Abstract The Los Burros gold deposit is located within the Franciscan complex of the Nacimiento block, California. Although this deposit was mined during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, its origin and its relationship with the regional metamorphism and deformation are unclear. In order to better understand the mode of formation of the deposit, and its possible link with a post-subduction thermal anomaly, we performed a detailed geological and structural mapping within the Los Burros district, coupled with a (U-Th)/He thermochronological study on apatite and zircon. Fluid-inclusion and stable isotope (O and C) analyses of the ore deposit provide constraints on the temperature and potential source of the fluid(s) responsible for the Los Burros gold formation. Our results demonstrate that the Los Burros Au deposit formed from a metamorphic aqueous CO2-CH4 fluid at temperatures of ~300 °C. Results from Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Materials confirm the presence of a thermal anomaly in the range 260–320 °C near the Los Burros Mining District as previously inferred by vitrinite reflectance techniques. Our structural and preliminary thermochronological analyses show that the Los Burros Au deposit consists of a series of meter-wide, quartz-calcite-sulfide "en-echelon" veins, formed during a late transpressive event related to San Andreas fault activity and the subduction of a slab-window during the past 30 Ma. Our new data suggest that the thermal anomaly recorded in the vicinity of the Los Burros Mining District is not associated with a magmatic-derived hydrothermal system such as described within the epithermal McLaughlin deposit in Northern California, but rather with a late transpressive deformation event that uplifted deeply buried metamorphic rocks, possibly connected to a local metamorphic overprint.


We extend our previous work (1997, 1998) on steering a robotic snake and we now address the problems of (i) stabilization about an arbitrary configuration and (ii) tracking an arbitrary trajectory. For stabilization we apply three different algorithms for the kinematic model derived in the previous work. Comparisons of the three feedback stabilizing controls are made. Trajectory tracking is firstly addressed under the notion of flat systems. In a second approach we make use of a dynamic state feedback in order to achieve dynamic decoupling of our system.


A new body of scholarship on death and loss has emerged as a sub-field within social and cultural geography. This work has done much to draw geographers' attention to questions of death, dying and remembrance and likewise to bring a spatial perspective to interdisciplinary death studies. Whilst deathscapes have been framed within geographical work as incorporating material, embodied and virtual spaces, to date Anglo-American and European studies have tended to focus on the literal and representational spaces of the end of life, sites of bodily remains and memorialization. With a number of important exceptions, embodied and dynamic experiences of dying, death and survival have been absent within the geographies of death. This special section aims to broaden the scope, and to resist simple dichotomies of life and death, and to be especially attentive to the embodied and visceral experiences, practices and processes of dying, death and survival. In this introduction, we explore themes of dying/s, death/s and survival/s across varied international, national and cultural contexts, as discussed in the contributing papers and raised by the politics of recent events. This collection offers an expanded and enlivened approach to research, documenting facing death/s, journeys at the end of life, living through, on and with life-limiting illnesses, living with loss and the interconnected spatialities that these experiences and practices evoke for individuals and wider social groups. They open up new spaces of P/politics and emotions, challenging limited political and medicalized frames. The papers also raise methodological questions and present a challenging agenda for future research. This special section grew out of sessions we organized for the 2012 RGS-IBG Annual International Conference at the University of Edinburgh.


Resolving the molecular basis of a Mendelian condition (MC) remains challenging owing to the diverse mechanisms by which genetic variants cause disease. To address this, we developed a synchronized long-read genome, methylome, epigenome, and transcriptome sequencing approach, which enables accurate single-nucleotide, insertion-deletion, and structural variant calling and diploid de novo genome assembly, and permits the simultaneous elucidation of haplotype-resolved CpG methylation, chromatin accessibility, and full-length transcript information in a single long-read sequencing run. Application of this approach to an Undiagnosed Diseases Network (UDN) participant with a chromosome X;13 balanced translocation of uncertain significance revealed that this translocation disrupted the functioning of four separate genes (NBEA, PDK3, MAB21L1, and RB1) previously associated with single-gene MCs. Notably, the function of each gene was disrupted via a distinct mechanism that required integration of the four 'omes' to resolve. These included nonsense-mediated decay, fusion transcript formation, enhancer adoption, transcriptional readthrough silencing, and inappropriate X chromosome inactivation of autosomal genes. Overall, this highlights the utility of synchronized long-read multi-omic profiling for mechanistically resolving complex phenotypes.


Because of steel cord conveyor belt with high load operating and complex conditions of coal mine, it is prone to cause conveyor belt horizontal rupture. It will bring tremendous hazards for coal mine production. Twelve time domain features of joints signals, broken wires signals and abrasion signals for steel cord conveyor belt were extracted with weak magnetic detection system. The algorithm of combining rough set based on information entropy with multi-classbased on binary tree was proposed to classify the three categories signals. The experiment results show that rough set reduction algorithm based on information entropy can effectively achieve feature reduction and classification speed of multi-classclassification algorithm based on binary tree can be improved by rough set feature reduction without changing classification accuracy.


In this paper, a universal mathematical method is proposed to determine the upperbound of the spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) in direct digital frequency synthesizers (DDFSs) realized by piecewise polynomial interpolation methods. The Fourier series is used to establish a linear matrix relationship between the frequency spectrum of the interpolated sinusoidal signal and the coefficients of the interpolating polynomials. This matrix relationship can be considered as a linear overdetermined system of equations, which can be solved for the ideal spectrum where the fundamental harmonic has an amplitude of one and the other harmonics are zero. It is shown that the Moore-Penrose pseudoinverse and Chebyshev minimax methods find the coefficients corresponding to the largest signal-to-noise ratio and maximum SFDR designs, respectively. The proposed method is used to show that the maximum SFDR of a DDFS based on the even fourth-order polynomial interpolation is 74.35 dBc. A DDFS based on the aforementioned method is designed and its architecture is optimized to obtain an SFDR of 72.2 dBc. A VLSI implementation of the proposed DDFS is also reported.


This paper develops a real options model in which firms may use the timing of their initial public offerings (IPOs) to signal the quality of their investment prospects to outside investors. When adverse selection is more relevant (cold markets), firms with better investment prospects accelerate their IPO relative to their perfect information benchmark to reveal their type to outside investors. When adverse selection is less relevant (hot markets), all firms issue simultaneously, issuers are younger on average, and IPO timing is uninformative. An extension with multiple signals and the empirical evidence show that better ranked firms are younger, issue a lower fraction of shares, and underprice more during cold markets, and that issuers are younger on average during hot markets. Copyright 2011, Oxford University Press.


The concept of a healthful home offers the basis for a comprehensive approach to addressing the well-established relationship between health and housing. Many environmental health hazards found in homes—such as lead, mold, environmental tobacco smoke, and pesticides—can be reduced or eliminated through the use of scientifically validated (yet sometimes quite simple) interventions that improve health outcomes for residents. A team from the University of Connecticut's Department of Extension developed an effective curriculum for teaching urban 4-H youth leaders, youths, and others in their communities about the importance of healthful homes and practical ways of improving home environments.


: High frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) is a new ventilation technique which ensures satisfactory gas exchanges with tidal volumes of about 2 ml . kg-1. A gas mixture under high pressure is "chopped up" by an electrically-controlled solenoid valve and delivered to the patient by an injection system. A specific heater-humidifier is required for optimal humidity and warmth of the gas mixture. HFJV creates a positive end-expiratory pressure effect in the alveoles, and the increase of mean intratracheal pressure observed accurately reflects the increase of mean alveolar pressure. Convection by direct alveolar ventilation plays a determinant role in CO2 clearance under HFJV, the other gas transport mechanisms being accessory. In respiratory failure with shock HFJV is better tolerated haemodynamically than conventional ventilation. The main indications of the new technique are ENT surgery, thoracic and tracheal surgery, lithotripsy, broncho-pleural and oesophago-tracheal fistulae and circulatory shock.


Flow rotation and mixing in a VVER-1000 reactor is investigated using two system codes with three-dimensional fluid-dynamics modeling capabilities (RELAP5-3D and TRACE) and a computational fluid-dynamics (CFD) code (FLUENT). Coarse-mesh models were developed for the system codes, and their applicability is evaluated using the test data as well as the detailed CFD results obtained. Two different temperature zone mapping schemes for comparison with the measured data are proposed and discussed. The test is very informative when used to examine the real loop mixing taking place at a nuclear reactor. The results can be used to improve code input data for correct simulation of the phenomenon. Correctly predicting the flow mixing is very important in regard to the prediction of the local three-dimensional feedback effects depending on the vessel mixing in coupled three-dimensional neutron-kinetic/thermal-hydraulic safety analysis of reactivity insertion accidents such as the main steam line break accident.


Increasing the ionic conductivity has for decades been an overriding goal in the development of solid polymer electrolytes. According to fundamental theories on ion transport mechanisms in polymers, the ionic conductivity is strongly correlated to free volume and segmental mobility of the polymer for the conventional transport processes. Therefore, incorporating plasticizing side chains onto the main chain of the polymer host often appears as a clear-cut strategy to improve the ionic conductivity of the system through lowering of the glass transition temperature (Tg). This intended correlation between Tg and ionic conductivity is, however, not consistently observed in practice. The aim of this study is therefore to elucidate this interplay between segmental mobility and polymer structure in polymer electrolyte systems comprising plasticizing side chains. To this end, we utilize the synthetic versatility of the ion-conductive poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) platform. Two types of host polymers with side chains added to a PTMC backbone are employed, and the resulting electrolytes are investigated together with the side chain-free analogue both by experiment and with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results show that while added side chains do indeed lead to a lower Tg, the total ionic conductivity is highest in the host matrix without side chains. It was seen in the MD simulations that while side chains promote ionic mobility associated with the polymer chain, the more efficient interchain hopping transport mechanism occurs with a higher probability in the system without side chains. This is connected to a significantly higher solvation site diversity for the Li+ ions in the side-chain-free system, providing better conduction paths. These results strongly indicate that the side chains in fact restrict the mobility of the Li+ ions in the polymer hosts.


A pseudo two-dimensional (2-D) analytical model and a 2-D plasma simulator PDP2 code have been utilized to characterize ion-matrix sheath and dynamic sheath expansion during the plasma immersion ion implantation process. The pseudo 2-D model is very simple by involving two geometry factors and yields an acceptable accuracy under the current process conditions. Good agreement between the pseudo 2-D model and PDP2 simulation was observed.


A previous study of the moneyers' names on the late Anglo- Saxon coinage by the same writer concluded with the death of Ethelred Il. This study continues the survey to the accession of Edward the Confessor. The introduction summarises the sources for the coins of this period, current research on their dating and die-cutting, and the function of double names which appear on the coins.

A section on phonology discusses in detail the spellings used in the coin-legends, showing how the numerous forms are not due to carelessness or illiteracy on the part of the die-cutters, but reflect sound-changes and spelling conventions-which are also found in documentary sources. Several sound-changes which have hitherto been attributed to Anglo-Norman influence appear on the coins, reinforcing the evidence for their having in fact taken place in native Old English.

The individual names are then examined in an Alphabetical Name List for their derivation, and in the final section this information is used towards assessing the composition of the population in the towns where mints were situated, region by region, with regard to the density of Scandinavian settlement and the presence of other non-English groups.

The Scandinavian ruling dynasty had little effect on the manning of the mints, the proportions of Scandinavian to English names being very similar to those under Ethelred. There are small changes in the southern Danelaw, which it is suggested may be a legacy of Ethelred's anti-Anglo-Scandinavian policy in the early years of the eleventh century. The coin-evidence reflects the general geographical patterns of settlement to be inferred from place-name and other material., rather than suggesting that the mint towns, because of their commercial status, had attracted a more cosmopolitan population.


Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have a big role in national economic development. In addition to playing a role in national economic growth and employment, SMEs also play a role in the distribution of development results and are the driving force for the growth of national economic activity. This study aims to 1) To find out internal factors which include strengths and weaknesses; 2) To find out external factors that include opportunities and threats; 3) To find out what strategies can be produced by using SWOT analysis, in the face of market competition. This research use desciptive qualitative approach. Location of research on the Ganesha stick home industry in Trawas sub-district, Mojokerto district, East Java Province. The results showed that the internal marketing analysis of the environment, vegetable processing businesses and tubers of the Ganesha stick industry had major strengths in product variations, while the main weaknesses were high product selling prices and an external marketing environment analysis that had the main opportunity to increase customer demand. and the main threat is increased production costs. Based on the results of the interviews, it was obtained the priority marketing strategies for vegetable processing businesses and the Ganesha home industry tubers, namely improving the appearance of the product through improved packaging.


Abstract. Based on the daytime location of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest derived from GPS observations at low latitude over China during the 2005–2006 stratospheric sudden warming (SSW), a quasi-16-day periodic meridional movement of EIA crest with the maximum amplitude of about 2 degrees relative to the average location of EIA crest has been revealed. In addition, periodic variations that are in phase with the meridional EIA movement are also revealed in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) and F2 layer peak height (hmF2) over Chinese ionosonde stations Haikou and Chongqing. The quasi-16-day periodic component in Dst index is weak, and the 16-day periodic component does not exist in F10.7 index. Such large-scale periodic meridional movement of EIA crest is likely related to the globally enhanced stratospheric planetary waves coupled with anomalous stratospheric zonal wind connected with SSW. In addition, such large-scale periodic movement of EIA should be global, and can affect the ionospheric morphology around the low-latitude belt near the EIA region. Further case analysis, simulation and theoretical studies must proceed in order to understand the periodic movements of EIA connected with the different periodic atmospheric variations.


We consider an online learning problem with one-sided feedback, in which the learner is able to observe the true label only for positively predicted instances. On each round, $k$ instances arrive and receive classification outcomes according to a randomized policy deployed by the learner, whose goal is to maximize accuracy while deploying individually fair policies. We first extend the framework of Bechavod et al. (2020), which relies on the existence of a human fairness auditor for detecting fairness violations, to instead incorporate feedback from dynamically-selected panels of multiple, possibly inconsistent, auditors. We then construct an efficient reduction from our problem of online learning with one-sided feedback and a panel reporting fairness violations to the contextual combinatorial semi-bandit problem (Cesa-Bianchi&Lugosi, 2009, Gy\"{o}rgy et al., 2007). Finally, we show how to leverage the guarantees of two algorithms in the contextual combinatorial semi-bandit setting: Exp2 (Bubeck et al., 2012) and the oracle-efficient Context-Semi-Bandit-FTPL (Syrgkanis et al., 2016), to provide multi-criteria no regret guarantees simultaneously for accuracy and fairness. Our results eliminate two potential sources of bias from prior work: the"hidden outcomes"that are not available to an algorithm operating in the full information setting, and human biases that might be present in any single human auditor, but can be mitigated by selecting a well chosen panel.


Fluctuations in fossil fuel prices significantly affect the economies of countries, especially oil-importing countries, hence these countries are thoroughly investigating the increase in the utilization of renewable energy resources as it is abundant and locally available in all the countries despite challenges. Renewable energy systems (RES) such as solar and wind systems offer suitable alternatives for fossil fuels and could ensure the energy security of countries in a feasible way. Zimbabwe is one of the African countries that import a significant portion of its energy needs which endanger the energy security of the country. Several studies in the literature discussed the feasibility of different standalone and hybrid RES either with or without energy storage systems to either maximize the technical feasibility or the economic feasibility; however, none of the studies considered maximizing both feasibilities at the same time. Therefore, we present a techno-economic comparison of standalone wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) in addition to hybrid PV/wind systems based on maximizing the RES fraction with levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) being less than or equal to the local grid tariff where Gwanda, Zimbabwe, is the case study. The methodology suggested in this study could increase the utilization of renewable energy resources feasibly and at the same time increase the energy security of the country by decreasing dependency on imported energy. The results indicate that the PV/wind hybrid system does not only have the best economic benefits represented by the net present value (NPV) and the payback period (PBP), but also the best technical performance; where the maximum feasible size of the hybrid system-2 MW wind and 1 MW PV-has RES fraction of 65.07%, LCOE of 0.1 USD/kWh, PBP of 3.94 years, internal rate of return of 14.04% and NPV of 3.06 × 106 USD. Having similar systems for different cities in Zimbabwe will decrease the energy bill significantly and contribute toward the energy security of the country.


Developing countries are fast becoming the emerging markets in a 'global village'. Yet few systematic analyses exist about public relations in developing nations. This study uses Grunig's models of public relations to explore the nature of public relations in a sample of four types of organisations in India. Data were collected from 18 organisations and 40 public relations professionals using the survey method and ethnographic analysis. Whereas the self‐reported questionnaires revealed that respondents engaged in two‐way symmetrical communication, the ethnographic data suggested that the press agentry/publicity model was predominantly used by all the organisations. In addition, a new model, the personal influence model, was found to be most popular in the sample organisations.


Based on the Jihogntan reservoir's monitoring data from 2006 to 2009, eutrophication of Jihongtan reservoir was assessed. The result showed that the nutrition level of the Jihongtan reservoir was middle in recent years. The average concentration of chlorophyll-a(Chla) was higher in summer and autumn than in spring and winter. The correlation between concentration of Chla and some environmental factors was studied by statistical method, and seasonal variation of Chla and the extent of eutrophication were also analyzed. The results showed that the correlations between Chla and total nitrogen(TN), dissolved oxygen(DO) and transparency were significantly negative, and that between Chla and total phosphorus(TP), temperature(T) and potassium permanganate index(COD Mn) were significantly positive. The growth of phytoplankton was promoted by TP and TN at low concentrations, and inhibited by TN at high concentrations.


Resistance to cold cracking of welded joints made of P460NL1 steel The results of investigations of resistance to cold cracking of high strength steel welded joints have been presented. The steel used was P460NL1 which is designed to work under pressure. Welding was carried out with coated electrodes (MMA) and flux cored wire by FCAW method. Parameters changed in the implant test were diffusible hydrogen content and weld heat input. Partial resistance to cold cracking of joints for the studied ranges of welding parameters have been shown. Cold cracking resistance decreases with increasing diffusible hydrogen content in the joint and increasing the cooling rate in the HAZ metal measured by cooling time in the temperature range 800-500°C.


When you pick up a new book with a title that includes the words Agricultural, Environmental and Sustainability, you ought to find content that will present novel evidence, stretch existing ideas, and develop critical insights for future actions and policies. This book, though, largely does little more than to fill in some gaps in existing paradigms. Nine chapters cover agroforestry, soils, whole systems integration, wheat improvement, rice-wheat systems, cowpea-cereal interactions and drought stresses in banana production. Some of the content is very good, but the mix is eclectic. Some chapters seem to be broad in scope; others are very place specific, and thus it is difficult to draw clear conclusions on agricultural and environmental sustainability. The papers arise from a 2005 symposium, and it is disappointing that most of the chapters in a 2007 book do not contain updates covering the intervening two years. As a result, some of them contain data only up to the 2000–2003 period, which already begins to make this book feel outdated in its publication year. The final chapter stands out in terms of presenting novelty – by Francis, Elmore, Ikerd and Duffy. This discusses the greening of agriculture in the context of rapidly globalizing economies and the emergence of the troubling greenwash syndrome. They also address interesting questions: are small farms better for sustainability or not? What kinds of metrics are critical for encouraging a transition towards sustainability? Other notable chapters by Ramachandran Nair and Lal are helpful summaries of agroforestry and soils management, but readers familiar with these authors are unlikely to find anything especially new here. This book is a welcome addition to the literature, but ultimately will leave the reader wishing for more novelty.


In May 2020, the European Commission published the Farm to Fork Strategy aiming to create a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system. The Strategy is an important element of the European Green Deal and includes a Draft Action Plan with 27 specific proposals for action, and a timeframe. This article outlines the Draft Action Plan and evaluates four clusters of proposed legislative actions. It then analyses how the Strategy will impact food businesses by focusing on two proposals to (a) improve the corporate governance framework including a requirement for the food industry to integrate sustainability into corporate strategies; and (b) develop an EU code and monitoring framework for responsible business and marketing conduct in the food supply chain. It discusses how to reconcile those proposals with a separate EU commitment to a cross-sectoral legislative initiative on mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence obligations for all EU companies. Overall, we argue, first, that the idea of 'sustainable business' conflates many dimensions and should be more clearly explicated and, second, for coherence between the different initiatives targeting the private sector.


The scope of this postgraduate thesis was to develop innovative software which exploits Internet technologies in order to provide teaching and learning functionalities for the ancient Greek language of the First high school class.
As a result a web application was developed to offer a uniform environment for the dissemination of knowledge concerning the ancient Greek language. The software offers free to access theoretical lessons to everyone who has Internet access using only a web browser. The theory lessons are structured into sections and published using the HTML language in combination with CSS3.
In order for the software to obtain interactivity and enhance the learning process, a practical examination environment was also developed. Each exam may consist of a combination of exercises. Each exercise may be a single choice, multiple choice or fill-the-blanks one. Only registered users may gain access to the exams section, in order to record their performance. The system administrator may monitor the progress of each individual learner.
Finally, a separate section a graphic representation of the exam results in order to create a comprehensive direct overview of the progress of the learner.
The software is based on open web technologies and can provide the basis for developing a comprehensive platform to integrate additional theoretical modules and enrich it with new exercises and tests. Also, the adoption of the relational model to store content and scores allow for further extension with statistical analysis modules for learners' rating and subsequent weaknesses of the educational process.


This paper studies relationship between soil-cement parameters and unconfined compressive strength. The research in tensile strength and deformation modulus of soil-cement is an important basis for soil-cement failure mechanism and intensity theory. They also impact cracks, deformation and durability of cement-soil structure. Shear strength and deformation of soil-cement is important to the destruction analysis and finite element calculations. Therefore it needs to study on tensile strength, shear strength and deformation modulus of soil-cement. Based on previous experiments, the relationship of tensile strength, shear strength, deformation modulus and unconfined compressive strength of soil-cement are quantitatively studied.


Background— Evidence on risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) hospitalization associated with short-term exposure to outdoor carbon monoxide (CO), an air pollutant primarily generated by traffic, is inconsistent across studies. Uncertainties remain on the degree to which associations are attributable to other traffic pollutants and whether effects persist at low levels. Methods and Results— We conducted a multisite time-series study to estimate risk of CVD hospitalization associated with short-term CO exposure in 126 US urban counties during 1999–2005 for >9.3 million Medicare enrollees aged ≥65 years. We considered models with adjustment by other traffic-related pollutants: NO2, fine particulate matter (with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 &mgr;m), and elemental carbon. We found a positive and statistically significant association between same-day CO and increased risk of hospitalization for multiple CVD outcomes (ischemic heart disease, heart rhythm disturbances, heart failure, cerebrovascular disease, total CVD). The association remained positive and statistically significant but was attenuated with copollutant adjustment, especially NO2. A 1-ppm increase in same-day daily 1-hour maximum CO was associated with a 0.96% (95% posterior interval, 0.79%, 1.12%) increase in risk of CVD admissions. With same-day NO2 adjustment, this estimate was 0.55% (0.36%, 0.74%). The risk persisted at low CO levels <1 ppm. Conclusions— We found evidence of an association between short-term exposure to ambient CO and risk of CVD hospitalizations, even at levels well below current US health-based regulatory standards. This evidence indicates that exposure to current CO levels may still pose a public health threat, particularly for persons with CVD.


An agent-based model of endogenously evolving migrant networks is developed to find and estimate the size of determinants of migration and return decisions. Individuals are connected by links, the strength of which declines over time and distance. Methodologically, parameterization using data from the Mexican Migration Project is combined with calibration. It is shown that expected earnings, an idiosyncratic home bias, network ties to other migrants, strength of links to the home country and age have a significant impact on circular migration patterns over time.
The model can reproduce spatial patterns of migration as well as the distribution of number of trips of migrants. It can also be used for computational experiments and policy analysis.


Abstract As per standards, the thermal efficiency test for the flat plate collector is used to be conducted under specified steady state conditions and then incident angle modifier 'Kτα' has been used to calculate the thermal efficiency at a different angle of incidence. These standards do not consider the effect of solar azimuth angle, as well as time consumption and require the costly test setup. In this paper, a new approach has been used which is very simple and validated through experiments and coined a new term called transmittance factor 'Fτ'. Transmittance factor 'Fτ' was obtained by using glazing only, unlike the complete test setup used in incident angle modifier. 'Fτ' was measured at a different surface angle and different times of the day assimilate the effect of solar azimuth angle. The values of 'Fτ' were found to be leveled up with 'Kτα'. Transmittance factor 'Fτ' can be used to predict the thermal efficiency of the collector for any time of the day or can be correlated with other latitude using linear equation obtained by standard thermal efficiency test procedure. Keywords: A ngle of incidence, efficiency, flat plate collector, incident angle modifier, sun azimuth angle, transmittance Cite this Article Harsh Kadyan, Anil K. Berwal, R S. Mishra. A New Approach to Analyze the Performance of Flat Plate Collector. Journal of Alternate Energy Sources and Technologies. 2018; 9(2): 39–49p.


Control of a reaction wheel pendulum, a prototype of an under-actuated system, is easily done using switching control strategies, which combines swing-up control and balancing control schemes. In this article, two novel swing-up control strategies for a reaction wheel pendulum have been proposed. The first swing-up control strategy treats the oscillations of the pendulum as perturbations from the bottom equilibrium point. The second swing-up control is based on interconnection and damping assignment-passivity based control (IDA-PBC). IDA-PBC preserves Euler Lagrangian structure of the system and gives more physical insight about any mechanical system. Any balancing controller can be coupled with the proposed swing-up control strategies to stabilise the pendulum at the top unstable equilibrium position. The control task of balancing the pendulum in top upright position is completed by switching from swing-up scheme to the balancing scheme at the point where the pendulum is very near to the top equilibrium point. Proposed swing-up control strategies have been implemented in real time in switching mode. The two proposed swing-up control schemes provide fast responses as compared to existing energy based schemes.


Earthquakes of 23 October 2011 and 9 November 2013 caused significant destruction on existing built-up areas of Van City, Turkey and had led to great loss of life and property. With the aim of identifying the effects of these two high-destructive earthquakes on spatial transformation process of the city, as well as to evaluate applied urban transformation strategies concerning to remove and mitigate the unfavourable effects of these earthquakes, maximum likelihood classification (MLC) is applied on related RapidEye satellite images to find out the urban macro-form changes, the change detection outputs by means of MLC results of the RapidEye satellite images dated before and after earthquakes which indicate that the overall accuracies are computed over 80%. The general results also reveal that the accuracies obtained are very promising to analyse spatial effect of the earthquakes on spatial transformation of the city. The identified findings of this analysis provide useful inputs to forthcoming researches aiming to evaluate the success of those kinds of urban transformation processes that may occur after similar natural disaster cases.


A recent research trend in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the combination of several programs into one single, stronger, program; this is termed portfolio methods. We here investigate the application of such methods to Game Playing Programs (GPPs). In addition, we consider the case in which only one GPP is available - by decomposing this single GPP into several ones through the use of parameters or even simply random seeds. These portfolio methods are trained in a learning phase. We propose two different offline approaches. The simplest one, BestArm, is a straightforward optimization of seeds or parame- ters; it performs quite well against the original GPP, but performs poorly against an opponent which repeats games and learns. The second one, namely Nash-portfolio, performs similarly in a "one game" test, and is much more robust against an opponent who learns. We also propose an online learning portfolio, which tests several of the GPP repeatedly and progressively switches to the best one - using a bandit algorithm.


In recent years, our society is being plagued by unprecedented levels of privacy and security breaches. To rein in this trend, the European Union, in 2018, introduced a comprehensive legislation called the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In this article, we review GDPR from a system design perspective, and identify how its regulations conflict with the design, architecture, and operation of modern systems. We illustrate these conflicts via seven GDPR anti-patterns: storing data forever; reusing data indiscriminately; creating walled gardens and black markets; risk-agnostic data processing; hiding data breaches; making unexplainable decisions; treating security as a secondary goal. Our findings reveal a deep-rooted tussle between GDPR requirements and how modern systems have evolved. We believe that achieving compliance requires comprehensive, grounds up solutions, and anything short would amount to fixing a leaky faucet in a sinking ship.


Purpose: To develop a standardized approach for molecular diagnostics, we used the gene expression ratio bioinformatic technique to design a molecular signature to diagnose malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) from among other potentially confounding diagnoses and differentiate the epithelioid from the sarcomatoid histologic subtype of MPM. In addition, we searched for pathways relevant in MPM in comparison with other related cancers to identify unique molecular features in MPM. Experimental Design: We conducted microarray analysis on 113 specimens including MPMs and a spectrum of tumors and benign tissues comprising the differential diagnosis of MPM. We generated a sequential combination of binary gene expression ratio tests able to discriminate MPM from other thoracic malignancies. We compared this method with other bioinformatic tools and validated this signature in an independent set of 170 samples. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed probes. Results: A sequential combination of gene expression ratio tests was the best molecular approach to distinguish MPM from all the other samples. Bioinformatic and molecular validations showed that the sequential gene ratio tests were able to identify the MPM samples with high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, the gene ratio technique was able to differentiate the epithelioid from the sarcomatoid type of MPM. Novel genes and pathways specifically activated in MPM were identified. Conclusions: New clinically relevant molecular tests have been generated using a small number of genes to accurately distinguish MPMs from other thoracic samples, supporting our hypothesis that the gene expression ratio approach could be a useful tool in the differential diagnosis of cancers. Clin Cancer Res; 19(9); 2493–502. ©2013 AACR.


The magnetism of the vanadium (001) surface has been a controversial subject on both theoretical and experiment fronts. Both strongly ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases were reported. We have used the first principle full-potential linearized-augmented plane waves (FP-LAPW) as implemented in WIEN2k package to study the magnetic properties of strained surfaces of vanadium films as a function of film thickness. We found that for films thicker than about 11 monolayers, the magnetism of the strained surfaces converge to a constant value of about 0.15μB. Introduction of Fe monolayers and impurities at the centre of the films affects the magnetic structure of thin films but has no influence on the surface magnetism of thicker films. For Fe monolayers positioned at the centre of thick films, the Fe atoms maintain magnetic moment of order 0.86μB, a quadruple splitting of order -0.3 mm/s and a small negative isomer shift, while an Fe impurity has vanishing hyperfine fields and magnetic moment. In addition we have varied the location of the Fe monolayer and impurity within the V films and found that their position affects the surface magnetism.


Background. Social and emotional deficits were recently considered as inherent features of individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but only sporadic literature data exist on emotion recognition in adolescents with ADHD. The aim of the present study was to establish emotion recognition profile in adolescent boys with ADHD in comparison with control adolescents. Methods. Forty-four adolescent boys (13–16 years) participated in the study after informed consent; 22 boys had a clinical diagnosis of ADHD, while data were also assessed from 22 adolescent control boys matched for age and Raven IQ. Parent- and self-reported behavioral characteristics were assessed by the means of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The recognition of six basic emotions was evaluated by the "Facial Expressions of Emotion-Stimuli and Tests." Results. Compared to controls, adolescents with ADHD were more sensitive in the recognition of disgust and, worse in the recognition of fear and showed a tendency for impaired recognition of sadness. Hyperactivity measures showed an inverse correlation with fear recognition. Conclusion. Our data suggest that adolescent boys with ADHD have alterations in the recognition of specific emotions.


The diagnosis of HIV infection in women may adversely affect their health and their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). At present, research about women living with HIV infection and the multiple factors that contribute to their HRQoL is limited. The purpose of this study was to test the revised model of HRQoL by Wilson and Cleary (Ferrans et al., 2005) using a secondary analysis of baseline data from 178 women who participated in two independent randomized controlled studies. This linear model includes inter-related components (biological function, symptoms, functional status, and general health perceptions) which lead ultimately to HRQoL. The primary aim was to examine the relationships among the five components of the model. The secondary aim was to examine the relationships among the individual (i.e. age, children, race, marital status, education) and environmental (i.e. HIV-related stigma, social support) characteristics that may impact biological function, symptoms, functional status, general health perceptions, and overall HRQoL among women living with HIV infection. Observed variables included: biological function (CD4 count and viral load), symptoms (depressive symptoms and energy/fatigue), functional status (physical and social functioning), general health perceptions (overall general health and mental health), environmental factors (social support and HIV-related stigma), and HRQoL (satisfaction with life and overall quality of life). Structural equation modeling (SEM) and path analysis were performed on multiple path models to examine the hypothesized multivariate relationships proposed in the revised Wilson and Cleary model of HRQoL (Ferrans et al., 2005). Originally, a latent path model was planned. Due to problems with the measurement model, the latent path model was simplified and observed and hybrid path models were created. While the two main models for the primary and secondary aims did not fit well, post hoc modified models adding a path from symptoms to general health perceptions provided an adequate model fit. Women with lower viral loads, lower depressive symptoms, lower HIV-related stigma, higher social support, higher physical functioning, and higher general health perceptions had higher overall HRQoL. The results of this study have the potential to assist healthcare professionals in improving health-related quality of life for women living with HIV infection.


The goal of this study is to demonstrate the role assigned to the literary teaching in the Republic of Congo in the fifth form of literature (secondary school). Considering the institutional choice of the literary works, it appears that the Republic of Congo attaches an important value to the Congolese and French literatures. Our study will bear on threefold key points. Firstly, we are going to deal with questions related to linguistic, ideological, aesthetic or thematic issues motivating the choice of the literary textbooks and genres. Secondly, we want to appraise the meaning of the juxtaposition of the national and French literatures in the curriculums. Thirdly, we will concentrate on diachronic data. As regards the Republic of Congo, the present choice of literary works refers to the post single party historical context (1990) when the censorship is not obligatory. The liberty notion advanced by the democratic political regime seems to open the way to ideological, cultural and aesthetic values.

Keywords: Congolese literature, French literature, Reception, Literacy values


Background/Purpose: Non-accidental trauma (NAT) remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood, with fractures serving as the second most common presenting sign of abuse. Conventionally, elbow fractures are more frequently associated with accidental trauma than NAT. We hypothesized that elbow fractures in non-early ambulatory children are at risk of a NAT mechanism.
Methods:Patients were identified using an institutional database of pediatric elbow fractures at a large, tertiary pediatric hospital between 2007 and 2017. A diagnosis of NAT was established if a physician specializing in Child Abuse Pediatrics confirmed that the trauma was the result of NAT by their clinical judgement, if custody of the child was altered as a result of the case, or if legal documentation of criminal investigation secondary to the case was found.
Results:Of 4,608 elbow fractures in the database, 21 were confirmed to be caused by NAT. Fifteen (71%) of the patients were male with a median age of 0.7 years-old and a range between 0.1 and 10.4 years (Table 1). Of the 21 elbow fractures associated with NAT, there were 11 supracondylar (further subclassified as 3 Gartland I, 3 Gartland II, 1 Gartland IIIa, 1 Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Junction fracture and 3 unspecified), 5 lateral condyle, 4 humeral shaft fractures involving the elbow and 1 radial head fracture. Of the 21 patients identified, 12 (57%) were found to have bruising inconsistent with the mechanism given or unrelated to the injury, while 11 (52%) had additional fractures or healing fractures identified. Seventeen (81%) injuries were determined to be inconsistent with mechanism of injury described or did not specify mechanism. Among all the patients presenting with an elbow fracture under the age of 1 over a 10-year span, 33% were determined to have suffered NAT (12/36). Patients between 1 and 2 and older than 2 presenting with elbow fractures had injuries caused by NAT 1% (3/221) and 0.1% (6/4350) of the time respectively.
Conclusion:While elbow fractures are rarely considered a result of NAT in most age groups, a high degree of clinical suspicion should be maintained for elbow fractures in children under one. For comparison, in children under one year presenting with femur fractures, widely considered to be pathognomonic of child abuse, 16-35% are the result of NAT. An overwhelming majority of patients with elbow fractures resulting from NAT presented with additional bruising and injuries. However, a minority did not, and suspicion is only raised as a result of the mechanism provided. Thus, it is imperative that medical personal who encounter pediatric injuries understand the natural history of these injuries and vigilantly evaluate for their common signs in order to identify possible NAT.


Background To evaluate the Clinical Ethics Service's (CES) Rapid Case Review Service (RCRS) at a specialist UK children's hospital. This confidential service, developed by the CES, discusses urgent ethical issues arising in the care of children in the hospital. Specific aims: Describe the spectrum of cases referred to the RCRS, evaluate the views of service users and consider the wider utility. Methods 1. Case note review of referrals January 2012 – April 2016. 2. Questionnaire completed by 80 past service users. Results 43 cases were reviewed (mean 7 years (0–18)). Diagnostic categories: Multiple organ failure (27%), Cancer (14%), Neurological (11%), Immunological (9%), Respiratory (7%) and Others (32%). 63% had 3 or more diagnoses. 91% had a life-limiting condition. Mean duration of admission at RCR was 3.2 months (0–12). 81% involved 2 or more specialties and 52% involved Palliative care. Referrers included: Critical care (25%); Cardiology (9%); Gastroenterology, Immunology and Neurology (7% each); Others (45%). 57% of ethical issues related to 'Experimental therapy' or 'Limitation and/or Withdrawal of Life-Sustaining Therapy'. Respondents praised the RCRS expertise and guidance, stated that all parties' views (including parental) were heard and felt that the ethical issues and child's best interests were fully addressed. 93% of respondents would recommend the RCRS, however, 56% thought service awareness insufficient. 51% felt inadequately prepared for the meeting whilst 69% completely followed RCRS recommendations. 62% thought other Trusts should be able to access this service; 88% thought other Trusts should provide their own service. Conclusion The RCRS is viewed by clinician-users as compassionate and supportive of both clinicians and parents. It provides an effective way of peer reviewing ethical issues in a challenging healthcare environment and wider utility is suggested. Methods of improving RCRS awareness and a study ascertaining parents' views are planned.


Nanotechnology-based devices are believed to be the future possible alternative to CMOS-based devices. It is predicted that the high integration density offered by emerging nanotechnologies will be accompanied by high manufacturing defect rates and high operation-time fault rates. This thesis is concerned with developing defect and fault tolerance techniques to address low manufacturing yield due to permanent defects and reduced computational reliability due to transient faults projected in nanoscale devices and nanometre CMOS circuits. The described research makes four key contributions. The first contribution is a novel defect tolerance technique to improve the manufacturing yield of nanometre CMOS logic circuits. The technique is based on replacing each transistor by an N2-transistor structure (N ? 2) that guarantees defect tolerance of all (N?1) defects. The targeted defects include stuck-open, stuck-short and bridging defects. Extensive simulation results using ISCAS benchmark circuits, show that the proposed technique achieves manufacturing yield higher than recently proposed techniques and at a reduced area overhead. The second contribution is two new repair techniques, named Tagged Replacement and Modified Tagged Replacement, to improve the manufacturing yield of nanoscale cross-bars implementing logic circuits as look-up tables (LUTs). The techniques are based on highly efficient repair algorithms that improve yield by increasing the resolution of repair. Simulation results show that the proposed techniques are able to provide higher levels of defect tolerance and have lower redundancy requirements than recently reported techniques. Another popular crossbar-based circuit implementation is nanoscale programmable logic arrays (PLAs). The third contribution is a probabilistic defect tolerance design flow that improves the manufacturing yield of nanoscale PLAs and significantly reduces post-fabrication test and diagnosis time. This is achieved by limiting defect diagnosis to the nanowire level rather than the crosspoint level as in previously proposed graph-based techniques. The final contribution involves improving both manufacturing yield and computational reliability of nanoscale crossbars implementing logic circuits as LUTs. This is achieved by combining Hamming and Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem (BCH) codes together or with N-Modular Redundancy and Bad Line Exclusion techniques. Simulation results show a significant improvement in fault tolerance by the proposed techniques (targeting fault rates upto 20%) when compared to previously reported single coding schemes


1. The anabolic agent trenbolone acetate (3-oxo-17 β-hydroxy-4,9, 11-oestratriene acetate; TBA) given subcutaneously to female rats increased their growth rate compared with that of the placebo-treated controls. 2. The increased growth rate of the TBA-treated rats was not a consequence of an increased water retention. The TBA-treated rats had a significantly higher (P < 0.01) total carcass nitrogen content but the total carcass fat content decreased by a non-significant (P > 0.05) 8.3%. 3. There was evidence of a time-lag in the response of the fractional synthetic rate of certain individual tissues to TBA. The fractional synthetic rates of the uterus and skeletal muscle mixed tissue proteins were significantly reduced in the TBA-treated rats. 4. The measured reduction in fractional synthetic rates was concluded to reflect true changes in the synthetic rate rather than a result of an alteration in the specific activity of the tyrosine pool used for protein synthesis.


Mentally ill physicians may hurt patients through direct involvement of physicians' symptoms. Not all mentally ill physicians are disqualified by their illness from practicing medicine. Some may be disqualified for some time or permanently; some may be able to continue to function effectively. Certain characteristics of the physician-patient relationship and physicians' beliefs about their own and their colleagues' work make it difficult to discern harm done to patients. (JAMA232:725-727, 1975)


This paper reviews the literature on reading continuous text from VDUs. The focus is on the reported nature, and potential causes, of reading differences between paper and screens. The first section outlines the scope of the present review. Section 2 discusses the nature of the reported differences between reading from either presentation medium. Five broad differences have been identified suggesting that reading from VDUs is slower, less accurate, more fatiguing, decreases comprehension and is rated inferior by readers. Evidence for the existence of each of these differences is reviewed and conclusions are drawn. In Section 3, ten variables which have been proposed as potential causes of reading differences between paper and screen are reviewed. These include screen dynamics, display polarity, orientation, viewing angle and user characteristics. Recent evidence by Gould et al.11 is presented which suggests that the image quality of the screen display is the crucial factor and indicate that positive presentation, high resolution and anti-aliasing interactively affect performance by enhancing the quality of the displayed image. The implications of this work for screen presentation of text are presented.


This thesis explores why designers use programming methods in typeface design, both for speeding up the process of the design itself and for adding an extra dimension to the typeface, more conceptually and for clearly professional purposes. During the process of writing the thesis the author interviewed six graphic designers from five different countries to get a wide range of opinions on various matters related to the purpose of parametrized type design and technologies in typeface design. The answers were used as a driving force for the research and then referenced throughout the thesis. The conclusion was that programming and various plugins within font editors are currently being widely used by professional type designers and usage of them is a good way to customize ones workflow when designing type, especially when the font family gets larger. In that context parametrized font editors are discussed resulting in conclusion that those kinds of applications, as they exist today, will not become standard — though with progressions and enhancement they might. What is unfortunate about the parametrized applications the author found is that they are not flexible enough, mainly because they all start out with a base font designed by the font developer. Therefore the outcome from such applications might become more influenced by the tool than desired. Conceptual experiments with typography, often with interdisciplinary emphasis, tend to raise questions and conclusions not directly related to typeface design, but in the authors opinion involving typeface design in conceptual experiments is an interesting way to approach subjects and additionally brings important conclusions to various matters which in can affect design and other disciplines in numerous ways.


Duodenal Feeding SIR,-May I reply briefly to Dr. Harold Pritchard's letter in the Joutrnal of March 4th (p. 387). I note with interest that the cases of gastric ulcer treated by Dr. Pritchard by duodenal feeding were selected cases, which, I take it, means cases of average severity likely to prove amenable to medical treatment. May I suggest that a better criterion of the value of the method of duodenal feeding is its success in cases of abnormnal severity, such as the deep-seated penetrating ulcers which Dr. Pritchard saw me show upon the screen, and the similar cases of equal severity recorded by others at the meeting-cases, in short, which would generally be referred to the surgeon without any attempt at medical treatment. Dr. Pritchard's experiment with the double tube was performed by Garbat as far back as ten years ago (Arch. Int. Med., 1923, xxxii, 771), when a similar result-the flow of gastric juice into the stomach after a duodenal feed-was obtained. Theoretically, this secretion of acid may seem harmful, but in the large majority of cases it produces no symptoms whatever and does not delay the healing of the ulcer. There are, however, as I stated in my paper, certain physicians both here and in America who consider it an advantage to give alkalis between feeds throughout the course of treatment.-I am, etc.,


The reaction of soluble iron-oxygen-potassium assemblies with N2 gives insight into the mechanisms of multimetallic N2 coordination. We report a series of very electron-rich three-coordinate, β-diketiminate-supported iron(I) phenoxide complexes, which are metastable but have been characterized under Ar by both crystallography and solution methods. Both monomeric and dimeric Fe-OPh-K compounds have been characterized, and their iron environments are very similar in the solid and solution states. In the dimer, potassium ions hold together the phenoxide oxygens and aryl rings of the two halves, to give a flexible diiron core. The reactions of the monomeric and dimeric iron(I) compounds with N2 are surprisingly different: the mononuclear iron(I) complexes give no reaction with N2, but the dimeric Fe2K2 complex reacts rapidly to give a diiron-N2 product. Computational studies show that the key to the rapid N2 reaction of the dimer is the preorganization of the two iron atoms. Thus, cooperation between Fe (which weakens the N-N bond) and K (which orients the Fe atoms) can be used to create a low-energy pathway for N2 reactions.


The field of visual research in management studies is developing rapidly and has reached a point of maturity where it is useful to bring together and evaluate existing work in this area and to critically assess its current impact and future prospects. Visual research is broadly defined to encompass a variety of forms, including pictures, graphs, film, web pages and architecture. It also incorporates work from several sub-disciplines (organization studies, marketing, accounting, human resources, tourism and IT), and includes research based on pre-existing visual material and studies that use researcher-generated visual data. The authors begin by considering the growing recognition of the visual turn in management research as a counterweight to the linguistic turn, while also discussing reasons for resistance to visual approaches. Next, they review research that uses visual methods to study management and organization and suggest that visual management studies may be categorized according to whether methods used are empirically driven or theory based. This categorization highlights the philosophical, theoretical and interdisciplinary underpinnings of visual management studies. It also enables the visual to be accorded a status equivalent to linguistic meaning, through dispelling the realist assumptions that have impeded analytical development of visual management studies to date.


The paper focuses on the solution of the minimum loss reconfiguration problem of distribution networks, including embedded generation, by means of a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model. The proposed model takes into account typical operating constraints of distribution networks (radial configuration, branch ampacity limits and bus voltage requirements). The accuracy of the results and the computational performances of the proposed MILP model are evaluated by making reference to test networks already adopted in the literature for the problem of interest.


We couple the tasks of source separation and density estimation by extracting the local geometrical structure of distributions obtained from mixtures of statistically independent sources. Our modifications of the self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm results in purely digital learning rules which perform non-parametric histogram density estimation. The non-parametric nature of the separation allows for source separation of non-linear mixtures. An anisotropic coupling is introduced into our SOM with the role of aligning the network locally with the independent component contours. This approach provides an exact verification condition for source separation with no prior on the source distributions.


Synthetic image generation has recently experienced significant improvements in domains such as natural image or art generation. However, the problem of figure and diagram generation remains unexplored. A challenging aspect of generating figures and diagrams is effectively rendering readable texts within the images. To alleviate this problem, we present OCR-VQGAN, an image encoder, and decoder that leverages OCR pre-trained features to optimize a text perceptual loss, encouraging the architecture to preserve high-fidelity text and diagram structure. To explore our approach, we introduce the Paper2Fig100k dataset, with over 100k images of figures and texts from research papers. The figures show architecture diagrams and methodologies of articles available at arXiv.org from fields like artificial intelligence and computer vision. Figures usually include text and discrete objects, e.g., boxes in a diagram, with lines and arrows that connect them. We demonstrate the effectiveness of OCR-VQGAN by conducting several experiments on the task of figure reconstruction. Additionally, we explore the qualitative and quantitative impact of weighting different perceptual metrics in the overall loss function. We release code, models, and dataset at https://github.com/joanrod/ocr-vqgan.


The November 30, 1974, ML = 5.5 and November 16, 1983, ML = 6.6 earthquakes generated left-stepping, en echelon ground cracks within the Kaoiki seismic zone, on the southeast flank of Mauna Loa volcano, Hawaii. The general trend of the ruptures, N48°–55°E, parallels a nodal plane of the main shocks' focal mechanisms. The ruptures themselves consist of short, predominantly extension cracks, which are up to 20 m long and strike roughly E-W, 30°–50° clockwise from the overall trend of the zones. Some of the cracks are linked by secondary fractures and rubble breccia to form left-stepping crack arrays, which are themselves linked to form longer en echelon systems of ground rupture. Geologic maps and field observations indicate that these features emerge from an underlying strike-slip fault, and they form a "fracture-process zone" above its tip. The maximum displacement measured across cracks in the 1983 rupture zone is 0.5 m. Trilateration data, however, suggests that the overall shear displacement was about 1.5 m at depth. Elastic solutions indicate that a region of significant tensile stress can exist above buried strike-slip faults. We suggest that these stresses generated the extensional ground cracks and that shear displacements were transmitted to the Earth's surface by subsequent growth and linkage of these cracks into the observed arrays. We infer that the crack arrays accommodate increased displacement with depth and they merge downward into the "parent" strike-slip fault at an estimated 1–2 km depth, where strike-slip displacement was probably more or less continuous along the ∼7 km length of the rupture. In the Kaoiki region, only three major ground ruptures traverse a series of basaltic lava flows that date back 1500 years. This suggests that the recent ∼10-year periodicity of moderate-magnitude Kaoiki strike-slip events may not have extended far into the past. The tectonic significance of strike-slip faulting on Mauna Loa volcano remains enigmatic.


This article examines understandings of work within trade unions of street vendors in El Alto, Bolivia, and state employees in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The particular emphasis is on the distinction between formality and informality in both spheres, and the boundary between formal and informal is analyzed both as a way to organize the description of work (as employment) and as an object of union activism understood as a form of political work. The unions deal with that boundary differently in the two countries, and it is more salient for informants in Argentina than in Bolivia. Further, as an object of the political work of a trade union, it is also managed differently by each of the two Argentine pubic sector unions discussed here.


During the past five years we have tried to offer hemodialysis or transplantation or both to all patients who presented with chronic renal failure in our geographical region. Our initial estimates indicated that approximately 350 patients (175 per million population) yearly would progress into the terminal stages of their kidney disease in the intermountain region. Fortunately, from our more recent experience the number appears to be less than 150 cases (75 per million) per year. The patients were accepted according to their need for treatment, except to exclude those with malignancies, with severe disease in other organ systems than the kidney, and those of advanced age. Having the alternatives of hemodialysis or transplantation offered several advantages to the patients. Those who chose transplantation could fall back upon dialysis if their graft failed; those who developed peripheral neuropathy or other complications on dialysis could be shifted to transplantation. A vigorous program


Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) batteries are commonly used for applications that need medium current consumption in the range of about 0.5-3 A such as RC planes and RC cars. However, inefficient use and charging/discharging operation of Li-Po batteries can severely reduce their lifetime making the batteries unusable. Besides that, there is a need survey cost-effective methods to monitor the Li-Po battery in current application. An estimation of state-of-charge (SOC) is a practical indication of battery capacity which can be obtained from the linear range of the Li-Po battery discharge curves. In addition to the project, the chosen Li-Po battery have been tested on a 4WD Hercules Mobile Robotic Platform. As the mobile robot moves through its pre-programmed movement which is controlled using Bluetooth, voltage of the Li-Po battery is measured using analog input and the measurement is converted through analog-to-digital converter inside an Arduino Mega. Meanwhile, current drawn is measured by a current sensor module that connected in series with positive terminal of the battery and motor controller


High-iron feeding of rodents has been commonly used to model human iron-overload disorders. We recently noted that high-iron consumption impaired growth and caused severe systemic copper deficiency in growing rats, but the mechanism by which this occurred could not be determined due to technical limitations. In the current investigation, we thus utilized mice; first to determine if the same phenomenon occurred in another mammalian species, and secondly since we could assess in vivo copper absorption in mice. We hypothesized that excessive dietary iron impaired intestinal copper absorption. Weanling, male mice were thus fed AIN-93G-based diets containing high (HFe) (~8800 ppm) or adequate (AdFe) (~80 ppm) iron in combination with low (~0.9 ppm), adequate (~9 ppm) or high (~180 ppm) copper for several weeks. Iron and copper homeostasis was subsequently assessed. Mice consuming the HFe diets grew slower, were anemic, and had lower hepatic copper levels and serum ceruloplasmin activity. These physiologic perturbations were all prevented by higher dietary copper, demonstrating that copper depletion was the underlying cause. Furthermore, homeostatic regulation of copper absorption was noted in the mice consuming the AdFe diets, with absorption increasing as dietary copper decreased. HFe-fed mice did not have impaired copper absorption (disproving our hypothesis), but homeostatic control of absorption was disrupted. There were also noted perturbations in the tissue distribution of copper in the HFe-fed mice, suggesting that altered storage and thus bioavailability contributed to the noted copper deficiency. Dietary iron loading thus antagonizes copper homeostasis leading to pathological symptoms of severe copper depletion.


In a recent study, Sotiropoulos et al. (2001) studied numerically the chaotic particle paths in the interior of stationary vortex-breakdown bubbles that form in a closed cylindrical container with a rotating lid. Here we report the first experimental verification of these numerical findings along with new insights into the dynamics of vortex-breakdown bubbles. We visualize the Lagrangian transport within the bubbles using planar laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) and show that even though the flow fields are steady – from the Eulerian standpoint – the spatial distribution of the dye tracer varies continuously, and in a seemingly random manner, over very long observation intervals. This finding is consistent with the arbitrarily long šil'nikov transients of upstream-originating orbits documented numerically by Sotiropoulos et al. (2001). Sequences of instantaneous LIF images also show that the steady bubbles exchange fluid with the outer flow via random bursting events during which blobs of dye exit the bubble through the spiral-in saddle. We construct experimental Poincaré maps by time-averaging a sufficiently long sequence of instantaneous LIF images. Ergodic theory concepts (Mezić & Sotiropoulos 2002) can be used to formally show that the level sets of the resulting time-averaged light intensity field reveal the invariant sets (unmixed islands) of the flow. The experimental Poincaré maps are in good agreement with the numerical computations. We apply this method to visualize the dynamics in the interior of the vortex-breakdown bubble that forms in the wake of the first bubble for governing parameters in the steady, two-bubble regime. In striking contrast with the asymmetric image obtained for the first bubble, the time-averaged light intensity field for the second bubble is remarkably axisymmetric. Numerical computations confirm this finding and further reveal that the apparent axisymmetry of this bubble is due to the fact that orbits in its interior exhibit quasi-periodic dynamics. We argue that this stark contrast in dynamics should be attributed to differences in the swirl-to-axial velocity ratio in the vicinity of each bubble. By studying the bifurcations of a simple dynamical system, with manifold topology resembling that of a vortex-breakdown bubble, we show that sufficiently high swirl intensities can stabilize the chaotic orbits, leading to quasi-periodic dynamics.


Abstract Vertically propagating, compressible, internal gravity waves are shown to have a vertical Stokes drift which is proportional to the vertical wave energy flux. In regions of the atmosphere dominated by upward propagating waves, such as the summer mesosphere, this Stokes drift will be upward. For the Lagrangian mean parcel motion to be small, a downward mean Eulerian velocity must exist to largely oppose the upward Stokes drift. These. results may explain the downward mean Eulerian velocity observed at Poker Flat, Alaska in the summer mesosphere.


BACKGROUND
 Alcohol consumption, including binge drinking (BD) and heavy episodic drinking (HED), is one of the leading risk factors among Spanish adolescents leading to significant social, health, and economic consequences. Reduction of BD and HED in adolescents can be achieved using Web-based, computer-tailored (CT) interventions, providing highly personalized feedback that is adapted to a person's individual characteristics and needs. Randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of tailored BD reduction programs among Spanish adolescents are scarce.

 OBJECTIVE
 The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of the Web-based, CT intervention Alerta Alcohol, aimed at the prevention of BD in Spanish adolescents. As a secondary outcome, effects on HED, weekly consumption, and any consumption were also assessed. The adherence and process evaluation were assessed.

 METHODS
 A cluster randomized controlled trial conducted among 15 Spanish schools was developed. Each school was randomized into either an experimental condition (EC) (N=742) or a control condition (CC) (N=505). Finally, 351 participants for the EC and 261 for the CC were included in the analysis (N=612). Baseline assessment took place in January and February 2017. Demographic variables and alcohol use were assessed at baseline. Follow-up assessment of alcohol use took place 4 months later in May and June 2017. Participants were compared according to their randomization group (EC versus CC). After the baseline assessment, participants in the EC started the intervention, which consisted of short stories about BD, in which CT feedback was based on the I-Change Model for behavior change. Participants in the CC group only received the baseline questionnaire. Effects of the intervention were assessed using a three-level mixed logistic regression analysis for BD, HED, and any consumption, and a three-level mixed linear regression analysis for weekly consumption.

 RESULTS
 In total, 1247 adolescents participated in the baseline assessment and 612 participated in the follow-up assessment; the attrition rate was 50.92%. The intervention was effective in reducing HED among adolescents; the odds of HED in the CC was nine times that in the experimental condition (P=.04). No effects were found for BD, weekly consumption, and any consumption. Process evaluations revealed that the adolescents were satisfied with the program (68.8%), would use the program again (52.9%), and would recommend it to someone else (62.8%). Females and non-binge drinkers showed better responses in the process evaluation.

 CONCLUSIONS
 Our intervention was effective regarding HED but not regarding BD, weekly consumption, and any consumption. It may be that limiting alcohol consumption to prevent HED was easier in the Spanish context than it was to carry out further steps, such as reducing other patterns of alcohol consumption. Hence, additional actions are needed to accomplish these latter goals, including community approaches and policy actions aimed at denormalizing alcohol consumption among Spanish adolescents.

 CLINICALTRIAL
 ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03288896; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03288896

 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT
 RR2-10.1186/s12889-018-5346-4


Since 1981, 12 patients with epidural spinal cord compression from metastatic carcinoma have been treated surgically by a modified costotransversectomy approach for anterolateral decompression. Before surgery, all patients had received dexamethasone, and had deteriorated neurologically despite radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or steroid therapy. Postoperatively, nine patients (75%) improved neurologically and were ambulatory, two (17%) had no change in neurological status, and one patient was unchanged initially but deteriorated and died 8 weeks later. Anterolateral decompression by a modified costotransversectomy approach should be considered for management of ventrally located tumors or when posterior stabilization is considered a possible requirement following a proposed anterior decompression.


The allied health professions have gained legitimacy through the pursuit of research evidence and the standardisation of practice. Yet there remains very little analysis or understanding of these professions. Adopting theory from the sociology of health professions, this book explores the sociological, economic, political and philosophical pressures that have shaped the professions. Drawing on case studies and examples from occupations including optometrists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists to emerging vocations, including pedorthists and allied health assistants, the book offers an innovative comparison of allied health professions in Australia and Britain. By telling the story of their past, the book prepares the allied health professions for a new and different future.


Membrane-based
liquid filtration systems are key process engineering
platforms for the chemical industry, particularly for solvent intensive
processes. While they are used in a large scale for desalination,
in water treatment, and in the food industry, polymeric membranes
are mostly fabricated from solutions in organic solvents with concerning
toxicity. Herein, we report a green fabrication method using decanoic
acid as an alternative green solvent. The low vapor pressure, relative
to common organic solvents, reduces the toxicity and the harm to the
environment. The decanoic acid was used to dissolve trimesoyl chloride
and reacted with polyethylenimine in the aqueous solution via an interfacial
polymer reaction to produce a thin film composite membrane. The resultant
membrane had high permeances for water (∼52 L m–2 h–1 bar–1) and organic solvents
(16 to 124 L m–2 h–1 bar–1) and selectivity in the nanofiltration range. Therefore, our method
of membrane preparation can offer an excellent and green platform
for molecular separations for the chemical and biochemistry industry.


This paper reports on the experimental and theoretical characterization of RF microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches for high-power applications. First, we investigate the problem of self-actuation due to high RF power and we demonstrate switches that do not self-actuate or catastrophically fail with a measured RF power of up to 5.5 W. Second, the problem of switch stiction to the down state as a function of the applied RF power is also theoretically and experimentally studied. Finally, a novel switch design with a top electrode is introduced and its advantages related to RF power-handling capabilities are presented. By applying this technology, we demonstrate hot-switching measurements with a maximum power of 0.8 W. Our results, backed by theory and measurements, illustrate that careful design can significantly improve the power-handling capabilities of RF MEMS switches.


The arthritis of rheumatic fever in adults may mimic acute gonococcal arthritis. To further characterize this clinical picture the features of six patients presenting with the migratory polyarthritis of acute rheumatic fever have been analyzed. There were two men and four women, ranging in age from 18 to 43; in five the initial clinical impression was gonococcal arthritis. In all patients, however, the diagnosis of acute rheumatic fever was subsequently established. Characteristics of acute rheumatic fever not commonly described included tenosynovitis in all six and an erythematous rash in three. In three patients synovial fluid WBC exceeded 28,000/cu mm, with greater than 90% neutrophils. In five of the six, gonococcal arthritis was ruled out by appropriate studies and by failure to respond to antibiotics in all patients. The one patient with serum antigonococcal antibodies had gonococcal pharyngitis and acute rheumatic fever.


The 2013 American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) White Paper by O'Connell and colleagues introduced instructional approaches and resources for assessing health disparities and cultural competency training within the pharmacy curriculum. Instructional standards, such as the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards 2016, have been updated to state the importance of teaching "cultural awareness" and exposure to "diverse populations" within pharmacy curricula. There remains a gap in understanding how various programs should implement these concepts. To ensure that the knowledge students learn is meaningful, it is critical for approaches to HDCC education to be intentional, integrative, and comprehensive. Without this type of approach, students may lose key skills and be unable to deliver culturally responsive, patient-centered care upon graduation. In this theme issue, three papers will introduce areas for HDCC inclusion and explore how these topics are currently being covered in pharmacy education. Recommendations on best practices are provided.


Abstract
Whereas much of the renewed interest in Polanyi's Great Transform-ation speculates that the rebalancing of economy and society he foresaw might now be emerging in the context of the financial crisis, the systems theory perspective adopted in this article concludes that there are good reasons to believe that such a shift may be no closer. From an examination of credit default swaps and corporate bonds, the article suggests that finance may best be understood as an internally differentiated subsystem of the economy and thus perhaps peculiarly proof against efforts to exert control over it. Concluding that Polanyi's analysis lacks the conceptual tools to cope with contemporary conditions when compared to systems theory, the article nevertheless suggests that his approach may usefully be extended by adding a fourth fictitious commodity – risk – to the familiar trio of land, labor, and money.


A lively and engaging Starters title for beginner readers from author-illustrator Ed Boxall, with a friendly text and stylish two-colour illustrations. Mr Trim and Miss Jumble is part of Walker Starters, the wonderfully fun and friendly series for beginner readers. Mr Trim the teacher is very neat and tidy. And so are the children in his class ... until one day he doesn't come in, and Miss Jumble has fun un-tidying them all! This is a charming and uplifting story told through a range of writing styles, including hand-lettered labels and speech bubbles. The illustrations, which appear on every page, are lively and stylish, and play an active part in helping children understand the text.


Tuberculosis is a disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pulmonary localization is the most frequent. However, pericardial including extra- pulmonary disease, can cause fatal complications. A  37 years old man , without  pathological history , who consults for emergency mid-thoracic pain associated with dyspnea, preceded by 10 days before a febrile syndrome with night sweats. Clinical examination showed patient in poor general condition, dyspneic and tachycardia. Cardiovascular examination showed spontaneous jugular veins and painful hepatomegaly, auscultation showed muted heart sounds without pericardial friction and breathless. Chest radiography showed cardiomegaly with symmetric edge straightness, electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia at 125bpm, microvoltage and electric alternating QRS complexes. A diffuse ST elevation ascending .Diagnosis of tamponade is suspected, transthoracic echocardiography showed  abundance circumferential pericardial effusion measuring 40mm, with prolonged collapse of the right atrium and right ventricle , paradoxical septum , and significant changes in the flow inspiration. Pericardiocentesis ultrasound-guided has allowed a gradual evacuation of 2 liters of a cloudy yellow pericardial fluid, slightly viscous. Direct examination revealed the presence of 14 400 white cells, 99 % are neutrophils with gram-negative bacilli. Research bacillus by PCR and culture in the middle of LOWENSTEIN, later returned negative. Biologically, it is an important infectious syndrome. Taking into account the epidemiological profile of the country, diagnosis tuberculous primary infection tamponade was certain. quadruple anti- tuberculous treatment associated to corticosteroid therapy is instituted, The outcome was good, the patient was asymptomatic, with complete remission, echocardiography control finds no signs suggesting chronic constrictive pericarditis.


The choice of geometrical shape of the blades has a considerable effect on aerodynamic performance and flow characteristics in axial compressors. In this paper, the effects of the blades shape on the aerodynamic design characteristics are investigated based on Streamline Curvature Method (SCM). Initially, the Streamline Curvature Method (SCM) is used for designing a two-stage axial compressor. Comparing the current results with experimental ones indicates good agreement. The first stage of the axial compressor is selected with three different blade profiles. The first case (case I) has the polynomial camber with naca thickness distribution series 6. The second case (case II) has the standard naca profile series 6 and the third case (case III) has the modified standard naca profile series 4. Results reveal that using the standard airfoils in the stators leads to improved flow conditions such as loss coefficient and pressure ratio. On the contrary, this profile selection may cause an increase in the stagger angle that is not favorable. Aerodynamic Design with a polynomial camber line in the rotor demonstrates a better aerodynamic behavior in loss coefficient, pressure ratio and diffusion factor. Whilst the use of such a camber line in the stator leads to the formation of less favorable aerodynamics conditions in comparison to the standard airfoil.


OBJECTIVE To study autoantibodies to oxidized and glycated LDL in IDDM patients with and without diabetic nephropathy and in nephropathy-related macroangiopathy RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The study included 101 IDDM patients with a long duration of diabetes and 54 healthy subjects. Patients were divided into two groups according to their median urinary albumin excretion rate (AER); the normoalbuminuric group had AER <20 μg/min and the albuminuric group >200 μg/min. The groups were matched for age and BMI, and the two diabetic groups were matched for duration of diabetes and glycemic control. Antibodies against oxidized LDL (using malondialdehyde-modified LDL as the antigen) and against glycated LDL were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The mean antibody levels against glycated LDL were higher in IDDM patients (0.305 ± 0.399) than in healthy subjects (0.166 ± 0.22 optical density [OD]; P = 0.019), but levels did not differ significantly between normoalbuminuric and albuminuric IDDM patients (0.258 ± 0.354 vs. 0.388 ± 0.459, respectively). Among the three groups, antibody levels to oxidized LDL did not differ. IDDM patients showed an inverse correlation between antibodies to oxidized LDL and HbA1 (r = −0.211, P = 0.04). The antibody levels to glycated and oxidized LDL did not differ among albuminuric IDDM patients with or without clinical macroangiopathy. CONCLUSIONS Antibodies to glycated and oxidized LDL do not seem to associate with diabetic nephropathy or nephropathy-related macroangiopathy.


Various allegations towards the poverty problems are due to the issue of cultural, consumption behavior, social dynamics, and policy support. This study deals with the pattern of communities spending behavior through modeling the allocation of house-hold expenditure using secondary data published by Indonesian Central Bureau of Statistic (BPS) and offers models of household expenditure allocation appropriate and proportional. Allocation model of household expenditure is expected to be one step in formulating policies related to alleviate poverty. Time series analysis was used through modeling, econometric modeling and exposure effects going from the various patterns portrayed in the 2000-2008 period. By using National Economic Survey data (SU-SENAS) period 2000-2008, the study found that the differences in geological structure affect their livelihoods and consumption patterns, such as mountains, valleys, beaches, flood plains, lakes, and so on. The allocation of income of poor households tends to appear dominant in some categories of consumption related to housing and household facilities, various goods and services, clothes, and rice. However, other consumption categories tend not to be a priority for the consumption of poor households. Almost all categories of movement patterns of consumption have almost the same, still increasing from 2000 - 2006, except in 2005 which increased exceeding anomaly in 2006.


The world women's health analytical market is estimated to reach USD 36.64 Billion by 2021 from USD 25.03 Billion in 2016, at a CAGR of around 7.9% during the forecast period. Factors such as growing awareness about various health-related disorders among women, rising incidence of various chronic and lifestyle disorders in women, and high prevalence of infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis in women across the world are operating the growth of the market. Moreover, the increasing adoption of point-of-care diagnostic testing and the increasing number of diagnostic and imaging centers are also expected to play a major role in market growth. However, scarcity of skilled laboratory technicians and expensive diagnostics devices, tests, and procedures are hindering the growth of women health diagnostics market.


A systematic methodology for placement and integration of wide-area measurements in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) damping modulation is developed for large-scale AC/DC power system. A concept observed centre of inertia (OCOI) of power grid is described. For an interconnected AC/DC power network, the frequency difference between the OCOI of the sub-grids can be used as the input signal for HVDC modulation control when the DC link connects two regional power grids. This input contains more useful information of the interarea oscillation modes than the conventionally used signals. In addition, it takes into account the realistic situation of a large-scale power grid. Simulation results for the wide-area control based on the China Southern Power Grid data justify the feasibility and advantage of the phasor measurement unit application in HVDC modulation and power system stability control.


The crystallography of recrystallization nucleation has been investigated in channel-die deformed pure aluminium bicrystals with {100}<011>/{110}<001> and {100}<001>/{110}<001> orientations. The new grain orientations and misorientations were followed by systematic local orientation measurements using SEM and semi-automatic measurements in a TEM. In particular, orientation mapping combined with in-situ sample heating was used to investigate the formation and growth of new grains and their crystallographic orientation changes at very early stages of recrystallization. Grain boundary migration and 'consumption' of the as-deformed areas was always favoured along directions parallel to the traces of the {111} slip planes that had been most active during deformation. The orientations of the first formed nuclei were misoriented with respect to the orientations identified within the neighbouring deformed areas by α(<111>, <112>, or <100>)relations.


A computational model of dendritic growth based on the CALPHAD thermodynamic model was developed in this study. The dendrite growth was simulated using cellular automata (CA) with the equilibrium conditions in interfacial cells. The developed novel model (CA-CALPHAD) overcomes the current limitation of the published CA models, in which linearized phase diagrams are used, and allows for the investigation of some practical alloys such as stainless steels. To reduce the computational time, the study proposes a specific data structure to store the thermodynamic information and an efficient interpolation scheme to retrieve the information during the simulation. The model takes into account the curvature effect of the evolving solid/liquid (S/L) interface by incorporating the capillarity undercooling into the thermodynamic information during the simulation. The finite volume (FV) numerical scheme was used to solve the mass and heat diffusion equations. The developed CA-CALPHAD model can be used to investigate the free growth, constrained growth, and competitive growth of dendrites in response to different solidification parameters. The results of modeling include the dendrite morphology, dendrite size, solute segregation in the dendrite, dendrite growth rate, dendrite tip radius, and the spacing between primary and secondary dendritic arms. Finally, a procedure of linking the developed CA-CALPHAD model to a computational welding mechanics tool (CWM) was developed producing a holistic multiphysics model (CWM-CA-CALPHAD). Therefore, the model can be used to predict the microstructure of a weld in response to realistic welding parameters and weld joints design.


The benefits of applying the vibration analysis program are well known and have been so for decades. A large number of contributions have been produced discussing new diagnostic, signal treatment, technical parameter analysis, and prognosis techniques. However, to obtain the expected benefits from a vibration analysis program, it is necessary to choose the instrumentation which guarantees the best results. Despite its importance, in the literature, there are no models to assist in taking this decision. This research describes an objective model using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) to make a choice of the most suitable technology among portable vibration analysers. The aim is to create an easy-to-use model for processing, manufacturing, services, and research organizations, to guarantee adequate decision-making in the choice of vibration analysis technology. The model described recognises that judgements are often based on ambiguous, imprecise, or inadequate information that cannot provide precise values. The model incorporates judgements from several decision-makers who are experts in the field of vibration analysis, maintenance, and electronic devices. The model has been applied to a Health Care Organization.


Research of energy efficiency for biodiesel production process by combining two orifices on  hydrodynamic cavitation reactor had been carried out. The aim of this reseach was to studied effect of the number of orifices toward increasing temperature without using external energy source to produce biodiesel that generated by cavitation effects on orifices. The results of preliminary research showed by combining two orifices arranged in series can produce the highest thermal energy reached 48 o C. Result of biodiesel production showed that yield of the highest biodiesel was 96.34% using molar ratio a methanol:oil with comparison 6:1, KOH as catalyst (1%) for 50 minutes processing time. For biodiesel quality testing showed all selected parameter met the requirements of the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 04-7182:2006. Identification of biodiesel compound using GCMS showed the biodiesel compounds consisted of methyl oleate, methyl palmitate, acid linoleid, methyl stearate, palmitic acid and oleic acid with the total contents 98.39%.


The Arabidopsis ankyrin-repeat containing protein 2A (AKR2A) was shown to be an essential molecular chaperone for the peroxisomal membrane-bound ascorbate peroxidase 3 (APX3), because the biogenesis of APX3 depends on the function of AKR2A in plant cells. AKR2A binds specifically to a sequence in APX3 that is made up of a transmembrane domain followed by a few positively charged amino acid residues; this sequence is named as AKR2A-binding sequence or ABS. Interestingly, a sequence in the chloroplast outer envelope protein 7 (OEP7) shares similar features to ABS and is able to bind specifically to AKR2A, suggesting a possibility that proteins with a sequence similar to ABS could bind to AKR2A and they are all likely ligand proteins of AKR2A. This hypothesis was supported by analyzing 5 additional proteins that contain sequences similar to ABS using the yeast two-hybrid technique. A preliminary survey in the Arabidopsis genome indicates that there are at least 500 genes encoding proteins that contain sequences similar to ABS, which raises interesting questions: are these proteins AKR2A's ligand proteins and does AKR2A play a critical role in the biogenesis of these proteins in plants?


This paper presents novel analytic expressions for the Rice $Ie{-}$function, $Ie(k,x)$, and the incomplete Lipschitz-Hankel Integrals (ILHIs) of the modified Bessel function of the first kind, $Ie_{m,n}(a,z)$. Firstly, an exact infinite series and an accurate polynomial approximation are derived for the $Ie(k ,x)$ function which are valid for all values of $k$. Secondly, an exact closed-form expression is derived for the $Ie_{m,n}(a,z)$ integrals for the case that $n$ is an odd multiple of $1/2$ and subsequently an infinite series and a tight polynomial approximation which are valid for all values of $m$ and $n$. Analytic upper bounds are also derived for the corresponding truncation errors of the derived series'. Importantly, these bounds are expressed in closed-form and are particularly tight while they straightforwardly indicate that a remarkable accuracy is obtained by truncating each series after a small number of terms. Furthermore, the offered expressions have a convenient algebraic representation which renders them easy to handle both analytically and numerically. As a result, they can be considered as useful mathematical tools that can be efficiently utilized in applications related to the analytical performance evaluation of classical and modern digital communication systems over fading environments, among others.