SUMMARY An injectable ocular drug delivery system capable of controlled release of protein for several months has been developed. Ovalbumin is similar in molecular weight to ranibizumab, an antiVEGF agent, and as such was used as a model protein. It was encapsulated in microspheres that were then suspended in hydrogel. The effects on release of microsphere polymer formulation and fabrication technique were explored. Investigation into our injectable thermo-responsive hydrogel delivery vehicle and its effect on release provided insight into engineering specific release profiles. INTRODUCTION Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration has become the most common cause of vision loss in elderly patients. Ranibizumab (Lucentis®, Genentech, South San Francisco) is one of a few anti-VEGF agents FDA-approved to treat CNV and is administered as a monthly bolus injection directly into the vitreous cavity. Often in the early development stages of drug delivery systems, a model protein is used in place of actual drug. In the case of ranibizumab and other proteins, bovine serum albumin (BSA, Mw 66.5 kDa) is used almost exclusively. However, when working with polymeric microparticles, BSA may be added as an excipient to protect against protein-polymer contacts and water/ organic solvent interfaces. In this case, using BSA as a model protein may not be appropriate. Instead, a different protein should be used to track release independent of all excipients. To our knowledge, ovalbumin (OVA, Mw 44.3 kDa) has never been used to model the release of ranibizumab (Mw 48.4 kDa) yet it is only 8% smaller compared to BSA's 30% larger size. This study utilizes OVA as a model protein for ranibizumab in the early stages of development for an extended release drug delivery system. The system consists of polymeric microspheres suspended within an injectable hydrogel. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS OVA was radiolabeled with I-125 and then dialyzed to remove unbound, free I-125. It was then incorporated into poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres. Three microsphere protocols were developed to determine the effects of fabrication technique and polymer formulation on OVA release. All protocols contained the same excipients in the inner aqueous (w1) and oil (o) phases. In w1, 10 mg BSA, 10 mg polyethylene glycol (Mw 8000 Da), 2.5 mg sucrose, and 1 mg OVA were dissolved in 0.1 ml 1x PBS. In the oil phase, 125 mg PLGA and 3.75 mg Mg(OH)2 were dissolved in 0.5 ml dichloromethane. The effect of polymer formation on release was compared using PLGA 50:50 (Prot. A) and PLGA 75:25 (Prot. B). The primary emulsion (w1/o) was created by vortex using a Fisher Scientific Analog Vortex Mixer at 3200 rpm for 90 sec. The w1/o emulsion was added to the outer aqueous phase (w2) containing 5 ml of 10% polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The secondary emulsion (w1/o/w2) was created by vortex at 2200 rpm for 90 sec. The w1/o/w2 emulsion was then added to 75 ml of 0.2% PVA. Solvent evaporation occurred at 400 rpm for 3 hr. The effect of fabrication technique (Prot. C) was explored solely with PLGA 50:50. The w1/o emulsion was created as stated above and then added to 2 ml of 1% PVA and vortex mixed at 2200 rpm for 45 sec. This w1/o/w2 emulsion was added to 25ml of 0.2% PVA on a stir plate at 300 rpm for 5 min. To accelerate solvent evaporation, 50 ml of 2% isopropanol was added over 1 min and the stir rate increased to 400 rpm with solvent evaporation occurring over an additional 30 min. All microspheres were washed three times (centrifuged at 2000 g for 10 min) in deionized water to remove any residual solvent and surfactant. Microspheres were sized then lyophilized overnight and stored at 4°C until release profiles began (4-5 days). Release profiles were conducted at 37°C under mild agitation with samples collected at 3, 7, 24, 48, 96, and 168 hours and weekly thereafter. Samples were read using a gamma counter. Cumulative release was calculated as a percent of encapsulated drug. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) was defined as the percent-drug within the microspheres relative to initial loading. Initial burst (IB) was defined as amount released within the first 24 hours. Additional release profiles were conducted to determine whether our injectable thermoresponsive hydrogel delivery vehicle affected release of OVA from Prot. B microspheres. Our pNIPAAm-based hydrogel, described in detail elsewhere, induces no long-term effects on retinal function and is used to maintain the intravitreal location of microspheres once injected. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Average microsphere diameters were as follows: A) 8.4μm±4.3μm, B) 7.7μm±5μm, and C) 6μm±3.5μm. EE was significantly different between protocols (p=0.009): A) 33.5%±4.4%, B) 21.8%±3.9%, and C) 11.9%±2.6%. Unexpectedly, rapid formation of microspheres (Prot. C) did not yield a higher EE. IB was significantly different between protocols (p=0.01): A) 18%±3.3%, B) 20.2%±0.01%, and C) 44.2%±11.5%. Again, rapid formation of the microspheres did not yield a lower IB as was expected. Protocols A, B, and C all released with t kinetics and continued to release OVA beyond Week 9 (Figure 1). For Prot. B suspended in hydrogel, the IB was 5.6%±0.59%, significantly less than that seen without the hydrogel (p=1.6×10). This is likely due to the hydrogel preventing surface-bound OVA from rapidly being released as well as the hydrogel providing some degree of resistance to diffusion. However, our initial investigation into the effect of the hydrogel on release shows that beyond the IB, the release of OVA does not appear to be hindered with release running parallel to each other (Figure 2). CONCLUSION Extended release of OVA was achieved beyond nine weeks. Initial investigation into the effect of our hydrogel delivery system on release shows a favorable decrease in IB without hindering future release. Due to their similar molecular weights, OVA may be a more useful model protein than BSA for ranibizumab in the development of polymeric microsphere ocular drug delivery systems. Figure 1. Cumulative release of OVA through Week 9. After a large IB, Prot. C continues to release more than Prot. A and Prot. B (error bars


Color Transfer is used widely in the field of image processing. Color space and transfer algorithm need to be identified to complete color transfer. However, any one color space can not fit for all kinds of image and different transfer algorithms produce different effects. In this paper, three color spaces such as RGB, are used to achieve three color transfer algorithms and transfer effects are analyzed; for local color transfer algorithm, we analyze and discuss the relationship between the selection of different corresponding regions and the different transfer effects; we also design and implement a multi-color space and multi-method color transfer system. The system interface is simple and easy operation, the user can according to the different application, select the appropriate color space and color transfer methods to transfer color. In this paper, some experiment results and analysis of practical examples are given.


OBJECTIVE
To ascertain the value of intraoperative ultrasonography to early detect liver metastasis from tumors of the digestive tract.

METHODS
Intraoperative ultrasonography (US) of the liver was performed in 176 patients with confirmed diagnosis of cancer of the stomach and colon. All the nodules detected were either resected or needle biopsied for histological diagnosis. The results of the liver US were compared with those of pre-operative trans-abdominal US, CT scanning and intraoperative exploration.

RESULTS
Liver metastasis was detected by intraoperative US in 43 of the 176 patients (24.4%), with a total of 81 nodules found. Liver metastasis was confirmed histologically in 42 of the 43 cases (97.7%), the frequency of which was significantly higher than that of preoperative transabdominal US, CT scan and surgical exploration (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). It was particularly superior for the detection of liver metastasis less than 2 cm in diameter.

CONCLUSION
Intraoperative ultrasonography is sensitive enough to early detect tumors of the stomach and colon metastasized to the liver.


We consider a design of the output tracking for a class of single-input, single-output nonlinear systems with constant parameter switching at low frequency. The control law presented follows a robust adaptive scheme of nonlinear systems via approximate linearization derived from geometric nonlinear control systems. We show that this control approach satisfies stability of the closed-loop system and achieves robust adaptive tracking with bounds on all the signals.


Now as ever, transportation services are a decisive criterion of an economy. In the EU 15, passenger traffic increased by more than 10 % during the period 1990-1996. During the same period, cargo transport increased by nearly 10 %. In order to be able to perform these services, investments totalling EURO 70 billion were made in 1996, thereof 65 % for road transport and 25 % for railways. Accordingly, roads and railways together require 90 % of total infrastructure performance. Of the total passenger traffic volume (approx. 35 passenger km per day), approx. 80 % was handled by individual automobile traffic. In 1996, however, there were also approx. 42,000 roadway traffic accident fatalities, which shows an annual decrease of 2-3 %; there were 900 fatalities in rail transport [3]. These figures clearly underscore the grave social ZABEZPEČENIE ODSTUPU VOZIDIEL VYUŽITIE SYNERGICKÝCH EFEKTOV MEDZI ŽELEZNIČNOU A CESTNOU DOPRAVOU!


In face recognition system, the efficiency and face detection rate is the key issue for designing the algorithm because the computer can recognize very large number of faces with high computational speed but it is not as efficient as human. There are many modern face recognition algorithms which efficiently detect face but also have false recognition. In this paper, we propose a new hybrid algorithm and method FPBL (Fuzzy Pattern-Based with Laplacianfaces) for face detection to enhance the true recognition rate and minimize the false recognition rate. We analyze and compare the performance and results of modern pattern matching and face recognition algorithms like Eigenfaces, Fisherfaces, Laplacianfaces and Fuzzy method with FPBL. The implementation result shows that performance and accuracy of our proposed method gives the efficient and significant face recognition rate compared to other algorithms.


When CHO cells, equilibrated with 0.44% oxygen, are irradiated with single 3-nsec pulses of electrons from a 600-kV-field emission source, a breaking survival curve is observed. The breaking behavior, believed to be the result of radiolytic oxygen depletion, can be prevented by the presence of a relatively low concentration of the hypoxic cell sensitizer misonidazole; similar results are obtained with metronidazole and Ro-05-9963. The resulting survival curves exhibit a sensitized response similar to that obtained with conventional dose rate radiation for CHO cells under this oxygen concentration. This degree of sensitization is greater than that observed for CHO cells irradiated at ultrahigh dose rates under the same concentration of sensitizer in nitrogen. The data suggest that the nitroimidazole compounds interfere with the radiation chemical oxygen depletion process and that the radiosensitization observed in the nonbreaking survival curve is the consequence of sensitization by both the nitroimidazole and, primarily, the oxygen rather than a direct subsitution for oxygen by the sensitizer. This conclusion is also supported by data obtained in double-pulse experiments. The results are discussed with regard to the mechanisms of the oxygen depletion process and radiosensitization.


We introduce a correlated variational wave function of the Jastrow type that is able to represent the ground state of solid CH4 through the orientational order–disorder transition. To describe the local orientation in a weakly ordered phase a new kind of pocket state is introduced, that is derived from the imaginary time propagator of a free top. The effect of short range correlations between the orientational zero point fluctuations is evaluated for pure meta (total spin=2) methane in the disordered and the ordered phases of the James and Keenan (JK) model. The T‐A tunnel energy in fully converted methane is calculated in the same approximation and corrections to the mean field values are found to be large. While the difference in energy between the partially ordered phase II and the fully ordered JK phase III is found to be small, the latter remains marginally the more stable, in contrast to experiment.


As a promising adsorbent, chitosan has been found to be extremely useful in its native form as well as in modified forms for the removal of variety of dyes from aqueous medium. Scientific workers have modified chitosan structurally by utilizing its -OH and -NH2functional moieties in numerous ways to obtain potential material with chemical and physical stabilities. Various modifications of chitosan involve crosslinking, grafting, impregnation and composite formation. Among various established routes of modifications, the most common way is its crosslinking to provide enhanced mechanical strength along with minimizing its solubility in acidic environment. In this paper, we review briefly only the crosslinked chitosan materials reported in last fifteen years by various researchers for adsorption of dyes as pollutants in order to provide clean and safe environment. Various materials formed through crosslinking, the dyes targeted for adsorption, various isotherms studies, kinetics studies and adsorption capacities of these materials have been discussed in details on case wise basis.


Bacteria affiliated with the genus Acinetobacter distribute widely in the natural environment. By emulsifying and degrading hydrocarbons, bacteria in this genus play great roles in biodegrading of hydrocarbons. In this review, we summarized the research progress in biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons by Acinetobacter spp. We also discussed known alkane and aromatic oxidases. Different types of surfactant produced by bacteria in the genus Acinetobacter and their emulsifying mechanisms were concluded. Immobilization of functional bacteria and their potential use were mentioned. Biodegradation of hydrocarbons using bacteria in field were prospected in this review.


The use of hedging devices or expressions that convey inexactitude in political discourses may mitigate the strength of the assertions intended in written and oral communication (MartinMartin, 2009). This study aims to investigate how hedging devices serve a function as discourse politics strategy. Specifically, it focuses on the analysis of the three presidential debates between Barack Obama and John McCain during the 2008 US election cycle. Using the descriptivequantitative research design, hedging devices and their functions are qualitatively and quantitatively treated following the frameworks of Hyland (2005), Salager-Meyer (1997), and Martin-Martin (2008). The mixed method of discourse analysis, survey, and focus group discussion were used to gather, validate, and analyze data from the target respondents consisting of 35 graduate students pursuing language-related studies.Initial analysis reveals that hedging devices are also prominently used in the spoken discourse specifically in the context of politics or political debate and that they can be categorized into different types such as modal auxiliary verbs; modal lexical verbs; adjectival, adverbial, nominal modal phrases and approximators, among others. As indicated, some types are more dominant than the others. Another is that hedging devices also serve different functions depending on the intention or purpose of the speaker. Furthermore, the frequent use of certain hedging devices including can, will, should, I think, among others, appears to significantly promote the effectiveness of a


In this article, two models are used, namely rate-independent and rate-dependent generalized Prandtl–Ishlinskii, to characterize a magnetic shape memory alloy actuator. The results show that the rate-independent model cannot consider the effect of input excitation frequency, while the rate-dependent model omits this drawback by defining a time-dependent operator. For the first time, the effects of excitation frequency on the hysteretic behavior of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator are investigated. In this study, five excitation voltages with different frequencies in the range of 0.05–0.4 Hz are utilized as inputs to the magnetic shape memory alloy actuator and the displacement outputs are measured. Experimental results indicate that, with increasing the excitation frequency, the size of the hysteresis loops changes. Since the generalized rate-dependent Prandtl–Ishlinskii model cannot consider the asymmetric hysteresis loops, in the developed model, a tangent hyperbolic function is applied as an envelope function in order to improve the capability of the model in characterizing the asymmetric behavior of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator. The parameters of both rate-dependent and rate-independent models are identified by genetic algorithm optimization. The results reveal that the rate-independent form is not capable of accurately describing the hysteretic behavior of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator for different input frequencies. Simulation and experimental results also demonstrate the proficiency of the developed model for precise characterization of the saturated rate-dependent hysteresis loops of magnetic shape memory alloy actuator. In addition, the proposed model is utilized for determining a proper range for controller coefficients during controller design.


In order to improve the reliability of the energy system, a variety of techniques to access the condition monitoring of important equipment connected to the network have been developed in the past decades. However, it is important to choose the adequate method when evaluating the behavior of these devices. In this way, the current work aims to compare three techniques used to evaluate the condition of metal oxide surge arrester based on the decomposition of leakage current into its capacitive and resistive components. Each method was described in detail and their results compared.


An efficient formulation for accounting for eddy currents in micromagnetics is presented. This formulation couples the quasi-static Maxwell's equations with the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation (LLGE) using a double-integral operator and accounting for the out-going and jump boundary conditions in the magnetic field and magnetization. The eddy currents are included in the formulation as an additional single term in LLGE rather than via an additional equation [1]. To solve the new equation numerically, a differential-algebraic equation solver is used. Two types of Jacobian-vector required for efficient time integration are provided analytically. The presented approach has a high computational efficiency, robust time stepping, and is implemented on Graphics Processing Units for massive parallelization. Numerical examples demonstrate the performance of the method (see an example in Fig. 1).


We report on experimental detection of 10 nm $\mathrm{Si}$ nanoparticles on $\mathrm{Si}$ surface using spatial modulation microscopy. We show that a simple optical layout with a galvo-mirror allows reliable detection of $9\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}10$ nm $\mathrm{Si}$ nanocylinders with signal-to-noise ratio 4.6 when the wavelength is tuned to the spectral range of direct-band optical transitions in silicon. We also show the possibility to use the spatial modulation microscopy principles for nonabsorbing particles. We demonstrate successful detection of $\mathrm{Si}$ nanocylinders down to $20\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}40\phantom{\rule{0.2em}{0ex}}\mathrm{nm}$ by scattered light ($\ensuremath{\lambda}=680$ nm) analysis. Our results pave the way to an inspection method for semiconductor metrology.


Novice musicians have difficulty in judging the interval between a melody and its transpose quantitatively. It is expected that the more one accumulates musical experiences, the more he or she can improve their ability of quantitative judgment for the interval between a melody and its transpose. It is supposed that this ability depends on abilities of absolute pitch. Psychological experiments were conducted to investigate relations among these abilities. Single tones, pairs of single tones, and pairs of melodies and their transposes generated by a synthesizer were used for the experiments. Subjects (students majoring in music) were asked to give pitch names of single tones presented in isolation, to judge intervals between two single tones presented sequentially, and to estimate the interval between a melody and its transpose presented on a continuous rhythm pattern. From the experiments, it can be seen that there are various types of difficulties in judging musical intervals between two single tones and ...


The local species diversity found in aquatic habitats is clearly related to body size. Whereas few species of large organisms (e.g. fish) can be found in single lakes or streams, one can find a notable diversity of unicellular eukaryotes (e.g. diatoms or ciliates) in every small-scale sample (FENCHEL et al. 1997, HILLEBRAND et al. 2001). On the other hand, remote anciem lakes have a very high percentage of endemic species among fish and wobemhos, whereas only few percent of microalgae are regarded to be endemic (CocQUIT 2000). These relationships between diversity and body size reflect (l) the high individual number, (2) the high transponability, and (3) the short generation times of small compared to large organisms. Body size is thus a proximate variable for different traits which lead to high local species richness and low global species richness of unicellular organisms (FIN!AY et al. 1996, FENCHEL et al. 1997, HILLEBRAND et al. 2001). A!though the degree of ubiquity is still under debate (Fü!SSNER 1999), there is increasing evidence of strong local and weak regional impacts on unicellular diversity. AuEN et al. (1999), in a survey of North-American lakes, found a significam relationship between area and species richness for al! metazoan taxa, but not for diatoms. In a similar analysis from the Arctic, including a range of areas from a few em' to km', the slope of the species richness-area relationship increased with increasing body size (AzovsKY 2000). If dispersal is higher and iflocal factors control the local richness of small organisms, large-scale patterns of diversity should be absem for aquatic organisms such as protowans and microalgae. In the presem study, this hypothesis is tested for one of the most prominent patterns in ecology, the latitudinal decline of species richness.


Fe/Tb multilayers that display significant perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) up to an Fe layer thickness of 55 A have been fabricated and examined for the first time (to the best knowledge of the authors). Two series of Fe/Tb multilayer samples with a wide range of Fe layer thickness ranging between 8 and 55 A and with constant Tb layer thickness of 6.5 and 11.5 A were fabricated by planar magnetron sputtering. The magnetic and structural properties of these samples were examined using x-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and torque magnetometry. Mossbauer spectra show PMA of the Fe magnetic moments for samples that consist of Fe layers and mixed interfaces only. The formation of an unmixed Tb layer starting at about 12 A Tb layer thickness leads to parallel alignment of the Fe magnetic moments. PMA in such multilayers is induced by a mixed interface and maintained by the exchange interaction between adjacent Fe layers. The interfaces that induce PMA in Fe/Tb multilayers are very close in composition to that of TbFe2 for which maximum PMA was found in thin amorphous Fe–Tb films.Fe/Tb multilayers that display significant perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) up to an Fe layer thickness of 55 A have been fabricated and examined for the first time (to the best knowledge of the authors). Two series of Fe/Tb multilayer samples with a wide range of Fe layer thickness ranging between 8 and 55 A and with constant Tb layer thickness of 6.5 and 11.5 A were fabricated by planar magnetron sputtering. The magnetic and structural properties of these samples were examined using x-ray diffraction, Mossbauer spectroscopy, and torque magnetometry. Mossbauer spectra show PMA of the Fe magnetic moments for samples that consist of Fe layers and mixed interfaces only. The formation of an unmixed Tb layer starting at about 12 A Tb layer thickness leads to parallel alignment of the Fe magnetic moments. PMA in such multilayers is induced by a mixed interface and maintained by the exchange interaction between adjacent Fe layers. The interfaces that induce PMA in Fe/Tb multilayers are very close in comp...


Cellulose is the most abundant renewable biological resource and a low-cost energy source based on energy content ($3–4/GJ) ( Lynd et al., 2008 ; Zhang, 2009 ). The production of bio-based products and bioenergy from less costly renewable lignocellulosic materials would bring benefi ts to the local economy, environment, and national energy security ( Zhang, 2008 ). High costs of cellulases are one of the largest obstacles for commercialization of biomass biorefi neries because a large amount of cellulase is consumed for biomass saccharifi cation, for example, ∼ 100 g enzymes per gallon of cellulosic ethanol produced ( Zhang et al., 2006b ; Zhu et al., 2009 ). In order to decrease cellulase use, increase volumetric productivity, and reduce capital investment, consolidated bioprocessing ( CBP ) has been proposed by integrating cellulase production, cellulose hydrolysis, and ethanol fermentation in a single step ( Lynd et al., 2002, 2008 ). Cellulases are the enzymes that hydrolyze β -1,4 linkages in cellulose chains. They are produced by fungi, bacteria, protozoans, plants, and animals. The catalytic modules of cellulases have been classifi ed into numerous families based on their amino acid sequences and crystal structures ( Henrissat, 1991 ). Cellulases contain noncatalytic carbohydrate-binding module s ( CBM s) and/or other functionally known or unknown modules, which may be located at the Nor C-terminus of a catalytic module. In nature, complete cellulose hydrolysis is mediated by a combination of three main types of cellulases: (1) endoglucanases (EC 220.127.116.11), (2) exoglucanases, including cellobiohydrolases (CBHs) (EC 18.104.22.168), and (3) β -glucosidase (BG) (EC 220.127.116.11). To hydrolyze and metabolize insoluble cellulose, the microorganisms must secrete the cellulases (possibly except BG) that are either free or cell-surface-bound. Cellulases are increasingly being used for a large variety of industrial purposes—in the textile industry, pulp and paper industry, and food industry, as well as an additive in detergents and improving digestibility of animal feeds. Now cellulases account for a signifi cant share of the world ' s industrial enzyme market. The growing concerns about depletion of crude oil and the emissions of greenhouse gases have motivated the production of bioethanol from lignocellulose, especially through enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocelluloses materials—sugar platform ( Bayer et al., 2007 ; Himmel et al., 1999 ; Zaldivar et al., 2001 ). However, costs of cellulase for hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic materials need to be reduced, and their catalytic effi ciency should be further increased in order to make the process economically feasible ( Sheehan and Himmel, 1999 ). Engineering cellulolytic enzymes with improved catalytic effi ciency and enhanced thermostability is important to commercialize lignocelluloses biorefi nery. Individual cellulase can be enhanced by using either rational design or directed evolution. However, improvements in cellulase performance have been incremental, and no drastic activity enhancement has been reported to date. The further improvement on cellulase performance needs the better understanding of cellulose


All biological systems, contain many antioxidants; including water-soluble compounds, such as ascorbic acid. The one-electron oxidation of ascorbate (AH¯produces the ascorbyl radical (A•), that has a relatively long lifetime compared to other species, such as hydroxyl radical, peroxyl, alkoxyl, and carbon-centered lipid free radicals. A• has been proposed as a marker of oxidative stress either in vitro, or in vivo in numerous systems. The application of a simple kinetic analysis allowed us to estimate the steady state concentration of A•. These data were successfully compared to experimental values obtained using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) in rat brain under physiological conditions. The model was also applied to estimate the response to stress due to subchronic Fe overload.


AbstractEstimating the wing weights of personal air vehicles (PAVs) is limited by lack of comparable data, as there were no PAV data available to the public. In this study, the limits were confirme...


Two critical issues that influence the quantitative scientific value of the IMAGE Ultraviolet Camera (EUV) are: (1) the accuracy with which EUV imaging can be used to determine the position/location of the plasmapause; and (2) the sensitivity threshold of the EUV instrument. These issues are addressed through analysis of concurrent observations of the plasmasphere/plasmapause made remotely using IMAGE EUV and in-situ with the Polar/TIDE/EFI instruments. Preliminary results are presented with regards to the validity of the extraction of the plasmapause using EUV and initial in-flight, in-situ estimates of the EUV sensitivity threshold.


Malaysian carambola (Averrhoa carambola L.) B10 variety is one of the promising exotic tropical fruit traded in the global market. The alarming demand for carambola was stimulated by its unique shape and flavour, increasing health consciousness and great potential in fresh-cut industry. Nevertheless, carambola is a highly perishable commodity that greatly impairs its postharvest quality and long term storability. Therefore, investigations were carried out to verify the potential of putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) as a postharvest dip treatment for maintaining quality, reducing chilling injury (CI) and extending the storage life of carambola.

Carambola at Index II was dipped in different concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 1.0 and 2.0 mM) of PUT, SPD and SPM, and then stored at 3oC (±0.5), with 85-90% RH. Physicochemical changes and fruit quality attributes were made at harvest, 7 day intervals for 28 days of cold storage plus 6 days at 22±1oC for shelf life. PUT treatment effectively lowered the weight loss, maintained peel color (L*, C*, ho), retained higher firmness, reduced the rate of respiration and ethylene emission, suppressed the degradation of soluble solid content (SSC) and titrable acidity (TA) throughout shelf life. Moreover, PUT-treated fruit substantially suppressed the advancement of dominant softening enzymes in carambola such as β-galactosidase (β-gal), polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME). The softening enzymes activity trends in PUT-treated fruit were concomitant with less apparent changes in flesh firmness.

Accordingly, the applied PUT treatment significantly reduced CI symptoms in carambola. Lipid peroxidation levels (MDA) and membrane leakage activity were declined in fruit treated with PAs, and the reduction was more distinct in fruit treated with PUT. This study demonstrates that the influence of PUT on postharvest quality and protection of cell membrane against chilling damage was more profound at the highest concentration (2.0 mM). Ascorbic acid (AA), total antioxidant (TAA) and total phenolic contents (TPC) were enhanced to greater levels in PAs-treated fruit, while control fruit experienced significant losses of these bioactive compounds throughout chilling storage. Highest SPM concentration (2.0 mM) exhibited the best results on increasing TAA through an increment of TPC. On the other hand, AA content was increased with the lower concentration of SPD (1.0 mM).

Exogenously supplied PUT induced tremendous endogenous PAs accumulation in carambola tissue, particularly free PUT and SPD concentrations. Such responses suggest that PUT may stabilize and protect cellular membrane integrity against chilling stress. In general, the increment of endogenous PAs with PUT treatment induced stress tolerance mechanisms in carambola during cold storage. An attempt to identify unknown genes sequence of SAMDC, ADC, ACS and ACO in carambola was carried out. In line with this, an efficient extraction protocol of RNA isolation from carambola mesocarp tissue was optimized. CODEHOP features were exploited to design degenerate oligonucleotide primers and RT-PCR approach was utilized to attest degenerate primer specificity. Phylogenetic trees revealed the sequenced products of SAMDC, ADC, ACS and ACO in carambola exhibited close evolutionary relationship with protein sequences present in muskmelon, peach, tobacco and sweet oranges respectively.

These present findings throw light on the potential of PAs particularly PUT at a dose of 2.0 mM for 5 min could be an effective means for maintaining postharvest quality and protection against CI, with a net increase in shelf-life of B10 carambola.


Permission to make digital or hard copies of part or all of this work for personal or classroom use is granted without fee provided that copies are not made or distributed for profit or commercial advantage and that copies bear this notice and the full citation on the first page. Copyrights for third-party components of this work must be honored. For all other uses, contact the owner/author(s). CHI'19 Extended Abstracts, May 4-9, 2019, Glasgow, Scotland, UK. © Position paper submitted to CHI 2019 Workshop on Hacking Blind Navigation. Copyright held by authors. ACM ISBN 978-1-4503-5971-9/19/05. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/3290607.XXXXXXX


We have deposited hydrogenated, silicon/nitrogen-incorporated diamond-like carbon (Si–N-DLC) films by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using hexamethyldisilazane [((CH3)3Si)2NH; HMDS] as the Si and N source, and compared the tribological performance and thermal stability of the Si–N-DLC films with those of hydrogenated, Si-incorporated DLC (Si-DLC) films prepared using dimethylsilane [SiH2(CH3)2] as the Si source. The deposited films were annealed at 723–873 K in air atmosphere. The friction coefficients of hydrogenated DLC films after annealing significantly increased at the initial stages of friction tests. On the other hand, the friction coefficients of the Si–N-DLC films deposited at an HMDS flow ratio [HMDS/(HMDS+CH4)] of 2.27% remained low after the annealing even at 873 K. We found that the wear rate of the Si–N-DLC film deposited at 2.27% and −1000 V remained almost unchanged after the annealing at 873 K, whereas that of the Si-DLC film with a similar Si fraction deposited at −1000 V significantly increased after the annealing at 773 K.


Introduction The recently published BTS guidelines on Non-Tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) outline management recommendations for pulmonary NTM infection. There has been an increase in reported skin and soft tissue NTM infection (SSI-NTM) over recent years,1 yet evidence for treatment is largely based on small case series. Objective To assess treatment and outcome of SSI-NTM cases presenting to a London teaching hospital from January 2013 – December 2017. Methods All positive NTM cultures from January 2013 to December 2017 from a large London teaching hospital were examined retrospectively. Case notes were reviewed for site of infection, species identification, time to initiate treatment, treatment duration, antibiotic choice, co-existing immunosuppression, complications and recurrence. All HIV, paediatric and pulmonary NTM cases were excluded. Results 239 patients with NTM were identified. 15 were SSI-NTM (6%). 4 patients were excluded as three have not completed treatment and one was a post-mortem finding (n=11). Details of these 11 cases are shown in the table 1. M. chelonae and M. fortuitum were the most frequently identified (n=6). Treatment duration for M. Marinum, fortuitum and chelonae ranged from 3 to 8 months, and for M. abscessus, intracellularae and kansasii 10 to 18 months. One case was cured with surgical debridement alone. Mean delay was 78 days from symptom onset to treatment initiation. Ten (90%) cases had complete cure with no recurrence. Conclusions SSI–NTM is under recognised and can present late, potentially following previous multiple attempts of standard antibacterial therapy. It should be considered particularly in cases of immunosuppression, non-healing surgical wounds, injection sites, vascular grafts and cosmetic procedures. Our data suggests that SSI–NTM can be successfully managed with combination antibiotics leading to complete resolution. Clarithromycin may be considered as a single agent for M. chelonae. Surgical debridement and removal of foreign bodies may also aid recovery and limit treatment duration. Further research is needed to guide optimal treatment regimen and duration, as management of these complex cases will become increasingly relevant to the TB and respiratory physician. ReferenceMisch E, et al. Skin and soft tissue infections due to non tuberculous mycobacteria. Current Infectious Disease Reports2018;20:6. Table. No title available.


To determine the potential impact of a brief human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) educational intervention delivered by a pharmacist during a provider visit on patient knowledge and retention in HIV care.


Objective:To study the situations of HPV infection and HPV genotypes distribution of cervical carcinoma patients and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia patients in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture,Guizhou,and to compare the difference of HPV infection and HPV genotypes distribution between cervical carcinoma patients and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia patients.Methods:The 167 tissue specimens were taken as research object which were diagnosed as CINII and CIN III and cervical squamous cell carcinoma in histopathology by the four hospitals,which were Guizhou Qiannan Bouyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine,Guizhou Wengan People's Hospital,Guizhou Duyun People's Hospital and Guizhou Guiding People's Hospital from January 2007 to October 2011.The tissue specimens were divided into two parts,which were 87 cases of Buyi and 80 cases of Miao according to the patient's nationality.Adopt the world's latest HPV detection technique of Digene Company of America-Hybrid Capture II to detect the HPV infection,so as to compare the difference of HPV infection and HPV genotypes distribution between cervical carcinoma patients and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia patients.Results:①Total HPV infection rate: In 167 cervical carcinoma patients and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia patients,156 HPV cases were detected,and the HPV infection rate was 94.41%.HPV was not detected in the other 11 cases,accounting 6.6%.②Comparison of HPV infection rate between the two groups: 77 HPV cases were detected among 87 cases of Buyi group,rating 88.5%.Hereinto,the positive rate of HPV infection of cervical carcinoma,CIN II and CIN III were respectively 71.4%,96.6%,and 96.7%.79 HPV cases were detected among 80 cases of Miao group,rating 98.8%.Hereinto,the positive rate of HPV infection of cervical carcinoma,CIN II and CIN III were respectively 96.00%,100.00%,and 100.00%.Comparing the HPV infection rate of cervical carcinoma between Buyi and Miao,the difference shown statistical significance(P0.01).③Comparison of the two HPV genotypes infection rates: HPV16,HPV58,HPV31 and HPV33 were very common in the HPV infection of cervical carcinoma,CIN II and CIN III of Buyi.HPV18,HPV33 and HPV58 were common in the HPV infection of cervical carcinoma,CIN II and CIN III of Miao.Comparing the two HPV genotypes infection rates,the difference shown statistical significance(P0.01).④Comparison of multiple HPV genotypes infection rates between the two groups: there were 53 cases of single infection and 24 cases of multiple infections in Buyi,accounting 60.9% and 27.6% respectively.Merged HPV16 infection was the most common in multiple infections.There were 49 cases of single infection and 30 cases of multiple infections in Miao,accounting 61.3% and 37.5% respectively.Merged HPV18 infection was the most common in multiple infections.Comparing the HPV genotypes multiple infection rates between the two groups,the difference shown statistical significance(P0.05).Conclusion:There are national differences on HPV infection and HPV genotypes distribution of cervical carcinoma patients and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia patients between Buyi and Miao.


The perceptual quality of Depth-Image-Based- Rendering (DIBR) synthesized images is essential for threedimensional video applications. However, traditional image quality assessment (IQA) algorithms almost unavailable for DIBR- synthesized images, because the specific types of distortions appeared in DIBR-synthesized images are rarely considered in traditional IQA algorithms. In this paper, a new full-reference image quality assessment (FR-IQA) algorithm is proposed to evaluate the quality of DIBR-synthesized images. The image local entropy is analyzed firstly dedicate to represent the new types of distortions in DIBR-synthesized image, then the local entropy similarity map between reference image and distorted image is calculated. Finally, the quality score of distorted image is computed from the similarity map of local energy. Experimental results show that our proposed method outperforms the conventional state-of-the-art FR-IQA algorithms on the IRCCyN/IVC DIBR images database.


Cross‐sectional studies support a relationship between obesity and reduced calcium intake (Ca I) but the point is still controversial. In previous studies we observed low bone mineral density in children presenting overweight (OW) or obesity (O) and low Ca I. The α‐CTX is a non‐isomerized form of bone resorption biochemical marker that reflect degradation of young bone, whereas calcium/creatine (Ca/C) in basal urine is used to assess usual Ca I. The aim of this preliminary study was to analyze the influence of body weight on the relationships between α‐CTX and Ca/C in a group of prepubertal children attending public schools of Vicente López, GBA: 38 girls and 40 boys: (n=78) ranging between 6 to 10 years that according to their present body mass index (BMI) were distributed in normal (N: n=46), OW (n=20) or O (n=12) using NCHS tables. Basal urine Ca (mg) and C (mg) were assessed by conventional methods. The α‐CTX (ng) was determined by ELISA (Nordic Bioscience Diagnostic). A significant correlation between α‐CTX/C vs Ca/C (r=0.40 p<0.012) was found in N. Alfa‐CTX levels were higher in N than in OW or O: 943±313 vs 850±278 and 891±123 ng/mg, respectively. Although number of cases was not enough to reach significance, results suggest that low Ca I affected differently bone modeling in those children with abnormally high body weight, regarding to normal.


The study and understanding of spin-transport mechanisms including thermal fluctuation are required for the development and design of spintronic devices. In this paper, we present an approach to investigate the temperature dependence of spin-transport behavior within the magnetic structure by using the generalized spin accumulation model. The temperature affects not only the magnetization orientation, but also the spin-transport properties. Its effect on transport parameters can be taken into account by considering the spin-dependent resistivity at any finite temperature. This leads to the calculation of temperature-dependent spin-transport parameters and eventually allows the calculation of the thermal effects on spin accumulation, spin current, and spin torque. It is observed that increasing temperature is likely to decrease the value of key transport parameters relevant to the magnitude of spin torque. This study demonstrates the importance of thermal effects on spin-transport behavior which needs to be considered for spin-transfer torque based device design with high performance.


Temperatures of phase transformations of polymerparaffin compositions were investigated. Graphical dependences of temperature of the beginning of crystallization, temperature of the end of crystallization and phase hexagonal-rhombic H→R transformations in the solid state of oil food paraffin П-1 on the content of polymer modifiers (low-pressure polyethylene, polyethylene waxes, atactic polypropylene and poly ethylene-covinil acetate are constructed. It is shown that П-1 crystallizes first in H and then in R-phase.


Researchers are currently considering membranes separation processes due to their eco-friendly, process simplicity and high efficiency. Selecting a suitable and efficient operation is the primary concern of researchers in the field of separation industries. In recent decades, polymeric and inorganic membranes in the separation industry have made significant progress. The polymeric and inorganic membranes have been challenged due to their competitiveness in permeability and selectivity factors. A combination of nanoparticle fillers within the polymer matrix is an effective method to increase polymeric and inorganic membranes' efficiency in separation processes. Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) have been considered by the separation industry due to high mechanical and physicochemical, and transfer properties.  Moreover, gas separation, oil treatment, heavy metal ions removal, water treatment and oil-water separation are common MMMs applications. Selecting suitable polymer blends and fillers is the key to the MMMs construction. The combination of rubbery and glassy polymers with close solubility parameters increases the MMMs performance. The filler type and synthesis methods also affect the morphological and transfer properties of MMMs significantly. Zeolites, graphene oxide (GO), nanosilica, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), zeolite imidazole frameworks (ZIFs) and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are used in the MMMs synthesis as fillers. Finally, solution mixing, polymerization in situ and sol-gel are the primary synthesising MMMs methods.


The Seychelles are the only high oceanic islands of granitic origin and their native vegetation is thus of considerable botanical interest. In the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries widespread clearance for coconut and cinnamon plantations resulted in native forest being confined mainly to montane areas. Cinnamon has proved to be very invasive in natural forest and a number of other introduced plant species have also been recognized as problematic for some time. Recent studies have revealed that two more introduced plant species - Memecylon floribunda and Clidemia hirta - are significant new threats to native vegetation on Mahe and Silhouette, respectively.


As RFID enhances many realms of the functional world including: retail, pharmaceutical, aerospace, and defense, it is beginning to show great promise in healthcare. Insurance companies constantly battle fraud among health care providers and new technologies need to be adopted to ensure a lean service-to-reimbursement relationship. This paper will investigate the current state of RFID in health care and demonstrate possible solutions pertaining to not only asset tracking and medication with RFID, but patient tracking and billing reimbursements exchange between insurance companies and practitioners. Fraudulent or not, billing errors among practitioners has continued to be on the rise creating an opportunity for RFID to better structure and secure the health care patient flow.


It will gather key stakeholders from industry, policy, research, service providers and users to develop ideas for possible large scale initiatives under the Active and Healthy Ageing Innovation Partnership.


We numerically investigate the formation of D-dimensional black holes in high-energy particle collision with the impact parameter and evaluate the total cross section of the black hole production. We find that the formation of an apparent horizon occurs when the distance between the colliding particles is less than 1.5 times the effective gravitational radius of each particles. Our numerical result indicates that although both the one-dimensional hoop and the (D-3)-dimensional volume corresponding to the typical scale of the system give a fairly good condition for the horizon formation in the higher-dimensional gravity, the (D-3)-dimensional volume provide a better condition to judge the existence of the horizon.


Polymer composite materials have received increased attention for applications in a cryogenic environment because of their light weight and unique properties. The research presented in this article is an effort to understand the interlaminar fracture behavior of glass/epoxy composite laminates at cryogenic conditions and at different loading rates. This study uses a three-point flexural test to qualitatively assess such behavior for 50 wt% E-glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites during cryogenic and ambient conditions. The specimens were tested at a range of 2—500 mm/min crosshead speed to evaluate the sensitivity of mechanical response during loading at these conditions. The mechanical performances of the laminated specimens at cryogenic conditions were compared with room temperature properties by using SEM photographs. Phenomenological behavior of these materials may be attributed to polymer relaxation, low-temperature hardening, matrix cracking, and misfit strain due to differential thermal coefficient of the constituent phases, and also by an enhanced mechanical keying factor by compressive residual stresses at cryogenic temperatures.


Average yield estimates of runoff can differ significantly in terms of their areal extent and thus may affect developmental designs of irrigation projects. It is the extension of point-based hydrological data record to areal estimates that decides the practical utility of potential yield. Morphometry provides one of the most important basis for analysing the spatial pattern of river flow over terrain. Hence, a detailed geo-hydrological investigation of the Betwa catchment falling in lower basin of Yamuna river has been presented in this paper that may provide useful clues about the existing and optimum standards of hydrological stations. With the help of digital elevation model prepared in GIS software, a flow directional map has been prepared. Observed runoff is also compared for some of the stations. Prioritization of watersheds for location of gauge and discharge sites based on limited runoff data and landuse characteristics obtained from satellite images has also been attempted.


The effects of the designation,manufactuting and repair of exrtusion die on the quality of 6063 alumininm alloy profiles's surface are analyzed,and the prevention methods is put forward in this article


Anesthesiology is on the threshold of its greatest contributions to the safety and mental well-being of the patient. In the past, the initial responsibility of the anesthesiologist was to make the patient comfortable and to provide adequate muscular relaxation and reflex depression during surgery. These two objectives are being accomplished in the vast majority of operations; however, the obligations of the anesthesiologist are now distributed over a wider area. Greater attention must be given to the broader, and perhaps more important, aspects of patient care. Successful surgery defeats its own end if the anesthesia service is deficient. I am confident that in the future greater emphasis will be placed on safety to the patient and that more attention will be devoted to the understanding of the patient's problems. My discussion will be limited to these two points. Measures to decrease the danger of surgery and to increase the satisfaction of


A field study was carried out at the Botanical Garden of the University of Punjab, Pakistan, to investigate the yield losses by 6 commonly occurring and most abundant weeds in wheat field viz., Phalaris minor Retz., Rumex dentatus L., Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm., Medicago denticulata Willd., Chenopodium album L., and Poa annua L. These weeds were grown with two commercially grown wheat varieties viz., Inqalab 91 and Punjab 96 in 1:1 weed-crop ratio. Maximum yield losses of 76% in Inqalab 91 were caused by P. annua followed by 75% by C. didymus, whereas other weeds caused 60-70% yield losses. In case of Punjab 96, maximum yield reduction of 55% was caused by R. dentatus followed by P. minor (28%), M. denticulata, C. album (23%), C. didymus (10%) and P. annua (0%). Punjab 96 proved to be the comparatively resistant against weeds than Inqalab 91.


The generators of the full quasispin group SO(8) and of its subgroup SO(7) are constructed from coupled products of annihilation and creation operators for nucleons. The mutually commuting generators for each of these groups are used to identify the irreducible representations occurring in the nuclear l shell for which l<or=3. The embedding of SO(8)*SO(2l+1) in SO(16l+8) is examined, and the apparent confluence of spinor and non-spinor representations when l=0 is shown to correspond to the well known automorphism for D4. A quasispin group complementary to G2 is sought in the nuclear f shell without success. The extension of isospin and spin to an additional spin space leads to the introduction of a unitary symplectic group USp(8) within the new quasispin scheme.


Method for communicating power line is disclosed. The method includes the step of modulating the current component of the AC power signal present on the power line. Communication protocol for communication between the monitoring unit and the appliance are also disclosed. The protocol has two modes of operation, the first mode is directed from the appliance to the monitoring unit, the monitoring unit and the AC power signal line for communicating via a modulation of the current component between the appliance of a unidirectional protocol, the second mode is offline protocol for communications directed from at least the monitoring unit to the appliance. The second mode may be a power signal operates only if it does not exist between the monitoring unit and the appliance.


Placebo analgesia refers to pain relief due to the psychosocial context surrounding treatments and interventions. Placebo analgesic effects are influenced by many factors, including expectancies about treatments, previous experiences, as well as other cognitive and emotional elements. Within these factors, previous experience via conditioning is one of the most studied mechanisms of neurobiological investigation of placebo effects and findings from this line of inquiry have suggested that conditioning, instructional, and observational cues work to change expectancy of treatment which in turn changes clinical outcomes. In keeping with this, the mere expectation of analgesia from receiving a treatment (eg, a painkiller) can reduce pain perception, even if this treatment is in fact an inert substance (eg, placebo). This expectancy can be acquired in a number of ways including direct experience of analgesia (ie, the patient learns that after taking a specific drug, pain will decrease), verbal instructions (ie, the doctor tells the patient that a specific drug will reduce pain) or social observation (ie, the patient observes pain relief in another patient after this patient took a specific drug). Given that humans are highly sociable organisms and that our behaviors are affected by social learning, the ability for social observation to generate treatment expectations that in turn alter clinical response is likely a fruitful area of study, particularly with regard to how social learning can be used to enhance analgesic responses and reduce hyperalgesic responses in the clinic. In this review, we used both terms "social" and "observational" learning to allude to the pain modulation that a study participant or patient experiences because of social information.While observational learning refers primarily to acquiring information through directly observing another patient receiving pain relief, social learning incorporates the entire interpersonal context that leads to behavioral changes. We conducted a literature search of PubMed using the following set of terms: pain, social learning, and placebo; pain, nocebo, and observation. We found 19 and 7 articles, respectively, and we manually selected 7 references (see references 3,11,21,28,50,51,54) on socially induced placebo and nocebo effects considered most relevant for this topical review. We excluded observational pain studies, and case series but we discuss reviews that support the discussion on potential mechanisms underpinning socially induced placebo and nocebo pain modulatory effects.


Behcet's disease is characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulceration and uveitis. Oral suspension of sucralfate (an aluminum salt of sucrose octasulfate) is often used for peptic ulcers as a protectant of ulcerated mucosa. These Turkish investigators examined the efficacy …


Microorganisms play a significant role in biological decomposition of materials, including synthetic polymers in natural environments. This research was aimed to asses some potential plastic degrading microbes in Katsina. Soil samples from four different locations of about 15,000 meters apart were used for this study. Portions of the soil samples were dried, ground and sieved through a 2mm sieve for Physico-chemical characterization. The soil temperature range from 26.30c to 29.60c, pH 5.67 to 6.26, % Nitrate 0.54 to 0.97, % Phosphates 2.03 to 3.83, % organic carbon 1.71 to 3.27, % organic matter 1.97 to 9.43 and % moisture content 7.13 to 16.22. Isolation and the enumeration of bacteria and fungi was done using nutrient agar and potato dextrose agar respectively. The total populations of bacteria ranged from 1.69 x 105 to 2.94 x 105 CFU/g in the soil while the fungi range from 1.60 x 104 to 8.35 x 104 CFU/g in the soil. The capability of microbial isolates to biodegrade ground polyethylene bags and plastic bottles was tested weekly. Microbes identified include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus lactis, Bacillus subtilis, Diplococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp. Eight degrading fungal species identified following fungal colony and color include Alternaria alternate, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus ornatus, Aspergillus candidus, Aspergillus nidulans, Aspergillus terreus and Rhizopus stolonifera. It can be concluded that the soil around Kofar Sauri, Kofar Marusa, Kofar Guga and Kofar Kaura of Katsina metropolis contains some plastic degrading microbial species. Hence, further investigation using GC-MS to analyze the microbial enzymes or organic acids in degradation of the polythene and plastics in eco-friendly way is recommended.


A systemic approach has been adopted to construct a model for a safety management system (SMS). It has been applied to the case of fire safety for an oil and gas organization as an illustration, although the approach is general. The essential purpose has been not merely to identify functions but to create a "structure" for a SMS, within which necessary "process" or action takes place. Fire loss may be seen as a "systemic" failure, not a result of a single "cause". The approach aims to help to maintain fire risk within an acceptable range in an oil and gas organization's operations in a coherent way. The concept of "viability" of a safety management system is introduced and given a probabilistic interpretation. It is hoped that this approach will lead not only to more effective management of fire safety in an oil and gas organization, but also to more effective management of safety, health and the environment for any organization.


The purpose of this research is to propose the Study of Social Capital of the Community in the Adaptation of the Kaba Volcano Eruption Disaster, Sumber Urip Village, Kec. Selepu Rejang. Regency. Rejang Lebong. The type of research used is qualitative research, or the writing and behavior observed from the people (subjects) themselves. The sampling technique is purposive sampling. Data collection techniques used are interviews and documentation, then the data obtained are analyzed qualitatively to express the facts found in the field. The results of the research in the field are as follows: 1). Social Capital Studies Community is very related to the values, norms, social trust that collaborate in the environment, especially in the community tradition that produces local wisdom in the adaptation of the Kaba volcano eruption disaster. 2) The role of the government in disaster mitigation efforts in the form of periodic and measured training and simulations, coordination and cooperation in anticipation of facing disasters. 3) Preventive efforts in reducing disaster risk through local wisdom values that are understood as social social capital. 4). Mitigation is generally interpreted as an action taken in minimizing the impact of disasters on both the loss of life, property that affects human life.
 Keywords : Social Capital, Adaptation, Volcano Eruption


In the meantime, the study of traditional and contemporary house had been produced so many achievements in korea, but modern house is yet to be solved, Accordingly, It is necessary to develop and present the basic research data in order to build up an objective study for urban house in the modern age(1910-1945), Following to a study on the foreigner's house in grid-type settlement of Open Ports, in this research is to investigate and analyze modern houses of urban areas in korean inland, and then clarify types and changes of them. In the first year(), the modern houses of Central Inland Districts(arrounding river Kumgang)-Kunsan kanggyong Puyo Kongju Pugang Chongju were investigated by the layout of room, the construction and materials, the design and style, etc. In the second year(), the modern houses of Open Market(開市場)-Seoul Taegu Kwangju Taejon Chonju were conducted to investigate as above. The traditional house transformed by differentiation and addition of room(kan), the various types were respectively adopted for the korean reforming and western cultural house. In the layout of room, the types of plan were gradually concentrated from the single wings of korean traditional house. The korean traditional house was later improved through the introduction of entrance, corridor, and internal toilet/bathroom. But the korean under-floor heating system(andal) and a series of three rooms had been entirely maintained, composed of master bedroom/living room(daechung)/room. And the traditional town house with shop and storage, being built closely to each other and walled up both sides, it had taken gradually the extensive characteristics in itself. By the displacement of shop/dwelling/ storage. the various types were respectively adopted for the separated, multi-storied, and complex type. The type of them was gradually changed to the narrow and linear form. And so with the stockpile of fundamental datas about modern houses in korean urban areas, we expect these results contribute to the knowledge of the spatial characteristics of urban house at present which are required to the understanding of transition as well as types.


In antiquity present-day Andalusia was occupied by several different peoples, among whom the main cultural role was taken by the Tartessians, subsequently the Turdetani. The first part of this chapter aims to define the limits and variety of the different ethnic groups. Thereafter, the material available to study the languages of the region is analysed: inscriptions, place names, and personal names. This material is limited and poses numerous problems, but it enables us to define linguistic zones, to emphasize the plurilingual nature of the area, to detect the probable role of Phoenician as a lingua franca, and to draw attention to certain features of Turdetanian, the most widely spoken of the vernacular languages of the region.


Objective
To study the clinical features, biochemical characteristics and gene mutations of patients with carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency (CACTD).

Method
The clinical data, biochemical markers and gene mutations of three cases with CACTD admitted our hospital in 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The related literatures were searched from China national knowledge infrastructure, wanfang database, PubMed, national center for biotechnology information and Embase using keywords "neonate" , "infant" , "carnitine-acylcarnitine deficiency" , "carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase" , and SLC25A20" (up to April 2018).

Result
(1) Three cases (2 boys and 1 girl) with CACTD were full-term infants without asphyxia after birth. The mothers had no abnormal pregnancy, and the parents had no consanguinity. All the patients had poor response and severely hypoglycemia 15~20 hours after birth. Hyperammonemia, elevated liver enzymes and creatine kinase, severe dicarboxylic aciduria, significantly increased level of long-chain acylcarnitine, and significantly decreased concentration of free carnitine were observed in all 3 patients. Significantly decreased serum ketone body was observed in 2 cases. All of them had recurrent atrioventricular block and ventricular tachycardia requiring repeated electrocardioversion, lidocaine, and amiodarone treatment. Arginine, carnitine and special formula with low fat and high medium-chain-triglyceride were given to two infants. Two infants died of cardiorespiratory failure at 3-day and 8-day of life, respectively. The other infant′s clinical condition improved significantly.However, he was discharged from our NICU at the request of his parents. Gene analysis revealed that compound heterozygous mutations c.199-10T>G and IVS7-9_16 ins (a possible novel mutation) were detected in the SLC25A20 gene of case 2. Homozygous mutation c.199-10T>G was identified in the SLC25A20 gene of case 3 whose parents both carried this mutation. (2) A total of 17 articles and 50 cases were retrieved and analyzed. A total of 40 mutations were found in the SLC25A20 gene. Homozygous mutations were found in 23 cases, and compound heterozygous mutations were found in 27 cases. The mutation of c.199-10T>G was the most common mutation and occurred 22 times in the patients from Asia population. Other mutations were found less than 6 times. The review showed that the most common clinical features included hypoketotic hypoglycemia, hyperammonemia, elevated liver enzymes and creatine kinase, remarkable dicarboxylic aciduria, significantly increased level of long-chain acylcarnitine, significantly decreased free carnitine, arrhythmia and cardiomyopathy. Mostly, the onset of symptoms was within 1 week after birth (88%, 44/50). The mortality was 69.8% (30/43). Most patients died within the first year of their life.

Conclusion
Early recognition, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial for CACTD patients. Gene analysis is a reliable diagnostic method. The mutation of c.199-10T>G is the most common SLC25A20 mutation reported in Asia population. Hypoketotic hypoglycemia is an early sign of this disease. Families with a proband need prenatal diagnosis during the second pregnancy.

Key words:
Metabolism, inborn errors; Carnitine acyltransferases; Carnitine-acylcarnitine translocase deficiency; SLC25A20 gene; Mutation


We evaluated the morphological characteristics in 100 super sweet corn inbred lines, which were developed to breeding super sweet corn variety at Gyeongsangbuk-do Agricultural Research and Extension Services, by examining six quantitative and two qualitative characteristics. On the result of evaluation of two qualitative traits, most of inbred lines showed yellow (91 inbred lines) at seed color (QL1) and weak (68 inbred lines) at seedling vigor (QL2). In the survey of six quantitative traits, the average value for each trait indicated as follows: days of tasseling (QN1, 41.0 to 55.0 days), days of silking (QN2, 44.0 to 59.0 days), anthesis-silking interval (QN3, 2.0 to 7.0 days), tillering (QN4, 0.0 to 2.0), plant height (QN5, 96.0 to 187.0 cm) and ear height (QN6, 30.0 to 86.0 cm). In PCAs (principal component analysis) for 8 morphological characteristics, seedling vigor (QL2) and tillering (QN4) greatly contributed in negative direction and the days of tasseling (QN1) and days of silking (QN2) greatly contributed in positive direction on the first principal component. While, ear height (QN6) and plant height (QN5) contributed in positive direction on the second principal component. Thus these morphological traits, which were greatly contributed in the first and second principal components, might be considered to be useful for discrimination in 100 super sweet corn inbred lines. In our study, the results of morphological variation and PCAs for 100 super sweet corn inbred lines will be helpful for super sweet corn breeding programs such activities as planning crosses for hybrid and line development.


The reduction of mycelium growth of scab Venturia inaequalis strains on malt agar amended with pyrimethanil, a pyrimidinamine, was reduced on a lower level (ED 50 0.28 - 33.8 μg a.i./ml) compared with other side specific compounds such as Demethylation inhibitor fungicides. Good disease control was obtained in apple seedling tests with 2 strains which showed low and high sensitivity in vitro. The results are discussed in relation to the test method and the mode of action of pyrimethanil. The fungicidal activity of the new Demethylation inhibitor fungicide fluquinconazole against V. inaequalis strains (44) was compared with flusilazole and fenarimol in mycelium-growth tests. Positive cross resistance for all less sensitive strains was found. Fluquinconazole was the most active compound.


Abstract This paper examines how an intersection of critical cultural disability studies and rhetorical studies can inform a critical education on 'mental health (problems)' for psychology students. Building on cultural theories of disability/impairment, a conception of 'mental health (problems)' as culturally constituted is introduced. We propose the rhetorical perspective as a particularly relevant analytical and pedagogical approach to enable students to critically reflect on the cultural assumptions underpinning various (professional) understandings of 'mental health (problems)'. Our contribution is based on a research project in which clinical psychology students rhetorically analysed cultural constructions of 'mental health (problems)' in a graphic novel on 'bipolar disorder'. Based on a qualitative analysis of students' reflective reports, we argue that rhetorical perspectives enable students to develop reflexive stances towards the different cultural logics, and the ethical and political ramifications of these logics, in which psychological practice and knowledge on 'mental health (problems)' are inevitably embedded. Points of interest This article argues that clinical psychology students need to think critically about the language they use to think and talk about mental health problems because this language has an impact on their beliefs, attitudes and actions towards people experiencing mental health problems. Educators can support students in this endeavour by introducing them to stories that challenge some of the dominant ways society thinks and talks about mental health problems, for example by working with stories or art work of survivors. In this study, clinical psychology students read an autobiographical graphic novel on 'bipolar disorder'. The graphic novel made students reflect on how the main character in the novel experiences mental health problems, on their personal and professional assumptions about mental health problems, and on dominant societal assumptions about mental health problems and their impact.


A technical method of material flow's accurate measurement for more than one belt conveyors and its application situation is introduced in this paper,in which Siemens SIWAREX MS electronic weighing module is taken as the weighing signal processing unit and S7-200 PLC,computer,weighing scale,velometer and so on are adopted.The writer has applied this technology to several control systems,the application results show that the electronic belt conveyor scale developed by this technology basically can get the accuracy of the similar imported products,and its functions of validation,management and so on are greatly superior to the electronic belt conveyor scale with single-chip microcomputer host.


Abstract: Sable antelope (Hippotragus niger), a large, dominant species, often require chemical immobilization for captive management. Despite several recorded protocols, limited objective or subjective data are available to guide chemical immobilization of this species. This study retrospectively compared immobilization drug combinations of carfentanil–xylazine (CX), thiafentanil–xylazine (TX), etorphine–xylazine (EX), carfentanil–acepromazine (CA), and butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine (BAM) for healthy sable antelope at one institution. Clinically applicable physiologic measures, subjective ratings, and timing of anesthetic milestones of 161 events for 107 individuals revealed the following statistically significant findings (P < 0.05). Induction ratings were best for TX, highest degree of muscle relaxation occurred with BAM and TX, and anesthetic ratings were best for TX and EX. Time to recovery was longest and complications 2.56 times more likely with CX. Time to recumbency was shortest in TX. Heart rate was highest in CA and lowest in BAM. For immobilization procedures, this study suggests TX would be the preferred combination for H. niger. However, all drug combinations evaluated can be used successfully to immobilize H. niger, and certain combinations may be situationally preferred based on desired muscle relaxation, expected induction or recovery times, or anticipated procedure length.


This book examines the pretensions of the new paradigm in psychology, a paradigm that has been pushed to the fore as the model for the future of clinical disciplines in the hope of thereby putting paid to psychoanalysis.


Irrespective of which category of country, whether developed or developing, housing issues will never end.
Malaysia itself has several housing issues, in particular the concept of housing development which began with
"sell-then-build" concept where a developer sells houses prior to its construction. Later in 2007, a law was
introduced, encouraging developers to embrace the "build–then-sell" concept. Under the concept, a developer
collecting only 10% of the selling price from purchasers; and the balance will be settled only upon completion of
the houses. The moved from earlier concept of "sell-then-build" to "build-then-sell" was due to the pressure
from consumers who were easily exposed to problem of abandonment of project by unscrupulous developers. At
present the concept of "sell-then-build" is still allowed under the law, even though the "build-then-sell" concept
is becoming more popular, especially for stratified buildings. At the same time a burning issue for consumers is
the escalating price of houses which seems to be uncontrollable by the government. Perhaps this issue will be
able to be addressed by introducing a new concept called "shell homes" which has already been practiced in
other developed countries. This paper aims to examine the present law and policy regulating housing
development in Malaysia, the development and the future of this housing law, in relation to the issue of
escalating price of houses. It is expected that the concept of "shell homes" will result in a new dimension of law
and policy on housing development in Malaysia. Using the qualitative method, this paper evaluates the
development of housing law in Malaysia and its future, where it focusses on the new possible concept of "shell
homes" as one method of minimizing the cost of houses.


The purpose of this study is to test the effects of Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet plan on pregnancy outcomes patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. This randomized controlled clinical trial was performed among 33 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. These patients were randomly distributed to the control group (n = 16) or DASH diet group (n = 17) for 4 weeks. Whereas 47.1% of women in the DASH diet needed to have a cesarean section, this percentage of mean gestational age in control diet was 81.3% (p<0.01). Approximately 23.5% of women in the DASH diet and 75% of women in control diet needed to commence insulin therapy after intervention (p<0.01). In conclusion, the effect of DASH diet improved pregnancy outcomes patients with gestational diabetes. Article Info Received: 22 June 2015 Accepted: 10 August 2015 Available Online: 18 September 2015 DOI: 10.3329/bjp.v10i4.23813 Cite this article: Yao J, Cong L, Zhu B, Wang T. Effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet plan on pregnancy outcome patients with gestational diabetes mellitus. Bangladesh J Pharmacol. 2015; 10: 732-38. Effect of dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet plan on pregnancy outcome patients with gestational diabetes mellitus Jie Yao, Lin Cong, Benli Zhu and Ting Wang Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230 022, China. C lin ic al T ria l This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. You are free to copy, distribute and perform the work. You must attribute the work in the manner specified by the author or licensor. Materials and Methods


Biofouling can be defined as unwanted deposition and development of organisms on submerged surfaces. It is a major problem as it causes water contamination, infrastructures damage and increase in maintenance and operational cost especially in the shipping industry. There are a few methods that can prevent this problem. One of the most effective methods which is using chemicals particularly Tributyltin has been banned due to adverse effects on the environment. One of the non-toxic methods found to be effective is surface modification which involves altering the surface topography so that it becomes a low-fouling or a non-stick surface to biofouling organisms. Current literature suggested that non-hierarchical topographies has lower antifouling performance compared to hierarchical topographies. It is still unclear if the effects of the flow on these topographies could have aided in their antifouling properties. This research will use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to study the flow on these two topographies which also involves comparison study of the topographies used. According to the results obtained, it is shown that hierarchical topography has higher antifouling performance compared to non-hierarchical topography. This is because the fluid characteristics at the hierarchical topography is more favorable in controlling biofouling. In addition, hierarchical topography has higher wall shear stress distribution compared to non-hierarchical topography


Both of alloxydim-sodium [Sodium salt of methyl 3-(1-allyloxyaminobutylidene)-6, 6-dimethyl-2, 4-dioxocyclohexylcarboxylate] and sethoxydim (±)-2-(1-ethoxyiminobutyl)-5-[2-(ethylthio) propyl]-3-hydroxycyclohex-2-enone are postemergence herbicides that provide excellent control of a wide range of grass weeds. The studies on them were started from the discovery of a new compound among the benzoxamate (miticide) derivatives having a weak herbicidal activity on grass weed. As a result of the research on the derivatives of various heterocyclic compounds such as pyrans, dimedones and barbituric acids, the dimedone derivatives were found to show the highest activity in postemergence treatment, and an alkoxyamino alkylidene moiety was indispensable on dimedone ring. Thus we selected out a compound from the dimedone derivatives and commercialized it in formulation of alloxydimsodium. It showed excellent activity on annual grasses at 1kg/ha approximately. However, the dosage more than 4kg/ha was needed to control perennial grasses completely, especially johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense). Further investigation was carried out to find out more potent herbicide. Before long, we found that some compounds with additional substituent, sulfur-containing alkyl group at 5-position of 1, 3-dioxocyclohexane ring instead of the gemdimethyl of dimedone, gave excellent control of annual and perennial grasses. A lot of the cyclohexane derivatives with a sulfur-containing alkyl side chain were synthesized and screened. As the result, we picked out a compound (sethoxydim) providing always high activity in field trials. Sethoxydim effectively controlled annual grasses and johnsongrass at 0.2-0.4kg/ha and 0.5kg/ha respectively, and showed excellent selectivity in numerous dicotyledonous crops. Some simulated rainfall and partial droplet application studies revealed that sethoxydim appeared to be readily absorbed and translocated in the plants. Two gramineous species, Festuca rubra and F. myuros were resistant as high as broadleaf weeds, while F. arundinacea and F. pratensis were susceptible. This difference in susceptibility could not explain by absorption, translocation and metabolism. Microscopic studies revealed that sethoxydim attacked the meristematic regions and inhibited the cell divisions, resulting in the occurrence of herbicidal action.


The article interprets the novel Gwiazda Piołun by Władysław Lech Terlecki. Its main character is based on the real life figure of Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz – author, painter, philosopher. The author of the article indicates the relationships between the accounts of Witkacy's death and its fictional version. Terlecki's story of a painter who escapes from war, only to commit suicide eventually, became a pretext for discussing the events from September 1939 and March 1968.


Citrus essential oils (EOs) are widely used as flavoring agents in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetical and chemical industries. For this reason, their demand is constantly increasing all over the world. Besides industrial applications, the abundance of EOs in the epicarp is particularly relevant for the quality of citrus fruit. In fact, these compounds represent a natural protection against postharvest deteriorations due to their remarkable antimicrobial, insecticidal and antioxidant activities. Several factors, including genotype, climatic conditions and cultural practices, can influence the assortment and accumulation of EOs in citrus peels. This review is focused on factors influencing variation of the EOs' composition during ripening and on the implications on postharvest quality of the fruit.


A display counter which can be widely applied to number record of the industrial parts and products was de signed.By modular design method,the circuit is divided into power supply,photoelectric conversion,synchronous counting and display.The power supply system can provide different voltage.The photoelectric conversion system is composed of photoelectric switches and relays,in which the photoelectric switch uses the diffuse reflectance E3F-DS10C1 type.The counting system uses the CMOS chip in CD series.The final result can be output through the digital display at terminals.The circuit is simulated,de bugged and modified in Proteus software.The switch signal can be used to replace the light to realize on/off and the simulation is completed.The actual testing was conducted in the experiment,which showed feasibility of the scheme.


Iron aluminides, as a technological material, are a member of multicomponent alloys, that contains other alloying elements besides iron and aluminium. Due to superior anti-corrosion properties at high temperatures, these alloys are used as coating materials in many surface development processes. Copper is widely used in industry because of its commercially desired properties such as high thermal and electric conductivity. However, copper cannot be used for special applications where an excellent strength and/or good wear resistance are required due to a lower tensile strength and poor wear resistance. In this study, 1 wt% TiC reinforced iron aluminide intermetallic composite electrode was initially produced and used to coat the copper surface in order to increase the surface hardness and improve the wear rate by forming a hard structure using ESD coating method. It has been observed that surface hardness increased by about 11 times at the end of experimental studies. Wear rate of the coated material increased compared to the uncoated material while the uncoated sample exhibits adhesive wear, also the coated sample exhibits both adhesive and abrasive wear. The wear rate of the coated material was intially lower due to intrinsic low deformation capacity of aluminide coating and later increased substantially because of removal of this aluminide layer.


With the objective to verify the photosynthate partitioning in roots and canopy of peache trees, two intensity of green pruning: light pruning and renovation pruning (heavy pruning). After fruit harvest were evaluated in 'Ouromel-2' peach in Piracicaba-SP. The carbohydrates levels of roots and canopy were evaluated in several phonological stages of the tree during the crop cycle. It was verified that there is a phase of consumption of carbohydrates, from dormant pruning to the ripening of fruits, and a phase of accumulation of carbohydrates, from the ripening of fruits to the falling of the leaves. In general, plants lightly pruned showed higher levels of carbohydrates during the crop cycle if compared to heavily pruned plants, showing then, higher potential of production.


The growth rate and food utilization efficiencies of penultimate instar Hyalophora cecropia are affected by restrictive feeding regimens which simulate the case of behaviorally induced larvae encountering a new food, and which entail an initial period of reduced consumption. Our data suggest that any effects on post‐ingestive utilization of a new host plant or diet onto which larvae have been switched may not only be the result of a lack of physiological adaptation to the new food, but may also be caused by deterrent effects (e.g. when behaviorally induced larvae encounter and initially reject a new food).


This article briefl y introduces the power system of hydrology RTU(Remote Terminal Unit).For the disadvantages of the power switching circuit,3.3V power supply circuit and fi eld instrumentation supply circuit of the traditional hydrological RTU system,we propose some optimization and improvements respectively.With regard to power switching circuit,we make use of the chip LTC4412 of Liner company to control the MOSFET,this can resolve the ripple when the voltage switches;For the 3.3V power supply circuit,the column inductance is replaced by the magnetic inductance with same value,this can make the magnetic fi eld line focus on magnetic inductance,so avoid the magnetic fl ux leakage;As to the fi eld instrumentation supply circuit,the electromagnetic relay is replaced by MOSFET to settle the false operation and short mechanical endurance of it.The RTU power supply system is optimized by the former three improvements to enhance the stability of it.


How to organize students' cooperative learning is an important skill in college Chinese teaching. This paper mainly focuses on scientific organization on cooperative learning ,some valuable skills and evaluation system on cooperative learning in college Chinese teaching ,and in this way, we'll promote students' cooperative learning in college Chinese teaching effectively and enhance college Chinese college Chinese teaching quality.


At present,borescope inspection is the only technique for in-situ detecting defects in aeroengine laminas,but the inspection performance is poor by using borescope to detect cracks in laminas.Therefore,borescope and eddy current integrative testing technique was presented,combining the advantages of these two techniques.The technique can achieve in-situ detecting defects in aeroengine laminas.A borescope and eddy current integrative testing probe used for aeroengine laminas was developed.A testing example of aeroengine lamina using the probe was given.The testing results show that the inspection performance is high using borescope and eddy current integrative testing techniques,and the cracks can be estimated quantitatively.It was concluded that the integrative testing technique is superior to single borescope inspection,and it is very valuable for practical application.


This letter presents a comparative study of GaInAs-AlInAs avalanche photodiodes with different absorption layer thicknesses. Simulations concerning dark current and frequency response have been carried out to study the influence of the vertical structure on functional characteristics. Fabricated devices achieved gain-bandwidth product GtimesB as high as 180 GHz combined with very low dark current and low excess noise factor.


Currently, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) are commonly used for EV traction motors. However, there are some problems in the cost of permanent magnets, high speed rotation, and the stable supply of rare earth re-sources. On the other hand, switched reluctance motors (SRMs) have simple, robust and inexpensive structure. However, SRMs have problems such as a large torque ripple, noise and vibration. In addition, SRMs are driven by a 3-phase asymmetric inverter, and the inverter cost is higher than a 3-phase inverter. Therefore, in order to solve these problems, we have proposed a 12/10 SRM that uses a hex connection and an improved 9-switch inverter. In this paper, a 12/10 SRM with hex connection for EV traction motors is designed and compared with induction machines (IMs). Finally, the difference between the SRM and IM is discussed.


We have developed a poly-crystalline diamond film whose grain size is about 0.5 µm, which is smaller than that of our previously studied diamond films applied in surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. Using the small-grain diamond, three kinds of narrow-band SAW filters were fabricated with the SiO2/interdigital-transducer (IDT)/ZnO/diamond/Si structure at the center frequencies from 2.488 to 5.0 GHz. The insertion losses of these filters were lower by 1.3 to 3.2 dB and the Q values were 200 higher than those obtained using the standard diamond. The Q value is defined as the center frequency divided by the bandwidth at a loss level 3 dB lower than the minimum insertion loss. "Standard diamond" refers to our previously studied diamond. The propagation loss, electro-mechanical coupling coefficient (K2), phase velocity and temperature coefficient of frequency (TCF) were investigated on the basis of the measured characteristics of these filters. It was found that the propagation loss was about two thirds of that obtained using the standard diamond film while TCF, K2 and phase velocity were almost the same as those obtained using the standard diamond.


This study is a primary attempt to depict the concept of recreational education in Islam along with its forms and principles. The study relied on descriptive and analytical methods to present the concept of recreational education, its constraints, objectives, divisions, and applications from an Islamic perspective.The study concludes to confirm that Islam preceded all human theories and philosophies in rooting the recreational education in theory and practice, and in attracting attention to the need to develop and deploy the concepts of recreational education and its applications by the institutions concerned.


The causal relationship between money and income remains a contentious and lively issue in the literature. Even though the literature on this issue is voluminous, however, for Bangladesh it is quite nascent. A few earlier studies suffer from methodological deficiency as they did not take into consider the time series properties of the variables. The objective of this paper is to look on the causality between money and income in Bangladesh. The paper differs from the earlier ones regarding data used and econometric techniques applied. The main contribution of the paper is to address the issue of short run dynamics of the money income relationship within a long run relationship. The empirical results show that money supply and income are cointegrated, implying that there is stable long run relationship between them. The estimated error correction model shows that there is bidirectional causality between money and income, implying that monetary policy should be undertaken to realise the basic macroeconomic goals of achieving higher level of output.


For the purpose of establishing a good ecoenvironment in West China, four characteristics of the region are analyzed in this paper. It is pointed out that the key problems of ecoenvironment worsened are the amelioration in lower efficiency and the slow improvements of ecoenvironment. Four reasons of inefficient amelioration are given in the paper, and the objectives and countermeasures of ecoenvironmental construction in West China are put forward.


Here is the story of the needless destruction of Eastern Airlines, dramatically depicting the events and negotiations of the struggle to save Eastern against insurmountable odds. This is the real inside story, told by the then-Executive Vice President of Eastern and principle negotiator. 16 pages of photographs.


We propose a method for structuring the spatial coherence state of light via mixed linear combinations of N complex degrees of coherence (CDC) and specify the conditions under which such combinations represent a valid CDC. Several examples demonstrate that this method opens previously unknown avenues for modeling random sources, radiating to light fields with unique features.


We investigate the characteristics of pine wilt disease by incorporating the harmonic type incident rate in an existing model. We find the threshold number for the model under consideration which plays a vital role in the dynamical behaviour of the system. Stability conditions for the possible stationary states of the system are found in terms of the threshold quantity. Our analysis shows that disease eradicates from the pine trees whenever the threshold quantity assumes values less than unity and persists otherwise. We then study the effect of various parameters of the model upon the spread of the pine wilt disease. The problem presented exhibits bifurcation, an analysis of which is a part of the current work. Under biologically meaningful conditions, we perform numerical simulations to support and verify the analytical findings of this work.


The purpose of this study was to suggest the new cement hydration model with fineness based on the Tomosawa cement hydration model. The existing model uses unhydrated cement radius which is needed to be experimented in order to find exact one to predict hydration heat velocity. Therefore the new model uses trend equation related with the radius and fineness, so cement radius is not required to predict hydration heat velocity. By using calorimeter, experimental data was measured so as to verify the suitability of proposed model. The prediction results agree well with experimental results


Hot metal pretreatment, especial desiliconization, dephosphorization and desulfurization, has increasingly become an economic and essential process in pure steel making. The development status and tendencies of the pure steel making processes based on hot metal deep pretreatment and its partially commercial operation results at home and abroad were overviewed. The advantages of the pure steel making based on hot metal pretreatment and the deep (treatment technologies of hot metal desiliconization, dephosphorization and desulfurization were analyzed. Today, applications of hot metal deep dephosphorization and desulfurization processes plus molten steel refining to our iron and steel production will be certain to play a significant role in the aspects of pure steel grade making, decrease of production costs, improvement of steel qualities and grades, and enhancement of steel product market competition.


This degree work aims to tell a story about the force of fashion. Through forced material interactions on body the focus of this study is interaction. Interaction between contrasting materials, bod ...


The Qianlishan granite stock consists of three peraluminous granites; in order of intrusion they are pseudoporphyritic biotite granite, equigranular biotite granite, and dikes of granite porphyry. There is no obvious evolutionary relationship in petrochemistry between the first two granitoids and the granite porphyry. From pseudoporphyritic biotite granite to equigranular biotite granite, the differentiation degree increases so that the basic elements and the Zr/Hf and La/Yb ratios decrease, Eu depletion is stronger, and acid-incompatible elements, volatile components, ore-forming elements, and Rb/Sr and U/Th ratios increase. The first two phases of granitic intrusions are associated with polymetallic tungsten mineralization. The differentiation degree of the granite porphyry is lower than that of the two early granitic rocks, and so are its Rb/Sr and U/Th ratios; Zr/Hf and La/Yb ratios, however, are higher, and Eu depletion becomes weaker. The granite porphyry is associated with lead, zinc, and silver mi...


A hybrid modulation approach is proposed in this work, which allows to modulate the switches of the five level neutral point clamped inverter (5LANPC) with different switching frequencies. Some of the switches are controlled with a low switching frequency using six-step modulation and Optimized Pulse Patterns (OPPs), whereas the rest are modulated with a high switching frequency using Carrier-Based Pulse Width Modulation (CB-PWM). Consequently it is sufficient to replace only the latter with SiC technology, whereas the former can stay in conventional Si technology. Furthermore, a pulse pattern optimization method is presented that maximizes the performance of the hybrid modulation regarding the achievable current Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) and the voltage ripple of the flying capacitor.