We investigated the role of emotional regulation in the relationship between perceived social support and social anxiety. Participants were 547 college students (female = 69%; freshmen = 33%; mean age = 21.13 years, SD = 1.12 years). For the measures, the students completed the Perceived Social Support Scale, the Emotion Regulation Strategies Questionnaire, and the Interaction Anxiousness Scale. Results indicated emotional regulation components of expression suppression to mediate the relationship between perceived social support and social anxiety, lowering levels of social anxiety. People who self-perceived with social support may be less socially anxious believing to be able to express themselves to reduce their social anxiety.


This research aims to explore the building of community empowerment towards service design perspective. Community empowerment is the process by which local residents increase their assets and attributes and build capacities to gain access, partners, and networks, in order to gain control. Therefore, many recent works already take community empowerment as a process of enabling communities to increase control over their lives with a five-dimension framework including confident, inclusive, organized, co-operative and influential. However, there is still a lack of discussion about how to develop these five dimensions of community empowerment at the operational level, and there have been few attempts to use a design perspective building and developing an empowered community. As a result, this paper aims to introduce the perspective of service design, thereby creating a design process of community empowerment. The Wen-Ling community in West Central District in Tainan was selected as a elder caring case to observe that how the service design perspective can facilitate the building of community empowerment. The meal delivery service for local elders living alone in this community is also selected as a design issue in our investigation. The case study result reveals that, following the service process and corresponding tools, a empowered community can be built towards a service design perspective by identifying the gap in the community, recognizing the knowledge and skills in the community, building the local involvement based on shared experience, and co-working to identify and execute the networking plan in turn.


The results of Tadenan in 50 patients with prostate adenoma are reported. The micturition during the day improved in 26 patients; during the night in 28 patients. Urine residue disappeared in 7 patients.


RESULTS: Rooted in structural dynamics theory, a hierarchy of three simplified procedures - modal pushover analysis (MPA), one-mode static analysis, and static analysis - have been developed for seismic analysis of "ordinary" bridges in fault- rupture zones. The three approximate procedures are shown to provide estimates of seismic demands that are accurate enough to be useful for practical applications. The static analysis procedure, which is much simpler than the other two approximate procedures, is recommended for practical analysis of "ordinary" bridges because it eliminates the need for mode shapes and vibration periods of the bridge. Background Recent earthquakes around the world have demonstrated the vulnerability of bridges that cross fault-rupture zones. While avoiding building bridges across faults may be the best practice, it may not always be possible to do so, especially in regions of high seismicity, such as California, where a significant number of bridges may either cross faults or lie in very close proximity to fault-rupture zones. Bridges crossing fault-rupture zones will experience ground offset across the fault and hence spatially-varying ground motion. While site-specific seismological studies to define spatially-varying ground motions and rigorous nonlinear response history analysis (RHA) are necessary for important bridges on "lifeline" routes, such investigations may be too onerous for "ordinary" bridges whose design is otherwise governed by the CALTRANS Seismic Design Criteria (SDC). Therefore, overall objective of this research investigation is to develop rational, simplified methods - simpler than nonlinear response history analysis (RHA) - rooted in structural dynamics theory, for estimating seismic demand of bridges crossing fault- rupture zones. What was Done Shear keys are often ignored in seismic analysis of bridges subjected to spatially uniform support because they are designed to break off during maximum design earthquake. However, recent experiments conducted on the seismic performance of shear keys designed according to current CALTRANS design criteria indicate that "actual" break-off strength of shear keys may be significantly higher than the design value. Therefore, we first examined the role that shear keys play in affecting the seismic response of "ordinary" bridges crossing fault-rupture zones. We demonstrated that an upper bound estimate of bridges in fault- rupture zones may be obtained by analysis of bridges in fault- rupture zones for two shear key conditions: elastic shear keys and no shear keys. With the eventual goal of developing simplified procedures, we first focused on developing the theoretical background for linearly-elastic "ordinary" bridges crossing fault-rupture zones. For this purpose, we developed a specialized form of response spectrum analysis (RSA) procedure for bridges in fault-rupture zones. We further simplified this RSA procedure to a linear static analysis procedure. We demonstrated that these procedures provide very good estimates of peak seismic demands when compared to those from response history analysis (RHA). Finally, we extended the procedures for linearly-elastic bridges to estimate seismic demands for "ordinary" bridges deforming into their inelastic range. This work led to development of three approximate procedures: modal pushover analysis (MPA), one- mode static analysis, and static analysis. We demonstrated that these procedures provide estimates of seismic demands that are accurate enough to be useful for practical applications. We recommend that the static analysis procedure, which is much simpler than the other two approximate procedures, be used for practical analysis of "ordinary" bridges because it eliminates the need for mode shapes and vibration periods of the bridge.


Abstract This research aims to identify the translation techniques which are used to translate utterances containing sexist attitudes on men and women characters in Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk Novel. The researcher also aims to find the translation shift that occured as a result of the translation techniques usage. To analyze the data, the researcher used some analysis steps: taxonomy analysis, componential analysis, and the cultural value analysis. The result shows that there are 14 techniques found. The translator tends to use established equivalent for both men and women characters. Discursive creation and transposition produced translation shift. This shift occured once on the utterances toward men and women. Keywords: Translation; translation techniques; translation shift, sexist attitudes; sexism


A class of asymptotically ?-optimal two-armed bandit controllers is given, and two criteria for comparing the long-term finite-time performance of controllers in this class are proposed. The performances of three particular controllers are compared using the criteria, and the analysis is confirmed by computer iteration if the appropriate probability recurrence relations.


Ahstract The aim <ıf ıhis paper is lo rccvaluate Ihe previously prepared environmental allilude and knowledge scales and lo HU the gaps in Ihe area of environmental educalion Ihat has resulted fronı ıhe dissemination and inlerprelalion of findings. This sludy consisls of four seclions. These arc different interpretations of cnvironnıenlalism, Iheorelical framesvorks and interpretations of lindings, path\vays of test development, and researeh methodologics. Key IVardı: Environmental attitude scale, environment and Iheory, environmental knoıvlcdge, researeh methodology.


Salat is different worship with other worship such as fasting, zakat and hajj. Worship besides prayers when left can be replaced with the ways set out in scripture (the Qur'an and the Hadith) such as making up, pay fidyah, pay expiation either personally or represented by others, either alive or dead. Unlike the case with prayer, no proposition either from the Qur'an and hadith that explains how to replace the prayer for the person who left it intentionally by any means both when alive and even more so after the person dies. But in everyday life there are some people who practice the majority opinion among the scholars to pay expiation prayers people have died. Having examined the arguments that are used to legalize the practice showed that the arguments used is a proposition that is not based on the Qur'an and the hadith but rather the result of ijtihad scholars doubt the authenticity of their arguments. So it can be understood that the prayers of worship commanded by nas qath'I (definitely) (Qur'an and Hadith) can not be replaced by paying an expiation prayers that argument very doubtful validity. Keywords: Pay expiation prayers, the authenticity of arguments


ABSTRACT In this paper I discuss the role played by translations of key theoretical translation studies texts (published after 1970 in English, French and Spanish) in the consolidation of translation studies as a field of scholarly research. Although bibliometric studies suggest that at least one-third of the bibliography of translation studies in English corresponds to translations of texts about translation, few efforts have been made to study those translations from a Translation Studies perspective. In line with the current movement in Translation Studies towards self-reflection, I have analysed four signs of this movement that are indicative of the discipline's turn towards itself. Among other issues, my analysis highlights the coexistence of several versions of Translations Studies. The terms Translation Studies, traductología and traductologie and the concept of landscape, as discussed by Zanettin, Saldanha, and Harding, are used to refer to three versions of the same discipline that, for the purposes of this article, I called translatology. My analysis has led me to posit that the development of local landscapes is based on the trails of other larger developed ones and by means of a process similar to cultural assimilation. This involves a degree of sacrifice of their autonomy and particularity in order to be integrated into the larger imagined translatological community.


AIM To study effect of TanshinoneⅡA(TanⅡA) on stromal cell-derived factor-1(SDF-1) and it's receptors CXCR4 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).METHODS Sixty-two patients with T2DM were randomly divided into treatment and control groups.TanⅡA 40 mg·d-1 was given to patients in treatment group for 2 weeks.The level of plasma SDF-1,the positive rate of CXCR4 on endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs)and the number of EPCs were determined pre-and post-treatment.RESULTS All parameters had no significant differences between 2 groups before observation(P0.05).Increasing SDF-1,EPCs and CXCR4 had significant difference in the treatment group pre-and post-treatment(P0.05 or P0.01).The parameters had no significant differences between before and after observation in the control group(P0.05).There was a significant positive correlation between EPCs and SDF-1(r=0.223,P0.05).CONCLUSION TanⅡA can improve vascular endothelial function in T2DM,which may be due to elevating the level of plasma SDF-1 and increasing the expression of CXCR4 on EPCs,and inducing EPCs mobilization from bone marrow to peripheral blood.


Based on the microstructure of water,the parper offered an analysis ,by using the molecalar physics method,of the physical property of water under nm measarement,and also,the prospect of the practical usage of the nm technique of water.


This hypothesis has an important implication. If the structure of additional productive capacities is to match the structure of additional demand, investment would have to proceed simultaneously in the various sectors of the economy and industries in the same proportions in which the consumers decide to allow the expenditure of their additional income among the outputs of those sectors and industries.


To write fiction that portrays the nightmarish aspects of the unconscious is simply to say at the outset that the opposite view is equally true and equally valid. All my fiction is, in a sense, lyrical, even the most terrifying of it. The nightmare simply leads one toward—or the nightmare could not exist without an awareness of—purity. But even in the most paradisial worlds I've created, the roses conceal deadly thorns.


Focused ultrasound (FUS) with the presence of microbubbles (MBs) has been demonstrated its capability of temporally and locally open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) that can be utilized to enhance chemotherapeutic drug delivery into the brain parenchyma for glioma treatment. However, the current administered chemotherapeutic agents that provide tumor-killing effect also induce systemic toxicity that significantly limits the dosage. Our previous results have already demonstrated the success of concurrently applying drug (BCNU)-loaded MBs with FUS exposures to open the BBB, which provided benefits in local drug delivery and reduced systemic toxicity. To further enhance the drug targeting and releasing capability of the drug-loaded MBs, we demonstrated here a novel VEGF-targeting, drug-loaded microbubble design for the use of FUS-BBB opening and brain drug delivery. This study may provide useful implications toward future MB design which aims to perform the targeted brain tumor therapy or extend the application of microbubbles on theragnostic purpose.


The transformation of the university and higher education in general under the neo-liberal economy has been a hot topic for social researchers for some time now. Over the last few decades, countless books have been published on the effects of neo-liberalism on higher education, many of them written from radically different and even incompatible theoretical and ideological perspectives, all of them nevertheless indicating that something serious is indeed going on. With regard to the sheer amou...


We propose a copula contagion mixture model for correlated default times. The model includes the well-known factor, copula, and contagion models as its special cases. The key advantage of such a model is that we can study the interaction of different models and their pricing impact. Specifically, we model the default times of the underlying names in a reference portfolio to follow contagion intensity processes with exponential decay coupled with a copula dependence structure. We also model the default time of the counterparty and its dependence structure with the reference portfolio. Numerical tests show that correlation and contagion have an enormous joint impact on the rates of CDO tranches and the corresponding credit value adjustments are extremely high to compensate for the wrong-way risk.


The objective of the chapter is to provide a proposal of indicators of intellectual capital in higher education for the organizations that comprise it. The importance of valuing intellectual capital in educational organizations is to measure their contributions to society, which complement the financial landscape and allow comparison between similar institutions, in order to compare their performance. Therefore, the conclusion of carrying out this process in higher education is 1) providing adequate information on the value of HEIs to society, 2) assessing and directing the response capacity of the organization towards the needs of the productive and services sector (interest groups), 3) orienting the development of the components of intellectual capital towards a knowledge management that allows to solve in an efficient way the problems of the society, and 4) optimizing the human talent of the institution for the achievement of the organizational objectives.


Focused‐electron‐beam‐induced deposition (FEBID) is employed to create freestanding magnetic nanostructures. By growing Fe nanopillars on top of a perpendicular magnetic domain wall (DW) conduit, pinning of the DWs is observed due to the stray fields emanating from the nanopillar. Furthermore, a different DW pinning behavior is observed between the up and down magnetic states of the pillar, allowing to deduce the switching fields of the pillar in a novel way. The implications of these results are two‐fold: not only can 3‐dimensional nano‐objects be used to control DW motion in applications, it is also proposed that DW motion is a unique tool to probe the magnetic properties of nano‐objects.


Based on the Shanghai Automotive Wind Tunnel Center's aerodynamic and aero-acoustic wind tunnel,the 1:15 scaled wind tunnel was built.Three dimensional hot-wire was used to measure flow distribution inside the test section of the wind tunnel under different conditions.By analyzing the average velocity of the airflow,the steady characteristic of the airflow inside test section of the wind tunnel was understood.By compared with a typical jet-flow,the special prism structure of the jet-flow spout out of the nozzle was obtained.Through analyzing the turbulent intensity at the different sections in test section,the distribution and intensity of the turbulance at the nozzle and collectors were understood.This research helps us to have a comprehensive understanding of the flow field inside the test section of open-jet low speed wind tunnel.


Throughout Earth's crust and upper mantle, fluids play the dominant role in transporting and concentrating Earth's energy and mineral resources (Liebscher and Heinrich 2007). Furthermore, the flux of fluids, which act as both reaction media and reactants, strongly influences the genesis and evolution of many different kinds of rocks. Among many different types of fluids, those containing volatile carbon, hydrogen and oxygen (C-H-O) species tend to dominate in the lithosphere along with various electrolytes and silica. These fluids commonly contain methane as both a major constituent and an important energy source. Conventional natural gas deposits reside in sedimentary basins where fluid overpressure often results in brittle failure of the confining rocks. Industry exploration and exploitation of shale gas (e.g., the Marcellus, Utica, and Barnett formations) has refocused attention on understanding the fundamental behavior of volatile hydrocarbon—rock interactions. Recent observations of hydrocarbons emanating from non-sedimentary systems (abiogenic), such as mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems or occurring within some crystalline rock-dominated Precambrian shield environments have challenged the view that organic rich sediments provide the only significant source of crustal hydrocarbons (Potter and Konnerup-Madsen 2003; Sleep et al. 2004; Sherwood Lollar et al. 2006; McCollom 2013; Sephton and Hazen 2013). Geopressured-geothermal regimes contain C-H-O fluids with vast energy potential in the form of methane and hot water at high pressure. Even fluid inclusions from both metamorphic and igneous terrains record the presence of methane-bearing fluids reflecting reduced redox state conditions of formation.

The consequences of coupled reactive-transport processes common to most geological environments depend on the properties and reactivity of these crustal fluids over broad ranges of temperature, pressure and fluid composition. The relative strengths of complex molecular-scale interactions in geologic fluids, and the changes in those interactions with temperature, pressure, and fluid composition, are the fundamental basis for observed …


Academic peer review is an evaluation activity involving value judgment,and it is the appraisement of quality or importance of the academic work.Academic peer review shows a nested relationship structure based on principal-agent theory.According to the game model of academic peer review commissioned by the agency relationship,it is very likely to trigger some conflicts of interests because of the private interests between the review management institutions and review experts,such as asymmetric information,incompatible incentive and incomplete contract which exist between the principal and the agent.In order to prevent the occurrence of conflicts of interests,some effective measures may be taken such as increasing the information cost,strengthening occupation moral construction and establishing the system of evaluating academic peer review.


This study discusses the correlation between the transparency of zakat management institutions and the level of trust of muzakki in paying zakat at the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) Palembang City. With the formulation of the problem, how is the correlation between the transparency of zakat management institutions and the level of trust of muzakki in paying zakat at the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) in Palembang. Which aims to determine the correlation between the transparency of zakat management institutions with the level of trust of muzakki in paying zakat at the National Amil Zakat Agency (BAZNAS) Palembang city and donations to related institutions for policy formulation in zakat management.
 This research uses quantitative research. Quantitative research methods can be interpreted as research methods based on causal relationship symptoms, used for population research and certain samples, data collection using research instruments, quantitative data analysis, with the aim of testing predetermined hypotheses.
 From the results of the product moment correlation analysis, the figure is 71.18%. This value is getting closer to 1. Thus, it can be concluded that there is a close relationship between institutional transparency and muzzaki trust in the management of zakat funds at Baznas. The better the transparency of Baznas, the more muzzaki's trust in the Baznas institution in the management (collection and distribution) of zakat funds will be.


An individual's microbiome consists of a diverse set of bacterial strains that encode rich information on its colonization and evolutionary history. Here, we introduce a versatile and straightforward reference-based strain tracking approach (StrainTrack) that determines whether distinct metagenomes carry closely-related strains based on gene presence and absence profiles. We show that StrainTrack can predict whether two metagenomes originate from the same donor via counting the number of species sharing closely-related strains, achieving >96% specificity, and ∼100% sensitivity. When applied to the metagenomes of adult twins in the TwinsUK registry, we identify six cases of closely-related strains carried by both twins, potentially over decades of colonization.


Mesoporous chromium aluminophosphate catalysts were prepared by a solid state reaction route and characterized by X-ray diffraction(XRD),ultraviolet visible light spectroscopy(UV-Vis)and N2 adsorption-desorption.The effect of the anionic coordination in aluminum chlorohydrate and the consumption of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide on the ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy of mesoporous chromium aluminophosphate catalyst and the dehydration activity of glycerol were investigated.The results shown that the relative intensity between the absorption peak at near 660 nm,which is ascribed to the spin-allowed d-d electron transition [4A2g(F)→4T2g(F)]of Cr(Ⅲ)ion,and that at near 690 nm,which is ascribed to the spin-forbidden transition [4A2g(F)→2T1g(G)] of Cr(Ⅲ)ion in chromium aluminophosphate,and directly controlls the total conversion of glycerol and the selectivity of products.Moreover,the consumption of CTAB and the variety of anionic coordination indirectly influenced the electron transitions mentioned above.It is confirmed that Cr(Ⅲ)ion is the active site of dehydration reaction of glycerol.Under the high temperature,the interchange of Cr(Ⅵ)and Cr(Ⅲ)in chromium aluminophosphate catalyst can affect the product selectivity of acrolein and hydroxyacetone.


A multipurpose patron-client system vertically integrates people of disparate status, wealth, and power within an autonomous local polity and subsistence economy. It is well documented that the demise of this system is associated with the penetration of national and state institutions such as competitive politics and a commercial economy. The problem remains, however, of explaining why a multipurpose patron-client system is incompatible with these new circumstances. The necessity of the demise of such a form and its replacement with some other form are explained in this paper in terms of the changing properties and attendant shifts in substantive logic, rationale, and imperatives of the politicoeconomic system on which the patron-client system is based.


This paper is concerned with catalysing a savings culture in the UK. Today it is impeded by an under-performing retirement savings industry ("the industry"), at least some of which is dysfunctional. In addition, the Treasury and the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) have conflicting objectives ("spend" versus "save"): pushmi-pullyu government. Furthermore, the interests of the nation and the industry are not aligned. Ordinarily this would not be of great import, but financial services are an exception. Not only does the industry directly benefit from an annual subsidy of over £30 billion (via tax relief), but the Treasury fields the consequences of industry failure, via welfare payments, made manifest by an under-saving nation. Consequently, the industry has to change, dramatically. The guiding principle for this paper is that change would be more lasting if it were driven by the industry itself, rather than through intervention from another key stakeholder, the state. The industry is in the Last Chance Saloon of public opinion. It now has a brief opportunity (between now and 2017) to take a lead and resuscitate its reputation. If it were not to have made substantial progress before the 2017 review of auto-enrolment (and the restraints on NEST), then this principle should wither, and the state should be entitled to take far more assertive action. The challenge would then be to work out what legislation, and regulation, would deliver a transformational, rather than incremental, change in attitudes towards saving.In the meantime, the Government is legislating within the pensions and savings arena at an unparalleled pace, and risks legislative overload. Ministers would welcome initiatives from within the industry, thereby obviating the need to further burden the legislature. Indeed, there is a golden opportunity for the industry to take the lead, by fundamentally realigning its interests with those of its customers, thereby rejuvenating its reputation. Essentially, the industry should put the customer at the centre of everything it does.


Abstract Soil acidification in croplands is largely affected by various fertilization practices in long-term scales. However, the differences from the sources and sinks of proton in agroecosystems between long-term fertilization practices are poorly understood. Based on the role of the carbon and nitrogen cycle in soil acidification, experimental data from 1991 to 2006 involving wheat (Triticum aestivum) and maize (Zea mays) rotation in the upland red soil of south China was used to advance the methodology for quantifying soil acidification in croplands. One no-fertilizer control and seven fertilization treatments with 300 kg ha−1 year−1 nitrogen were analyzed in the study. Soil net acid addition rates (NAAR) in the long-term scale were significantly and positively correlated (P < 0.01, n = 8), with rates of decline in topsoil pH varying from 0.006 to 0.122 units year−1. Total proton sources with similar values (17.73–19.53 Kmol ha−1 year−1) and the negative and linear correlation between the effects of nitrogen cycle (HNCE) and carbon cycle (HCCE) were found under all fertilization treatments. Characterized as the distribution of a larger percentage in HCCE than in HNCE, mineral fertilizer amendments with manure at the appropriate nitrogen rate should be regarded as the optimal nutrient-management strategy for sustainable agriculture in the upland red soil.


The International Neuromodulation Society defines neuromodulation as "technology that acts directly upon nerves. It is the alteration—or modulation—of nerve activity by delivering electrical or pharmaceutical agents directly to a target area." We use the term neuromodulation in an allencompassing fashion that includes neurostimulation, neuroaugmentation, functional electrical stimulation, brain–machine interface, and even intrathecal and intraventricular drug delivery systems. In essence, the field is broad, rapidly evolving, and holds significant promise for the treatment of diseases of the nervous system. The populations of patients potentially benefiting from these interventions are significant and expanding, driven by enhanced knowledge of the neural correlates associated with neurological and psychiatric disorders. As ongoing research better elucidates the circuit endophenotypes and biomarkers associated with disorders affecting the central nervous system (CNS), the translational potential is enhanced for manipulating these neural circuits through instrumentation and electrochemical modulation for therapeutic purposes. With accelerated growth in scientific advancement comes the need to consider and definitively address ethical issues related to the pre-approval process of clinical research, the regulatory process, and the implementation of broad-spectrum clinical programs post-approval. Neuromodulation aims to regulate electrical neurotransmission and downstream neurochemical cascades in central structures through a variety of highly sophisticated techniques, some of which are invasive (e.g., deep brain stimulation), while others are not (transcranial magnetic stimulation). The bioengineering of these devices enables multiple stimulation methods with varied dosing protocols delivered to highly specific foci in the CNS, thereby activating or inhibiting neural circuits implicated in a wide variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The basal ganglia and other subcortical gray nuclei located deep beneath the cerebral cortex are phylogenetically primitive structures involved in many aspects of CNS function, including motor control, cognition, learning, emotions, and motivational aspects of behavior. It is often this "high-rent space" that is targeted by neuromodulatory interventions. Electrical stimulation of the CNS has an extensive history dating back to the 19th century when animal experiments were used for functional exploration of central structures and associated neural circuits.1 Dr. Wilder Penfield championed the technique of functional neurosurgery in the 1930s, famously stimulating the cortex of patients in the awake state in the presence of neurologists who would document the clinical findings to create motor and sensory maps of the brain. Groundbreaking research in the 1960s demonstrated that stimulating the thalamus with high-frequency electrical pulses had mitigating effects on tremor. In the 1980s, the French


The purpose of this paper is to obtain some new fractional integral inequalities involving convex functions by applying generalized Katugampola fractional integral operator.


Objective To explore the difference of obesity prevalence between the young and middle-aged and old patients with CHD.Methods Patients with CHD between February 1,2011 to February 28,2011 in Cardiovascular Dept of People's Hospital of Wuhan University,were divide them into young and middle-aged group(Group MA)and control group(Group C)according to their age.Results The degree of obesity in Group MA was significantly higher than that of Group C.Conclusion The obesity may be a important factor of degree cardiovascular disease in young and middle-aged patients,and it may be a efficient method for reducing or delaying cardiovascular disease to prevent obesity early.


Embodiments of the present disclosure, a wireless device such as user equipment (UE) organized into groups, a method for allocating radio network resources to these groups, the computer readable medium and system configuration will be described. In an example method, a radio access network (RAN) node, between the first machine and (M2M) wireless device and the 2M2M wireless device may be organized in groups of M2M wireless device. RAN nodes may then assign the radio network resources to a group of M2M wireless device. Other embodiments may be described and / or claimed.


Ab s t r Ac t Aim and objective: The main objective was to determine the outcome of oncology-specific rehabilitation (OR) exercises in patients of breast cancer in terms of improvement in 6-minute walk test distance (6MWTD) and quality of life (QOL). Materials and methods: An observational study was performed on patients with breast cancer who underwent OR exercises during their treatment of the disease. The 6MWTD was documented before and after exercises, different parameters were statistically analyzed, and QOL improvement was recorded with a functional assessment of chronic illness therapy (FACIT) questionnaire. Results: Post-OR exercises, all (n = 46) patients had a statistically significant improvement in 6MWTD (p = 0.0001). Patients not receiving chemotherapy did not show any improvement post-rehabilitation (p = 0.103). Patients of age <55 years did better than ≥55 years in 6MWTD (p = 0.003). Functional assessment of chronic illness therapy questionnaire showed a statistically significant improvement in the physical, emotional, and additional well-being of the patients. No significant benefit was seen in social and functional well-being. The total FACIT score showed a statistically significant improvement in the QOL of all patients (p = 0.01). Conclusion: With the above experience, OR exercises program for patients with breast cancer has a significant impact on physical endurance and QOL as per our study.


A recent literature shows how an increase in volatility reduces leverage. However, in order to explain pro-cyclical leverage it assumes that bad news increases volatility, that is, it assumes an inverse relationship between first and second moments of asset returns. This paper suggests a reason why bad news is more often than not associated with higher future volatility. We show that, in a model with endogenous leverage and heterogeneous beliefs, agents have the incentive to invest mostly in technologies that become more volatile in bad times. Agents choose these technologies because they can be leveraged more during normal times. Together with the existing literature this explains pro-cyclical leverage. The result also gives a rationale to the pattern of volatility smiles observed in stock options since 1987. Finally, the paper presents for the first time a dynamic model in which an asset is endogenously traded simultaneously at different margin requirements in equilibrium.


The Adult Guardianship System protects the human rights of the senior and the disabled is important for the spread of system"s promoting the use of the Assigned Guardian System. Many countries have the protection system for mentally incapacitated adults. and adult guardianship system has been reformed in Korea. It has been in force 1. July, 2013 in Korea. This article focused the legal issues on the role of adult guardian in social welfare services. The public adult guardianship training is important for socially vulnerable groups because they have no incomes to request adult guardianship system. The new adult guardianship system intended to respect dignity and human rights of mentally incapacitated adults, to guarantee their autonomy and to minimize the public interventions for assisting them. It is essential to solve cost problem for successful establishment of adult guardianship system because reasonable control of social security expenditure, in an aging society, is a common task for all countries.


Objective To research the relationship between CXCL16 and atherosclerosis.Methods In this study,we recruited 60 consecutive subjects with 30 carotid arteries plaque and 30 age-and-sex-matched normal subjects,fasting blood sample was collected from each subjects after 12-14 hours fast.Monocytes in the peripheral blood were isolated,the expression of cxcl16/cxcr6 mRNA were compared using RT-PCR,with beta-actin as internal control.Results The expression of cxcl16/cxcr6 mRNA in the monocytes was significantly higher in plaque patients than in normal subjects(P0.001).Conclusion Cxcl16 is a dangerous factor in atherosclerosis.


IDEFIX is a debugging tool which can be used in all three of the basic stages in testing and debugging real-time, embedded software. The first stage takes place entirely on the host computer, but the differences in host and target environments make further testing necessary. In the second stage; either the host machine emulates the target machine or the target machine is used to interact with an emulated external real-time environment. In the final stage, for which few tools exist, the target machine interacts with the real external environment so that the testing and debugging are done in the final application situation


-thalassemia is a group of genetic disorders resulting from different mutations in the globin gene complex which lead to imbalance in β-globin chain synthesis. Unmatched α-globin chains are less stable and induce oxidation. In addition, ineffective erythropoiesis and iron overload lead to rise of free radicals. Riceberry bran oil, extracted from bran of Riceberry rice, a variety developed by crossed breeding of Khao Dawk Mali 105 and Chao Hom Nil, contains a variety of antioxidative agents. This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Riceberry bran oil on antioxidants and oxidative stress status of normal and β-thalassemic mice with pathophysiologic changes similar to β-thalassemia intermedia patients. Control thalassemic mice showed higher oxidative stress as indicated by increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) in red blood cells and decreased lipid fluidity in the area of the hydrophobic region of the red cell membrane compared to the control normal mice, while the level of antioxidant CoQ10 was lower. In addition, lower total cholesterol but higher hepatic iron content and higher heart and spleen weights were detected in thalassemic mice. Low dose (17 mg/20g body wt) and high dose (36 mg/20g body wt) of Riceberry bran oil were given in normal mice and thalassemic mice for 2 months; serum antioxidants and oxidative stress status were measured compared to normal mice. Two doses of Riceberry bran oil increased CoQ10, lipid fluidity in the area of the hydrophobic region of the red cell membrane and decreased triglyceride. They tended to increase vitamin E in thalassemic mice and decrease lipid peroxidation in normal and thalassemic mice. However, no change in superoxide dismutase, free cholesterol or cholesteryl esters were observed. No adverse effect of the Riceberry bran oil was found on liver and renal profiles, hepatic malondialdehyde, hepatic iron content, red cell morphology or organs in any group.


From the days of Neanderthal drawings on cave walls to the sophisticated tools of cell phones, cable phones, and satellite phones, communication among humans has evolved at a dizzying pace. Or has it?

Communication among and between healthcare providers in the 21st century may have actually devolved. Computers and smart phones have taken the place of interpersonal communication. While communication among healthcare providers has become more efficient, one can argue that it has become less safe for the patient. Gone are the days of consultants speaking directly to one another about a mutual patient. Now, physicians and mid-level providers read one another's notes either on paper or in a computerized medical record. Gone also are the days of nurses trading information on a patient between shifts. Shift report is either done through tape recordings or, again, via computerized notes. The rationale of decreased interpersonal communication between healthcare providers is "I am too busy." Yes, we are constantly fighting the clock in our efforts to take care of patients in an environment that is wrought with "crossing Ts and dotting Is" to satisfy increasingly suffocating regulatory demands. Yet, while relying solely on digital communication, we are sacrificing the gain of subtle nuances of patient information that can be of supreme importance in their outcome. Family dynamics, psychosocial situations, or even a vague deviation from a normal exam may not be properly articulated to one another, and this can make a difference in the course of a patient's hospitalization.

Perhaps, the quality and quantity of interpersonal communication has suffered because of poorly defined roles and tasks,[4] "turf wars" among hospital departments/units, difficulty in socialization skills between professionals, or competing priorities among hospital staff. The problem of poor communication may be related to all of these factors. Irrespective of the underlying causes of communication breakdown between healthcare professionals, the adverse affect on patient outcome and development of tools to enhance and improve collaboration and communication is well documented in the literature.[1,2] Poor communication among healthcare providers also makes for a stressful workplace and encourages disruptive behavior among clinicians.[3]

There is no healthcare professional that is too important or too busy to speak or interact with a colleague, especially when it concerns a patient care issue. Leave egos and personal feelings at the door. Provide unencumbered quality patient care. Let us get back to the fundamentals of patient care and do the best we can for our patients all day, every day.


Our poster will describe the Indiana CTSI Community Health Engagement Program (CHEP) and our services we offer to researchers. It also explains the benefit in working with the community in research.


The Cloud Services Measurement Initiative Consortium (CSMIC) was formed to address the need for industry-wide, globally accepted measures for calculating the benefits and risks of cloud-computing services. A global team is developing a standard measurement framework, called the Service Measurement Index (SMI). SMI involves the application of consistent, meaningful measures that are designed to enable comparison of current cloud-based services with non-cloud services or cloud services available from multiple providers. Cloud Services characteristics where measures are being documented and tested include: Accountability, Agility, Assurance, Financials, Performance, Security and Privacy, and Usability. The SMI will address a total of 51 attributes. Given concerns in the literature and popular press about provider capabilities, cost, security and data privacy and data loss, as well as the flexibility that moving to cloud services promises, this paper provides examples of measures for these attributes.


This paper provides a comparative verification of the methods used by major automobile manufacturing groups–namely Hyundai-Kia, Toyota, Renault-Nissan-AvtoVAZ, VW, and GM – in their approach to the automobile market in Russia, which is the world's sixth-largest in terms of the number of passenger cars sold. More specifically, it examines their modes of entry, the products they have introduced, and their sales trends. Then, this paper analyzes the differences and similarities between the strategies of each group in Russia, based on the "the Integration-Responsiveness Framework" in order to identify the ways in which the strategies of each group differ.


Crohn's disease (CD) that becomes a public health concern in developed countries shows similarities in clinical signs and pathological features with Johne's disease (JD) in ruminants infected by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP). Few researches conducted in Europe, the USA, and Australia showed relationships between MAP, CD, JD and dairy products. Indonesians consume milk and diary products from domestic and imported source. Adji in 2004 found some domestic dairy cows that were seropositive for MAP, and this could be a serious problem in dairy farm animals and human health in the future. The aim of this study was to detect MAP in the growing up formula milk. Fifty samples from five established factories were taken from supermarkets in Bogor. Polymerase chain reaction method (PCR) with insertion sequence (IS) 900 as primer and culture in Herrold's egg yolk media with mycobactin J (HEYM J) as a gold standard were used in this study. Neither MAP grew up in HEYM J medium after 20 weeks of culture period nor positive samples by PCR IS 900 were found. Although there were no positive samples found in this study, further extensive and comprehensive studies on MAP should be done with more and varied samples, as well as in human to provide data on MAP in Indonesia. (Med J Indones 2008; 17: 183-7) Keywords: Crohn's disease, dairy cow, growing up formula milk


Acknowledgments List of Illustrations Introduction: Contesting the Border 1. Imagined Border Crossers on Stage 2. Divided Screen, Divided Paths 3. Twice Crossing and the Price of Emotional Citizenship 4. Borders on Display: Museum Exhibitions 5. Nation and Nature Beyond the Borderland Notes Works Cited Index


The aqueous extract of the vines of Streptocaulon juventas was divided into four fractions following adsorption resin chromatography. Among them, the 30% fraction exhibited the strongest antiproliferate activity against human HL-60 leukemia cell lines. The chemical constituents of this fraction were investigated. Nine compounds were isolated by column chromatography and recrystallization. Their structures were identified as syringaldehyde (1), isofraxidin (2), ferulic acid (3), β -sitosterol (4), scopoletin (5), syringic acid (6), salicylaldehyde (7), scoparone (8), and daucosterol (9). Except for β-sitosterol and daucosterol, the other compounds were obtained from the genus for the first time.


The blood of normal adult cattle is characterized by a predominance of lymphocytes, relatively large sized neutrophils, and large numbers of thrombocytes. The total leukocyte count ranges from 4,000 to 10,OOO cells per cmm.; in animals below two years of age counts as high as 15,OOO cells per cmm. are not unusual. The percentage of lymphocytes in this young age group may be as high as 85 per cent. Quantitative aspects of the normal bovine hemogram are summarized in TABLE 1. Bovine lymphocytes are frequently classified as small, medium, and large. The small lymphocytes (7 to 11 M ) predominate. In air-dried blood films, the cytoplasm of the small lymphocytes forms an extremely narrow, weakly basophilic rim around the nucleus! and in some cells, azure granules may be present. The granules are usually small and round, but occasionally, they may be large and rodlike. The nucleus of the small lymphocyte is round and darkly staining with chromatin arranged in dense blocks. Nucleoli are not visible under the light microscope. Medium sized lymphocytes are several micra larger than the small lymphocytes, but have similar cytoplasmic characteristics. The nucleus is not so darkly-staining and the chromatin is less dense. Oval or kidney-shaped nuclei, or nuclei with very deep indentations are frequently observed; occasionally, binucleated cells are encountered. In some of these cells nucleoli or remnants of nucleoli are said to be visible.2O The largest lymphocytes may have a diameter of up to 18 to 20 micra. The cytoplasm is pale blue, faintly basophilic, and frequently contains small vacuoles. Rarely cells, containing immature nuclei and strongly basophilic cytoplasm which are morphologically identical to large lymphocytes from lymphatic organs, are encountered. The nucleus of the large lymphocytes may be round, oval, kidney-shaped, or may have a few deep indentations. I t is evident from this description that large lymphocytes or cells with unusual nuclear outlines may easily be confused with monocytes; the evaluation of such cells is often difficult. For classification purposes we employ the following criteria in differentiating lymphocytes from monocytes: The cytoplasm of lymphocytes is generally less dense and there is no azurophilic strippling. Monocytes vary in size from 12 to 20 micra and contain a kidneyor beanshaped nucleus; the nucleus may have constrictions or indentations of varying depth. The nucleus is generally poor in chromatin and the chromatin density varies greatly from area to area. The cytoplasm has an unclear greyish-blue appearance with fine azurophilic stippling; various sized vacuoles may be present.


Objective: To detect plasma vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF) in gastric carcinoma patients with liver metastasis and investigate its significance in chemotherapy.Methods: Plasma levels of VEGF in 43 gastric cancer patients and 20 superficial gastritis patients were detected by ELISA test.Results: Plasma levels of VEGF in gastric carcinoma patients were found to be higher than those in gastritis patients.The plasma levels of VEGF in complete response(CR) or partial response(PR) gastric cancer patients decreased significantly after chemotherapy(P 0.05).However,the plasma VEGF did not differ significantly in stable disease(SD) gastric cancer patients although they were given the same treatment.In progressive disease(PD) patients,the plasma VEGF increased after the treatment.Conclusion: The plasma VEGF level determined by ELISA could be a reference for evaluating the efficacy of treatment and progression of illness for gastric cancer patients with liver metastasis.


Acoustical measurements are presented on teaching studios and practice rooms of several music buildings located at four southwestern universities. Data were taken on a wide range of wall construction and recommendations on room response and acoustical isolation between rooms are presented.


Broadcasting figured prominently in the key senatorial race of 1956 which determined the control of the United State Senate. This became the subject of investigation by Professor Tucker for his doctoral dissertation. The following article was based upon his research findings, especially edited for the Journal.


The nonstructural protein gene NS2 of Bombyx mori densovisus(BmDNV-1) was cloned and expressed to study its function.NS2 gene was amplified by PCR from the infectious clone of BmDNV-1 and inserted into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a(+).The recombinant plasmid pET-28a-NS2 was transformed into the competent cell DH5α and the correct recombinant clone was confirmed by BamHI and HindIII digestion and sequencing.Then the plasmid pET-28a-NS2 was transferred to BL21(DE3) to express the fusion protein NS2 by induction with IPTG.The result showed that the highest expression of the fusion protein was reached after 4 hours of the induction with 1mM IPTG.The NS2 fusion protein with the size of 56.0kDa was revealed by Western blot by using antibody against His·tag which is consistent with the expected size of the fusion protein.


The reactions of polylactic acid (PLA) oligomers and isocyanates (4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and toluene diisocyanate) are reported. The effects of the reaction conditions, that is, the reaction time, reaction temperature, molar ratios, isocyanates, and catalyst, on the number-average molecular weight (Mn ) are demonstrated. The optimum reaction conditions are determined by the synthesis of relatively high Mn PLA-based linear polyurethanes. The structure of the polymer samples was investigated with dynamic light scattering, 1H NMR, IR, and matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS). © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 2925–2933, 2000


The transportation sector is an important sector to support the national development. As most of the energy demand in the transportation sector is used for motor vehicles in the road transportation, estimating the energy demand for motor vehicles is an important task in energy management. One of the method to predict the energy demand for motor vehicles is based on two main parameters, i.e. the intensity and activities of energy utilization. While the activity reflected growth in the number of motor vehicles and the mileage per unit vehicle for a certain time. By knowing the energy demand forecasts for the motor vehicle, the opportunities to increase energy efficiency can be analyzed by switching transportation mode.


Aerodynamic analysis in motorsport is conducted using three methods, computational, scaled experimental and full-scale operational. However, the varying fidelity, different sampling resolutions and unavoidable errors of each technique make valid comparisons between datasets from each method difficult and time consuming. Kriging is a geostatistical method to estimate values within a data field by examining and applying the trends of the dataset. This research examines how such techniques can be used to aid comparison between aerodynamic measurements of a race car. It examines how kriging can be used to transform discrete measurements, of varying fidelity and sampling resolution, into semi-continuous measurements, thus allowing computational results to be compared across a wider range of conditions than initially tested. This work explores how kriging can allow the trends from highly sampled data, such as track running, to be applied to less sampled data, such as CFD to improve computational and overall aerodynamic analysis.


The aim of this article is to propose a novel method for measuring the effect of cultural preference on bilateral tourism receipts. The method applied is inspired from Disdier et al. (2010). Using the UNESCO classification and data on bilateral trade in cultural product, a proxy for cultural preferences is constructed. The variable is used in a gravity model for tourism trade, which is estimated using a two-step procedure to avoid issues of endogeneity. The dataset used is a panel of 12 OECD countries for the period of 11 years. The variable for cultural preferences eliminates the problems with traditional methods, which by using dummy variables to account for cultural preferences, assume that the latter are time invariant and symmetrical. The cultural variable constructed is found to be significant in explaining bilateral tourism exports with an elasticity of 0.39.


Gold blacks made by evaporation from tungsten filaments in the presence of oxygen and in the absence of oxygen show different optical and electrical properties. The properties are found as a function of mass thickness for many different evaporation conditions. Electron microscopy was used to reveal the role of tungsten oxide in the deposit in breaking up the conducting paths and leading to selective optical behavior. Mie's theory may be used to calculate the optical properties of a gold sol and, at least for the blacks with the smallest conducting regions, agreement with experiment is good. The application of metal sols to the production of selective surfaces is discussed.


This article discusses an essential issue in the current administration, insofar as it aims to reveal the concept of subject that underlies the tenets and in the practice of Administration, a conception which is evidenced to be dissimilar in both scenarios. Therefore, the approach is done through the human resources management, which is understood as an essential, integral, and inclusive process within the organizations and whose function is (theoretically) to rescue the subject both in the Administration and the labor scenario. Then, a critical analysis of the concept of management is carried out, making a tour of its evolution over time and the evolution that the subject has historically had within it, hence it is resorted to the development of the human resources management as a concept and as an administrative practice.


In this paper, we propose a ball grid array (BGA) module with an integrated 3-D-printed plastic lens antenna for application in a dedicated 130 GHz OOK transceiver that targets the area of 5G backhaul/fronthaul systems. The main design goal was the full integration of a small footprint antenna with an energy-efficient transceiver. The antenna system must be compact and cost effective while delivering an approximately 30 dBi gain in the working band, defined as 120 to 140 GHz. Accordingly, a <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$2 \times 2$ </tex-math></inline-formula> array of aperture-coupled patch antennas was designed in the <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$7 \times 7 \times 0.362$ </tex-math></inline-formula> mm3 BGA module as the feed antenna of the lens. This achieved a 7.8 dBi realized gain, broadside polarization purity above 20 dB, and over 55% total efficiency from 110 to 140 GHz (20% bandwidth). A plastic elliptical lens 40 mm in diameter and 42.3 mm in height was placed on top of the BGA module. The antenna achieved a return loss better than −10 dB and a 28 dBi realized gain from 114 to 140 GHz. Finally, active measurements demonstrated a >12 Gbps Tx/Rx link at 5 m with bit error rate (BER) < 10−6 at 1.6 pJ/b/m. These results pave the way for future cost-effective, energy-efficient, high-data rate backhaul/fronthaul systems for 5G communications.


BaRuO 3 (BRO) thin films were prepared by laser ablation at substrate temperature (T sub ) ranging from room temperature to 973 K in a high vacuum (10 -6 Pa) and in O 2 at oxygen pressures (P o2 ) of 0.13 to 130 Pa. The relationship between deposition conditions, microstructure, binding state and electrical conductivity was investigated. 9R-type BRO thin film with well-crystallized fine grains was obtained at P o2 = 13 Pa and T sub > 773 K. BaRu 6 O 12 was co-deposited with BRO at P = 10 -6 Pa and (T sub > 573 K. The electrical conductivity (σ) of the BRO thin films positively correlated with T sub and P o2 . Highly conductive (σ > 10 4 S·m -1 ) BRO thin films showed metallic conduction whereas less conductive (σ < 10 4 S·m -1 ) BRO thin films showed semiconducting behavior. BRO thin film prepared at P o2 = 13Pa and T sub = 773K exhibited a maximum a of 7.7 x 10 4 S·m -1 at room temperature.


Recent political developments on the Korean peninsula suggest both the possibility and desirability for the neighboring powers to establish a new framework for regional peace. The US and North Korea have managed to reach an agreement to reduce mutually hostile threats on a reciprocal basis, and to normalize diplomatic relations by removing economic sanctions. They have thus created conditions potentially favorable for the expansion of trade and the inflow of economic assistance and foreign direct investment to North Korea


Summary Background: An insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) gene has been associated with recurrent miscarriage (RM) in several populations. We initiated this study to determine the association, if any, between the I/D polymorphism of ACE gene and RM in Saudi females. Method: This study was conducted on 61 Saudi females suffering from RM (mean age: 34.1±6.2 years; range 15–45) attending clinics at King Khalid University Hospital, and 59 age matched females who had at least 2 children, as controls. Blood samples were drawn in EDTA tubes by venipuncture. DNA was extracted using the Puregene DNA purification kits. Insertion/Deletion (I/D) polymorphism of ACE gene was investigated by amplifying the genomic DNA by PCR using gene-specific primers. A single 190 bp or 490 bp band was obtained in the homozygous cases for the D allele or I allele, respectively, while the presence of both 190 and 490 bp bands indicated heterozygosity (ID). Statistical analysis: Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was determined (http://ihg.gsf.de/cgi-bin/hw/hwa1.pl). A standard chi-square (χ2) test was used for comparing the genotype and allele frequencies in the two groups and Students't' test and χ2 test were employed to compare values between the two groups. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The frequencies of DD, ID, and II genotypes were 56.7%, 29.5% and 4.9%, respectively, in females with RM and 54.2%, 42.3% and 3.3% respectively in the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In some populations, meta-analyses showed an association between I/D polymorphism and RM risk, and the D allele was implicated as an increased risk factor for RM. However, this association was not apparent in the Saudi females.


patients. The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of therapeutic strategy with a combined modality treatment on the status of regional lymph nodes in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SSC) of the esophagus. Methods: Between 2001 and 2004, in a prospective randomized controlled multicenter (4 institutions) trial (SCSR 6PO5C01320), 84 stage II and III patients (75M/9K; median age 56, range 42–76) with SCC of the thoracic esophagus were randomly assigned to one of the following therapeutic arms: surgery alone (SURG) – 30 pts, chemotherapy followed by surgery (CHTH+SURG) – 23 pts and chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery (CHRTH+SURG) – 31 pts. The 21-day combination chemotherapy regimen consisted of a continuous infusion of cisplatin (20mg/m/day) and 5-fluorouracil (300mg/m/day). The patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy received concomitant fractionated radiation to a total dose of 30Gy. After 3 week interval transthoracic esophagectomy with 2-field extended lymph node dissection was carried out in all the patients. Lymph node involvment rate, number of metastatic nodes and positive nodes ratio (positive/harvested) were analysed in particular therapeutic arms. A statistical analysis was conducted with the computer statistical package STATISTICA v. 6.0 (StatSoft). A P value lower than 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 23.7±9.6 for all patients and 27.8±11, 22.5±10.1 and 22.5±8.5, for particular therapeutic arms CHTH+SURG, CHRTH+SURG and SURG, respectively (P=0.2283). Metastatic nodes were found in 63.9% of all patients and in 46.7, 41.2 and 86.2% of patients treated with CHTH+SURG, CHRTH+SURG and SURG, respectively (P=0.0027). The median number of metastatic nodes was 2.6±3.1 for all patients and 1.3±2.6, 1.3±2.4 and 3.8±3.3 for CHTH+SURG, CHRTH+SURG and SURG, respectively (P=0.0013). The median positive nodes ratio was 0.12±0.06 for all patients and 0.05±0.10, 0.05±0.09 and 0.18±0.17 for CHTH+SURG, CHRTH+SURG and SURG, respectively (P=0.0018). Conclusion: Neoadiuvant treatment in patients with SCC of the esophagus significantly decreases the number and ratio of positive lymph nodes and thus it might result in potentially better local clearance of resection surgery.


This investigation has shown that the results of tympanic membrane grafting in rats vary and depend on the nature of the various preservatives used. Seventy-six percent alcohol gave the best results in these series.


Estimates of mortality rates from age distributions are biased by imprecision in age estimation, even if age estimates are unbiased. I have derived a method for predicting the magnitude of this bias from information on the precision of age determination. Monte Carlo simulations show that bias can be accurately predicted. The commonly used Chapman–Robson mortality estimator is shown to be robust to imprecision in age determination if all age-classes are included. Errors are likely, however, if one or more age-classes are excluded or if other mortality estimators are used. Biases can be corrected if the distribution of age-estimation errors is known.


In recent years, with the expansion of electronic commerce, the number of customer online reviews available on the internet is growing rapidly. Lots of online merchant's websites ask the customers to leave a review about their experiences with the products. The reviews gathered from these websites are rich source of information for product development and marketing. The large volume of reviews that a product receives, make it hard for a potential customer or a manufacturer to read them and know about the customers' preferences, needs and experiences. So, this large volume of text data needs to be summarised using text mining approaches. The approach used in this paper to overcome this problem, is to develop a text summarisation system which extracts and groups the representative sentences of customer reviews. The proposed system, first extracts key topics discussed frequently in the customer review texts in the form of sequences of words. Then, the proposed system, groups the sentences assigned to the key topics, based on their semantic and syntactic similarity, using a genetic clustering algorithm. The evaluation result of the proposed system shows that the technique is effective and outperforms an existing text summarisation method.


Glycyrrhiza glabra Linn. is an age-old plant used in traditional medicine across the globe for its ethnopharmacological values to cure varieties of ailments from simple cough to hepatitis to more complex like SARS and cancer. The present paper is an effort to highlight the role of a few major constituents of this plant, which have multifaceted pharmacological actions and could be used as templates for designing new pharmacophores using modern chemical and bioanalytical tools.


In text-to-speech systems, the conversion of text into prosodic parameters is necessarily composed of three steps. These are the placement of prosodic boundaries. the determination of segmental durations, and the specification of fundamental frequency contours. Prosodic boundaries. as the most important and basic parameter. affect the estimation of durations and fundamental frequency. Break prediction is an important step in text-to-speech systems as break indices (BIs) have a great influence on how to correctly represent prosodic phrase boundaries, However. an accurate prediction is difficult since BIs are often chosen according to the meaning of a sentence or the reading style of the speaker. In Japanese, the prediction of an accentual phrase boundary (APB) and major phrase boundary (MPB) is particularly difficult. Thus, this paper presents a method to complement the prediction errors of an APB and MPB. First, we define a subtle BI in which it is difficult to decide between an APB and MPB clearly as a variable break (VB), and an explicit BI as a fixed break (FB). The VB is chosen using the classification and regression tree, and multiple prosodic targets in relation to the pith and duration are then generated. Finally. unit-selection is conducted using multiple prosodic targets. In the MOS test result. the original speech scored a 4,99. while proposed method scored a 4.25 and conventional method scored a 4.01. The experimental results show that the proposed method improves the naturalness of synthesized speech.


The aim of this master's thesis is to make a project on improving the methods of searching, selection and recruitment of employees in company CSAD Uherske Hradistě a.s. The theoretical part deals with the main questions of personnel management, especially the process of searching, selection and recruitment. The practical part first analyses and assesses the current situation of this process in the company and then, based on the findings, it makes a project on improving the methods of searching, selection and recruitment in company CSAD Uherske Hradistě a.s. The project includes a time, cost and risk analysis.


PURPOSE: A device for controlling the rotation of a solar cell module by the variation of a sun altitude according to seasons is provided to simply control the slope of a solar cell panel. CONSTITUTION: A semicircular body(51) is located on the upper side of an assembly(50). First to fifth sense installation units(52a-52e) are formed on the upper side of the semicircular body. A proximity sensor unit(70) includes a body(71) with a combination hole(77). First to fifth proximity sensors(72-76) are regularly installed on one side of the body. A cover(80) prevents the exposure of the proximity sensor unit and a horizontal weight.


Bali is one of the famous tourist destinations in the world, so there are many tourism actors offering tourism service and products to tourists who visit. One of the service providers in the form of a tour program is Bali Jeep Adventure which offers a back to nature program using a special 4WD car. Along with the development of technology and information, the marketing must be done through modern means, namely digital marketing using the internet. There are three main stages that must be carried out by Bali Jeep Adventure to maximize promotions through digital means, namely traffic, conversion, and engagement. This research uses qualitative descriptive methods, taking informants with purposive sampling and used triangulation of data aimed at obtaining data validity.


The dynamics of viremia,ALV-J antibody response in yellow chickens and p27 antigen shedding in cloacal swabs were examined respectively after the 11-day-old yellow chicken embryos were inoculated with hemangioma related ALV-J SCAU-HN06 isolate via allantoic cavity.The results showed that viremia could be detected as early as 1 week post hatch,there was a viremia peak at 7 week,and the positive rate of viremia remained more than 80% continuously since 9 week.ALV-J antibody response could be detected as early as 6 week by ELISA,the positive rate of antibody was no more than 33.3% during the trial.The positive rate of p27 antigen in cloacal shedding rised quickly,reached peak at 3 week,then kept at high level.The study suggested that ALV-J isolate infection via egg inoculation could result in persistent viremia and immunotolerance.The study provided the basis for ALV-J control and eradication in yellow chickens.


In order to limit the energy demands the building ordinances establish requirements for reducing to acceptable levels the energy losses and/or gains. This situation obliges to define acceptable standards for thermal parameters. This report covered the evaluation of representative samples of Chilean homes built in 2007 and 2010 in the 54 provincial capitals of the country. A sample of 191 units was determined, representative of the construction, materials and housing architecture in Chile. Experimental techniques were used (Blower Door test) for obtaining air tightness of samples; numerical models (LBL Model) for relating the air tightness properties with the weather characteristics of every province in order to obtain infiltration coefficient classified by type of construction and province; simulation techniques (Thermal Analysis Simulation Software) for determining the energy demand of housing The Air Tightness classes are established combining two criteria: the one that measures the current state of air tightness of housings and other that limits the infiltration demand to a limit value that explains itself economically.


A quantitative mean-field treatment of inhomogeneous polymer systems is applied to bulk diblock copolymer melts, as well as to surfaces and thin films of these melts. Equations for a set of polymer chain probability distribution functions are solved numerically in a manner that requires no further approximation to the fundamental mean-field treatment. Results for symetric block copolymer meld are in quantitative agreement with previous predictions which are valid only near the critical point or in the strong segregation regime


This paper is concerned with a prey-predator model with diffusion and non-monotone conversion rate under the homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions.Taking growth rate a,b as its bifurcation parameters, the structure of the global bifurcation are investigated by the degree theory and bifurcation theory.


-The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the molar ratio of methanol and oil, as well as the percentage of sodium hydroxide, on the calorific value during the production of biodiesel from used oils obtained from restaurants in Cajamarca. To do this, the transesterification process, which was patented by a company in 1950 in the United States, will be used. The process will begin with a survey applied to each of the restaurants to determine the amount of used oil and establish a collection system. Then, transesterification will be carried out in a laboratory and the calorific value of the biodiesel will be evaluated using the Anderson Darling probability method. Finally, two independent categorical groups will be analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis Test to determine any possible differences in calorific value between them. In general, this study is crucial to improve biodiesel production from used oils, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and contributing to a more sustainable future.


The number of migrant workers in South Korea is on the rise, but their inadequate Korean language skills prevent them from being promoted at work, or fairly treated as respected members of the soci...


We report here the dependence of the normalized radar cross-section (NRCS) on incidence angle, azimuth angle, wind speed, wind stress, and atmospheric stratification for Ku band microwave backscatter from a lake. The measurements were made in autumn 1987 on Lake Ontario, using a rotating microwave system mounted on a research tower operated by the Canada Centre for Inland Waters. The results show that at intermediate incidence angles the NRCS on the lake generally increases faster with wind speed than it does on the ocean. We attribute this to the larger atmospheric drag coefficients which exist on the lake compared with the ocean, and we show that the results are more consistent with a dependence of the NRCS on wind stress than on wind speed near the surface. We find a stratification dependence of the NRCS similar to that previously reported at C band and show that at 40° and 60° incidence angles this dependence can be removed by parameterizing the NRCS in terms of either the friction velocity or neutral wind speed. At a 20° incidence angle the stratification dependence is not removed by this procedure.


In this study, drawing upon the various syntheses that have been examining the medieval historiographical production, one presents an evaluation of the works published about the municipal thematic, especially in the last decade of the 20th century and the early years of the current one. One covers the methodologies and the results obtained in recent works and articles around the development of the municipal movement at the time of its implantation, between the 11th century and beginning of the 14th century, and later on during its maturation period, in the 14th and 15th centuries. On the first stage, one emphasises the better knowledge of the influence networks and agents that converged to the genesis and differentiated identification of these centres of local power, which were later legally sanctioned by the cartas de foral (charters of privilege). Regarding the second period, one pinpoints the variety of analyses of the municipal life, stressing the study of the social elites and the discourse of the municipalities in Courts or in studies of a more economic and legislative nature, that deal with finance and local by-laws, and also the more recent studies that address the municipal written production, the circulation of writings and its more significant symbolic landmarks. Making known what has been done, this work also points to some research and studies' directions that still have to be pursued within the scope of the multifaceted approach to municipal power in medieval times.


For continual scaling in microelectronics, new processes for precise high volume fabrication are required. Area-selective atomic layer deposition (ASALD) can provide an avenue for self-aligned material patterning and offers an approach to correct edge placement errors commonly found in top-down patterning processes. Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides also offer great potential in scaled microelectronic devices due to their high mobilities and few-atom thickness. In this work, we report ASALD of MoS2 thin films by deposition with MoF6 and H2S precursor reactants. The inherent selectivity of the MoS2 atomic layer deposition (ALD) process is demonstrated by growth on common dielectric materials in contrast to thermal oxide/ nitride substrates. The selective deposition produced few layer MoS2 films on patterned growth regions as measured by Raman spectroscopy and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry. We additionally demonstrate that the selectivity can be enhanced by implementing atomic layer etching (ALE) steps at regular intervals during MoS2 growth. This area-selective ALD process provides an approach for integrating 2D films into next-generation devices by leveraging the inherent differences in surface chemistries and providing insight into the effectiveness of a supercycle ALD and ALE process.


Objective:To determine the effects of duration of water fasting on gastric fluid volume and pH in patients before the elective gynecologic laparoscopic surgery.Methods:A total of 66 adult patients underwent elective gynecologic laparoscopic surgery under general anesthesia were studied.All patients were divided randomly into 3 groups:Group A,Group B and Group C by water fasting for 2-4 h,4-8 h and 8 h,respectively.Visual analog scales were used to assess the hungry and thirsty variables and Zung self-rating anxiety scale(SAS) was used to assess anxious degree.After the induction of general anesthesia and tracheal intubation,gastric contents were aspirated through a multiporous nasogastric tube.The volume and pH of gastric fluid were recorded.Results: One patient in Group A and another in Group C were excluded because of anxiety scale of 51 and 57.Gastric fluid volumes in Group A(n=21),Group B(n=22) and Group C(n=21) were(20.0±4.5) mL,(19.8±2.4) mL and(24.3±2.6) ml,respectively.The pH values were(1.7±0.1),(2.1±0.3) and(1.7±0.1),respectively.There was no significant difference among the three groups.The thirsty and hungry scores among the three groups were(1.7±0.3),(1.0±0.3);(3.5±0.5),(3.5±0.6);and(4.2±0.6),(4.8±0.8),respectively.The thirsty and hungry scores in Group A were significantly lower than those in the other two groups(P0.05).Conclusions: Drinking 200 ml clear water at 2-4 h before induction of anesthesia has no significant effect on gastric fluid volume and pH in patients before the elective gynecologic laparoscopic surgery,but it can alleviate thirst and hunger.


An effective analytical model combining geometrical optics with the transfer-matrix theory for stratified optical media is applied to investigate the sensing properties of tapered optical fiber surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors incorporating Ag-Au bimetallic layers, particularly in the context of phase interrogation. The performance of the sensing structures is studied as a function of the tapering parameters and thickness of the metallic layers. It is shown that the Ag-Au bimetallic combination is capable of improving the resolution and tuning working region of SPR fiber-optic sensors and that by tapering the sensing structures enhanced sensitivity can be achieved when phase interrogation is considered.


Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between lead and calcium to hypertension. Methods: This study uses causal comparative cross-sectional study, which subjects of study as many as 31 people consisting of 10 people in Group I (employees of final disposal [FD]), 17 people in Group II (scavengers who move in FD), and 4 people in Group III (control). Confounding variables in this study are the working period, age, and body mass index. Determining calcium content performed acetylene flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry-air while the lead is done by atomic absorption spectrophotometry graphite furnace method. Results: The results of the study showed differences of concentration lead of each group. In Group II on day 30 it contained a lead level of 29.9141 μg/DL. This level has exceeded the threshold set by the WHO. Statistical test results using Rank Spearman correlation showed no relationship between lead and calcium to hypertension, the p value of each group was 0.187, 0.819, and 1.00. Conclusion: The results of this study can be concluded that the lead and calcium does not affect blood pressure on employees and scavengers in the FD Medan-Marelan.


Cross‐presentation is the ability of Dendritic Cells (DCs) to uptake and process extracellular antigens and present them on their major histocompatibility class I molecules (MHC). Heat shock protein (HSP)‐chaperoned peptides are cross‐presented by DCs. It has been demonstrated that CD91 acts as a cell surface receptor for heat shock protein gp96, binding gp96 directly and allowing the HSP‐peptide to be up taken by the cell into the endosome. Previous studies have shown that HSP90 is critical for the translocation of peptides from the endosome to the cytosol for proteasomal degradation. These peptides are then translocated to the endoplasmic reticulum where they are loaded onto the MHCs for cell surface display. The fate of gp96 after endocytosis is unknown and is the focus of this study.


We address the process of discounting in random environments which allows to value the far future in economic terms. We review several approaches to the problem regarding different well-established stochastic market dynamics in the continuous-time context and include the Feynman-Kac approach. We also review the relation between bond pricing theory and discount and introduce the market price of risk and the risk neutral measures from an intuitive point of view devoid of excessive formalism. We provide the discount for each economic model and discuss their key results. We finally present a summary of our previous empirical studies on several countries of the long-run discount problem.


The electronic module system parallel bus(the QBus bus) is some airplane fire control electronic installation special-purpose data communication bus.The QBus bus interface card is developed to use in bus control,the terminal simulation and the data monitoring of the QBus bus.The function of the QBus bus interface card is introduced,and the system design plan is produced.The detailed division and design to various function modules using EDA technology from top to down,and described hardware electric circuit using VHDL are completed.Finally,FPGA is used to realize the QBus bus technology.Through the test,the system can communicate with some airplane fire control electronic installation successfully and stably.


Indonesia as a developing country is also a member of International Organization, such as WTO (World Trade Organization), APEC (Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation), and FTA (Free Trade Area) which has the nuance of free trade. The problem in this research is how the legal consequences for Indonesia in WTO agreement. The problem approach in this research is the normative juridical approach that is approach by reviewing the rules related to the problem to be discussed. After data is collected and processed, then analyzed qualitatively. The results of this study indicate that Indonesia is legally bound by the terms of the WTO Agreement. For Indonesia, which does not embrace one theory in absolute terms, either incorporation or transformation, then there are two consequences juridically, ie externally and internally.


Tissue engineered blood vessels(TEBVs) may provide a promising therapy for vessels defects. Aimed at better understanding of vascular tissue engineering, recent advances in the studies on the selection of source cells, biomaterials used as extracellular matrix, and devising methods of bioreactor systems are reviewed in this article. Then, the effects of various cultured conditions on the development and function of the TEBVs are discussed. And the methods how to assess the function of the TEBVs are developed. Finally, the problems which should be resolved and the respective advances are pointed out in the article.


Quantum discord is an important measure of quantum correlations that can serve as a resource for certain types of quantum information processing. Like entanglement, discord is subject to destruction by external noise. The routes by which this destruction can take place depends on the shape of the hypersurface of zero discord C in the space of generalized Bloch vectors. For 2 qubits, we show that with a few points subtracted, this hypersurface is a simply-connected 9-dimensional manifold embedded in a 15-dimensional background space. We do this by constructing an explicit homeomorphism from a known manifold to the subtracted version of C. We also construct a coordinate map on C that can be used for integration or other purposes. This topological characterization of C has important implications for the classification of the possible time evolutions of discord in physical models. The classification for discord contrasts sharply with the possible evolutions of entanglement. We classify the possible joint evolutions of entanglement and discord. There are 9 allowed categories: 6 categories for a Markovian process and 3 categories for a non-Markovian process, respectively. We illustrate these conclusions with an anisotropic XY spin model. All 9 categories can be obtained by adjusting parameters in this model.


Spirillum volutans responded aerotactically to self-created oxygen gradients in capillary tubes. Band formation required an oxidizable substrate, inorganic ions, and a chelating agent. The higher the respiratory rate, the faster the band migrated. Random motility occurred in the anaerobic region behind the band. Inhibitor studies indicated the existence of two alternative energy pathways for motility: one involved the oxidation of exogenous substrates while the other allowed energy production in the absence of oxygen uptake and was apparently linked to intracellular poly-β-hydroxybutyrate breakdown. Respiratory inhibitors such as KCN caused decreases in ATP and prevented band formation but allowed motility. 2,4-Dinitrophenol stimulated oxygen uptake but caused decreases in ATP and prevented band formation. Oxidation of substrates without aeration caused decreases in ATP while aeration increased ATP. Aerotactic band formation therefore appeared to result from an avoiding reaction in which cells moved away ...


Chitosan is one of the natural bioactive materials known for its wound healing effect. Healing of equine's wounds are often delayed and complicated. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy of chitosan gel on healing of equine skin-wounds in comparison to povidone-iodine (as control). Six adult male donkeys were used and divided equally into two groups; group A (2x2 cm skin-wound) and group B (4x4 cm skin-wound). Full thickness skin-wounds were created on forearms and shoulders. Wounds at the right side were irrigated using povidone-iodine, while wounds at the left side were dressed using chitosan gel. Clinically, chitosan treated wounds contracted faster than control wounds, and shoulder-wounds contracted faster than that of the forearm. By the end of the experiment all chitosan treated wounds were completely healed with intact epidermis. In contrast, 10.4 % and 13.3 % of wound's area treated with povidone-iodine in group B at the shoulder and the forearm regions, respectively, still unclosed. Grossly, povidone-iodine treated wounds in both regions, were covered with scab in group A, and had an area of granulation tissue in the wound-centers in group B. Chitosan treated wounds, in both groups in both regions, were completely covered with cornified epithelium. Microscopically, the re-epithelialization was uncompleted in povidone-iodine treated wounds in both groups in both regions. In contrary, complete epidermal layer was observed in wounds treated with chitosan in both groups in both regions. Finally, chitosan gel may be better than povidone-iodine in healing of equine skin wounds.


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Currently,the world electricity market structure is divided into three parts: power generation market,power transmission market and electricity supply market.China builds up the power market on power generation side through separate power plants from power network and price competition As independent corporations,the power plants will connect to the power network by bidding and assume sole responsibility for its profits and losses.To get the maximum profits in one bidding period is the goal every plant pursues.The aim of this paper is to get a valid bidding strategy based on the real-time cost analysis and develop corresponding software for power plants.


CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE
Cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx) increase in concentration in situations in which bone resorption is increased, such as osteoporosis and bone metastasis (BM). We aimed to evaluate the serum concentrations of NTx in a sample of patients with several types of solid tumors.

DESIGN AND SETTING
Cross-sectional analytical study with a control group in a tertiary public hospital.

METHODS
We performed the quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on serum NTx levels in 19 subjects without a history of cancer and 62 patients with various solid tumors who had been referred for a bone scan. Three experienced analysts read all bone scans.

RESULTS
The serum NTx levels in patients with cancer and BM, with cancer but without BM and without cancer were 46.77 +/- 2.58, 32.85 +/- 2.05 and 22.32 +/- 2.90 respectively (P < 0.0001). We did not find any significant correlations of serum NTx with age, gender, history of bone pain, tumor type and bone alkaline phosphatase levels. We found a significant correlation between serum NTx and alkaline phosphatase levels (R(2) = 0.08; P = 0.022).

CONCLUSIONS
Serum NTx levels are significantly higher in patients with solid tumors and bone metastases than they are in patients without bone metastases and in normal controls.


In the present communication, experimental values of density (ρ), viscosity (η) and speeds of sound (U) of ammonium salts in aqueous 2methoxyethanol and 1,4-Dioxane in 10, 20, 30 and 40% were measured at 303K. From these experimental data, acoustical parameters such as adiabatic compressibility (β), free volume (Vf), internal pressure (πi), Falkenhagen coefficient A and Jones-Dole coefficient B have been calculated. The results are interpreted in terms of strong/weak ion-ion and solute-solvent interaction and the structure breaking/making abilities of ammonium salts with polar and non-polar solvents.


A massage treatment chair for rehabilitation of a stroke patient comprises a chair main body; a connection plate is arranged at the lower part of the chair main body; a foot massager is arranged on the connection plate; hand massagers are arranged at the front parts of handles of the chair main body; a head massager is arranged at the upper part of the chair main body; the foot massager comprises a box body. The massage treatment seat for rehabilitation of the stroke patient can be used for comprehensively massaging a head, hands and feet in an omnibearing mode, and a human body is subjected to omnibearing massage by comprehensive conditioning, so the multi-angle nerve rehabilitation train is realized, the stimulations of all parts are completed, and the rehabilitation speed of the patient is accelerated compared with that of the single position-massaging mode.


The intention of this writing is to introduce the reader to problems, requirements and design issues of distributed operating systems. After introducing the main motivations, which lead to distributed operating systems and defining what is meant by a distributed operating systems, this paper takes a deeper look into what transparency, reliability, flexibility and performance of those systems imply. The last sections are covering process allocation and real-time constraints. This work is mainly based on the book " Distributed Operating Systems " [1] by A. Tannenbaum in 1995. Since then the environment for distributed systems has changed and new approaches are reviewed.


Advocates of quality daily physical education for prepubescent children frequently encounter the argument that such initiatives will harm academic progress. The impact of daily physical education upon the academic performance of primary school students is thus reviewed with particular reference to studies conducted in Vanves (France), Australia, and Trois Rivieres (Quebec). When a substantial proportion of curricular time (14–26%) is allocated to physical activity, learning seems to proceed more rapidly per unit of classroom time, so that academic performance matches, and may even exceed, that of control students. Children receiving additional physical education show an acceleration of their psychomotor development, and this could provide a mechanism for accelerated learning of academic skills. Other potential mechanisms include increased cerebral blood flow, greater arousal, changes in hormone levels, enhanced nutrient intake, changes in body build, and increased self esteem. Academic teachers may also f...


ABSTRACT Background: Fitness testing is frequently conducted in school-based physical education. However, researchers dispute if fitness testing should be discontinued or, when appropriately implemented, has value. In Singapore, the National Physical Fitness Award test develops students' knowledge and skills to assess, maintain, and improve their fitness levels. Nonethless, physical activity levels have not improved, and the obesity rate has increased in schools. Improvements cannot be made judiciously due to limited research on fitness testing meaningfulness and young people's views. Purpose: This study examined Singapore students' fitness testing perceptions across three school stages, between gender groups, and their identified motivational profiles. Method: A survey package was administered to 549 Singapore students (328 females, 221 males) recruited from primary, secondary, and pre-university (age range 11–19 years) to comprehend their fitness testing perceptions (motivations, attitudes, and the popularity of fitness test items). Confirmatory factor analysis assessed the factorial validity of Singapore students' responses to the adapted questionnaires on fitness testing motivations and attitudes. Between-subjects MANOVAs then examined the differences in students' fitness testing motivations, attitudes, and test items' popularity separately. A two-step cluster analysis categorised the students using their identified motivational profiles. Subsequently, another set of between-subjects MANOVAs verified if the fitness testing perceptions were significantly different among the clusters. Results: Findings revealed that students' fitness testing perceptions were more positive at primary than secondary and pre-university levels; female students' fitness testing perceptions were more negative than male students, distinctly at secondary. Middle-distance running was the least popular test item, notably with secondary females. Conversely, PE teachers had positively influenced pre-university females' fitness testing perceptions compared to secondary females. Conclusions: Singapore students' fitness testing perceptions were generally positive. Students' experience of enjoyment in fitness testing was found to be a key factor for their positive perceptions of fitness testing. More pragmatic support from PE teachers would be required for the secondary female students to promote positive fitness testing perceptions.


Partly carbonated seeds testify that barley, millet, lentil, legumes, walnut and strawberry were planted in the territory that belonged to the villa. Grape and cereals, the remains of which were found in a small amount, were probably transported from elsewhere to the inhabitants of the villa located 1000 m high. This is suggested by the presence of the amphorae as well. Remains of wetland plants and fish scales were recovered by flotation; their presence was due to the vicinity of the Fucine Lake.


The paper gives a general online of the use of shell roofs. their design and construction. The author discusses the history and development of shell roof construction, the types and properties of shell roofs, including single curved shells, shells of rotation, ruled surfaces, and combinations are examined, and methods of construction discussed. Special attention is paid to the precasting of various types of shell roofs. Some New Zealand examples are mentioned.


Pre-averaging is often applied to wind turbine test data to improve correlation between wind speed and power output data. In the past, trial and error or intuition have been used in the selection of pre-averaging time and researchers and institutions have differed widely in their pre-averaging practice. In this paper a standardized method is proposed for selection of the optimum pre-averaging time. The method selects an averaging time such that the test data are low-pass filtered at the same frequency as the response frequency of the test wind turbine/anemometer system. A theoretical method is provided for estimation of the wind system transfer function as a function of the anemometer location, rotor moment of inertia, the stiffness of the connection between the rotor and the electrical grid, hub height, rotor speed and wind speed. The method is based in proven theory, repeatable, easy to use and applicable to a wide range of wind turbines and test conditions. Results of the transfer function predictions are compared with the measured response of two wind systems. Agreement between the predicted and measured response is completely adequate for the purposes of the method. Example results of calculated averaging times are presented for several wind turbines.more » In addition, a case study is used to demonstrate the dramatic effects of test design and data analysis methods on the results of a power coefficient measurement.« less