthiophene) and poly[2,5-bis(3-hexadecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno(3,2-b)thiophene] on microstructure and charge transport. Rapid crystallization increases the density of tie molecules in polythiophenes. As a consequence, ordered regions are better connected resulting in higher charge carrier mobilities. Our results suggest that controlling the crystallization kinetics might be an important factor for maximizing the charge mobility in semicrystalline polythiophene thin films.


A trypsin-resistant mutant of Sendai virus, TR-5, which was obtained by passaging the wild-type (wt) virus in the presence of chymotrypsin followed by plaque purification, also had an enhanced susceptibility to activation by chymotrypsin. A trypsin-sensitive revertant, TSrev-58, derived from TR-5 had a decreased susceptibility to chymotrypsin and was susceptible to trypsin to the same degree as the wt virus. Based on the facts that TR-5 had an amino acid change (Arg----Ile) at residue 116 of the fusion (F) protein, which is the cleavage site for trypsin in the wt virus F protein, and that this change had reverted in TSrev-58, it was concluded that the above amino acid change was responsible for both the enhanced chymotrypsin sensitivity and the trypsin resistance of TR-5. In this paper, the cleavage site of the F protein of TR-5 by chymotrypsin was determined in comparison with those of the wt virus and TSrev-58. The cleavage sites were not different among these viruses, being located between residues 114 (Gln) and 115 (Ser), the two residues at the N-terminal side of the trypsin cleavage site. A possible reason for the increased susceptibility of TR-5 to chymotrypsin is discussed.


Situated at the tip of the continent, southern Africa has a coastline that has excited marine biologists and oceanographers for generations. Much research has been undertaken and many South African marine scientists have won international acclaim. The aim of this book is to communicate to a wide audience the excitement of marine biology and the stimulation of recent discoveries. Key features of this book include a glossary of terms, a bibliography of key references, appendices on the classification of animals and plants together with current regulations governing their collection, and a comprehensive index.


Today's international community may well view covert action and democracy as mutually exclusive policies. This article examines the practice of covert action in American foreign policy in light of events of the mid-1970s and 1980s, focusing on the scandalous misuse of executive authority and lack of accountability associated with covert means. Often manipulative and sometimes anonymous, covert operations raise critical morality concerns in a democratic society. Whether "any form of accountability is likely to be sufficient to bring the unauthorized use of executive power under control" is the crucial issue to be addressed when examining the practicality of covert actions by the executive branch.


Although large and damaging earthquakes occur in the central and eastern United States (CEUS), no comprehensive and scientifically sound physical models have proven to be reliable indicators of where future large earthquakes are likely to occur in this region. This situation forces seismologists who are attempting to estimate the seismic hazard in CEUS to rely heavily on the observed record of seismicity as an indicator of where future large earthquakes are likely to occur. In this study, the hypothesis that seismicity delineates areas where large earthquakes are likely to occur in CEUS (as well as in other regions) is tested and statistically analyzed. These analyses are then used as a basis for quantifying and giving statistical bounds for the percentage of large earthquakes in CEUS that can be expected to occur in areas where previous earthquakes have occurred. Based on the data analyzed in this study, I estimate that at least two thirds to three fourths of the future large earthquakes in CEUS will occur in zones delineated by historical seismicity.


A THESIS SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT
OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF
MASTER OF SCIENCE,
DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY
ZARIA


We want to consider anew the question, which is recurrent along the history of philosophy, of the relationship between rationality and mathematics, by inquiring to which extent the structuration of rationality, which ensures the unity of its function under a variety of forms (and even according to an evolution of these forms), could be considered as homeomorphic with that of mathematical thought, taken in its movement and made concrete in its theories. This idea, which is as old as philosophy itself, although it has not been dominant, has still been present to some degree in the thought of modern science, in Descartes as well as in Kant, Poincare or Einstein (and a few other scientists and philosophers). It has been often harshly questioned, notably in the contemporaneous period, due to the failure of the logistic programme, as well as to the variety of "empirical" knowledges, and, in a general way, to the character of knowledges that show them as transitory, evolutive and mind-built. However, the analysis of scientific thought through its inventive and creative processes leads to characterize this thought as a type of rational form whose configurations can be detailed rather precisely. In this work we shall propose, first, a quick sketch of some philosophical requirements for such a research programme, among which the need for an harmonization, and even a conciliation, between the notions of rational (or rationality), of intuitive grasp and of creative thought. Then we shall examine some processes of creative scientific thought bearing on the knowledge and the understanding of the world, distinct from mathematics although keeping tight relations with them. Contemporary physical theories are privileged witnesses in this respect, for in them the rational thought of phenomena makes an intrinsic use of mathematical thought, which contributes to the structuration of the formers and to the expression of their concepts (which entails the physical contents of the latter). The General Theory of Relativity and the Quantum Theory are exemplar to this, as they directly reveal what can be called the "drag of physical thought par the mathematical form", which makes possible to overcome the limitations of the physical knowledge previously adquired. This process is tightly related to the modalities and to the stucture of the rational thought underlying it. This is what we would like to show. DOI:10.5007/1808-1711.2011v15n2p303


This paper examines the use of infinitival and gerundial constructions by intermediate Spanish learners. The use of those two patterns creates problems for second language learners at intermediate and advanced levels. However, there are only few studies on their second language acquisition, and fewer focus on Spanish learners. This study tries to resolve this and to this end, I retrieved all hits of the two constructions from the Spanish component of the International Learner Corpus of English (SP-ICLE). I run a distinctive collexeme analysis (DCA) to identify the verbs that are associated with either pattern. The results are discussed at three different levels: (i) the identification of verbs that Spanish learners associate with each construction; (ii) a systematic comparison with previous studies on native speakers to show possible similarities/discrepancies; and (iii) a comparison of the results with findings on German learners to discuss possible effects of language similarity and transfer.


Tools must be developed to help draft, consult, and explore textual legal sources. Between statistical information retrieval and the formalization of textual rules for automated legal reasoning, we defend a more pragmatic third way that enriches legal texts with a coarse-grained, interpretation-neutral, semantic annotation layer. The aim is that legal texts can be enriched on a large scale at a reasonable cost, paving the way for new search capabilities that will facilitate mining of legal sources. This new approach is illustrated on a proof-of-concept experiment that consisted in semantically annotating a significant part of the French version of the GDPR. The paper presents the design methodology of the annotation language, a first version of a Core Legal Annotation Language (CLAL), together with its formalization in XML, the gold standard resulting from the annotation of GDPR, and examples of user questions that can be better answered by semantic than by plain text search. This experimentation demonstrates the potential of the proposed approach and provides a basis for further development. All resources developed for that GDPR experiment are language independent and are publicly available.


This paper investigates a number of aspects of Piero Sraffa's early philosophical thinking by placing him within the historical materialist tradition of reasoning about the relation of ideas to the historical process. It first distinguishes Alfred Marshall's views about the historical development of ideas by addressing Marshall's responses to the criticisms of William Cunningham of the English Historical School. Marshall's concept of economics as a universal engine of discovery was rejected by Sraffa in his early writings. Sraffa's critique of Marshall is then argued to lead to two early philosophical commitments on Sraffa's part: that deductivist modes of explanation are inappropriate in economics and that economics aims to explain the underlying structures of causal interaction that had been the concern of the classical political economists. The paper closes with brief remarks on how Sraffa's later philosophical thinking might be approached.


Dynamic lung volumes (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 0·5 second and in 1·0 second), static lung volumes (total lung capacity, functional residual capacity, residual volume), and ventilation-perfusion relationships (alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference, alveolar dead space ventilation to tidal volume ratio, arterial oxygen and carbon dioxide tension, and the fractional ventilation and perfusion relationship by the three-compartment lung model) were measured in adult asthmatics during the acute, recovery, and stable or asymptomatic phases of an asthmatic attack. Eighteen patients were studied during 20 separate asthmatic attacks. The patients behaved in one of three ways with regard to total lung capacity (TLC): group I had an elevated TLC during the acute asthmatic attack which returned to normal, group II had a normal TLC throughout the attack, and group III had an elevated TLC that did not return to normal on recovery from the asthmatic attack. With the patients separated into the three groups, the other pulmonary function measurements, especially the measurements of ventilation-perfusion abnormality, were compared. There were no statistically significant differences of ventilation-perfusion abnormality between groups I, II, or III. There was a tendency for perfusion abnormality to be less during the acute phase of the asthmatic attack in patients with an elevated TLC (group I). The three-compartment lung model revealed the major abnormality in all groups to be an increased fraction of unventilated but perfused lung.


This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effects of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) on rectal cancer patients using the MRI based on low-rank matrix denoising algorithm, which was then compared with the postoperative pathological examination to evaluate its application value in tumor staging after NCRT treatment. 15 patients with rectal cancer who met the requirements of radiotherapy and chemotherapy after conventional MRI were selected as the research subjects. The conventional MRI images before and after NCRT treatment were divided in two groups. One group was not processed and set as the conventional group; the other group was processed with low-rank matrix denoising algorithm and set as the optimized group. The two groups of images were observed for the changes in the ADC value and length and thickness of the tumor before and after NCRT treatment. The two groups were compared with the pathological examination for the complete remission of pathology (pCR) after the NCRT treatment and the tumor stage results. The results showed that Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) (18.9121 and 74.9911 dB) after introducing the low-rank matrix denoising algorithm were significantly better than those before (20.1234 and 70.1234 dB) (P < 0.05); there were notable differences in the tumor index data within the two groups before and after NCRT treatment (P < 0.05), indicating that the NCRT treatment was effective. The pathological examination results of pCR data of the two groups were not much different (P > 0.05); the examination results between the two groups were different, but no notable difference was noted (P < 0.05); in the optimized group, there was no notable difference between the MRI results and the pathological examination results (P < 0.05), while in the conventional group, there were notable differences in the MRI results and pathological examination results (P < 0.05). In conclusion, MRI images based on low-rank matrix denoising algorithm are clearer, which can improve the diagnosis rate of patients and better display the changes of the microenvironment after NCRT treatment. It also indicates that NCRT treatment has significant clinical effects in the treatment of rectal cancer patients, which is worth promoting.


Norrland as Identity and Periphery
In this article I discuss the attempt, on the part of Swedish authors Pelle Molin, Olof Högberg and Gustav Hedenvind-Eriksson, to construct a Norrlandic identity around the turn of the twentieth century. Although Norrland is a part of Sweden, it has often been looked upon as something "other". Historically, there is a long tradition of viewing Norrland as a periphery, and as the great unknown. From the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when Norrland first became a concept to the rest of Sweden, it was as region lacking an identity of its own. Norr land was regarded as an object for the central power of Sweden, a view that might be labelled "colonial". Norrland was fundamentally conceived of as exotic "nature" – that is, as the oppo site of culture – due to the fact that it supplied the natural resources which helped to create wealth in Sweden: the forests, the ore fields, and hydropower. The end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th witnessed attempts to construct another Norrland, with a history and a cultural identity of its own. It is particularly in fiction that this different Norrland begins to come into being.


: Sexual behaviour of intact male rats was studied in tests with ovariectomized female rats and with those injected with sexual hormones. The data obtained support the hypothesis of the existence of central and peripheral mechanisms regulating the sexual behaviour of male rats. The treatment of castrated females with androgen resulted in males sniffing at them mor often, the copulatory behaviour being only observed in tests with females treated with estrogens in combination with progesterone.


We present Shimon, an interactive improvisational robotic marimba player, developed for research in Robotic Musicianship. The robot listens to a human musician and continuously adapts its improvisation and choreography, while playing simultaneously with the human. We discuss the robot's mechanism and motion-control, which uses physics simulation and animation principles to achieve both expressivity and safety. We then present a novel interactive improvisation system based on the notion of gestures for both musical and visual expression. The system also uses anticipatory beat-matched action to enable real-time synchronization with the human player. Our system was implemented on a full-length human-robot Jazz duet, displaying highly coordinated melodic and rhythmic human-robot joint improvisation. We have performed with the system in front of a live public audience


The photophysical behaviour of the oxadiazolyl (PBD) and diphenylamino (TAD) substituted spirobifluorenes 2',7'-bis-(N,N-diphenylamino)-2-(5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-9,9'-spirobifluoren (spiro-DPO) and 2',7-bis-(N,N-diphenylamino)-2-(5-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-1, 3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-9,9'-spirobifluoren (spiro-MeO-DPO) has been investigated by temperature-dependent steady-state absorption and luminescence spectroscopy and gated measurements. Fluorescence and phosphorescence lifetime measurements, relative quantum yields and dipole moments of the excited states have been determined. Asymmetrically substituted spirobifluorenes exhibit charge-transfer (CT) emission due to coupling (spiroconjugation) between the fluorene fragments of spirobifluorene. They show a considerable ground-state dipole moment and exist as equilibrating conformeres. Population of the CT state only occurs after absorption to the locally excited singlet state. The CT fluorescence is dominated by the emission of two equilibrating conformeres with similar dipole moments. At low temperature they planarize in both molecular halves and show strong phosphorescence that is still detectable at room temperature.


We introduce new small-motion multi-frame equations applicable to the reconstruction of dynamic scenes in which points are allowed to move along straight-line paths with constant velocity. The motion equations apply to both static and dynamic points, thus prior segmentation is not necessary. We present a reconstruction algorithm of camera motion, scene structure, and point trajectories embedded into a multi-frame factorization principle which requires the minimum of 11 images and 7 points (out of which at feast 3 are dynamic).


Recently an iterative method was formulated employing a new splitting strategy for the
solution of tridiagonal systems of difference equations. The method was successful in solving the systems of equations arising from one dimensional initial boundary value problems,
and a theoretical analysis for proving the convergence of the method for systems whose
constituent matrices are positive definite was presented by Evans and Sahimi [22]. The
method was known as the Alternating Group Explicit (AGE) method and is referred to
as AGE-1D. The explicit nature of the method meant that its implementation on parallel
machines can be very promising.
The method was also extended to solve systems arising from two and three dimensional
initial-boundary value problems, but the AGE-2D and AGE-3D algorithms proved to be
too demanding in computational cost which largely reduces the advantages of its parallel
nature.
In this thesis, further theoretical analyses and experimental studies are pursued to establish
the convergence and suitability of the AGE-1D method to a wider class of systems arising
from univariate and multivariate differential equations with symmetric and non symmetric
difference operators. Also the possibility of a Chebyshev acceleration of the AGE-1D
algorithm is considered.
For two and three dimensional problems it is proposed to couple the use of the AGE-1D
algorithm with an ADI scheme or an ADI iterative method in what is called the Explicit
Alternating Direction (EAD) method. It is then shown through experimental results that
the EAD method retains the parallel features of the AGE method and moreover leads to
savings of up to 83 % in the computational cost for solving some of the model problems.
The thesis also includes applications of the AGE-1D algorithm and the EAD method to
solve some problems of fluid dynamics such as the linearized Shallow Water equations,
and the Navier Stokes' equations for the flow in an idealized one dimensional Planetary
Boundary Layer.
The thesis terminates with conclusions and suggestions for further work together with a
comprehensive bibliography and an appendix containing some selected programs.


Optimal prevention of microbial infection at the wound site is a priority clinical consideration required to facilitate normal healing process. Topical antimicrobials are commonly used for treatment and prevention of local wound infections. Herein, an anhydrous, hydrophilic, non-greasy, and non-occlusive antimicrobial ointment was formulated by incorporating two main active ingredients, CuO(1−x)ZnOx and (±)-α-bisabolol. CuO(1−x)ZnOx nanocomposite was added to provide a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through the release of reactive oxygen species. (±)-α-Bisbolol was added to expedite the wound healing process. Prepared ointment showed very high killing efficacy against a spectrum of bacteria ( ̴6Log reduction) and a pathogenic yeast ( ̴5Log reduction) within 2h of exposure. Results described here would be of great benefit to professionals as wells as for personal use in treating infected wounds.


Although the literature is mixed on the association between transit proximity and real estate values, it is scant in relation to transit proximity and real estate rents. With CoStar asking-rent data for real estate within 1-mi corridors of several light rail transit (LRT), bus rapid transit (BRT), streetcar transit (SCT), and commuter rail transit (CRT) systems, the association between transit corridor proximity and rents at 0.5 mi and between 0.5 and 1 mi of transit corridor centerlines is estimated. For the most part, SCT has the most robust outcomes. This result is notable because economic outcomes to SCT systems may be the least understood given their recent emergence. LRT systems also have significant, positive associations between rents and corridor location. In contrast, results for BRT are mixed, with no statistically significant association with office rent, a negative association with the retail first 0.5-mi distance band, but positive effects for rental apartments. Across all development types, proximity to CRT corridors either has insignificant associations or significant, negative ones. On the basis of transit type, implications are offered for land use planning along transit corridors.


Background The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone in the body and accounts for 10–15% of all pediatric fractures. Adult patients with complete midshaft clavicle fractures often undergo surgical management. Pediatric patients have a thicker periosteum, more robust blood supply and a greater healing potential. Controversy exists as to whether to treat adolescents with surgery similar to adults versus with a sling as children are treated. Some orthopaedic surgeons are now operating on adolescent clavicle fractures. Objective The objective of the study was to evaluate the outcomes of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescent who were treated conservatively with a sling. Methods We performed a retrospective chart review of 25 pediatric patients aged 12–16 with complete midshaft clavicle fracture. The outcomes of the study were bony union and functional outcomes such as pain, problems with ADL measured by the modified Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Results All patients in our cohort had excellent outcomes at follow-up visits with no complaints of pain or limitations of activities of daily living. Mean follow-up time was 12 months. All patients had perfect modified DASH score of 18. Injury radiographs demonstrated an average of 13 mm shortening initially and 8 mm shortening in final follow-up. Average fracture angulation at final follow-up was 15°. Normal clavicle angulation at the mid shaft is 8°. All clavicles healed completely with no case of malunion or non-union reported. Conclusion Clavicle fractures are common. Although operative treatment of clavicle fractures in the adult population is gaining popularity due to issues in adults with non-union and malunion, the adolescent population is different. The adolescent clavicle fracture demonstrates robust healing and remodeling and complete return to full function. We therefore recommend that adolescent patients aged 12–16 with complete clavicle fracture be treated conservatively with a sling.


Abstract This article deals with the question of whether an increased teaching of business ethics can/will have a positive effect on the fight against corruption in companies. It is written from a (South) African perspective. Statistics about the alarming state of corruption in South African businesses are provided in the beginning. A Hegelian approach to the problem, in terms of which theory can and does influence practice, is compared to a Marxist approach, in terms of which theory is only a reflection of practice. The author chooses a position that mediates between these two extremes. In the end, he develops a model that relies heavily on the idea of an ethics of responsibility that draws on Aristotle's idea of phronesis (practical wisdom based on deliberation). The practical implications of these ideas for the utilization of business ethics teaching in companies are consequently spelt out. While more teaching of this discipline cannot guarantee better morals in a company, it can better equip all involved to deal with the ever-increasing moral problems that business people have to deal with.


Being impermeable to all gases, graphene has been proposed as an effective ultrathin barrier film and protective coating. However, here it is shown how the gastight property of graphene-based coatings may indirectly lead to their catastrophic failure under certain conditions. When nickel coated with thick, high-quality chemical vapor deposited multilayered graphene is exposed to acidic solutions, a dramatic evolution of gas is observed at the coating–substrate interface. The gas bubbles grow and merge, eventually rupturing and delaminating the coating. This behavior, attributed to cathodic hydrogen evolution, can also occur spontaneously on a range of other technologically important metals and alloys based on iron, zinc, aluminum and manganese; this makes these findings relevant for practical applications of graphene-based coatings.


The Clinton administration has made job training and skill upgrading a major priority. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich has already presented a bold program for skill enhancement drawing on a new consensus in certain circles of the social science and policy communities about the need to upgrade the nation's skills. An apparently new approach to training and education has been proposed and Secretary Reich is now busy selling it to the Congress and the Nation. This paper provides background on the problems in the labor market that motivate the new Clinton-Reich initiatives on training and schooling. It briefly summarizes the proposed strategies and the background philosophy for the Clinton-Reich agenda. It then considers the evidence that supports or contradicts assumptions of their plan. There is a lot of evidence about many of the 'new' proposals because some are reworked versions of old programs that have been carefully evaluated. Other proposals borrow ideas from Germany. I compare the rhetoric that accompanies these proposals in the context of the U.S. labor market. Still other proposals have been evaluated in demonstration projects but the lessons from these evaluations have not yet influenced administration thinking. This is unfortunate because many current plans are based on assumptions that have been discredited in careful empirical studies. This research has not yet caught the attention of the policy makers in Washington.


Approximately 40 �M 2-diethylaminoethanol (DEAE) caused 50-percent inhibition of growth of the main axis. Inhibition was relieved by 2-dimethylaminoethanol and choline but not by ethanolamine. A marked morphogenetic effect of DEAE is attributed to differences in sensitivity of main and lateral meristems and to an effect upon the postulated hormonal system controlling apical dominance.


The vocal folds can oscillate in several different ways, manifest to practitioners and clinicians as 'registers' or 'mechanisms', of which the two most commonly considered are modal voice and falsetto voice. Here these will be taken as instances of different 'vibratory states', i.e., distinct quasi-stationary patterns of vibration of the vocal folds. State transitions are common in biomechanical nonlinear oscillators; and they are often abrupt and impossible to predict exactly. Switching state is much like switching to a different voice. Therefore, vibratory states are a source of confounding variation, for instance, when acquiring a voice range profile (VRP). In the quest for a state-aware, non-invasive VRP, a semi-automatic method based on the short-term spectrum of the electroglottographic signal (EGG) was developed. The method identifies rapid vibratory state transitions, such as the modal-falsetto switch, and clusters the EGG data based on their similarities in the relative levels and phases of the lower frequency components. Productions of known modal and falsetto voice were accurately clustered by a Gaussian mixture model. When mapped into the VRP, this EGG-based clustering revealed connected regions of different vibratory sub-regimes in both modal and falsetto.


Comamonas testosteroni, previously known as Pseudomonas testosteroni, is a gram-negative, aerobic, motile, pinkpigmented, oxidase-positive bacilli. It rarely infects humans and commonly lives in environments such as soil, water, plants, and animals; however, it also survives for a long time in hospital environments. C. testosteroni infections are often treated in humans, and thus, mortality is rare. To date, among 19 cases of C. testosteroni bacteremia in the literature, only four died owing to underlying diseases. Here we present a case of a 68-year-old male patient with underlying pulmonary malignancy who was positive for C. testosteroni and Staphylococcus haemolyticus in the blood culture and Acinetobacter baumannii in the tracheal aspirate culture. The patient died on the 16th day, despite appropriate treatments against etiological agents. The patient is the 20th bacteremia and fifth mortal case among 38 cases with C. testosteroni infection in the medical literature.


This chapter discusses early medieval Bhūta and Bāla Tantras. On the basis of unedited manuscript sources, the author describes the role played by plants in religion and life as seen through the lens of exorcism rituals. Datura, red oleander, mustard seeds, rice, sesame, garlic, fig, Flame of the forest, wood-apple: these and many more formed the basis of tantric exorcisms. Plants were used to attract, feed and repel demons. They were made into incense, oil, and weapons, as well as cakes, mannequins and medicines. Auspicious and noxious qualities of sacred plants and trees were infused into water, milk and cooling ointments, or made into sweet fragrances or foul-smelling fires. In short, the universe of early tantric exorcism ritual was suffused with plants whose powers resonate in contemporary exorcist practice across South Asia.


Enterohemorrhagic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli are gastrointestinal pathogens that disrupt the intestinal microvilli to form attaching and effacing (A/E) lesions on infected cells and cause diarrhea. This pathomorphological trait is encoded within the pathogenicity island locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). The LEE houses a type 3 secretion system (T3SS), which upon assembly bridges the bacterial cytosol to that of the host and enables the bacterium to traffic dozens of effectors into the host where they hijack regulatory and signal transduction pathways and contribute to bacterial colonization and disease. Owing to the importance of the LEE to EHEC and EPEC pathogenesis, much of the research on these pathogens has centered on its regulation. To date, over 40 proteinaceous factors have been identified that control the LEE at various hierarchical levels of gene expression. In contrast, RNA-based regulatory mechanisms that converge on the LEE have only just begun to be unraveled. In this minireview, we highlight major breakthroughs in small RNAs (sRNAs)-dependent regulation of the LEE, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action and/or LEE-encoded targets.


Multi-parameters data perturbation method is a kind of original data perturbation methods for privacy preserving association rules mining. However, the time-efficiency of restoring the frequent itemsets in multi-parameters perturbation algorithm is still not high.One method is proposed in this paper to improve the time efficiency of multi-parameters randomized perturbation algorithm according to the characteristics of the model to restore frequent itemsets. The method improves the time efficiency by getting the elements of the first line of the inversed matrix of transformation matrix. Finally, both theoretical analysis and experimental results show that the improved algorithm is more time-efficient and space-efficient than the original algorithm.


What is rapid prototyping?. Part 1 Concept modellers: the JP system 5 ballistic particle manufacturing the model maker series multi jet modelling 3d printing, Z402 the Genisys modeller. Part 2 Functional modellers: fuse deposition modelling laminated object manufacturing stereolithography selective laser sintering laser engineered net shaping 3d printing - pro-metal other functional RP systems. Part 2 Secondary RP applications: casting processes rapid tooling reverse engineering case study - RP used in wind tunnel tests case study - RP investment casting study. Part 3 International RP systems: RP in Israel RP in Japan RP in Europe RP in China Appendix A - RP system cross reference chart appendix B - the direction of the RP industry appendix C -recommended RP texts.


Flexibility, viscoelasticity and stress-strain relation in bending polymeric films are key factors in designing mechanically durable flexible electronic devices and soft robots. However, bending hysteresis, which appears as a precursor phenomenon of fracture and fatigue, remains unclear; no one quantitatively evaluated a bending curvature causing hysteresis. Herein, we report the bending hysteresis of polymeric films used as common substrates in flexible electronics by precisely monitoring bending curvatures. By real-time measuring curvatures of films upon bending and subsequent unbending, we have successfully determined the curvatures that cause the hysteresis. These curvatures also depend on a film thickness. Furthermore, we revealed that the occurrence of bending hysteresis is explained by bending strains that have a nonlinear relation with internal stresses. This enables us to predict strain limits that cause the bending hysteresis, based on a stress-strain curve of polymeric films.


Streams in semi‐arid urban and agricultural environments are often heavily diverted for anthropogenic purposes. However, they simultaneously receive substantial inflows from a variety of ungaged sources including stormwater returns, tile drainage, and irrigation runoff that help sustain flow during dry periods. Due to the inability to identify sources or directly gage many of these inflows, there is a clear need for methods to understand source origination while quantifying potential gains and losses over highly impacted reaches. In the context of the Logan River Observatory, historical gage data illustrate the importance of ungaged and unidentified inflows on maintaining or enhancing flows in both urban and agricultural reaches containing large diversions. To understand the inflows in this portion of the Logan River, we first analysed water samples for ions collected from a subset of representative inflow sources and applied clustering analyses to establish inflow source classifications and associated ion concentration ranges. These representative concentration ranges, combined with mainstem flow and river ion samples taken at sub‐reach scales, allow for the application of flow and mass balances to quantify inflow rates from different sources as well as any losses. These calculations demonstrate significant gains and losses occurring in many sub‐reaches during three sampling events. The dominant land use (urban or agriculture) and flow regime at the time of sampling were the primary drivers of gains and losses. These exchanges were found to be most important below large diversions during low flow conditions. This highlights the need to classify inflow sources (urban or agriculture, surface or groundwater) and estimate their contributions to anticipate instream consequences of land use and water management decisions. As irrigation and water conveyance practices become more efficient, a portion of these ungaged inflows could be diminished or eliminated, thus further depleting streamflow during dry periods.


[1] Simulated CryoSat ice thickness measurements have been assimilated into a coupled ice-ocean model to examine the impact in Arctic ocean prediction systems. The model system is based on the HYbrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM) and the EVP ice rheology, and the data assimilation method is the Ensemble Kalman Filter (EnKF). It is shown how ocean salinity, surface temperature, and ice concentration fields are affected by the ice thickness assimilation, and how these fields are improved relative to a free-run experiment of the model. The ice thickness assimilation primarily affects the surface properties of the ocean. By running two different assimilation experiments, it is shown how the choice of stochastic forcing is crucial to the performance of the assimilation. Specifically, it is shown how stochastic wind forcing is important to correctly describe model prediction errors, which are important for the data assimilation step. The assimilation experiments illustrate how the ice thickness observations can have a strong impact on the ice thickness estimates of the model system. The manner in which the EnKF forcing is set up is crucial, but with the correct setup, the assimilation of ice thickness measurements could have a beneficial effect on the modeled ice thickness and ocean fields.


Abstract Lichens are one of the common dominant biota in biological soil crusts (biocrusts), a community that is one of the largest in extent in the world. Here we present a summary of the main features of the lifestyle of soil crust lichens, emphasizing their habitat, ecophysiology and versatility. The soil crust is exposed to full light, often to high temperatures and has an additional water source, the soil beneath the lichens. However, despite the open nature of the habitat the lichens are active under shady and cooler conditions and avoid climate extremes of high temperature and light. In temperate and alpine habitats they can also be active for long periods, several months in some cases. They show a mixture of physiological constancy (e.g. similar activity periods and net photosynthetic rates) but also adaptations to the habitat (e.g. the response of net photosynthesis to thallus water content can differ for the same lichen species in Europe and the USA and some species show extensive rhizomorph development). Despite recent increased research, aspects of soil crust ecology, for example under snow, remain little understood.


There is evidence that higher degrees of collaborative working can produce more successful project performance, but there is only limited research to systematically examine the specific associations between collaborative working and project performance. In particular, there is a lack of exploration of appropriate approaches to test these associations. In order to test these associations in an appropriate approach, the concepts of collaborative working and project performance in this research are transformed into a measurable form in terms of the philosophy of AHP (analytic hierarchy process). In the process of measurement design for collaborative working and project performance, a Likert Scale is adopted. After refining the final measures through unidimensionality and reliability testing, as a part of PhD study, this paper presents the results of the association exploration between collaborative working and project performance. The produced conclusion is strongly supporting that there is a strong positive linear relationship between collaborative working and project performance.


The energy spectrum of two 0-branes for fixed angular momentum in 2+1 dimensions is calculated by the Rayleigh-Ritz method. The basis function used for each angular momentum consists of 80 eigenstates of the harmonic oscillator problem on the corresponding space. It is seen that the spectrum exhibits a definite linear Regge trajectory behavior. It is argued how this behavior supports the picture by which the bound-states of quarks and QCD-strings are governed by the quantum mechanics of matrix coordinates.


The article by J. Stiglitz1 was devoted to a critical analysis of the practices and ideology of reforming the Eastern European, and first and foremost Russian, economies, and only in passing answers the title question—whither the reforms? The forecast estimates and practical recommendations are derived from the theoretical views of the author as expressed in the form of critical statements on the formula of the Washington consensus (WC)—a set of liberal market recommendations devised at the beginning of the 1980s by the International Monetary Fund [IMF], World Bank, and U.S. Department of the Treasury. It was juxtaposed with the formula of the post-Washington consensus (PWC), which was proposed by the author in the second half of the 1990s and was supported by some of his colleagues at the World Bank.


In this study, the performance of the combined system of photovoltaic-heat pump (PV/T) and effects of a newly designed evaporator on the performance of the combined system were numerically investigated. The coefficient of performance (COP) value of the heat pump and electrical efficiency of the photovoltaic system were determined considering the studies carried out at the same resource temperature. ansys Fluent software was used in the numerical analysis. According to the results, the electrical efficiency increased as expected. The maximum electrical efficiency obtained for photovoltaic system was 2.5% higher than those without cooling systems and the COP of the heat pump system was determined to be 4.75 at its maximum. The maximum exergetic efficiency of the combined system was calculated to be 55.5% at 6 m/s of refrigerant velocity.


We analyze a call center with multiple customer types and dynamic priority service discipline, in which a low-priority customer becomes high priority when its waiting time exceeds a given deterministic service level threshold. Within each priority queue, the service discipline is first come, first served. Based on a fluid approximation of the system, we apply infinitesimal perturbation analysis (IPA) to derive estimators for the derivatives of the queue lengths with respect to the threshold parameter. Numerical examples illustrate the validity of the fluid model approximation and the accuracy of the IPA estimators.


A set of mapping functions in the form of convergent series for an infinite element, which is capable to include the infinitely distanced constant head boundary condition from the area of disturbance (e.g. pumping), is proposed based on the asymptotic far-field behaviour of typical seepage flow problems. The derived mapping functions have been successfully used in three-dimensional point symmetric, two-dimensional axi-symmetric and one-dimensional unidirectional flow for the fixed head boundary at infinite distance. The result shows excellent agreement with analytical solution. For the first time, the mapping function of an infinite element is presented in the form of a convergent series. The infinite elements are really capable of reducing the cost and efficiency of conventional finite element analysis. Finally, a figure is also proposed to indicate the required size of the near field to obtain accurate drawdown at specified locations based on some calculations for two-dimensional radial flow case.


Extensive experimental and computational studies have suggested that multiple Zn(2+) binding modes in amyloid β (Aβ) peptides could exist simultaneously. However, consistent results have not been obtained for the effects of Zn(2+) binding on Aβ structure, dynamics, and kinetics in particular. Some key questions such as why it is so difficult to distinguish the polymorphic states of metal ions binding to Aβ and what the underlying rationale is, necessitate elucidation. In this work, two 3N1O Zn(2+) binding modes were constructed with three histidines (His(6), His(13), and His(14)), and Asp(1)/Glu(11) of Aβ40 coordinated to Zn(2+). Results from molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the conformational ensembles of different Zn(2+)-Aβ40 complexes are nonoverlapping. The formation of turn structure and, especially, the salt bridge between Glu(22)/Asp(23) and Lys(28) is dependent on specific Zn(2+) binding mode. Agreement with available NMR observations of secondary and tertiary structures could be better achieved if the two simulation results are considered together. The free energy landscape constructed by combining both conformations of Aβ40 indicates that transitions between distinct Aβ40 conformations thar are ready for Zn(2+) binding could be possible in aqueous solution. Markov state model analyses reveal the complex network of conformational space of Aβ40 modeulated by Zn(2+) binding, suggesting various misfolding pathways. The binding free energies evaluated using a combination of quantum mechanics calculations and the MM/3D-RISM method suggest that Glu(11) is the preferred oxygen ligand of Zn(2+). However, such preference is dependent on the relative populations of different conformations with specific Zn(2+) binding modes, and therefore could be shifted when experimental or simulation conditions are altered.


Robot grasping and manipulation allow robots to interact with their environments and execute a plethora of complex tasks that require increased dexterity (e.g., open a door, push buttons, collect and transpose objects, etc.). Collecting data of such activities is of paramount importance as it allows roboticists to create new methods and models that will facilitate the execution of sophisticated tasks. In this paper, we propose new wearable, lightweight, low-cost human machine interfaces that improve the efficiency of the data collection process for both robotic grasping and manipulation by offering intuitive and simplified control of the employed robotic grippers and hands. In particular, two different types of interfaces are proposed: i) a handle-based forearm stabilized interface that uses a waist-linkage system to provide weight support for bulky and heavy robotic end-effectors and ii) a palm-mounted interface that can accommodate smaller and lightweight grippers and hands, offering more agility in the control and positioning of these devices. Both interfaces are equipped with appropriate sliders, joysticks, and buttons that facilitate the control of the multiple degrees of freedom of the employed end-effectors and appropriate cameras that allow for object detection, identification, and object pose estimation.


In this work, Zn1-xCoFe2AlxO4 (x=0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) ferrites were synthesized using the sol-gel method. XRD analysis was done and confirmed the formation of spinel structure, where the particle size and lattice parameter decrease with increase of aluminum concentration. This may be attributed to a shift of the bigger Al3+ ions, from the tetrahedral to the octahedral sites, interchanging with smaller Zn2+ ions and that consequently result to a decreased unit cell size. The Scanning Kelvin Probe Microscopy (SKPM) showed that the work function average ranges between 200 and 680 mV for the different concentration of aluminum in the samples. Fractural analysis indicated a small fracture between the samples of different ratios which can be attributed to the method used to prepare as well as the shifting of the Al3+ ions. The UV-vis spectroscopy showed variation of energy gap with increasing aluminum concentration, and an increased optical absorbance as the Al3+ ions were introduced in the samples.

 Key words: Scanning kelvins probe microscopy, UV-vis spectroscopy, work function, and absorbance.


Insulin Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), is a key and highly regulated molecule which stimulates somatic growth. The level of serum IGF-1 in humans peaks at adolescence and declines with age. IGF-1 expression is also critical for embryonic lung development and is expressed in the regenerating lung of young animals following pneumonectomy (PNX), the surgical removal of a lung. The murine left-lung PNX model was used to investigate the hypothesis that IGF-1 enhances the regenerative capacity of the lung. The potential interactions of IGF-1 and the transcription factors early growth response protein 1 (EGR-1) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) in post-PNX lung growth was also investigated.

I demonstrated that following left-lung PNX in young mice (aged 2-3 months) pre-operative total lung volume and tissue volume is restored by day 21 post-surgery. IGF-1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly induced in the remaining lung, with a transient but significant increase in IGF-1+, pIGF-1R+ and pERK-1/2+ lung cells, at day three post-PNX compared to SHAM treated mice. I then showed that intraperitoneal administration of IGF-1 following PNX significantly increases the rate of lung volume and tissue volume recovery and the level of lung cell proliferation, when assessed at day seven post-surgery. In contrast, blocking IGF-1 activity by pharmacological inhibition of IGF-1R signalling, significantly attenuated post-PNX lung growth.

In young mice receiving continuous subcutaneous infusion of IGF-1 following PNX, the rate of lung volume recovery to pre-operative levels was similar to age-matched PBS-treated PNX mice. However, lung sections assessed at day 23 post-surgery revealed that IGF-1-treated mice lungs had significantly higher numbers of IGF-1+, pIGF-1R+, pERK-1/2+ lung cells, proliferating SpC+ type two alveolar epithelial cells and number of alveoli per unit area, suggesting that IGF-1 treatment was associated with additional regenerative activity.

In old PNX mice (aged 22-24 months), there was a significant increase in aerated lung volume following continuous subcutaneous administration of IGF-1, compared to age-matched PBS-treated controls. However, unlike young mice, there was no evidence of restoration of pre-operative total lung volume or tissue volume by day 21 post-surgery in either treatment groups. Additionally, lung sections assessed at day 23 post-surgery revealed no differences between IGF-1 and PBS treated lungs in the numbers of IGF-1+, pIGF-1R+ and pERK-1/2+ lung cells, or proliferating SpC+ alveolar type two epithelial cells or the number of alveoli per unit area.

Finally, I investigated the potential for interactions of IGF-1 and the transcription factors EGR-1 and HIF-1α in post-PNX lung growth. I demonstrated that IGF-1 treatment can induce EGR-1 and HIF-1α protein expression in cultured 3T3 fibroblasts. Furthermore, both EGR-1 and HIF-1α were transiently increased in the parenchyma of the lung at day three post-PNX, coinciding with the peak of IGF-1 expression. Pharmacological inhibition of either EGR-1 or HIF-1α activity significantly reduced the density of CD31+ cells and CD31 protein levels in the lung. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of HIF-1α activity in the lung following PNX significantly reduced lung cell proliferation at day seven post-surgery. Intraperitoneal administration of IGF-1 was able to restore the level of lung cell proliferation in HIF-1α inhibited PNX lungs to the levels of untreated PNX lungs.

These results collectively point to a temporally coordinated involvement IGF-1, EGR-1 and HIF-1α during post-PNX regenerative lung growth, and that additional IGF-1 treatment can enhance such growth following PNX in young mice, but not in aged mice. Furthermore, these studies have identified a potential age-dependent defect in responsiveness to IGF-1 in the lung, which warrants further investigation.


Introduction: It is important to know the growth condition of impacted third molars in patients, considering low number of researches in this field in the Iranian community, and this study investigated the stages of third molar extraction in patients between ages 14 and 30 years old. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study carried out by referring to the Department of Radiology, dental faculty. Patients aged 14–30 years who referred to panoramic radiographs were studied. Stages of eruption determined with olze method and role of age ,sex, and side with eruption stages investigated with chi square test. Results: This study performed on 3000 stereotypes digital panoramic radiographs. 36.7% were male and 63.4% were female. The mean age was 24 ± 2. Distribution due to eruption stages shows that 66.2% had compelete eeuption, 20.5% were in 3rd stage, 7.3% were in 2nd stage and 6% observed in 1st stage of eruption. Uncompleted growth of third molar rate in population (confidence interval 95) estimated between 32.1% and 35.5%. Frequency of complete stage of the third molar was more in females (P < 0.0005) and also at the age of 24 years, more than lower age. Third molar did not have complete growth stage, was more common in upper jaw (53.9%, P < 0.0005), and more observed in left side 61.4% (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Evolution of third molar growth directly related to age because its the only tooth that evolution continues after puberty, one of the existing methods for determining dental age after puberty.


Abstract. Today, radar imaging from space allows continuous and wide-area sea ice monitoring under nearly all weather conditions. To this end, we applied modern machine learning techniques to produce ice-describing semantic maps of the polar regions of the Earth. Time series of these maps can then be exploited for local and regional change maps of selected areas. What we expect, however, are fully-automated unsupervised routine classifications of sea ice regions that are needed for the rapid and reliable monitoring of shipping routes, drifting and disintegrating icebergs, snowfall and melting on ice, and other dynamic climate change indicators. Therefore, we designed and implemented an automated processing chain that analyses and interprets the specific ice-related content of high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. We trained this system with selected images covering various use cases allowing us to interpret these images with modern machine learning approaches. In the following, we describe a system comprising representation learning, variational inference, and auto-encoders. Test runs have already demonstrated its usefulness and stability that can pave the way towards future artificial intelligence systems extending, for instance, the current capabilities of traditional image analysis by including content-related image understanding.


The double spindle machining centres are widely employed in industry in order to increase the manufacturing capacity. Such a machine tool configuration is economically advantageous, for it allows to increase the productivity at the same shop floor area and at moderate investment. Practically the cutting productivity is often limited due to a dynamic instability in milling. The reason for the instability lies in interactions between a double spindle machine tool and a parallel milling process. This paper presents a simulation model that allows to predict stability charts for parallel milling and to investigate specific influences onto the process stability. For the simulation the real dynamic machine behaviour was used, which had been ascertained by means of an innovative multiple excitation technique. The simulation results revealed that the process stability is influenced greatly by the temporal relationship of the parallel milling processes. The simulation results were verified on a double spindle milling machine.


The interaction between late endocytic structures and microtubules in polarized cells was studied using a procedure previously shown to cause microtubule-dependent redistribution of lysosomes in fibroblasts and macrophages (Heuser, J. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 108:855-864). In cultured rat hippocampal neurons, low cytoplasmic pH caused cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor-enriched structures to move out of the cell body and into the processes. In filter grown MDCK cells lowering the cytosolic pH to approximately 6.5 caused late endosomes to move to the base of the cell and this process was shown to be microtubule dependent. Alkalinization caused a shift in distribution towards the apical pole of the cell. The results are consistent with low pH causing the redistribution of late endosomes towards the plus ends of the microtubules. In MDCK cells the microtubules orientated vertically in the cell may play a role in this process. The shape changes that accompanied the redistribution of the late endosomes in MDCK cells were examined by electron microscopy. On low pH treatment fragmentation of the late endosomes was observed whereas after microtubule depolymerization individual late endosomal structures appeared to fuse together. The late endosomes of the MDCK cell appear to be highly pleomorphic and dependent on microtubules for their form and distribution in the cell.


As a member of the "fifty-year" Air Force research and development club himself, the author first takes a "snap-shot" look at the environment surrounding this activity for each 5-year interval--from 1936 to the present, and into the future--and discusses the impact of the changes. Then, seven principal areas--technology, materials, vehicles and control, propulsion, electronics, weapons environment, and man--are discussed with respect to the timing and extent of their impact upon the Air Force, leading up to the opinion of the author that from now on into the foreseeable future, "man-related" R&D is expected to become a "dominant" force. Examples of R&D highlighting the importance of this area are given.


Author(s): Coetzee, John Philip | Advisor(s): Monti, Martin M. | Abstract: Deductive reasoning has been an object of investigation in psychology for almost a century now. Yet, key questions remain unanswered. These include (but are not limited to) the relationship between deductive reasoning and other psychological processes (such as language and memory), the identity of the neurological structures that are core to the deductive process, the source of the hierarchical structures on which deduction depends, whether deduction is a modular or domain general process, and what the source is of the facilitation that is frequently observed when deductive problems are framed in different ways. In order to address these questions, this thesis will present three experiments that shed light on different aspects of deduction. Study 1 is an fMRI study which replicates prior findings regarding the relationship between language and deduction and reveals a new dissociation between deduction and working memory. Study 2, a neuromodulation study, is a logical extension of the findings regarding deduction and language from Study 1 and other prior studies. Here, a form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is used to manipulate brain function in order to establish a causal dissociation between brain areas that support language and those believed to support deduction, specifically with regard to the hierarchical frameworks on which both language and deduction depend. Finally, in Study 3, a large online study is used to test the Social Exchange Theory of facilitated performance on the Wason Card selection Task on a more diverse sample than has been the case in the past, especially with regard to the cues that have been suggested to trigger the underlying cognitive "modules." This study also tests the relationship between facilitation on the Wason Task and a number of individual differences, revealing novel associations with personality traits and with psychopathology. Together, these three studies provide a clearer picture of how deductive reasoning, one of our most distinctively human capacities, is situated amongst our other cognitive abilities.


Detailed, consistent semantic annotation of large collections of multimedia data is difficult and time- consuming. In domains such as eScience, digital curation and industrial monitoring, fine-grained high- quality labeling of regions enables advanced semantic querying, analysis and aggregation and supports collaborative research. Manual annotation is inefficient and too subjective to be a viable solution. Automatic solutions are often highly domain or application specific, require large volumes of annotated training corpi and, if using a `black box' approach, add little to the overall scientific knowledge. This article evaluates the use of simple artificial neural networks to semantically annotate micrographs and discusses the generic process chain necessary for semi-automatic semantic annotation of images.


All papers published in this volume of IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science have been peer reviewed through processes administered by the Editors. Reviews were conducted by expert referees to the professional and scientific standards expected of a proceedings journal published by IOP Publishing. • Type of peer review: Single-blind / Double-blind / Triple-blind / Open / Other (please describe) • Conference submission management system: - • Number of submissions received: 149 • Number of submissions sent for review: 121 • Number of submissions accepted: 93 • Acceptance Rate (Number of Submissions Accepted / Number of Submissions Received X 100): 62,42 • Average number of reviews per paper: 2 • Total number of reviewers involved: 8 • Any additional info on review process: - • Contact person for queries: Olga Shaitarova, email@example.com


Neurons that can regenerate their axons following axotomy increase their synthesis and axonal transport of a growth-associated protein, called GAP-43, which has been shown to be identical to the synaptic phosphoprotein B-50. The function of B-50/GAP-43 to the process of regeneration is unknown. We used a polyclonal, affinity-purified antibody against B-50 to study the axonal transport and localization of B-50/GAP-43-like immunoreactivity (B50LI) in the regenerating sciatic and facial nerves of adult rats. Quantitative data were obtained by densitometry of the B-50 band in immunoblots of nerve segments, which had been run on SDS-polyacrylamide gels. In the regenerating sciatic nerve, anterograde accumulation at a collection ligature was 3.0 times higher than retrograde accumulation. The mobile fraction of B50LI was only 0.28 of total B50LI and traveled with a mean anterograde velocity of 5.3 mm/hr. B50LI distribution in the newly regenerated portion of the nerve revealed maximal B50LI levels midway between the position of the crush and the fastest-growing axons. Immunocytochemistry of this portion of the nerve demonstrated B50LI to be associated with regenerating axons but also to a large extent with extra-axonal structures outlining the Schwann cell bands of Bungner. This zone of B50LI-positive Schwann cell bands was found to extend more distally in nerves in which regeneration had processed longer, e.g., up to 5 mm distal to the crush after 3 d and 8 mm after 4 d. Further distal to this zone, many fine regenerating axonal profiles could be detected with B-50 antibody, but were neurofilament negative. These findings raise the possibility of an extra-axonal function of B-50/GAP-43, as this protein might be secreted from regenerating axons and might play a role in axon-Schwann cell interactions during axonal maturation.


OBJECTIVES
The aim of the present study was to examine discrepancies between Turkish mothers' and adolescents' reports in terms of adolescents' difficulties in emotion regulation. In addition, the mediating role of mothers' own emotion regulation difficulties between mothers' psychological symptoms and the discrepancy on reports of adolescents' difficulties in emotion regulation was examined.

METHOD
A total of 595 first-year high school students (300 females and 295 males) whose ages ranged between 14 and 17 years participated in the study. In addition, 365 mothers (61.34%) completed the questionnaires. Mean age of mothers was 41.86 years (standard deviation = 5.02) ranging from 32 to 61 years.

RESULTS
The results revealed that adolescents tended to report higher levels of difficulties in emotion regulation for themselves as compared with mothers' report, and girls reported more difficulties for their emotion regulation than boys. It was also found that mothers' own emotion regulation difficulties mediated the relation between mothers' psychological symptoms and discrepancy on reports of adolescents' emotion regulation difficulties.

CONCLUSIONS
Mothers may be less likely to endorse their children's emotion regulation difficulties since they cannot observe various aspects of their children's emotion regulation. On the other hand, the mothers' perception of their children's emotion regulation could be affected from their own emotion regulation difficulties, which could be a result of their psychological problems.


Energy payback time is the energy analog to financial payback, defined as the time necessary for a photovoltaic panel to generate the energy equivalent to that used to produce it. This research contributes to the growing literature on net benefits of renewable energy systems by conducting an empirical investigation of as-manufactured photovoltaic modules, evaluating both established and emerging products. Crystalline silicon modules achieve an energy break-even in a little over three years. At the current R&D pilot production rate (8% of capacity) the energy payback time for thin film copper indium diselenide modules is between nine and ten years, and in full production is just under two years. Over their lifetime, these solar panels generate nine to seventeen times the energy required to produce them. Energy content findings for the major materials and process steps are presented, and important implications for current research efforts and future prospects are discussed.


Operating benefits from load management (LM) are generally calculated on the basis of long-term studies, which are directed toward determining the impact of LM on the static capacity assessment or the installed capacity requirements. A well-being framework is developed in this paper for a comprehensive evaluation of possible scenarios for the implementation of interruptible load into demand-side management. The framework considers both deterministic and probabilistic aspects in composite system operating reserve assessment. System cost saving can be achieved by using interruptible load to reduce system spinning reserve. The saving in societal cost due to inclusion of interruptible load and study results are presented by application to the IEEE Reliability Test System.


Brown rot or bacterial wilt of potato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, is an economically important disease. Potato, cv. Nicola, was found to be relatively highly resistant to the infection with R. solanacearum and showed 15.12% wilt disease index, meantime, cv. Kara showed intermediate resistance with 37.40% disease index while, cv. Spunta was susceptible and showed 80.33% disease index. The role of defense-related enzymes in imparting resistance in potato against R. solanacearum was investigated by quantifying enzymes activity and gene expression of three defense- related enzymes, peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and catalase. Peroxidase showed maximum activity 0.488 min-1&middotg-1 early at 12 h after pathogen inoculation in the cv. Nicola, whereas in susceptible cultivar Spunta showed lower activity of maximum 0.226 min-1&middotg-1 later at 48 h after inoculation. While, the moderately resistant cultivar Kara showed intermediate activity for the peak and its time. Meanwhile, polyphenol oxidase showed similar trends to that of peroxidase. On the contrary, catalase showed the highest activity values in the susceptible, cv. Spunta, while, in relatively highly resistant (cv. Nicola) and the moderately resistant (cv. Kara) showed lower values of activity and up to 96 h after inoculation. Meanwhile, gene expression of related enzymes the RT-PCR was used. At zero time, the relatively highly resistant potato cultivar, Nicola, showed the highest values of gene expression for both Peroxidase (POD) and Poly Phenol Oxidase (PPO). While, the susceptible potato cultivar, Spunta showed the lowest values. On the contrary, Catalase (CAT) gene expression was the highest in the susceptible, cv. Spunta, and was the lowest in the relatively highly resistant, cv. Nicola, while, was of intermediate values in the intermediate resistance, cv. Kara. Results show that peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities can be used as biochemical markers to reveal the resistance and susceptibility nature of potato cultivars against bacterial wilt disease of potato caused by R. solanacaerum.


The application of Ball Grid Array (BGA) technology in electronic packaging on high I/O plastic and ceramic packages has grown significantly during the past few years. Although PBGA (plastic BGA) has several advantages over fine-pitch Quad Flat Pack (QFP) in terms of smaller package area, higher I/Os, lower switching noise, large pitch, higher assembly yield, and improved robustness in manufacturing process, potential package reliability problems can still occur, e.g., excessive solder joint deformation induced by substrate warpage, moisture ingression (popcorn effect), large variation in solder ball size, voiding as a result of flux entrapment and improper pad/solder mask design (Marrs and Olachea, 1994; Solberg, 1994; Freyman and Petrucci, 1995; Lau, 1995; Donlin, 1996; Lasky et al., 1996; Munroe et al., 1996). Regardless of its improved thermal fatigue performance over the past few years through an extensive amount of research, the BGA solder joint may still pose a reliability issue under harsh environment, e.g., automotive underhood, larger package size, or higher temperature and temperature gradient due to increase in power dissipation of the package. Numerous studies in BGA solder joint deformation and reliability under thermal and mechanical loadings can be found in the literature, e.g., Borgesen et al. (1993), Choi et al. (1993), Guo et al. (1993), Ju et al. (1994), Lau et al. (1994) Lau (1995), and Heinrich et al. (1995). Also, reliability prediction models have been developed by, e.g., Darveaux et al. (1995) and Darveaux (1996). The present study focuses on the application of a detailed nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) to studying the thermal cyclic response of solder joints in two particular BGA packages, full-matrix and perimeter. Both time-independent plasticity and time-dependent effect, i.e., creep and relaxation, are considered in the constitutive equations of solder joint to evaluate the discrepancy in the results of life prediction. The critical solder joint is identified, and the locations that are most susceptible to fatigue failure in the critical joint are discussed. Some limitations in computation and reliability prediction are also discussed.


The authors have designed, fabricated, and tested vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSEL) with diameters ranging from 0.5 mu m to>50 mu m. Design issues, molecular beam epitaxial growth, fabrication, and lasing characteristics are discussed. The topics considered in fabrication of VCSELs are microlaser geometries; ion implementation and masks; ion beam etching packaging and arrays, and ultrasmall devices. >


On 15 June, a group managing the modest global reserve of cholera vaccine decided to dispatch 1 million doses to war-torn Yemen, which is suffering from a massive cholera outbreak. Cases began rising sharply in April and have already reached an estimated 200,000, causing 1300 deaths, most of them in the west of the country. There are now 5000 new cases every day, on both sides of the front lines. The vaccination campaign will be one of the biggest tests yet for the vaccine; the global stockpile was created only 4 years ago and has been used mostly for smaller campaigns. But where to deploy it within Yemen is still under debate.