SAR Tomography is the extension of the conventional interferometric radar signal processing, extended in the height dimension. In order to improve the vertical resolution with respect to the classical Fourier methods, high resolution approaches, based on the Convex Optimization (CVX), has been implemented. This methods recast in the Compressed Sensing (CS) framework that optimize tomographic smooth profiles via atomic decomposition, in order to obtain sparsity. The optimum solution has been estimated by Interior Point Methods (IPM). The problem for such kind of signal processing is that the tomographic phase information may be suppressed and only the optimized energy information is available. In this paper we propose a method in order to estimate an optimized spectra and phase information projecting each vector components of each tomographic resolution cell spanned in the real and the imaginary component. The tomographic solutions has been performed by processing multi-baseline SAR datasets, in a full polarimetric mode, acquired by a portable small Continuous Wave (CW) radar in the X band.


The socio-economic development of countries and regions in the present and especially in the future will increasingly be determined by the prevalence of financial technologies (mobile banking, fast payment systems, personalized financing, insurance, investment, etc.). The benefits of fintech in the form of increased business activity, economic growth and welfare in general are realized to a greater extent in megacities and in countries with a high standard of living. The problems of developing countries and remote and sparsely populated regions are the low penetration of financial technologies and the growing digital divide. The consideration of fintech development factors showed the predominantly macroeconomic and political nature of the factors of direct impact on the process of spreading innovations in the financial sector. A comparative analysis of median incomes and the share of the population below the poverty line in Russia, a macroregion and a separate region showed their direct and inverse relationship with the level of penetration of financial technologies. Measures are proposed to increase incomes by paying an unconditional basic income to the population of remote villages and ensuring the availability of financial services to the population and businesses in regions with a low level of their development through state subsidies to mobile operators.


We prove that the 1 Laplacian equation - \Delta_1 u = f in an open set of R^N cannot have a solution in the Sobolev space W_0^{1, 1} for any datum in L^N


This paper studies the realization of irreducible unitary representations of $GL_2(R)$ and $GL_2(C)$ by Bargmann's classification[1]. Since the representations of general matrix groups can be obtained by the extensions of characters of a special linear group, we shall follow to a large extent the pattern of the results in [5], [6], and [8]. This article is divided into two sections. In the first section we describe the realization of principal series and discrete series and complementary series of $GL_2(R)$. The last section is devoted to the derivation of principal series and complementary series of $GL_2(C).


A genuine High Active Raffinate (HAR) was produced from small scale PUREX reprocessing of a UO{sub 2} spent fuel solution as feed for a subsequent TODGA/TBP process. In this process, efficient recovery of the trivalent Minor Actinides (MA) actinides could be demonstrated using a hot cell set-up of 32 centrifugal contactor stages. The feed decontamination factors obtained for Am and Cm were in the range of 4 x 10{sup 4} which corresponds to a recovery of more than 99.99 % in the product fraction. Trivalent lanthanides and Y were co-extracted, otherwise only a small part of the Ru ended up in the product. The collected actinide/lanthanide fraction can be used as feed for a SANEX (separation actinides from lanthanides) with some modification of the acidity depending on the extracting molecule. (authors)


The mineralization type of Shaungqishan gold deposit has been divided into quartz vein and alteration type. According to hydrocarbons and gold content of rock and ore of various mineralization types, geological bodies on different mining levels it is considered that the gold mineralization is closely associated with hydrocarban compositions showing an inverse ratio in content. Therefore, the lower value anomaly of hydrocarbons can be used as a gechemical index for prospecting evaluation of the deposit.


Methods of optimization were proposed for analyzing the properties of UWB indoor multipath channels,and a mathematical model for UWB channel modeling was discussed.Assumptions of stochastic bridge process and probabilistic choice were adopted.A UWB channel impulse response based on bounded Brownian bridge model (BBBM) was constructed.The judgments of effective random paths,and modeling algorithms based on the methods of optimization were presented.The results of simulation for UWB channels demonstrated that the BBBM could obtain the similar properties to the ones of experiments and UTD methods,some characteristic parameters corresponded well with the experimental values.


Right-sided infective endocarditis (RSIE) can be classified into three epidemiological groups: intravenous drug users (IDUs), intravascular device carriers, and the 'three noes' group (no left-sided, no device, no IDUs). RSIE represents 5–10% of all infective endocarditis episodes in adults. The most common clinical manifestations of RSIE are fever and respiratory symptoms. The microbiological profile is dominated by Staphylococcus species, especially methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. The modified Duke criteria should be used for the diagnosis of this entity, although their sensitivity and specificity are lower than in left-sided infective endocarditis. Regarding imaging in RSIE, the diagnostic yield of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) is comparable with transoesophageal echocardiography, so TTE should be the initial imaging technique when RSIE is clinically suspected. The empirical antibiotic treatment should include antibiotics against staphylococci, such as vancomycin or daptomycin in combination with gentamicin and then adapted to the antibiogram. In non-complicated episodes of isolated tricuspid endocarditis caused by methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, a 2-week regimen with cloxacillin can be safely used. In other cases, a standard 4–6 weeks is mandatory. Careful selection of patients for surgery is needed and surgery is only indicated in cases of microorganisms difficult to eradicate, or bacteraemia for more than 7 days despite adequate antimicrobial therapy, persistent tricuspid valve vegetations larger than 20 mm after recurrent pulmonary emboli with or without concomitant right heart failure, or right heart failure secondary to severe tricuspid regurgitation with poor response to diuretic therapy. Mortality of RSIE in IDUs is about 7%.


This paper presents a prototype of a smart home control system operated through motion matching input. In motion matching, targets move continuously in a singular and pre-defined path; users interact with these targets by tracking their movement for a short period of time. Our prototype captures user input through the motion sensors embedded in off-the-shelf smartwatches while users track the moving targets with their arms and hands. The wearable nature of the tracking system makes our prototype ideal for interaction with numerous devices in a smart home.


The invention relates to a lubricant composition comprising a major amount of an oil of lubricating viscosity and a quantity lesser of (A) a metal salt deposited on BORADA OR PLACED ON sulphite or SULFATE COMPOUND ORGANIC ACIDIC, wherein the composition LUBE contains less than 1.5% by weight of a FREE dispersant ASH is the product of reaction of a succinic anhydride substituted polyisobutene and a polyamine, and provided that when (A) is a metal salt deposited on BORADA OR PLACED ON SULFATE then the composition lubricant comprises (B) at least one PHOSPHOROUS ANTIWEAR AGENT PRESSURE / EXTREME bORON, OR (C) a sulfur compound. The invention also comprises GREASE AND FUNCTIONAL FLUIDS CONTAINING METAL SALTS SOBREBASADA sulphate or sulphite. These compositions have antiwear, and extreme ENHANCED PRESSURE solder.


Of the world's 5 billion plus population, 80% live in intermediate or low–income countries. Is it possible for these countries to become technologically self–sufficient, and eventually to become technology donors? The answer, says the author, is technology transfer based on the development of true value–added processes. Appropriately applied, such processes become vehicles for the technological and industrial transformation or entire economies. Indonesia is taken as a case in point.


Aim: To determine the serum testosterone levels in the type 2 diabetes mellitus and its correlation with biochemical parameters of glycemic and lipid metabolism.
Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Biochemistry and Department of Medicine, A cross sectional study was conducted at the Department of Biochemistry, Diabetic outpatient department and Department of Medicine, Liaquat University Hospital. Male type 2 diabetics (n=100) and age matched male (n=100) were included as cases and control for study purpose. Diagnosed cases of type 2 DM, male gender and 40 – 60 years of age were included in the study protocol. Physical examination of male type 2 diabetics was performed by a consultant physician. Sera were separated from blood and stored in refrigerators at – 200C. Blood glucose, A1C, and blood lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDLc and HDLc) were detected by standard laboratory methods. Serum testosterone was measured by ELISA (competitive immuno- assay) assay commercial kit. Data was entered in Statistical software SPSS 21.0 version (IBM, Incorp, USA) for statistical analysis (P≤0.05).
Results: Mean±SD age of male type 2 diabetics was 53.2 ± 11.1 years compared to 54.5±10.4 years in control (P=0.056). Serum Testosterone in cases was 10.85±4.7 mmol/L compared to 13.39±3.8mmol/L in control (P=0.0001). Low testosterone level was noted in 46% male.Serum Testosterone shows inverse correlation with RBG (r= -0.31, P=0.003), A1C (r= -0.23, P=0.014), Cholesterol (r= -0.24, P=0.014), TAGs (r= --0.78, P=0.0001) and HDLc(r= -0.70, P=0.0001). Serum testosterone proved positively correlated with LDLc(r= 0.670, P=0.0001).
Conclusion: The present study finds low serum testosterone in male type 2 diabetes mellitus patients


Background : Ovarian tumor is a common type of gynecological neoplasm and accounts for 15-25% of all gynecological malignancies. It is associated with high mortality and an accurate histological diagnosis is essential for management of patient. Objective : The study was performed to find out the morphological pattern, nature and age distribution of ovarian tumour in our hospital. Material and methods : It was a prospective study,conducted in the Department of Histopathology and Cytopathology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka for a period of two years from Jan 2014 to Dec 2015. This study included 186 cases of ovarian tumors sent in the Department of Pathology for histopathological evaluation. Non-neoplastic lesions and tumour-like conditions were excluded from the study. Histological diagnosis, age and laterality of ovary were recorded. Morphological pattern, nature and age distribution of ovarian neoplasms were calculated. Result : 84.95% cases of ovarian tumour were benign, 1.61% cases were borderline and 13.44% cases were malignant. ORIGINAL ARTICLES Surface epithelial tumour was the commonest type of tumour (61.83%), according to the histogenesis , followed by germ cell tumour. Benign serous tumour was the most common type of benign tumor (37.98% cases), followed by mature cystic teratoma (33.55% cases). Serous cystadenocarcinoma was the most common type of malignant tumour (36.0%), followed by endometrioid carcinoma (28.0%). Benign tumours were more frequent in all age group. The incidence of malignant ovarian tumour increased with age and was most frequent in >50 years age group. Benign tumours were commonly cystic, whereas malignant tumours were commonly solid and cystic. 11.23% cases of ovarian tumours were bilateral. Conclusion : Benign ovarian neoplasms were more common than malignant ones and benign serous tumour was the commonest type of benign neoplasm whereas serous cystdenocarcinoma was the commonest type of malignant neoplasm. The pattern and age distribution of ovarian tumour of our study were quite similar with other studies with some variation. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2018; 36(1): 5-10


Make provision for collaboration between the emergency services; to make provision about the handling of police complaints and other matters relating to police conduct and to make further provision about the Independent Police Complaints Commission; to make provision for super-complaints about policing; to make provision for the investigation of concerns about policing raised by whistle-blowers; to make provision about police discipline; to make provision about police inspection; to make provision about the powers of police civilian staff and police volunteers; to remove the powers of the police to appoint traffic wardens; to enable provision to be made to alter police ranks; to make provision about the Police Federation; to make provision in connection with the replacement of the Association of Chief Police Officers with the National Police Chiefs' Council; to make provision about the system for bail after arrest but before charge; to make provision to enable greater use of modern technology at police stations; to make other amendments to the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984; to amend the powers of the police under the Mental Health Act 1983; to extend the powers of the police in relation to maritime enforcement; to make provision about deputy police and crime commissioners; to make provision to enable changes to the names of police areas; to make provision about the regulation of firearms; to make provision about the licensing of alcohol; to make provision about the implementation and enforcement of financial sanctions; to amend the Police Act 1996 to make further provision about police collaboration; to make provision about the powers of the National Crime Agency; to make provision for requiring arrested persons to provide details of nationality; to make provision for requiring defendants in criminal proceedings to provide details of nationality and other information; to make provision to combat the sexual exploitation of children; and for connected purposes.


There are many scientific papers related to ICT integration into teaching. However, authors of this contribution consider the actually used educational technology and software to be only modifications of general IT solutions. In practice, this results in such a paradox that teachers and students use operational systems or office packages instead of having a tailor made software at their disposal. In other words, in the Engineering education, there is an absence of approaches that would be based on understanding of the teaching process as a knowledge based one. Authors bring such an approach by a systemic development of a personal educational software BIKEE and a supportive IT infrastructure (as was also presented by them within the previous WEEF conference). In this context, this contribution explains certain aspects of solving the research on Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) within the STEM education both from pedagogical (didactic) and informatics point of view. These aspects relate first of all to the personal development of IT support of teachers. Thus, for this purpose an educational technology was designed (Svetsky) while teaching bachelors student STEM-courses of study. As regards the "originality" of the presented approach, basically three interdisciplinary methodologies were combined to model and implement the CSCL into teaching. To the best of authors' knowledge, it seems to be the first attempt to systematically analyze the synergy of didactics and informatics algorithms when solving the complex CSCL integration within the STEM education.


Upgrades for steam turbines performed by Siemens AG can bring about a comprehensive increase in the efficiency and output of power plants. The development of numerical calculation programs and high-performance computer systems has made it possible to mathematically simulate the most complex aspects of three-dimensional flow. The knowledge gained by these simulations made it reasonable to implement further advances, made in the past several decades for new power plants, to older steam turbines, especially for bladings as well as for turbine inlet and exhaust casings. These improvements will be done with the aid of equally advanced manufacturing and assembling processes.


This study was performed to investigate the anxiolytic-like effects Panax ginseng in mice using the elevated plus-maze model. Furthermore, the anxiolytic-like effects of Panax ginseng were compared to a known active anxiolytic drug, diazepam. Ginseng total saponin (GTS, 100 mg/kg) from red ginseng (RG), sun ginseng (SG) total extract (50 mg/kg), butanol fraction of SG(25 and 50 mg/kg) and ginsenosides ( and Rk mixture) significantly increased the number of open arm entries and the time spent on the open arm, compared with that of control. However, Red ginseng (RG) total extract (l00 mg/kg), GTS (25, 50 mg/kg), SG total extract (25 mg/kg) and ginsenosides () did not increase the number of open arm entries and the time spent on the open arm. On the other hand, butanol fraction of RG (l00 mg/kg), total extract of SG (50 mg/kg), butanol fraction of SG (50 mg/kg), ginsenosides ( and Rk mixture) decreased the locomotor activity, in a similar fashion to diazepam. These data support that ginseng has the anxiolytic-like effects and the anxiolytic potential of SG was stronger than that of RG. Ginsenosides and Rk mixture play important role on the anxiolytic-like effects of Panax ginseng. We provide evidence that ginseng and some ginsenosides may be useful for the treatment of anxiety.


This paper focuses on the interference of ozone in conventional analytic methods and in the determination of hydrogen peroxide and to discuss the results of tests carried out using the DPD (N, N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) method to determine dissolved residual ozone. The interference of ozone in the determination of hydrogen peroxide for DMP (2.9-dimethyl-1.10-phenanthroline) and titanium oxalate was verified making tests with distilled and deionized water. The results showed that the DMP method detected the presence of ozone, while the titanium oxalate method did not. It was verified that the DPD method is not suitable for determining ozone due to its low precision and accuracy and the great instability of the DPD reagent prepared according to Standard Methods. Therefore, the titanium oxalate method showed to be adequate to determine the residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the presence of ozone and the use of the DPD method is not recommended for determining dissolved residual ozone. The ozone interferes in con- ventional analytic methods, such as: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), decreasing BOD and increasing COD values. These interferences can be minimized destroying the residual dissolved ozone before the analyses take place. ABSTRACT This paper focuses on the interference of ozone in conventional analytic methods and in the determination of hydrogen peroxide and to discuss the results of tests carried out using the DPD (N, N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine) method to determine dissolved residual ozone. The interference of ozone in the determination of hydrogen peroxide for DMP (2.9-dimethyl-1.10-phenanthroline) and titanium oxalate was verified making tests with distilled and deionized water. The results showed that the DMP method detected the presence of ozone, while the titanium oxalate method did not. It was verified that the DPD method is not suitable for determining ozone due to its low precision and accuracy and the great instability of the DPD reagent prepared according to Standard Methods. Therefore, the titanium oxalate method showed to be adequate to determine the residual hydrogen peroxide concentration in the presence of ozone and the use of the DPD method is not recommended for determining dissolved residual ozone. The ozone interferes in con- ventional analytic methods, such as: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), decreasing BOD and increasing COD values. These interferences can be minimized destroying the residual dissolved ozone before the analyses take place.


Purpose – The main purpose of this paper is to investigate two key elements of localization and mapping of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV), i.e. to overview various sensors and algorithms used for underwater localization and mapping, and to make suggestions for future research.Design/methodology/approach – The authors first review various sensors and algorithms used for AUVs in the terms of basic working principle, characters, their advantages and disadvantages. The statistical analysis is carried out by studying 35 AUV platforms according to the application circumstances of sensors and algorithms.Findings – As real‐world applications have different requirements and specifications, it is necessary to select the most appropriate one by balancing various factors such as accuracy, cost, size, etc. Although highly accurate localization and mapping in an underwater environment is very difficult, more and more accurate and robust navigation solutions will be achieved with the development of both sensors and...


Bio-oil derived from biomass fast pyrolysis and biodiesel are all clean and renewable energy, which have been paid more and more attention by relevant researchers. The technology of biomass pyrolysis oil's refining and producing second generation biodiesel by hydrotreating process are developed rapidly. This article presents the new research progress in the bio-oil hydrotreating refining for fuel.


An experimental and modeling approach was developed in this research to investigate the effects of CO2 , new synthesized CaO and commercial SiO2 nanoparticle concentrations on the Asphaltene Precipitation Envelope (APE). First, the effects of different temperatures and CO2 concentrations on asphaltene precipitation trends were observed. Second, the impact of CaO and SiO2 nanoparticle concentrations on asphaltene precipitation were observed in the presence of CO2 at different temperatures. Third, Advanced Redlich-Kwong-Soave (RKSA) equation of state (EOS) was considered to modify Multiflash (Infochem Co. ) software from the aspect of entering physical characteristics of CaO and SiO2 nanoparticles as pseudo components. Fourth, the developed model was used for predicting the effects of CO2 , CaO and SiO2 concentrations on APE in ranges that no experimental data existed. At constant CO2 concentration and temperature during natural depletion, asphaltene precipitation increased above saturation pressure, while below saturation pressure, asphaltene precipitation decreased (solution gas evolved from crude oil and made it richer). As temperature increased at constant CO2 concentration, asphaltene precipitation decreased, while it was observed that the saturation pressures increased. Although two different trends were observed in upper asphaltene onsets at different temperatures and CO2 concentrations, in wide ranges of data, as temperature increased, asphaltene upper onset pressure increased. CaO and SiO2 nanoparticles decreased asphaltene precipitations in the presence of CO2 , but CaO had better applications for reducing asphaltene precipitation. The proposed Software/RKSA EOS model was in good agreement with the obtained experimental data, and it was applicable for predicting the effects of CO2 , CaO and SiO2 nanoparticles concentration on APE.


Excerpt Congenital hemolytic jaundice presents several phases that deservedly attract wide interest. To the student of genetics there is offered a disease inherited as a true dominant character in ...


The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display and a method of manufacturing the same. A high-definition transflective and reflective liquid crystal displays are produced with high production efficiency. A liquid crystal display has a first substrate and a second substrate disposed so as to hold liquid crystals, a first electrode and a second electrode formed on the first substrate andapplying a voltage for controlling the orientation of the liquid crystals, a transistor having an electrode electrically connected to the first electrode, a metal layer having a projection, a recess,or an opening formed on or in the first substrate, and a reflective layer formed on the metal layer of the first substrate and reflecting incident light toward a display surface. The metal layer is formed of the same material as the gate electrode of the transistor. The reflective layer has a projection, a recess, or a step formed correspnding to the projection, the recess, or the opening of the metal layer.


Protein concentration can vary over several orders of magnitude in many physiological, pathological, and biotechnological processes. Studies of these processes require affinity analysis of proteins with a wide dynamic range of accurately measured concentrations. The wide dynamic range can be achieved with multiple affinity probes that bind the target with significantly different equilibrium constants (Kd). Every probe in such a multi-probe affinity analysis is responsible for detection of the target in a range of concentrations around its Kd value. A multi-probe affinity analysis of proteins has not become practical so far due to the lack of generic affinity probes with a wide range of Kd and high selectivity. Kinetic capillary electrophoresis (KCE) has been recently proven to generate smart DNA aptamers with a wide range of predefined values of Kd and high selectivity. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, that such aptamers can facilitate multi-probe affinity analysis of a protein with an ultra-wide...


Social media is one of the keys to helping people with disabilities integrate into society. It can empower people with disabilities so that they can participate in social activities like normal people. This article interviewed special groups with cerebral palsy and leg and foot disabilities in the community and on social media platforms. Based on the analysis of interviews, people with disabilities use the communication function of social media to chat with familiar people and other functions for entertainment. Social media has no barriers and restrictions, which can be better integrated into social life for people with disabilities. At the same time, the convenience of social media helps people with disabilities solve difficulties in social life and meet their use and needs. In addition, in view of a series of problems such as the use of the Internet by persons with disabilities exposed some complex functions and the lack of exclusive websites for persons with disabilities, this paper provides some improvements for the future use of the Internet by persons with disabilities.


According to the electrical network stability, this study was interested in Micro-Grid (MG) which can be operate in grid-connected mode and standalone mode. The MG is composed by wind generator and battery/Supercapacitor hybrid storage system and is related with RL load. The purpose of this work is to investigate a decentralized control based on Fuzzy Droop Control (FDC) method. The objective of this control is to improve simultaneous the grid frequency and voltage and make them in optimum margins by export on import active and reactive powers exchanged with grid assuring its stability. The robustness of the proposed FDC is validated by its effect on the grid frequency and voltage variations after regulation compared with the performance of conventional droop control. According to the simulation results, it is remarkable that the levels of the voltage and frequency of the grid are well minimized and become in optimum zones.


Over the years, numerous investigations have established the gerotor fundamentals. This work aims to provide a complete review of the literature from the last decade, focusing on the articles published in the past five years on gerotor technology in hydraulic machines. The report gives a catalogue of guidelines based on the trochoidal-envelope definition, a background analysis, the worldwide distribution of articles in each continent and country and the most frequently used keywords in the field. The paper identifies state-of-the-art research, and reports on current mainstream ideas. From the historical background, this literature review reports the current approaches in gerotor pumps (geometry and performance approaches, modeling and numerical simulations), orbital motors and new concepts. The report will serve as a guide and a directory for novel engineers working with gerotor technology in hydraulic machines. Another intention of this paper is to disseminate the works of the researchers who use this technology around the world, and to provide a scenario for future international collaboration. The paper gives an account of the disparity between academia and engineering applications. There is currently very little published literature on design and production methodologies for gerotor pumps and orbital motors. Hence, the future goal is to collect recommendations that combine academia and industry expertise to make better use of these extensive studies in the field.


Local supersymmetry enhancement (LSE) is a formalism intended to identify information needed to describe microstates of supersymmetric black holes that are realised as brane systems. After illustrating the relationship between LSE and black-hole microstates with the F1-P system, we review two possible strategies to apply the LSE mechanism to get microstates of three-charge black holes. While the former leads to microstates that break the spherical symmetry of the horizon, microstates built from the latter preserve it, and are numerous enough to account for (at least) a finite fraction of the M2-M5-P black-hole entropy.


The present invention, (i) sulfur (S), or selenium (Se), or sulfur (S) and selenium (Se) 1 or more group VI sources and indium selected from the group consisting of compounds containing (In) a step of preparing a first solution of salts is dissolved in a solvent, dissolving the steps of forming a primary precursor particles by reacting (ii) a first solution, (iii) copper (Cu) salt in a solvent a step of preparing a second solution Te, (iv) a process of manufacturing the primary precursor by mixing a second solution to the first solution formed mixtures, by the reaction of (v) the mixture CI ( after synthesizing the G) S nanoparticles, a method of manufacturing a CI (G) S nanoparticles comprising the steps of purification, and a CI (G) S nanoparticles produced by the method.


The Czochralski growth of Dy 3+ -doped (Lu 1-x Gd x ) 2 SiO 5 solid solution single crystals with different mixtures of Lu 2 SiO 5 and Gd 2 SiO 5 oxides (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and l) is reported. It was found that the (Lu 1-x Gd x ) 2 SiO 5 crystals retain structural, physical, and optical properties of Lu 2 SiO 5 even for x = 0.8. Optical investigation of Dy:(Lu 1-x Gd x ) 2 SiO 5 revealed that the structural disorder of the host brings about a strong inhomogeneous broadening of Dy 3+ spectral bands while influencing weakly rates of its radiative and nonradiative transitions. Dielectric characteristics of solid solution crystals are presented and discussed. Finally, (Lu 1-x Gd x ) 2 SiO 5 solid solution crystals seem to be an attractive alternative to a Lu 2 SiO 5 host for the design of novel phosphors, radiation converters, and lasers owing to a significantly lower melting temperature and hence easier and less expensive manufacturing.


In order to realize the gas bearing mechanism at the high-rotating,we have designed a new gas bearing test-bed with using the principle of dynamic-static gas bearing design.Test-bed mainly includes drive device,loading device,test tache,damping structure and principal axis.Aiming at these parts,I will make detailed illustration and choose appropriate sensors to measure the value of clearance and pressure when the principal axis is retained.By proving experimentation,this system can satisfy the demand of practical stability primely.


We propose an extraction methodology to extract toxic mercury species including methylmercury (MeHg) and ethylmercury (EtHg) in coal by comparing different extraction methods (shaking, ultrasonic and microwave assisted extraction) using different extraction solvents (TMA, KOH/CH3OH, HCl, and acidic CuSO4/KBr). Microwave assisted extraction at the power of 90 W for 5 min using TMA (tetramethylammonium hydroxide) as the extractant provided the highest and the most satisfactory extraction efficiency for MeHg and EtHg. Speciation analysis of mercury was done by HPLC-AFS. The obtained concentrations in a certified reference material (CRM-580) were in good agreement with the certificated values. Ten coal samples from China were analyzed using the proposed method. MeHg was detected in most of the samples (6 out of 10) and EtHg was detected only in one. The concentrations were at the sub-ng level. Other forms of organomercuries might be found in the samples. Considering the high toxicities of organomercuries and the huge amount of coal consumption every year, people should be made more aware.


Abstract : This research was undertaken to study the innovation process in organizations. The main objective was to provide insight on the dynamics of the innovation process in organizations which will help us construct a new perspective and framework in managing innovations within organizations. The interaction between technology and innovations, management of technological innovations, and innovation processes specific to the public organizations is explored. The hypotheses on innovation processes in organizations are developed. The evidence supporting these hypotheses are presented by observations on the innovation processes in the U.S. Department of Defense.


We present three cases of pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) in Australian children. Each had a family history of childhood tumors which collectively included PPB, infant lung cyst, cystic nephroma, medullo‐epithelioma and a Sertoli–Leydig ovarian tumor. Two of the patients also had additional malignancies: a concurrent bladder rhabdomyosarcoma and a post therapy non‐PPB malignant lung tumor. In two cases, the family histories were elicited years after the PPB diagnosis. Archived pathology material allowed revision of pathologic diagnoses from decades earlier. These cases illustrate the importance of detailed inquiry into family medical history and the pleiotropy of the PPB‐related familial cancer predisposition syndrome, which appears to result from heterozygous DICER1 mutations. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;55:1417–1419. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.


This paper studies the preventive maintenance schedule of CNC machine tool, which is of failure rate of Weilbull distribution. The machine failure cause by tool wear is modeled by Poisson process of Weilbull distribution, and the optimal period preventive maintenance schedule on the principle of maximum average service rate is represented by mathematical model. The existence of optimal preventive maintenance schedule is analyzed. By the means of Monte Carlo stochastic numerical simulation, a sample of optimal preventive maintenance strategy of CNC machine tool is obtained based on the real data of machine failure. The result of the paper shows that the machine preventive maintenance could improve the average service rate, which is valuable to the industry practice.


Perceptions of professional gains in relation to the new teachers ability to address volatile verbal and physical incidents with students were examined. Students who are studying education through a consecutive program feel that they have acquired significantly more professional background about behavioural interventions than students acquiring a comparable degree through a concurrent route. Participants felt significantly more comfortable intervening in behaviour situations when they perceived verbal intervention was needed than they felt when they determined that physical intervention was needed. Also, those who felt most confident with verbal interventions were more confident with intervening physically.


Large colloidal quantum dots of PbSe (first excitonic peak position >2 µm) are synthesized under different conditions of temperature, the concentration of precursors and their ratio, and concentration of oleic acid and diphenylphosphine. The dependence of the optical properties, grain size dispersity, and process yield on the processing conditions is systematically explored and discussed. The Ostwald ripening process and how it affects grain growth is demonstrated. Finally, the results for the dependence of the absorption wavelength on the grain diameter for large nanocrystals are compared to the relationships reported in the literature for smaller nanocrystals.


Objective Common psychological problems of pregnant women during pregnancy and effectivepsychological guidance countermeasure analysis Methods 50 cases of pregnant women for psychological counseling in January to 2014 during my district in 2014 December as the observation group of this study group,at the same time from 2013 January to 2013 December, during the 50 cases of pregnant women as control group,two groups of pregnant women in our hospital were the self-made "Questionnaire"pregnancy psychology to analyze the psychological condition, the control group given the general guidance, the observation group in the conventional guidance give corresponding psychological counseling, psychological status were compared between the two groups of pregnant women and mode of delivery Results(1) anxiety and fear, strange and lonely,heaviness and depression is the most common psychological problems of pregnant women during pregnancy,accounted for 47%, 29% and 14%(2) the corresponding psychological counseling, the observation group and natural birth rate was 72%, signifi cantly higher than the control group(46%), with statistical significance(P005)Conclusion The psychological problems for pregnant women to give the corresponding psychological counseling,can obviously relieve the psychological pressure, improve the natural delivery rate


The authors study the most controversial issues in the "April20 Sports Lottery Case" on the basis of the Criminal Law.In China,perfect protection in sports lottery by Criminal Law has been established.Sports lottery,considered as production and management in the Criminal Law,should be protected through prompt and effective measures to stop actions harmful to the sports lottery.Connotation of violation in drawing the lottery in public and announcing the winners is defined.Crimes including controlling the lottery drawing in order to occupying the money award of the lottery issuers,abuse of authority and of duty of state personnel leading to other peoples destruction of the lottery issuing are defined.


Schwartz, et al., previously reported calorimetry measurements conducted on a Pu-Pu6Fe mixture, from which they derived a melt enthalpy of 31.2 J/g (46.6 kJ/mol) for Pu6Fe. This was the first—and remains the only—such value to appear in the literature. We reanalyze those results in light of two contributions to the measured heat flow not considered in the original report: the melt enthalpy of the excess Pu and the subsequent heating of the liquid mixture. These corrections yield a revised value of 24.4 J/g (36.3 kJ/mol), which we show to be consistent with the melt enthalpy of U6Fe.


Background Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a relatively uncommon medical condition. Objective This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and describe the clinical characteristics of PDB in Cyprus. Methodology A questionnaire was mailed, in two phases, to all orthopedics and rheumatologists at hospitals and private practices in Cyprus. Phase 1 determined the number of PDB patients followed at each hospital or practice, while Phase 2 gathered information on the clinical presentation of current patients. Results A total of 11 patients were located among the 45 physicians surveyed. The response rate of Phase 1 was 68.5%. All physicians who reported a PDB patient in Phase 1 also participated in Phase 2. Prevalence of PDB was estimated at 2.04 per 100.000 people. Male patients were seen more frequently compared to females (72.7% vs. 27.3%). The majority of patients (82.8%) reported the presence of at least one symptom. The most frequently reported complication was fracture, while no sarcomas were reported. The most frequent location of bone fracture was the spinal column, followed by the femur (45.5% vs. 36.7%). Rarity of the disease and lack of physician's information about the disease were the two most frequently reported difficulties by physicians for the diagnosis of PDB (20.8% vs. 22.9%). Conclusions This is the first study estimating prevalence and describing clinical characteristics of PDB in Cyprus. PDB is a very rare disease in this country affecting primarily the male population. Bone involvement is present in most cases and fractures are the most prevalent complications.


The effects of the next-nearest-neighbor (t')hopping on antiferromagnetism were investigated in based on the Gutzwiller mean-field approximation method approach in the two dimensions hole-doped t-t'-J-U model and the renormalized mean field theory. The antiferromagnetism order emerges in the under doped region below the doping levels δ0.1 and the antiferromagnetism extends in the larger doping levels region with the injection of t'.The antiferromagnetism orders are greatly enhanced with the increasing of the next-nearest-neighbor hopping.


This paper compares two performance indices for computing optimal observer paths for the bearings-only source localization and tracking problem, for constant velocity sources. Previous work on this problem is based on maximizing the determinant of the Fisher information matrix (FIM) of the estimation problem. This paper considers minimizing the trace of a weighted sum of the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) of current or future source position errors, and source velocity errors. Quasi-Newton optimization is used to compare optimal observer paths, given three distinct goals: minimizing current position error, velocity error, and future position error. Significant differences in optimal paths are observed, and the CRLB trace is found to yield smaller estimation ambiguity.<<ETX>>


Background: Kidney transplant recipients are at increased risk of developing and dying from keratinocyte cancer. We aimed to describe the clinical course of keratinocyte cancer-related deaths in a cohort of kidney transplant recipients. Methods: In kidney transplant recipients transplanted between 1995 and 2014 in Queensland, Australia, we ascertained keratinocyte cancer deaths by searching national transplant and state death registries to March 2020. Deceased transplant recipients' medical records were reviewed to assess features of the primary lesion of the fatal keratinocyte cancer, metastases, and clinical information before death. Results: Of 658 kidney transplant recipient deaths, 49 (7%) were due to keratinocyte cancer, and medical records were available for 36 (73%). One death was due to basal cell carcinoma, and 35 were from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), primarily from the head and neck (24; 69%). The most common site of metastasis was the lungs (21; 58%). Median time (minimum, maximum) from the diagnosis of primary SCC to metastasis was 5 months (0, 29). After this, the median time to death was 9 months (1, 50). Conclusion: Fatal keratinocyte cancers overwhelmingly arise on the head and neck, with lungs the most common metastasis site. The short time from diagnosis of primary to death indicates the aggressive nature of these keratinocyte cancers.


[Several specimens of the mud crab, Scylla cf. tranquebarica (Fabricius, 1798), were examined for the presence of stalked barnacles on the gills. Eighty-five percent of the crabs, for the size group 50 to 108 mm carapace width, were found infested with stalked barnacles. In all crabs, the barnacles were found attached to the inner (hypobranchial) surface of the gill with the exception of a single crab in which the barnacles were also found attached to the outer (epibranchial) surface of the gill. The stalked barnacles were identified as Octolasmis cor (Aurivillius, 1892) and O. angulata (Aurivillius, 1894), and our size-frequency data support the view that they are indeed distinct species. Their distribution on various parts of the gills, i.e., proximal, medial, or distal, was noted. Most of the barnacles were found attached to the medial part of the gill (O. cor 55%; O. angulata 57%), followed by the proximal part (O. cor 31%; O. angulata 38%), and the distal part (O. cor 14%; O. angulata 5%). Gill number 7 bore the maximum number of O. cor (33%) found, whereas gill number 4 harboured the maximum number of O. angulata (30.2%). Divers specimens du crabe Scylla cf. tranquebarica (Fabricius, 1798), ont ete examines pour rechercher la presence de bernacles pedoncules sur les branchies. Un total de 85% des crabes, pour le groupe de taille de 50 a 108 mm de largeur de carapace, ont ete trouves infestes par des bernacles pedoncules. Dans tous les crabes, les bernacles ont ete trouves accroches a la face interne de la branchie (hypobranchie) a l'exception d'un seul crabe chez lequel les bernacles ont ete trouves sur la surface externe (epibranchie) de la branchie. Les bernacles ont ete identifies comme Octolasmis cor (Aurivillius, 1892) et O. angulata (Aurivillius, 1894) et nos observations sur la distribution des tailles soutiennent l'hypothese qu'elles sont vraiment des especes separees. Leur distribution sur les differentes parties des branchies, i. e., proximal, median ou distal ont ete notees. La plus part des bernacles ont ete trouves accroches dans la partie mediane de la branchie (O. cor 55%; O. angulata 57%), suivie par la partie proximale (O. cor 31%; O. angulata 38%), et la partie distale (O. cor 14%; O. angulata 5%). La branchie 7 porte le nombre maximum de O. cor (33%) trouves, alors que la branchie 4 accueille un maximum de O. angulata (30.2%)., Several specimens of the mud crab, Scylla cf. tranquebarica (Fabricius, 1798), were examined for the presence of stalked barnacles on the gills. Eighty-five percent of the crabs, for the size group 50 to 108 mm carapace width, were found infested with stalked barnacles. In all crabs, the barnacles were found attached to the inner (hypobranchial) surface of the gill with the exception of a single crab in which the barnacles were also found attached to the outer (epibranchial) surface of the gill. The stalked barnacles were identified as Octolasmis cor (Aurivillius, 1892) and O. angulata (Aurivillius, 1894), and our size-frequency data support the view that they are indeed distinct species. Their distribution on various parts of the gills, i.e., proximal, medial, or distal, was noted. Most of the barnacles were found attached to the medial part of the gill (O. cor 55%; O. angulata 57%), followed by the proximal part (O. cor 31%; O. angulata 38%), and the distal part (O. cor 14%; O. angulata 5%). Gill number 7 bore the maximum number of O. cor (33%) found, whereas gill number 4 harboured the maximum number of O. angulata (30.2%). Divers specimens du crabe Scylla cf. tranquebarica (Fabricius, 1798), ont ete examines pour rechercher la presence de bernacles pedoncules sur les branchies. Un total de 85% des crabes, pour le groupe de taille de 50 a 108 mm de largeur de carapace, ont ete trouves infestes par des bernacles pedoncules. Dans tous les crabes, les bernacles ont ete trouves accroches a la face interne de la branchie (hypobranchie) a l'exception d'un seul crabe chez lequel les bernacles ont ete trouves sur la surface externe (epibranchie) de la branchie. Les bernacles ont ete identifies comme Octolasmis cor (Aurivillius, 1892) et O. angulata (Aurivillius, 1894) et nos observations sur la distribution des tailles soutiennent l'hypothese qu'elles sont vraiment des especes separees. Leur distribution sur les differentes parties des branchies, i. e., proximal, median ou distal ont ete notees. La plus part des bernacles ont ete trouves accroches dans la partie mediane de la branchie (O. cor 55%; O. angulata 57%), suivie par la partie proximale (O. cor 31%; O. angulata 38%), et la partie distale (O. cor 14%; O. angulata 5%). La branchie 7 porte le nombre maximum de O. cor (33%) trouves, alors que la branchie 4 accueille un maximum de O. angulata (30.2%).]


The objective of the study is to appraise accounting system in nonprofit organization. Both primary and secondary sources of data collection were used in generating relevant data for this study. The adoption of accounting system does enhance the accountability and transparency of financial records and activities of the Church. The attitude of senior officials of the Church towards accounting system is negative. The use of accounting system has a strong effect on the financial activities of the organization. The accounting system should be adopted by a nonprofit organization to enhance the accountability and transparency of financial records and activities of organizations. Senior officials of the organization should develop a positive attitude towards accounting system owing to its notable contribution to the growth and development of the organization.


In the design of devices using charged particle beams, often the effect of the charge on the electric field has to be taken into account. The distribution of the space charge in the beam can influence the electric field created by the electron optics significantly. The interaction between electrodes and space charge generated electric fields is described by the Poisson equation, the space charge is governed by the equation of motion. In this paper an interpolation scheme in phase space is presented speeding up the usual successive substitution algorithm considerably. The problem of finding the configuration space distribution from the phase space data is automatically solved, without integrating explicitly over the velocity space. The results obtained in several computational examples are discussed. >


Reaction of a series of Schiff bases with [Ru(CO)2(PPh3)2Cl2] affords a family of complexes of ruthenium(II) of various composition The thesis can be divided into two different parts depending on the schemes.

Scheme 1: Schiff bases have been synthesized by condensation of 1,2-Phenylenediamine with Benzaldehyde, Methyl-4-formylbenzoate, 3-Nitro benzaldehyde, 4-Hydroxy benzaldehyde, 2,3-Dihydroxo benzaldehyde, o-Vanillin and Ethyl-4-formylbenzoate. An unusual transformation of ligands through C-H activation and subsequent hydrolysis has happened upon reaction with [Ru(CO)2(PPh3)2Cl2]. The ligands afford two complexes [Ru(CO)2(PPh3)2(Ln)2] and [Ru(CO)2 (PPh3)(Ln)]2 [n= 1-7], a dimerized unit with the removal of two Triphenylphosphine units and simultaneous formation of metal-metal bond. The formation of the Ru-Ru bond assumes significance as it has possibly been formed through an unusual mechanistic pathway in absence of base. All the synthesized compounds have been thoroughly characterized by spectroscopic techniques.

Scheme 2: Schiff bases have been synthesized by condensation of Terephthaldehyde with 2-Aminophenol and p-Phenylenediamine with 5-Chlorosalicylaldehyde. The synthetic pathway however provides four ligands NL1A, NL1B and NL2A, NL2B, where, 'A' are with two imine bonds and 'B' are formed with one imine bond. The ligands were refluxed with [Ru(CO)2 (PPh3)2Cl2]. Some of the synthesized compounds have been characterized by spectroscopic techniques and composition of only two complexes has been confirmed so far.


DC pre-breakdown phenomena and breakdown characteristics in the presence of free metallic particle in liquid nitrogen are studied experimentally. The results show that microdischarge occurs when a charged particle is approaching oppositely charged electrodes and intense microdischarge can trigger the complete breakdown of the tested gap. The breakdown voltage of uniform field gap with the free particle might severely fall below that of a point-to-plane gap without particle in liquid nitrogen.


The article narrates the influence of day to day dietary as well as habitual agents in carcinogenesis of oral cavity & associated structures. In the modern world, majority of the food consumables are adulterated & availability of such noxious agents for extravagantly sensual satisfaction are easy to reach oral & oropharyngeal carcinomas are becoming increasingly predominant. The article discuss role of each such agent in oral environment & its possible consequences.


Abstract Objectives Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is linked to many health comorbidities. We aimed to ascertain if OSA correlates with a rise in poor obstetrical outcomes. Methods Employing the United States' Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project – National Inpatient Sample, we performed our retrospective cohort study including all women who delivered between 2006 and 2015. ICD-9 codes were used to characterize women as having a diagnosis of OSA. Temporal trends in pregnancies with OSA were studied, baseline features were evaluated among gravidities in the presence and absence of OSA, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was utilized in assessing consequences of OSA on patient and newborn outcomes. Results Of a total 7,907,139 deliveries, 3,115 belonged to patients suffering from OSA, resulting in a prevalence of 39 per 100,000 deliveries. Rates rose from 10.14 to 78.12 per 100,000 deliveries during the study interval (p<0.0001). Patients diagnosed with OSA were at higher risk of having pregnancies with preeclampsia, OR 2.2 (95% CI 2.0–2.4), eclampsia, 4.1 (2.4–7.0), chorioamnionitis, 1.4 (1.2–1.8), postpartum hemorrhage, 1.4 (1.2–1.7), venous thromboembolisms, 2.7 (2.1–3.4), and to deliver by caesarean section, 2.1 (1.9–2.3). Cardiovascular and respiratory complications were also more common among these women, as was maternal death, 4.2 (2.2–8.0). Newborns of OSA patients were at elevated risk of being premature, 1.3 (1.2–1.5) and having congenital abnormalities, 2.3 (1.7–3.0). Conclusions Pregnancies with OSA were linked to an elevated risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. During pregnancy, OSA patients should receive attentive follow-up care in a tertiary hospital.


The authors studied the content and relation of nutrition element of apple(Mαλυσ) crossbreed tree. The results showed that the observably difference of the content of the same nutrition element was found among the varied varieties of apple tree in the same planting condition and common growth and developing condition, the range of content is N(1.576%-2.194%), P(0.070%-0.215%), K(0.51%-1.78%), Ca(0.52%-2.97%), Mg(0.24%-0.63%), Fe (0.014%-0.058%), Zn(0.001%-0.016%), Mn(0.007%-0.052%), 8(15.2-36.9 mg/kg) . Antagonism was showed between N and Fe,Mn,B,P and Mg,Zn,Mn, K and Ca,Mg,Fe,Zn, Zn and Mn,B,while synergism was showed between N and P, K, Ca,Mg, Zn, P and K, Ca, B, K and Mn,B, Ca and Mg, Fe, Zn,Mn,B, Mg and Fe,Zn,Mn, B, Fe and Zn,Mn, B, Zn and Mn, B, Mn and B when these nutrition ions were absorbed by the apple tree.


Abstract Here in this work, we have sequenced the complete chloroplast genome of Comastoma falcatum. The complete chloroplast genome size of C. falcatum is 151,423 bp with 81721 bp of LSC, 25727 bp of IRa/IRb and 18248 bp of SSC. The GC contents of its chloroplast genomes are 38.26%. Their chloroplast has a total of 133 unique genes, including 88 of protein-coding genes, 8 of rRNA genes, and 37 of tRNA genes. In the maximum parsimony phylogenetic tree, C. falcatum clustered with Swertia mussotii. This sequenced chloroplast genome of C. falcatum will help to further study the phylogenetic position of Comastoma.


FFLUX is a biomolecular force field under construction, based on Quantum Chemical Topology (QCT) and machine learning (kriging), with a minimalistic and physically motivated design. A detailed analysis of the forces within the kriging models as treated in FFLUX is presented, taking as a test example a liquid water model. The energies of topological atoms are modeled as 3Natoms‐6 dimensional potential energy surfaces, using atomic local frames to represent the internal degrees of freedom. As a result, the forces within the kriging models in FFLUX are inherently N‐body in nature where N refers to Natoms. This provides a fuller picture that is closer to a true quantum mechanical representation of interactions between atoms. The presented computational example quantitatively showcases the non‐negligible (as much as 9%) three‐body nature of bonded forces and angular forces in a water molecule. We discuss the practical impact on the pressure calculation with N‐body forces and periodic boundary conditions (PBC) in molecular dynamics, as opposed to classical force fields with two‐body forces. The equivalence between the PBC‐related correction terms in the general virial equation is shown mathematically.


Abstract Introduction:TSH-secreting pituitary tumors represent about 2% of all pituitary adenomas and cause central hyperthyroidism. These tumors are characterized by high levels of free thyroid hormones in the presence of nonsuppressed serum TSH concentrations.Clinical cases: 1:A 52-year womanwith menstrual irregularity and hyperprolactinemia (127ng/mL). The pituitary´s MR showed a lesion (2.0 x1.8 x1.8cm). The diagnosis of TSHoma was made later when TSH achieved 4,78µU/mL (0.27-4.2), FT4 1.9ng/dL(0.93-1.7) and TRH stimulation test compatible. Treated with Ocreotide LAR (OCT LAR) and cabergoline, but the tumor became invasive. The surgery was indicated but the patient refused. 2:A 56-year womanwith weight loss, insomnia and hair loss. TSH 5.66µU/mL(0.5-5.3), FT4 2.4ng/mL(0.7-1.6), SHBG elevated, negativeantibodies andα-GSU in the normal range. The TRH stimulation test was compatible with TSHoma. The MR presented a tumor with 0.9x0.8x0.7cm. Treated with OCT LAR: good control of hyperthyroidism symptoms. 3: A 55-year man with headachesand visual field loss. TSH 2.47µU/mL(0.5-5.3), FT4 2.3ng/mL(0.7-1.6) and negative antibodies. The pituitary MR presented a tumor with 1.1x1.0x1.0cm and compression of the optic chiasm. The diagnosis was confirmed with the TRH stimulation and high level of α-GSU. The patient had an arrhythmia and the surgery was cancelled. He has been treated successfully with OCT LAR. 4: A 45-year-old asymptomatic woman with routine tests: TSH 5.11 μUI/mL(0.27-5.0), FT4 1.97ng/dL(0.75-1.10) and negative antibodies. The diagnosis was confirmed by α-GSU, TRH stimulation andpituitary lesion with 2.1x1.9x1.8cm. She has been treated with OCTand presented normalization of hormones, α-GSU and tumorreduction. 5:A 62-year-old woman with tremors, TSH 13.9 µUI/mL (0.45-4,5), FT4 2.2 ng/mL (0.6-1.3) and positive anti-TPO. The α-GSU was normal for postmenopausal woman, but had a high α-GSU/TSH molar ratio. The pituitary´s MR showed a lesion with 5 mm. The treatment with OCT LAR was indicated. 6:A 59-year-old woman withhyperthyroidism clinic and liver cirrhosis. TSH 6.29µUI/L (0.27-4.2), FT4 3.2ng/dL(0.93-1.7),α-GSU 2251ng/L (340-4000) and a 0.9 cm pituitary lesion. There was no tumor control with OCT LAR. Transesphenoidal surgery couldn'tbe considered because of coagulation disorders. Antithyroid drugs was contraindicated due to its hepatotoxicity. Then weperformed a radiosurgery but the patient lead to death after intestinalhemorrhage. 7:A 51-year-old man complaining of palpitations, irritability and tiredness. Laboratory tests showed an increase in FT4L: 2.3ng/dL (0.9-1.7) with inappropriately normal TSH: 1.77 μUI/L (0.27-4.2) and presence of pituitary microadenoma.Conclusion: In the presence of inappropriate normal or increased TSH levels and high FT4 levels the TSH- secreting pituitary adenoma should be considered even though is a rare disease.


This paper describes the concept of the "Experimental Bureau" as a didactic environment aiming to deal with real-life design tasks within the framework of architectural education. Its main focus lies on the specific opportunities for digital empowerment of students who learn about the design process - sometimes even in the role of contractors - in real-life oriented project work. Thus the following questions come under scrutiny and discussion from an angle of work based learning: What kind of design problems are tackled in a meaningful way by students through the utilization of a digital strategy? What kind of software (or software mix) is chosen and what problems are addressed by the choice and handling of these digital tools? These questions are answered in a different way applying the format of the Experimental Bureau, driven by its real-life projects and client communication, in comparison to largely artificial tasks confined to the academic realm.


Wage-working time contract models are used to analyse factors which can account for the long working hours of Japanese males. Although there are many factors which affect working time, our simulation shows that the clear gender division of labour in Japanese households is the most important. The simulation also shows that the wage gap and working time gap between large and small companies are explained mainly by the difference in the company's monopoly power, the worker's ability and the union's bargaining power. Moreover, if working time is not a bargaining issue and is determined by employers, it is longer than the case where it is a bargaining issue.


In this paper arguments are advanced advocating the introduction of a continuum collective coordinate representation of the highly excited anharmonic vibrational states of molecules. The structure of the vibrational spectrum is considered and an illustrative example is examined; the example is that of a simple unimolecular rearrangement reaction.


It is generally acknowledged that exercise training, both aerobic and resistance, is conducive to health and decreases chronic disease risk. However, little information exists on type of exercise that confers the greatest benefit. The purpose of this study is to use metabolomics strategy to i) interrogate the effects of exercise training modality on serum biochemistry and ii) compare changes in metabolomic profiles with clinical data (i.e. weight, BMI, HbA1c) to determine any correlation. Individuals with type 2 diabetes (n=40) were recruited as a part of the Diabetes Aerobic Resistance Exercise (DARE) study. After a 4‐week run‐in program, individuals were randomly assigned into one of four groups: control, aerobic, resistance or a combination of aerobic + resistance training for 22wk. Serum was collected at baseline and at 6mo. Serum samples were analyzed for metabolites using gas‐chromatography‐ mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) and Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (H1‐NMR). Changes in metabolism involved metabolites such as amino acids, organic acid, and carbohydrates. Aerobic exercise elevated the rate of tricarboxylic acid cycle and antioxidant activity, while resistance exercise lead to hypertrophy and urea markers. In summary, GC‐MS and NMR based metabolomics analysis proved to effectively reveal exercise modality and explain differential clinical outcomes between treatment groups.


An oscillator is described whose frequency is electrically controllable over a 13-to-1 frequency range. Tuning is accomplished by saturation of a ferromagnetic core in the inductance of the tank circuit. The output is constant in amplitude to within 4 per cent and is reproducible in frequency to better than 0.1 per cent.


The memoir Sur
la force des Hommes was published by Coulomb in 1778. It is an attempt to
understand human work mechanically and is the first publication on physiology
and ergonomics. The question introduced by Coulomb appears from a pragmatic
point of view. He proposed to measure the quantity of action (mechanical work)
that a man can expend in a day of work by different ways of applying force. To
do this, Coulomb studied the old problem of human mechanical capacity, also
studied by Theophilus Desagulliers (1683-1744) and Daniel Bernoulli (1700-1782).
In this paper we examine and discuss Coulomb's above-mentioned publication
showing his pioneering approach (Coulomb, 2002).


A search for pair-produced scalar or vector leptoquarks decaying into a $b$-quark and a $\tau$-lepton is presented using the full LHC Run 2 (2015-2018) data sample of 139 fb$^{-1}$ collected with the ATLAS detector in proton-proton collisions at a centre-of-mass energy of $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV. Events in which at least one $\tau$-lepton decays hadronically are considered, and multivariate discriminants are used to extract the signals. No significant deviations from the Standard Model expectation are observed and 95% confidence-level upper limits on the production cross-section are derived as a function of leptoquark mass and branching ratio into the $\tau$-lepton. For scalar leptoquarks, masses below 1490 GeV are excluded assuming a 100% branching ratio, while for vector leptoquarks the corresponding limit is 1690 GeV (1960 GeV) in the minimal-coupling (Yang-Mills) scenario.


Objective To observe the effect of flutieasone propionate(FP) in the treatment of stable moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD) in elderly patients.Method Total 120 stable moderate COPD patients in stage Ⅲ~Ⅳ were randomly divided into two groups.Both groups were given conventional therapy.The treatment group was given inhaled seretide on the basis of comventional therapy.Pulmonary ventilation function,6-MWD,SDS scores were compared.Results The difference of FEV1,FEV1/FVC and FEV1% between the two groups were not significant before experiment(P0.05),but at the end of experiment,the index of above mentioned items in the experiment group were higher than the control group,the difference were significant(P0.05),at the end of experiment,the 6-MWD distant is longer,the scores of Zung depresss questionnaire were lower(P0.05).Conclusion Seretide can improve clinical symptom and lung function of the patients with COPD.


CT and MRI are gaining more attention in contemporary anatomy education due to the ability to create detailed 3D constructions, made possible by thinner sections. 3D virtual models are particularly helpful for understanding the spatial orientation of anatomical structures in the mind's eye before performing a dissection. We use AMIRA® software to create 3D structures from CT and MR images. AMIRA allows for the development of 3D reconstructions by the following steps: (1) select image data into working pool; (2) outline and tag segmentations from sections (axial, coronal, or sagittal); (3) connect segmentations from all images ensuring the same orientation; (4) generate the surface; and (5) modify the 3D structure presentation. 3D structures from thin MRI and CT sections give more detail to students. AMIRA® has many advantages in 3D image creation, including a simple and straightforward creation process, friendly and convenient user interface, clear demonstration of detailed structures due to a high voxel, ability to see not only the outside but the inside of structures with the navigation tool, and quickly generating surfaces from MRI in only one step. High quality 3D reconstructed images can be used as a strong tool for students and residents outside of the anatomy lab or the operating room due to the ability to create lifelike, space‐oriented structures from real CT and MRI images.


A research program which has as its goal the development of a cost-effective solar-assisted heat pump system is briefly discussed. This program will build upon the extensive past analysis of solar-assisted heat pump systems and extend consideration into two areas which have been identified as vital to making the system cost-effective. These new areas are special heat pumps and special collectors. A solar assisted heat pump system was modeled using the University of Wisconsin transient simulation computer program TRNSYS. Results of the simulation are presented and discussed. (WHK)


Modern western environmental philosophy reviews all sorts of limitations and realistics evil consequence caused by thetheory on regarding mankind as the centre.Though it was created not long as one discipline,the core of modern western environmentalphilosophy was direct successors of ancient Greek Stoic ethics,namely people should"live conform with the nature".The theory ofestablishing modern environmental ethics has important realistic value,according to the development of the modern western environ-mental philosophy and the reality of environmental protection of our country.


The utility model relates to a body building chair. The front and the rear ends of the I-shaped floor stand body of the utility model are respectively provided with a bracket above which a chair group is arranged, a driven rod is arranged on the floor stand body, and the bottom of the floor stand body is connected with a push rod device. The front end of the chair group is provided with a hoist and extending device and a vertical rod, the upper end of the driven rod is connected with a transversal connecting rod which passes through the opening holes of the brackets to be connected with the vertical rod, and a stretch mechanism is arranged between the vertical rod and the bracket of the front end of the floor stand body. An adjusting device is arranged on the hoist rod of the hoist and extending device, an adjusting device is arranged on the longitudinal skeleton of the back side of the back cushion of the chair group, and an adjusting device also arranged on the connection point of the longitudinal skeleton and a transversal skeleton. The tension of two arms and the functions of the muscles of lower legs can be exercised by using the body building chair, and the pedal motion device of a bicycle can be arranged.


Amine treating is the most common system for gas sweetening that used in petroleum, gas and petrochemical industries. The solution to the dilemma of translating theoretical stages into actual trays and packed bed depths is to use detailed mass transfer, rate-based simulation. This completely new approach to simulating complex chemically reactive, non-ideal separations is particularly suited to amine columns. Comparisons with plant performance test data are used to evaluate this model. The results demonstrate benefits of modeling actual column internals using mass transfer rate-based process simulation. Also, a data bank has been prepared for providing the necessary information by using the most recent data or correlation available in the literatures.


Heterogeneous lymphoproliferative disorders occurring in the post‐transplant setting are considered together as post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and can rarely present as primary cutaneous lesions. These disorders are often Epstein–Barr virus‐driven and in some cases need only be treated with reduction in immune suppressive medications. We present two cases of monomorphic post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, a plasmablastic lymphoma and a diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, and summarise common reported clinical and histopathological features.


The surface relaxation process of the nonpolar (112\ifmmode\bar\else\textasciimacron\fi{}0) surfaces of AlN and \ensuremath{\alpha}-SiC has been studied by means of periodic Hartree-Fock total-energy calculations on two-dimensional slabs. A relaxation pattern analogous to those found experimentally for other wurtzite-structure semiconductors is predicted for both AlN and \ensuremath{\alpha}-SiC. Our calculations indicate that ionicity is an important factor determining the extent of relaxation: the more covalent the solid is, the larger are the effects of relaxation on its surface structure. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.


Abstract The Nd:YAG laser is the most popular instrument to treat patients with intraluminal tumor in the major airways. It is usually performed under general anesthesia. Fiberoptic bronchoscopic electrocautery (FBE) under local anesthesia was shown to be effective in providing rapid palliation. We have studied prospectively the effectiveness of FBE for clearing intraluminal tumor. Patients with visible intraluminal tumor in the large airways were treated with FBE. ND:YAG laser equipment was kept ready for use during FBE sessions. A treatment session was terminated when significant tumor clearance had been achieved, or in cases with extraluminal tumor compression. Fifty-six patients, median age 64 years (range 20–90), were treated, and 82 FBE sessions were completed. Thirty-seven patients (66%) had intraluminal non-small-cell cancer, ten had typical carcinoid and the rest had miscellaneous tumors. Significant tumor clearance was documented in 39 patients (70%). The remaining patients proved to have extraluminal tumor. Ten sessions (12%) were completed under general anesthesia, in nine cases for the treatment of carcinoid. No conversion to Nd:YAG laser treatment was necessary, but additional Nd:YAG treatment was given to obtain more in-depth necrosis in one patient. A switch to rigid bronchoscopy was necessary to control bleeding in one patient. In this phase II prospective study, FBE achieved sufficient clearance of intraluminal tumor in the majority of patients who were considered to be Nd:YAG laser candidates. Our findings indicate that FBE may be competitive with Nd:YAG laser treatment for this category of patients. A randomized phase III study is underway.


English is a language mostly learned by people around the world. In learning a foreign language, there are four skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. One aspect which is very important in communication is speaking. However, in a process of language learning the students have often faced some difficulties. The difficulties in learning speaking can divided into linguistic and non-linguistic difficulties.
This study was intended to know the linguistic and non-linguistic difficulties faced by the eight grade students in English conversation as a local content material in SMP Negeri 1 Jetis Mojokerto.
The writer used descriptive qualitative research design in this study. In collecting the data, the writer used questionnaire and observation. Moreover, the population was the eight grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Jetis Mojokerto. The total of number population was 256 students. The writer took 25% from 256 students, so there were 64 students as the respondents.
The findings showed that the students got linguistic difficulties in pronunciation (65.6%), vocabulary (61.0%), and grammar (49.2%). It means that the students got major difficulties in all aspects of linguistic difficulties. Then, non-linguistic difficulties were first, the students got difficulties related to the topic of industries materials because the topic was not attractive and suitable for their needs. Second, almost all of the students mixed English, Javanese, and Indonesian in the class. Third, the students' showed little participation in the class, it was because they got difficulty in speaking English with their friends. Fourth, in practicing a dialogue the students could not keep their eye contact, maintain the expression, and look after their intonation. And the last was that the teacher only relied on LKS and dictionary for teaching learning activity. She never used teaching media like TV, Video, OHP, etc., and the English laboratory had incomplete facilities.


SUMMARY PIG, a film depicting the relationship between a killer (Rozz Williams) and his victim (James Hollan) where all lines are crossed, blending fantasy and reality. This poetic film is a transformation of the subconscious mind of a killer, graphically showing the manifestation of itself into


Baird Corporation of Bedford, Massachusetts, has designed and developed two similar night vision goggles. These goggles are binocular viewing to the wearer's eyes, but use a single objective lens and a single image intensifier tube. Binocular viewing is achieved by dividing a single image and sharing it between the'viewer's eyes. The goggles are self-sufficient, independent instruments which can be simply and easily interfaced with a face mask that the viewer wears. This paper covers the main design considerations that are associated with achieving the goals of these goggle configurations and their performance. Baird's first goggle design is designated the GP/NVG; the second is designated the AN/PVS-7. The GP/NVG night vision goggle is a high-performance, single intensifier tube, passive night vision device that provides the user with a 40-degree field of view at unity magnification. The fixed aperture, f/1.0 objective lens collects the available light and images it on the fiber optic faceplate of the second generation image intensifier tube. The image intensifier tube converts the real image at the fiber optic faceplate into electrons across the image, amplifies them, and then reconverts the electrons into a real, visible image at the fiber optic output of the tube. This image is then collimated to appear as if it is coming from infinity, split in two, and reimaged by the relay lenses. The eyelenses provide a magnified image to the user. The user can adjust each eyelens to clearly view the output faceplate of the image intensifier tube. This adjustment is made only once for each user. The objective focus can be manually set for distances from 25 centimeters to infinity. The general configuration of this night vision goggle is similar to that of a pair of single objective binocular field glasses. It is extremely lightweight (with most of the main construction molded from plastic) and compact for easy handling. All adjustments and on/off switching have been "human" engineered for ease of operation. To meet the requirements of the U.S. Army, Baird is now developing the AN/PVS-7 goggle. The most significant difference from the GP/NVG goggle is the use of a third generation image intensifier tube in the AN/PVS-7 goggle. Other changes have also been made, but the general design is the same for both.


In accordance with the State Target Program for Airport Development for the period up to 2023, in order to increase the efficiency of state property management and meet the needs of the state in ensuring the stable development of the aviation industry, a number of theoretical studies and practical stages of creating a subsystem for managing engineering networks. According to the tasks and measures of this program, the development of a subsystem for the management of engineering networks at the airport is a relevant and promising area.
Engineering networks to ensure the smooth operation of the airport complex may include units that perform the functions of operation of utility networks of different types of planning of current and future development. This is a complex territorial and technological complex, for the optimal functioning of which requires no less complex management information system, which in turn requires laying already at the stages of developing capabilities to perform two communicative functions: the first one - to unite all airport subsystems, the second one - to coordinate relations with other airport systems, management and its divisions.
The paper analyzes and summarizes publications on methods of geospatial data generation, introduction of geoinformation technologies for administrative and economic management of airports, as well as publications on information systems of branched areas of public utilities as a system of economic work of the airport, in particular, water supply and sewerage, energy and heat supply, outdoor lighting of the airport and runways, sanitation, etc.
Analysis of recent research and publications showed that the prospects for the introduction of geographic information technology for administrative and economic asset management of Ukrainian airports need further research, as these issues are very important and relevant, given the rapid growth of digital society, environment and infrastructure.
The main purpose of the study is to develop models for the formation of geospatial data subsystem management utilities airport, their processing and visualization, application of geographic mapping systems and the formation of conceptual approaches to the creation, operation and application of geographic information systems and technologies to solve administrative problems.
The structure of the subsystem was determined and the basic sets of geospatial data of the airport were established, which include a single cartographic basis for the location of profile sets of engineering infrastructure. The formation of geospatial data sets is in accordance with the international standards ISO 19100 «Geographic Information / Geomatics», which provides the use of data in various software, access to open data, services and programs that can be easily integrated without the need for refinement and based on common standards and concepts of modern information technologies.
Using the classifier of topographic information of scales 1:500 - 1:5 000, the list of names of objects of classification of subsystem of management of engineering communications of GIS, classification groups and their code designations from a class of objects 51300000 «Communications» is formed.
Digital representation of objects is performed in accordance with the set of standards «Topographic Database», which allows to unify the structure and composition of digital terrain models in topographic databases for compatibility of geospatial data of different manufacturers.
On the basis of the conducted research, the theoretical bases of cartographic maintenance of functioning of GIS for successful management of operational services of various types of engineering networks of a complex of the airport are developed. This is done taking into account the specifics of the object of study (airport) and the capabilities of modern GIS, the main function of which is to conduct cartographic modeling based on geoinformation analysis of geospatial and attributive data of engineering communications of an airport.


Figure of merit expressions for (a) fuel weight fraction in terms of range and aspect ratio and (b) propeller diameter in terms of power absorbed per blade have been derived. In the case of fuselage length heuristic approach has been adopted. Design and performance data of military propeller trainer airplanes, both piston props and turboprops, have been analyzed. Simple and effective correlations have been evolved for selecting fuel weight fraction, propeller diameter and fuselage length for baseline design configuration of military propeller trainer airplanes.


A laser dot distributed alloying process, the present invention relates to a laser surface alloy strengthening techniques. The method using high power density laser aperture effect occurring in the metal surface, the coated surface of the molten bath to form a mixed metal group added or powder feeder by high performance alloy powder and the metal matrix formed by the following rapid solidification point of the alloy comprising alloying zone and the solid phase change portion including two regions, a control point by point laser beam machining, thereby forming a series of geometric distribution having a certain alloying point on the surface of high aspect ratio material to achieve large distributed strengthening the area of depth. The present invention reduces the stress accumulated scan overlap, the overlapping zone temper softening overcome the problem of crack blocking the path, optimization of the distribution points and the alloying Form Design improve the wear resistance of the surface, the alloy point of the base body together form white fatigue tough, wear-resistant surface, can greatly improve the life of the workpiece.


Introduction: Little is known about genotypic and phenotypic correlations in undifferentiated large-cell carcinoma (LCC) of the lung. Methods: Thirty LCC were dissected by unsupervised targeted next generation sequencing analysis for 50 cancer-associated oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. Cell differentiation lineages were unveiled by using thyroid transcription factor-1 (TTF1) for adenocarcinoma (ADC) and p40 for squamous cell carcinoma (SQC), dichotomizing immunohistochemistry (IHC) results for TTF1 as negative or positive (whatever its extent) and for p40 as negative, positive, or focal (if <10% of reactive tumor cells). Results: Three LCC were wild type (all TTF1+/p40−), whereas the remaining 27 (90%) tumors had at least one gene mutation. Twenty-four cases featuring TTF1+/p40−, TTF1+/p40±, TTF1−/p40±, or TTF1−/p40− phenotypes comprised ATM, BRAF, CDKN2A, EGFR, ERBB4, FBXW7, FLT3, KRAS, NRAS, PIK3CA, PTPN11, RET, SMAD4, SMO, STK11, or TP53 mutations in keeping with ADC lineage, whereas three tumors showing TTF1−/p40+ phenotype harbored TP53 only and no ADC-related mutations in keeping with SQC lineage. Single, double, triple, quadruple, and quintuple mutations occurred in 16, 6, 2, 2, and 1 patient, respectively. The occurrence of three mutations or more but not any immunohistochemistry categorization predicted shorter overall survival (OS, p = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS, p = 0.007), independent of age, sex, and tumor stage. Conclusions: Albeit preliminary also because of the relatively small number of LCC under evaluation, this targeted next generation sequencing study, however, revealed gene mutation heterogeneity in LCC with some genotypic–phenotypic correlations. Negativity or focal occurrence of p40 made SQC diagnosis unlikely on molecular grounds, but suggested ADC confirming validity of the axiom "no p40, no squamous."


On May 7, 1628 was born in the city of Cordoba on Tucuman the Carmelite monastery of St. Joseph. Its founder and patron, Juan Tejeda, belonging to one of the most distinguished families in society Cordoba, endowed with money, slaves, lands and their two daughters. In the late eighteenth century were living inside the monastery with the austerity and piety that it was born. Vocations successive without decrease and the wake of Trento still marking the course.


Aim We aimed to compare the anatomical and visual response of newly diagnosed choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to pathological myopia or age-related macular degeneration with relatively poor initial vision to treatment with three intravitreal injections of ranibizumab. Patients and methods This prospective, comparative study included 29 eyes of 29 patients newly diagnosed with subfoveal active CNV, either secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD-CNV, 15 eyes) or to pathological myopia, that is, myopic CNV (MCNV, 14 eyes). All patients had an initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) equal to or worse than 1.00 Log Mar. Patients received three intravitreal injections of 0.50 mg ranibizumab on a monthly basis. Patients were evaluated before injections and one month after each injection for BCVA and optical coherence tomography-measured retinal parameters: central macular thickness, total volume, and average thickness (AT). Amsler's chart was used to detect scotomas and metamorphopsias. Results One month after the three injections, a significant improvement was noted in the two groups in central macular thickness, total volume, and AT. The improvement was significantly better in AT of the AMD group. The mean BCVA improved significantly in the AMD group only as patients either improved or remained stationary, whereas in the MCNV group, 21% of patients deteriorated, which affected the significance of the overall mean of improvement (P=0.7823); the difference in the overall mean was insignificant. Despite that, almost half of the patients in each group had their visual acuity improved by an average of 9.5 letters in AMD and 10.7 in MCNV. Conclusion Naïve AMD-CNV and MCNV of initially poor VA can get significant improvement in all optical coherence tomography-measured retinal parameters following a three-injection course of ranibizumab on a monthly basis. VA improvement is more predictable in AMD, as no patients deteriorated after the injections, yet the overall difference in VA improvement between groups was insignificant.


An external electro optic sampling system using a LiTaO 3 tip with a gain switched DFB laser diode was described. The 1.3μm ultrashort optic pulses were used to perform electric pulses via the Pockels effect in LiTaO 3 tip. The response curve of a high speed detector and the propagation dispersion of a coplanar strips were measured by this system. The bandwidth of 18GHz was confirmed with this system.


Vegetable foreign body induced synovitis is a rare phenomenon and presents diagnostic andtherapeutic problems. Because of its close similarity with conditions like tubercular synovitis, monoarticular rheumatoid arthritis, sub-acute septic arthritis and acute septic arthritis inadequately treated by antibiotics, it assumes an important place in the differential diagnosis of these conditions. Recently, we had an opportunity to study such a case.


The Mediterranean Germplasm Programme has been in operation since 1975. With UNEP funding originally, and subsequently with IBPGR funds, the programme concentrated in the initial phases on the exploration and collection of germplasm, paying special attention to the germplasm of high priority crops in the region that were threatened by genetic erosion...


We demonstrate that coupling between grating diffraction and localized surface plasmons in two-dimensional gold nanoparticle arrays in water leads to narrow near-infrared resonance peaks in measured far field extinction spectra. Good agreement is obtained between finite difference time domain (FDTD) calculations and experimental extinction spectra. The FDTD calculations predict that the gold nanoparticle arrays exhibit near-field electric field intensity (E2) enhancements approximately one order of magnitude greater than those of single isolated gold nanoparticles.


We have fabricated ultrathin Co particles with various shapes, variable thicknesses δ (2 ML<δ<22 ML), and lateral size L ranging from 100 μm to ≈100 nm. We find that all particles are magnetized in-plane at room temperature and are in a single domain state, independently of shape and size—with some remarkable exceptions. We also find that the magnetic state of a particle can be manipulated without influencing the state of the neighbors.


Abstract DMAIC: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control. LSL: Lower specified limit. USL: Upper specified limit. Lean Six Sigma DMAIC is quality improvement methodology used for strategic business management. Frequent applications of this methodology in healthcare include improvement of patient satisfaction, reduction of emergency department waiting times, prescription error reduction and monetary recovery by reducing waste. Patients with a HgbA1c testing frequency of >6 months have poorer glycemic control. The American Diabetes Association recommends HgbA1c test quarterly in patients whose therapy has changed or who are not meeting glycemic goals and at least two times a year in patients who are meeting treatment goals. We hypothesized that the Lean Six-Sigma DMAIC tools can be used in the outpatient clinic setting to improve frequency of HgbA1c testing in patients with diabetes mellitus. At baseline, 19% of our patients with diabetes mellitus had HgbA1c tested infrequently, defined as more than 6 months. This high percentage is a concern as it could lead to poor diabetes control. The aim was to increase percentage of patients having an HgbA1c tested between 3 to 6 months before an appointment in our clinic, to a goal of 90%. Target population included all patients with diabetes mellitus seen in outpatient endocrinology clinic. A baseline analysis of existing processes was done through brainstorming with the clinic staff using a fish bone diagram. Lack of follow up and HgbA1c testing orders were some of the modifiable factors identified. The new processes implemented include nurse driven standing medical orders for HgbA1c testing and pre-visit planning. Control phase included regular audits to sustain the improvements. The percentage of patients with a HgbA1c testing within 3-6 months of appointment improved from a baseline of 76.7% (LSL:70%, USL:94%) to 92.2% (LSL:88%, USL:93.7%). The improvement was noticeable within 1 month of new process implementation and continues to sustain. The mean had an absolute improvement of 15.5%. The variation from the mean decreased from 25% at baseline to 6% at the end of the control phase. The reduction in variation made our future results more predictable. The use of Lean Six-Sigma DMAIC quality improvement tools are an effective method to improve quality of care in the outpatient setting. These strategies can be replicated for other clinical quality outcomes.


Aiming at machining characteristics of compound materiel with energy, the developing stages of machining technology for the material: hand-machining, machine tools machining, special machine tools machining, NC machining and flexible machining are briefly introduced. The application of NC technology, control technology between fields, remote supervisory technology and integrative machining technology etc. in the material machining is emphatically presented, and some future researching ideas are given in this paper.


A vast number of the world's population live in the rural areas and there is the need to properly sensitize them to key into the various initiatives of government and all other developmental programmes by individuals and corporate organizations. The rural populace can only get to know about these programmes through the mass media as well as other modes of communication. This review therefore examines the role of rural journalism in mobilizing rural dwellers to support various initiatives as well as how it can be used to further mobilize the rural dwellers to support developmental programmes. The aim is to awaken the consciousness of government, journalists and the society at large to the strategic role of the mass media in getting the rural populace to key into their various programmes since they constitute a larger population of Nigerians. The theoretical framework of this study is anchored on the Agenda-Setting Theory. The work discusses the concept of mobilisation and social mobilisation, the role of the mass media in social mobilisation and the mass media as a mobilization tool. Hence, rural community media should not be used as a one way system such that it is only information from the government that should be pass across rather it should be that of rural to government and government to grass roots communication.


A method and apparatus for processing unstructured resources, including one or more of the data section is described. The method includes reading the unstructured resource into memory and accessing a data structure associated with the non-structured resources. The data structure includes one or more elements, each element including position information of the data unit in the non-structured resources. Using this position information, data portions are searched and processed from the unstructured resource, the step of searching and processing is repeated for each element in the data structure.


This paper investigates the behavior of piezoelectric elements as strain sensors. Strain is measured in terms of the charge generated by the element as a result of the direct piezoelectric effect. Strain measurements from piezoceramic (PZT) and piezofilm (PVDF) sensors are compared with strains from a conventional foil strain gage and the advantages of each type of sensor are discussed, along with their limitations. The sensors are surface bonded to a beam and are calibrated over a frequency range of 5-500 Hz. Correction factors to account for transverse strain and shear lag effects due to the bond layer are analytically derived and experimentally validated. The effect of temperature on the output of PZT strain sensors is investigated. Additionally, design of signal conditioning electronics to collect the signals from the piezoelectric sensors is addressed. The superior performance of piezoelectric sensors compared to conventional strain gages in terms of sensitivity and signal to noise ratio is demonstrated.


Fabrication of ion-implanted germanium IGFET's is described. The characteristics of the devices are reported and the measured channel mobilities are related to annealing procedures for reducing interface state density. Charged oxide traps and interface states near the band edges scatter minority carriers in the channel and thus are responsible for reduction of the channel mobility.


The work presented here deals with digital image watermarking and a new Fourier based embedding method is presented. The watermarking location scheme optimization is performed by the use of a psychovisual criteria suitable with the Fourier domain and given from properties of the model of the human visual system (HVS). The watermark design and extraction exploits the Mojette transform properties which are recalled. The embedding as well as the extraction processes are described and exemplified through some classical attacks onto a standard image.


The Qur ʾ ānic term, ' ẓ ann ,' is usually understood and translated as conjecture. However, I argue that the Qur ʾ ān uses ' ẓ ann ' to mean dogmatic zeal or, in other words, being zealous to a certain belief. For conjecture, the Qur ʾ ān uses the root ' ḥ - s-b ,' such as, ' aya ḥ sabu .' Although the Qur ʾ ān may criticize some people's conjectures, it does not criticize the act of formulating opinions with the root ' ḥ - s-b .' However, the Qur ʾ ān does criticize the act of ' ẓ ann .' This further emphasizes the distinction between conjecture and ' ẓ ann ,' according to the Qur ʾ ān. The main emphasis is that when the Qur ʾ ān requires people to shun most ' ẓ ann ,' it is argued that it is asking to shun zealous beliefs and dogmas, and it is not asking to shun the formulation of conjectures. The method used is philological, in which the cognates are analyzed in their contexts and compared with their uses in the Qur ʾ ān. Defining ' ẓ ann ' as dogmatic zeal rather than conjecture has far-reaching implications in understanding Qur ʾ ānic epistemology and the epistemic process it expects its audience to have.