Despite its prolific track record of research into primary tumor dynamics, the field of cancer biology has yet to develop a reliable methodology for interrogating the genetic profiles of recurrent tumors. CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing has proven to be foundational for recent advancements in oncogenetic screening, due in part to its high degree of specificity in achieving on‐target gene knockout while minimizing off‐target effects. The primary limitation to its application in screening pro‐recurrence factors in cancer, however, is the constitutive nature of canonical Cas9 activity, which may not be remotely regulated after the point of Cas9 translation. To address this problem, we cultivated and transduced populations of a resected invasive mammary adenocarcinoma cell type with a selection of four recombinant Cas9 transgenes and characterized the relative inducibility of each system. These Cas9's are fused to peptides whose tertiary structure renders the endonuclease inactive, restoring catalytic activity only in the presence of a fusion‐specific ligand. Populations of EGFP‐expressing adenocarcinoma cells were transduced with a modified estrogen receptor‐Cas9 fusion (ERT2‐Cas9) and assayed for target knockout efficiency upon addition of small guide GFP (sgGFP) and a Cas9‐enabling estrogen analog. After three days exposure to the analogue, flow cytometry revealed GFP expression to be markedly reduced in cells expressing ERT2‐Cas9 and minimal change in those not exposed. Once the timing and treatment of this model are refined, ERT2‐Cas9‐expressing adenocarcinoma cells will be orthotopically‐injected into mice for an in vivo screening assay. By equipping neoplastic cells with the inducible‐Cas9 machinery before the point of tumor outgrowth, it becomes possible to systematically screen pro‐survival factors at late time points in cancer progression without drastically disturbing the microenvironment of the tumor.


Objective To investigate the possible pathway of SGC-7901 cells apoptosis by utilizing RNA interference(RNAi) to inhibit expression of COX-2 in vitro.Methods Small interference RNA(siRNA) homologous to COX-2 gene were designed,pTZU6+1-siRNA-COX-2 vector was constructed and transfected into SGC-7901 cells to induce RNAi.The changes of COX-2 gene,cell apoptosis and expression of apoptosis related genes were detected with RT-PCR,immunochemistry,TUNEL and Western blottingin.Results After transfected with pTZU6+1-siRNA-COX-2,the level of cox-2 gene was down-regulated,SGC-7901 cell apoptosis was obvious(P0.05),expressions of Caspase-9 and Caspase-3 were arised.Conclusion RNA interference down-regulate COX-2 expression,and induce SGC-7901 cell apoptosis maybe by exciting expression of Caspases.


The Government has confirmed that amendments will be made to the TUPE Regulations early next year. However, the service change provisions will not be repealed as had previously been expected.


Exposure to extremely-low-frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMFs) of various intensities is ubiquitous in both domestic and occupational environments. There is a concern over the possibilities that exposure to EMFs might affect the process of carcinogenesis. Controversial information is available on the effect of EMFs on DNA integrity. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate the invitro effects of ELF-EMFs of varying flux densities (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 mT at 50 Hz) on DNA integrity in human peripheral blood leukocytes using comet assay. All exposures were given at 37/spl deg/C (i.e., human body temperature). The experimental setup to produce the EMF consisted of an assembly of a dimmerstat, transformer, ammeter and air-cored coils to provide the desired field intensity at the seat of the blood samples. One set of coils was shielded against external, stray electromagnetic fields by housing the set of coils in a mu-metal (extremely-high-relative permeability magnetic material) box. Four types of exposures were studied simultaneously: (1) EMF exposure, samples shielded inside mu-metal box, placed in an incubator; (2) EMF exposure, samples not shielded, arranged inside the same incubator; (3) no EMF exposure, samples not shielded, but placed in dummy coils inside another incubator, and (4) no EMF exposure, no shielding, no dummy coils, but samples placed in a thermos containing water maintained at 37/spl deg/C. In addition, one set of samples was processed immediately after collection without any treatment. Heparin zed peripheral blood samples were collected from 6 adult males in the age group of 20-24 years. The subjects were non-smokers and non-drinkers of alcohol. Their leukocytes were processed by comet assay in the above mentioned treatments and controls. 100 cells per treatment were scored for comet tail-length which is an estimate of DNA damage. DNA damage increased with exposure dose. The results are similar to our earlier studies. Moreover, DNA damage had the following trend according to the types of exposures mentioned above: non-shielded exposed inside incubator>shielded exposed inside incubator>non-shielded non-exposed inside incubator>non-shielded non-exposed inside thermos>control.


1. Introduction 2. Unraveling the Informal Sector Debate 3. Reconceptualizing Labour in the Informal Sector Debate 4. Exploring a Labour Focused Strategy for Productivity and Well-being in the Informal Economy: Background and Method 5. Mapping 'Problems': Work-Life Experience in the Indian Informal Economy 6. Interventions for Work-Life Improvement: The Case of the Self Employed Women's Association 7. The Moral Dynamics of Union Membership 8. Agency, Freedom and Economic Development 9. Public Action for Economic Development 10. The Politics of Economic Development 11. Conclusion: Worker Identity, Agency and Economic Development


Geometric methods are now widely used in both classical and quantum field models. Cartan mechanics have been successfully used in special and general relativity, including cosmology. This article discusses the application of E. Cartan's mechanics in classical field theory. Wherein, it often allows additional information about the system to be taken into account in a uniform manner. In particular, the Lorentz condition in the case of a vecton. Classical field theory, the mathematical apparatus of which, in contrast to quantum field theory, can be considered fully developed.


In this paper 'Various method are compared for finding an optimal solution. The methods are NWC, LCM, VAM, NMD and Zero Suffix Method all gives an optimal solution. In this paper the best optimality condition has been checked. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the condition.. The Simplex method is not suitable for the Transportation Problem es- pecially for large Scale transportation problem due to its special Structure of the model in 1954 Charnes and Cooper was developed Stepping Stone method for the efficiency reason. An Initial Basic Feasible Solution(IBFS) for the transportation problem can be obtained by using the north-west corner rule row minima, Coiumn minima, Matrix minima and Vogel's Approximation Method [Reinfeld and Vogel 1958,Goyal"s version of VAM ..Kirca and Stair developed a heuristic method to obtain an efficient initial basic feasible solution. Sudhakar etal proposed zero suffix method for finding an optimal solution for transportation problem directly in 2012


The invention relates to a method and a device for placing the units, for example. Motes for executing an application in a distributed system, in which a placement of the units is provided by a service layer, and providing a communication between the units by a communication layer. One field of application of the invention is, for example, process automation, such as in industrial plants or in building management systems.


There has been a lot of interest since the global financial crisis in policies allowing emerging market economies to smooth the effects of the global financial cycle. Although the literature has focused mostly on capital controls emerging market governments have relied mostly on international reserves management. This paper discusses the role of reserves in capital flow management based on a simple welfare-based model of capital flows with international banking frictions.


We study a routing game in an environment with multiple heterogeneous information systems and an uncertain state that affects edge costs of a congested network. Each information system sends a noisy signal about the state to its subscribed traveler population. Travelers make route choices based on their private beliefs about the state and other populations' signals. The question then arises, "How does the presence of asymmetric and incomplete information affect the travelers' equilibrium route choices and costs?" We develop a systematic approach to characterize the equilibrium structure, and determine the effect of population sizes on the relative value of information (i.e. difference in expected traveler costs) between any two populations. This effect can be evaluated using a population-specific size threshold. One population enjoys a strictly positive value of information in comparison to the other if and only if its size is below the corresponding threshold. We also consider the situation when travelers may choose an information system based on its value, and characterize the set of equilibrium adoption rates delineating the sizes of subscribed traveler populations. The resulting routing strategies are such that all travelers face an identical expected cost, and no traveler has the incentive to change her subscription.


THIS PAPER SETS FORTH THE MAIN MEASURES ADOPTED IN BRAZIL IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST INVESTMENT-RELATED CORRUPTION, IN ORDER TO COMPARE THEM TO THE INTERNATIONAL LEGAL FRAMEWORK, AS WELL AS TO THE TWO MAIN REGULATORY LANDMARKS IN THIS FIELD ON THE DOMESTIC LEVEL – THE UNITED KINGDOM BRIBERY ACT AND THE UNITED STATES FOREIGN CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT.


We prove that for $\mathcal{C}^1$-diffeomorfisms
semi-hyperbolicity of an invariant set implies its
hyperbolicity. Moreover, we provide some exact estimations of
hyperbolicity constants by semi-hyperbolicity ones, which can be
useful in strict numerical computations.


Whether in documentary films, exhibitions, talks or articles, for decades the Cologne-based geologist and climate scientist Stefan Kropelin has been popularising the history, landscapes and people of the Sahara. As a field researcher and in many ways a "science ambassador", the DFG and the Stifterverband have chosen him as the recipient of this year's Communicator Award.


Resources and information for criticism of drama, production, and interpretation Print and Online reference materials for religion and culture studies


Carbon capture and storage (CCS), in which CO2 associated with power generation is separated from the flue gas stream and then injected into deep subsurface formations, represents a potential means of reducing a major source of greenhouse gas emissions. Flow simulation can be used to design and manage CO2 sequestration projects, but the large number of detailed runs required for some applications, such as computational optimization and uncertainty assessment, can be very expensive. Computationally-efficient procedures including numerical reduced-order models, which have been applied in related areas such as oil reservoir simulation, may thus be very useful in this regard. In this work, we explore the use of trajectory piecewise linearization (TPWL) combined with proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) for simulating CO2 storage problems. POD-TPWL models of this type have been successfully used for oilwater and oil-gas compositional reservoir simulation problems. The basic approach with POD-TPWL is to first perform one (or a few) full-order 'training' runs, which entail high-fidelity flow simulations under a prescribed set of well controls (e.g., timevarying bottomhole pressures or rates). For subsequent (test) runs, which involve different well control settings, the solution at each time step is represented based on a linearization around a training solution. The use of POD, along with a constraint reduction procedure, which projects the set of governing equations into a low-dimensional subspace, provides a high degree of efficiency. The full-order simulations applied in this work use a two-phase, two-component (CO2 and water) formulation within Stanford's Automatic Differentiation-based General Purpose Research Simulator (AD-GPRS). This simulator was modified to output


It is well known that the category of real Lie supergroups is equivalent to the category of the so-called (real) Harish-Chandra pairs. That means that a Lie supergroup depends only on the underlying Lie group and its Lie superalgebra with certain compatibility conditions. More precisely, the structure sheaf of a Lie supergroup and the supergroup morphisms can be explicitly described in terms of the corresponding Lie superalgebra. In this paper, we give a proof of this result in the complex-analytic case. Furthermore, if $(G,\mathcal{O}_G)$ is a complex Lie supergroup and $H\subset G$ is a closed Lie subgroup, i.e. it is a Lie subsupergroup of $(G,\mathcal{O}_G)$ and its odd dimension is zero, we show that the corresponding homogeneous supermanifold $(G/H,\mathcal{O}_{G/H})$ is split. In particular, any complex Lie supergroup is a split supermanifold.
It is well known that a complex homogeneous supermanifold may be non-split. We find here necessary and sufficient conditions for a complex homogeneous supermanifold to be split.


Unedited interview with D.D. Smith of Alice Springs about locating road works and stock routes and the early days in the Northern Territory.


Abstract : Methods were developed for production of sharpened platinum-wire electrodes with glass isolation; and for recording from moving tissue. A new stereotaxic machine is introduced which allows changing arbitrarily the point of drillhole on the skull and the direction of approach with the electrode for a given target. A technique for the large exposure of the rootlets of the ninth and tenth cranial nerves and a new method for histological determination of the site of the tip of micropipettes in tissue are presented. The usefulness of different kinds of microelectrodes for different purposes is discussed. Analysis of recordings from single filaments of the vagal rootlets has shown that cardiac and respiratory afferent activity enters the brain at different levels. Chronic degeneration experiments with transsection of caudal (respiratory) rootlets of the vagus nerve showed terminal degeneration in a region rostrolateral to the obex and ventral to the tractus solitarius. Intracellular records of respiratory nerve cells in the medulla oblongata of cats were obtained. The rhombencephalon was explored for impulses correlated with heart beats. (Author)


This paper summarizes application of the turbulence model to study the characteristic of flow field and the pattern of mass mixing diffusion transportation. The research present situation and new development trend on the turbulence model are analysed in detail. Moreover, the viewpoint on environmental hydraulics problem solved by turbulence model is put forward, and the traits of zero-equation turbulence model, one-equation turbulence model, two-equation k-a turbulence model and the revised anisotropic k-a turbulence model, the Reynolds stress model, the algebraic Reynolds stress model, the low-Reynolds flow model and the senior simulation of turbulence flow are discussed.


In recent years, domain adaptation tasks have attracted much attention, especially, the task of cross-domain sentiment classification (CDSC). In this paper, we propose a novel domain adaptation method called Symmetric Adversarial Transfer Network (SATNet). Experiments on the Amazon reviews dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of SATNet.


FIELD: systems for parking vehicles. SUBSTANCE: parking system has transceiver device for each user and additional unit that may be connected to transceiver device only to ensure its communication with central computer. Additional unit incorporates identifying labels that may be scanned outside of vehicle and has microcontroller, memory device, and timer. Upon parking a vehicle transceiver is used to receive vehicle parking enable signal and parking enable time from computer. Then parking legality indicating signal is displayed and parking enable time is counted backward until this time is expired or until vehicle leaves parking area. In case communication with computer fails, additional unit carries out anticipated parking procedure, saves respective data in buffer memory device, and later on transmits this data to computer for verification and recording. Computer conveys data on each parking to State Authorities to levy parking fees. Mobile phones, message recorders, pagers, private alarms, and vehicle locating units exemplify transceiver devices. When vehicle locating unit is used, data on vehicle location is conveyed to central computer from vehicle location control center and central computer functions to check for vehicle location and to execute parking procedure. EFFECT: simplified design and enhanced economic efficiency of system. 39 cl, 7 dwg


Introduction and Purpose: In acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients, it is important to stabilize pan-coronary vulnerable plaques as early as possible in ACS patients, in addition to revascularization of the culprit lesion by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Although statins are effective for regression and stabilization of vulnerable plaques in ACS patients, several patients experience plaque progression and/or destabilization despite aggressive control of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol by statins. Therefore, we should do further efforts to research new risk markers beyond LDL-cholesterol and to intervene in them. Methods and Results: In 57 patients with ACS, who underwent emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), we performed a virtual histology (VH)-IVUS for a non-culprit lesion, at baseline and at the follow-up time (8-10 months), to assess plaque regression/progression and plaque stabilization/destabilization. At the follow-up time, we measured specific biomarkers. All of the patients received aggressive treatment with statins. Change in the total plaque volume by the gray scale IVUS was correlated positively with derivatives of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs) level (0.32, P Conclusions: The d-ROMs would be a powerful biomarker to predict plaque progression and destabilization as the residual risk marker beyond LDL-cholesterol. Intervention to oxidative stress state would be the most important residual target beyond LDL cholesterol lowering for plaque regression and stabilization.


.................................................................................................................................. III DECLARATION ............................................................................................................................. VI ADDITIONAL PUBLICATIONS, PRESENTATIONS AND AWARDS ........................................................ X ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................................................... XV ABBREVIATIONS ....................................................................................................................... XVII CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW OF THESIS ................................................................ 1 1.1 BACKGROUND ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.2 AIM ......................................................................................................................................... 2 1.3 OUTLINE OF THESIS (BY CHAPTER) ................................................................................................... 3 CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW .................................................................................................. 7 2.1 RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS – PREVALENCE, MANAGEMENT AND TREATMENT IN YOUNG CHILDREN ........... 7 2.2 PREVENTION STRATEGIES ............................................................................................................ 14 2.2.1 INFLUENZA VACCINATION ................................................................................................................... 14 2.2.2 HAND HYGIENE ................................................................................................................................. 18 2.3 CONCLUSION............................................................................................................................ 21 CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY ....................................................................................................... 23 3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN ..................................................................................................................... 23 3.1.1 UK MEDICAL RESEARCH COUNCIL'S (MRC) FRAMEWORK........................................................................ 23 3.1.2 THEORETICAL APPROACH .................................................................................................................... 26 3.2 DEVELOPMENT PHASE ................................................................................................................ 30 3.3 DATA ANALYSIS ........................................................................................................................ 32 3.4 ETHICS.................................................................................................................................... 34 CHAPTER 4: RESPIRATORY TRACT INFECTIONS AMONG CHILDREN YOUNGER THAN 5 YEARS: CURRENT MANAGEMENT IN AUSTRALIAN GENERAL PRACTICE .................................................... 35


A fascinating aspect of telicity that has occupied semantic research since the early works of M. Krifka, H. Verkuyl and others, is the relations between the nominal and the verbal domains. Recent work has also started to explore other cross-categorial aspects of telicity, notably adjectives (Hay et al. 1999, henceforth HKL) and prepositions (Zwarts 2005). The modifier almost is especially useful for testing telicity in different semantic domains due to its cross-categorial nature, combined with Dowty's (1979) observation about its ambiguity with telic predicates vis à vis atelic predicates. We show that Dowty's observation does not always hold: some telic prepositions do not exhibit the ambiguity expected with almost. Using the analysis in Rotstein and Winter (2004, henceforth R&W), we conclude that ambiguity of almost in verbal forms is caused by closure of the structure it modifies, and not by telicity per se. This unified account of almost with verbs, prepositions and adjectives is used for generalizing HKL's mapping from scales to temporal structures. Against HKL's claim, and in agreement with Kearns (2005), we show that contextual information only affects open structures, but not closed structures. Based on the subinterval property of Bennett and Partee (1978), we provide a characteristic of atelicity, which we call weak downward monotonicity. We show that this condition immediately accounts for the correlation between the a/telicity of deadjectival verbs and the closure properties of scales associated with the corresponding adjectives. Almost and telicity Consider almost with a telic predicate, as in Dan almost drew a circle. This sentence either means that Dan started to draw a circle and got close to finishing it, or that Dan got close to starting a drawing of a circle but didn't actually start. Rapp and Von Stechow (1999) refer to these interpretations as scalar (S) and counterfactual (C), respectively. By contrast, Dowty (1979) points out that almost with atelic predicates, e.g. Dan almost pushed a cart, only leads to the C-interpretation. Almost and path structure Zwarts (2005) uses examples like Dan ran around/to the lake in three hours to characterize prepositions like around and to as telic (at least in these examples). Unexpectedly, however, the same examples do not easily show C/S ambiguities with almost. Consider (1a) below, as opposed to (1b). (1) a. Dan almost ran around the lake. b. Dan almost circled the lake. The prominent interpretation of (1a) is the C-interpretation. By contrast, (1b) clearly shows the C/S ambiguity. Similar contrasts are notable with to in languages that have spatial usages for a telic preposition parallel to until. Examples are French jusque (see Bonami 1997), Dutch tot and Hebrew @ad. Compare for instance the Hebrew sentences in (2a) and (2b). (2) a. dan kim@at rac la'agam. b. dan kim@at rac @ad ha'agam. Dan almost ran to-the-lake Dan almost ran until the-lake The preposition la ("to-the") in (2a), like the English to, strongly prefers the C-interpretation (Dan didn't start running, or ran but not to the lake). By contrast, with @ad ("until"), (2b) is ambiguous, and also has the S-interpretation: "Dan ran and almost reached the lake". Why do prepositions like to and around interact with almost differently than other telic predicates? Our answer is quite simple: the paths that these prepositions describe, although telic, are topologically open – they do not contain their endpoint. By contrast, prepositions like until or verbs like circle describe closed paths containing their endpoint. As in R&W's account of almost with adjectives, we claim that the scalar semantics of almost requires the structure it modifies to be closed. Telicity of verbal structures where almost exhibits the S-interpretation only follows from their closure. To establish this claim, we turn to the closure properties of adjectival scale structures, and their relations with telicity of "degree achievement" (DA) verbs.


In September 2009 the State of Minnesota allocated federal stimulus funds to an existing building commissioning program for public buildings. As a direct result all government owned buildings over 100,000 square feet were considered for the program, allowing the program to not only help the state achieve its energy conservation goals, but also to better answer two key questions about existing building commissioning:  What percentage of a total building population can be cost-effectively served?  What are the energy savings that can be expected from these efforts? The State of Minnesota's Public Buildings Enhanced Energy Efficiency Program (PBEEEP) is modeled after other successful utility programs. PBEEEP seeks to transform the existing building commissioning market in Minnesota from an audit based approach to a databased investigation. The distinctive features of PBEEEP are:  high level of participation (75% of candidate buildings)  long energy investigations (6-9 months for heating and cooling seasons)  limited to government owned buildings  funded independently of any utility company  providers with a wide range of prior experience Three hundred and seventy four (374) buildings containing over 31 million square feet located on 71 sites throughout the state applied. Screening was used to identify buildings where an energy investigation would be cost effective. Average calculated site energy savings were 10.8%. The program divided the measures into those with paybacks of under 3 years and those of 3 to 15 years for financial planning reasons and to meet State statue. The number of buildings that are good candidates for successful existing building commissioning projects is lower than has been projected in other studies and should be considered both by policy makers and practitioners who need to manage expectations of their services.


Standard maize (SMS), waxy maize (WMS), wheat (WTS) and potato (PTS) starches were hydrothermally treated by Instantaneous Controlled Pressure Drop (DIC) process at different pressure levels. The rheological properties and particle size of treated starches at various conditions were examined and compared to the native starches. The results showed for all starches a reduction of the consistency coefficient and the yield stress (c) with increasing DIC conditions after pasting in the Brabender Viscograph, except for WTS. c disappears for severe treatment conditions. The DIC treatment yielded an increased fluidity and a loss of the elastic response of the pastes, as a result of partial gelatinization of starch granules. The extent of the observed effect is function of the botanical origin.


Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a strategy to integrate transit and land use by focusing development around a transit station. Its principles are gaining increasing popularity worldwide in the global effort toward sustainable transportation. This paper attempts to answer two questions: Why do Chinese cities need TOD? How can TOD principles developed in the U.S. context be put into operation in urban China? The paper first introduces factors motivating communities in the United States to pursue TOD. Trends in China's urban expansion and travel growth are then reviewed, with a case made for TOD in the Chinese setting with the use of integrated land use–transit development. Next, the paper presents an operational TOD model derived from the experience of developing around transit in Hong Kong, Taipei, and mainland Chinese cities. The model is characterized as five D's squared, or 5D2, which includes differentiated density, dockized district, delicate design, diverse destination, and distributed dividends. It is emphasized that for sustainable transit, TOD should be applied as a composite policy combining land use, transportation, and transit finance.


Approximately one half of all persons 65 years and over in this country have some form of cardiovascular disease for which they are taking a variety of medications. Cardiovascular medications, however, have adverse side effects, like confusion and depression, that can alter the user's behavior and perceptions about the world. This study seeks to examine whether the presence or absence of cardiovascular medications in a sample of nursing home residents over 65 with no history of neurological complications is reflected in how those persons rate the importance of functional communication skills in their everyday lives. Results indicate that, for the subjects in this study, cardiovascular medications do influence how some items on a 50‐item questionnaire are prioritized.


Fire can be recognized as an essential climatic variable (according to GCOS, 2011) [3]. Particularly disastrous in Australia during the Black Summer, authorities are trying to monitor the negative effects of the fire activity. A main indicator regarding the intensity of a fire is the Fire Radiative Power (FRP). In this paper, a prediction of the FRP value will be conducted, using a NASA dataset. Then an overview of the long term influence of this value will be done. Afterwards, in relation to the fire prevention, the correlation between the size of the fire and the FRP value will be studied. Finally a more precise analysis of the FRP value can be done using a sub-pixel-based calculation of the FRP value.


This paper studies a novel approach of fast fault estimation based on adaptive actuator fault diagnosis observer. A derivative action is added to the adaptive controller to improve the fault estimation response. Then, to acquire the designed parameters, a linear matrix inequalities (LMI) problem is formulated. At the end, the efficiency of the proposed approach is demonstrated using a unicycle robot.


Much international research has been carried out on the influence of mathematical textbooks with Irish textbooks playing only a minor role in the TIMSS analysis (Valverde et al, 2002). Irish students have performed poorly in the PISA reports from 2001, 2003 and again in 2006, and are currently ranked in the middle of the OECD countries for mathematical literacy (Cosgrove et al., 2005). In 2005 the NCCA identified that mathematics in Irish post primary schools is currently being taught through a didactic style of teaching with the textbook playing a central role. Since the mathematics textbook has such a pivotal role within the classroom the impact of the mathematics textbook on student learning is undeniable. This research, by means of mathematics textbook analysis, investigates the effectiveness of the current Irish Junior Cycle mathematics textbooks for developing student comprehension and motivation.


With the advancement of many off-the-shelf data acquisition systems readily available today and the availability of 3G and 4G high-speed wireless cellular networks, the potential for remote monitoring of critical bridges has never been better. Needs exist regarding scour and general structural response for long-term monitoring. However, short-term monitoring using quickly deployable, rugged systems are also desirable in cases where impact, fire, environmental effects, or other damage may occur. These robust systems can be deployed rapidly, and endure harsh elements, enabling state departments of transportation (DOTs) to constantly assess and monitor a structure, or a network of structures. Hence, the objective of this project is to explore the feasibility and proof of concept of using a web-based bridge monitoring interface for use on selected Indiana DOT (INDOT) bridges for both short-term and long-term applications. This report will focus on a single case study, the Virginia Avenue Bridge over I-65 SB, a steel plate girder bridge that frequently falls victim to truck impact as a result of low clearance. This case study is uniquely different and provides insight into how targeted instrumentation systems can be used to probe specific parameters desired by owners for bridge condition assessment and monitoring. It will be shown how commercially available instrumentation systems can be tailored to fit any unique application required. Additionally, it will be demonstrated that INDOT benefited from this specific case of field-deployed, short-term monitoring, which included automated notifications of critical onsite conditions.


The alkene (2) obtained directly from the reaction of dimethyl maleate with the pyrone (1) is converted into (±)-podophyllotoxin (12) in seven steps and 24% overall yield; novel steps include the epimerisation of (9) at C-3 using 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec′7-ene (DBU) and selective oxidation of (8) to (9) using (Bun3Sn)2O–I2.


The reference to the Panoplia Dogmatike in relation to the Eucharistic controversies does not exist solely in the writings of Robert Bellarmine. A series of Catholic theologians quoted the same parts of the anthology. The first references to the Panoplia situate the edition of the book in the religious controversies of the Elizabethan age. Nicholas Harpsfield left another early reference. The next reference to the Panoplia was made by Thomas Harding, English controversialist who shared Protestant views but returned to Catholicism. William Rainolds was among the authors who connected the Panoplia with the teaching of Berengar. Peter Canisius referred to the Panoplia in his Antidotes Sacrae Scripturae. Lorenzo da Brindisi quotes the Panoplia in his work Lutheranismi hypotyposis: pars I: Hypotyposis Martini Lutheri. The references to the Panoplia continued in the seventeenth century with the French cardinal Jacques Davy Du Perron, known as "the most subtle of the French controversialists".Keywords: Catholic references; Eucharistic controversies; Jacques Davy Du Perron; Lorenzo da Brindisi; Nicholas Harpsfield; Panoplia Dogmatike; Peter Canisius; Thomas Harding; William Rainolds


Pulse sensors based on the heat compensation theory were applied to measure the stem sap flow of 4 typical tree species in shelter-belt of the desert region in Northwest China.Wind speed,relative humidity,air temperature,soil temperature and leaf temperature were measured at an automatic weather station.The aim of this study was to investigate the diurnal variations of sap flow of different desert trees,and try to understand the characteristics of their water requirements and ecological significance.The results indicated that sap flow rate in Populus Russkii Jabl.,P.euphratica Oliv.and Ulmus pumila L.have distinct diurnal variations and the sap flow rates present single-peaks curves,but Elaeagnus angustifolia L.have not been observed clear diurnal pattern in sap flow.The sap flow velocity altered with the probe-inserted depth into the stem.Sap flow velocity had significant diversity among the 4 tree species.Under sufficient soil water content,increase of irrigation can influence on the microhabitat and have an effect to reduce the transpirations.The correlation between the sap flow velocity and the meteorological factors was analyzed.The dynamics of stem sap flows could be fitted well by a regression model based on the meteorological factors.The model could be used to estimate the transpiration of the 4 tree species.


Common method bias can be defined, in the context of structural equation modeling via partial least squares (PLS-SEM), as a phenomenon that is caused by the measurement method used in a study, and not by the network of causes and effects connecting the latent variables in the study. We illustrate how Harman's single factor test of


Ehlers–Danlos syndrome hypermobility type (EDS‐HT) is an underdiagnosed genetic connective tissue disorder that causes joint hypermobility and widespread pain. We present a patient with the chief complaint of shoulder pain, a long history of widespread joint pain, and associated comorbidities. EDS‐HT provided a unifying diagnosis and direction for management.


The patient underwent a brain MRI that revealed a well-demarcated cystic lesion with a highly vascular mural nodule. Mural nodule has slightly low-medium signal intensity on T1-weighted images (Fig. 1 a), high signal intensity on T2-WI and avidly enhances after the administration of contrast material (Fig. 1 b). These MR imaging characteristics are compatible with cerebellar haemangioblastoma. The most useful sequence for detection of these lesions is unenhanced and contrast-enhanced T1-WI.


Specific primers,which were synthesized according to the conservative regions of PGIP(polygalacturonase inhibiting protein) gene,were used to amplify genomic DNA from grape rootstock '5BB'(Vitis berlandieri ×V.riparia) by polymerase-chain reaction(PCR).A sequence of PGIP gene with whole length of 1002 bp was obtained,which contained a complete open reading frame.Its DNA sequence was homologous to those from Vitis vinifera and other fruits by 99% and 68% respectively.Its protein sequence contained a typical leucine-repeated sequence.The predicted signal peptide was formed by 27 residues from 1 to 27,and the predicted PGIP three dimensional model was similar with that of Phaseolus vulgaris by using bioinformatics method and tool.


Recent studies revealed that the bulk scale nucleation has a heterogeneous character with nano/microdust impurities acting as scale templates in aqueous medium. Thus, the scale inhibition phenomenon is associated exactly with nano/microdust surface blockage by antiscalant molecules. Meanwhile, little is known about the nature of dust impurities. Therefore, the present report is focused solely on the study of suspended solid matter occurring in reagent grade water and in some tap water samples by means of particle counter technique, ICP analysis, DLS, SEM and X-ray diffraction. A particle counter was used to demonstrate that foreign solid particles sized over 100 nm are inevitably present in any reagent grade chemicals in amounts from 10 2 to ≥10 5 units per 1 ml (from 10 5 to ≥10 8 per dm 3 ), including water for ion chromatography (Sigma–Aldrich), KCl (Sigma–Aldrich) and HNO 3 for microelectronics (Avantor Performance Materials Ltd). At the same time, DLS revealed for HNO 3 that the microfraction (≥100 nm) registered by a particle counter constitutes less than several per cent of the solid impurities sized below 100 nm. It was found that a common laboratory practice of dust removal via 200 or 220 nm filters provides a substantial decrease in the concentration of microparticles but only slightly affects the fraction below


Silicon carbide is a well-known wide-band gap semiconductor traditionally used in power electronics and solid-state lighting due to its extremely low intrinsic carrier concentration and high thermal conductivity. What is only recently being discovered is that it possesses excellent compatibility within the biological world. Since publication of the first edition of Silicon Carbide Biotechnology: A Biocompatible Semiconductor for Advanced Biomedical Devices and Applications five years ago [1], significant progress has been made on numerous research and development fronts. In this paper three very promising developments are briefly highlighted – progress towards the realization of a continuous glucose monitoring system, implantable neural interfaces made from free-standing 3C-SiC, and a custom-made low-power 'wireless capable' four channel neural recording chip for brain-machine interface applications.


Naturai scientists and engineers are continuing to seek an understanding of the mechanism of flow and deformation of glaciers. A necessary component of this exploration is the accurate determination of strain rates i n glacier ice. The purpose of this investigation was t o develop a strain-measuring method which is dependable and precise under di f f icul t f ield conditions. The measuring technique which was developed uses unbonded electrical-resistance strain gages which consist of single strands of 5 -mi l Constantan wire 10i t long. Six gages are embedded i n the glac~eiice surface i n the form of two delta rosettes i n order t o obtain strain or a point w i th some redundancy of data i n this two-dimensional problem. The rigid-body rotation of the gage anchor posts was measured by sensitive inclinometers i n order to assess the effect of pressure meit:ng on the strain data. The doia are interprered using cross-correla'iion and best-fit progran7s to yield maximum shear-strain rote and average normai-strain rate. Strain readings were conducted over a perrod of eight days cn the Ptarmigan Glacier near Juneau, Alaska. The maximum shear-strair: rate a t the surface ranged trom 0.25 to 1.2 X 10-6 ih r . , which agrees wi th eestnmoies derived from known fiow rates. The wire gages were found to odhere to the ice well enough t o make the page anchor posts unnecessary-pressure melt ing is therefore ins~gnif icant. A tolerance of F6.0 microstrain was determined for the strain


Objective To observe of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine without operation method in the treatment of adhesive intestinal obstruction.Methods With simple Western medicine treatment and configure decoction by nasogastric tube,treating combined with fasting,gastrointestinal decompression,anti-inflammatory rehydration vein nutrition method of traditional Chinese medicine and Western Medicine.Results 45 cases were cured among 60 cases of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.Effective 11 cases,invalid 4 cases,the effective rate was 75%,the total efficiency of 93%.Invalid 4 cases converted to laparotomy.Significant efficiency.The two groups after treatment the total efficiency were compared with statistical significance(P 0.05).Conclusion Curative effect is better than pure Western medicine conservative treatment of adhesive intestinal obstruction with integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine,greatly reduces the probability of operation,so as to alleviate the suffering of patients.It is worthy of popularization in clinical practice.


Abstract: Mbau forest covers much of the Congo, and shifts in its composition could have a large impact on the African tropics. The Ituri forest in east Congo is near a boundary between the monodominant mbau type and non-mbau mixed forest, and two 20-ha censuses of trees ≥ 1 cm diameter were carried out over 12 y to monitor forest change. Based on published diameter allometry, mbau forest had 535 Mg ha−1 biomass above ground and gained 1.1 Mg ha−1 y−1. Mixed forest had 399 Mg ha−1 and gained 3 Mg ha−1 y−1. The mbau tree (Gilbertiodendron dewevrei) increased its share of biomass from 4.1% to 4.4% in mixed forest; other common species also increased. Sapling density declined at both sites, likely because increased biomass meant shadier understorey, but the mbau tree increased in sapling density, suggesting it will become more important in the future. Tree mortality and growth rates were low relative to other tropical forests, especially in the mbau plots. Shifting toward G. dewevrei would represent a large gain in carbon in the mixed forest, but mbau is presently more important as a high-carbon stock: biomass lost during forest harvest could not recuperate for centuries due to slow community dynamics.


In the letter, a simple computer-aided approach is used to design the beampattern of an array of arbitrary geometrical shape with minimum white noise output power. The basic idea of the approach is to minimise the mean-square value of the array response in certain directional regions while imposing a directional gain constraint at one frequency or over a frequency band of interest.


Forced air convection systems are the most preferred design of choice in many of the industrial-scale convection ovens. In this study, experimental investigation on convective heat transfer and mass transfer within a forced air convection oven was performed at different oven temperatures (100℃, 110℃ and 120℃) and at flow velocity (2 m/s, 3 m/s and 4 m/s) using potato slices (10*10*60 mm) as model food. The Yildiz et al., 2007 approach with slight modification was applied to estimate the effective convective heat transfer and mass transfer coefficient during convection frying. In addition to the experimental approach, the empirical correlation method was also used to calculate the convective heat transfer and mass transfer coefficient and compared with the coefficient values obtained from the experimental method. The effective heat transfer and mass transfer coefficient obtained from the Yildiz et al., 2007 method was found to be almost constant with increasing oven temperature. However, with increasing flow velocity the effective heat transfer coefficient increased but the influence of flow velocity on effective mass transfer coefficient was not significant. The comparison of the coefficient values obtained from the experimental method and the empirical correlations showed that the experimental method yields quite low values than the empirical method. (Less)


Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is thought to infect 0.5 - 1.5% of the world's population. In the majority of cases the infection is chronic, and in at least 20% hepatic cirrhosis develops within 20 years representing a major public health problem for the 1990s. Effective treatment is of paramount importance. Therapy for chronic HCV infection has been developed either to improve the host's immune response or to prevent virus replication. Presently the only licensed compound for treatment of HCV infection is alpha-interferon. Analysis of controlled trials of alpha-interferon therapy has identified that a sustained response occurs in less than 25% of patients treated. There are, however, several host and viral factors that are known to affect the efficacy of interferon therapy. It is likely that future treatment regimens will incorporate combinations of compounds with different modes of action. This review article examines regimens to improve the efficacy of alpha-interferon therapy, current treatment options avail...


Arguments are presented why the concept of 'naive' universality may not be valid in the entire parameter space of the two-dimensional Ising model with first- and second-neighbour interaction.


The present invention relates to a flat panel display device having visibility and bright room to enhance the contrast ratio of the film and filter it. Film filter of the present invention includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite; Having a through hole and a supporting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode layer; And placed in the through-hole and comprises a blind member which light transmittance changes according to the electric field applied from the outside. PDP, a film filter, transmission, electro-optical layer, the light transmission, the light intercepting


This paper discusses possible directions for analog MOS IC design. No comprehensive review of the state of the art is attempted; this is left for the references. Rather, the paper concentrates on certain new trends, as well as new ideas that show promise for the future.


Chitosan-nanogold modified glassy carbon electrode(CHIT/nano Au/GCE) was prepared by electrodeposition of nanogold particles from a mixed solution containing chitosan and HAuCl4 onto the surface of a pretreated GCE.And the biosensor(CHIT/nano Au/GOx) was prepared by immobilizaing glucose oxidase on the surface of CHIT/nano Au/GCE through cross-linking by pentanedial.This new biosensor behaved to give quick response to glucose(5 s).Linear relationship between values of response current and concentration of glucose was kept in the range of 20 μmol·L-1-5 mmol·L-1,with a detection limit(3S/N) of 12 μmol·L-1.


For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away. The one who had received the five talents went off at once and traded with them, and made five more talents. In the same way, the one who had the two talents made two more talents. But the one who had received the one talent went off and dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, binging five more talents, saying, "Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents." His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." And the one with the two talents also came forward, saying, "Master, you handed over to me two talents; see, I have made two more talents." His master said to him, "Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master." Then the one who had received the one talent also came forward, saying, "Master, I knew that you were a harsh man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter seed; so I was afraid, and I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours." But his master replied, "You wicked and lazy slave! You knew, did you, that I reap where I did not sow, and gather where I did not scatter? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and on my return I would have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to the one with the ten talents. For to all those who have, more will be given, and they will have an abundance; but from those who have nothing, even what they have will be taken away. As for this worthless slave, throw him into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." (Matthew 25:14-30) It is a great joy to be here, standing in this pulpit, and in this church. On behalf of my wife who has accompanied me, we are grateful to Trinity Wall Street, the rector and staff, and the director of the Trinity Institute, who have invited us to attend and preach the word of God on this fortieth anniversary of the Trinity Conference. It is an honor to be with you, and also to be among such distinguished guests. Accompanying the Archbishop of Canterbury is an honor to me, and also for the Church of Bunindi. I bring you greetings, therefore, from Burundi, a small country in Central Africa. I'm sure that some of you when you heard that the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Burundi will be preaching, you started Googling to find where Burundi is. And I'm sure some of you were not able to put it on the map because it is so small that the word "Burundi" has to be written either in Tanzania, or in Democratic Republic of Congo! Burundi is known most of the times when we have war, or when they're reporting about poverty. It is almost the last country among the poor countries of Africa, and of the world, where they have the highest rate of HIV/AIDS, and other evils of this world. But Burundi is a country of opportunities, as well. Fifty percent of the country's population are young people. It is a country which is mainly agriculture, water, and also has a good climate, though now we talk about the warming of climate, and the change of climate - it is a country which is fertile for investment. I bring you also greetings from the Anglican Church of Burundi, its six dioceses and six bishops, a church that has enjoyed a partnership with the Episcopal Church in general, and Trinity Wall Street in particular. And this partnership is expressed in many ways, and I want to give the example of the micro credits that we are starting in Burundi, and I think it joins very well with the gospel you have just read: the talents. …


With the improvement of environmental protection concern,the requirement for combustion quality of gasoline become much stricter.Based on the trends of development technology in decreasing olefin of FCC gasoline,the further refinement technology of etherification,aromatization and hydrogenation refinement,were reviewed.


In view of the variance of western management idea,it can be seen that management thoughts have taken on a new thinking.It is at present and future the guiding ideology-ecological management idea.The reality underlying on eco-management idea is the crafted ecological conflict and the theoretical basis coming from the polarization of management idea,the opposition,the players and development.The eco-management idea,as the opposite of scientific management idea,appeared in the age of the scientific management and as the negative factors of efficiency management idea in the age of social man.It focuses its ecological organization idea in the age of multicomponents.


Preface List of illustrations Confucianism in history: chronological table Introduction: Confucian studies East and West 1. Confucianism, Confucius and Confucian classics 2. Evolution and transformation - a historical perspective 3. The way of Confucianism 4. Ritual and religious practice 5. Confucianism and its modern relevance Bibliography Glossary Index.


Glossary Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) – A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique that measures water diffusion through biological tissues. This noninvasive method can be used to visualize white matter tracts in the brain. MRI morphometry – An analytic approach to structural MRI data analysis that enables the comparison of the size and shape of specific brain structures, for example, at different ages or across different species. Ontogeny – The development of an organism from the fertilized egg to its mature form. Phylogeny – The evolutionary development of a species. Theory of mind – The ability to attribute mental states – beliefs, intents, desires, pretending, knowledge, and so on – to oneself and others, and to understand that others have beliefs, desires, and intentions that are different from one's own. Most cognitive neuroscience research to date has focused on the relationships between the brain and behavior in the human adult. We can gain additional insights into these relationships by considering how this finely tuned organ came to be, both from an evolutionary and a developmental perspective. The tradition of linking evolution and development together dates back to 1866 to the well-known 'biogenetic law' of Ernst Haeckel: ''Ontogeny recapitulates phylo-geny.'' For Haeckel, ontogeny and phylogeny were two aspects of the same process. The biogenetic law was discredited long ago as a general principle of biology. It assumes that evolution acts only at the endpoints – that is, adult stages – of development, whereas evolution can, and does, modify organisms at every stage of development. The process of development is not merely a series of architectural changes that are required to yield the mature organism: the intervening organizations have to be functionally viable in the social and ecological contexts in which immature animals find themselves. There are, however, other reasons to consider development and evolution together. One reason is that evolutionary changes are modifications of developmental programs – a concept explored in evolutionary developmental biology, a field commonly known as 'evo-devo.' Saying that evolution involves changes in the genome really does not tell us much by itself. To make meaningful contact with the organism and its life history, it is important to consider genetic changes in the context of development. For example, building a bigger brain could entail adding more neurons or, alternatively, increasing connectivity and synapse number while maintaining neuron number. We know that all neocortical neurons are generated early in development. …


To calculate turbulent movement and combustion in internal combustion (IC) engines the three dimensional software (KIVA-3V code) is analyzed. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has become an established tool for the design and understanding of practical combustion systems. Multidimensional models have proven their value in reducing the need for physical experimentation, the benefit of which has been a reduction in product development time and cost. All features and capabilities of the original KIVA-3 have been retained. The grid generator, K3PREP, has been expanded to support the generation of grids with valves, along with the shaping of valve ports and runners. Graphics output options have also been expanded and the new features are discussed. Since in a real diesel engine the wall temperature are not constant, but varied over the cycle, energy equation in standard KIVA-code is modified because of effect of wall heat. Since the shape of piston (4JB1) is not on the axis of symmetry, 3600 ¬ was modeled which corresponds x-offset 4mm and y-offset 1 mm. Finally, schematic of the test bench configuration and engine specification are showed, cylinder pressures and the corresponding heat release rates with variation of injection timing are compared with experimental data. It gives the new theory and method about calculating turbulent movement and combustion exactly in IC engine.


This sociolinguistic study strives to bring to light the linguistic changes that seem to have occurred over a few decades in the Punjabi lexicon in Pakistan. The researchers have adopted two research strategies for underlining the assumed changes. This study has tried to get insight into the diminishing features of Punjabi lexicon by juxtaposing the current Punjabi lexicon with the lexicon used in the old Punjabi movies and songs. This has involved gleaning lexical items which are no longer used in the current public discourses from the old and famous Punjabi movies (Heer & MirzaSahiba) and their songs. To further substantiate the findings of the study, the researchers got a questionnaire filled by 110 educated Punjabi speakers who aged 40-50. In the questionnaire, the respondents were asked about their opinion regarding the perceived changes in Punjabi lexicon of public discourses that have occurred over the past few decades. The findings of the study reveal that there have occurred noticeable changes due to social, educational, industrial and technological advancement, and particularly the spread of electronic media in the Punjabi community in Pakistan.


Space Time Trellis Code is based on a combination of the delay diversity and the TCM Codes. It is helpful to use Space Time Trellis Code to improve the wireless transmission rate and the reliability. The model, the encoding method and the decoding algorithm of the Space Time Trellis Code systems are discussed in this paper. Then, the trellis of Space Time Trellis Code is analyzed and the coding process of Space Time Trellis Code is specifically explained. Finally, the bit error rate and the frame error rate performances are analyzed, the simulation results are provided for the Space Time Trellis coding systems.


Compared to battery-powered wireless nodes having a constant but limited power supply, wireless nodes having energy harvesting (EH) capability may greatly prolong the network's sustainability. However, the energy usage policies (EUPs) have to be carefully designed according to the characteristics of the random power supply gleaned from the environment. In this paper, we carry out the outage analysis of a point-to-point (P2P) network relying on an EH transmitter, which has a finite energy buffer (EB) for transmission over a fading channel when having random energy arrival rates. A discrete Markov chain (DMC) model is proposed for characterizing the energy state of the EB, which is then used for quantifying the outage probability (OP) over the fading channels. Then, we propose both a novel 2-D and a low-complexity 1-D search algorithm for finding the specific EUPs, which are capable of minimizing the OP for the P2P network considered. It is shown that the EUP found by both algorithms outperforms the state-of-the-art EUPs disseminated in the open literature. Furthermore, we consider a multiple-access network having M EH-aided sources, where we propose a distributed EUP optimization (DEUPO) algorithm and then minimize the OP relying on the local optimization of each EH-aided source.


This article studies the painting titled Healing of a demonized Indian ... (1697-1706) by Miguel de Santiago in the context of indigenous evangelization in the second half of the seventeenth century. This image located in the church of Guápulo as part of the series "miracles of the virgin" offers the possibility of exposing two senses of the devotional purpose. On one hand, the painting condenses the imaginary about the extirpation of indigenous idolatry in the Andes as part of a set of resources destined for its indoctrination, and, on the other hand, the way in which the elites imagined the socio-political structure in Quito that would be made concrete through the implantation of a civil and moral government. From this double entry it is proposed to observe that this representation, although it arose from the broad counter-reformist project in America, responded to the local expression of a society trying to constitute its own form of power. I will contextualize this artwork, then analyze the pictorial language, and finally establish some inferences about the function of the image in the liturgical space.


The experience education is a kind of new education thought which contributes to us to turn the current education teaching change deeply.On the foundation of making clear the concept type of the experience and its educational meaning,we place the experience education in the class community and the scenario of the academics teaching,discussing how to carry on experience education and relational strategies.Also,we expound how to make experience room,how to promise dialogue for experience,how to lead the direction for experience,the academic character and strategy support of experience,etc.


The city of Piraeus, or otherwise known as Porto Leone or Manchester of the East, raises a crucial bet with history and culture, claiming to become the European Capital of Culture for the year 2021, which however needs high vision and proper planning to be won. Under these conditions the city must promote, highlight and generally take advantage of all its possible cultural sources of historical significance so that they will result to be not just single nuggets of a short-lived cultural blink, but stable cultural values that will feature the largest Greek port forever. One of these sources is its industrial architecture which although constitutes the cradle of the collective memory of the city's modern history, it has remained, for the most part, abandoned, unused and forgotten. More specifically, the city of Piraeus was for about a century, (from the mid 19th century up until the Second World War), the cornerstone not only of the transit trade of the country, but also of its heavy industry, which is now 'faded', having left behind precious treasures of industrial architecture which are threatened with complete extinction due to the lack of meaningful incentives for their restoration. What areas should be selected and according to which criteria? How such an initiative would help in a better and more effective way the city to win the bet of the cultural capital of Europe in a few years? This research aims to answer the above questions, illuminating many unseen but undoubtedly impressive aspects of the "unknown" for many, industrial architecture heritage of the city of Piraeus.


An adaptively biased low-dropout regulator (LDO) in standard CMOS process technology is presented. By designing the poles and zeros carefully and utilizing the adaptive biasing technique, this LDO provides high stability, good line regulation as well as fast transient response, even with zero ESR off-chip compensation capacitor1.


The results of Monte Carlo simulations of systems of rodlike molecules with semiflexible terminal groups are compared with those of systems with terminal groups at a fixed angle τ with respect to the rigid core and with those of a system containing the rigid cores alone in the same total volume. The nematic/ isotropic transition temperature decreases with increasing flexibility or with increasing τ. For semiflexible groups, the transition is coupled with a conformational change favouring more extended conformations in the nematic phase. The results of the simulations are discussed in connection with those obtained for similar models in the recent literature and with the predictions of the Maier-Saupe and Flory-Ronca-Irvine theories.


130 cases of whiplash injury were followed up directly or by mail from 4 years up to 13 years (average 8. 2 years).These cases were divided into 2 groups, which is, 75 cases with mild symptoms (improved less than 6 months after injury) and 55 cases with persistent symptoms (more than 6 months).Comparative study of 2 groups regarding age, sex, occupation, clinical pictures, x-ray findings and other factors were described.Of them, ten cases (7.7%) have being treated for 6.2 years in average.The factors which kept their symptoms remained for such a long time were discussed.


Executive Summary: "It would be extremely naïve and complacent to assume that there will not be another disease like AIDS, another Ebola, or another SARS, sooner or later". This quote from the WHO annual World Health Report 2007, summarised the main problem addressed by EMPERIE, back in 2009 at the start of its activities. Indeed, since its start we have seen the emergence of the influenza H1N1 pandemic, the outbreak of a novel SARS like coronavirus in the Middle-East (MERS-CoV), amongst several other outbreaks such as


Research Summary
Foreign direct investment establishment mode literature has focused on the impact of unidimensional measures of institutional status, despite that institutional environments in emerging economies undergo substantial and continuous changes in multiple dimensions. This study integrates the dynamic institution-based view with the theoretical construct of institutional competitive advantages to examine the heterogeneous strategic responses of investing firms to host country institutional dynamics. Empirical results from 2,245 FDIs into Africa during the period 2008–2013 show that multinational enterprises MNEs are more likely to adopt: (1) a greenfield mode in countries with rapid development of formal institutions; and (2) an acquisition mode in countries with rapid development of factor markets. Moreover, the regional experience of MNEs strengthens the first effect, while the institutional ties strengthen both effects.

Managerial summary
The dynamic development of a host country's institutional and factor market conditions is a critical consideration for multinational enterprises when entering emerging countries. By studying 2,245 foreign direct investments into Africa during the period 2008–2013, we find that MNEs are more likely to enter African countries that have formal institutions that are rapidly improving via greenfield investments. This is especially true for those MNEs with prior investment experience in Africa or with local government connections. We also find that acquisition modes are more likely to be adopted in African countries with rapidly improving factor market conditions, especially by MNEs with local government connections. We promote a dynamic perspective for MNEs for assessing business opportunities and entry modes in Africa. Copyright © 2016 Strategic Management Society.


An approximate single-particle nuclear wave function ls derived by solving an appropriate single-particle Schro--dinger equation in a Hartree approximation with two-body central forces. The result of the first iteration is obtained in analytic form by means of the Thomas approximation in analogy with the Hulthen deuteron function. Because the wave function exhibits the experimentally correct asymptotic form for large particle separation, while maintaining the expected smooth behavior at small separations, it yields a high degree of accuracy of the normalization. Comparison is made with the single- particle momentum distribution of He/sup 4/ obtained from (p,d) pickup experiments, and applications to the analysis of various inelastic scattering processes are discussed. (auth)


intra-particle from Eq. (2), whereby required values of R bulk are mentioned in Tab. I. and R is specific resistivity of iron in Somaloy – tabular value: 0.098 μ·m and specific resistivity of nanocrystalline VPM in the form of ribbon – tabular value: 1.2 μ·m. Particle diameters were obtained by SEM, whereby observed value for spherical particles of Somaloy is 120 μm. Flat irregular shaped particles of VPM with random orientation and dimensions 200x200x20 μm were abstracted by cubic form with edge 90 μm long. Division on the total energy losses Wtot (in J/m 3) 5 :  dc losses Wdc (area of dc hysteresis loop)  classical losses Wc (caused by the eddy currents induced by changing magnetic flux)  inter-particle eddy currents (for non-perfect insulated particles) [5, 6]:


A syllable synthesizer is required to complete a voice‐to‐voice communication system in which the sender speaks one syllable at a time into a microphone and in which transmission to the receiver takes place in the form of a syllable number. The merit of such a system is the extremely small communication‐channel capacity. Speech synthesized from prerecorded syllables has been proven highly intelligible. To determine the possibility of synthesizing speech from segments of spoken syllables, a 200‐syllable synthesizer was used as an investigative tool. Statistical studies were made in order to find the smallest recognizable particle of a spoken syllable that can be segmented by machine, recognized by machine, and from which speech can be synthesized by machine from prerecordings. This particle has been tentatively given the name "Syblet," a contraction of syllablet. The design of the 200‐syllable synthesizer is described, the results of listening tests presented, and a demonstration of speech from prerecorded...


In order to standardize the juvenile abalone rearing technique, we selected sample farms by region in East, West and South coasts of Korea and Jeju island. We also have reviewed previous literature and visited farms to survey on the management of abalone juvenile production, spawning, hatching and so forth. Results of investigation are as follows: The light colors of tanks for larvae breeding are good for a frequent examination of larvae behaviour changes during the breeding period. The tank for the abalone juvenile production is a rectangular form in general and its size should amount to 3.5 m in length and 1.2 m width. It also should be built with proper drainage. The best age and size of adult for juvenile production are 3-6 years old individuals, with 9-12 cm separate burial and 125-150 g average weight. To induce spawning, the use of the exposure on air and ultraviolet ray together was the most effective. The density of larvae by plate should be 150-300 individuals and the proper stocking density was estimated and amount to 10-30 individuals. It has been shown that a correlation between water surface size(X


New media has an impact on society. Instagram is widely used today by the public. Information on maintaining the environment is continuously disseminated by the Indonesian government to social media. The question of this research is how new media literacy for the intelligence of society on Instagram regarding information on protecting the environment. The concepts used in this study are environmental communication, development communication, new media. The method used is quantitative research with analysis factors. Instagram as the object of research studies. Respondents of this study are commentators on Instagram's government in protecting the environment from October to December 2018. The results of this study are that of the five new dimensions of media literacy factors, the most dominant factor is that respondents develop pleasure and respect for media content, amounting to (r =. 69, with a significance of .000). Factor awareness of the influence of the media on individuals and social (r = .51, significance = .000), understanding of the mass communication process (r = .53, significance = .000), development of strategies for analyzing and discussing media messages (r =. 52, significance = .000), and the awareness that the contents of the media are texts that describe the culture and ourselves at this time; this all has a value (r = .50, significance .000). Need to be given fear appear in giving messages on Instagram. The suggestion of this research is that the community must be able to be given information on messages that can be immediately digested. Research impact is people must keeping how significant of content new media.


【Objective 】The optimal conditions of enzyme degradation were discussed to provide references for controlling protein in paper-process reconstituted tobacco. 【Method 】With Honghuadajinyuan as test material, enzyme degradation conditions including pH, temperature, slurry concentration, particle size, enzyme dosage and reaction time were investigated. 【Result 】The results showed that the appropriate enzymolysis conditions were as follows: pH of 6.4-7.2, reaction temperature of 35-55 ℃, pulp concentration ≤2%, particle size ≥20 mesh, protease dosage of 400-800 U/g and reaction time of 2-3 h. The rate of protein degradation in tobacco stem pulp could be about 55.70 %under these conditions. 【 Conclusion 】 Under proper conditions, the protein in tobacco stem pulp should be effective ly controlled with neutral protease.


Decentralization initiatives like Solid and Digi.me enable data owners to control who has access to their data and to stimulate innovation by creating both application and data markets. Once data owners share their data with others, though, it is no longer possible for them to control how their data are used. To address this issue, we propose a usage control architecture to monitor compliance with usage control policies. To this end, our solution relies on blockchain and trusted execution environments. We demonstrate the potential of the architecture by describing the various workflows needed to realize a motivating use case scenario for data markets. Additionally, we discuss the merits of the approach from privacy, security, integrateability, and affordability perspectives.


In enroute sectors, a large part of the workload of air trac controllers consists in anticipating aircraft trajectories in order to determine whether a loss of separation is likely to occur. We consider an automation problem which aims at alleviating this workload by emulating a "lucky trac ". Through a dedicated datalink, the system has to command small speed variations so that situations which could lead to a loss of separation between aircraft turn out to be safe at an early stage; the speed variations have to be small enough in order not to be noticed by the air trac controller who works with a fuzzy knowledge of speeds. We formulate this control problem as a hybrid dynamical game in which the control has to minimize a cost representing the air trac controller stress index. Uncertainty on the aircraft dynamics is seen as the opponent of control trying to increase the stress. We rewrite this game as a robust reachability problem for an auxiliary hybrid system, and we provide some numerical results.


【Objective】 PM simplified formula instead of the standard PM formula was used to calculate the reference crop potential evapotranspiration.【Method】 Basing on the meteorological data of Shanshan experiment station from the year 2008 to 2010,the Penman-Monteith reference for the calculation of reference crop evapotranspiration(ET0) recommended by FAO Penman-Monteith formula crop potential evapotranspiration(ET0 in(PM)) was compared.【Result】 The results showed that the ET0 year value of Penman-Monteith simplified formula was slightly less than that of the Penman-Monteith formula,and the absolute deviation was 75-114 mm,the relative deviation was 10.5%-14.3%,and the coefficient of variation were 0.04 and 0.06 respectively.The calculation of the simplified formula for stability was slightly better than the standard PM.Teng monthly variation of the intensity of the two ways to calculate the reference crop potential was close to the statistical analysis of the standard deviation of 0.80 and 0.83,respectively,and coefficients of variation were 0.23 and 0.2.Saturation in the aerodynamics is the main difference between PM simplified formulas and standard PM formula.Regression analysis showed that the two formulas to calculate the reference crop evapotranspiration was a significant linear correlation,and the value of each month was very close to the maximum difference,that was 0.08,and the minimum was only 0.004 1,which showed that saturation in the aerodynamics of the reference crop potential evapotranspiration was smaller.【Conclusion】 In extremely arid areas PM could be used to simplify the formula instead of the standard PM formula to calculate the reference crop potential evapotranspiration.


The utility model provides a portable on-site reflectivity test spectrophotometer, which comprises a light source, an ordinary optical fiber, an integrating sphere, a Y-shaped optical fiber, a VIS-NIRspectrometer, a UV-VIS spectrometer and a computer; the integrating sphere is arranged on a sample to be tested, one end of the integrating sphere is connected with the light source through the ordinary optical fiber, and after the light source is switched on, light needed by test is obtained; the other end of the integrating sphere is respectively connected with the VIS-NIR spectrometer and theUV-VIS spectrometer through the Y-shaped optical fiber, and the integrating sphere respectively guides the light into the VIS-NIR spectrometer and the UV-VIS spectrometer; and the VIS-NIR spectrometerand the UV-VIS spectrometer are connected with the computer through a wire connector. The utility model has the advantages of small size, simple structure and convenient operation, the small instrument can fulfill the measurement on the reflectivity of material such as wall coating on the site, and thereby sample does not need to be taken into a laboratory for test.


This review discusses the circumstances under which bodies may be ejected from, or captured by, solar systems. The review considers theoretical studies. Section 1 describes the work of Littlewood, who proved in 1953 that otherwise regular systems of gravitating bodies can never eject nor capture a body, with the exception of infinitely rare special cases. This is an unexpected result and goes against the widely held belief that astronomical bodies can capture satellites. The existence of singularities in Newtonian systems is discussed in Section 2 and it is shown that for a loss or capture to occur, a singularity without a collision must take place. The connection between singularities and collisions is explored in Section 3 and the work of Painlevé and Saari is summarised to show that in the n-body problem for n ≤ 4, no systems ever eject or capture bodies except for an infinitely small set in the 4-body case. Section 4 offers supporting evidence for the existence of noncollision singularities, using the Mather-McGehee model which shows for the 4-body case that collisions can accumulate to eject a body from the system. The recent work of Xia is discussed in Section 5, including his construction of a noncollision singularity in the 5-body case, and his proof that such constructions can be made for all n ≥ 5.


This paper constructed culture creative industry evaluation index system by investigating and Studing the situation of city cultural and creative industries development, combining with the actual situation and data can be acquired, using the theories and methods of system science. Based on this system and the entropy-weighting TOPSIS method, this paper made comprehensive ranking for 5 cities of Shandong province and Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, which is total 8 cities. According to the analysis of the evaluation result, it puts forward a series of countermeasure and suggestion about city cultural and creative industries development, which are cultivating creative talents, establishing cultural and creative industry cluster, supporting the construction of cultural and creative industry park, increasing the percentage of fiscal expenditure in scientific research and developing the tourism industry vigorously.


Abstract The extraction of the chemical species Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, operationally defined, from a sewage sludge treated soil with various extractants (ammonium acetate, acetic acid and EDTA) has been studied by using two analytical techniques: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). A comparison of the mean values measured by the two techniques with the t-criterion reveal that the differences are not significant in all the extractants mentioned above. Results are also compared with data from a laboratory intercomparison exercise organized in the BCR-programme (Bureau Communautaire de Reference) and discussed. A fast screening of the concentration of other trace metals could be provided by ICP-MS with good precision and low detection limits.


I was first introduced to the idea of decisional conflict and regret at 12 or 13 years of age. The religious studies teacher at my school described a ''moral dilemma'' that he had heard on a radio phone-in. We were asked to imagine that we were in the jungle and had stumbled across a squad of soldiers about to execute some villagers. The officer in charge offers us a deal: if we kill one villager, he would let the rest go free. The teacher told us that he would know exactly what to do: he would refuse the offer because killing breaks one of the Ten Commandments. Indeed, he said that he would have no regrets afterward, would never doubt his decision, and would sleep well. He went on to explain that this moral dilemma illustrated one of the great joys of having faith, which is that you always knew what to do. I remember thinking that I was not at all sure of what the right choice was, that I probably would always doubt my decision, and that sleep might well be hard to come by. So my first lesson in decision making was this: low decisional conflict and regret was associated with the abnegation of rational decision making; thinking through a decision and struggling with moral principles led to decisional conflict and regret.


Ecological consciousness is the way of thinking that is a turn from the quantitative values to qualitative values and considers the process more important than the result. This way of thinking is based on the attitude toward Nature, Nature-centered thoughts, and philosophy cherishing Life. At the same time, it makes the nature of existence engage in society through integrative interpretation and causes social collectivization through individual presence. Korean folk dance based on the history and tradition of Korea also causes sense of community through individual presence in the organic relations among nature, life, and dance.
In order to illuminate the ecological consciousness in Korean folk dance, this study examines philosophy about body in both the East and the West, and the characteristics of the Korean folk dance based on ecological consciousness.
In the Western way of thinking, body is not separated from mind, sense, and thought. Also, interacting with the world or environment, it has a meaning as embodied life, somatic subject. The body in this sense is of natural, universal, social, and cultural. In the Eastern way of thinking that considers the universe as Life, body is seen through "Heaven and man is one," "Heaven and man are interacting," and "Man and nature is not separated." In life, dance lets body think, expand understanding, and make changes. Body is the site in which human being, nature and culture meet and show the result.
In Korean folk dance, body is a small universe that contains the world understood in the relationship between human and nature, and the movements contain the characteristics of the universe that reflect the organism among material, force, and mind. In addition, it contains the universal order. Even if a boundary signified difference, it would mean potentiality and capacity of change. Therefore, differences make dynamism and euphoria while making births and extinctions. Traditional Korean dance emphasizes "here" and "now" in life. Therefore, it intends to acquire generative energy for life by dissolving stress of life and awaken the nature.
Highly developed civilization and economy cause ecological crisis. As the ecological consciousness can begin the problems of life and values, humans should find a solution for the ecological crisis from the consideration of body and movements.


Recovery and purification of radiochemically useful isotopes, Msh1, MsTh2, ThB and ThC from commercially available aged thorium nitrate were studied by means of ion exchange method. The thorium ion, after having been converted to complex ions by the addition of complex forming reagents such as tartaric acid, citric acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), was not retained by the cation exchange resin column of Dowex 50 in Na-form when it was allowed to pass through, while its daughter decay products were retained. With the above mentioned organic acids as complex-forming reagents, the amounts of recovery of the activities were of the following order: tartaric acid > citric acid > EDTA.

Using 2N HCl as an eluting solution, MsTh, ThB and ThC were eluted out of the column, but MsTh2 was left behind. The latter, however, could be eluted out when 4N HCl was used as eluting solution. When this effluents of 2N HCl was allowed to pass through another resin column of anion exchange resin, Amberlite IRA-400 in chloride form, ThB and ThC were absorbed, and only MsTh1 passed through without retention.

Separation of ThB and ThC from each other was carried out by eluting with 8N HCl. By this treatment only ThB was eluted out off the column and ThC was still retained. ThC could be eluted out off the column by means of 2N H2SO4.

Using the simple procedure outlined above, the authors succeeded in separating the radioactive decay daughters MsTh1, MsTh2, ThB and ThC from their parent Th232, and from one another. The radiochemical purity of these decay daughters was checked by following their decay curves. These results mere quite satisfactory,


The role of documentation is discussed and its informative aspect overwhelming the communicative one is pointed out. An example is given showing the impact of grey literature in the Italian Public Administration. Nowadays information is made and sold as well as any other commodity. The new roles of libraries and infocenters challenge librarians and information brokers to cope with a new way of making and, possibly, looking at information


Infantile colic is a complex condition and research studies aimed at improving symptoms are challenging, as exemplified by the study of Nocerino et al in this journal.1 The authors are to be congratulated on performing a large, randomised controlled study. However, the methodology highlights several complex design and interpretative issues. The primary aim was to reduce excessive infant crying-fussing behaviours that cause significant distress in many families,2 but a major confounding factor is "time", as symptoms improve and resolve by age 3-4 months. Hence, the inclusion criterion of infant age <7 weeks used by Nocerino et al was essential given their 5-week study and 28-day intervention.1 After 5 weeks, however, crying-fussing times in infants significantly reduce with or without colic.3 A true-effect of the intervention may have been evident with a cross-over study and a shorter intervention, although this design might be compromised by carry-over effects. In a recent cross-over study, altering maternal diet had a significant effect on infantile colic.3 With such new data and with the common practice of altering maternal diet in response to an infant with colic,4,5 the assessment of maternal diet throughout the study, and not just on completion, would have been advisable to minimise this potential confounder. There were problems with the key entry criterion for the study. A well-validated method to measure if infants meet the criteria for infantile colic (paroxysms of crying episodes lasting for >3 h/d and for ≥3 d/wk)6 is the Barr Diary.7 It is not clear what methods the authors used. Mean crying durations for the probiotic group did not appear to meet the colic criteria (according to Figure S2) although they did in the placebo group. It is no surprise that crying durations remained consistently lower in the probiotic group compared to placebo. It would also be of interest to understand whether there was a significant difference in crying durations between the probiotic and placebo groups at baseline. The authors evaluated stool consistency based on the Bristol stool scale. As this is not validated or sufficient for infant stool, a separate scale has been developed to properly characterise exclusively breastfed stool.8 The paper defined infant stool consistency as "fluffy pieces with ragged edges, a mushy stool" and "soft blobs with clear-cut edges", which is not typical in exclusively breastfed infants. While the authors stated that infants were exclusively breastfed, supplementation with other nutritious fluids might explain the inconsistency. If this were the case, such supplements need to be considered when evaluating secondary outcomes such as faecal microbiota, calprotectin and butyrate, in addition to stool consistency.9,10 There is a clear need for high-quality data on the therapeutic strategies to reduce and prevent infantile colic and this study provides promising data for the benefit of a specific probiotic. However, given the issues of time and other potential confounders, the authors may be overzealous in stating that the study provides "compelling evidence" for the efficacy of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis BB-12 in the treatment of infantile colic.


By means of chemical analysis, differential thermal analysis and X-ray analysis, the clay minerals of the colloids of the three important agricultural soils of Taiwan: the yellowish red latosol, the alluvial soil developed from sandstone and the alluvial soil from slate, have been investigated.

It was observed that the colloid of the yellowish red latosol consisted primarily of the kaolinite group clay mineral and that of clays from the alluvial soils was mainly illite group clay mineral.


The most dramatic innovation in recent years in the selection of salesmen is the use of psychological testing. Though often dismissed as invalid, test results prove useful to businessmen in the making of decisions and their use will probably increase.


Since last two decades or so, the global business world had been redesigned by the forces of globalization, privatization, liberalization and technical development. Companies have adopted competitive pressures by way of mergers, acquisitions and demergers. Under different dynamic situation profitable growth of business can be achieved successfully if as a strategic tool merger is adopted. M&A provides opportunities for companies to increase wealth of shareholders. The book has been divided in six chapters. The First section deals with the concept and introduction of M&A, the second chapter is exclusively devoted to conceptual framework of M&A, the third chapter tells all about review of literature based on study conducted in India and abroad in different countries. The fourth chapter portrays about research methodology, financial and statistical techniques for data analysis. The fifth covers analysis of selected mergers of 56 different companies including HUL, TATA coffee Ltd., Zenith Computers, DLF Ltd., Finolex Cables Ltd. The sixth and last chapter is interestingly deals findings & most important aspect and also highlighting the effect of merger on financial performance.


1. Myogenic responses may account for control of organ blood flow. The study of these responses without interference from the organ requires an isolation technique for vessels which contribute significantly to flow resistance. This study reports on experiments on isolated small mesenteric arteries. 2. Distal rat mesenteric arcade arteries and first‐order branches (diameter range 145‐365 microns, mean 293 microns) were manually dissected and cannulated using a double‐barrelled micro‐cannula. Luminal cross‐sectional area of these vessels was continuously monitored by means of a fluorescence technique. 3. Nine out of eighteen vessels developed basal tone at 80 mmHg distending pressure, resulting in a 45.2 +/‐ 5.1% (mean +/‐ S.E.M) decrease of cross‐sectional area. Tone was induced in the other vessels by 0.3‐1 microM‐noradrenaline, resulting in a 59.5 +/‐ 7.1% decrease in cross‐sectional area. 4. In vessels with either spontaneous or induced tone, stepwise changes of pressure resulted in passive effects, followed by myogenic responses. 5. Steady‐state pressure‐cross‐sectional area relations of vessels with basal tone showed a significant negative slope (‐0.5% mmHg‐1), while pressure‐cross‐sectional area relations of vessels with induced tone were essentially flat between 40 and 120 mmHg. 6. Five vessels with basal tone and eight vessels with induced tone developed vasomotion at 80 mmHg. Frequencies of spontaneous and induced vasomotion were 14 (range 4‐31) and 21 (9‐25) cycles min‐1 respectively. Amplitudes were 5 (1‐10) and 8 (3‐17)% of the passive cross‐sectional area. In both groups, frequency was positively, and amplitude negatively correlated with pressure. 7. These data show that myogenic responses are induced by wall stress, rather than by distension of the vascular wall. Basal tone is not a prerequisite for the appearance of myogenic responses.


Secure group communication is an active area of research and its popularity is fuelled by the growing importance of group-oriented applications such as teleconferences, collaborative workspace, pay per-view etc. A number of group key agreement protocols have been proposed for these objectives. However most of the protocols have not considers the anonymity of the participants. Although in some applications the privacy of member's identity becomes more crucial and urgent especially for mobile users of a wireless network due to the open nature of radio media. The protocols having complex computations like large modular exponentiations, pairing computations, etc. are not well suited in wireless environments. Hence this paper proposes an anonymous ID-based group key agreement protocol without bilinear pairings. The proposed protocol also have anonymous join and leave procedures to facilitates the dynamic group operations. Security and performance analysis of proposed protocol shows that it provides strong security protection under different security attributes, and needs comparatively less computation and communication overheads than the other existing protocols. In addition the formal security verification of proposed protocol has been done by using AVISPA tool which shows that it is unforgeable against active and passive attacks.


The present article, as a testimony to 'The spirit of The Olympics', explores Wikipedia Occurrence Frequency and Trend Search based analytics of different countries, pertaining to the term 'Olympics', in an attempt to understand the significance each of the 205 participating countries assigns to this foremost sports competition. From the results, the significant interest in the events by Europe and the Americas become apparent, followed by Asia, Oceania and finally Africa. Citius-Altius-Fortius!


While massive MIMO based underlay cognitive radio (CR) networks are a promising concept in the next generation of wireless networks to increase spectral efficiency, reusing the same pilot sequences in both networks cause pilot contamination leading to residual interference. Thus, this paper investigates the affects of pilot contamination on a random CR network underlaid upon a random primary network where both networks employ path loss inversion based power control. A Matern cluster process is considered for the underlay system, while homogeneous Poisson point processes are considered for the primary transmitters and receivers. We derive the moment generating function of the normalized aggregate interference at an underlay receiver, its first two moments, and the outage probability. Finally, it is shown that the underlay cluster radius, ensured received power levels through power control and the different node densities have a significant effect on the outage of an underlay receiver.


The excellent butyl methacrylate-paraffin method as an embedment for light microscopy has been technically improved. More uniform and reproducible polymerization has been obtained by using a vacuum oven to degas the polymerizing mixture and to replace the air with nitrogen at 650 Torr. The amount of benzoyl peroxide required must be determined for each batch of butyl methacrylate. A teflon lined, reusable metal mold and a method of one-step blocking of tissues in preparation for sectioning are also described.